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Sep 05, 2023
Green cloverworm (Hypena scabra) feed on soybean foliage, leading to defoliation with a significant impact on yield potential. Infestations during the reproductive stages of the soybean crop can be particularly severe, as this is when the plants are most vulnerable. In heavily infested fields, yield losses of up to 40% have been reported.
Closely monitoring soybean fields for any signs of green cloverworm infestation and taking immediate action with products like Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC** is crucial to mitigate the damage.
This guide will outline:
How to identify green cloverworms
Regions typically affected by green cloverworms
When green cloverworms usually affect crops
How to scout for green cloverworms
How to manage green cloverworms
The larvae of green cloverworm are easily recognizable by their pale green color and distinctive white stripes that run along their bodies. They also possess three pairs of prolegs near their rear end, which sets them apart from other similar pests.
As the larvae mature, they undergo several molts, gradually increasing in size and developing more defined markings. Once they reach adulthood, green cloverworm moths emerge with a wingspan of about one inch. These adult moths are characterized by their brownish-gray coloration, which allows them to camouflage well in their surroundings.
Farmers should closely monitor crops, particularly the upper canopy, for signs of defoliation, skeletonized leaves, and irregular-shaped leaf holes. Larvae or adult moths may also be noticeable, which are both strong indicators of green cloverworm infestation.
Green cloverworm is particularly abundant in the southern and central regions of the U.S., specifically in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. However, green cloverworm can also be present in other regions, so it’s important to remain vigilant around the country.
Green cloverworm infestations are most likely to occur during the mid to late season of soybean growth. Larvae emerge in early summer and feed on soybean foliage until late fall.
[RELATED: Is Your Soybean Crop Getting Enough Potassium?]
While pheromone or light traps can sometimes be options to address early stage cloverworm presence, many infestation scenarios require chemical control to effectively manage green cloverworms. When deciding whether to employ chemical products to control armyworms, farmers should first assess the severity of the infestation and determine the economic threshold for treatment. After deciding to move forward with a chemical treatment, there are a few insecticide options available.
One popular option is Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC**, an insecticide containing lambda-cyhalothrin, but products containing active ingredients such as spinosad or chlorantraniliprole have also shown great results in suppressing green cloverworm populations. These insecticides work by directly killing the pests upon contact or through ingestion, disrupting their feeding and reproductive capabilities, and ultimately reducing their numbers.
Proactively scouting for and responding to pest presence in your fields will help reduce potential crop damage and improve yield. FBN Direct has a wide variety of effective insecticides to help address pest pressures and keep your operation on track. With transparent pricing, straightforward online ordering, detailed product labels and fast direct-to-farm delivery, FBN Direct can help you get the products you need to protect your crops.
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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state law to use any pesticide product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license to use restricted use pesticides. Please consult your state department of agriculture for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted use pesticides, as some products require specific record-keeping requirements.
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Sep 05, 2023