| July 2007 - Soybean Aphids Are Here!! |
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KEY THINGS TO
REMEMBER: Every field is different. Don't assume that fields beside each other have the same level of aphids, let alone fields that aren't close to each other. Check each field to decide on the need to spray. 
Don't spray a field until it reaches threshold levels. The threshold has a built in buffer to allow you time spray before you start to lose economic yield, so don't spray early just to keep the aphids below threshold level. The threshold for soybean aphid is "250 aphids per plant AND increasing numbers on 80% of plants in the field when the soybeans are from R1 to R5 stage" (starting to flower to full seed in top pods). Before and after this stage good threshold numbers have not been established, but generally you will need higher numbers to justify spraying. 
Use the proper product.
Matador is the product of choice on aphids. Cygon/Lagon may appear to give better control
initially and do have limited systemic activity and more residual than Matador
BUT there is a faster bounce-back of aphid populations from using Cygon/Lagon
resulting in a need to respray sooner.Use the product properly. Ideally Matador should be applied in temperatures less than 25C and shouldn't be applied at temperatures greater than 28C. At high temperatures the control level achieved drops rapidly. 
Use proper water volume and droplet size. Generally more water is better and a minimum
of 20 gal/ac is recommended. Aim for a
medium droplet size as these droplets will penetrate the canopy better. Conventional wisdom that you want a fog of
droplets for an insecticide has been proven wrong since these small droplets
either evaporate or blow away before they make it into the canopy.To discuss further with an FS PARTNERS associate, please contact us! Some useful links are: Ontario Soybean Growers Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Pride Seed |
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