Soybean stem borer
scouted Aug. 22, 2025
- Scientific Name
- Dectes texanus
- Background
- Soybeans in Pasquotank County, planted on May 1st, were being scouted, and it was observed that 60% of the field had leaves with mottled yellowing in a widespread pattern across the field.
- Conclusion
- Dectes texanus. When the sample was analysed, what was found was that the stem showed signs of Dectes stem borer, also known as soybean stem borer. Soybean stem borers have one generation a year and are active from May through early October. It usually causes indirect yield loss due to lodging or an interaction with other negative environmental conditions, such as drought. These insects are usually more abundant in field edges near weeds or fields adjacent to last year's soybeans. There is no economic threshold for it, but good cultural practices and timely harvest can limit its impacts.
- Resources
