New varieties of soy aphid could threaten crops

A couple of University of Illinois plant researchers said new varieties of the miniscule green insects --Biotype 2 and Biotype 3 -- could present a significant threat to soy crops.

Current plant varieties resist Biotype 1 aphids, but crop sciences and plant pathologist Glen Hartman and research specialist Curt Hill said that Biotype 2, which showed up in 2006, and Biotype 3, found recently in Indiana, both appear to have developed resistance genes of their own.

Hartman said it is in the genetic background of the minuscule green insect to find a way to overcome plant resistance.

He said aphids are thought to have entered the US from China in 2000, adding it is difficult to determine exactly how they entered.

Aphids have spread to more than 20 states, and can significantly reduce soy yields if not caught early. Although aphids can be controlled with insecticides, it adds to planting expenses for farmers, Hartman said.