Damage and Management of Girdle Beetle Pest in Soybean

Girdle Beetle Infestation in Soybean

The girdle beetle is a major pest in soybean crops that damages stems and branches, reducing crop productivity.

Damage Symptoms

• The female insect makes two rings around the stem.
• It lays eggs inside a small hole near the lower ring.
• Larvae hatch and feed inside the stem, making it hollow.
• The upper portion of the plant dries and wilts.
• Severely affected plants break and fall, reducing pod formation.

Life Cycle

Larvae emerging in June–July complete their life cycle in the same season, while larvae from September–October remain dormant until the next monsoon.

Even 1% infestation can reduce soybean yield by around 5.5 kg per acre.

Management

• Maintain proper plant spacing during sowing.
• Remove infected plant parts below the girdle ring.
• Spray recommended insecticides when infestation increases:
• Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC @ 80 ml per acre
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 60 ml per acre
• Profenofos 50% EC @ 200 ml per acre