The Northern Great Plains Soybean IPM Forum was held in Fargo/Moorhead, ND-MN and Brookings, SD, on February 6 & 7, respectively. Sponsored by the North Central Soybean Research Program, the North Dakota Soybean Council and the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, the Forum provided attendees with the latest research results in soybean production.
The Forum was lead by an elite group of soybean specialists including:
Dr. Prakash Arelli, USDA-ARS, discussed the latest strategies for identifying new sources of genetic resistance to the soybean cyst nematode. He also discussed how these new genes are being incorporated into germplasm for use by commercial seed companies.
Dr. Brian Diers, University of Illinois, Urbana, discuss resistance breeding for the soybean aphid. Dr. Diers discussed the release of germplasm containing the Rag1 gene as a tool to combat yield loss from the soybean aphid. Some varieties with aphid resistance will be released for production next year.
Dr. Don Hershman, University of Kentucky, discussed the latest issues in Asian Soybean rust and rust research.
Dr. David Ragsdale, University of Minnesota, summarized his current research findings on soybean aphid management and biological control. The economic threshold holds true even when soybean prices are high. The economic injury level (1,000 aphids/plant) may be lower but the economic threshold holds true.
Dr. Ian MacRae, University of Minnesota, outlined his findings on management pitfalls on soybean insect pests. He reported that premature use of fungicides can cause severe flashes of spider mites and soybean aphid.
Dr. Burlin Nelson, North Dakota State University, discussed Phytophthora root rot and management.
Dr. Frank Forcella, USDA-ARS, discussed glyphosate use and weed management.
Dr. Ken Ostlie, University of Minnesota, discussed spider mites and bean leaf beetles in soybean production.
Dr Greg Tylka discussed SCN management
Dr. Matthew O’Neal discussed biological control of aphids using parasitoid insects like Binodoxys communis
The forum was an excellent way for the Plant Health Initiative to provide this information to CCAs and soybean producers.
