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Factor in resistance when managing insects

The director of research for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association says farmers need to factor in resistance when managing insects.

David Kee tells Brownfield soybean aphids are becoming more difficult to control.

“Last year we had a problem with resistance to pyrethroids, specifically Warrior, developing across the state.  So be aware, there is resistance with soybean aphids.”

He says rotating chemistries is essential.

“And we have some good news.  One is we’re going to have Lorsban again for several more years.  Two, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture approved the Section 18 emergency exemption for the use of sulfoxaflor, otherwise known as Transform, on soybeans.  So that would give us another insecticide to use on aphid control.”

The EPA cancelled sulfoxaflor in 2015 amid concerns the insecticide was potentially harmful to pollinators.

It then received new registration last fall under EPA terms including wind speed restrictions and down-wind buffers.