Scientific name: Helicoverpa armigera
Crop: soybean
Damages: Caterpillars of Helicoverpa armigera can feed on both plant and reproductive organs, such as leaves, stems, flower buds and pods.
Behavior:
- Eggs are laid preferably on the abaxial face of the leaves or on the stems, flowers, fruits, and flower buds.
- Pupal development occurs in the soil and pupae can enter a diapause stage, depending to the climatic conditions.
- The color of the caterpillars is influenced by the instars and the food they ingest.
Helicoverpa armigera Photo: Agrolink
Damage caused to bean pods Photo: Grupo Cultivar
Helicoverpa armigera feeding on a cotyledon Photo: Maissoja
Adult of Helicoverpa armigera Photo: Agrolink
Control
End of caterpillar resistance!
Bacillus thuringiensis has different crystals in its composition: Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry2Aa, and Cry2Ab. This characteristic makes Bacillus thuringiensis an important tool for the management of the complex resistance system of caterpillars.