Dectes stem borer is a native beetle that can be a soybean pest. Larvae feed internally on soybean stems. As the plant matures, they girdle the stem at the base of the plant, which can cause lodging. Management options are limited, as the eggs, larvae and pupae are protected from insecticides by tunneling inside of the soybean plant. The main objective this research is to learn more about the biology of DSB, quantify damage from larval feed, develop management options and estimate yield increases that would be possible under different management options. It also looks at using parasitic wasp and fly species for control and determines how post-harvest practices impact abundance and diversity of overwintering natural enemies.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents