Nezara viridula

Nezara viridula It is widely known as the green stink bug, stink bug or stink bug, due to the characteristic odor it releases when disturbed.

Crops attacked

This pest is highly versatile and attacks several important agricultural crops, such as soybeans, corn, beans, cotton and wheat.

In addition, it can also be found causing damage to vegetables and other legumes, especially in regions of intensive cultivation.

Biology

The life cycle of Nezara viridula includes:

• Eggs: lays masses of 50 to 100 eggs, yellowish in color and shaped like honeycombs, generally on the underside of leaves.

• Nymphs: go through five nymphal stages, presenting green or black coloration, with white spots. Complete development occurs in about 25 days.

• Adults: have a uniform green coloration, measuring between 12 and 15 mm. They are responsible for most of the direct damage to crops.

Ecology

The green stink bug is a cosmopolitan pest, found in several regions of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical climates.

Its high reproductive capacity and adaptation to environmental conditions allows it to be established in different agricultural systems.

Damage

Adults and advanced stage nymphs (from the 3rd instar) cause significant damage:

• Perforation and suction of sap from pods, grains and stems, leading to deformation and reduced productivity.

• Indirect damage, such as opening the door to fungal and bacterial infections.

• Formation of green stems (although to a lesser extent compared to other species of bedbugs).

These damages result in considerable economic losses, especially in crops of great economic importance, such as soybeans and corn.

Control

Integrated management of Nezara viridula includes:

• Genetic control: development of pest-resistant or tolerant varieties.

• Biological control: use of natural enemies, such as egg parasitoids and nymph predators.

• Chemical control: application of specific insecticides, respecting resistance management and the preservation of natural enemies.

• Cultural practices: crop rotation, traps or bait crops; constant monitoring to identify initial populations.

• Digital technology: warning and management systems based on climate and population dynamics.

To learn more about Nezara viridula, click on:

• Occurrence and management of stink bugs in second-crop corn

• In pods and grains: pests that attack soybeans

To find out which pesticides are registered for control, click on:

• Pesticides against Nezara viridula