Minnesota CropCast

This week’s University of Minnesota Extension Minnesota CropCast has as its guest Dr. Robert Koch, an Extension Entomologist in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota. Bob provided a comprehensive review and status of the Soybean Aphid infestations currently affecting commercial soybean acreage in Minnesota. Bob reviewed the basic biology and movement of soybean aphid over the years in Minnesota as well as the current economic thresholds for treatment. Bob emphasized that while correct field scouting techniques are important so are the scouting protocols for aphids on a regular basis through the early R6 (full seed) growth stage of soybeans. Also, he provided an in-depth discussion about the options for commercial insecticides when comparing the efficacy of single mode of action products compared to the use of mixtures of various foliar application products now on the marketplace. Finally, the use of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques and the preservation of beneficial insects for aphid control was addressed as a major component of overall soybean aphid management.