Soybean Aphid

Overview

Soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) are tiny insects that feed on the sap of soybean plants, causing direct damage and potentially reducing yields. With the potential to stunt plant growth, hinder pod development and even cause crop death, soybean aphids can also transmit viral diseases, further weakening soybean plants and resulting in reduced yields.

(Image Credit: Daren Mueller, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org)

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How to Identify Soybean Aphids

To effectively manage soybean aphids, accurate identification is crucial. These pests are small, measuring only around 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length, and range in color from pale yellow to green. With a distinctive pear-shaped body, one key characteristic sets them apart from similar-looking insects: the presence of cornicles, small tube-like structures located on their hind end.

To spot soybean aphid presence in fields, look for signs such as:

  • Curled or distorted leaves

  • Honeydew, a sticky substance secreted by aphids)

  • Ants attracted to the honeydew

Closely examine the undersides of leaves, especially in the upper canopy, using a hand lens if necessary.

(Image Credit: Roger Schmidt, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bugwood.org)

Regions Typically Affected by Soybean Aphids

Soybean aphids are prevalent in soybean-growing regions of North America, particularly in the Midwest states such as Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. They have also been reported in parts of Canada, including Ontario and Manitoba.

(Image Credit: Daren Mueller, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org)

Timing of Soybean Aphid Infestations

Soybean aphids are active throughout the growing season, with peak populations occurring in mid to late summer. However, early-season infestations can also occur, particularly during warm springs.

How to Manage Soybean Aphids

Prioritize integrated pest management (IPM) principles and explore non-chemical control methods before resorting to chemical solutions. Beneficial insects, such as lady beetles and parasitic wasps, play a vital role in naturally controlling aphid populations. Preserving their populations reduces reliance on chemical interventions.

When infestations are severe, chemical control methods like insecticides can effectively manage soybean aphids. Our agronomists recommend using Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC** during planting.

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Disclaimer

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**RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE Due to acute toxicity. For retail sale to and use by certified applicators only – NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator.

Every product that labels SOYBEAN APHID as a weed, pest, or disease the product can be applied against is shown below. Click any product for label and more information.
Acceleron® I-425 Insecticide Seed TreatmentAcceleron® IX-409Acceleron® IX-409 Insecticide Seed TreatmentAcephate 90 PrillAcephate 90 Prill Select™Acephate 90 WDGAcephate 90 WSPAcephate 97 WDGAcephate 97UP®Annihilate™ LVAnnihilate™ LV InsecticideAnnihilate™ SPAnnihilate™ SP InsecticideAsana® XLAttendant® 600 FSAxcess™ Insecticide Seed TreatmentBatallion™ 10 WSPBatallion™ 2 ECBaythroid® XLBeleaf® 50 SG InsecticideBesiege® InsecticideBifen 2 AG GoldBifen 25% ECBifenture® 10DFBifenture® ECBolton™Bracket® 90 WDGBracket® 97Bracket® 97 (Soluble Insecticide)Bracket® 97 WDGButeo® startCarbine® 50 WGCavalry™ IIChlorpyrifos 4E AGChlorpyrifos 4E-AGCobalt® AdvancedCobalt® InsecticideConsero®Consero® (Gamma-cyhalothrin)CrossoverCrossover® ProCrusader 2MECrusader® 1ECDeclare® InsecticideDeclare® InsecticideDelta Gold®DoubleTake™Dyna-Shield® Imidacloprid 5Endigo® ZCEndigo® ZCXExirel® Insect Control (With Cyazypyr®)Fanfare® 2ECFanfare® ECFanfare® ESFastac® CS insecticideFastac™ EC insecticideFirestone™Frenzy VelozGaucho® 600 FlowableGCS Bifenthrin 2ECGovern® 4EGrizzly® TooGrizzly® Z InsecticideHatchet® InsecticideHero® EWHero® InsecticideKaiso® 24 WGKarate® with Zeon™ TechnologyKendo® 22.8 CSKendo™ InsecticideKilter®L - C InsecticideLambda TLambda-Cy AGLambda-Cy™ EC Insecticide-RUPLambdafos™ InsecticideLamcap® IILamcap™Lannate® LVLannate® LV InsecticideLannate® SPLannate® SPLanveer LV™Livid® 90 PrillLivid® 97 PrillLorsban® 75 WGLorsban® Advanced InsecticideLorsban®-4E InsecticideLumiderm®Macho® 480 STMacho® 600 STMinecto® ProMustang® InsecticideMustang® MaxxNitro Shield®Nitro Shield® IVNudrin® LVNudrin® SPNufarm Lambda-Cyhalothrin 1EC InsecticideNufos® 4E (RUP)Orthene® 97Paradigm®Paradigm® VCProaxis® InsecticideProaxis® InsecticideProaxis™Province® IIProvince™Ravage®Renestra™ InsecticideResonate™ 480 STResonate™ 600 STRespect® EC insecticideRespect® insecticideReveal® CARevize® Imida STRidgeback™S-FenvaloStarSeeker™ Insecticide with Isoclast™ ActiveSefina® Inscalis® insecticideSenator® 600 FSSerpent™ 1 ECSharda Imidacloprid 5SCSilencer®Silencer® VXN™SlugbugStallion® BrandSTartUP™ IMIDA Seed TreatmentSteed® InsecticideSultrus™Tailgunner™Tenkoz® Acephate 97Tide Acephate 90 WDGTombstone™Tombstone™ Helios®Transform® WGTriple Crown™ InsecticideVenerate® XCVulcan®Warhawk®Warhawk® ClearForm®Warrior II with Zeon Technology®Whirlwind®Willowood Bifenthrin 2ECWillowood Imidacloprid 4STWillowood Lambda 1ECWillowood Lambda-Cy 1ECWrath® InsecticideYuma® 4EZyrate®