Soybean Aphid
Soybean aphid development risks continue in the forecast for the next week from eastern North and South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Iowa, and Wisconsin. Soybean aphid populations are present in some fields across the risk area, but the overall population is lower in comparison to this same time last year. Favorable weather conditions may prevail especially from mid-week into early next weekend especially north of the I-90 corridor so populations may have the opportunity to continue to grow where present in the next week. Growers in the risk area with soybeans now in the reproductive stages of growth should closely monitor their fields in the next week and keeping an eye on population dynamics moving forward until the crop enters into the R6 growth stage several weeks from now. While there are recommended economic thresholds in place for treating soybean aphids, favorable weather conditions can result in populations rapidly increasing in just a few days. As a result, if moderate soybean aphid populations are present and favorable weather for population growth is expected within the next week (highs in the 70s to mid 80s and little to no rainfall and generally light winds), a proactive approach to handling soybean aphids may be warranted versus a rescue treatment.