University:
University of Georgia
Course:
BIOL-4241 | Entomology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

138

Pages:

2
Author:

Hundebuchesn

Redbanded Stink Bugs (RBSB) are more damaging to soybean compared with stink bugs we normally encounter in Georgia soybeans. Redbanded stink bug is a major pest of soybean in the Mid-South especially following mild winters. Redbanded stink bugs feed on legumes and are NOT a pest of cotton. Unfortunately, we are observing redbanded stink bugs in south Georgia soybeans. The threshold for RBSB is lower than that we use for commonly encountered stink bugs in Georgia. Insecticides needed for good control are also different for RBSB. Redbanded stink bugs are about half the size of southern green stink bugs. Adult RBSB are light green with a reddish band near the thorax. Older RBSB nymphs are green and somewhat flattened with black and red markings on the top of the abdomen. The primary characteristic to identify RBSB adults is a long spine that arises from the abdomen and protrudes between its hind legs. Redbanded stink bug adult and nymphs (left) and photo illustrating the abdominal spine extending between the ack legs of a RBSB adult (right). Proper identification of stink bugs will be important. Southern green, green, and brown stink bugs are the most common stink bugs observed infesting soybeans in Georgia (photos by Herb Pilcher, ipmimages.org). Thresholds: Since RBSB is more damaging than other stink bugs infesting soybean, the threshold is lower. Southern green, green, and brown stink bugs: 9 stink bugs per 25 sweeps or 1 per row foot. Redbanded stink bug: 4 RBSB per 25 sweeps or 2 per six row feet using a drop cloth. It is likely that fields which have RBSB will also have southern green stink bugs and potentially green and brown stink bugs. These mixed populations can be accounted for by counting RBSB twice and adding to other stink bugs present and using the 9 per 25 sweeps threshold.