S1039: Biology, impact, and management of soybean insect pests in soybean production systems.(S-1010)

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[05/12/2008] [05/01/2009] [04/21/2010] [04/19/2011] [05/07/2012]

Date of Annual Report: 05/12/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/24/2008 - 02/26/2008
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 09/01/2008

Participants

Bailey, Wayne (baileyw@mo.edu) University of Missouri;
Baute, Tracey (tracey.baute@ontario.ca) OMAFRA, Ontario, CA;
Bledsoe, Larry (lbledsoe@purdue.edu) Purdue University;
Boethel, Dave (dboethel@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University;
Buschman, Larry (lbuschma@ksu.edu) Kansas State University;
Davis, Jeff (jeffdavis@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University;
DiFonzo, Chris (difonzo@msu.edu) Michigan State University;
Gratton, Claudio (cgratton@wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin;
Grau, Craig (cg6@plantpath.wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin;
Hallett, Rebecca (rhallett@uoguelph.ca) University of Guelph;
Hammond, Ron (hammond.5@osu.edu) Ohio State University;
Heimpel, George (heimp001@umn.edu) University of Minnesota;
Herbert, Ames (herbert@vt.edu) Virginia Tech University;
Higley, Leon (lhigley1@unl.edu) University of Nebraska;
Hoelmer, Kim (khoelmer@udel.edu) USDA Biocontrol Lab, Newark;
Hogg, Dave (hogg@entomology.wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin;
Hunt, Tom (thunt2@unl.edu) University of Nebraska;
Johnson, Doug (doug.johnson@uky.edu) University of Kentucky;
Johnson, Kevin (john2057@iastate.edu) Iowa State University;
Kambhampati, Srini (srini@ksu.edu) Kansas State University;
Knodel, Janet (janet.knodel@ndsu.edu) North Dakota State;
Lorenz, Gus (glorenz@uaex.edu) University of Arkansas;
Lundgren, Jonathan (jlundgren@ngirl.ars.usda.gov) USDA-ARS-NGIRL;
MacRae, Ian (imacrae@umn.edu) University of Minnesota;
McPherson, Robert (pherson@uga.edu) University of Georgia;
Meloche, Francois (melochefc@agr.gc.ca) Ag Canada, Ottawa;
Meyer, Rick (hmeyer@csrees.usda.gov) USDA-CSREES;
Musser, Fred (fm61@msstate.edu) Mississippi State University;
ONeal, Matthew (oneal@iastate.edu) Iowa State University;
Ragsdale, Dave (ragsd001@umn.edu) University of Minnesota;
Reese, John (jreese@ksu.edu) Kansas State University;
Roy, Michelle (Michele.Roy@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca) Direction de linnovation scientifique et tech.;
Steffey, Kevin (ksteffey@uiuc.edu) University of Illinois;
Steinkraus, Don (steinkr@uark.edu) University of Arkasas;
Tilmon, Kelly (Kelley.Tilmon@sdstate.edu) South Dakota State University;
Voegtlin, Dave (dvoegtli@uiuc.edu) Illinois Natural History Survey;
Wang, Dechun (wangdech@msu.edu) Michigan State University;
Way, Mo (moway@aesrg.tamu.edu) Texas A&M University;
Yeargen, Ken (kyeargan@uky.edu) University of Kentucky;
Bahlai, Christy (cbahlai@uoguelph.ca) University of Guelph;
Koppel, Amanda (akoppel@vt.edu) Virginia Tech;
Pierson, Lanae University of NE Lincoln;
Xue, Yingen (xueyingen@hotmail.com) University of Guelph

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Mo Way at 8 AM, 25 February 2008

The group had a moment of silence for Dr. Bob ONeil, our colleague from Purdue University, who recently passed away.

Tentative location/ time for 2009: Baton Rouge, LA, Feb 23-24 (host, Jeff Davis)
Officers for 2009: Matt ONeal (Chair) and Jeff Davis (Secretary)

During the meeting, the new project was announced: S-1039

CSREES Update (Rick Meyer)
Administration goals are to do the following: expand peer reviewed allocation of funds; support base extension programs and new technologies for extension; support minority institutions; and move Integrated 406 programs into NRI. There is a 2.5% overall reduction in the fed budget.

Hatch and McIntire Stennis funds expand multi-state research to approx 70% (from 25%) and proposed redirection of Hatch monies into competitive funding program. Areas with funding increase are eXtension and the National Diagnostic Lab system. Proposed consolidation of CAR, RAMP, Pest Management Centers and methyl bromide transition programs into a single grant program with three focus areas: 1. IPM tactics; 2) diversified IPM systems; and 3) regional IPM centers. Critical & Emerging Pests and Diseases Program funding may increase ($732,000 to $2.5 million).

Accountability is still very important, and documenting impacts is critical. Impact statements for the old S-1010 were discussed. Volunteers asked to provide verbiage to Chris DiFonzo were the following: Stink Bugs (Bob McPherson); BLB (Tom Hunt); Defoliation (Mo Way); and Dectes (Buschman).

Experiment Station Update (Dave Boethel)
Discussed Farm Bill and proposed federal grants program consolidations from the experiment station point-of-view. Proposal to allow increased indirect costs on the part of the federal government (now capped at 21%).

Objective 1. Characterize insect-soybean interactions and their impact on plant growth, grain quality, and yield.

Sub-objective 1a.
Establish or modify thresholds of important regional pests to account for maturity group, planting systems, plant age, and natural enemy populations.

Soybean aphid
Minnesota: The 250 threshold was developed when soybean prices were lower. Is the threshold valid at current higher bean prices? MN research showed that the SBA reproduction curve is U-shaped. Aphid growth rates at vegetative-R1 and R6 were higher than at R2-R5. At low aphid densities, it is difficult statistically separate yield differences under 2 bu/acre. Using the Minnesota data set, Ragsdale et al found no response in yield to season-long low aphid density. There was no difference in decisions at either $6 or $12 bu crop price. At the current crop prices, the EIL is probably lower (~ 500 SBA/ plant) and the window to treat likely narrows to 3-4 days, but the 250 threshold itself remains valid. A computer model is being developed by Brian McCornack to account for plant stage and development. Also McCornack et al tested a node-sampling method to estimate aphid density on plants. Aphids shift to the mid-canopy at R4 and white morphs can form. White morphs live half as long and total fecundity drops by 70%. Could be temperature / microclimate, or predation may cause aphids to redistribute lower on the plant. When you know the stage, you can do an estimate of whole plant counts by choosing the appropriate a node (node leaflet, petiole, pod) to sample. Paper accepted (McCornack et al) by JEE to discuss the method. This sampling saved time and worked as well compared to whole plant counts.

Missouri: Followed up on work showing that horse nettle was a host for SBA. Only mowed horse nettle appeared to support SBA. Have since confirmed this in the field and will continue with growth chamber studies of other Solanaceaous plants.

Virginia surveillance program: Repeated visits to fields in July into September. Aphids found in every field at low numbers. 5,000 acres treated, but likely because of the information coming out about SBA, not that fields were over threshold.

Quebec: A high aphid year, many hectares treated. A higher threshold was used in the past, but many people used the 250 threshold during the 2007 outbreak.

Thresholds/ Natural enemies: In Minnesota, Harmonia and C-7 were most effective aphid predators in field observation studies conducted by A. Costamagna. Predators classified as highly mobile (such as Coccinellids) had a positive response to increased aphid numbers, while residents (such as midge larvae) had a negative response. Costamagna compared data from two hour observations to information from sweep nets, a transect, whole plant counts, and sticky cards. A 30-pace transect (walking, observing, and counting Coccinellids) mirrored data from the more time consuming two-hour counts. The quick transect method is a start to incorporate natural enemy information into the aphid threshold. In Canada, Univ. of Guelph conducted a preliminary study of the impact of foliar applications on natural enemies in preparation to including natural enemies in thresholds. Foliar insecticides were applied at 250 and 500 SBA per plant. There were higher levels of NE in the plots sprayed at 500 SBA per plant.

Stink Bug
Virginia Tech (Ames Herbert): VT reported on recent work surveying, sampling, identifying natural enemies, and measuring impacts of stink bug. Some of this work has been done, but 20-30 years ago under different production practices in the south, versus mid-Atlantic. Species composition: (90%) green stink bug, 10% brown stink bug. VT has a cooperative project with DE and MD to study impact of stink bug feeding. Bagged a row-foot of beans (~ 7 plants), and infested with stink bug adults or nymphs for a week at R4, R5, R6, and R7. After one week, stink bugs were removed and plants remained caged until harvest. At R4, there was significantly more gray mold and purple stain in adult-infested cages, and numerically more flat pods. Total numbers of seeds and mature pods were significantly less in adult-infested cages. In Mississippi, F. Musser caged varying numbers of stink bugs (0-11 per row foot) on R7 plants for two weeks. Soybean grain damage increased, but the pattern of yield loss was not clear. There wasnt a lot of green stem attributed to stink bug feeding in either study.

LSU (Jeff Davis): Reported work on Piezodorus guildinii, red-banded stink bug, from Brazil. This species is difficult to control with insecticides that control other stink bug species. Multiple applications are being made to control this pest in LA, with acephate being the most effective product. This species seems to be moving north. Future work will look at insecticides, dynamic thresholds, and molecular markers. Jeff requested samples in 70% or 90% ethanol during the season for the marker work.

Georgia (Bob McPherson): Green bean syndrome is an increasing problem, often attributed to stink bug feeding. Plants remain green even after herbicide application. Attempted to recreate the effect by removing pods and also defoliating at different times. In some years, they could simulate the look of green bean syndrome by depodding late (Late R5, R6). In other cases, it didnt matter what treatment was done in plots, the entire field had green bean syndrome. Despite the syndrome, there was not economic threshold-levels for any insect, including stink bug. Conclusion its more than just stink bug feeding or pod loss that accounts for green bean syndrome.

Kentucky (D. Johnson): Followed up with data showing that treatment with Quadris in some cases appeared to be related to green bean syndrome by creating healthy plants.

Sub-objective 1b.
Characterize the unique relationships between insect pests and organic/ specialty beans.
Wisconsin: Dave Hogg has a student comparing organic and conventional systems, examining aphid numbers and natural enemies. He found higher numbers of both in organic systems.

Sub-objective 1c.
Understand the movement of pest Lepidoptera as it relates to pest management
Virginia (Herbert): VT is continuing its survey for corn earworm. Percent acres treated for corn earworm continues to increase. AH shared efficacy trial data since the early 1990s. In every trial, there was an insecticide that gave 100% control. However, in the last few years, pyrethroid efficacy has dropped. VT also documented severe bean leaf beetle damage to pods for the first time in Virginia. Suspect some of this damage may have been confused with corn earworm feeding.

Sub-objective 1d.
Maintain the Northcentral regional aphid suction trap network.
D. Voegtlin: The network had forty-two traps in 10 states in 2008. Nearly 200 aphid species have been recorded over the last few years. Collections from traps contributed to the development of an identification key for Aphis sp caught routinely in traps. The URL for this key is: http://ctap.inhs.uiuc.edu/lagos/key.asp?key=Aphis&lng=En&i=1&keyN=1. Discussion of trap data ownership - members felt it was public information. Long term the biggest issue is funding. Discussion of continuation of the network - most felt that postage and supplies could be funded by each state to help out with costs.

Ames Herbert showed results of a survey of PIPE participants (16 responses). There was discussion of continuing participation and resources, and how the suction trap data and field sampling fit with the PIPE network.

Objective 2. Develop and validate tactics for management of key soybean insects.

Sub-objective 2a.
Efficacy of seed treatments and foliar insecticides for key soybean insects.

Soybean aphid
Discussion of seed treatments. Members generally report no yield benefit to use of seed treatments, although there may be differences in plant appearance and plant development. Minnesota did document a yield increase due to control of early infestation of potato leafhopper. Minnesota also points out that although predators may not be killed, they can starve = essentially the same effect as a foliar spray in removing predators from a system. There was broader discussion of company policies promoting sales and insurance use of treated seed. Many of these practices are contrary to IPM. Kelley Tilmon is heading an IPM working group in NC region. Would like to develop a slide set showing why the 250 SBA threshold is valid and what can go wrong with prophylactic/ insurance pesticide use. KT asked for volunteers to work to coordinate a message.

Ontario: Tracey Baute reported early infestation of SBA the first week of June 2007 in early-planted fields. By June 13, there was an avg 450 aphids per plant in these early-planted fields. Many predators and parasitoids recruited to the infestation, numerous deep fried aphids = mummies. A similar situation occurred in Michigan during the same time frame, suggesting a broad flight of winged aphids from a common source. In Ontario, strip plots were sprayed with Admire, Matador (= Warrior) and Lagon (= dimethoate) on June 15. Lagon failed within days and the grower retreated. Matador started to fail (become infested) in July. The impact of Admire carried through to end of season. Untreated and dimethoate plots had poor canopy closure and weed problems. Also in Ridgetown, ON, a sprayer was developed that can change nozzle types for experimental application by rolling the boom. This sprayer was used in studies with water sensitive cards to detect the spray pattern. The best set up for coverage was a double nozzle aimed forward and back, at a 60 degree angle, with minimum 20 GPA and 70 psi. Statistically this set up reduced aphid number, although yield differences were not significant.

Iowa State (K. Johnson): A large efficacy trial was conducted by ISU, with 32 products compared to treated and untreated checks. Yield-wise, it didnt matter what product was applied, as long as the treatment was applied at or near 250. Cruiser and Gaucho seed treatments gave little yield protection and reduction in SBA numbers. The yield boost from Cruiser was less than that for a foliar application. In another study, plots were sprayed an OP, a pyrethroid or a tank mix, using different droplet sizes. Again, product didnt make a difference, but droplet size did, with higher yield (1.2 bu) in plots sprayed with finer droplets.

Michigan (DiFonzo): A method was developed to assay aphid mortality from insecticide exposure. Using this method, the lab compared an unexposed greenhouse population to field populations collected from areas with a history of insecticide use. No evidence of resistance found for Asana, Lorsban, and Warrior. A resistant colony is being developed to use in future testing.

Dectes
Virginia: First report of Dectes stem borer in Virginia, found in continuous soybean fields.

Kansas: Conducted a survey of states about presence and damage of Dectes. Three major areas of damage were 1. KS/ OK/ NE/ TX panhandle; 2. Kentucky SW into MS, LA; 3. east coast from NJ to SC. Larry Buschman asked that in states with no detections, people check fields to ground truth the survey. Early maturing fields in Kansas have the most Dectes problems; girdling may be triggered by moisture content, and early maturing varieties dry down quickly. Kansas work focused on aerial applications to large fields. Two applications gave up to 80% control. Sampling is an issue it is difficult to time treatments. Systemic insecticides were tested for Dectes control. Fipronil (Regent) is effective as a seed and foliar treatment. A foliar spray of fipronil reduced the number of entry-nodes and larvae at several locations. However, yield was higher only at only one location. Fipronil seed treatments did a good job reducing plant infestation, but yield response was mixed.

Kentucky: Number of adult Dectes per 100 sweeps peaked in mid to late July. In plots in KY, TN, and AR, fipronil reduce the number of tunneled stems and larvae, but yield either was not taken or did not differ among treatments. In a study to assess what contributed to yield loss, the only significant factor was stem diameter.

Stink bug
Virginia: Pyrethroids (Karate, Baythroid) plus Orthene worked well to control both. Neonicotinoids did not work as well, with the exception of the product Venom. VT conducted a mortality study with organic products applied to individual beans in Petri dishes. There was good efficacy of Spinosad, pyrethins, neem, and product combinations. In another study, halves of Petri dishes were treated, and the time stink bugs spent in each side of a dish was compared. Spinosad appeared to be attractive to stink bugs (more time spent on the Spinosad treated area). Azadirachtin had no impact (time on treated and untreated halves was similar). Pyrethrum acted as a repellent.

Sub-objective 2b.
Enhance biological control of soybean aphid, using both conservation of natural enemies and classical biological control releases.

Classical Biocontrol
Minnesota: Binodoxys communis was released at 23 locations in Minnesota. Aphid populations were built up in cages and then mummies were added. After increase, there was an avg 136 mummies per plant in cages. Cages were then removed. Mummies were found near the cage in 20 of 23 fields. Similar releases were also made in Indiana, Michigan, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Minnesota is continuing to rear and test other parasitoids for release. Several states will continue releases in 2008 (MN, IA, SD)

USDA lab: (Hoelmer): Discussed foreign exploration for importation biocontrol and quarantine/ testing. KH is looking for natural enemies on both soybean and Rhamnus in Asia, and continuing to find new agents with each trip. At least 50 distinct populations are being maintained at the Newark lab. Logistics of rearing are a limiting factor. KH presented results of host specificity testing on the Aphelinus spp. (Univ of MN handles the Braconid testing). See Table1 in his report for a list of aphid populations in culture. Table 2 breaks list up by evaluation status. A population of Aphelinus near-gossypii is within several years (2010?) of potential introduction, if host testing continues to look promising.

Conservation Biocontrol:
Many states reported high numbers of native parasitoids. Perhaps increased aphid numbers on other crops provided for increase of native populations.

South Dakota: Study manipulated aphid density in field cages, uncaged, and monitored unflux of ladybeetles and egg laying. More aphids = greater recruitment.

Entomopathogens:
Minnesota conducted cage studies with Pandora neoaphidis, spraying fungicides on plants before and after inoculating cages with Pandora. Applying fungicide before inoculum resulted in a lower entomopathogen prevalence. Mixes of a stroby + triazole were worse than application of a single fungicide. Daves worst case would be applying fungicides prior to presence of infected aphids (such as applying fungicides prophylactically at R1).

Stink bug
Virginia: Screening was done for natural enemies of stink bugs in Virginia beans. Checked parasitism of naturally laid eggs in the field, and of sentinel eggs placed in the field. SE Virginia had a high rate of parasitism of stink bug eggs. At least 4 different parasitoid species were found.

Brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive from Asia, first found near Allentown, PA. It is noticed by the general public because it enters houses in the fall. It had a broad host range including fruit and soybeans, but it is unclear what if anything this pest will do in beans in the U.S.. In China, its range does not extend as far north as soybean aphid, so it is unclear how far north in the U.S. it may be a problem. Adult ID = marbled appearance and distinct white banded antennae; nymph ID = distinct points on the pronotum. Newark lab is working on biocontrol of BMSB, surveying for parasitoids in China and rearing candidates for potential introduction. A graduate student from VT went to China on an NSF grant to fill in literature gaps on BMSB. She surveyed for the insect on different host plants and collected parasitoids.

Sub-objective 2c.
Screen, characterize, and incorporate host plant resistance to soybean aphid and other key insects.

Soybean aphid
host plant resistance screening of lines across several states (SD, KA, MI, MN). Kansas is planning to screen Kansas HPR materials with the Ohio aphid biotype. In Michigan, aphids in from a colony that could feed on RAG1 plants did not survive on Michigan soybean lines resistant to SBA. Work by Claudio Gratton and others, Univ of Wisconsin, found that host plant resistance exacerbates virus spread, but the difference was related to variety. There is long term interest in genetic variation in soybean aphid, related to host plant resistance and other issues. D. Voegtlin found colonies that can survive on Rhamnus frangulae. SBA has also been found to live on nightshade. In 2008, Andy Michel, Ohio State University, would like to have aphid collections from across the region. Kelly Tilmon is also working on molecular markers, and she has aphid samples collected across the season.

Dectes
Kansas: Host plant resistance screening is continuing. Found two PIs with some resistance, based on a ratio of # oviposition scars to # of larvae. Resistance may be based on vascular tissue arrangement.

Stink Bug
Texas (Mo Way): Working with a soybean agronomist to evaluate germplasm for resistance to stink bug. Found one variety, NC-ROY (mg 6), planted in mid-May, that appears to avoid the peak stink bug population. MW Feels that later maturity group beans planted in May can avoid stink bug damage. NC ROY is a bushy bean with low pods, which may cause problems under moist conditions (cutter bar slides over the beans and fire ants cause problems). In Georgia (Bob McPherson) is also working with soybean breeder to find resistance to stink bug and lep defoliators. Found several sources of resistance, a few will be released for breeding purposes.

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Characterize insect-soybean interactions and their impacts on plant growth, grain quality and yield Sub-objective 1a. Establish or modify thresholds of important regional pests to account for maturity group, planting systems, plant age and natural enemy populations Sub-objective 1b. Characterize the unique relationships between insect pests and organic/speciality beans Sub-objective 1c. Understand the movement of pest Lepidoptera as it relates to pest management Sub-objective 1d. Maintain the Northcentral regional aphid suction trap network Objective 2. Develop and validate tactics for management of key soybean insects Sub-objective 2a. Efficacy of seed treatments and foliar insecticides for key soybean insects Sub-objective 2b. Enhance biological control of soybean aphid, using both conservation of natural enemies and classical biological control releases Sub-objective 2c. Screen, characterize and incorporate host plant resistance to soybean aphid and other key pests GA (Objectives 1 and 2) The early maturing vegetable soybean cultivar, Midori Giant, escaped heavy stink bug and caterpillar damage when planted early from mid April to mid May. This short season crop yielded over 3800lb/acre of fresh green beans when planted early compared to only 3000lb/acre when planted in mid June. Planting early is a good management tool to avoid harmful insect populations and reduce pesticide residues on vegetable soybeans. Possibly, Midori Giant could produce 2-3 crops annually in south GA with minimal insect damage. Green bean syndrome studies revealed planting date, pod injury and possibly hot/dry weather all contribute to this problem; however, for late planted (June 15) soybeans, depodding during podfill produced extensive green bean syndrome and low yields. Data suggest pod injury during podfill can be very detrimental to yield. Soybean aphid (SBA) was detected for the 6th year at the UGA Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center near Blairsville, GA. Damaging SBA populations were not detected. Twelve soybean breeding lines from Glenn Buss at Virginia Tech were selected for advanced screening for stink bug and lepidopteran resistance. These lines have the resistant cultivar IAC100 in their pedigrees. The IAC100 variety and 3 entries with IAC100 in their pedigrees had the least stink bug damaged seeds over the past 5 years. Although lepidopteran defoliation was low in 2007, 4 entries expressing both stink bug and lepidopteran resistance were identified and will undergo further testing. Stink bugs were economically damaging in many GA soybean fields late in the season in 2007. Whiteflies also were more abundant in 2007 than in many past years and some soybean farmers sprayed for these pests. Mexican bean beetles approached treatment levels in north GA. IL (Objectives 1 and 2) Western corn rootworm (WCR) continues to be abundant in northern IL soybeans. Populations were lower in 2007 possibly due to the extensive planting of WCR-resistant transgenic corn. WCR readily migrate from corn to soybeans or vice versa. Using detection of ingested Roundup Ready soybean tissue, movement of WCR beetles from soybeans to corn is about twice as rapid compared to movement within corn. WCR were concentrated in late planted trap crops and in some soybeans planted adjacent to late planted corn. Late planted corn strips installed in rotated soybean fields results in WCR egg laying in the strips and nearby soybeans. Data indicate WCR concentrate in late planted trap crops and in some soybeans adjacent to late planted corn. A melanic morph of WCR was detected in IL soybean fields. About 1% of the total sampled WCR was the melanic morph. In August 2007, east central IL experienced relatively high populations of whiteflies. IL participated in SBA suction trap sampling with David Voegtlin as the coordinator. IL has the most consecutive years of SBA suction trap data---2001-2007. July and August catches for 2007 were the highest since 2003. In the fall of 2006, surveys revealed most randomly selected buckthorn twigs possessed SBA eggs, but an early April freeze dramatically reduced these populations. An extensive survey conducted in the summer of 2007 found SBA populations increased markedly in late July/early August and peaked in early to mid August. Populations declined rapidly after peaking. The economic threshold of 250 SBA per plant was exceeded in 9 of 26 fields monitored. Many soybean fields in northern IL were sprayed in 2007. Seed of SBA susceptible and resistant varieties was treated with Cruiser or left untreated; SBA populations were monitored during the growing season and yields compared. In most cases, Cruiser decreased SBA populations, regardless of variety. However, levels of control were not dramatic. Yields generally were higher in plots treated with Cruiser. At 7 days after foliar treatments in August, Cruiser seed treatment, Lorsban 4E, Cobalt and Warrior provided good control of SBA. The Cruiser seed treatment gave about a 7 bu/acre yield advantage over the untreated. IL participated in the field release program involving Binodoxys communis. IN (Objectives 1 and 2) A mixed prey diet for Orius insidiosus allowed this beneficial organism to be an effective predator of SBA when aphid populations were low during the early season. Studies also showed little competition for SBA prey between O. inisidiosus and the multicolored minute pirate bug. Seed-applied systemic insecticides delayed SBA population growth. Data showed the ideal planting date in early May outyielded the early and late planting dates by at least 4 bu/acre. Controlling sub-threshold populations of SBA with a seed treatment did not result in higher yields. IN is participating in releases of a potential parasitoid of SBA. IA (Objective 1) RAG1 is a dominant gene identified as a source of SBA-antibiosis. Soybeans containing this gene produced SBA peak populations of only 497 compared to 3404 produced on a parental line not possessing this gene. Untreated resistant soybeans outyielded untreated susceptible soybeans 24 bu/acre. However, insecticide treated susceptible soybeans outyielded insecticide treated resistant soybeans but the difference was not significant. Results suggest the RAG1 gene does not confer tolerance. KS (Objectives 1 and 2) Recommended treatment thresholds for SBA are 50 aphids per leaflet for pre-reproductive plants and 250 aphids per plant at R1. At R3 and R4-5, thresholds increase to 1000 and 1500 aphids per plant, respectively. PI165673 and PI165676 may be sources of resistance to soybean stem borer (SSB). Fipronil seed treatments provided 45-100% control of SSB while foliar applications gave 65-95% control. MI (Objectives 1 and 2) Five SBA suction traps were in operation in MI in 2007. First aphids collected in the traps occurred on May 25. SBA populations in the field exceeded the threshold in mid June in Northcentral MI. After mid June, SBA populations were low during the remainder of the season. As of February 2008, no SBA eggs were found on buckthorn. A large plot field study in Saginaw County showed Cruiser 5FS seed treatment significantly reduced bean leaf beetle (BLB) feeding. SBA populations were well below treatment thresholds throughout this study. However, The Cruiser 5FS seed treatment outyielded the untreated about 5 bu/acre. SBA was evaluated for resistance to Asana, Warrior and Lorsban by treating (using a tea strainer method) aphids collected from fields historically sprayed frequently for SBA and by treating lab-reared SBA colonies which have never been exposed to insecticides. Basically, resistance to these insecticides was not detected. Lorsban evaluations were difficult because of volatility problems affecting other treatments. B. communis was released at 7 locations in 2007. SBA populations were very low at these locations, so establishment was not confirmed. Two soybean lines have been identified by Dr. Dechun Wang at Michigan State University as possessing antibiotic resistance to SBA. These lines are being used as parents in a backcross procedure to develop a SBA resistant cultivar. Four lines from these crosses (E06906, E06902, E06901 and E06905) were evaluated in 2007. Although SBA populations were low, these lines had the lowest % infestation, but they suffered significantly more Japanese beetle damage than other lines in the test. MN (Objectives 1 and 2) Suction traps at 2 locations collected SBA in mid May which is the earliest ever. Data suggest captures of SBA in the spring is not predictive of later abundance on soybeans. A freeze in late April resulted in high SBA mortality on buckthorn causing a delay in colonization of soybeans. Trap catches in the fall of 2007 were the lowest ever and no SBA were found on buckthorn; thus, 2008 is expected to be a light SBA year. Three genetic sources of SBA resistance have been identified and these genes have been incorporated into soybean cultivars across various maturity groups. Resistance is based on a 2 gene recessive trait identified by Michigan State University scientists, RAG1 which is a single dominant gene researched by University of Illinois scientists and unknown genes conferring resistance on 2 lines from scientists efforts at Kansas State University. Field trials in MN revealed the resistant lines (E06905, E06901, E06906 and E06902) identified by Michigan State University produced exceptionally low populations of SBA at 3 of 4 locations. However, trials in WI, where SBA populations were the highest in 2007, showed 2 of the above lines remained resistant. Published evidence shows a SBA biotype has the ability to overcome RAG1 resistance. In trials in MN, lines possessing the RAG1 gene displayed intermediate resistance between susceptible commercial cultivars and the E0XXXX lines from Michigan State University. In larger field trials in MN in 2007, RAG1 lines supported far fewer SBA than susceptible lines. Isolines without the RAG1 gene produced populations of SBA exceeding the economic injury level of >10,000 cumulative SBA days relatively early. Resistant lines exceeded the economic injury level late in the growing season when SBA populations are not as damaging. Current economic thresholds for SBA were developed by this project and are being verified and refined. In 2007, data show soybeans are good hosts of SBA from the vegetative to R1 stages---relatively early in plant development. Also, once plants reach R6, soybeans again become attractive to SBA. Research suggests SBA is found in the top portion of plants through mid July after which insects colonize the lower canopy. MN has developed a node-based sample method to estimate SBA population densities. The Soybean Aphid Growth Estimator (SAGE) is an early version, temperature driven model which predicts SBA population growth. More research will be performed to produce a more reliable version. Experiments were conducted to determine the role of predation on SBA population dynamics. Findings clearly show immigration can overwhelm predation. Predators, such as lacewing larvae, lady bird beetle larvae and syrphid fly larvae, are unable to fly and move with winged aphids. A federal permit to release the Chinese parasitoid B. communis was granted in 2007. Over 20 releases totaling 12,000 parasitoids were made throughout MN in 2007. Releases consisted of mummified aphids, parasitized aphids or both. Successful parasitism (5%) occurred outside the release cages. No evidence of mummy formation was observed in alate aphids exposed to B. communis in the fall suggesting this parasitoid may not attack alates during the fall. However, these parasitoids may fly directly to buckthorn---where apterous aphids reside---or attack an alternative host to overwinter. Fungicides applied to control soybean rust were found to adversely affect disease epizootics in SBA. Combinations of strobilurins and triazoles had more impact on disease (caused by Panadora neophidis ) development than either alone. Applying fungicide before rather than after infection took place in aphids was more detrimental to disease development within aphids. Results suggest current soybean rust control procedures are detrimental to development of disease epizootics in SBA (different mode of action fungicides applied before population outbreaks of SBA). MS (Objectives 1 and 2) Growers complain that insecticidal control of BLB is not as effective as in the past. Research in 2007 showed BLB collected from soybean areas frequently treated for this pest were 6-19 fold more resistant to cypermethrin than BLB collected from Starkville where pesticidal use is minimal. Insecticidal efficacy studies show pyrethroids provide less than 85% control of BLB whereas some new products other than pyrethroids give greater than 95% control. Cage studies to determine impact of southern green stink bug (SGSB) on R7 soybeans revealed no yield loss but significant loss in quality. The tentative economic injury level for quality loss at this stage of soybean maturation is greater than 5 SGSB/row foot. Crop consultants and extension specialists estimated stink bugs infested 100% of the soybean acreage in MS and about 60% of the acreage was treated with a loss of 3.5% in yield in 2007. Estimated total losses plus costs of control for all soybean pest insects in MS in 2007 was about $40/acre. MO (Objective 1) SBA populations were relatively low in 2007. Scattered soybean fields in the northern portion of the state were sprayed for SBA when populations exceeded the threshold of 250 aphids/plant. Previous research found SBA may utilize horse nettle as an alternate host in the fall in MO. Dectes stem borers caused heavy losses in bottomland soybean fields in southeast MO. Infestations are thought to arise from giant ragweed and other broadleaf weeds growing on river levees near soybean fields. Dr. Kelly Tindall is a recent hire with soybean insect responsibilities. In 2008, she will initiate research on this soybean stem borer. Green stink bug (GSB) problems on soybeans occurred throughout the state in 2007. Damage included delayed maturity. GSBs are generally found in abundance on the edges of soybean fields. They enter fields around early June. Populations continue to increase until first frost. White grub problems on soybeans are increasing, but wireworm problems are stable---not increasing. NE (Objectives 1 and 2) BLB is a major early soybean pest in NE. CruiserMaxx Pak is a combination inseciticde/fungicide seed treatment targeting BLB and soybean seedling diseases. A large field study was conducted in 2006 and 2007 which showed this seed treatment package significantly reduced BLB populations which were below the economic threshold throughout the season. Also, SBA populations were below the economic threshold during the season. Yields were not significantly different between the seed treatment package and the untreated. Greenhouse studies in 2007 evaluated SBA resistance in Dowling, Jackson, K1621, K-1639-2, KS4202 and Asgrow 2703. R2 stage soybeans were infested with 10 SBA per plant. Basically, KS4202, K-1639-2 and K1621 proved moderately resistant while Dowling , Asgrow 2703 and Jackson were classified as moderately to highly susceptible. The same entries were evaluated in field tests which monitored SBA populations in August. High SBA populations developed in these field studies. Basically, KS4202, K1621 and K-1639-2 were rated moderately resistant while Jackson, Dowling and Asgrow 2703 were rated moderately to highly susceptible. Results from the greenhouse and field studies suggest resistance to SBA is dependent on stage of growth of soybeans. OH (Objectives 1 and 2) High SBA densities were found on buckthorn in late March, but a severe freeze in early April in northern OH, IN, MI and Ontario caused significant mortality of developing SBA populations. Also, the freeze killed most of the buckthorn food source for SBA which impacted populations. Thus, in general, in OH in 2007, SBA densities were low on soybeans. However, economic outbreaks of SBA occurred in northeastern OH which my have been the result of migration from Quebec where heavy populations of SBA developed. Winds from the northeast (Quebec) across Lake Erie may have blown the aphids into OH. Research in organic soybean fields in 2007 found low populations of SBA. However, pod feeding by BLB is considered a major problem in organic soybeans in OH. Late plantings of organic soybeans provide no organic soybean hosts in the spring for overwintering BLB. Organic fields are usually planted in June; these fields remain succulent into September after conventional soybeans mature. So, late season BLBs moving from conventional into organic soybeans cause serious pod feeding damage. A study with CruiserMaxx, Gaucho and clothianidin showed these seed treatments greatly reduced BLB feeding damage. Gaucho did not prevent stand loss due to seedcorn maggot (SCM). A new biotype of the SBA was discovered in OH. This biotype can overcome resistance to germplasm previously identified by IL scientists as resistant to SBA. Also, MGIV PIs 243540, 567301B and 567324 were found to be resistant to SBA. PIs 243540 and 567301B are resistant to both biotypes of SBA. ON---University of Guelph (Objectives 1 and 2) A large field study compared efficacy and effects on beneficial insects of seed treatments and foliar sprays timed at different SBA densities. At time of preparation of this report, yield data had not been analyzed. Aphid and beneficial insect numbers decreased following insecticide applications (lamba-cyhalotrhin), but, in general, SBA densities were relatively low throughout the experiments. Data suggest higher action thresholds for SBA can be adopted when natural enemies are in abundance. An electric suction trap placed in Ridgetown, ON did not collect SBA until late July which corresponded with observed SBA populations in commercial soybeans grown in the area. ON---Ontario Ministry of Agriculture (Objectives 1 and 2) In 2007, 64 commercial soybean fields were monitored weekly through the growing season for pests. Viruses---Alfalfa mosaic (AMV), Bean pod mottle (BPMV), Soybean dwarf (SbDV), Soybean mosaic (SMV) and Tobacco ring spot (TRSV)---also were monitored starting in August. SbDV was found in 15% of monitored fields; all other viruses were detected in 5% or fewer of the sampled fields. However, SbDV was found for the first time in ON during this project. BPMV is often associated with BLB transmission, but some Japanese beetles collected from these fields tested positive for BPMV. SBA arrived 1 month earlier in 2007 in ON than in previous years. Due to this early arrival, some soybean fields reached threshold levels by early August. By the end of August, most infestations dropped below threshold levels probably due to beneficial arthropod activity. Double nozzles performed better than single nozzles relative to SBA control. High volume, high pressure and double nozzles performed the best. These spray conditions enabled pesticides to penetrate the soybean canopy better. Seed treatments were effective against SBA through August. A single foliar spray applied in mid August gave good control of SBA through maturity. Data suggest seed treatments may delay the need for foliar sprays which allows more time for beneficials to control SBA. Gaucho and Cruiser were the seed treatments evaluated. SBA Scouting Cards and Threshold Postcards were widely distributed to English and French speaking clientele in ON, Manitoba and Quebec. This information also was made available on the web. SD (Objective 1) A new SBA threshold of 250 aphids/plant was developed and adopted. Research was conducted to identify sources of resistance to the SBA. Resistance genes are being used in public and commercial breeding programs. SD participated in the aphid suction trap multi-state project. SD participated in gaining a permit to release the SBA parasitoid, B. communis. A distance education program on SBA pest management was developed and presented. This program served 16 states and provinces. TX (Objectives 1 and 2) Stink bugs continue to be the major insect pests of TX soybeans, particularly early maturity group soybeans planted in mid April. The most damaging species is the redbanded stink bug (RBSB), Piezodorus guildinii. A complex of stink bugs, including the RBSB, is associated with flat pod syndrome and delayed maturity. In 2007, cage studies revealed pods exposed to RBSB developed flat pod syndrome, but pods not exposed did not develop flat pod syndrome which implies pods must be fed on directly to produce flat pods. Acephate provided excellent control of stink bugs while pyrethroids provided nearly as effective control. NC Roy produced excellent yields and exhibited some resisitance to stink bugs. MGV and VI cultivars performed better than MGIV cultivars at the Beaumont Center. DE---USDA-ARS (Objective 1) Efforts to import foreign biological control agents of SBA are on going. Explorations in China and South Korea during May of 2007 concentrated on sampling Rhamnus spp. During this time, temperatures in China were abnormally cold, so SBAs were difficult to find. However, 800 SBA mummies were collected on Rhamnus spp., brought to DE and placed in quarantine. Several new species of parasitoids were discovered emerging from these mummies. These new species are now under evaluation. A return trip to Asia (China and Japan) in late June/early July 2007 produced more than 1600 SBA mummies collected from soybean fields in China. One new parasitoid species was discovered and is now under evaluation in DE. Data collected from DE and PA show levels of parasitism by indigenous parasitoids in these states are very low. Surveys also were conducted for egg parasitoids of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, which is an invasive species that feeds on soybeans and a wide variety of fruits. One species of Trissolcus (Scelionidae) was found and is in culture at DE. Four other Trissolcus species were collected from Japan---these parasitoids also are under evaluation at DE. Much more work needs to be done regarding host specificity studies for 9 additional species of parasitoids collected from Asia. These parasites are tested against a broad range of aphid hosts widely and closely related to SBA. A promising parasitoid, Aphelinus near gossypii, has shown acceptable SBA host specificity and may be ready for release in 2009. SD---USDA-ARS (Objecitve 1) Growth chamber experiments revealed SBA reproduction was reduced on Cobb, Tie-feng 8, Braxton, PI 230977, Perrin, Tracy-M, D75-10169, Dowling and Jackson and fewer aphids reached reproductive maturity on Cobb, Tie-feng 8, PI 230977, Dowling and Jackson. Nymphiposition was reduced on Cobb,PI-230977, PI 71506, Dowling and Jackson. Some synthetic compounds were found to be attractive to some predators. VA (Objectives 1 and 2) A multi-state (VA, MD and DE) field cage study to revise the economic injury levels for stink bugs revealed adults and late instar nymphs have significant impacts on seed quality and yield when feeding begins at R4. No impacts were detected when feeding began at R5, R6 or R7. Corn earworm (CEW) adults were monitored for resistance to pyrethroids. Moths were collected from male pheromone baited Hartstack cone traps. Over 1600 moths were captured and tested. Data show CEW moths in VA are not resistant to cypermethrin. This information gave VA soybean growers confidence that relatively inexpensive pyrethroids could continue to be applied extensively for CEW control. A foliar applied insecticide combining 2 unrelated active ingredients showed promise in 2007 tests. This product could make control more effective over a broader range of insect pests. Another new stink bug product is less detrimental to beneficials than many currently labeled insecticides. The BMSB has become established in PA, NJ, DE, MD and VA. Many fruit crops and soybeans are at risk. Potential host plants were screened to determine host suitability. Rhamnus was an early and late season host, Catalpa a late season host and Paulownia and Lonicera were hosts throughout the summer. WI (Objectives 1 and 2) Seven aphid suction traps were monitored from June through October in 2007 in WI. Pyrethrum, azadirachtin, insecticidal soap, rosemary oil and narrow range horticultural oils were evaluated for activity against SBA for use in organically grown soybeans. Seventeen soybean lines from the SBA host plant resistance program in MN were evaluated for SBA resistance. A potential SBA biotype capable of overcoming the RAG1 gene was discovered. SBA populations were monitored weekly in 17 sentinel field sites from vegetative stages to R5. Based on these data, SBA IPM recommendations were updated every 7-14 days. This information was featured on the national ipmPIPE map. The ipmPIPE web site recorded over 87,000 visits from January-September 2007. The SBA can vector SMV. The possibility exists that SBA resistant germplasm may cause more SMV problems by increasing interplant movement and feeding of SBA. A field experiment revealed that alate SBA were more abundant on susceptible than resistant lines. The least amount of interplant movement by alates was detected in SBA susceptible germplasm. However, no relationship between alate interplant movement and SMV incidence was found. SBA and natural enemy populations were monitored in conventional and organic soybeans. No significant differences between conventional and organic soybeans were detected; however, SBA were more abundant in organic than conventional soybeans when SBA populations peaked in August. The most abundant natural enemies were O. insidiosus and Harmonia axyridis. Both these beneficials were found in relatively equal numbers in conventional and organic soybeans. Methyl salicylate did not prove to be an effective attractant of natural enemies in organic soybeans.

Publications

Georgia: Bundy, C. S. and R. M. McPherson. 2007. Cropping preferences of common lepidopteran pests in a cotton/soybean cropping system. J. Entomol. Sci. 42: 105-118. McPherson, R. M. and G. R. Buss. 2007. Evaluating lepidopteran defoliation resistance in soybean breeding lines containing the stink bug resistance IAC-100 cultivar in their pedigrees. J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 962-968. McPherson, R. M., G. R. Buss, and P. M. Roberts. 2007. Assessing stink bug resistance in soybean breeding lines containing genes from germplasm IAC-100. J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 1456-1463. McPherson, R. M., W. C. Johnson, III, E. G. Fonsah, and P. M. Roberts. Insect pests and yield potential of vegetable soybean (edamame) produced in Georgia. J. Entomol. Sci. (in press). McPherson, R. M. and C. S. Bundy. Stink bugs, pp. 99-101, in W. O. Lamp, R. C. Berberet, L. G. Higley, and C. R. Baird (eds.), Handbook of forage and grassland insect pests. Entomol. Soc. Amer., Lanham, MD. McPherson, R. M. and J. K. Green. 2007. Stink bugs, pp. 72-74, in G. D. Buntin (ed.), Handbook of small grain insect pests. Entomol. Soc. Amer., Lanham, MD. Roberts, P. and R. M. McPherson. 2007. Insect Management. Georgia Soybean Production Guide. CSS 07-02:5pp. Roberts, P. and R. M. McPherson. 2007. Soybean insect control. Georgia Soybean Production Guide. CSS 07-02:6pp. Illinois: Twenty-one articles referring to insect pests of sobyeans were published in the Bulletin (http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/bulletin) and the Pest Management & Crop Development Bulletin (the paper version)issue numbers 5 (April 27), 7 (May 11), 8 (May 18), 10 (June 1), 11 (June 8), 12 (June 15, 13 (June 22), 14 (June 29), 16 (July 13), 17 (July 20), 18 (July 27), 19 (August 3), 20 (August 10), 21 (August 17), 23 (October 5), and 24 (November 24). The articles focused on soybean aphid (14 articles, including information from surveillance and about the Binodoxys communis releases), Japanese beetle (3 articles, bean leaf beetle (1 article), and twospotted spider mites and/or whiteflies (2 articles). In addition, the following IOBC-NRS newsletter article was invited: Vol. 29, No. 2, Summer 2007. Distance education and biological control of the soybean aphid, p. 3. (International Organization for Biological Control of Noxious Animals and PlantsNearctic Regional Section). The following proceedings papers and reports included information about management of soybean insects, including information from the soybean aphids surveys, data from insecticide efficacy trials, and data from the soybean aphid-resistant cultivars efficacy trial: Steffey, K. L. 2007. Preparing for soybean aphids in 2007, pp. 3035. In Proceedings of the 2007 University of Illinois Corn & Soybean Classics, University of Illinois Extension, Urbana-Champaign. (~1,100 people attended six meetings). Steffey, K. L. .2007. (Abstract) Soybean insect management: Everything but the kitchen sink. In Growing Our Future Agronomy Day booklet 2007. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. (~1,100 people attended) Steffey, K. L., and M. E. Gray. 2007. Lessons from a quiet seasonWhat lies ahead? pp. 1620. In Proceedings of the 2007 Illinois Crop Protection Technology Conference, University of Illinois. (~600 people attended the conference) Steffey, K., M. Gray, and R. Estes. 2007 insect management data. CD provided to attendees at a meeting of North Central Extension Entomologists (field crops), November 89, St. Louis, MO. Steffey, K. L., M. Gray, R. Estes, N. Tinsley, and J. Heeren. 2008. Soybean aphids and soybean defoliatorsAre we making progress? pp. 4147. In Proceedings of the 2008 University of Illinois Corn & Soybean Classics. University of Illinois Extension, Urbana-Champaign. (~1,150 people attended six meetings) Steffey, K., M. Gray, R. Estes, and D. Voegtlin. 2007. Management research, with emphasis on bean leaf beetle and soybean aphid. Final report (January 1December 31, 2006) submitted for the Soybean Diseases and Pests Managed Research Area, Illinois Soybean Association, Bloomington. Information from the insecticide efficacy trial and soybean cultivar trial will be published in on Target (http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/ontarget), our annual summary of field crop insect management trials. The 2007 edition of this publication will be in March 2008. Information about management of soybean insects was presented at several face-to-face local, regional, and statewide field days and meetings in 2007. Indiana: (not previously reported): 2006/10 TO 2007/9(1. Butler, C. D., and R. J. ONeil. 2007a. Life history characteristics of Orius insidiosus (Say) fed Aphis glycines Matsumura. Biol. Control 40:333-338. Bulter, C. D., and R. J. ONeil. 2007b. Life history chacteristics of Orius insidiosis (Say) fed diets of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura and soybean thrips, Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach). Biol Control 40:339-346. Harwood, J.D., Desneux, N., Yoo, H. J. S., Rowley, D. L., Greenstone, M. H., Obrycki, J. J., and ONeil, R. J. 2007. Tracking the role of alternative prey in soybean aphid predation by Orius insidiosus: a molecular approach. Molecular Ecology, 16:4390-4400. Iowa: Hesler, L.S., K.E. Dashiell, and J.G. Lundgren 2007. Characterization of resistance to Aphis glycines in soybean accessions. EUPHYTICA 154: 91-99 Diaz-Montano, J., J.C. Reese, W.T. Schapaugh, and L.R. Cambell. 2006. Characterization of antibiosis and antixenosis to the soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in several genotypes. J. Econ. Entomol. 99: 1884-1889. Mensah, C., C. DiFonzo, R.L. Nelson, and D.C. Wang. 2005. Resistance to soybean aphid in early maturing soybean germplasm. Crop Sci. 45: 2228-2233. Ragsdale, D., B.P. McCornack, R.C. Venette, B.D. Potter, I.V. Macrae, E.W. Hodgson, M.E. ONeal, K. D. Johnson, R.J. ONeil, C.D. DiFonzo, T.E. Hunt, P. Glogoza, and E.M. Cullen. 2007. Economic threshold for soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae). J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 1258-1267 Rosenheim, J.A., L.R. Wilhoit, and C.A. Armer. Influence of intraguild predation among generalist insect predators on the suppression of an herbivore population. Oecologia 96: 439-449. Heimpel G.E., D.W. Ragsdale, R. Venette, K.R. Hopper, R.J. ONeil, C.E. Rutledge, and Z.S. Wu. 2004. Prospects for importation biological control of the soybean aphid : Anticipating potential costs and benefits. Annals. Entomol. Soc. America. 97: 249-258. Costamagna, A.C., and D.A. Landis. 2006. Predators exert top-down control of soybean aphid across a gradient of agricultural management systems. Ecol. Applic. 16: 1619-1628. Schmidt, N.P., M.E. ONeal and P.M. Dixon. Aphidophagous predators in Iowa soybean: a community comparison across multiple sampling methods. Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. In press. Schmidt, N.P., M.E. ONeal, and J.W. Singer. 2007. Alfalfa living mulch advances biological control of soybean aphid. Environ. Entomol. 36: 416-424. Kansas: Buschman, Larry, Terutaka Niide, William Schapaugh and Barney Garden. 2007. Efficacy of Fipronil Applied as Foliar Treatment to six commercial soybean varieties to control Dectes Stem Borers in Soybean, Scandia, KS, 2006. In SWREC 2007 Field Day Rept. K-State Rept. Prog. 980: pp 62-64. Buschman, Larry, Holly Davis, Randal Currie and Phil Sloderbeck. 2007. Efficacy of Systemic Insecticides Applied as Foliar or Seed Treatments to Control Dectes Stem Borers in Soybean at Garden City, KS, 2006. In SWREC 2007 Field Day Rept. K-State Rept. Prog. 980: pp 65-67. Diaz-Montano, J., J. C. Reese, J. Louis, L. R. Campbell, and W. T. Schapaugh. 2007. Feeding behavior by the soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on resistant and susceptible soybean genotypes. J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 984-989. Diaz-Montano, J., J. C. Reese, W. T. Schapaugh, and L. R. Campbell. 2007. Chlorophyll losses caused by soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding on soybean. J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 1657-1662. Mutti, N., J. Louis, L. K. Pappan, K. Pappan, K. Begum, M.-S. Chen, Y. Park, N. Dittmer, J. Marshall, J. C. Reese, and G. R. Reeck. 2008. A novel protein from the salivary glands of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is essential in feeding on host plants. PNAS. In Press. Kentucky: Johnson, D. 2007. Effect of seed and foliar insecticide treatments on infestation incidence and yield reduction by Dectes stem borer (Dectes texanus texanus LeConte (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)) in Kentucky grown soybean in 2007. A report of this and other studies may be found on the UK Extension Entomology, Applied Research web pages at: http://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/Res/ResPubs.shtm Stewart, S., G. Lorenz, D. Johnson, and K. Tindall. 2008. Dectes stem borer and its impact on soybean yields. Ann. Meet. SEB-ESA. March 2-5, 2008, Jacksonville, FL. Other Publications from UK Harwood, J.D., Desneux, N., Yoo, H.J.S., Rowley, D.L., Greenstone, M.H., Obrycki, J.J. & O'Neil, R.J. (2007). Tracking the role of alternative prey in soybean aphid predation by Orius insidiosus: a molecular approach. Molecular Ecology 16: 4390-4400. Michigan: Journal Costamagna, A.C, D.A. Landis, and C.D. DiFonzo. 2007. Suppression of soybean aphid by generalist predators results in a trophic cascade in soybeans. Ecol. Applications. 17(2): 441-451. Harder, D.B., C.L. Sprague, C.D. DiFonzo, K.A. Renner, E.J. Ott and W.G. Johnson. 2007. Influence of stem-boring insects on common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) control in soybean with glyphosate. Weed Tech. 21: 241-248. Olson, K.D., T. Badibanga, and C.D. DiFonzo. 2007. Farmers awareness and use of IPM for soybean aphid control: Survey results for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 crop years. University of Minnesota Dept of Applied Economics. Staff Paper P07-13. Available at: http://agecon.lib.umn.edu/cgi-bin/pdf_view.pl?paperid=28707&ftype=.pdf. Walter, A. J. and C.D. DiFonzo. 2007. Soil potassium deficiency affects soybean phloem nitrogen and soybean aphid populations. Environ. Entomol. 36(1):26-33. Extension Bulletins Brown-Rytlewski, D., M. Staton, and C. DiFonzo. 2007. Pesticide application technology for soybean rust and soybean aphids. Soybean Facts - MSU Field Crops Area of Expertise team & the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. DiFonzo, C.D. 2007. Soybean aphid management in Michigan. Soybean Facts MSU Field Crops Area of Expertise team bulletin. Soybean Facts - MSU Field Crops Area of Expertise team & the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. DiFonzo, C.D., M. Jewett, F. Warner, D. Brown-Rytlewski, and W. Kirk. 2008. Insect, nematode, and disease control in field and forage crops. MSU Bulletin E-1582. DiFonzo, C.D. 2007. Identifying White Grubs: No Ifs, Ands, or Butts. CDD #2007-03. DiFonzo, C.D. 2007. Asiatic Garden Beetle in Michigan Field Crops. CDD #2007-02. Gardiner, M, C.D. DiFonzo, M. Brewer, and T. Noma. 2007. Identifying Natural Enemies in Crops and landscape. Michigan State University Pocket Guide E-2949. Modified and revise from original 2006 bulletin. NCSRP (North Central Soybean Research Program) Plant Health Initiative. 2008. Soybean Aphid 2008 Research Update. Bulletin prepared by the NCSRP from information and interviews of soybean aphid researchers from across the Midwest, including CDD. In Preparation. Schultz, T, K.D. Thelen, and C. DiFonzo. 2007. Neonicotinoid seed treatments for soybean. Soybean Facts - MSU Field Crops Area of Expertise team & the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. Minnesota: Refereed: McCornack, B.P., R.L. Koch, and D.W. Ragsdale. 2007. A simple method for in-field sex determination of the multicolored Asian lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). J. Insect Science. 7:10 http://www.insectscience.org/7.10/i1536-2442-2007-10.pdf Ragsdale, D.W., B.P. McCornack, R.C. Venette, B.D. Potter, I.V. MacRae, E.W. Hodgson, M.E. ONeal, K.D. Johnson, R.J. OINeil, C.D. Difonzo, T.E. Hunt, P. Glogoza, and E. M. Cullen. 2007. Economic threshold for soybean aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae). J. Econ. Entomol. 100(4): 1258-1267. Davis, Jeffrey A., Edward B. Radcliffe and David W. Ragsdale. 2007. Resistance to green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), in potato cultivars. Amer. J. Pot. Res. 84:259-269. Hodgson, E.W., B.P. McCornack, K.A. Koch, D.W. Ragsdale, K.D. Johnson, M.E. ONeal, E.M. Cullen, H.J. Kraiss, C.D. DiFonzo, M. Jewett, and L.M. Behnken. 2007. Field validation of Speed Scouting for soybean aphid. Online Journal. Crop Manag. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/cm/ Wyckhuys, K.A.G., R.L. Koch, and G.E. Heimpel. 2007. Physical and ant-mediated refuges from parasitism: implications for non-target effects in biological control. Biological Control 40:306-313. Wyckhuys, K.A.G., K.R. Hopper, K.M. Wu, C. Straub, C. Cratton, and G.E. Heimpel. 2007. Predicting potential ecological impact of soybean aphid biological control introductions. Biocontrol News and Information 28:30N 34N. Wyckhuys, K.A.G., and G.E. Heimpel. 2007. Response of the soybean aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to olfactory cues from target and non-target host-plant complexes. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 1232:149-158. Wu, Z., and G.E. Heimpel. 2007. Dynamic egg maturation strategies in an aphid parasitoid. Physiological Entomology 32:143-149. Mississippi: Musser, F. R. and A. L. Catchot. 2008. Mississippi soybean insect losses. Midsouth Entomologist (in press). Missouri: No publications Nebraska: Peer Referreed Publications. Brosius, T. R., L. G. Higley, and T. E. Hunt. 2007. Population dynamics of soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) and biotic mortality at the edge of its range. J. Econ. Entomol. 100:1268-1275. Ragsdale, D. W., B. P. McCornack, R. C. Venette, B. D. Potter, I. V. MacRae, E. W. Hodgson, M. E. Oâ¬"Neal, K. D. Johnson, R. J. Oâ¬"Neil, C. D. Difonzo, T. E. Hunt, P. A. Glogoza, and E. M. Cullen. 2007. Economic threshold for soybean aphid (Homoptera:Aphididae). J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 1258-1267. Magalhaes, L.C., T.E. Hunt, and B.D. Siegfried. (accepted 2007). Development of methods to evaluate susceptibility of soybean aphid to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam at lethal and sublethal concentrations. Entomol. Exp. Appl. Technical Reports Echtenkamp, G. W.,and T. E. Hunt. 2007. Control of bean leaf beetle in soybeans, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. 32: F47. Echtenkamp, G. W.,and T. E. Hunt. 2007. Control of soybean aphid in soybeans, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. 32: F48. Extension Publications Hunt, T. E., K. Jarvi, T. Brosius, L. Higley. 2007. Soybean Insect Update. pp. 61-64, Proceedings of Crop Protection Clinics, University of Nebraska Extension, Lincoln. Masters Thesis Magalhaes, Leonardo C. 2007. Soybean aphid response to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam treatments under field and laboratory conditions. Svehla, Sheri E. 2007. The impact of irrigation and planting date on soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) population dynamics and soybean yield. Ohio: Mian, R., R. B. Hammond, and S. St. Martin. 2007. New Plant Introductions with Resistance to the Soybean Aphid. Crop Sci. 47: (in press). S. T. Kang, M. A.R. Mian, and R. B. Hammond. 2007. Soybean aphid resistance in PI243540 is controlled by a single dominant gene. Crop Science (accepted). Eisley, J. B., and R. B. Hammond. 2007. Control of Insect Pests of Field Crops. OSUE. Bulletin 545-07. On-line edition only. Ontario: Tracey Baute, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ridgetown, 120 Main Street E., Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0, Tel: (519) 674-1696 E-mail: tracey.baute@ontario.ca Michele Roy, Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec Complexe scientifique, 2700, rue Einstein, bureau D.1.330.2 Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1P 3W8 téléphone: (418) 643-9729 télécopieur: (418) 646-6806 Email: michele.roy@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Box 1149, 65-3rd Ave NE, Carman, MB, R0G 0J0 Tel: (204) 745-5668 Fax: (204) 745-5690 Email: jgavloski@gov.mb.ca Soybean Aphid Scouting Cards and Soybean Aphid Threshold Postcards were developed and distributed to 25,000 English and 5000 French speaking growers in Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec. Free copies have been made available at several extension meetings, at provincial agricultural extension offices across all three provinces and as electronic versions in both French and English on the Ontario Soybean Growers website at: www.soybean.on.ca. Soybean Aphid Management Publication: Plans are underway to create a full soybean aphid management publication to be made available to all Canadian soybean growers for early summer 2008. Though still in final stages of development this publication will be approximately 14 pages, in full colour publication and cover key information on SBA lifecycle and biology, impact on host crops, detailed scouting methods and explanations of the action threshold and economic injury levels, field case studies depicting different scouting scenarios to help growers understand when thresholds have been reached, detailed description and images of the key soybean growth stages, summary of research done on management strategies. Scouting Video: Soybean aphid scouting videos will be developed in Ontario in season and will be made available online and on DVD to growers and consultants. OMAFRA staff will be filmed in soybean fields going step by step through the scouting methods, showing growers how to scout for soybean aphids in their fields and how determine if populations are reaching threshold. South Dakota: Hesler, L.S. & K.E. Dashiell. 2008. Identification and characterization of new sources of resistance to Aphis glycines Matsumura (Homoptera: Aphididae) in soybean lines. Appl. Entomol. Zool. 43(2) (accepted 9 Dec. 2007). Hesler, L.S. & K.E. Dashiell. 2007. Resistance to Aphis glycines (Homoptera: Aphididae) in various soybean lines under controlled laboratory conditions. J. Econ. Entomol. 100:1464-1469. Hesler, L.S., K.E. Dashiell & J.G. Lundgren. 2007. Characterization of resistance to Aphis glycines in soybean accessions. Euphytica 154:91-99. Texas: Way, M.O., M.S. Nunez and R.A. Pearson. Evaluation of Diamond 0.8EC for control of Lepidoptera in soybeans, 2005. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted). Way, M.O., M.S. Nunez and R.A. Pearson. Evaluation of Novaluron for control of redbanded stink bug, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted). Way, M.O., M.S. Nunez and R.A. Pearson. Evaluation of selected insecticides for redbanded stink bug, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted). Way, M.O., M.S. Nunez and R.A. Pearson. Evaluation of selected insecticides for brown stink bugs, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted). USDA: Heraty, J.M., J.B. Woolley, K.R. Hopper, D.L. Hawks, J.-W. Kim and M. Buffington. 2007. Molecular phylogenetics and reproductive incompatibility in a complex of cryptic species of aphid parasitoids. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45: 480-493. Virginia: Herbert, D.A., Jr. and S. Malone. 2007. Insect Pest Management in Virginia Cotton, Peanut and Soybean. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publ. No.444-380, Blacksburg, Virginia. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/entomology/444-380/444-380.html Herbert, D.A., Jr., and S. Malone. 2007. Evaluation of selected foliar applied insecticides for control of corn earworm in Virginia soybean, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests 32 (http://www.entsoc.org/Protected/AMT/members_only/AMT32/F/F49.pdf) Fleischer, S., G. Payne, T. Kuhar, D.A. Herbert, Jr., S. Malone, J. Whalen, G. Dively, D. Johnson, J. A. Hebberger, J. Ingerson-Mahar, D. Miller, and S. Isard. 2007. Helicoverpa zea trends from the northeast: Suggestions towards collaborative mapping of migration and pyrethroid susceptibility. Plant Management Network. http://plantmanagementnetwork.org/php/elements/sum2.asp?id=6305 Herbert, D.A., Jr., S. Malone, E. Cullen, and S. Ratcliffe. 2007. Identification of soybean aphid and look-alike species. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publ. 444-373, Blacksburg, Virginia. Wisconsin: Kraiss, H. and E.M. Cullen. Efficacy and non-target effects of reduced-risk insecticides on Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its biological control agent, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 101: 391-398. Kraiss, H. and E.M. Cullen. Insect growth regulator effects of azadirachtin and neem oil on survivorship, development and fecundity of Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its predator, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Pest Management Science (early view published online Feb 6, 2008, DOI: 10.1002/ps.1541). Pedersen, P., C. Grau, E. Cullen, N. Koval and J. Hill. 2007. Potential for Integrated Management of Soybean Virus Disease. Plant Disease 91: 1255-1259. Ragsdale, D. W., B. P. McCornack, R. C. Venette, B. D. Potter, I. V. MacRae, E. W. Hodgson, M. E. O'Neal, K. D. Johnson, R. J. O'Neil, C. D. Difonzo, T. E. Hunt, P. A. Glogoza, and E. M. Cullen. 2007. Economic threshold for soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Journal of Economic Entomology 100: 1258-1267. Hodgson, E.W., B.P. McCornack, K.A. Koch, D.W. Ragsdale, K.D. Johnson, M.E. ONeal, E.M. Cullen, H.J. Kraiss, C.D. DiFonzo and L.M. Behnken. 2007. Field validation of Speed Scouting for soybean aphid. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2007-0511-01-RS. Herbert, A., S. Malone, E. Cullen and S. Ratcliffe. 2007. Identification of soybean aphid and look-alike species. USDA CSREES ipmPIPE and North Central IPM Center, University of Illinois.

Impact Statements

Although soybean aphids had been predicted to be a significant problem for Ohio growers, environmental conditions in early spring caused the population in the eastern corn belt to crash. Because Ohio growers were provided with timely information through the C.O.R.N. newsletter on the lack of economic populations, they saved over $12,000,000 by NOT making unnecessary insecticide applications (at $12/acre cost).
Thousands of farmers, consultants, Extension educators and other agricultural professionals gained knowledge of soybean aphid IPM field scouting, economic threshold based treatment decision support, and best management practices by accessing the ipmPIPE web site. Web use statistics for January September 2007, a period during which 1.7 million hits that represent 87,021 visits occurred.
A multi-regional team lead by Virginia Tech developed a hand-held, pocket-size, laminated color field guide for identification of soybean aphid and look-alike species, and to increase grower awareness of the USDA Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) website. Results: To date, 200,000 copies of the guide have been distributed to 20 U.S states and 3 Canadian provinces.
All members will continue to cooperate among states and across disciplines to improve soybean insect IPM programs for stakeholders. Additional emphasis will be placed on host plant resistance and natural control. Treatment thresholds will be validated and/or revised. Seed treatments for SBA control are becoming more popular, but additional research is required to insure this tactic is not abused by clientele. Because soybean prices are currently very high, arguments are being made that seed treatments are more affordable, but this can lead to overuse of pesticides and resistance development. More research is needed to document the benefits/disadvantages of preventive seed treatments.
Having determined that organic soybeans act as a trap crop for bean leaf beetles in late summer because of late planting, we are suggesting that organic growers plant their soybeans as early as possible to limit pod feeding.
Seed treatments gave 45 to 100% control of Dectes stem borer, resulting in 10% yield increase at one location in Kansas. These data will be used in a Section 18 application.
In field trails in soybean, three neonicotinoids (dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) were as effective as the organophosphates and pyrethroids in controlling stink bugs. Results: These results indicate that neonicotinoid insecticides offer an alternative to growers for managing stink bugs that will be less disruptive, and fit better with integrated pest management programs where conservation of non-target beneficial species is an important consideration.
Results of research and extension programs conducted by members of S-1039 in 2007 are being used to validate and/or revise best management practices for key soybean insect pests such as SBA, BLB, WCR, stink bugs, CEW and SSB. Much new biological and ecological information on these pests and natural enemies was generated in 2007 to help manage these pests with minimal environmental disruption. Multi-state cooperation utilizing user-friendly educational publications and web site information has helped immensely in educating stakeholders about current research on these pests. Numerous extension meetings in all participating states have emphasized the work of this Regional Project.
A very aggressive classical biocontrol program is on-going with potentially near future pay-offs for controlling SBA. Since the introduction of SBA into the US in 2001, members of S-1039---formerly S-1010---have worked diligently to develop and implement effective IPM programs tailored to each state impacted by SBA. Members have readily shared information and cooperated to proactively deal with this serious invasive pest. The current IPM programs rely on host plant resistance, cultural controls such as planting dates, biological control and insecticidal tactics.
All members will continue to cooperate among states and across disciplines to improve soybean insect IPM programs for stakeholders. Additional emphasis will be placed on host plant resistance and natural control. Treatment thresholds will be validated and/or revised. Seed treatments for SBA control are becoming more popular, but additional research is required to insure this tactic is not abused by clientele. Because soybean prices are currently very high, arguments are being made that seed treatments are more affordable, but this can lead to overuse of pesticides and resistance development. More research is needed to document the benefits/disadvantages of preventive seed treatments.

Date of Annual Report: 05/01/2009

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/22/2009 - 02/24/2009
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2008 - 09/01/2009

Participants

Allen, Clint (clint.allen@ars.usda.gov) USDA ARS; Bailey, Wayne (baileyw@missouri.edu) University of Missouri; Baute, Tracey (tracey.baute@ontario.ca) OMAFRA; Beauzay, Patrick (Patrick.beauzay@ndsu.edu) North Dakota State University; Boethel, Dave ( dboethel@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University; Buschman, Larry (lbuschma@ksu.edu) Kansas State University; Davis, Jeff (jeffdavis@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University; Difonzo, Chris (difonzo@msu.edu) Michigan State University; Chandrase, Desmi (chandr33@msu.edu) Michigan State University; Cook, Don (dcook@drec.msstate.edu) Mississippi State University; Hammond, Ron (hammond.5@osu.edu) Ohio State University; Heng-Moss, Tiffany (thengmoss@unl.edu) University of Nebraska; Hoelmer, Kim (khoelmer@udel.edu) USDA-ARS; Hogg, Dave (hogg@entomology.wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin; Hunt, Tom (thunt2@unl.edu) University of Nebraska; Johnson, Doug (doug.johnson@uky.edu) University of Kentucky; Knodel, Janet (janet.knodel@ndsu.edu) North Dakota State University; Leonard, Roger (rleonard@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University; McCormick, Brian (mccormac@ksu.edu) Kansas State University; Meyer, Rick (hmeyer@csrees.usda.gov) USDA CSREES; Michel, Andy ( michel.70@osu.edu) Ohio State University; Musser, Fred (fm61@msstate.edu) Mississippi State University; ONeal, Mathew (oneal@iastate.edu) Iowa State University; Prischmann-Veldseth, Deirdre (deirdre.prischmann@ndsu.edu) North Dakota State University; Pulakkatu, Ishakh (ip23msstate.edu) Mississippi State University; Ragsdale, David (ragsd001@umn.edu) University of Minnesota; Reese, John (jreese@ksu.edu) Kansas State University; Temple, Josh (jtemple@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University; Tilmon, Kelley (kelley.timon@sdstate.edu) South Dakota State University; Voegtlin, David (dvoegtli@illinois.edu) Illinois Natural History Survey; Tindall, Kelly (tindallk@missouri.edu) University of Missouri

Brief Summary of Minutes

Executive committee met at 5:00 pm on Sunday, 22 February 2009 to appoint a committee to solicit nominations for local arrangements chair and secretary.

Registration began at 8:00 am on Monday, 23 February 2009. General meeting began at 8:30 am. Jeff Davis (Local Arrangements and Secretary) and Matt ONeal (Chair) welcomed everyone and made announcements. Sign-up sheet was passed around.

Administrative Advisor Dave Boethel greeted us and discussed importance of the S1039 group, past and future. Dr. Boethel started by giving us an overview of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; its mission, directives and research stations. He encouraged S1039 to use the new reporting format. Dr. Boethel finished by reminding us to apply for the Multi-State Project Award and to focus on the outcomes to federal partners and cost savings to producers.

Next, CSREES Representative Rick Meyer discussed the changes occurring to CSREES (now NIFA) and to NRI (now AFRI). Many programs will require a 1 to 1 of matching funds but may be waived for 406 Programs, CAR, Methyl-bromide, etc. In grant writing, members should focus on promoting outcomes and impacts.

Matt ONeal began a discussion of the new reporting format he initiated and discussion of reporting accomplishments, outcomes and impacts. Kelly Tilmon discussed how they changed their reporting formats. Opposition to the new format as sent by email was noted. Jeff Davis proposed using the new format but adding, as an option, the old format at the end of each state report. S1039 decided to continue to use the new format with modifications. Suggestions were made to share state reports, publications, and talks by a website. Rick Meyer suggested using the S1039 site itself. Jeff Davis is exploring these options.

The next agenda item addressed was the preservation and funding of the Aphid Suction Trap Network. Dave Voegtlin led this discussion. There is currently no funding for this network. Questions asked were the network worth maintaining, how to pay for the network, and how long could it be maintained with the current staff (1 graduate student and summer interns). S1039 members all agreed that the network is worth having. Discussion then continued on the usefulness of the network. Doug Johnson uses the information extensively and receives funding from his growers for the maintenance of this trap. Suggestions were made to support the trapping network by providing $1000 to $2000 per trap.

Jeff Davis led a discussion on the recent soybean breeders meeting. He reported that he had attended the meeting. Breeders are interested in incorporating host plant resistance to soybean aphid but all other insect problems are not as critical. We discussed encouraging soybean breeders to attend the S1039 meeting in the future, especially those involved in insect host plant resistance, and a possibility of holding a future meeting in conjunction with their meetings. In addition, the possibility of a symposium on soybean host plant resistance at the 2009 ESA National Meeting was proposed. Kelly Tilmon is taking the lead on organizing this.

Next, Ron Hammond discussed the APHIS Soybean Commodity Survey. This survey monitors for potential invasive soybean pests in soybean fields.

Chris DiFonzo then led a discussion on the new labels for fungicides that relate to plant health or vigor, for instance, the supplemental label for Headline which protects against hail. Doug Johnson mentioned that this is occurring only fungicides but insecticides as well.

Reporting objectives by insect began. Soybean aphid was first. Jeff Davis gave the report from LA. Soybean aphid has not been found in LA. However, cotton aphid was found colonizing soybean throughout the state (identified by Dave Voegtlin) and reaching hundreds per plant. Life table and EPG studies were conducted with cotton aphid on soybean. Dave Hogg gave the report from WI. WI is conducting research on soybean cyst nematode and soybean aphid interactions. Alate aphid behavior affected by soybean cyst nematode infections. Failure of Rag1 is occurring with the WI soybean aphid biotype. Dowling and Jackson fail as well. Studying if methyl salicylate will attract natural enemies in soybean. John Reese gave the KS report. KS is studying how soybean aphid biotypes are overcoming soybean aphid resistance genes. Collaborating with NE on this work as well.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:00 pm for lunch. Lunch was provided by Syngenta Crop Protection.

Meeting resumed at 1:00 pm with Chris DiFonzo giving the MI report. Soybean grower survey was conducted this year asking questions about using the soybean aphid threshold. Discussed work on soybean aphid resistance. Dave Voegtlin gave the IL report. Discussed soybean aphid on winter hosts. Soybean aphid overcoming Rag1 and Rag2. Kim Hoelmer gave the USDA-ARS Beneficial Insects Lab report. Discussed the new foreign exploration of natural enemies for soybean aphid in Asia. Tom Hunt gave the NE report. Focusing soybean aphid resistance on tolerance. Warrior is not controlling soybean aphid in 2008. Andy Michel gave the OH report. Using seven polymorphic molecular markers to identify genetic differences between soybean aphids throughout the Mid-West. No significant differences found. Tracey Baute gave the OMAFRA report. Low soybean aphid populations last year. Rag1 will have commercial release in Canada this year. Matt ONeal gave the IA report. Erin Hodgson hired by Iowa State (70% extension/30% research). Discussed natural enemy work in relationship to soybean aphid and modeling aphid emigration. Wayne Bailey gave the MO report. Soybean aphid still being found on horsenettle. Kelly Tilmon gave the SD report. Rag1 soybean aphid resistant plants had upwards of 500 soybean aphids per plant, with resistance breaking down. Natural enemy numbers increased dramatically in 2008. Compared how aphids on resistant plants respond to susceptible plants and how aphids on susceptible plants respond to resistant plants. David Ragsdale gave the report from MN. Soybean aphid yield loss the same in different row spacing. Janet Knodel gave the ND report. One foliar spray at threshold provides season long control against soybean aphid in ND. Most significant beneficials in ND soybean are Nabids.

Meeting was adjourned for the day.

General meeting resumed at 8:30 am on 24 February 2009. Nominations were made for Secretary. Brian McCornack was elected Secretary for the 2010 meeting. Jeff Davis will move to Chair. Nominations were made for Local Arrangements Chair. Fred Musser was elected Local Arrangements Chair. Meeting will be held in Biloxi, MS or Tunica Falls, MS in 2010. Meeting will be February 21 to 23, 2010. Members will arrive the 21 February. Meeting will be held for two full days instead of one and a half days. Members will leave the evening of the 23 February 2010.

Reporting objectives by insect continued, focusing on stink bugs. Josh Temple gave the LA report. Redbanded stink bug is the most common species found in soybean in LA. Redbanded stink bug is much harder to control with current insecticides compared to other stink bug species. Kathy Kamminga gave the report from VA. Stink bug thresholds (1 per row ft) were re-evaluated in VA, MD, and DE. No damage found at this threshold. Suggestions were to increase numbers to evaluate thresholds. Fred Musser gave the MS report. Reported on consultant survey. Stink bugs were treated in 50% of MS soybean fields.

Reporting objectives by insect continued, focusing on bean leaf beetle. Fred Musser gave the MS report. Bean leaf beetles becoming highly resistant to pyrethroids in MS.

Reporting objectives by insect continued, focusing on Dectes stem borer. Kelly Tindall gave MO report. Dectes infesting many soybean fields. Research focusing on all aspects of life history. Larry Buschman gave KS report. Survey conducted over last 25 years. Dectes infestations are rising. Conducted study on yield response to Dectes with and without insecticide seed treatments. Overall, 8 bu/a increase with seed treatment. Screening for host plant resistance. PI165673 appears to have antibiosis as effective as fipronil. Brian McCornack (KS) gave a report on the cooling point studies he is conducting on Dectes. Don Cook gave the MS report. Conducted fipronil seed treatment study.

Reporting objectives by insect continued, focusing on corn earworm. Kathy Kamminga gave the VA report. Corn earworm has become the most important soybean pest in VA. She discussed the importance of monitoring for pyrethroid resistance.

Reporting objectives by insect continued, focusing on threecornered alfalfa hopper. Ishakh Pulakkatu Thodi gave MS report. Conducting research to determine yield loss from threecornered alfalfa hopper at different R stages.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Accomplishments

Characterize insect-soybean interactions and their impact on plant growth, grain quality, and yield. Sub-objective 1a. Establish or modify thresholds of important regional pests to account for maturity group, planting systems, plant age, and natural enemy populations. Soybean aphid economic thresholds for row spacing less than 30 inches were redefined. To measure adoption of IPM practices for soybean aphid, a full-length survey instrument was mailed in early 2008 to randomly-selected growers on soybean commodity lists in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The effect of southern green stink bug feeding on soybeans during the R7 stage was conducted in MS. Studies were conducted in DE, MD, and VA to re-evaluate the threshold of 1 stink bug/row ft for the green stink bug and the brown stink bug. Studies were conducted in LA to determine thresholds for redbanded stink bug. Studies were conducted to determine spatial movement and field colonization of stink bugs in insecticide treated and untreated fields in LA. Insecticide trials were conducted in LA to determine at what reproductive stage redbanded stink bug control can be terminated at. A survey was conducted to determine stink bug species composition in MG IV, V, and VI soybeans in LA. Late-season impact of threecornered alfalfa hopper on soybeans was evaluated in LA and MS. Studies on green bean syndrome (plants remain green and dont senesce) in GA soybeans indicate that planting date, pod injury, and drought all contribute to green bean syndrome symptoms. Studies on green bean syndrome in LA indicate that variety, stink bug damage, fungicides, drought, and glyphosate all contribute to green bean syndrome symptoms. Experiments were conducted in TX to determine if redbanded stink bug is responsible for causing flat pod syndrome. Conducted a preliminary study to examine the relationship between densities of Japanese beetles and soybean yield. Sub-objective 1b. Characterize the unique relationships between insect pests and organic/ specialty beans. Determined the impact of soybean aphids, soybean cyst nematode, and brown stem rot, alone and in combination, on yield and composition of commodity and low linolenic varieties. Determined the susceptibility of low-linolenic soybean varieties to soybean aphids, soybean cyst nematode and brown stem rot. Determined whether soybean leaf fatty acid levels can be used to predict differences in soybean grain composition. Edamame was shown to be efficiently produced in southern GA utilizing most of the soybean culture that is currently being recommended. When edamame is planted from mid- April to mid-May, insect-induced crop injury caused by stink bugs and caterpillars is reduced compared to a June planted crop. Experiments were conducted for to compare soybean aphid, leafhopper and natural enemy populations within conventional and organic soybean and alfalfa cropping systems. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methyl salicylate as an organic attractant for natural enemies in soybean fields. Sub-objective 1c. Understand the movement of pest Lepidoptera as it relates to pest management Pyrethroid resistance monitoring of the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) continued in LA, MS, VA, Sub-objective 1d. Maintain the North central regional aphid suction trap network. Suction trap monitoring to assess aphid migration continued through the fall of 2008 in 42 Midwestern locations. Conducted a weekly survey for soybean aphids in 26 commercial soybean fields in north-central and northwestern Illinois from mid-June through mid-September to correlate in-field, in-season densities of soybean aphids with captures of winged soybean aphids in suction traps. Objective 2. Develop and validate tactics for management of key soybean insects. Sub-objective 2a. Efficacy of seed treatments and foliar insecticides for key soybean insects. Field trials to evaluate efficacy of foliar and seed applied insecticide against bean leaf beetle were conducted in LA, KS, MS, and NE. Insecticide evaluation programs were conducted to evaluate what products offered the most consistent control of soybean aphids and if soybean aphids should be treated when they exceed the economic threshold on late stage soybeans (R6-stage). An assay was developed to expose aphids to insecticides, classifying aphids as walking, poisoned or dead. Field trials to evaluate efficacy of foliar and seed applied insecticide against soybean aphid were conducted in IA, IL, KS, MN, NE, ND, and WI. Field trials to evaluate efficacy of seed applied insecticide against Dectes stem borer were conducted in KS and KY. Field trials to evaluate efficacy of foliar and seed applied insecticides against stink bug species were conducted in LA, MS, TX, and VA. Laboratory insecticide bioassays were conducted in LA to determine efficacy of current products labeled for use in soybean on redbanded stink bug. Field trials to evaluate efficacy of foliar and seed applied insecticides against threecornered alfalfa hopper were conducted in LA, and MS. Field trials to evaluate efficacy of foliar applied insecticides against corn earworm were conducted in VA. Conducted an efficacy trial to compare foliar-applied insecticides for control of Japanese beetles in soybeans in IL. Sub-objective 2b. Enhance biological control of soybean aphid, using both conservation of natural enemies and classical biological control releases. Release/monitoring program for the soybean aphid parasitoid, Binodoxys communis was expanded. Released B. communis in soybeans and buckthorn under varying densities of aphids. Field studies were conducted on the interaction between natural enemies and resistant varieties for soybean aphid suppression. The effects of reconstructed tall grass prairie and surrounding landscapes dominated by corn-soybean production on soybean aphid and natural enemy communities were evaluated. The effects of buffer zones in organic production on soybean aphid and natural enemy communities were evaluated. Foreign exploration of soybean aphid biological control in Asia and host range evaluation of candidate natural enemies in quarantine laboratories was conducted. Sub-objective 2c. Screen, characterize, and incorporate host plant resistance to soybean aphid and other key insects. Soybean lines from North Central working group breeding programs were screened for soybean aphid resistance in the field and greenhouse. This included an intensive "second tier" field screening of one or two select lines from 2007 first-tier screening to determine yield benefits of tolerance vs. antibiosis Six soybean lines were screened for Dectes stem borer resistance. Twenty-eight soybean breeding lines (including the Hutcheson and Dillon cultivars) were screened for stink bug and lepidopteran resistance in GA, LA, and TX. Transgenic soybean lines expressing cry1A from Bacillus thuringiensis were examined for the suppression of naturally occurring population densities of lepidopteran pests. Conducted a research trial to investigate soybean aphid biotypes among different soybean lines. Conducted trials to determine plant-mediated interspecific interactions between soybean aphids and soybean cyst nematodes.

Publications

Beauzay, P. and J. Knodel. 2008. Soybean aphids increasing in Red River Valley. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 11, p. 2. Boerboom, C., E. Cullen, P. Esker, R. Flashinski, C. Grau, B. Jensen, and M. Renz. 2008. Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops. University of Wisconsin-Extension Publication #A3646. Buschman, L., H. Davis, and P. Sloderbeck. 2008. Efficacy of Monsanto Stacked Event Corn Hybrids for Control of Southwestern Corn Borer and Corn Earworm, 2007. K-State Univ. SW KS Res.-Ext. Center Report of Progress #997. pp 64-68. http://www.entomology.ksu.edu/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=4583. Catchot, A. L. J. Long and J. F. Smith. 2008. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against soybean looper in soybean, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests 33:F59. Cook, D. R. 2008. Efficacy of selected insecticides against stink bugs on soybean I, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33:F13. Cook, D. R. 2008. Efficacy of selected insecticides against stink bugs on soybean II, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33:F14. Cullen, E. 2008. Soybean aphid in the ipmPIPE. Wisconsin Soy Sentinel 5(1):4. Cullen, E. 2008. Soybean aphid increasing and variable-scout fields now. Wisconsin Crop Manager 15(20):119-120. Cullen, E. 2008. Soybean aphid update for late August 2008. Wisconsin Crop Manager 15(24):129-130. Cullen, E. 2008. Soybean aphid update. Wisconsin Crop Manager 15(16):97-98. Davis, J. A., and E. B. Radcliffe. 2008. The importance of an invasive aphid species in vectoring a persistently transmitted potato virus: Aphis glycines Matsumura is a vector of PLRV. Plant Dis.92:1515-1523. Davis, H., L. Buschman, P. Sloderbeck, and A. Joshi. 2008. Efficacy of Fipronil Applied as Foliar and Seed Treatment to Control Dectes Stem Borers in Soybean, Garden City, KS, 2007 - South Circle. K-State Univ. SW KS Res.-Ext. Center Report of Progress #997. pp 49-53. http://www.entomology.ksu.edu/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=4580. DiFonzo, C.D. and K. Agle. 2008. Soybean aphid development on, and BCMV transmission to, Otebo dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. Crop Management. doi:10.1094/CM-2008-0916-01-RS. Gardiner, M.M, D.A. Landis, C.D. DiFonzo, C. Gratton, M.E. ONeal, J. Heimpel, M. Wayo, N. Schmidt, E. Mueller, and J. Chacon. 2009. Landscape diversity impacts biocontrol services in north-central U.S. soybean. Ecological Applications. 19: 143-154. Giesler, Loren, Bernards, Mark, Hunt, Tom, Sandell, Lowell and Seymour, Ron. 2008. Managing New and Emerging Disease, Insect and Weed Problems. Soybean Management Field Days Proceedings. pp. 1-6. Herbert, D.A., Jr. 2008. Corn earworm update: moth activity, thresholds and pyrethroid insecticide issue. Virginia Soybean Update. Vol. 11, No. 6. Herbert, D.A., Jr. and S. Malone. 2008. Insect Control in Soybeans (pp. 61-73), In Pest Management Guide for Field Crops. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publ. 456-016. Herbert, D.A., Jr., Malone, S., Kuhar, T.P., Portillo, H.E., Saienni, J.P., and Williams, R.W. 2008. Adult corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) susceptibility to methomly. Online. Plant Health Progress doi: 1.109/PHP-2008-0312-01-RS. Herbert. D.A., Jr., S. Malone, and K. Kamminga. 2008. Insect Pest Management in Virginia Cotton, Peanut and Soybean. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publ. 444-380. Hunt, T., K. Jarvi, R. Wright and G. Hein. 2008. Integrated Pest Management: As important now as ever. pp. 47-50, Proceedings of Crop Protection Clinics. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Hunt, T., K. Jarvi, R. Wright and G. Hein. 2008. Integrated Pest Management: As important now as ever. pp. 47-50, Proceedings of Crop Protection Clinics. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Hunt, T., K. Jarvi. 2008. Soybean Insect 2007 Update. pp. 61-66. Proceedings of Crop Protection Clinics. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Johnson, K.D, M.E. ONeal, J. Bradshaw and M.E. Rice. 2008. Management of bean leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) does not protect soybeans from Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infestations in Iowa. J. Econ. Entomol. 101: 801-809. Kamminga, K., D.A. Herbert, Jr., and S. Malone. 2008. Evaluation of selected foliar applied insecticides for control of corn earworm in Virginia soybean, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33, F30. Knodel, J., J. Hochhalter and P.B. Beauzay. 2009. Evaluation of foliar and seed-applied insecticides for control of soybean aphid in North Dakota and Minnesota. In: Crop Production Guide 2009, H. Kandel (ed.), NDSU Extension Service Crop Production Guide 19, p. 260-264. Prepared in 2008 for use in 2009. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Recent field observations of insect pests. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 7, p. 2. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Scout for two-spotted spider mites in soybeans and dry beans. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 13, p. 2. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Soybean aphid moving to buckthorn. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 15, p. 2. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Soybean aphid update. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 6, p. 2. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Soybean aphids continue to increase. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 12, p. 4. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Soybean aphids move further west. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 13, p. 4. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Soybean aphids moving field to field and white dwarfs present. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 14, p. 1. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Time to scout for soybean aphids. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 9, p. 2. Knodel, J.J. 2008. Time to scout for the second generation bean leaf beetle in soybeans. NDSU Extension Service Crop & Pest Report No. 13, p. 4. Knodel, J.J., J. Hochhalter, and P.B. Beauzay. 2008. Evaluation of foliar and seed-applied insecticides for control of soybean aphid in North Dakota and Minnesota. Final report to the North Dakota Soybean Council. Knodel, J.J., P.Beauzay, M. Boetel, and D. Markle. 2008. 2008 North Dakota Field Crop Insect Management Guide. NDSU Extension Service, publication E-1143. Koch, Karrie A., M.S. 5/2008, Thesis Title: Effects of Soybean Rust Fungicides on Fungal Entomopathogens of Soybean Aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura. Kraiss, H., and E. Cullen. 2008. Efficacy and non-target effects of reduced-risk insecticides on Aphis glycines (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its biological control agent, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Journal of Economic Entomology, 101: 391-398. Kraiss, H., and E. Cullen. 2008. Insect growth regulator effects of azadirachtin and neem oil on survivorship, development and fecundity of Aphis glycines (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its predator Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Pest Management Science, 64: 660-668. Magalhaes, L.C., B.W. French, T.E. Hunt, and B.D. Siegfried. 2008. Development of methods to evaluate susceptibility of soybean aphid to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam at lethal and sublethal concentrations. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 128: 330-336. McCornack, Brian P., Ph.D. 8/2007, Dissertation Title: Integrated Pest Management for Soybean Aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in the North Central U.S. McPherson, R. M. 2008. Evaluation of planting date effects on the incidence of arthropod pest and beneficial species, seed damage and yield in snap beans. Ga. Veg. Research-Extension Report 2007: 2pp. McPherson, R. M., W. C. Johnson, III, E. G. Fonsah, and P. M. Roberts. 2008. Insect pests and yield potential of vegetable soybean (edamame) produced in Georgia. J. Entomol. Sci. 43: 225-240. Mensah, C., C. D. DiFonzo, and D. Wang. 2008. Inheritance of Soybean Aphid Resistance in PI567541B and PI 567598B. Crop Sci. 48: 1759-1763. Musser, F. R. and A. L. Catchot. 2008. Mississippi soybean insect losses. Midsouth Entomologist 1:29-36. Mutti, N., J. Louis, L. K. Pappan, K. Pappan, K. Begum, M.-S. Chen, Y. Park, N. Dittmer, J. Marshall, J. C. Reese, and G. R. Reeck. 2008. A protein from the salivary glands of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is essential in feeding in host plant. PNAS. 105: 9965-9969. Niide, T., L., Buschman, B. Gordon, P. Sloderbeck, H. Davis, and C. Khajuria. 2008. Efficacy of Fipronil Applied as Foliar and Seed Treatment to Control Dectes Stem Borers in Soybean, Scandia, KS, 2007. K-State Univ. SW KS Res.-Ext. Center Report of Progress #997. pp 54-58. http://www.entomology.ksu.edu/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=4581. Olson, K.D, T. Badibanga, and C.D. DiFonzo. 2008. Farmers Awareness and Use of IPM for Soybean Aphid Control: Report of Survey Results for the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Crop Years. Staff Paper 378.776 D34 S73 08-12, Dept. of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota. Radcliffe, E.B., D.W. Ragsdale, R.A. Suranyi, C.D. DiFonzo and E.E. Hladilek. 2008. Aphid Alert: How it came to be, what it achieved, and why it proved unsustainable. Pp 227-241 In: Area Wide Pest Management: Theory and Implementation, O. Koul, G.W. Cuperus and N.C. Elliott (eds.). CAB International, Wallingford, UK. Rice, M.E., and M.E. ONeal. 2008. Soybean Aphid Management Field Guide 2008. Iowa State University. University Extension, CSI 0011. 44 pp Roberts, P. and R. M. McPherson. 2008. Insect Management. Georgia Soybean Production Guide. CSS 08-02:5pp. Roberts, P. and R. M. McPherson. 2008. Soybean insect control. Georgia Soybean Production Guide. CSS 08-02:5pp. Schmidt, N.P., M.E. ONeal and P.M. Dixon. 2008. Aphidophagous predators in Iowa soybean: a community comparison across multiple sampling methods. Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. 101: 341-350. Schulte, L.A., H. Asbjornsen, R. Atwell, C. Hart, M. Helmers, T. Isenhart, R. Kolka, M. Liebman, J. Neal, M.E. O'Neal, S. Secchi, R. Schultz, J. Thompson, M. Tomer, and J. Tyndall. 2008. A targeted conservation approach for improving environmental quality: multiple benefits and expanded opportunities. Iowa State University, University Extension. PMR 1002. 23 pp Sloderbeck, P. E., J. P. Michaud, and R. J. Whitworth. 2009. Soybean insect management 2009. Kansas State University Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. MF-743. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot. 2008. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against bean leaf beetle on soybean, 2007A. Arthropod Management Tests 33:F61. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot. 2008. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against bean leaf beetle on soybean, 2007B. Arthropod Management Tests 33:F62. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot. 2008. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against southern green stink bug, threecornered alfalfa hopper, bean leaf beetle and soybean looper on soybean, 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 33:F63. Tinsley, N. A., K. L. Steffey, R. E. Estes, J. R. Heeren, M. E. Gray, and B. W. Diers. Effects of current and future soybean aphid management tactics on soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) and their natural enemies in Illinois in 2007 and 2008. (oral presentation). Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2008. Evaluation of Diamond 0.83EC for control of Lepidoptera in soybeans, 2005. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 33. F67. Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2008. Evaluation of Novaluron for control of redbanded stink bug. 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 33. F69. Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2008. Evaluation of selected insecticides for brown stink bugs, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 33. F68. Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2008. Evaluation of selected insecticides for redbanded stink bug, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 33. F70. Whitworth, R. J. and A. Ahmad. 2008. Kansas crops pests: Bean leaf beetle. Kansas State University Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. MF2824. Whitworth, R. J., P. Sloderbeck, and H. Davis. 2008. Pillbugs: Perennial pests. Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. MF-2855. Wyckhuys, K.A.G., Stone, L., Desneux, N., Hoelmer, K., Hopper, K.R., and Heimpel, G.E. 2008. Parasitism of the soybean aphid Aphis glycines by Binodoxys communis: the role of aphid defensive behavior and parasitoid reproductive performance. Bulletin of Entomological Research 98: 361-370.

Impact Statements

S1039 scientists conducted research showing host plant resistance, biological control, landscape heterogeneity, and insecticides can mitigate soybean aphid outbreaks.
S1039 scientists have shown that vegetable soybean production (edamame) can provide an efficient alternative crop for producers looking for new ways to improve the profitability of their farming operation.
S1039 scientists have concluded that the soybean aphid is now established in Georgia.
S1039 scientists have concluded that the soybean aphid is not established in Louisiana.
S1039 scientists confirmed colonization of soybean in Louisiana by green peach aphid and cotton aphid.
S1039 scientists have identified soybean breeding lines with substantial resistance to stink bugs and/or velvetbean caterpillars. These lines will provide genetic material for future crosses and result in the release of resistant varieties.
S1039 scientists have evaluated Bt transgenic soybeans. These lines provide excellent season-long control of lepidopteran pests and have yields equal to standard cultivars being planted. Once available to producers, this Bt technology should provide the southern region with an effective insect pest management option that would enhance the sustainability and profitability of soybean production.
S1039 scientists have determined that the southern green stink bug threshold of 1 stink bug/row ft. should be maintained during earlier growth stages but be increased to 3 stink bugs/row ft. during the R7 stage.
S1039 scientists have determined that most significant insect threats to mid-South soybean production (LA, MS, and TX) are stink bugs and soybean looper.
S1039 scientists have determined that corn earworm is the most common and destructive pest in VA. This has lead to the development of The Virginia Corn Earworm Advisory whose goal is to provide relevant and timely information on corn earworm pest status during the season so as to encourage growers and crop advisors to scout fields, use established economic thresholds, and limit insecticide treatment to only those fields at risk to economic loss.
S1039 scientists have documented significant variability in the resistance to soybean aphid of different soybean lines, gathered resistance information on specific genes, gathered data in support of the commercial deployment of the Rag1 resistance gene in 2010, and laid the groundwork for further research on incorporating host plant resistance into IPM.
S1039 scientists have determined that ladybeetle species such as Harmonia axyridis are a dominant predator in the soybean aphid system and deserve further research focus to incorporate them into IPM.
S1039 scientists recommendations on soybean aphid thresholds have prevented losses by this insect of at least $40.00/acre. U.S. soybean producers will save $13.3 Billion using soybean aphid economic threshold over the next 15 years.
S1039 scientists have determined that under heavy soybean aphid pressure, insecticide seed treatment only provided significant suppression of soybean aphid densities in latest planting dates. This suppression was not below the economic threshold of 250 aphids per plant. Normal planting dates using insecticide treated seed provide no significant soybean aphid control because of the long colonization period.
S1039 scientists have determined that fungicide applications targeting soybean foliar pathogens such as Asian soybean rust do interfere with entomopathogenic fungi that are key regulators of soybean aphids.
S1039 scientists have increased the use of host plant resistance in soybean, decreasing pesticide usage, improving integrated pest management systems, and reducing inputs which, in turn, increase the sustainability of soybean production.
S1039 scientists are using aphid suction trap data to provide a forewarning of potential soybean aphid outbreaks.
S1039 scientists have determined that seed-applied insecticides and soybean aphid-resistant soybean lines have no direct negative impact on predators of soybean aphids, suggesting integration of management tactics will reduce the threat from soybean aphids.
S1039 scientists have detected soybean aphid biotype(s) capable of overcoming RagI gene (soybean aphid resistance).
S1039 scientists studies of alate aphids on resistant soybean plants indicate that resistant plants increased the activity of alate aphids, suggesting that soybean aphid resistant varieties may enhance the spread of non-persistent viruses.
S1039 scientists have determined that soybean cyst nematode infection may indirectly influence virus spread through its effects on soybean aphid alate behavior.
S1039 scientists have identified two major recessive genes involved in soybean aphid resistance in PI 567541B and PI 567598B. These genes have been identified and termed Rag3 and Rag4. This will increase efficiency in developing commercial soybean cultivars with a different form of antibiosis resistance than Rag1.
S1039 scientist producer surveys confirm widespread knowledge and use of the IPM-based recommendations for SBA control, particularly adoption of the 250 aphid/plant threshold.
S1039 scientists have determined that insecticide applications to reduce yield loss from redbanded stink bug should be continued through R6.
S1039 scientists have determined that insecticide seed treatments used in mid-South provide a 3 bu/acre increase.
S1039 scientists have determined that the redbanded stink bug is the most common stink bug found in soybeans in LA, comprising as much as 80% of stink bugs surveyed.
S1039 scientists have determined that the redbanded stink bug is more tolerant to current chemistries used for stink bug control.
S1039 scientists have determined that soybean aphid alights in potato fields but can not colonize potato. Soybean aphid probes and feeds on potato equal to green peach aphid and can transmit PLRV.

Date of Annual Report: 04/21/2010

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/22/2010 - 02/23/2010
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2009 - 12/01/2009

Participants

Bledsoe, Larry (lbledsoe@purdue.edu), Purdue University;
Boethel, David (dboethel@agcenter.lsu.edu), Louisiana State University;
Cook, Don (dcook@drec.msstate.edu), Mississippi State University;
Davis, Jeff (jeffdavis@agcenter.lsu.edu), Louisiana State University;
Hammond, Ron (hammond.5@osu.edu), Ohio State University;
Hesler, Louis (louis.hesler@ars.usda.gov), USDA ARS;
Hodgson, Erin (ewh@iastate.edu), Iowa State University;
Hoelmer, Kim (khoelmer@udel.edu), USDA-ARS;
Hunt, Tom (thunt2@unl.edu), University of Nebraska;
Kamminga, Kathy (kkamminga@agcenter.lsu.edu), Louisiana State University;
McCornack, Brian (mccornac@ksu.edu), Kansas State University;
McPherson, Robert (pherson@uga.edu), University of Georgia;
Meyer, Rick (hmeyer@nifa.usda.gov), USDA NIFA;
Musser, Fred (fm61@msstate.edu), Mississippi State University;
Prochaska, Travis (travis.prochaska@huskers.unl.edu), University of Nebraska;
Pulakkatu, Ishakh (ip23msstate.edu), Mississippi State University;
Ragsdale, David (ragsd001@umn.edu), University of Minnesota;
Reed, Tim (reedtim@aces.edu), Alabama Cooperative Extension System;
Reese, John (jreese@ksu.edu), Kansas State University;
Temple, Josh (jtemple@agcenter.lsu.edu), Louisiana State University;
Tindall, Kelly (tindallk@missouri.edu), University of Missouri;
Voegtlin, David (dvoegtli@illinois.edu), Illinois Natural History Survey;
Wan Mamat, Wan 'Zaki' (wanzaki@huskers.unl.edu), University of Nebraska;
Way, Mo (moway@aesrg.tamu.edu), Texas A&M University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting began at 8:00am on Monday February 22, 2010. Davis started with brief introductions and presentation of the meeting agenda. The first topic for discussion involved the proper spending of the National Excellence in Multistate Research Award that was given to the group and must be spent by June 2011. Meyer commented on the importance of demonstrating impact and outcomes as a result of S1039 efforts and mentioned how well-received DiFonzos previous report was to stakeholders.

Bledsoe suggested that the group find people with expertise in topics related to our objectives. Meyer suggested bringing in someone capable of educating the group about ways to disseminate (eXtension, GoogleTalk, etc.) new technologies and findings related to our stakeholders. Hunt discussed his experience with a multistate NASS survey and thought this group could create a similar, nonbiased survey about S1039 impacts. Davis stressed that such data would need to be published and distributed to state commodity boards and suggested that part of the funds could be used to support the North Central Suction Trap Network, which Voegtlin respectfully declined. Davis also suggested that S1039 sponsor an ESA symposium highlighting different soybean pests by region that would involve students.

Hodgson suggested that the group submit pest management related articles to the new Journal of Integrated Pest Management, which is currently at $500 per article. Reed asked how the group could show additional impacts as it relates to new AFRI initiatives (sustainability, climate change, food security, etc.) while promoting IPM and improving current management recommendations. Voegtlin commented on the dramatic change in the soybean pest complex over the past 20 years and Meyer asked how the group could not only document such changes but make predictions about new invasive species targeting soybean. Ragsdale pointed to a Kogan and Turnipseed publication that predicted issues associate with soybean aphid in the US and asked if this group could generate similar information about other non-established pests.
Ragsdale also suggested using the Soybean Handbook (1994) as a template for updating publications on various soybean pests. Davis suggested submitting articles to JIPM to replace the Soybean Handbook, perhaps grouped by feeding niche, and thought the award money would be appropriate for fund such articles. Ragsdale agreed and would like to see part of the award applied towards publication costs and that state commodity dollars be pooled and used for regional projects. Hammond made a suggestion that members of the S1039 acknowledge this working group in future publications and Meyer agreed.

Buyung Hadi, a postdoc for Kelley Tilmon, made a brief presentation regarding the development of a wiki-based information guide about insects in the Northern Plains. This collaboration is with wiki.bugwood.org and will include videos, photos, and management recommendations on IPM.

Discussions resumed regarding JIPM articles to replace the current Soybean Handbook. Hammond volunteered to lead a committee to organize writing efforts and others volunteered to serve on the committee.

After a brief break, Davis began the state reports on various pests, which started with stink bugs. Davis discussed current efficacy research on stink bug control in Louisiana, which focused primarily on the control of redbanded stink bugs, a pest that is capable of causing up to 63% damage in soybean. Davis listed current insecticide recommendations for controlling stink bugs in Louisiana. Temple then discussed a coordinated survey of stink bugs in the state and concluded that redbanded stink bugs have become the predominant species regardless of soybean maturity and are quickly becoming tolerant of many insecticidal compounds. Tindall added that she found this species in Missouri for the first time in the fall of 2009 and posted a table of potential hosts for this species, which included includes 19 plant families, 36 genera, and 37 species; she will send table upon request. Cook continued the discussion on this species and presented a distribution map for Mississippi where redbanded exceeded current threshold along western edge of the state; in untreated control plots populations reached 45 bugs per 25 sweeps and some insecticides were no longer effective after 5-6 days. Musser discussed ongoing southern green stink bug research in Mississippi.

The group adjourned for lunch at 12:00 pm and reconvened at 1:15pm. Meyer led the afternoon session with recent changes to NIFA, which included the 5 new priority science areas. Specifically, five focus areas in regards to entomology include: 1) sustainable energy: damage thresholds, spillover from pests in biomass crops, changes in pest complex, biological control, impacts on biodiversity; 2) climate change: changes in relative abundance, geographic range, changes in crops grown; 3) global food security and hunger: acceptable pest levels, pesticide use and regulation, new invasive species threats, new pest detection and predictions; 4) food safety: changes in packaging, food storage, and food handling; and 5) childhood obesity: food quality differences, organic versus conventional food, arthropods as food.

Boethel, the S1039 Administrative Adviser, discussed the importance of formula funds to successful research programs. Extension and education funding will continue and he stressed the need to include such areas in future proposals. Boethel mentioned the increase in AFRI funding (i.e., > 60%), which translates into more money for agricultural research, organic and sustainable food production as well as extension and education programs.

Discussions resumed around the National Excellence award and a suggestion was made to invite a behavioral psychologist specializing in grower behaviors or decision making to next years annual meeting. Motion was made to use working group funds to publish JIPM articles to replace outdated Soybean Pest Handbook and invite a speaker for the 2011 meeting. Motion was passed; McCornack and new secretary will confirm speaker. Motion was made to establish a committee to coordinate JIPM articles with Hammond as chair and Davis and Tindall as committee members. Motion was passed.

Hoelmer began second session on pest state reports by discussing current research on brown marmorated stink bug. Economically damaging populations were observed in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware and is becoming the dominant species in pheromone traps. Research group is currently exploring potential biological control agents from China; native parasites have not been identified.

McPherson reported on the discovery of bean plataspid (Megacopta cribraria) in Georgia in late October 2009; thousands were found on buildings as well as on kudzu in the fall. Musser discussed results from simulated defoliation studies on corn earworm damage to soybean as well as research on threecornered alfalfa hopper. Reed demonstrated a 10% girdling in untreated plots. Hodgson presented an overwintering mortality prediction map for bean leaf beetle in Iowa, which ranged from 82-99%. Tindall wrapped up the pest reports with current research on Dectes stem borer. Soybean lodging was evident in Missouri with some fields experiencing 50% infestation and 20% lodging.

Meeting was adjourned for the day.

General meeting resumed at 8:15 am on February 23, 2010. Nominations were made for secretary. Hodgson was suggested and no other names were put forth. Motion to cease nominations was made and seconded. Hodgson will be secretary and McCornack will be chair for the 2011 meeting. Nominations were made for Mo Way to chair local arrangements. Meeting will be at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, TX in late February. Davis suggested the group invite industry to our next meeting. Hunt discussed how the NCCC46/205 group functions with regards to industry involvement. McCornack proposed a website (wiggio.com) that could be used to manage S1039 content as well as correspondence. Motion was made to use this online collaboration tools and invite will be sent to current members of S1039. Motion was passed and McCornack will administer the site.

Discussion resumed regarding the invited speaker for the next meeting. In general, S1039 members concluded that understanding how growers think and use information is imperative to IPM adoption and moves towards implementation. McCornack requested that members submit names for consideration.

State reports by pest resumed and McCornack presented current Dectes stem borer research in Kansas. Hammond discussed mealy bugs as an emerging pest in Ohio, especially in soybean fields that were once old alfalfa stands. Hammond commented on his trip to the Syngenta Global Forum on Cruiser Vigor. Group discussion lead to why we need an expert here to discuss the process by which stakeholders make management decisions. McCornack continued the discussion on minor soybean pests by presenting research on current control strategies for managing isopods in no-till soybean. Voegtlin reported on current Japanese beetle research in Illinois.

Ragsdale began state reports on soybean aphid research and discussed the massive fall migration experienced in many of the North Central states. He presented work on the adverse effects of fungicides used for plant health on natural enemy populations in soybean as well as bucthorn, the overwintering host for soybean aphid. Hodgson presented aphid species caught in suction trap network in general and insecticide efficacy trials from this past summer.

Group resumed discussion after lunch and Hunt continued the soybean aphid report for Nebraska. He discussed current work assessing late-season thresholds for R6 and later soybean. Prior to his discussion on soybean aphid host plant resistance work, Reese made an announcement about the Hemipteran Plant Symposium that will be held in 2011 in Brazil and briefly discussed his role on the organization committee. There will be a range of insects covered and will follow a basic science symposium format. Reese and his collaborators released K-1639-2, which is resistant to the Illinois but not Ohio biotype.

Voegtlin continued the discussion on the suction trap network and over 100,000 aphids were captured this past summer. He and Krupke traveled to known overwintering sites, found some eggs deposited, which was different from previous years. Voegltin thanked the group for their continued support of the trapping network and specifically to those that provided funding (8 states provided a total of ~$20K). He is also looking for other locations to monitor traps daily. Davis will put a trap in Louisiana.

Hesler summarized current host plant resistance research conducted by the South Dakota group. He also announced a new position that was opening, which would focus on soybean aphid biological control; he suggested contacting him for more details. Hoelmer presented ongoing research on classical biological control efforts for soybean aphid. In general, the pattern of species that prefer soybean aphid will select close hosts of soybean aphid well. Hoelmer discussed cluster of species that are acceptable and explained that host reservoirs in the field is species specific, but in general will be low for the two Aphelinus species identified.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.

Accomplishments

Insecticide treatment studies were conducted at multiple Auburn University research stations in 2009. Sampling of plants for main stem girdling damage showed untreated plots averaged 9.8% damage while both treatments with Cruiser were below 0.5% damage in Franklin County. Six soybean plant introductions, PI 657824, PI 657825, PI 657826, PI 657827, PI 657828, and PI 657829, which had moderate resistance to stink bug and lepidopteran resistance, were released by the Virginia Tech Ag Experiment Station in collaboration with the Georgia Ag Experiment Station. Small quantities of seeds may be obtained by contacting Katy Rainey at kmrainey@vt.edu. Twenty-eight transgenic lines of soybean expressing a synthetic cry 1A gene from Bacillus thuringiensis were examined for the suppression of naturally occurring population densities of lepidopteran pests and the resultant crop injury that they caused. Significant plant injury was observed in the non-Bt isogenic segregants and parental line (15-30% defoliation) compared to the Bt lines (0-1.5% defoliation). In Iowa, bioresidual studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of specific insecticides on soybean aphid populations using esfenvalerate, spirotetramat, imidacloprid, and a combination of spirotetramat and imidacloprid. Results indicate that the selective insecticides controlled soybean aphid populations at similar levels as the broadspectrum insecticides. However, bioresidual effects were not observed. A regional experiment was conducted to better understand the effects of soybean aphid injury in reduced row widths a split plot experiment was conducted measuring the soybean aphid exposure and soybean aphid injury responses in both wide row (76 cm) and narrow row (25 20 cm) systems. This experiment was conducted at multiple locations across Iowa and South Dakota during 2007, 2008, and 2009. This research is the first validation of the existing soybean aphid threshold in narrow row soybean production. We found that there was no difference soybean exposure to cumulative aphid days across the two row widths. Additionally, there was no difference in yield across the two row widths. In 2008 and 2009 researchers in Iowa determined the injury response of soybean to two sources of injury: assimilate removal in the form of cumulative aphid day exposure (soybean aphid), and leaf mass removal in the form of artificial leaflet defoliation. These stresses were applied in a five by five factorial design with all treatment experience one of five levels of cumulative aphid day exposure. In both 2008 and 2009, we did not observe a significant interaction between plant exposure to aphids and defoliation. However, when the model was restricted to aphid pressure lower than 60,000 cumulative aphid-days and defoliation levels below 60% the year by injury interactions were lost and overall yield was reduced by 4.5 percent per 10,000 CAD and 4.4 percent per 10 percent defoliation. Impact of landscape heterogeneity on soybean aphid natural enemy communities was examined using a study site located in and around the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NSWR) located in the southwest corner of Jasper County, Iowa. Natural enemies were positively correlated to greater soybean aphid populations. Study was conducted to determine the contribution of natural enemies to soybean fields from adjacent prairies in Iowa. Statistically, there is no trend in soybean aphids and natural enemies with increased distance from adjacent prairie. However, there is a difference in the natural enemy community between soybean and prairie. Research to infer movement patterns of soybean aphid on a regional scale based on trap captures was conducted. Statistical methods for future analyses were also generated. Density patterns were consistent with greater abundance of Rhamnus spp. in northern parts of the northcentral US, suggesting that more southern regions are infested by immigrants from the north. Researchers in Iowa are modeling interactions between overwintering temperatures and timing of first soybean aphid alate capture in the suction trap network. Regression analyses suggests in 2006 and 2008 that first alate catches were explained in part by low temperature events. Implications of low temperature mapping may improve our predictive ability to identify where A. glycines overwintering source populations occur. The benefit of insect biodiversity within agroecosystems is important for several ecological services. Ongoing research in Iowa focuses on the effect of perennial buffer strips on the natural enemy populations within crop systems at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. Abundance of three aphid predators (Syrphidae, Neuroptera, and Coccinellidae) indicate a tendency for the perennial strips to affect natural enemy populations that are adjacent in soybean. As part of greater effort by colleagues across the midwest, S1039 researchers from multiple institutions released Binodoxys communis in soybean fields and buckthorn stands. Preliminary results from these releases in Iowa suggest that B. communis populations did not increase on large (>100 aphids per plant) soybean aphid populations. A survey was established along a north-south transect in southern Illinois. Beetle larvae were sampled once every month from April to October and examined for parasites. As of this date some 3000 samples were examined for evidence of the presence of the winsome fly (Istocheta aldrichi [Diptera: Tachinidae]). None were found. On-farm experiments were conducted in Illinois to define the location trends (edge vs. interior) of Japanese beetle feeding in soybean fields, and link Japanese beetle abundance and leaf defoliation with a potential yield loss. Growers in Champaign, Hancock, Henderson, Kendall, McLean, Montgomery, Tazewell, and Vermilion counties participated in this study. Results to date suggest that beetle populations are significantly different on the interior versus the edge of the fields with a greater abundance of beetles along field edges. A regional project, which used a modification of the common experimental protocol used to develop the current ET/EILs, was used to develop ET/EILs appropriate for any RagI bearing variety. Several studies were conducted to develop soybean management options that could provide protection from the soybean stem borer, Dectes texanus LeConte in Kansas. In addition, over 100 sources for resistance to the new Ohio biotype of the soybean aphid were screened in Kansas. Seed treatment studies were conducted in multiple states to assess the efficacy in control against soybean aphid. In general, seed treatments did not reduce aphid incidence substantially in replicated plots. Field studies were conducted to assess the interaction between B. communis and Rag1 containing varieties in Minnesota. Parasitism by B. communis is compatible with the resistant variety of soybean, but no synergistic positive effect of resistance on parasitism was observed. A project was started by Mississippi researchers to evaluate defoliation thresholds during reproductive growth stages. Three growth stages (R3, R5, and R6) were evaluated at five levels of defoliation (0, 17, 33, 67, and 100%). Whole plant defoliations resulted in significant yield loss from 33, 67, and 100% defoliation at R3 and R5. Only extreme levels of defoliation (100%) at R6 significantly reduced yield. Resistance monitoring of the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) was conducted in 2009 in multiple states. Pyrethroid resistance remains low in Mississippi even though it is substantially higher in nearby Louisiana. Grasses are the major larval hosts of this insect, so the contribution of soybeans to population dynamics of corn earworm is likely minimal. Several trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of selected insecticide treatments against stink bugs infesting soybeans. At 7 days after treatment, all of the insecticide treatments, except Leverage 360 plus NIS, resulted in significantly fewer stink bugs compared to the non-treated control. In a separate study, plots treated with Endigo had significantly fewer stink bugs compared to plots treated with Diamond 7 days after treatment. In cooperation with the USDA breeder in Ohio (Dr. Rouf Mian), screening and various molecular-oriented studies were conducted with the soybean aphid. Development of breeding lines and near isogenic lines with the Rag2 gene for aphid resistance and other unnamed genes are in progress and molecular mapping of new genes for aphid resistance are underway. Investigated which resources and factors drive the egg-laying decisions of this key early-season predator of the soybean aphid. This research seeks information that will inform conservation and indirect augmentation strategies for Orius insidiosus. Direct effects of three soybean parentages, each represented by an Aphis glycines resistant and susceptible isoline on fitness and performance of two key predators (Orius insidiosus and Harmonia axyridis) were evaluated in the laboratory. Aphid resistance reduced the adult longevity of H. axyridis, but O. insidiosus was unaffected. Field trials were conducted to define economic injury levels (EIL) and economic thresholds (ET) for redbanded stink bug in soybean based on yield and quality: redbanded stink bug ET levels included 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 stink bugs per 25 sweeps. Yields were not significantly reduced in ET levels of 0, 1, 3, and 6 stink bugs per 25 sweeps (50 to 64 bu/A). However, yields were significantly reduced at 9 per 25 sweeps (28 bu/A) and at 12 per 25 sweeps (10 bu/A). Seed quality was significantly reduced in ET levels of 6, 9, and 12 stink bugs per 25 sweeps. Redbanded stink bug distribution and densities in soybean fields and surrounding landscapes across Louisiana were evaluated using small scale plots. Insecticide applications along field edges reduced field colonization by two weeks and reduced overall stink bug populations when soybeans had reached R6. Redbanded stink bug eggs were surveyed for parasitoids at three LSU AgCenter research stations (Iberia, Ben Hur, and Macon Ridge) and within four MGs (III, IV, V, and VI). Ben Hur had the highest number of egg masses parasitized (62%) and Macon Ridge had the least (24%). Scientists in Kansas developed a web-based decision support system for managing soybean aphid (www.soypod.info) using smartphone technology. SoyPod DSS (Decision Support System) is a free management tool that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Currently, growers and crop consultants have access to a simplified, binomial sequential sampling plan (i.e., Speed Scouting) for making and tracking treatment decisions using a cell phone. Missouri scientists recovered Languria mozardi larva, pupae and adults from soybean stems during stem dissections to detect Dectes texanus in Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee demonstrating that soybean is an acceptable host plant. This is the second native stem boring insect to adopt the introduced soybean as a larval host in the mid-southern United States.

Publications

Asplen, M. K., J. B. Whitfield, J. G. De Boer, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009. Is single-locus complementary sex determination the ancestral mechanism for hymenopteran haplodiploidy? Journal of Evolutionary Biology 22:1762-1769 Boerboom, C., Cullen, E., Esker, P., Flashinski, R., Jensen, B., and Renz, M. (2009). Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Publication A3646. Brosius, T. R. L. G. Higley, and T. E. Hunt. (in review). Biotic and Abiotic Influences on Within-Plant Distribution of Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines). J. Kansas Entomol. Chiozza, M.V., M.E. ONeal, G.C. MacIntosh, D.I. Chandrasena, N.A. Tinsley, S.R. Cianzio, A.C. Costamagna, E. Cullen, C.D. DiFonzo, B.D. Potter, D.W. Ragsdale, K. Steffey, K.J. Tilmon, and K.J. Koehler. 2010. Host plant resistance for soybean aphid management: a multi-environment study. Crop Sci. (Accepted Dec 09 pending minor revision due Jan 2010) Chiozza, M.V., ONeal, M.E., MacIntosh, G.C., Chandrasena, D. I., Tinsley, N.A., Cianzio, S.R., Costamagna, A.C., Cullen, E.M., DiFonzo, C.D., Potter, B.D., Ragsdale, D.W., Steffy, K., Tilmon, K.J., and Koehler, K.J. (20XX). Host-plant resistance for soybean aphid management: A multi-environment study. Crop Science (Accepted pending revision). Costamagna, A.C., McCornack, B. P., D. W. Ragsdale, and. D.A. Landis. 20XX. Development and Validation of Node-Based Sample Units for Estimating Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Densities in Field Cage Experiments. J. Econ. Entomol. (accepted) Cullen, E. (2009). Do insect thresholds change with high crop prices? pp. 140-146. In Proceedings of the 2009 Wisconsin Crop Management Conference University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Cullen, E. and Schramm, S. (2009). Two-Spotted Spider Mite Management in Soybean and Corn. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Publication A3890. Davis, Jeff A., Richter, Arthur R., Leonard, Billy R. 2009. "Efficacy of insecticide seed treatments on early season insect pests, 2008, Arthropod Management Tests 34, F56. Davis, Jeff A., Temple, Joshua, Leonard, Billy R. "Efficacy of foliar insecticides for control of stink bugs and threecornered alfalfa hopper, 2008, Arthropod Management Tests 34, F57. Desneux, N., P. Stary, C. J. Delebeque, T. D. Gariepy, R. J. Barta, K. A. Hoelmer, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009. Cryptic species of parasitoids attacking the soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Asia: Binodoxys communis (Gahan) and Binodoxys koreanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America 102:925-936. Desneux, N., R. J. Barta, C. J. Delebeque, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009a. Transient host paralysis as a means of reducing self-superparasitism in koinobiont endoparasitoids. Journal of Insect Physiology 55:321-327. Desneux, N., R. J. Barta, K. A. Hoelmer, K. R. Hopper, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009. Multifaceted determinants of host specificity in an aphid parasitoid. Oecologia 160:387-398. Dorrance, A.E., Cruz, C., Mills, D., Bender, R., Koenig, M., LaBarge, G., Leeds, R., Mangione, D., McCluer, G., Ruhl, S., Siegrist, H., Sundermeier, A., Sonnenberg, D., Yost, J., Watters, H., Wilson, G., and Hammond, R. B. 2010. Effect of Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide Applications on Soybean in Ohio. Plant Health Progress. doi:10.1094/PHP-2010-0122-01-RS Fothergill, K., C.B. Cross, K.V. Tindall, J.A. Wrather, G. Lorenz, C. Youmans. 200X. Occurrence of clover stem borer, Languria mozardi (Coleoptera: Languriidae), on soybeans, Glycine max: a new host record. Fla. Entomol. (in press). Gardiner, M. M., D. A. Landis, C. Gratton, C. D. Difonzo, M. E. O'Neal, J. Chacon, M. Wayo et al. 2009a. Landscape diversity enhances biological control of an introduced crop pest in the north-central USA. Ecological Applications 19:143-154. Gardiner, M. M., D. A. Landis, C. Gratton, N. Schmidt, M. E. O'Neal, U. G. Mueller, J. Chacon et al. 2009b. Landscape composition mediates coccinellid community structure. Diversity and Distributions 15:554-564. Gardiner, M.M., D.A. Landis, C. Gratton, N. Schmidt, M.E. ONeal, E. Mueller, J. Chacon, G.E. Heimpel, and C.D. DiFonzo. 2009. Landscape composition influences patterns of native and exotic lady beetle abundance. Diversity and Distributions. 15: 554564. Hammond, R. B. 2009. Foliage Treatments Against the Bean Leaf Beetle in Soybean, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009. 34: F59 Hammond, R. B. 2009. Seed Treatments in Soybean, 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 2009. 34: F60 Hesler, L.S. 2009. Soybean aphid abundance among contemporary soybean lines in a growth-chamber test, 2005. Arthropod Management Tests. 34:M2. Hesler, L.S. and K.E. Dashiell. 2009. Resistance to soybean aphid among soybean lines, growth-chamber tests, 2006 through 2008. Arthro. Mgmt. Tests 34:M3. Hesler, L.S. and S.D. Kindler. 2007. Abundance of rice root aphid among selected plan species and on plants grown with different soil-surface media. Great Lakes Entomol. 40:83-90 (published 2008, not previously listed). Hood, C. D., J. F. Smith and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against green stink bug and southern green stink bug in soybean (Test 2), 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F62. Johnson, K.D., M.E. ONeal, D.W. Ragsdale, C.D. DiFonzo, S.M. Swinton, P.M. Dixon, B.D. Potter, E.W.Hodgson, and A.C. Costamagna. 2009. Probability of economical management of soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in North America. J. Econ. Entomol. 102: 21012108. Kamminga, K.L, D. A. Herbert, Jr., T.P. Kuhar, and C. Brewster. 2009. Predicting black light trap catch and flight activity of Acrosternum hilare (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults. Environ. Entomol. 38: 1716-1723. Kamminga, K.L., D.A. Herbert, Jr., T.P. Kuhar, S. Malone, and A. Koppel. 2009. Efficacy of insecticides against Acrosternum hilare and Euschistus servus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Virginia and North Carolina. J. Entomol. Sci. 44: 1-10. Kamminga, K.L., D.A. Herbert, Jr., T.P. Kuhar, S. Malone, and H. Doughty. 2009. Toxicity, feeding preference and repellence associated with selected organic insecticides against Acrosternum hilare and Euschistus servus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 102: 1915-1921. Koch, K.A., B. D. Potter, and D. W. Ragsdale. 2010. Non-target Impacts of Soybean Rust Fungicides on the Fungal Entomopathogens of 1 Soybean Aphid. J. Invert. Pathology 103: 156-164. Koppel, A.L. and D.A. Herbert, Jr., T.P. Kuhar, and K.L. Kamminga. 2009. Survey of stink bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) egg parasitoids in wheat, soybean and vegetable crops in southeast Virginia. Environ. Entomol. 38: 375-379. Lundgren, J.G., K. A.G. Wyckhuys and N. Desneux. 2009. Population responses by Orius insidiosus to vegetational diversity. BioControl 54: 135-142. Lundgren, J.G., L.S. Hesler, K. Tilmon, K. Dashiell and R. Scott. 2009. Direct effects of soybean varietal selection and Aphis glycines-resistant soybeans on natural enemies. Arthropod-Plant Inte. 3:9-16. Magalhaes, L.C., T. E. Hunt, and B. D. Siegfried. 2009. Efficacy of Neonicotinoid seed treatments to reduce soybean aphid populations under field and controlled conditions in Nebraska. J. Econ. Entomol. 102: 187-195. McPherson, R.M. and T.C. MacRae. 2009. Assessing lepidopteran abundance and crop injury in soybean lines exhibiting a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis cry 1A gene. J. Entomol. Sci. 44: 120-131. McPherson, R.M. and T.C. MacRae. 2009. Evaluation of transgenic soybean exhibiting high expression of a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis cry 1A transgene for suppressing lepidopteran population densities and crop injury. J. Econ. Entomol. 102: 1640-1648. Michel A. P., W. Zhang, J.K. Jung, S. Kang, M. A. R. Mian. 2009. Population genetic structure of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Environmental Entomology. 38:1301-11 Michel A. P., W. Zhang, M. A. R. Mian. 2010. Genetic diversity and differentiation among laboratory and field populations of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Bulletin of Entomological Research (accepted). Michel, AP, Zhang, W, and Mian, MAR. 2010. Microsatellite Diversity and Genetic Differentiation Among Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Colonies. J. Econ. Entomology. (In press) Michel, AP, Zhang, W, Jung, JK, Kang, SK, and Mian, MAR. 2009. Cross-species amplification and polymorphism of microsatellite loci in soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Journal of Economic Entomology. 102:1389-92. Musser, F. R. S. D. Stewart and A. L. Catchot. 2009. 2008 soybean insect losses for Mississippi and Tennessee. Midsouth Entomologist 2:42-46. Musser, F. R., A. L. Catchot, B. K. Gibson and K. S. Knighten. Economic injury levels for southern green stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in maturing soybeans. Crop Protection (submitted) Ohnesorg, W., Johnson, K.D, and M.E. ONeal. 2009. Impact of reducedrisk insecticides on soybean aphid and associated natural enemies. J. Econ. Entomol. 102: 18161826. Pexton, J. J., G. E. Heimpel, L. E. M. Vet, J. Whitfield, and P. J. Ode. 2009. Competition and brood reduction: testing alternative models of clutch-size evolution in parasitoids. Behavioral Ecology 20:403-409. Pierson, L.M., T.M. Heng-Moss, T.E. Hunt, and J.C. Reese. Categorizing the Resistance of Soybean Genotypes to the Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae). J. Econ. Entomol. (in revision). Polsinellia, G. A., S. K. Singh, R. K. Mishra, R. Suranyi, D. W. Ragsdale, Y.P. Pang, S. Brimijoin. 20XX. Insect-Specific Irreversible Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase in Pests Including Bed Bugs, Wasps, Cockroaches, and Flour Beetles. Chemico-Biological Interactions (accepted Jan, 2010). Redinbaugh. M. G., J E. Molineros, J. Vacha, S. A. Berry, R. B. Hammond, L. V. Madden and A. E. Dorrance. 2010. Bean Pod Mottle Virus Movement in Insect Feeding Resistant Soybeans. Plant Dis. 94:265-270. Schmidt, N.P., M.E. ONeal, P.F. Anderson, D. Lagos, D. Voegtlin, W. Bailey, E. Cullen, C.D. DiFonzo, C. Gratton, D. Johnson, C.H. Krupke, B.P. McCornack, R.J. ONeil, D.W. Ragsdale, K.J. Tilmon, and Jeff Whitworth. 20XX. Soybean aphid migrations across the Midwest United States: A summary of the suction trap network. J. Insect Sci. (in preparation, draft manuscript in circulation for internal review). Seagraves, M.P. 2009. Lady beetle oviposition behavior in response to the trophic environment. Biol. Control 51: 313-322. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against green stink bug and southern green stink bug in soybean (Test 1), 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F64. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against southern green stink bug three cornered alfalfa hopper, bean leaf beetle and soybean loopers in soybean (Test 2), 2007. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F65. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against green stink bug and southern green stink bug in soybean (Test 3), 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F66. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against bean leaf beetle in soybean (Test 1), 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F67. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against bean leaf beetle in soybean (Test 2), 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F68. Smith, J. F. and A. L. Catchot 2009. Efficacy of foliar insecticides against bean leaf beetle in soybean (Test 3), 2008. Arthropod Management Tests 34: F69. Temple, Joshua, Leonard, Billy R., Davis, Jeff A., Fontenot, Kyle. 2009. "Insecticide Efficacy against Red Banded Stink Bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), a New Stink Bug Pest of Louisiana Soybean", Mid-South Entomologist 2:68-69 Tindall, K.V. and L.L. Buschman. 2010. Dectes texanus. In: APS Compendium of Soybean Diseases (in press). Tindall, K.V., S. Stewart, F. Musser, G. Lorenz, W. Bailey, J. House, R. Henry, D. Hastings, M. Wallace, and K. Fothergill. 2009. Distribution of Dectes texanus in Soybeans of Missouri, Western Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, USA J. Insect Sci. (in press)* Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2010. Control of redbanded stink bug with selected insecticides, 2009. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted). Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2010. Evaluation of selected insecticides for control of a complex of pests. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted). Wyckhuys, K. A. G., R. L. Koch, R. F. Kula, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009. Potential exposure of a classical biological control agent of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, on non-target aphids in North America. Biological Invasions 11:857-871. Yuan-Ping Pang, Fredrik Ekström, Gregory A. Polsinelli, Yang Gao, Sandeep Rana, Duy H. Hua, Björn Andersson, Per Ola Andersson, Lei Peng, Sanjay K. Singh, Rajesh K. Mishra, Kun Yan Zhu, Ann M. Fallon, David W. Ragsdale, Stephen Brimijoin. 2009. Selective and Irreversible Inhibitors of Mosquito Acetylcholinesterases for Controlling Malaria and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases. PLoS ONE 4 (2), e4349 (2009). Zhang, Y., K. M. Wu, K. A. G. Wyckhuys, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009. Trade offs between flight and fecundity in the soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Journal of Economic Entomology 102:133-138. Zhang, Y., K. Wu, K. A. G. Wyckhuys, and G. E. Heimpel. 2009. Effect of parasitism on flight behavior of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Biological Control 51: 475-479.

Impact Statements

S1039 scientists released numerous soybean plant introductions that possess moderate resistance to multiple soybean pests (soybean aphid, stink bugs, Mexican bean beetle) , which will provide genetic material for future crosses in the pursuit to release new insect resistant soybean cultivars. This increased resistance will help decrease pesticide usage, improve integrated pest management systems, and reduce inputs which will in turn increase the sustainability of soybean production.
S1039 scientists provided evidence for successful registration and labeling of several new insecticides. In addition, researchers are actively pursuing new products (foliar and seed-applied insecticides) with increased residual times and limited impacts on non-targets, which will lead to more effective and sustainable management of various soybean pests.
S1039 scientists detected a new invasive species (Megacopta cribraria) and documented the range expansion of established invasive pests (soybean aphid, redbanded stink bug, brown marmorated stink bug) in several parts of the US. Statewide Pest Alert Publications were distributed to educate stakeholders and other appropriate agencies and individuals.
Based on research conducted by S1039 researchers, an independent analysis of an economic threshold for soybean aphid was conducted by Feng Song and Scott Swinton, Dept. of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University demonstrated that soybean producers in the U.S. would save $1.3 Billion if they used our soybean aphid economic threshold over the next 15 years (purl.umn.edu/6117).

Date of Annual Report: 04/19/2011

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/21/2011 - 02/22/2011
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2010 - 09/01/2011

Participants

Brian McCornack, Kansas State University (2011 Chair)
Erin Hodgson, Iowa State University (2011 Secretary)
M.O. Way, Texas AgriLife Research (2011 Local Arrangements)

Jonathon Edelson, Oklahoma State University, S1039 Administrative Adviser
Rick Meyer, National Program Leader, USDA NIFA

Tom Hunt, University of Nebraska
Doug Johnson, University of Kentucky
Dominic Reisig, North Carolina State University
Chelsea Piitz, graduate student, University of Nebraska
Travis Prochaska, graduate student, University of Nebraska
Lia Marchi, graduate student, University of Nebraska
Jeff Davis, Louisana State University
Christian Krupke, Purdue University
Deirdre Prischmann-Voldseth, North Dakota State University
Kelley Tilmon, South Dakota State University
Andy Michel, Ohio State University
Fred Musser, Mississippi State University
Lucas Owen, graduate student, Mississippi State University
Ames Herbert, Tidewater Ag Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech
Wayne Bailey, University of Missouri
Wan Zaki Wan Mamat, University of Nebraska
Bob McPherson, University of Georgia
Chris DiFonzo, Michigan State University
Louis Hesler, USDA-ARS, Brookings, South Dakota
Clint Allen, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, Mississippi
Dave Voegtlin, Illinois Natural History Survey
Suhas Vyanhase, Texas A&M University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Monday, 21 February 2011

S1039 Administrative Advisor, Jonathan Edelson
-He reminded us to elect officers, confirm 2012 venue and date, complete annual meeting minutes, and update membership list. He is optimistic about an improved economy, and encouraged us to garner support from our state and national commodity groups to fund soybean insect research. He summarized federal budget concerns from the President/House regarding cuts for next fiscal year. Competitive programs (NIFA) versus line items programs (Hatch/Smith-Lever) funds is in debate. Special funding initiatives (e.g., pork) have already disappeared, so he is hoping line item funds remain intact. Hatch funds will be reduced in future budgets. Extension funding will take a severe budget cut. Federal dollars used for salaries have not been distributed yet.

National Program Leader, NIFA, Rick Meyer
-Rick provided a document (on wiggio) on the President's 2012 budget request. There is a decline in the tripartite land grant mission of research, teaching and extension, and there will be an increase of competitive funding to support research and extension. He encouraged us to visit the House/Senate website and review appropriations and watch hearings live. He suggested we visit the APLU website which provides current documents in NIFA and other funding agencies regarding federal dollars. Future RFA subject areas are determined by stakeholders, congress, administrative staff, President, NPL, and legal review. 4 March 2011 is the final date for consideration of stakeholder input. This is the last year he will be NPL for NIFA.

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Nominate 2012 Secretary and Local Arrangements Chair, and discuss 2012 Meeting Venue and Date

-Dave Voegtlin, appointed nomination committee member, opened nominations for the 2012 Secretary. He nominated Andy Michel for the position. Tom Hunt seconded the nomination. The group unanimously voted in approval forAndy in this position.

-Ames Herbert agreed to be the 2012 Local Arrangements Chair and suggested Williamsburg, Virginia for the 2012 venue. Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for 20-21 February.

JIPM updates

-S1039 offered to pay for 15 JIPM articles. Only 2 of 15 proposed articles have been submitted to JIPM. Brian McCornack asked that we acknowledge Dave Boetel in our articles. He suggested that we try to submit articles by March 2011.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: In Alabama, research activities included assessing effects on soybean yield with a complex of threecornered alfalfa hopper and grasshoppers. Pest numbers were significantly reduced in pyrethroid-treated plots and maintained in adjacent unsprayed plots. During the 5 sampling dates numbers of threecornered alfalfa hopper averaged 5 per 10 sweeps in the sprayed plots and 33 per ten sweeps in unsprayed plots. Across all sampling dates, grasshoppers averaged 5.5 per 10 sweeps in the sprayed plots and 9.1 per 10 sweeps in the unsprayed plots. In addition, five experiment station tests and two on-farm tests were conducted to assess the yield response of soybeans to insecticide seed treatments. There were no significant differences among treatments in any experiment station tests. Several other economic pests were evaluated for efficacy in soybean. All chemical treatments except Alias provided a significant reduction in soybean loopers. There was no significant difference in bean leaf beetles among chemical treatments. All chemical treatments had significantly fewer katydids than untreated plots on all sampling dates except Endigo. There were significantly more big eyed bugs and spiders in untreated plots. Studies were conducted to determine yield response of soybean to Dimilin and other insecticides. In Georgia, soybean aphid populations were low in sampled maturity groups. Harmonia axyridis was not commonly observed on soybean in Union County, Georgia. Soybean aphid is now established in north Georgia. Late season (20 September) Mexican bean beetle infestations of over 200 adults and larvae per 25 sweeps caused 75% defoliation in the RT6451N cultivar. Green stink bugs exceeded the economic threshold in maturity groups IV and V in September. In addition, six foliar insecticide treatments were examined for their efficacy in controlling stink bugs on soybean. At 3 and 7 DAT, Brigade, Prolex, Mustang Max, Karate, Endigo and Orthene had stink bug population densities significantly below the untreated control. Six registered soybean plant introductions that possess moderate resistance to stink bug and lepidopteran feeding have been developed through a cooperative Virginia Tech - UGA project and will provide genetic material for future crosses in the pursuit to release new insect resistant soybean cultivars. If developed, insect resistant soybean cultivars would require fewer insecticidal applications to manage stink bug and lepidopteran insect pests. the kudzu bug, were detected in 78 Georgia counties during the 2010 season, following an extensive state-wide survey for establishing distribution records for this invasive pest species. Several insecticide trials for kudzu bug were conducted in Georgia in 2010. Most products were efficacious seven days after treatment. In Iowa, we observed very few if any outbreaks of the soybean aphid across the state. Populations were well below the economic threshold. Several observations were made of lepidopteran pests attacking soybeans across the state. Although these were not wide-spread and intense, they were noticeable given the rarity of these events. These events outbreaks included armyworm and cutworms and widespread observations of green cloverworm. Current soybean aphid management recommendations were developed for conventional soybeans (7% linolenic acid). Foliar treatments of insecticides, fungicides, and fungicide-insecticide tank mixes were evaluated for impact on soybean aphid populations at three locations. Treatments containing an insecticide, whether alone or with a fungicide, exhibited a decrease in aphid populations as compared to the untreated control. No differences between the R1 and R3 treatment timings were observed, most likely due to the low aphid counts overall. The results suggest that optimal yield for soybean production does not require yearly, preventative application of pesticides. Rather the most consistent treatment was the application of an insecticide applied per an economic thresholds. Fungicides applied during the R3 growth stage did have higher yields than the untreated, but this result was not consistent across years. The extent to which growers respond to these data may affect millions of acres and save growers anywhere from $8-$25 per acre on input costs. We completed an efficacy evaluation for soybean aphid in 2010 to review new products and formulations. Controls plots at both locations were not significantly different in terms of aphid exposure or yield compared to all other treatments. Overall, there was a good knockdown of soybean aphid three days after application of foliar insecticides. We evaluated broad spectrum and selective insecticides for soybean aphid management. We observed that the selective insecticides and broad-spectrum insecticides significantly reduced the cumulative aphid days for both 2009 and 2010 when compared to the untreated control. The insecticides prevented yield loss in 2009, but there was no significant difference in yields for 2010. Another study included optimizing buffer strips for the conservation of beneficial insects. We evaluated soybean aphid host plant resistance in small plot research at four locations in Iowa. Although the economic threshold was never reached, foliar treatments were made in mid-August. Cumulative aphid days were significantly higher in susceptible, conventional treatments at three locations. We compared the development of soybean aphid on soybean lines with Rag1 alone (R1/S2), Rag2 alone (S1/R2), both genes combined (R1/R2), or neither gene (S1/S2). The results indicated that for the biotype used in our study, cultivars with R1/R2 would be expected to have less aphid development and less yield reduction than R1/S2 or S1/R2 lines. Walter Fehr is continuing to develop soybean cultivars that contain both resistant genes and are of an appropriate maturity group for production in Iowa. In Kansas, a web-based sampling tool, SoyPod DSS, was created to help make treatment decisions for soybean aphid. Four field-day demonstrations were made in Iowa. Audience members left with a positive experience of the technology along with a paper brochure (i.e., traditional communication). Growers and crop consultants have free access to a simplified, binomial sequential sampling plan (i.e., Speed Scouting) for making and tracking treatment decisions using a cell phone. We used a modification of the common experimental protocol used to develop the current ET/EILs appropriate for any RagI bearing variety. Based on a preliminary analysis of all combined data, the Rag1 line used in this study appears to tolerate moderately high aphid pressure or CAD levels far exceeding the EIL for susceptible varieties. In recent years, pillbugs and sowbugs have become a recurrent, early season problem throughout Reduced and no-till production soybean fields in south central Kansas. Seed treatments are inconsistent and planting date did not increase the efficacy of the rates tested. Foliar treatments of insecticides were evaluated for management of the Dectes stem borer in soybean. Fipronil was extremely effective and reduced entry nodes by 87 to 90%, tunneling by 88%, and survival of larvae by 93%. Niide reported soybean PI165673 to be a potential source of resistance to the stem borer because plants of this genotype had significantly fewer larvae than plants of susceptible cultivars. Resistance in PI165673 has potential to improve soybean yields in the Midwestern U.S. Research is in progress to determine the inheritance of resistance in PI165673, and to develop a genetic linkage map of the resistance gene(s). Identification of molecular markers linked to genes for resistance in PI165673 will allow breeding efforts to more rapidly and efficiently incorporate these traits into agronomically acceptable soybean varieties. In Kentucky, Dectes stem borer adults were monitored. This effort was specifically targeted at insuring that the timing adult presence, hence mating and egg lay, in Kentucky soybean is understood. Stink bugs and Western corn rootworm were also monitored along the northern border. No Western corn rootworm were detected, however, stink bugs were collected in all counties sampled. Species from the green and brown complexes were collected, but brown marmorated and bean plataspid were not. Two soybean aphid suction traps were also in operation, although few were collected in 2010. In Louisiana, research to characterize redbanded stink bug oviposition in soybean and estimate adult sex ratios in Louisiana soybean production was developed. During 2008 and 2009, over 2,000 redbanded stink bug adults were collected with a sex ratio of 1.2 females to 1 male. A high frequency (80%) of eggs found in the lower two-thirds of the plant canopy could reduce redbanded stink bug nymph exposure to insecticide sprays. The slightly higher female to male ratio ensures that females are available to selected males during mating. Surveys of stink bug pests were conducted across Louisiana soybean regions from 2008-2010. The predominant species in the complex were redbanded, southern green, green, and brown stink bugs. In 2009 and 2010, the first egg parasitoid survey of the redbanded stink bug in the U.S. was conducted. Data indicates that 30% of P. guildinii egg masses were parasitized. Approximately 90% of emerged egg parasitoids were Telenomous podisi (Ashmead). Results from large scale plots (10 acre) confirmed stink bug field colonization along field edges. Applications along field edges reduced field colonization by two weeks and reduced overall stink bug populations when soybeans had reached R6. Data indicates that redbanded thresholds will need to be lowered. Control of stink bugs was achieved (below economic threshold of 6 per 25 sweeps) while spraying only 25% of the acreage. This saved producers $22.50 per acre, reducing input insecticide costs by as much as 75%. Resistance to methoxyfenizide exists in Louisiana soybean looper populations, needing from 10X to 32X the amount of product to control 95% of the populations as compared to our reference colony. In addition, soybean looper and velvetbean caterpillar were evaluated for efficacy to foliar insecticides. All products significantly reduced defoliation below the action threshold. There were no differences in yield between the untreated control and insecticides. In Mississippi, studies were initiated to characterize insect-soybean interactions. The most damaging pests in 2010 were corn earworm, soybean looper, bean leaf beetle and stink bugs. Insecticidal seed treatments were used on about 70% of soybean acres and 75% of acreage was scouted. Research to determine the relationship between stink bugs and fungal pathogens was completed. Stink bug feeding increase the proportion of seeds with damage and damage seeds were more likely to be infected with fungal pathogens than clean seeds. A survey was conducted to determine the presence of Phomopsis longicolla in relation to stink bug damage. Stink bug-damaged seed were significantly more likely to be infected with fungal pathogens. Soybean defoliation thresholds were evaluated for vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Economic important for corn earworm damage was evaluated to redefine treatment thresholds. Studies were conducted to evaluate stand loss at R2, R3, and R5. Plant density reductions of >20% significantly reduced soybean yield. Numerous insecticide efficacy trials were conducted in 2010, with target pests including bean leaf beetle, soybean looper, velvetbean caterpillar, and green cloverworm. Several bean leaf beetle populations were test for pyrethroids resistance, with some having resistance ratios >40 compared to wild populations. There was minimal residual for protection against stink bugs three days after applications. In Nebraska, soybean aphids were not observed until well into July. Populations remained low and studies requiring significant population increase were a bust. Dectes stem borer remains to be an issue in soybean fields in south central Nebraska. This beetle has been moving into Nebraska from north central Kansas over the last several years, and economic injury is increasing. There were numerous reports of green cloverworm, yellow woolly bear caterpillar, yellow-striped armyworm, painted lady caterpillar, garden webworm, forage looper, alfalfa caterpillar, southern corn rootworm, grasshopper, 1st generation bean leaf beetle, and other defoliating insects in Nebraska soybean fields (particularly in the south). Reports of stink bug continue to increase throughout Nebraska, although economic damage is not usually severe; however, there were reports of brown stink bugs in the northeast and some were at/past the action threshold, possibly because of much reduced treatment of soybean aphids. Bright red/orange gall midges were found infesting soybeans in a localized area in northeast Nebraska (near Emerson, NE). The use of seed treatments (neonicotinoids) on soybeans is becoming more widespread in Nebraska. UNL extension does not recommend this practice except for a small percentage of early planted, temporally or spatially isolated soybeans. In addition, host plant resistance was evaluated for soybean aphid, and showed KS4202 to be tolerant to Biotype I soybean aphid. Differences in gas-exchange parameters between control and infested susceptible plants showed that soybean aphid feeding negatively impacts the carbon-linked/dark reactions, specifically the plants ability to regenerate RuBP. Resistant infested plants had similar photosynthetic rates to their control plants, suggesting photosynthetic compensation as a potential mechanism of resistance. Expression profiles from the subtracted cDNA libraries have identified unique defense-related transcripts up-regulated in resistant soybean in response to aphid feeding. Field studies on Rag1 EILs and Late season EILs did not develop significant aphid population, even with artificial infestation. BLB mortality is a good indicator of the effect of thiamethoxam seed treatments. Defoliation is significantly different between VE and VC stage soybeans. Reduced defoliation was observed at thiamethoxam concentrations that did not cause mortality suggesting a behavioral effect of thiamethoxam at lower concentrations. The number of eggs collected appears to be a response to thiamethoxam seed treatments, but variance in timing of collection, age, and reproductive status of BLB are factors that must be considered in interpreting the data. Butterbeans cultivar experienced more C. trifurcata population than Envy during second planting period. Plant-stages both within and between cultivars also showed differences in infestation levels. More beetles were seen during the vegetative stages than reproductive stages in both cultivars at both first and second planting dates. In Concord and Clay Center E. variolarius were found in almost every host plant. Infestation by A. hilare in soybean at Clay Center and Concord started in early September. Populations of predatory stink bug, P. maculiventris increased in late Sept. and early Oct. This species was found mainly on alfalfa. Soybean and corn were the primary crops that harbored E. variolarius and T. accerra. These 2 species also common in weeds. Over 6 species of stink bugs were found with 3 species having the potential to cause significant damage (E. variolarius , T. accerra and A. hilare). Overall, several species of stink bugs were detected, including Euschistus variolarius (Palisot de Beauvois), Thyanta accerra McAtee, Cosmopepla lintneriana Kirkaldy, Podisus maculiventris (Say), Acrosternum hilare (Say), and Holcostethus limbolarius (Stål). Overall, E. variolarius (76%) was the most abundant species followed by T. accerra (16%). The infestation of A. hilare on soybeans started in early September. However, the peak densities of other stink bugs were observed in August and September. In North Dakota, an aphidsusceptible variety and an adapted breeders isoline containing the Rag1 gene were compared. There were no significant differences among treatments. An aphidsusceptible soybean variety and aphidresistant isoline containing the Rag1 gene were evaluated in the laboratory for their effects on the development and growth rate of soybean aphid and their impact on fitness of the soybean aphid parasitoid, Binodoxys communis (Gahan). Soybean aphids reared on the aphidsusceptible soybean cultivar had significantly larger population and per capita growth rate compared to aphids reared on aphidresistant isoline. Adult parasitoids that attacked soybean aphids reared on the aphidsusceptible cultivar produced significantly more mummies, and as a result more adult compared to aphidresistant isoline. Although no difference was observed in terms of development time from mummy to adult parasitoid, the entire development time from attack to adult parasitoid emergence required a significantly longer time on the aphidresistant isoline. No differences were found in the sex ratio of emerged adult parasitoids between the aphidsusceptible cultivar and the aphidresistant isoline. Adult parasitoids that emerged from aphidsusceptible cultivar had significantly longer metatibiae compared to those from the aphidresistant isoline, whereas adult body length was not significant. Binodoxys were successfully released and there was evidence of reproduction in the field, but they did not appear to persist in our field plots. Overall, aphid densities were reduced in plots where Binodoxys were released. However, this effect was transient and was only significant for part of the season. Aphid densities rebounded and exceeded economic thresholds in all 4 treatments. Doubling the number of Binodoxys released did not result in further suppression of aphid densities. In Ohio, extremely low populations of soybean aphid were detected, as we had predicted. Various exotic lepidopteran pests of soybean were surveyed, including the summer fruit tortrix, silver-Y moth, golden twin-spot moth, old world bollworm, and Egyptian cotton leafworm. Numerous counties were included in this survey however none of the species were collected in Ohio. Seed treatments were tested for efficacy against seedcorn maggot in Wooster, OH. The main insecticide tested was NipsIt, a new product containing clothianidin. No yield losses were observed at either location. Foliar efficacy studies were done for foliage insect control. No yield differences were obtained. new breeding lines with two genes from PI 567301B were evaluated. Currently, we have maturity group II and III BC5 (backcross five) lines in the Wyandot background. Microsatellite and SNP markers within less than <2 cM (centimorgan) of both genes of the PI 567301B using a recombinant inbred line population of 400 lines have been mapped. We developed the first substantial molecular resource for soybean aphid using next generation sequencing technologies. Over 278 million bp were sequenced among two methods, resulting in 19,293 transcripts and 56,688 genomic sequences. From this data set, 635 SNPs and 1,382 microsatellite markers were identified. For each sequencing method, different soybean aphid biotypes were used which revealed potential biotype specific markers. South Dakota led a 2010 multistate study looking at the impact of seed treatments and host plant resistance on natural enemy recruitment against soybean aphid. Participating states were SD, ND, KS, MI, IN, WI, MN. Preliminary results from South Dakota are non-significant, due in part perhaps to exceptionally low aphid pressure. South Dakota also led a 2009 study looking at the interaction between host plant resistance and biological control. Results were analyzed in 2010. The main result of this study was that natural enemies have a proportionally greater impact on soybean aphids in susceptible soybeans than in resistant soybeans. We performed follow up monitoring on the classical biological control release program involving the soybean aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis. We surveyed 12 release locations (2009 releases) in eastern South Dakota. We did not recover B. communis at any of these locations. In Texas, five soybean varieties were evaluated for performance against stink bugs and lepidoptera. Across subplots, populations of stink bugs were not significantly different among varieties; however, yields and seed quality were. Jake produced the highest yield, 38.1 bu/A, which was significantly greater than the other varieties. Also, unprotected plots of Jake out- yielded protected plots of the other varieties. Across main plots, protected plots outyielded unprotected plots about 8 bu/A. In addition, seed quality of Jake was excellent, even in unprotected plots. Two experiments evaluating novel, foliar-applied insecticides for the array of insects attacking soybeans on the Texas Gulf Coast were conducted. Scorpion 35SL---active ingredient dinotefuran---at 7 fl oz/A provided good control of stink bugs (including redbanded stink bug) and threecornered alfalfa hopper, but did not control Lepidoptera defoliators. Leverage 360---active ingredients imidacloprid and beta-cyfluthrin---at 2.8 fl oz/A provided good control of stink bugs (primarily green stink bug and brown stink bugs), velvetbean caterpillar and threecornered alfalfa hopper. Belt 480SC---active ingredient flubendiamide---at 2 and 3 fl oz/A provided good control of velvetbean caterpillar, but not stink bugs or threecornered alfalfa hopper. Stink bugs continue to be problematic for Texas soybean growers. The identification of Jake as a possible adapted soybean variety for SE Texas is probably the most important soybean research accomplishment by the PI in 2010. In Virginia, field cage studies to evaluate impact of green and brown marmorated stink bug damage to soybean seed quality and yield. Yield factors (seed weight and total seed) were reduced as number of BMSB nymphs increased only when cages were initiated at R4. In 2010, results were more variable with the only significant reduction in a yield factor (seed weight) when BMSB nymphs were introduced at the R4 growth stage (Maryland). In addition, pyrethroid resistance levels for corn earworm were monitored in adult pheromone traps. A total of 2,619 moths were tested in 2010, with a mean survival of 29.8% in the cypermethrin-treated vials (some weeks were greater than 40%). These levels indicate a high risk of development of pyrethroid resistance. An on-farm insecticide efficacy trial was conducted to evaluate efficacy of foliar applied insecticides against stink bugs and corn earworm. Results showed that Belay, alone, did not provide adequate levels of control compared with Belay tank mixed with pyrethroids for stink bugs. pyrethroid insecticides, alone, provided the lowest levels of control with non-pyrethroids or pyrethroid/non-pyrethroid insecticide tank mixes or combinations providing the highest levels of control for corn earworm. Two field trials were established to assess efficacy and yield with insecticidal seed treatments on early season insect pests. Results showed that the predominant thrips species were Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips) and F. variabilis (soybean thrips). In general, the insecticide seed treatments were effective in reducing the numbers of thrips and their feeding injury, but yields were not significantly affected.

Publications

None to report

Impact Statements

1. S1039 scientists continue to evaluate insecticide performance against soybean pests, including lepidopteran caterpillars, stink bugs, bean leaf beetle, threecornered alfalfa hopper and soybean aphid. These summary reports of efficacy and yield response are available through individual state extension programs.
2. Several participating S1039 states improved sampling recommendations and treatment thresholds for stink bugs. In particular, Louisiana and Virginia encouraged timely border treatments to reduce overall production costs and unnecessary exposure.
3. Insecticide resistance was monitored in several participating S1039 states in 2010. Pyrethroid-resistant populations of bean leaf beetle have been identified in Mississippi, and several corn earworm samples in Virginia. These and other economically important pests will continue to be evaluated for developing genetic resistance.
4. S1039 scientists updated the detection of a new invasive species (Megacopta cribraria) in Goergia, and documented the range expansion of established invasive pests (soybean aphid, redbanded stink bug, brown marmorated stink bug) in several parts of the US. Statewide extension publications were distributed by mail and electronically to stakeholders and members of industry.

Date of Annual Report: 05/07/2012

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/20/2012 - 02/21/2012
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2010 - 09/01/2011

Participants

List of participants:
Erin Hodgson, President
Andy Michel, Secretary
Brian McCornack, Past-President
Galen Dively
Joanne Whalen
Matt ONeal
Chelsea Piits (student)
Rachel Suits (student)
Jessica Samler (student)
David Owens (student)
Jocelyn Smith
Cara McCreary
Alejandro Del Pozo (student)
Kathy Kamminga (postdoc)
Tom Hunt
Dominic Reisig
Ron Hammond
Chris DiFonzo
David Houlshouser
Jonathan Edelson, Administrative Advisor
Doug Johnson
Mike McCarville (student)
Kelley Tilmon
Louis Hesler
Fred Musser
Jeff Davis
David Voegtlin
Ames Herbert, Local Arrangements
Mo Way
Bruce Potter
Suhas Vyarh (student)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes:
Monday, 21 February, 2012
Project Re-Write, what topics to include
Discussion on Project Objectives
Tuesday, 22 February 2012
Nominate 2012 Secretary
-Tom Hunt nominated Dominic Resig to serve as secretary, Ron Hammond 2nd. Motion unanimously passed.
Project Re-write
-Members are instructed to upload text for project re-write on Wiggio Site.

12:00 Adjourn

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: In North Carolina, research and impacts were focused on 5 Objectives: Objective 1: To determine the incidence of Dectes stem borer in North Carolina soybean. (Impact: Treatment for Dectes stem borer is not recommended) Objective 2: To determine the presence of soybean varietal tolerance to lodging in the presence of lesser cornstalk borer. (Impact: Varietal tolerance is the only effective management tactic for lesser cornstalk borer in soybean) Objective 3: To evaluate the threshold for stink bugs in soybean. Objective 4: To create a flowering threshold for corn earworm in soybeans. (Impact: Based on a single trial, the threshold for R1-R2-stage beans can be increased. Before the threshold is moved, more data should be collected) Objective 5: To determine the efficacy of foliar pesticides against arthropod pests of soybean.(Impact: Although resistance has been detected in isolated areas, pyrethroids are still effective at managing corn earworm in most areas of North Carolina. Using a pyrethroid can save a grower, $5-8 per acre over more expensive alternative chemistries.) In Virginia, pyrethroid resistance monitoring indicated that 31% of corn earworm moths survived the adult vial test (averaged over the entire season), with 3,001 moths tested from Suffolk, VA. Field tests confirmed that standard rates of pyrethroids were not as effective in controlling corn earworm larvae as higher rates of pyrethroids, tank mixes with other chemistries, and non-pyrethroids. The field corn survey, which is used to predict corn earworm infestation levels in soybean, found a statewide average of 33% ears infested in mid-July. Approximately 64% of soybean acres were treated for this pest, with some fields receiving two insecticide applications. Corn earworm moth black light trap captures were continued in 2011. Timely pest status updates, black light trap reports, and recommendations were posted weekly on the Virginia Ag Pest Advisory. Three on-farm insecticide efficacy trials were established in Orange County to determine the impact of brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) in soybean. In general, results showed that most products worked moderately well to very well. A cage study was also conducted in 2011 to study the effect of BMSB feeding on soybean. Seed quality and yield data from this part of the objective will be completed in Spring 2012. Scouts sampled soybean fields in 42 counties throughout Virginia from August 2 to October 10, 2011, making 240 field visits. BMSB was first found on August 2 at growth stage R3 (beginning pod) soybean in Orange and Fauquier Counties in low numbers (less than 1 per 15 sweeps). There were 11 counties with BMSB densities > 3 per 15 sweeps; 9 counties where BMSB were detected, but with d 3 per 15 sweeps; and BMSB were not detected in 22 surveyed counties. The highest number of BMSB recorded was 15 per 15 sweeps. Soybean aphids were only found in Gloucester and Richmond Counties in low numbers. Two soybean seed treatment trials were conducted for thrips management. While insecticide-treated seed were effective in controlling thrips and their feeding injury, there were no significant yield effects. In Nebraska, efforts focused on 2 Objectives: 1. Characterize insect-soybean interactions and their impact on plant growth, grain quality, and yield. 2. Develop and validate tactics for management of key soybean insects. In general, soybean aphids not observed until mid-July. Populations increased and were present through late August. Treatment was warranted in numerous fields in northeast Nebraska. Japanese beetles were confirmed in Nebraska soybeans for the first time (1 field, Crete, NE). they have been in urban turf since at least 1994, but this is the 1st report of in Nebraska field crops. Dectes stem borer is an increasing issue in soybean fields in south central Nebraska. This beetle has been moving into Nebraska from north central Kansas over the last several years, and economic injury is increasing. There were reports of significant defoliation by silver-spotted skipper larvae in eastern Nebraska - another leps gone wild incident. This is the second year of significant defoliation by a lepidopteran sp. (although not as widespread as 2011). Reports of stink bug continue to increase throughout Nebraska, although economic damage is not usually severe. Meallybug samples were collected from soybean roots in central Nebraska and sent to Ron Hammond for ID. Bright red/orange gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) were again found infesting soybeans in eastern Nebraska (mid August). Gall midge larvae were observed just under the epidermis; predominantly at edges of injury (e.g. near phytophthora root and stem rot lesions, hail bruises). Images below were taken on 8/23/2010 (citation/source: Paula-Moraes, 2010). In Maryland, field studies to investigate BMSB population dynamics and feeding injury in selected wheat corn and soybean fields were conducted in 2011 at three UM research farms (Keedysville-Washington County, Beltsville and Upper Marlboro-Prince Georges County), where significant infestations were present. All fields were in close proximity with each other and close to woodlots. Whole fields or small plots were sampled weekly to assess population densities of BMSB adults, egg masses, and nymphs (recorded by size as small, medium, large). To monitor BMSB activity, pheromone and blacklight traps were operated at five research farms from May to late September and serviced either daily or three times weekly. Another study funded by a grain board grant was conducted to investigate the spatial dynamics of the BMSB within corn fields located on the USDA farm at Beltsville, MD. Preliminary findings by Dr. Hooks and his graduate student suggest that BSMB infestations were highest in corn fields adjacent to houses, followed by other crops or woods. Although numbers were highest at the field edge, they dropped off quickly as one moved away from the overwintering sources (Fig. 3). Numbers recorded at the edge averaged as high as 1.2 per plant but sharply declined to zero at 15 to 40 feet from the edge. In Mississippi, research focused on Objective 1. Characterize insect-soybean interactions. Confirmation that current defoliation thresholds during vegetative stages are more aggressive under optimal growing conditions than required. No evidence that defoliation up to V3 stage causes any impact on yield. Additionally, resistance monitoring of the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) was conducted during 2011 as in previous years. Pyrethroid resistance remained low in Mississippi even though it was substantially higher in nearby Louisiana. Grasses were the major larval hosts of this insect. Corn earworm was a substantial pest in soybeans during 2011 and may account for up to 50% of moths captured during August and September. Numerous insecticide efficacy trials were conducted during 2010. Insects targeted were bean leaf beetle, soybean looper, velvetbean caterpillar and green cloverworm. Data are posted at http://www.mississippi-crops.com/trial-data/. In Ohio, work focused on Sub-objective 1a. Establish or modify thresholds of important regional pests to account for maturity group, planting systems, plant age, and natural enemy populations. A soybean aphid year again occurred in Ohio as we had predicted. It was easy to find aphids throughout the summer in most fields in the state, beginning in late June and early July. However, the only economic outbreaks were in northern Ohio, mainly in counties adjacent to Lake Erie except for a few fields that are 2-3 counties south of that. In fields with even moderate populations, multi-colored Asian lady beetles became quite numerous. Sampling of buckthorn in the fall indicated no aphid colonies nor eggs in most of the known buckthorn with the single exception of moderate populations of aphids and then eggs on the OSU campus. Again, Ohio followed the typical 2-year cycle of low-high years, and based on the lack of aphids or eggs on the majority of buckthorn throughout the state, we think it is evidence of low soybean aphid densities in 2012. As part of a funded, multi-state study on the trochanter mealybug with Ohio as the leading state, surveys were conducted around the state for the presence of the trochanter mealybug. Of over 100 fields sampled, only a single field was found with a single mealybug; upon identification, it was determined that is was a clover root mealybug rather than the trochanter mealybug. Seven states or Canadian provinces sent in specimens from there states. In two of those samples, the specimens were a type of root aphid rather than being mealybugs. Only two locations, PA and NE, sent in adults of the correct genus, Pseudococcus. However, they have yet to be identified to species, although we are assuming they are sorghiellus, or the trochanter mealybug. Three other locations (NY, PA, and OH) were identified as another species, Chnaurococcus trifolii, the clover root mealybug. The other two locations (Quebec and IL) sent in immatures which are impossible to correctly identify. Although surveying work will continue in 2012, early indications are that the trochanter mealybug probably occurs throughout all soybean growing regions, but obviously, is not very common, and thus, not a threat. Indeed, other mealybug species perhaps are just as common, along with root aphids Sampling was done on an informal basis for the presence of the brown marmorated stink bug on soybean in Ohio. Only a single area, more of a plot, was found with brown marmorated stink bug, and that was on the Waterman Research and Teaching Farm on the Ohio State University campus. Two late planted areas had the stink bug, with relatively high numbers in one of them. Sampling pods at harvest maturity and examining the seed indicated about 30% of the seeds were shriveled, an amount that would have been considered an economic loss if in a growers field. Sampling will continue again in 2012, and small plot work will be attempted at the Waterman farm to examine yield loss relationships. In Illinois, suction trap counts of soybean aphid in the fall of 2010 were the lowest ever recorded in Illinois and throughout the Midwest. From this one would expect 2011 populations to be relatively low, developing later in the summer and this was observed. What was surprising was having populations over economic threshold east of the Illinois River, north of Peoria in midsummer. The closest trap to this area is at Metamora and this trap caught 110 soybean aphids during the second week of August. This exceeded the number caught in all of the rest of the Illinois traps in July and August. The combination of relatively early summer colonization and the localized nature of these high populations suggests that there was overwintering in the region. By late summer the soybean aphid could be found throughout Illinois in low numbers. The fall flight was low compared to some years and fall migrants were collected in all of the Illinois traps. Surprisingly, local buckthorn had high populations of aphids in late September. It was possible to find gynoparae and nymphs on almost every randomly sampled twig. By early October these buckthorns were clean with no evidence as to what might have happened. The very hot and dry August was not conducive to fungal outbreaks that decimated high populations on buckthorn in 2009. There was however an abundance of Orius and they may have been responsible for the removal of the aphids on buckthorn. A late October survey found only rare aphids on buckthorn (In Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and N. W. Ohio) with the exception of the Quad Cities area. A December sampling found scattered eggs at many locations in N. Illinois. In Iowa, the 2011 growing season was challenged by insect pests within Iowa, mostly by soybean aphids that exceeded the ET for the northern 1/3 of the state. Reports of Japanese beetles infesting soybeans continue to increase throughout the state with the number of counties reporting the occurrence of this invasive pest up to 56. During the spring, the brown marmorated stink bug was discovered in Iowa. However this was limited to shipments of materials delivered to the state in March. Despite a survey conducted throughout the state in research farms and by home owners, no additional brown marmorated stink bugs were discovered in Iowa during 2011. In Iowa our research has been focused on three areas; studying the occurrence of aphids and the viruses they may transmit, management of the soybean aphid through host plant resistance and cover-crops, and the improvement of the natural enemy community that attacks insect pests in soybeans through conservation. We continue to conduct an annual evaluation of insecticides for their efficacy against soybean aphids. Aphid resistant soybeans were included in that evaluation. In addition to meeting with farmers and agribusiness and publishing articles in our Integrated Crop Management Newsletter, Dr. Hodgson and ONeal produced a series of podcasts that provided weekly updates on the status of insect pests in soybeans from June to September. All of these outreach activities can be found at www.soybeanaphid.info. In Kentucky, the 2011 soybean production season marked the second year of a planned three year survey of stink bugs in Kentucky grown soybeans. During the third week in July, 2011, three sample sites per county were established in fifteen Kentucky counties. This represents a net increase of five counties from 2010. We gained two counties each in far western and far eastern Kentucky. However, we lost one county by retirement of the agent. The added counties were chosen because of their location in the area most likely to see the entry of redbanded stink bug (west) and brown marmorated stink bug (east). It appears that we have been successful in this survey to both obtain a data set that illustrates the historic status of stink bugs in Kentucky grown soybeans and the beginning of an invasion of non-native pests. We plan to conduct this survey one more year and then to compute a series of descriptive statistics which may be used for comparison. We envision conducting a similar survey sometime in the future as the invasive species become more common. In Texas, RBSB research clearly showed the value of managing this exotic soybean insect pest. As estimated in the above host plant resistance study, the economic advantage of controlling RBSB could approach over $100/A. Soybeans are grown on approximately 100,000 A on the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas where RBSB is problematic. Thus, the economic value of managing this insect in this area of Texas could approach $10 million annually. Research also showed soybeans in the R4 stage of growth are most susceptible to RBSB damage. This information will help soybean farmers better time insecticidal treatments for RBSB. Suhas Vyavhare, PhD graduate student, will continue to investigate RBSB biology, damage potential and management. The Texas Soybean Board and United Soybean Board are helping fund this important research which reflects clientele concern. We are very appreciative of support from these commodity groups.

Publications

Publications: Michel, A.P., O. Mittapalli, M. A. R. Mian. 2011. Evolution of Soybean Aphid Biotypes: Understanding and Managing Virulence to Host-Plant Resistance. In Soybean. Edited by Katarina Lovrecic. Vienna, Austria: Intech. Jun, T.-H., A. P. Michel and M. A. R. Mian. 2011. Genetic mapping revealed two loci for soybean aphid resistance in PI 567301B. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. In press. Jun, T-H., A. P. Michel, and M. A. R. Mian. 2011. Development of soybean aphid genomic SSR markers using next generation sequencing. Genome. Vol. 54. : 360-367. Mittapalli, O., L. Rivera-Vega, B. Bhandary, M. A. Bautista, P. Mamidala, A. P. Michel, R. H. Shukle and M. A. R. Mian. 2011.Cloning and characterization of mariner-like elements in the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura. Bulletin of Entomological Research. Vol. May 12: 1-8. Molecluar Ecology Resources Consortium, Orantes, Lucia C. and A. P. Michel. 2011. Isolation and characterization of 24 SNP loci from the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura). Molecular Ecology Resources. Musser, F. R., A. L. Catchot, Jr., J. A. Davis, D. A. Herbert, Jr., B. R. Leonard, G. M. Lorenz, T. Reed, D. D. Reisig, and S. D. Stewart 2012. 2011 soybean insect losses in the southern U.S. Midsouth Entomologist (in press). Vyavhare, Suhas, M. O. Way and Raul Medina. 2011. Recent research on the redbanded stink bug: a pest of Texas soybeans. 23rd Annual Texas Plant Protection Conference. Bryan, TX. pp. 20-21. (abstract). Way, M. O., Mark Nunez and Becky Pearson. 2011. Reports of soybean research conducted in 2010 by the entomology project. Prepared for Texas Soybean Board. 37pp. Way, Mo and Suhas Vyavhare. 2011. Current issues in soybean insect management on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Texas Rice. Vol. XI. No. 6. pp. 3-6. Way, M. O., M. S. Nunez and R. A. Pearson. 2011. Evaluation of selected insecticides for control of insect pests in soybean, 2010. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol 36. F94. Way, M. O., R. A. Pearson and M. S. Nunez. 2011. Evaluation of selected insecticides for control of a complex of soybean insects, 2010. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 36. F93. Way, M. O. 2011. The role of graduate students at the Beaumont Center and the David R. Wintermann Rice Research Station at Eagle Lake. Texas Rice. Vol. XI. No. 8. pp. 1 and 6-10. Way, M. O., R. A. Pearson, M. S. Nunez, S. Vyavhare and R. Medina. Evaluation of Belt SC and Cobalt Advanced for soybean insect pest control, 2011. Arthropod Management Tests. (submitted).

Impact Statements

1. S1039 scientists continue to evaluate insecticide performance against soybean pests. Additional work has been focused on evaluation and development of host-plant resistance. These summary reports of efficacy and yield response are available through individual state extension programs.
2. Several participating S1039 states improved sampling recommendations and treatment thresholds for stink bugs. In particular, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia and Marlyland encouraged timely border treatments to reduce overall production costs and unnecessary exposure for red-banded stink bug and brown marmorated stink bug.
3. Insecticide resistance was monitored in several participating S1039 states in 2010. Pyrethroid-resistant populations of bean leaf beetle have been identified in Mississippi, and several corn earworm samples in Virginia.
4. S1039 scientists documented the range expansion of established invasive pests (soybean aphid, redbanded stink bug, brown marmorated stink bug, (Megacopta cribraria) in several parts of the US. Statewide extension publications were distributed by mail and electronically to stakeholders and members of industry.