Soybean stem borer
scouted Aug. 15, 2024
- Scientific Name
- Dectes texanus
- Background
- Soybeans in Pasquotank County, variety Pioneer 48A05E, were scouted and observed to have roughly 15% of plants affected by dieback, yellowing, stem rot, and root rot in localized patches. Initially, the problem appeared limited to small areas of stunted and dying plants, but conditions have progressively worsened following recent rainfall. There are now whole sections of rows that are dead, followed immediately by healthy rows, creating a repeating pattern across 6–8 rows.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified after the sample was analysed, and 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
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- No resources have been added.
