update

Erin and Matt report on observations on aphid populations around Iowa from the week of August 3-7.  We discuss the continued production of winged aphids, their capture in the suction trap network (visit it at https://suctiontrapnetwork.org/about/), and the changing appearance of aphids in the field (winged, wingless and white dwarves).  If you have questions, please post them at www.soybeanaphid.info.

For the week of July 27, 2009, Drs. Erin Hodgson and Matt O'Neal review reports and data on soybean aphid populations from Iowa and the midwest. Although large populations can be found, many growers are reporting low populations with less than 50% of the plants infested with aphids. Also, Erin discusses reports of soybean defoliation by insect pests that are not aphids.

In this edition, Dr. Erin Hodgson is introduced. She is the new assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at ISU with extension and research responsibilities focused on corn and soybean production. Dr. Hodgson's Ph.D. was spent studying the soybean aphid and how best to scout for it. She describes some of the work she is doing this summer, helping growers manage insect pests in soybean fields.