The potential of insecticides and genetically modified soybean in the control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Brazil is the largest soybean producer in the world, and soybean is the most important crop in the country. The use of genetically modified soybean expressing Bt proteins represents a significant milestone in insect pest management in this crop. However, the isolated use of these biotechnologies is not sufficient to control Spodoptera frugiperda larvae, thus the use of insecticides in seed treatment becomes essential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of controlling S. frugiperda larvae through insecticides applied to seeds and different biotechnologies in soybean cultivation. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory, following a completely randomized block design in a factorial scheme with twelve treatments, consisting of combinations of soybean cultivars and insecticides in seed treatment. The mortality and foliar consumption of first and third instar S. frugiperda larvae were evaluated. Based on our studies, it was possible to verify that ciantraniliprole is an excellent molecule for controlling first and third instar S. frugiperda larvae. The biotechnology Intacta 2 Xtend, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1Ac, and the insecticide ciantraniliprole protected soybean against damage caused by S. frugiperda larvae.