Euschistus heros, the brown stink bug, is one of the main agricultural pests in Latin America, particularly in Brazil. It is also known as the soybean bug due to its high prevalence in soybean crops.
Crops attacked
The brown stink bug is a significant threat to several agricultural crops, including:
- Soybean: its main host plant.
- Corn: especially in crops following soybeans.
- Weeds and other host crops: provide shelter and food during the off-season, contributing to the survival of the species.
Biology
O Euschistus heros It originates from the Neotropical region and has a life cycle directly influenced by climatic conditions and food availability:
- Development: the reproductive cycle is intensified in warm temperatures, with greater activity between November and April.
- Diapause: during the cold months, it enters a state of dormancy, increasing its survival until the next harvest.
- Reproduction: the female lays her eggs on leaves or stems, with a high hatching rate under favorable conditions.
Ecology
The ecology of the brown stink bug is marked by its ability to explore different habitats:
- Movement between crops: after soybean harvest, it migrates to nearby crops or weeds.
- Interaction with predators: populations of natural enemies, such as geocoris spp. And Lebia spp., help to partially control their population density, especially in integrated management systems.
Damage
The damage caused by the brown stink bug can seriously compromise agricultural productivity:
- Soybeans: cause pod abortion, reduced grain weight and quality, and seed deformations.
- Corn: damage is observed mainly in grains and reproductive structures.
- Economic impact: direct harvest losses and additional costs with chemical control.
Control
The management of the Euschistus heros requires integrated strategies to reduce its impact on crops:
- Integrated pest management (IPM): monitoring populations based on action levels. Use of biological and cultural tactics.
- Chemical control: judicious application of insecticides, prioritizing critical moments (stages R5.2 to R6 in soybeans). Reduction in the number of sprays to avoid resistance and preserve natural enemies.
To learn more about euschistus heros, click on:
To find out which pesticides are registered for control, click on:
Cultivar Newsletter
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
