Soybean Pest Podcast

The 2013 season of podcasts begins with a short recap of pest activity in Iowa. 

Most of the state is approaching the seed fill stage (R5), indicating the end of profitable yield returns with an insecticide application. Watch a short video about spider mite management here: http://bit.ly/NdDj6c 

Soybean aphid populations remain low but first generation bean leaf beetles are out i some areas this week. Spider mites are still the primary problem, and we encourage scouting to protect yield. 

Although soybean aphid has been a relatively low threat this year, drought conditions have been a perfect storm for spider mites. We encourage people to scout fields now to fully protect yield. 

Drought conditions continue for all of Iowa, setting the stage for spider mite outbreaks. Drs. O'Neal and Hodgson discuss the challenges of managing this pest. For more information visit http://iowabuglife.blogspot.com/ for pictures and additional details about spider mites. For more info about managing crops and pests in this drought visithttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/

Its Friday the 13th and farmers have much to worry about. But despite the record breaking temperatures and drought, there is some good news. We discuss the lack of soybean aphids throughout most of Iowa. However, there are other insect pests that growers should be scouting, including japanese beetles and spider mites. For more info about insects this summer, see Dr. Hodgson's blog (http://iowabuglife.blogspot.com).

Hot weather isn't favorable for soybean aphid, so numbers are still down. But spider mites and other pests thrive in these conditions. 

As we wait for soybean aphids to arrive, we discuss how the early and large outbreak of Japanese beetles in central Iowa may harm crop production. Dr. Hodgson discusses some options for preventing the beetles from clipping corn silk, a significant form of damage caused by these pests. For more info, visit Dr. Hodgson's blog at http://iowabuglife.blogspot.com

June is often a quiet month for insect pests but not this year as the Japanese beetle has emerged 2  to 3 weeks earlier then usual. So even though soybean aphids are uncommon right now, farmers may want to scout for this pest. We discuss what to look for and what the impact could be. To meet with Dr. Hodgson, consider joining her at the Crop Management Clinic (11-12 July) at FEEL. Visit this site for more information http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/cmc.html

Drs. Hodgson and O'Neal return with weekly updates on the insect pests attacking soybeans. This week we discuss the first reports of soybean aphids in Iowa, the growing risk for spider mite outbreaks, and an alarming change in the emergence of Japanese beetles. 

As soybeans reach the late reproductive stages the need to manage aphids decreases. However, aphids persist in soybean fields around the midwest. We discuss a couple factors that should be considered when applying insecticides this late in the year. Also, we re-count the spread of Japanese beetles in Iowa as a new herbivore of soybeans.

The growing season is coming to an end and aphids still persist in some areas.  We discuss how insecticides may cause problems with spider mites, especially with the use of pyrethroid-based insecticides.  Also look for updates regarding bean leaf beetle threshold calculator in the ICM newsletter next week. Thanks to Mike McCarville.

Aphid populations continue to increase in Iowa. We discuss their trajectory and when/if insecticides will be needed. Also, new publications from Iowa State University are available for the soybean aphid and the brown marmorated stink bug. To purchase the id guide for stink bugs or the new soybean aphid field guide visit the ISU extension publication store (www.extension.iastate.edu/store). To learn where the brown marmorated stink bug is in Iowa visit www.ncipmpipe.org. 

Soybean aphid populations reach threshold in Iowa and japanese beetles are becoming an increasing problem for both soybean and corn. In this episode we discuss both of these pests and the need to scout now to determine the need for an insecticide.  To learn more about Japanese beetles see Dr. Hodgson's latest article in the Integrated Crop Management newsletter (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2011/0722hodgson.htm).

We discuss the likelihood that aphid outbreaks will occur and when to spray aphid populations. Some agri-businesses are suggesting that aphids be sprayed when populations are lower than 250 aphids per plant. We discuss the value of such lower thresholds, as well as ways to detect other invasive insect pests of soybeans.

We share reports of aphid outbreaks in soybeans in MN. Numbers are up in Iowa. Also, have you noticed big, metallic green beetles? Japanese beetles are out in Iowa.

Drs. Matt O'Neal and Erin Hodgson discuss current soybean aphid activity around Iowa and the region. Numbers are remaining low with some regions declining in density. They also discuss upcoming field tours (available at www.aep.iastate.edu).

Drs. O'Neal and Hodgson summarize reports from around the midwest and Iowa about the soybean aphid. Despite the lack of aphids in the fall, evidence so far is that they survived and are beginning to build up in the northern parts of Iowa. Numbers are still very low and do not require insecticides, but we compare 2011 to previous growing season.

Soybean aphids have been found on soybeans. We discuss what this might mean for management. We also report on yet another invasive insect pest of soybeans that has been found in the US, the kudzu bug.

Drs O'Neal and Hodgson are back for the 3rd year of the soybean aphid podcast. We review the status of aphids on buckthorn, introduce a new buckthorn project (buckthornwatch.org) and talk about the new invasive pest of soybeans, the brown marmorated stink bug, that has been found in Iowa.