Feasible Sequential Sampling Plans for Robust Decision‐Making in Caterpillar Control in Soybean Crops

ABSTRACT Soybean ( Glycine max ) is the most economically important legume produced in the world, and caterpillars (Lepidoptera) are important pests in these crops. Currently, Brazil is the world's largest soybean producer, and its crops are mainly grown in the Cerrado region. Sampling plans are essential components of IPM. Sequential sampling plans allow for quick and low‐cost pest control decision‐making, increasing the likelihood of their adoption by farmers. Thus, this work aimed to determine practicable sequential sampling plans for robust caterpillar control decision‐making in soybean crops. A sequential sampling plan was determined for plants in the vegetative stage and another for plants in the reproductive stage. They were validated in 52 commercial soybean crops over 3 years in the Cerrado region of Brazil. The minimum and maximum number of samples for decision‐making were 8 and 31, respectively. Sequential plans made correct decisions in over 90% of situations, and their use saved more than 80% of sampling time and costs. Therefore, the sequential sampling plans determined in this work are promising for incorporation into IPM due to the accuracy, speed, and low cost of their decision‐making.