Stinkbugs

AVRDC
Crop Protection Guides

Soybean Insect Pests

Stink bugs
Nezara viridula, Piezodorus hybneri

Found in tropics

Damage symptoms

Pods have puncture marks surrounded by darkened area of dead tissue. Beans are malformed or absent. In heavy infestations, pod development is reduced.

Insect characteristics

Piercing-sucking mouthparts. These insects are flattish and shield-shaped. They vary from a bright green to a dark drab brown. When you crush them with your finger, a sweetish, sickening smell is noticeable. The young look much like the adults except that their wings are not fully developed.

Stink bug immatures on pods

Where to look

These insects move about quickly from the upper to the lower plant surfaces and are secretive. They are most likely found feeding where soybean pods are developing. All species prefer to feed on developing seeds in green pods.

Technical information

Stink bugs secrete a defense chemical to ward off enemies and warn others in their population of danger. Adults lay barrel-shaped eggs in groups on the undersides of leaves. Many generations occur and overlap in warm climates. Some species are vectors of plant diseases. Stink bugs feed on wide range of crops.

Control

Te be added later.

Stink bug eggs

Last updated: 2001.
Information from: Field Guide: Insect Pests of Selected Vegetables in Tropical and Subtropical Asia. 1995. B.L. Parker, N.S. Talekar and M. Skinner. Publication 94-427. Pesticides and other control recommendations should be adapted for local conditions.

AVRDC Home | Extension Materials Home | Soybean Home | Best version for printing