Impact of planting date and maturity group on the occurrence of lepidopteran pest in Mississippi soybeans

Over the past decade growers in Mississippi have moved away from the traditional early soybean production system, consisting of maturity group 3 and 4 soybeans, which allowed the grower the opportunity to avoid potential late season damage from Lepidopteron pest.  In 2004 over 65% of soybeans planted in Mississippi were planted before April 25, in 2012 it was less than 40%.  With growers planting more maturity group 5 soybeans with spread out planting dates, the benefits of the early soybean production system have diminished.  To see how planting date and maturity group effects Lepidopteran pest in Mississippi, a study was conducted at the North Farm in Starkville, Mississippi, as well as the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi. The study consisted of two maturity groups, group 4 and group 5 soybeans, that were planted over 7 different planting dates at both locations.  Surveys were taken weekly from the plots using a standard 15 inch diameter sweep net.  The goal of this study was to show the benefit of early planted early maturing soybeans to avoid late season damage from Lepidopteran pest