Effective Control of Three Major Defoliator Caterpillars in Soybean: Recommendations by ICAR – National Soybean Research Institute

28 July 2025, New Delhi: Soybean farmers often face significant challenges from leaf-eating caterpillars that cause severe damage to crops during the Kharif season. The three primary defoliator pests affecting soybean are the Green Semilooper, Tobacco Caterpillar, and Chickpea Caterpillar (Heliothis). These pests feed on the leaves and can lead to substantial yield loss if not managed promptly.

The ICAR – National Soybean Research Institute, India’s premier research organization for soybean cultivation based in Indore, has issued important recommendations to effectively manage infestations of these three defoliators simultaneously.

Understanding the Threat

These caterpillars chew on soybean leaves, reducing the photosynthetic area and weakening the plants. The simultaneous infestation by all three can accelerate damage, making early detection and control critical for a healthy crop and good harvest.

Recommended Insecticides for Combined Control

To combat infestations where all three defoliators are present together, the National Soybean Research Institute advises farmers to spray their soybean crops with any one of the following insecticides:

• Spinetoram 11.7% SC at 450 ml per hectare
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at 150 ml per hectare
• Pre-mixed formulation of Chlorantraniliprole 09.30% + Lambda-cyhalothrin 04.60% ZC at 200 ml per hectare

These insecticides have proven efficacy against the green semilooper, tobacco caterpillar, and chickpea caterpillar, providing broad-spectrum control and minimizing damage.

Application and Safety Measures

Farmers should monitor their fields regularly to detect early signs of infestation. Spraying should be done at the onset of symptoms to ensure effective pest management. It is recommended to use protective gear during application and to avoid overuse or repeated use of the same chemical to prevent pest resistance.

Importance of Following ICAR Recommendations

The ICAR – National Soybean Research Institute continuously works on developing sustainable pest management strategies based on scientific research and field trials. Its advisories are tailored to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, helping farmers maximize yield while reducing crop losses due to pests.

By following these recommendations and using the suggested insecticides, soybean farmers can safeguard their crops against multiple leaf-eating caterpillars and improve overall productivity.

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