Speed Scouting Soybean Aphids

Speed Scouting Directions

  1. Select the first plant at random. If less than 40 aphids are on the entire plant, mark a minus [-] for that non-infested plant. If at least 40 aphids are on the plant (STOP COUNTING when you reach 40 - this is the speedy part), mark a plus [+] for that infested plant.
  2. Choose a direction at random and walk 30 rows or paces to the next plant.
  3. Repeat step #1 until 11 plants are sampled in different areas of the field.
  4. Make a decision using the total number of infested plants (total number of pluses)
  5. If you must 'continue sampling' (7 to 10 plants with a +), sample five more plants and use the new total number of plants (16) to make a decision.
  6. If no decision is reached, sample additional sets of five plants until 31 plants are sampled. Remember, always use the total number of plants to make a decision.
  7. If no decision can be made after sampling 31 plants, resample the same field in 3 to 4 days.
  8. A 'TREAT' decision must be confirmed a second time 3 to 4 days later. If confirmed, apply insecticide in 3 to 4 days.