Soybean Loopers and Redbanded Stink bugs in Soybeans

Originally published August 10, 2012

Lately I have been receiving more calls about soybean loopers and redbanded stink bugs in late soybeans. Soybean loopers are late season pests that usually do not arrive in large numbers until August. These defoliating insects are often intensified by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides for control of three-cornered alfalfa hoppers and redbanded stink bugs. These applications effectively sterilize soybean fields; this often includes natural enemies which can keep soybean looper populations in check. The threshold for soybean loopers in Louisiana soybeans is 8 worms ½ inch or longer per row foot or 150 worms in 100 sweeps.

Soybean loopers have developed resistance to many insecticide chemistries and effective control measures are primarily limited to lepidopteran specific insecticides. However, the LSU AgCenter Soybean Entomology Lab (under the direction of Dr. Jeff Davis) has documented soybean looper insecticide resistance to methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F) in areas of North and South Louisiana. Rates of Intrepid below 6 oz/acre and prophylactic applications, with a fungicide, before the presence of loopers are not recommended. Belt (2-3 oz/acre) and Steward (5.6-11.3 oz/acre) are effective in controlling soybean looper populations with Belt providing residual efficacy of 14 days or more depending on application volume and rate.

Redbanded stink bugs have become the dominant stink bugs species in Louisiana soybeans. Redbanded stink bugs are part of a complex of pod feeders that feed directly on soybean seeds reducing seed size, quality and yield. This pest is more difficult to control than other stink bug species often requiring 3-5 insecticide applications. Pyrethroid efficacy against redbanded stink bugs has declined in recent years resulting in the use of tank mixes and premix applications. The threshold for redbanded stink bugs in Louisiana soybeans is 24 bugs in 100 sweeps. Endigo and Leverage 360 have demonstrated satisfactory control of redbanded stink bugs as well as tank mixes of acephate plus a pyrethroid. Beware only 1.5 lbs of acephate can be applied per crop per season for soybeans. Redbanded stink bugs are strong fliers and re-colonization after an insecticide treatment may occur quickly.

Routine scouting is required for both of these insects in soybeans. The flighty nature of redbanded stink bugs and large populations of soybean loopers can result in significant yield losses if populations are allowed to increase unchecked.

For more information or if you have any questions or concerns please contact Sebe Brown, or Drs. Jeff Davis, David Kerns or Julien Beuzelin.

Sebe Brown Cell: 318-498-1283 Office: 318-435-2903

Dr. Jeff Davis Cell: 225-747-0351 Office: 225-578-5618

Dr. David Kerns Cell: 318-439-4844 Office: 318-435-2157

Dr. Julien Beuzelin Cell: 337-501-7087 Office: 318-473-6523

Soybean Looper

Soybean Looper: Photo by LSU AgCenter

Redbanded Stink bug Adult

Redbanded Stink bug Adult: Photo by LSU AgCenter

Redbanded Stink bug Nymph

Redbanded Stink bug Nymph: Photo by LSU AgCenter

9/5/2019 4:04:01 PM
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