Characterization of antibiosis and antixenosis to the soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in several soybean genotypes

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an introduced pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., in North America, and it can reduce yields by 50%. Since 2000, when A. glycines was first detected in the United States, studies of this insect and possible control methods have been initiated. Plant resistance to this aphid species is one important component of integrated control. Reproduction of A. glycines was compared on 240 soybean entries in a pesticide-free greenhouse. Eleven entries had fewer nymphs produced, compared with the susceptible checks, and these entries were used in follow-up experiments to assess antibiosis and antixenosis. Antibiosis was estimated in true no-choice tests, in which adults were confined individually in double-sided sticky cages stuck to the upper side of leaves. Antixenosis was assessed in choice tests, in which all entries were planted in a single pot. Adult aphids were placed in the center of the pot, and 24 h later the number of adults on each plant was counted. Of the 11 entries evaluated, nine showed a moderate antibiotic effect to A. glycines, and the other two entries (K1639 and Pioneer 95B97) showed not only a strong antibiotic effect but also exhibited antixenosis as a category of resistance to A. glycines. The resistant soybean entries found in this work are potential sources for A. glycines control.