By Scout Nelson
For over two decades, insecticides have played a crucial role in combating soybean aphids, but recent regulatory roller coasters and emerging resistance issues underscore the need for a more nuanced approach.
The 2024 growing season sees the conditional return of chlorpyrifos, yet with its health concerns, experts like Dr. Bob Koch recommend strategic use rather than broad application.
The discovery of pyrethroid-resistant soybean aphid populations further complicates control efforts, suggesting a shift towards more effective and less harmful alternatives is necessary.
Koch's research highlights the efficacy of newer insecticides and the unreliability of pyrethroids due to resistance, advocating for a strategic, integrated approach to pest management.
This includes scouting and threshold-based applications, which have proven more economical and environmentally friendly compared to preemptive treatments.
The soybean gall midge emerges as a significant concern, with its resistance to traditional chemical controls demanding innovative management strategies.
Research points to potential in selecting resistant soybean varieties, cultural practices like hilling, and biological control through predators and parasitic wasps.
Also on the radar is the soybean tentiform leafminer, a new pest with specific control challenges. Early insecticide application shows promise, but the quest for resistant soybean varieties continues.
Sporadic pests like the green cloverworm and increasing sightings of Japanese beetles and bean leaf beetles remind farmers to remain careful across the pest spectrum.
Weather patterns, particularly drought conditions, can influence pest dynamics, favoring species like two-spotted spider mites and grasshoppers. With the conditional registration of chlorpyrifos, farmers have an additional tool against spider mites, though ongoing dry conditions could exacerbate grasshopper issues.
As the 2024 growing season approaches, the emphasis on diversified pest management strategies, from careful insecticide use to exploring biological controls, highlights the evolving landscape of soybean farming.
Engaging with these practices promises not only to tackle current pest challenges but also to pave the way for more resilient and sustainable soybean production in the face of changing agricultural dynamics.
Photo Credit -istock-ds70
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans