Determining in-field dispersal of the redbanded stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in soybean fields using a protein based mark-capture method

Abstract

A study was designed to determine the dispersal of redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), adult and nymph in soybean fields using protein marking via a mark-captured method. Insects were marked by spraying the soybean field with 10% chicken egg white solution. Following marker application, insects were collected from the field. Marker on the insect body was detected using chicken egg albumin specific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess dispersal of P. guildinii. The protein marking was found to be a viable option for marking P. guildinii that provided direct proof of insect movement. With this marking technique, we were able to detect 50% or more protein marked insects for 3 days after field marking, however marker was detected in 50% or more soybean leaf sample only for 2 days after field marking. Marking efficiency drastically reduced after 4–5 days of marker application in the soybean field. Thus, the method, though useable, has limitations. Mean dispersed distance of P. guildinii was up to 137.0 ± 21.5 m along soybean rows and 15.3 ± 1.2 m across rows. Mean nymphal dispersal (4th and 5th instars) was documented up to 122.0 ± 7.0 m along and 11.7 ± 1.7 m across soybean rows.