Efficacy of Foliar-Applied Sulfoxaflor for Control of Soybean Aphid and Impact on Lady Beetles, 2015

Soybean aphid (SA) continues to be an important pest of soybean in eastern North Dakota. Insecticide trials continue to examine the efficacy of broad spectrum compounds (primarily pyrethroids), however, new chemistries must also be tested, especially those that have the potential to reduce mortality of beneficial insects. The objectives of this trial were to test the efficacy of foliar-applied sulfoxaflor in controlling SA, and to measure the immediate impact of sulfoxaflor on adult lady beetle (LB) numbers. The trial was conducted at a cooperator’s field approximately five miles east of Moorhead, MN. Test plots were established on 2 Jun using a two-row vacuum precision planter equipped with GPS at a seeding rate of 150,000 live seeds per acre. Each plot was 10 ft wide (4 rows at 30-inch row spacing) × 25 feet long. Two “guard rows” were left between each plot to prevent spray overlap. Plots were arranged in a RCB design with four replications. Foliar insecticide applications were made on 11 Aug using a tractor-mounted CO2 sprayer with …