image: This shows green stink bug, A. hilare, adults. Normal green coloration is shown in (A) and the atypical orange coloration is shown in (B). view more
Credit: K. Kamminga
The green stink bug is one of the most damaging native stink bug species in the United States. Stink bugs feeding on cotton, soybeans, tomatoes, peaches, and other crops can result in cosmetic damage as well as reduced quality and yield.
A new article in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, "Biology and Management of the Green Stink Bug," offers farmers and growers advice on how to deal with this insect pest.
According to the authors, stink bugs have become a major challenge to integrated pest management systems because control options are basically limited to the application of broad-spectrum insecticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. However, neonicotinoids are generally effective for control of this stink bug and may be less disruptive to its natural enemies.
Further options for stink bug management that are being explored include the use of trap crops and enhancing beneficial parasitoid populations. Cultural options, including trap cropping and the planting of resistant varieties, have been documented as decreasing crop injury by stink bugs. In addition, there are multiple natural enemies that reduce population numbers.
The authors go on to describe the green stink bug's life cycle, seasonal biology, host plants, and management options such as pheromone trapping, chemical control, cultural control, and biological control.
The full article is available for free at http://tinyurl.com/9u3xavz
The Journal of Integrated Pest Management is an open-access, peer-reviewed, extension journal covering the field of integrated pest management. The intended readership for the journal is any professional who is engaged in any aspect of integrated pest management, including, but not limited to, crop producers, individuals working in crop protection, retailers, manufacturers and suppliers of pest management products, educators, and pest control operators.
JIPM is published by the Entomological Society of America (ESA), the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has more than 6,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Members are students, researchers, teachers, extension service personnel, administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians, consultants, and hobbyists. For more information, please visit http://www.entsoc.org.
Journal
Journal of Integrated Pest Management