Soybean is one of the most important crops in the world, particularly in the United States. However, soybean crops are susceptible to various pest attacks, one of which is the sucking pest. Sucking pests are insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing damage to soybean crops. These pests can cause significant yield losses if not controlled properly. Therefore, farmers must learn how to control sucking pest in soybean crop.
The first step in controlling sucking pest in soybean crop is to scout the field. Farmers should regularly inspect their crops for signs of infestation, including wilting, yellowing, and distorted leaves. The presence of sticky honeydew and sooty mold on the leaves may also indicate the presence of sucking pests. Once the presence of pests is confirmed, farmers can move on to the next step.
The second step is to implement cultural control measures. Some cultural control measures that farmers can try include crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and planting at the appropriate time. Farmers can rotate soybean crops with non-host crops to reduce the population of sucking pests. They can also plant soybean varieties that have resistance to sucking pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. Farmers can also plant soybean crops early or late, depending on the pest pressure.
The third step is to use biological control measures. Farmers can use predators and parasites to control the population of sucking pests. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are examples of these beneficial insects. Farmers can also use natural enemies of the pests to control their population. It is important to note that using biological control measures is a long-term strategy and may not provide immediate results.
The fourth step is to use chemical control measures. Farmers can use insecticides to control the population of sucking pests in soybean crops. It is essential to use insecticides that are effective against the specific pests infesting the crop. Farmers must also follow the instructions on the label to ensure proper application and avoid harm to beneficial insects, environment, and humans.
In conclusion, farmers must learn how to control sucking pest in soybean crop to avoid yield losses. They can implement cultural control measures, biological control measures, and chemical control measures. The best strategy is to use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach which combines all three strategies discussed here. It is also essential for farmers to scout their fields regularly and consult with experts for more information on the specific pests affecting their crops.