Integrated Crop Management

Soybean aphid reproduction at summer temperatures

One of the more frequently asked questions about soybean aphids is how fast do they reproduce and how long do they live? Now we have an answer based on research from the University of Minnesota.

Winged soybean aphids can easily fly to nearby plants or other soybean fields..

Temperature effects on soybean aphid reproduction and survival have not been well understood until now. Minnesota entomologists determined the optimal temperature for soybean aphid growth and reproduction on soybean under controlled conditions. They conducted their experiments at constant temperatures of 68, 77, 86, and 95°F with a photoperiod of 16:8 (light:dark) hours.

Soybean aphid development is best between 77 and 86°F, with the optimal temperature estimated to be 82°F, at which time birth to first reproduction was predicted to be 4.5 days. At temperatures between 68 and 86°F, the pre-reproductive period takes five to seven days before aphids start giving birth to nymphs. Nymphs exposed to higher temperatures of 95°F did not complete development, never produced offspring, and all died within 11 days. The base threshold for soybean aphid development is 47.5°F; below this temperature no growth of the aphid occurs.

At temperatures between 68 and 86°F, a soybean aphid population can double in size every 1.5-1.9 days. Soybean aphids reared at the lower temperatures produced significantly more offspring and for a longer period than aphids at higher temperatures. In general, as temperatures increase, survivorship of aphids decreases. The soybean aphid is basically a "cool" weather insect and is not well adapted to "warmer" temperatures. This may explain why we have experienced more aphid problems in northeast Iowa than southwest Iowa.

These data represent aphid population growth potential in the absence of other factors and at constant temperatures. Under normal fluctuating temperatures, their population growth would be expected to be slightly different than what was observed in the laboratory. Also, aphid populations in the field may be impacted by plant stage, pathogens, predators, and parasitoid wasps. These factors can certainly help delay the population increase and give farmers and crop consultants more time to make management decisions. This research was recently published in the Journal of Economic Entomology by Brian McCornack, David Ragsdale, and Rob Venette from the University of Minnesota.

Temperature Days before

Nymphs born

per day1
Nymphs born

per female

doubling time (days)
Average life

expectancy (days)
Maximum life

expectancy (days)
68°F 7 6.5 75 1.9 22 36
77°F 5 9.5 73 1.5 15 31
86°F 5 3.5 23 1.9 12 24
95°F -- 0 0 -- 3 11

1at peak reproduction.

This article originally appeared on page 87 of the IC-492(15) -- July 12, 2004 issue.

Source URL: