I am sampling fields which are 10-15% infested with SBA.

Next we wait to see if there is an increase in % plants infested, as plants begin to touch and aphids move from plant to plant. If we start to see % infested plants come up to 50%-75%, that is another step towards an outbreak. The final step will be if then the number of aphids per infested plant increases. At this point, I am not panicking, simply watching for signs of an increase in the population. We typically know we are in an outbreak year by the first week of July. At this point, concentrate on untreated fields if you want to scout for aphids, and key in on ants (I’ve seen many ants tending aphids) and ladybugs (I’ve seen few of these) to help find colonies. For Cruiser treated field, fields planted 35-40 days ago will be losing protection and can get infested too.

SOURCE: MSU’s Dr. Chris Difonzo