In Louisiana and other southern states, worms commonly cause economic damage to soybeans. Conventional insecticides typically control these pests for less than 14 days, and some infestations require multiple treatments to protect yield. This research is studying nuclear polyhedrosis virus, or NPV, as a novel control option. The project tracks the efficacy and spread of NPV in field-scale trials. It’s a virus-based biological insecticide. When ingested by the target species, they replicate within host cells. Small larvae typically die within four to six days of infection, eventually liquifying and releasing more virus into the environment.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents