First occurrence of Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in soybean crops in Greece and its potential parasitoid Dolichogenidea appellator (Telenga) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

This work documents the first occurrence of Etiella zinckenella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infestations in soybean crops in Greece, and in particular within the Regional Unit of Drama, north‐eastern Greece. Larvae of this pest inflict direct damage by feeding on seeds and cause indirect damage by reducing crop marketability, resulting in significant yield and economic losses on different hosts worldwide. Additionally, this report introduces Dolichogenidea appellator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid of E. zinckenella , found in infested soybean pods, that has been identified using DNA barcoding and is documented for the first time in Greece. Given the substantial economic implications and the necessity for effective integrated pest management practices, further research is essential to elucidate the interactions between environmental conditions, pest dynamics and agricultural practices in the region. This study provides a critical foundation for future investigations into soybean pest management in Greece.