Soybean Aphid
The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) is a recently introduced pest of soybean. It is the only aphid in North America able to develop large colonies on soybeans. When the tiny, sap-sucking insects are present in large numbers (several hundred per plant), their feeding can cause stunting, puckered yellow leaves, reduced pod set, and smaller seed. Agronomic impact Yield loss is related to aphid density at specific crop stages and on the condition of the crop. Risk of yield loss is greatest when aphid populations peak at beginning flower because of the impact on pod set. Damage due to aphid feeding increases when soybean growth factors, especially soil moisture, are below optimum. Factors influencing aphid populations in soybean
Aphids can transmit soybean viruses A separate issue from the direct damage caused by aphid feeding is the ability of soybean aphids to spread virus particles from plant to plant as they feed. Soybean mosaic virus and other viruses are spread by soybean aphids in the North Central region. Virus infection in the early growth stages presents the greatest risk of yield loss and reduced seed quality, compared to infection later in the season.
|
|||||
Information on these pages is from the cooperative effort of researchers throughout the North Central states. Information from this site can be copied and distributed for educational use. Please credit the source with our name and URL: NCSRP Plant Health Initiative at www.planthealth.info. Please do not use copyrighted photos without permission. |