Ankeny, Iowa, USA
July 11, 2011

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and Iowa State University (ISU) have released a collaborative second edition of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide.

The guide’s authors are ISU Extension Entomologist Erin Hodgson and ISU Research Entomologist Matt O’Neal.

O’Neal says, “Every year we learn more about the biology of soybean aphids and new ways to prevent this pest from causing yield loss. These insights have been made possible through funding from the soybean checkoff program. We have incorporated these discoveries and tools into the revised edition of the guide in an effort to return this checkoff-funded research back to soybean farmers.”

Hodgson adds, “The second edition of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide is expanded in every section. We incorporated research from around the region and developed a more comprehensive management program. We encourage growers to use multiple tools to protect soybean yield against the soybean aphid.”

One of the biggest additions to the toolbox of aphid management strategies is aphid-resistant soybeans. The guide includes a review of the research that led to aphid resistance becoming a common component of soybean genetics for many current and future commercial soybean varieties.

David Wright, ISA director of contract research, notes, “This resource is a must-have for all Iowa soybean producers. It is the most comprehensive reference guide available for sustainable management of Iowa’s most serious soybean insect pest.”

Funding for printing and distribution of the guide was provided by the Iowa soybean checkoff and ISU Extension.

Printed copies of the Soybean Aphid Field Guide can be obtained by contacting the Iowa Soybean Association at 800-383-1423; they can also be ordered from the ISU Extension Online Store at www.extension.iastate.edu/store/ or by calling 515-294-5247.

The guide can also be viewed online

Website: http://www.iasoybeans.com

Published: July 11, 2011