Corn Earworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as Pests of Soybean

Corn earworm Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) is a well-known pest of corn and cotton, but can also be problematic in soybean, particularly in the southern United States. Their preference for reproductive structures of the soybean plant can dramatically impact yield, particularly when infestations occur during early reproductive plant growth stages. We discuss the life history, ecology, plant damage, and management of H. zea as it relates to soybean production.