The most important pests in the most important crops in America.

The most important pests in American crops vary by region and crop type. However, here are some common pests in several important crops:

1. In corn crops:
   • Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda): Affects mainly corn but can also damage other crops. Causes significant damage by feeding on leaves and stems.
   • Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea): This insect is known for damaging corn cobs, affecting yield and grain quality.
2. In soybean crops:
   • Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula and other species): These insects suck nutrients from soybean plants, which can reduce yield and grain quality.
   • Soybean Looper (Anticarsia gemmatalis): Feeds on soybean leaves, significantly reducing crop yield.
3. In wheat crops:
   • Wheat Aphid (Schizaphis graminum and other species): Aphids suck plant sap, which can weaken them and reduce yield.
   • Hessian Fly (Mayetiola destructor): Larvae of this fly damage wheat stems, which can cause plant collapse.
4. In citrus crops:
   • Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB): Although not a pest itself, this disease is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid and has devastated citrus crops in America.
   • Citrus Leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella): Larvae of this pest create tunnels in citrus leaves, affecting their photosynthesis capacity.
5. In potato crops:
   • Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella): This pest damages potato tubers both in the field and during storage.
   • Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata): Adults and larvae of this species feed on potato leaves, drastically reducing yield.

Each region in America has its own set of pest challenges, and integrated pest management is essential for effectively and sustainably controlling them.