Role of Climate-Driven Factors on Bean Leaf Beetle, Corn Earworm and Stinkbug Populations, Control and their Effects on Soybean Growth and Productivity

Soybean is a crucial crop that is recognised globally for its high-value protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, fibre, and oils. However, the production of soybeans is frequently influenced by biotic stress factors such as bean leaf beetles (Cerotoma trifurcate), grasshoppers (Schistocerca americana), corn earworms (Helicoverpa zea) and stinkbugs (Halyomorpha halys). However, these insect pests were discovered to be both beneficial and harmful to crop growth and productivity, particularly, in soybeans. According to the literature, the rise in temperature causes an increase in insect pest populations, thereby severely influencing the growth, and yield quality of many crops. Less precipitation also contributes to drought stress, and plants undergoing water-deficit stress produce fewer secondary metabolites rendering them vulnerable to attacks by these insects. Similar effects were also revealed due to the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels that led to the adverse weather effects that caused enhanced reproduction and spread of pest insects. This chapter, therefore, explores the role of climate change-induced factors, such as temperature, precipitation patterns and rising atmospheric CO2 on insects’ distribution, and reproductive patterns, as well as their subsequent influence on crop growth and productivity in soybeans. The review also briefly discusses the chemical, biological and biotechnological approaches of insect pest control that have been employed effectively to combat losses of crop production. Side effects, cost effectiveness and the ability of new biotechnological methods to target specific pests are also discussed in this chapter.

Keywords: Biotic stress, Climate change, Chemical control, Biological control, Insect pests, Genetic engineering, Soybean.