The Soybean crop is home to a wide variety of insects. Most are helpful or harmless, but if not managed properly, others can result in yield loss and even crop failure. The occurrence of yield-reducing insect species is not predictable enough for a soybean farmer to know when and where care is needed. Pest insect populations can differ significantly depending on the year, general location, region, and range. As a result, farmers must conduct routine insect scouting of soybeans during the growing season. Chemical insecticides can only be used on soybeans as necessary.
Overtreatment is costly, and it may have unintended effects. In addition, improperly scheduled treatments can be unsuccessful, resulting in more insect or insect pest problems later in the season
Common Insect pest of soybean
Stem flies, whitefly, green stink bugs, cutworms and larvae are the most common insects that damage soybean crops. Throughout the season, insects attack and feed on all parts of the soybean plant.
- The understanding of the economic injury levels of the consequential insects has contributed to a new method of controlling insect attacks.
- The population of insects capable of causing economic damage that is at least equal to the cost of controlling the insects is referred to as the economic injury level.
- To make an informed decision about insecticide use, careful observation of major insects is needed.
Biocontrol
In soybean fields, there are many insect pests, viruses, and diseases that help keep pest species populations below economic standards. However, experience has taught us that beneficial insects and pathogens are insufficient, and chemical regulation is needed.
Cultural Control
Early-planted soybeans are subjected to the brunt of adult flies and bugs, while late-planted soybeans are less susceptible to these two insects and cutworm.
As a result, planting early for high yields and controlling any possible insect issues with insecticides is still more cost-effective than planting late for insect control.
Chemical Control
Dieldrin 20 EC @ 5-7 litres ha-1 combined with irrigation water for cutworm and termite control. Spray Dameron 100 per cent @ 600 ml ha-1 or Somicidin 20 EC @ 400 to 600 ml ha-1 dissolved in 250 litres of water for other insects, particularly flies, thrips, and larvae; if the attack is serious, spray two times with an interval of 8-10 days.
