Since the soybean aphid was first observed in Wisconsin during the 2000 growing season,
observations of commercial soybean fields have suggested a potential link between potassium
deficiency in soybeans and soybean aphid infestations. Subsequent to this, the same phenomenon
was also noted in Illinois and Michigan.
The goal of this study is to examine the possibility of plant selection by aphids, rate of growth
of aphid populations on plants with adequate potassium availability compared to plants deficient in
potassium, and the resulting impact on soybean yield.