Soybean Looper Virus Being Found Across The State

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
   Help is here on the looper problem we have been experiencing. Field populations are crashing in fields across the state. We have seen loopers infected with Soybean Looper NPV (Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus) in fields stretching from Desha, Drew, Lincoln Counties all the way up through Crittenden and Poinsett County. If you have looper infestations you need to wait as long as possible before treating and look closely at worms to see if the virus is present. On the left are a two pictures of infected loopers taken by Kyle Colwell, a budding entomologist and Program Associate- Entomology and another off the internet to show you what to look for.
   These viruses reduce populations quickly and efficiently without cost to the grower so look close before you pull the trigger.
   WHAT I AM NOT TELLING YOU: Don’t wait for the virus… if defoliation is already bad and you need to treat. Don’t call and tell me you waited for it and let the crop get defoliated because we told you the virus was here. But we can save growers money by catching this so get out there and look it up. Δ
   DR. GUS LORENZ: Entomologist, University of Arkansas