What Are Stink Bugs?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Stink bugs are a major concern for farmers due to their widespread impact on various crops. Effective management requires a combination of chemical and biological control methods, along with careful consideration of application techniques and timing. Continued research and adaptation of strategies are essential to mitigate the economic impact of these pests on agriculture.

Stink bugs, belonging to the family Pentatomidae, are a group of insects known for their distinctive shield-like shape and the unpleasant odor they emit when disturbed. These pests are significant agricultural threats, affecting a variety of crops worldwide, including rice, cotton, soybeans, and corn.

Impact on Agriculture

Stink bugs are notorious for their destructive feeding habits, which can lead to substantial economic losses in agriculture. For instance, the stink bug Leptocorisa oratorius is a serious pest of rice, feeding on developing kernels and causing indirect yield loss1. Similarly, in Georgia, stink bugs are a primary pest of cotton, where they negatively impact both yield and quality2. In Brazil, the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, is a common pest in cotton fields, causing significant damage during the boll-filling stage4.

Control Methods

Various strategies have been employed to control stink bug populations. Insecticides are commonly used, with different efficacy levels depending on the type and application method. For example, high rates of pyrethroids and pyrethroid/neonic premixes have shown excellent control of southern green stink bugs in cotton2. In soybean crops, insecticides such as thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin have been effective in reducing stink bug numbers3 5. Additionally, integrating biopesticides like B. bassiana and M. anisopliae has proven effective in increasing stink bug mortality and improving rice yields1.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the availability of chemical controls, managing stink bug populations remains challenging due to their ability to migrate between crops and develop resistance to insecticides. Moreover, the timing and method of application can significantly influence the effectiveness of control measures. For instance, the addition of sulfur to insecticides did not significantly enhance control of Dichelops melacanthus in corn, highlighting the need for tailored approaches depending on the specific pest and crop7.