Soybean aphid
This is the only species in Iowa that will colonize soybean. Scout weekly from plant emergence until seed set. Aphids prefer to feed on the undersides of leaves and will establish on the newest leaves. If a large colony develops, they will feed on stems. Initial infestations are patchy and located near field edges, but winged aphids can quickly disperse within and between fields. Commercial fields that have reached uniform infestation should be closely monitored in August.
Photo 1. Turn over soybean leaves to estimate soybean aphid density.
The economic threshold for soybean aphid is well established for the north-central region. Consider a foliar application when the average density exceeds 250 per plant. Populations should be increasing and most of the plants have to be infested (>80 percent) to justify an application. This threshold is appropriate until plants reach mid-seed set (R5.5; Photo 2). Spraying at full seed set (R6) or later has not produced a consistent yield benefit.
Photo 2. Mid-seed set (R5.5) have seeds that are expanding in the pod.
Photo by ISU Extension and Outreach
Aphids in corn
There are several species of aphids that can feed on corn. They prefer to feed on small grains, but will use corn as a host. Aphid infestations in corn have been sporadic in Iowa the last five years, but should be monitored after silking. A widespread outbreak occurred in northwestern Iowa in 2011. Populations are typically aggregated at field edges, but winged aphids can move to field interiors. Aphids will colonize the stalk, leaves and ear (Photo 3).
Photo 3. Pay special attention to aphids at or above the ear leaf.
Photo by Brian Lang
Currently, there are no treatment thresholds for aphids in corn past tasseling. But regular sampling will help you make educated decisions about a foliar application at this time. Consider a foliar application when most of the plants are infested (>80 percent), and aphids are have exceeded 500-1,000 per plant. An insecticide may be warranted if aphid honeydew and sooty mold are evident above the ear leaf and plants have not reached hard dent (R5).
Aphids in alfalfa
Like in corn, there are several species of aphids that will feed in alfalfa. Although considered secondary pests, aphids can build up to high densities. Scout fields weekly to monitor for aphid arrival and spread within a field.
Photo 4. Pea aphids can be pink or green.
Photo by Brian Lang
Treatment thresholds for aphids in alfalfa depend on the species and size of plant. Use Table 1 as a management guideline. Depending on the cutting cycle, harvest would be an effective control strategy instead of insecticides.
Table 1. Treatment guidelines for aphids (per stem) in alfalfa.
General aphid management
Ideally, droplets should make contact with the aphids for the greatest knockdown. Increasing volume and pressure will improve the efficacy of foliar insecticides. For ground applications, use 20 gallons of water per acre and 40 pounds of pressure per square inch. Be aware that some foliar insecticides have a 60-day preharvest interval. Check the label and the calendar when making product selections.
Erin Hodgson is an associate professor of entomology with extension and research responsibilities; contact at ewh@iastate.edu or phone 515-294-2847.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on August 19, 2013. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
Erin Hodgson Professor
Dr. Erin Hodgson started working in the Department of Entomology, now the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, at Iowa State University in 2009. She is a professor with extension and research responsibilities in corn and soybeans. She has a general background in integrated...