Caterpillars threaten up to 40% of the productivity of corn and soybeans

Caterpillar infestations remain among the main obstacles to the production of soybeans and corn in the country. Data from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) indicate that the impact on productivity can reach 30% in soybean crops, while in corn, losses can reach up to 40% in scenarios of high pest pressure. Among the most recurrent species are the fall armyworm and the soybean looper. According to agricultural engineer Lauany Cavalcante, Portfolio Coordinator of Biotrop, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) "directly damages the corn cob, potentially causing total crop losses, in addition to acting on various crops such as soybeans, cotton, and fruits and vegetables." According to the specialist, the attack also causes significant leaf damage, as the pests have a chewing mouthpart, facilitating the destruction of leaves and compromising the photosynthetic capacity of the plants. The agricultural engineer highlights that the resistance of pests to ...