Soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens, larvae were found in high numbers in some South Carolina cotton fields during 1991. These larvae caused defoliation levels of 50% or more during late August when population levels reached 120 larvae/meter. Applications of various chemical and biological insecticides and insecticide combinations did not adequately control soybean looper larvae. A naturally occurring pathogen, Pandora gammae, was responsible for controlling looper populations, but after defoliation had occurred.