Soybean looper

Soybean Looper (Chrysodeixis includens) is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is primarily known for its larval stage, which is a significant pest of soybean crops, but it also affects other legumes and various vegetable crops. The soybean looper is found in a wide range of environments across the Americas, from the southern United States to South America.

Description

The adult soybean looper moth has a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm). The forewings are brown with a distinct white spot in the center, while the hindwings are lighter with a dark border. The larvae are green with white lines along the body and can grow up to 1.5 inches in length. They are known for their distinctive looping motion when moving, which is a common trait among members of the family Noctuidae.

Life Cycle

The soybean looper undergoes a complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves, which hatch into larvae in a few days. The larval stage, which is the most damaging to crops, can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Larvae then pupate in the soil or on plant debris. The pupal stage lasts about 10 days, after which adults emerge. There can be multiple generations per year, especially in warmer climates.

Economic Impact

Soybean loopers are voracious feeders and can cause significant damage to soybean crops by defoliating plants, which leads to reduced yield and quality. They are capable of consuming large amounts of leaf material, and heavy infestations can lead to complete defoliation. Management of soybean loopers involves a combination of cultural practices, biological control agents, and chemical insecticides. Early detection and monitoring are crucial for effective control.

Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are recommended for controlling soybean looper populations. These include:

• Cultural Controls: Crop rotation and destruction of crop residue can help reduce the overwintering population.
• Biological Controls: Natural enemies such as parasitoids, predators, and pathogens can play a significant role in controlling soybean looper populations.
• Chemical Controls: Insecticides may be necessary when infestations reach economically damaging levels. Resistance management is important to prevent the development of resistance in the soybean looper population.

Research

Ongoing research aims to improve soybean looper management strategies, including the development of soybean varieties resistant to pests and the discovery of more effective and sustainable control methods.

Soybean looper Resources
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