In a recent Twitter poll, 48% of respondents voted soybean aphids as the most concerning soybean insect this season.

In another Twitter poll, 55% of respondents said soybean aphids are the biggest yield robbers.

These concerns are warranted: Purdue University estimates that damage from soybean aphids can cause 10-15% yield loss each season.

The North Dakota State University Extension said soybean aphids have reached economic thresholds in Grand Forks and Walsh counties in North Dakota. Although soybean aphid populations are still below threshold in many other regions of the state, the university states the aphids are slowly increasing in numbers.

Recently, the University of Minnesota Extension reported soybean aphids are being found in most fields throughout the state, and populations have reached economic threshold in some fields in northwest Minnesota. Many of these fields have required insecticide applications to protect soybean yields.

When scouting for soybean aphids through the end of August, look for:

• 1/16“ in size
• Yellow bodies
• Black cornicles
• Often found under soybean leaves

If soybean aphids reach thresholds in your region, we recommend using Endigo^® ZC insecticide, which contains two active ingredients and provides quick knockdown and extended residual control of key foliar pest populations, including soybean aphids.

Using an insecticide treatment when soybean aphids reach the economic threshold is an essential part of maximizing yield potential.

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