Our research goal is to implement an importation biological control program which will provide North Central soybean producers with increased management options for the soybean aphid.

Project Objectives

The first multi-state experimental release of Binodoxys communis, a natural enemy of the soybean aphid, took place during the 2007 field season. Read more»

Determine the potential for establishment, safety, and compatibility of imported natural enemies of the soybean aphid.
Research is focused on the host-specificity and overwintering capabilities of Asian natural enemies, compatibility of Asian and U.S. natural enemies and insecticides, potential non-target impacts, and studies to estimate the host-ranges of natural enemies in Asia. The first experimental release of a natural enemy took place in the summer of 2007.

Educate growers of the potential of biological control to manage soybean aphid.
We are producing a series of educational materials to deliver this information through conferences, field days, and workshops. Our first step is to introduce growers and consultants to the basic methods of biological control, important groups of natural enemies, and outline the research objectives of the project. As research progress, we continue to increase the depth of knowledge presented, and provide research updates, and educational activities emphasize the importance of the introduced natural enemies for soybean aphid management.

Develop a region-wide release program to provide biological control options to soybean producers in the Midwest.
Our goal is to release one or more species of natural enemy that can establish in the Midwest, and protect soybean yields with minimal impact on non-target species. Towards that end, we propose to develop a multi-tiered program to evaluate the Asian natural enemies that "ramp-up" from small field cages to area-wide releases involving producers as active participants in the program.