In recent years, the rising cost of soybeans has led to an expansion in soybean planting areas, which has created new challenges for agricultural production. More farmers are now favoring soybean cultivation, which has intensified the damage caused by soybean borers. As a result, farmers are increasingly concerned about this pest and its impact on their crops. However, many still lack effective prevention and control measures, or apply them in an unscientific way, leading to poor results.
The larvae of the soybean borer feed on the pods, drill into the green pods, and chew into the immature beans. In severe cases, they create small holes that resemble rabbit bites, causing significant damage—up to 1/3 to 1/2 of the beans can be destroyed. Moreover, the larvae excrete feces inside the soybean grains, contaminating them and reducing both their appearance and quality. As the larvae grow, they eventually bore through the pod, fall to the ground, and burrow into the soil to overwinter. This cycle not only lowers soybean yield and quality but also discourages farmers from growing soybeans, affecting their income and overall enthusiasm.
To address this issue, it is crucial to implement comprehensive and effective pest management strategies. Here are several methods to control soybean borers:
1. **Use of Resistant Varieties**
Selecting insect-resistant or tolerant soybean varieties is one of the most cost-effective ways to manage the borer. However, these varieties may vary in effectiveness depending on the region. It's important to choose local cultivars with low infestation rates and high yields.
2. **Crop Rotation**
Rotating crops helps reduce the buildup of pests in the field. Farmers should avoid planting soybeans in the same area year after year. Ideally, they should plant at least 1,000 meters away from previous soybean fields. Regular weeding and tilling during the growing season can further disrupt the borer’s life cycle.
3. **Deep Plowing**
After harvest, it’s essential to clear the field of dead leaves and debris. Deep plowing in the fall can destroy the overwintering sites of the borer and expose larvae to natural predators, sunlight, and weather conditions that increase mortality.
4. **Release of Trichogramma Wasps**
During the egg-laying period of the soybean borer, releasing Trichogramma wasps can help control the population. About 3–5 million wasps per acre should be released, typically around early August and again on August 10. The wasps are placed on the upper stems of the plants to maximize their effectiveness.
5. **Biological Control with Beauveria bassiana**
Applying Beauveria bassiana, a fungal pathogen, can effectively kill mature larvae. In early September, mix 1 kg of the fungus with 1 kg of fine soil or 10 kg of ash per acre and apply it to the ridges and furrows. The larvae that come into contact with the fungus will die under suitable temperature and humidity conditions.
6. **Dichlorvos Fumigation**
Fumigation with dichlorvos is effective when adult moths begin to emerge. The best time is 1–2 days before the peak emergence. Corn or sorghum stalks can be used as fumigation sticks soaked in a solution of 80% dichlorvos. These sticks are inserted into the field every 5 meters. However, care must be taken not to use dichlorvos near sorghum fields, as it can be harmful to them.
7. **Spray Application**
Spraying insecticides such as 25% emulsifiable concentrate of enemy milk or 50% emulsifiable concentrate of forester can help control adult and larval stages. Applications should be done within 6 days of the adult peak. Spraying with 2.5% emulsifiable concentrate or 20% speed extinction killing mutton diluted appropriately can also be effective.
By combining these strategies, farmers can significantly reduce the damage caused by soybean borers, improve crop quality, and maintain their interest in soybean farming. Effective pest management is key to sustainable soybean production and increased farmer income.
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