How To Successfully Use Virus-Base Insecticides for Control of Corn Earworm in Soybean and Sorghum 

What You Need to Know when Using Heligen

AgBiTech Heligen Logo

Helicoverpa NPV is a relatively inexpensive ($4 to $6 per acre) viral bioinsecticide. The currently registered tradenames are Heligen® , Helicovex, and Gemstar Helicoverpa NPV specifically targets Heliothines including the tobacco budworm and the corn earworm (i e , cotton bollworm, soybean podworm, sorghum headworm, and tomato fruitworm)

‍Helicoverpa NPV DOES NOT KILL OTHER INSECTS (PESTS OR BENEFICIALS)! 

Corn Earworm melting on a soybean left.

Introduction to Heligen® – A Group 31 Mode of Action Insecticide

Target Population and Threshold in Soybean
Once ingested, Helicoverpa NPV kills the larvae by replicating within the host cells. Small larvae (less than 0.5 inch) will die within 4 to 6 days after infection. When they die, they will liquefy and release millions of viral particles back into the crop canopy. Larger larvae (greater than 0.5 inch) will cause significant dama ge even when infected with Helicoverpa NVP.
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‍ DO NOT USE Helicoverpa NPV FOR CONTROL OF LARGER LARVAE! 


We recommend applying Helicoverpa NPV when the larval population reaches 2 to 5 SMALL larvae/25 sweeps. See Helicoverpa Growth Stage Identification for more information on small or large larval size.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER APPLICATION

‍Up to 3 days after application
‍Infected larvae continue to feed but become lethargic and move upward on the crop – thus, exposed to heat and more vulnerable to predators.
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4-6 days after application
‍Feeding gradually stops and, often, sick are found on top of crops or hanging under the plant's canopy, being cannibalized by other CEW larvae. Larval skin bursts open, releasing billions of viral particles onto the crop. These particles are effectively dispersed by wind, rain, and many arthropods, including predators that feed on the dead larvae cadavers extending season-long control of resistant soybean podworms, corn earworms, and bollworms alike.
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NOTE!
Do not use Heligen® as a curative treatment past the 4th Instar (medium-large CEW). In this situation, alternative control methods should be considered.
 Keys to Success 
Heligen® – A Group 31, Novel Mode-of-Action Helicoverpa NPV
‍A biological insecticide that controls Helicoverpa zea (cotton bollworm, corn earworm, soybean podworm, etc.) and Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm).
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Identification is Key! 
Helicoverpa NPV only kills larvae less than 0 5 inches. 
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Do Not Use on Large Larvae! ‍
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USE A REDUCED Action Threshold:
‍2 to 5 small larvae in 25 sweeps.
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DO NOT USE when more than 5 large larvae are present in 25 sweeps 
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Helicoverpa NPV takes 4 to 6 days to cause death
‍Larvae stops feeding Day 1
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Do not leave Helicoverpa NPV in direct sunlight or store at temperatures above 77°F 

Always read the label thoroughly.
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