Integrating chemical and biological controls for management of soybean aphid

Abstract

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is predominately managed by foliar application of broad-spectrum insecticides. Though broad-spectrum insecticides can provide immediate therapeutic control of A. glycines, the insecticides can negatively impact natural enemies. Natural enemies of A. glycines are important for suppressing aphid population. However, natural enemies are not integrated with A. glycines management. Within this thesis, I examine the ability of a new selective insecticide to suppress A. glycines population and conserve natural enemies. I also develop a sampling plan that can estimate natural enemy populations with a desired level of precision. The results from these studies will provide information on how to better integrate natural enemies into current A. glycines management programs.