Soybean

Pests and Disease management Girdle Beetle

Symptoms

  • Infestation is seen after 25 days from sowing.
  • The infested plants / plant parts show typical drooping and drying due to girdles made by the female for egg laying.
  • The larva bores into the inner part of the stem, creating a tunnel inside.
  • Plants affected by this pest produce up to 50% fewer pods and grains.

Mangement

  • Use recommended seed rate. Avoid higher plant population as it attracts the insect causing heavy infestation.
  • If possible, plant trap crop like Dhaincha on the field boundaries which attract the beetle thereby protecting the soybean crop.
  • Destroy the affected plant part, egg masses and larvae during the initial stage of infestation in order to break the life cycle of the insect.
  • Apply 1% Azadirachtin @ 400ml/acre.
  • Intercropping with maize or sorghum should be avoided.