Some early-season clues suggest that soybean aphids may not be as troublesome in the upcoming growing season as they were in 2003, according to entomologists at University of Illinois Extension. The prediction is based on captures of aphids in suction traps and on the presence of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, the aphids' primary predator.

Studies are beginning to show that the number of aphids flying in the fall correlates to an outbreak in the spring. Tests show relatively few aphids were caught last fall. There were also large numbers of lady beetles in 2003, which could contribute to a slow start for the aphids this year.

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