Methods:
Experimental plots will be established in two locations in southern Minnesota where soybean aphid and Japanese beetle are likely to occur. We will use a randomized complete block design to test the effects of soybean aphids and Japanese beetle on soybean yield and spectral reflectance of the soybean canopy. Experiments will comprise 4-6 replications of up to 4 treatments (1. no pests, 2. soybean aphid infestation, 3. Japanese beetle infestation, and 4. combined infestation of both pests). Insect populations will be manipulated through use of cages over plants and/or insecticides. On a regular basis, data on soybean aphid abundance will be collected through counts of aphids on plants and data on feeding by Japanese beetle will be collected through estimates of defoliation. Yield data for each plot will be collected at the end of the season. Ground-based hyperspectral data will also be collected on a regular basis throughout the growing season. Regression and ANOVA analyses will be performed to determine the effects of soybean aphid, Japanese beetle and their interaction on soybean yield, quality and canopy hyperspectral reflectance.