Soyabean crop is one of the most important crops globally, and it is used mainly for its oil and protein-rich seeds. However, the crop is prone to attack from pests, and one of the significant pests that affect it is the semilooper. Semiloopers are the larval stages of certain moth species that feed on soybean leaves, pods, and flowers. In this article, we shall discuss how to control semiloopers of soyabean crop.
1. Identify the semilooper pest
The first step towards controlling semiloopers is identifying the pest. The pest feeds on soybean leaves and causes characteristic damage, including shot holes, scarring, and defoliation. The larvae are about 1-1.5 inches long, and they have a distinct pattern on their body. Once you identify these pests, you can take the necessary steps to control them.
2. Use cultural control methods
One of the most effective ways of controlling semiloopers is through cultural control methods. These methods include crop rotation, destruction of host plants, and handling of crop residues. Crop rotation helps to break the pest’s life cycle by reducing the availability of the host plant, which in turn reduces the pest’s population. Destroying host plants and removing crop residues can also help in reducing the pest population.
3. Use chemical control methods
Chemical control methods can also be used to control semiloopers. These methods include the use of insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and synthetic insecticides. Bt is a natural insecticide that targets the pest and destroys it from the inside. On the other hand, synthetic insecticides are chemical compounds that target various pests, including semiloopers. However, these pesticides need to be used with caution as they can be harmful to humans and the environment.
4. Biological control methods
Biological control methods are also effective in controlling semiloopers of soyabean crop. These methods include the use of natural enemies like predatory insects, parasites, and diseases. For example, the use of Trichogramma wasps can control semiloopers’ population through parasitism of the eggs. The wasps lay their eggs inside the semilooper egg, and the wasp larvae feed on the semilooper, eventually killing it.
In conclusion, controlling semiloopers of soyabean crop needs an integrated approach that combines various control methods. These include cultural control, chemical control, and biological control. By implementing these control methods, farmers can significantly reduce the semilooper’s population and protect their soyabean crop.