Dynamics of Phytophagous Pentatomids Associated with Soybean in Brazil

Abstract

Soybean production in Brazil has increased dramatically since 1970. This chapter discusses their dynamics in relation to the soybean crop and other host plants, and how control techniques influence their abundance. Species composition of phytophagous pentatomids associated with the soybean crop in Brazil has increased throughout the years. For characterization of a pest population it is important to know the synchronization of host plant and insect phenologies. Not many studies are available relating host plants and population trends of stink bugs on soybean. F. W. Schumann and J. W. Todd in Georgia mentioned that cultivars of different maturity groups, and planting dates, significantly affected N. viridula population levels; however, the main factor was stage of development. Cultural control involving time of planting, row spacing, crop rotation, and the effect of reduced tillage practices should be investigated. Among the different insecticides, methyl parathion is most commonly reported as being effective against phytophagous pentatomids.