The soybean aphid Aphis glycines was first discovered feeding on soybeans in Wisconsin during the 2000 growing season. This aphid, which is native to southeastern and eastern Asia, is proving to be a potentially serious pest of soybeans in the Midwest. Field experiments were performed during the 2001 growing season to evaluate the impact of varying levels of aphids on soybean yield. A small plot field experiment was established in Janesville, WI. Individual plots measured 3.05 x 6.71 m, soybeans were drilled in 15 cm wide rows. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six replications.
Five treatments were established using increasing levels of insecticides to provide varying numbers of aphids across the treatments. Harvested yields were taken at the end of the growing season, and regression models were developed to describe soybean yield losses resulting from aphid infestations, and economic losses were determined by comparing yield reductions with crop value and control costs.
Species 1: Hemiptera Aphidae Aphis glycines (soybean aphid)
Keywords: Economic Threshold
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA