Trap Catches Aug 09-Aug 16, 2024.
With 11 traps reporting, the average number of aphid vectors captured per trap across the region remained similar to last week. There were, however, some important differences; the average captures of small grain aphids was slightly below last weeks, while the numbers of soybean aphids increased, especially at two trap locations. Our PVY Vector counts and PVY Vector Risk Index values remain behind those of 2023, and we continue to see very similar levels as the 12-year average for number of vectors per trap and PVY Vector Risk Index. The top graph below is the current regional average PVY Vector data to 08/16/2024, the bottom graph is the average PVY Vector data from 2013-2023. The X-axis is the ISO week of the year, the graphs are arranged so the ISO weeks correspond.
Bottom line - The aphid populations were off to a slow start but we are now very close to the average 2012-2023 averages. The recent rains in some of our locations may slow aphid population growth but the 12-year average population declines don't occur until the end of the month.