Ecological aspects of soybean production and pest management in Nicaragua.

TL;DRAbstract

Integrated pest management (IPM), which emphasizes the use of biological control factors and minimization of chemical insecticides, is a pest management approach particularly appropriate for developing countries which currently import expensive, hazardous pest control chemicals. I review the economic and ecological aspects of agricultural technology in Nicaragua, emphasizing the role of pesticides. The recent introduction of soybeans necessitates the development of IPM techniques for this crop because the dominant pest, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is insecticide-resistant and highly polyphagous. I review the biology of this pest, particularly those aspects that contribute to its status as an agricultural pest. I investigate the potential for IPM in soybeans in Nicaragua in field research on Spodoptera exigua, examining the possible use of weeds as a control agent in contrast to insecticides. Because weeds can reduce pest abundance, but also complete with the crop, I meas

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