 One of the most common insect pests when it comes to pulse crops in North Dakota has to be that of the PAFID. PAFIDS have the ability to inflict damage in a pretty short period of time, really for two reasons. One, their ability to reproduce fairly quickly. In temperatures of about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, 80% relative humidity, they can go through a doubling sequence in about a week to 10 days. Their life cycle going from egg to adult really can complete about 14 days, but from that optimal temperature as we get warmer, they can complete that life cycle in a quicker period of time. The other part of the ability for them to cause or inflict damage fairly quickly is that piercing sucking mouth part. That piercing sucking mouth part can be inserted into the stem of the plant where it can remove sap or phloem from that plant, thus siphoning off nutrients. That can lead to some damaging results with economic year loss further down the line. Aphids in particular, these PAFIDS especially, can overwinter here in the egg stage throughout the winter time, surviving some of our cooler temperatures. As temperatures begin to warm, they can hatch and begin to inflict some of that damage. But not only can they overwinter here, especially in crops like alfalfa, vetch, and clover, they can also migrate here from southern areas using winds in the upper atmosphere. Populations are about 10 aphids per plant or more can lead to damage overall, especially as we get to the end of the growing season. This is usually the result of that nutrient loss that has been as a result of that feeding, which can result in less seed formation or smaller seeds overall within those pods. So we need to think about why is the overall economic threshold for the three types of pulse plants in the area. One we can start with chickpea. When we think of economic threshold for chickpea, there really is not a recommended level other than the goal is to prevent virus transmission to the plant, which if it's can vector those viruses if that is present in the area. One of the best things for control of that in chickpea is to make sure you plant a seed that is virus free. That can be double checked with the simple seed test that can be done with NDSU. When we move to field pea, however, things are a little bit more complicated. You have to take into account not only the cost of controlling disease or insects in the crop, but as well as the value that is worth. So for example, if you take a crop that is worth $5.71 per bushel with an average control of about $6 to $9, you're looking at a economic threshold of 2 to 3 aphids per 8 inch leaf tip. So always keep that in mind. You could also look at this as the number of sweeps being taken. If you're looking at this at a 15 inch diameter net, it'll be 9 to 120 aphids per 10 sweeps. Always remember the best time to be checking your plants is right about flowering. If economic threshold has been met, go ahead and make a single application when about 50% of the plants are producing some young pods. This will be the best time and the most efficient time to protect that plant. The last item is going to be that of lentil. Three things should be considered when you're thinking about when should I be controlling pea aphid and lentil. One, when the economic threshold of 30 to 40 aphids is being collected per 180 degree sweep. Two, when few natural enemies, ladybugs, lay swings are present. And three, when aphid numbers are not declining over a two day period. When all three of those thresholds are met, that will be the best time to go ahead and make that chemical application.