Friday, September 9, 2011

Biology of the Soybean Aphid in the United States

A new, open-access article (DOI: 10.1603/PM10016) in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management describes the biology and ecology profiles of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura), an insect pest which can reduce soybean yields by $2.4 billion annually if left untreated.

The authors review the invasion history and distribution of the soybean aphid, as well as its biology and the feeding damage it causes. Biological control, host plant resistance, and other factors affecting soybean aphid populations are also discussed.

Though at present management of this pest is primarily through broad-spectrum insecticides, biological control has a significant impact on soybean aphid population growth, and aphid-resistant soybean varieties are becoming increasingly available.

The article will be useful to soybean growers, educators, individuals working in crop protection, and others involved with soybean production.

Click here for the article "Biology of the Soybean Aphid, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the United States."

The Journal of Integrated Pest Management, an open-access, peer-reviewed, extension journal covering the field of integrated pest management, is published by the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Founded in 1889, ESA today has more than 6,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Members are researchers, teachers,extension service personnel, administrators, marketing representatives,research technicians, consultants, students, and hobbyists.