Soybean aphids strike central Iowa

Soybean aphids are making a very strong appearance in Story and Boone counties in central Iowa. It is not uncommon to find small areas across fields with thousands of aphids per plant. These areas often attract large numbers of lady beetles, flies, and ants. Leaves typically are dark because of sooty mold growing on the honeydew secreted by the aphids, and infested plants may be stunted compared with plants without aphids. Aphid populations may continue to build and fields should be scouted.