Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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: 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: 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).