Soybean stem borer
scouted Sept. 6, 2024
- Scientific Name
- Dectes texanus
- Background
- Soybeans in Pasquotank County were scouted, and it was observed that 4% of the field was negatively affected. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis
- Conclusion
- After the sample was analyzed, it was found 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
