By Dominic Reisig
Stink bugs are complex of multiple species, several of which are important pests in soybean. In recent years, these pests has become a bigger problem for soybean growers across the state. Stink bugs cause yield loss by directly feeding on pods and seeds, and indirectly by lowering seed quality and reducing germination. Stink bug feeding can also create avenue for secondary infestation by pathogens. Stink bugs in high numbers can cause delayed maturity, complicating harvest efficiency.
How many species are there?
Around 1980, only two stink bug species were reported in North Carolina soybeans. My recent study of 98 soybean fields across North Carolina found 30 different stink bug species, including 3 predatory species. A majority of those species are rare and are not economically important.
What are the most common species?
Four stink bug species dominate North Carolina soybean: 1) green stink bug (Chinavia hilaris), 2) southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula), 3) brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and 4) brown stink bug (Euschistus servus).
Regional distribution
Geographical distribution of these species varied across the North Carolina ecoregions.
- Green stink bugs occur across the state
- Brown marmorated stink bug is more common in the Mountain and Piedmont regions
- Southern green stink bug is more common in southern North Carolina soybean
- Brown stink bug is more common in the Coastal Plain
Source : ncsu.edu