Effects of Beneficial Fungi on Oviposition Preference of the Cabbage Looper, Trichoplusia ni, on Soybean, Glycine max

Abstract

The soybean plant, Glycine max, is a highly cultivated legume with great importance to the current United States economy. One of its major pests is the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni. The activity of this insect pest is economically significant as it contributes to a large portion of yearly soybean crop loss. Selection of an oviposition site by the adult female looper is crucial to the survival of her offspring. Insect preference and larval performance are considered to be immediate and subsequent consequences, respectively of oviposition. It is crucial to develop successful methods of management for these insect pests. Some common methods of insect management include chemical control, such as pesticides that are often used to combat insect infestation by killing the pest species. Solutions for new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are needed because of increased insect resistance to pesticides. Endophytic fungi have the ability to associate with plants in ways that may enhance the plants’ survival via insect resistance or tolerance. To test the potential of the endophytic fungi Chaetomium globosum for use as a biological control method, I analyzed oviposition preferences of adult female cabbage loopers on fungal treated versus untreated soybean plants.