Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Biological control of the soybean aphid in organic and sustainable soybean production systems

Project ID: 2003-E02

Abstract

Predatory insects and parasitoids can be used to suppress soybean aphid populations. This project explores the development of bio-based insect lures to enhance the efficacy of biological control of soybean aphids.

Key Question: Can strategies such as biological control be used to suppress the infestation of soybean aphids?

Findings: Yes, it can be used not only by organic soybean growers who currently lack efficient control methods, and also can be helpful for conventional growers to reduce the use of pesticide applications, which ultimately increases the yield.

Lead investigator: Junwei Zhu, ISU Entomology, et al

Year of grant completion: 2006

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Biocontrol and Integrated Pest Management, Organic production practices and comparisons