Soybean plants are among the most important crops in the world. They are a significant source of protein for both humans and livestock. However, the development of caterpillars on soybean plants can pose a significant threat to the yield and ultimately income for soybean farmers. In this article, we will discuss the control of caterpillars in soybean, focusing mainly on common management practices.
Caterpillars, especially the armyworm, soybean looper, and velvetbean, can have a devastating effect on the soybean crop, resulting in defoliation, reduction in seed number and quality, and yield loss. Thus, timely identification and control of these pests are essential. Here are some cultural and chemical management practices to control caterpillars in soybean:
1. Cultural Management Practices:
Crop Rotation: Crop rotation is the easiest and most natural way to reduce the pest’s population as it helps in breaking the pest’s life cycle.
Planting Date: Early planting may help to avoid peak pest pressure.
Variety Selection: Choose resistant or less vulnerable soybean varieties that can tolerate pests.
Sanitation: Keep up proper weed control, remove soybean debris after the previous season’s crops.
2. Chemical control:
When infestations of caterpillars become too severe to manage by cultural practices, chemical control options become necessary. Below are some of the methods used for chemical control in soybean.
(a) Insecticides: Many insecticides can control caterpillars, and using them is often the most effective way of dealing with an infestation quickly. The choice of insecticides should depend on caterpillar population level, economic injury level (EIL), and the specific caterpillar species.
(b) Biopesticides: Biopesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are eco-friendly and can target specific pest species after ingestion. Bacillus thuringiensis works by producing toxins that cause digestive disturbance and eventually killing caterpillars of specific pest species.
To use chemical methods effectively, farmers must adhere to labels’ instructions and safety precautions, as these chemicals might not only kill the pests but other valuable organisms essential for the ecological balance.
In summary, although caterpillars can be a significant threat to soybean crops, they are manageable with appropriate agricultural practices like crop rotation, early planting, appropriate variety selection, and proper weed control. Chemical methods also prove essential in controlling pest populations in cases where infestations have surged. We recommend following the guidelines and recommendations provided by local Extension services and agriculture officials to control caterpillars’ spread in soybean fields.