Seasonal Population Trends and Environmental Influences on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Soybean Fields of the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye

Seasonal monitoring of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was conducted in soybean fields in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons to assess adult population dynamics, larval infestation patterns, and environmental influences. In 2021, pheromone traps deployed in Osmaniye Province captured 2,399 adult moths between July 5 and October 4, exhibiting a bimodal pattern with peaks on July 19 and August 23 (F = 10.69; P = 0.0001). Larval densities peaked on August 16 (0.50 larvae per sampling unit), closely aligning with adult emergence. In 2022, 1,321 adults were caught in Adana Province from July 14 to October 6, showing a single major peak on September 15 (F = 25.22; P = 0.0001). Larval infestations were sporadic and low, reaching a maximum density of 0.33 larvae per unit. Environmental conditions included weekly average temperatures ranging from 22.2°C to 30.2°C and relative humidity between 31.8% and 78%. A significant positive correlation was record synchronisation of adult flight peaks, larval populations, and favourable environmental factors indicates overlapping generations of H. armigera during the soybean growing period. These highlighting the importance of pheromone traps for early pest detection and informed management decisions, ultimately leading to reduced crop damage and improved soybean production in the region.