Trapping Soybean Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Southeastern USA and Implications for Pheromone-Based Research and Management

Novel strategies for the management of soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), are needed due to its increasing importance, costs, and challenges in soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr.; Fabaceae) Americas. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption may be 1 such novel strategy, but an effective tool estimating success must found. The technique trapping male moths using pheromone baited traps is a common method assessing technology. This paper reports on testing 2 trap types 3 commercially available lures containing (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate as major active component. Trapping was conducted at 5 locations southern USA summer 2019. Universal moth delta were tested combination with Alpha Scents, Bio Pseudoplusia, Scentry brand along unbaited traps. Overall, both capturing C. moths, universal having higher capture rate. Scents Pseudoplusia had significantly rate than lure regardless design. components differed from others inclusion known minor (esters) includens, propionate butyrate. amount also lower lures. additional esters or unidentified (impurities) have influenced captures. A large number Ctenoplusia oxygramma (Geyer) Noctuidae) captured locations, though not those ester-containing lure. Taken together, data provide insight into methods elucidates need researchers understand effectiveness region plan captures non-target species pheromone-related research.