Spodoptera, the caterpillar that gained presence in soybean crops

The summer harvest is starting and the moment calls for management that can help protect plant productivity. Controlling the presence of insects in crops is one of them. Among all the problems that the soybean plantation faces in terms of pests, the farmer raised the red alert for caterpillars of the genus spodoptera in the last harvest. An important piece of information revealed by Spark's research pointed to significant growth in the area treated for this pest in the 20/21 harvest.

A spodoptera It has great potential for damage and is increasingly adapting to the production system and, therefore, needs the producer's full attention. It can cause defoliation, abortion of flowers and pods and even direct damage to grains by piercing the pod and feeding on them. Studies show that the damage can reach 10% loss of productivity. Like any other pest, the timing of application is crucial for successful combat and, thus, avoiding losses from productivity losses at the end of the harvest. 

In soybeans, we can find 3 different species of caterpillars of the genus spodoptera :

• Spodoptera frugiperda;

• Spodoptera eridania;

 • Spodoptera cosmioides.

All of them can be present in the crop at the same time and combat management needs to be very well planned. 

IPM, integrated pest management, is the best option for more effective caterpillar control. To achieve this, it is first important to monitor the crop. Once the presence of the pest is detected, the producer must use chemical or biological control alternatives recommended by an Agricultural Engineer. The use of biotechnology and management alternatives also makes up the range of options for controlling these pests.

FMC has Premio insecticide that can be used from pre-planting desiccation, where it protects the establishment of the crop, as well as during most of the crop cycle, with a long residual period, providing crop protection for longer, an intelligent solution for integrated pest control, being another option for resistance management, preserving Bt technology and providing broad-spectrum control, facilitating the management of caterpillars. Controlling not only the Spodoptera complex but also the main species that attack soybean crops. 

The topic is so important right now that the FMC will dedicate an entire week to debate the issue. At National Week to Combat Spodoptera, which will be from October 25th to 29th, FMC will carry out several actions with producers and, on October 27th, it will bring together in a live broadcast the consultant Jurema Rattes, professor and researcher at the University of Rio Verde, in Goiás, specialist in agricultural entomology with an emphasis on bioecology, focusing on pests existing in the cerrado and pest management of large crops, such as soybeans, the LATAM FMC R&D manager - insecticides, Fábio Silva and the Agricultural Planning Manager at Amaggi Agro, José João Gomes, to discuss all the issues involving the spodoptera with depth. An opportunity for all producers to participate by answering any questions. 

Sérgio Catalano, Insecticide Portfolio Manager at FMC