The every other year appearance of soybean aphid levels that reach thresholds levels of 250 aphid aphid per plant would be expected in 2009 if history is a guide. The reality is that since 2005 when a high percentage of soybean acres were sprayed we have not seen much of this insect. 2007 was a complete bust due to a April freeze. The question of how bad a year this year will be is still open.
Some area of Ohio and the midwest have found high levels of soybean aphid already on some of the first planted fields. Trumbull and Wayne County (NE Ohio) plus Sandusky have reports of finding low levels of soybean aphid.
I scouted three of the early fields today in Fulton County (these fields were emerged in the Ve stage on 5/16/09) which were V5-R1 stage. I was unable to find any aphid activity on any of the plants. Keep in mind the look alike insect that can be confused with soybean aphid. One field did have an active population of potato leafhopper. The difference between leafhopper and aphid is easily seen with the activity of the insect. Aphid will not move at all while the leafhopper will skate quickly across the leaf when disturbed.
I will continue to scout and let you if we see any development of soybean aphid.
An excellent article highlighting the status of soybean aphid can be found in the 2009-20 issue of the C.O.R.N. newsletter.
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