Effects of Green Stink Bug Damage on Yield and Quality of Soybeans12

Abstract

Caged populations of Acrosternum hilare (Say) caused significant reductions in yield and percentage germination when densities of 2 or 4 adult stink bugs/0.3 m (1 ft) of row were maintained from early pod development to harvest maturity. Yield losses resulted from the combined effects of reduced seed size and decreased numbers of seeds produced. Densities of 1, 2, or 4 bugs/0.3 m of row caused significant increases in percentage damaged beans. Sleeve cages enclosing 12 pods were infested for 1 week with one individual/cage by using various developmental stages, including adults of both sexes. Fifth instars damaged a greater percentage of beans than any other stage during the 1-week period.