Soybean aphids remain the key insect pest of soybeans. This pest can be managed using a variety of insecticides applied as foliar sprays when aphids are present. However, alternatives such as genetically resistant plants (containing the Rag 1 gene) insecticidal seed treatments (CruiserMaxx) may offer Indiana growers an opportunity to reduce or eliminate scouting and insecticide sprays, at least early in the season. Conversely, these options may be a poor choice for Indiana producers if they result in a reduction of natural enemies, those beneficial insects present in all soybean fields that can consume large numbers of soybean aphids.

In Indiana, a major early season natural enemy...