Soybean Aphids are the focus of Crop Adviser Institute CEU course.

The Iowa State University Crop Adviser Institute (CAI) has recently completed a new interactive course module on CD-ROM, entitled Soybean Aphid, authored by ISU Extension soybean specialist Palle Pedersen, ISU Extension entomologist Marlin E. Rice, ISU Extension crop specialists Brian Lang and Todd Vagts, and Brent Brueland of the ISU Agronomy Department. This module describes the soybean pest Aphis glycines and provides details on the insects life cycle; identification; potential for damage; current geographical distribution; and management.

(PRWEB) June 19, 2004 -- The Iowa State University Crop Adviser Institute (CAI) has produced an interactive course module on CD-ROM, entitled Soybean Aphid. This course was authored by ISU Extension soybean specialist Palle Pedersen, ISU Extension entomologist Marlin E. Rice, ISU Extension crop specialists Brian Lang and Todd Vagts, and agronomist Brent Brueland of the ISU Agronomy Department. This module describes the soybean pest Aphis glycines and provides details on the insects life cycle; identification; potential for damage; current geographical distribution; and management.

The course CD contains many high-quality photographs,video microscopy of live aphids, graphics of latest research results, and interactive segments designed to enhance the learning experience.

Soybean aphids were first noticed in the Midwestern soybean producing region during the 2000 growing season. Since the initial discovery they have spread throughout the Midwest and severe infestations occurred during 2003. Yield losses may be severe if the pest is not controlled in a timely fashion. Soybean aphids have already been observed at economically damaging levels in SE Iowa as of early June, 2004.

This course module was developed as a continuing education tool for Certified Crop Advisers and other ag professionals and producers and contains an examination that may be completed for continuing education unit (CEU) credit with the American Society of Agronomy. A complete list of 22 available course modules is available on the CAI website: www.cai.iastate.edu. Courses are available for purchase on-line 24 hours a day by using a secure credit card entry, or by check.

The Crop Adviser Institute (www.cai.iastate.edu) is a partnership between departments within the ISU College of Agriculture, and ISU Extension. If you would like more information on the CAI, please contact us at (515) 294-7546 or e-mail cai@iastate.edu.

Palle Pedersen is an assistant professor of agronomy, Marlin E. Rice is a professor of entomology, Brian Lang and Todd Vagts are area extension crop specialists in Iowa, and Brent Brueland is an agronomist and the program coordinator for the ISU Crop Adviser Institute.