A CHECK AROUND THE STATE SHOWS LITTLE IN THE WAY OF SOYBEAN APHID ACTIVITY SO FAR THIS SEASON.  THE WORD FROM CHRIS DIFONZO AT MSU -- LOW POPULATIONS ON PLANTS AT THIS TIME OFTEN MEANS LOW INFECTION BY APHID-KILLING FUNGUS RESULTING IN HEALTHY APHIDS LATE IN THE MONTH.  THE RESULT CAN BE A BIG FALL FLIGHT OF HEALTHY WINGED APHIDS BACK TO BUCKTHORN TO OVERWINTER FOR NEXT SEASON.   ELSEWHERE – THE POTENTIAL FOR A SPIDER MITE OUTBREAK CONTINUES UNLESS HUMIDITY REMAINS HIGH UNDER THE CROP CANOPY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD.  UNDER HUMID CONDITIONS BENEFICIAL FUNGI CAN INFECT AND KILL THE MITES.  SEVERAL SPIDER MITE SAMPLES WERE PICKED UP IN SHIAWASSEE COUNTY LAST WEEK.  ALSO – BRUCE MACKELLAR REPORTS THE HIGHEST COUNT OF ASIATIC GARDEN BEETLES HE’S EVER SEEN WHILE CHECKING TRAPS IN THE CENTREVILLE,BANGORAND GOBLES AREA.  POTATO AND CORN GROWERS NEED TO STAY ALERT TO THE SITUATION.