–by Dr. Jeff Whitworth and Dr. Holly Schwarting
Soybean aphids were detected in north central Kansas on 21 August (see photo). These aphids have been observed every year since 2002, when they were first detected in Kansas, but have rarely reached populations that stressed plants. Double cropped fields just reaching reproductive stages could be most susceptible if these populations increase. Probably the easiest way to find soybean aphid colonies that are just starting is to look for ants on soybean plants (see photo). If you sweep net soybean canopies and find ants in your sweep net, this indicates there are aphids in the field. Ants are phenomenal at finding these aphids when they are just beginning to produce honeydew. Or, if you are scouting plants and see ants on the plants, again, that indicates that soybean aphids are nearby producing the honeydew that ants are interested in. For more information on the soybean aphid, please visit: http://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/soybeans/sba/
