Host plant resistance for soybean aphid is the newest management tool for yield protection. In 2010, a single gene expression, called Rag1, was commercially released in the north central region. Aphids feeding on Rag1 plants do not live as long or produce as many offspring compared to when they feed on susceptible plants. In small plot evaluations of the Rag1 gene, there is a dramatic decrease in the seasonal accumulation of soybean aphid compared to aphids developing on susceptible varieties.
While soybean aphid populations were very low across much of Iowa in 2012, it is difficult to predict what we’ll see in 2013. In the past, low soybean aphid populations in even years (i.e., 2004 and 2006) were followed by high populations in odd years (i.e., 2005 and 2007). There is no guarantee that this trend will continue into next year, but farmers should still consider soybean aphids a potential pest for 2013.
The Department of Entomology at Iowa State University recently updated the soybean aphid-resistant varieties for Iowa for the 2013 growing season. The publication lists currently available soybean seed with resistance to soybean aphid. The list is intended to assist farmers looking to adopt this new management tactic and possibly reduce their need for a foliar insecticide. The listing includes varieties in late maturity group 0 and maturity groups 1, 2 and 3.
The list contains 13 varieties from four companies. It is organized by company, with varietal information provided on the relative maturity, herbicide resistance, source of aphid resistance and resistance to other pests. Three items of interest to farmers will be:
The listing also contains Iowa State University’s recommendations for considering soybean aphid-resistant varieties. For more information on soybean aphid management, consult Soybean Aphid Management Field Guide 2nd edition. To see Iowa State University's annual evaluation of insecticide efficacy against soybean aphid, visit the soybean aphid website. This publication was funded in part by the Soybean Checkoff and the Iowa Soybean Association.
Michael McCarville is a Department of Entomology graduate student; he can be reached at 515-294-8663 or by e-mail at mikemcc@iastate.edu. Erin Hodgson is an assistant professor of entomology with extension and research responsibilities. She can be contacted by e-mail at ewh@iastate.edu or phone 515-294-2847. Matt O'Neal is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology with teaching and research responsibilities. He can be reached at oneal@iastate.edu or at 515-294-8622.