Evaluation of Four Stink Bug Species From Three Genera Affecting Soybean Yield and Quality in Louisiana13

Abstract

Studies were conducted from 1975–77 to evaluate 4 stink bug species from 3 genera affecting yield and quality of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. Controlled infestations of 3rd–5th instars and adults of Nezara viridula (L.), Acrosternum hilare (Say), Euschistus Servus (Say), and E. tristigmus (Say) confined in 1.2×0.9×1.2-m field cages for 1 wk demonstrated that all 4 species significantly damaged seed and lowered yields (PPPN. viridula confined in a large screen cage containing ‘Dare’ and ‘Bragg’ soybean reached a peak population level, in early November, which was 20× higher than the initial release rate of 0.5 bug/0.3 row-m. Peak populations of E. servus and A. hilare were observed in late September and were only 3× above the initial levels. During this study, N. viridula completed 1 generation more than the other 2 species. Yield and quality of both varieties were significantly lowered (PP<0.05). Plots exposed to stink bug damage had significantly lower yields than their corresponding controls.