Numerous insect species exhibiting positive phototaxis are strongly attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light. However, several heteropteran stink bugs, including Nezara viridula (L.) and its congener Nezara antennata Scott, show stronger attraction to traps combining UV and green light than to monochromatic UV light traps. To examine the role of visible light wavelengths in enhancing UV attraction, we evaluated the attractiveness of blue (469 nm), green (523 nm), orange (613 nm), and red (632 nm) light in combination with UV light (396–400 nm), as well as a monochromatic UV light source, under field conditions targeting Nezara bugs. Traps combining UV and blue light captured nearly three times more Nezara bugs than UV-only light traps. Conversely, traps combining orange or red and UV light captured equal to or fewer bugs than monochromatic UV light traps, indicating no enhancement in attraction with these color combinations. Furthermore, monochromatic blue light alone showed very weak attractiveness, indicating that blue light synergistically enhanced the attractiveness of UV light to bugs. Strong attractiveness to traps combining UV and green light was confirmed in the lepidopteran moth Pleuroptya ruralis (Scopoli), suggesting that multiwavelength light sources may be effective in attracting insect species beyond Heteroptera. These findings highlight the value of multiwavelength light traps, particularly traps combining UV and blue light, for improving stink bug monitoring and pest management.

Climate change is intensifying ecological instability in agricultural ecosystems, altering pest distribution and increasing the risk of fungal contamination and mycotoxin accumulation in crops. Among emerging threats, the invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys has rapidly expanded across Europe, including Croatia. The species is polyphagous, and in the ripening of most plant crops, it accounts for a significant population and causes extensive plant damage. This study investigates the capacity of H. halys to disseminate mycotoxigenic fungi, with an emphasis on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) producers. One hundred adult H. halys individuals were collected from maize ears in Osijek, Croatia, in August 2023. Fungal propagules washed from their surfaces were inoculated on PDA and MEA media. A total of 212 pure fungal cultures were obtained, of which 202 belonged to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. Molecular identification using β-tubulin (BenA) gene sequencing revealed six Aspergillus and six Penicillium species, forming two well-supported phylogenetic clades. Aspergillus parasiticus was the most dominant species. Mycotoxin screening confirmed AFB1 production in 20 isolates, all identified as A. parasiticus, while no OTA-producing strains were detected. The predominance of aflatoxigenic species on H. halys indicates that it may play a previously underrecognized role in the dispersal of mycotoxigenic fungi in agroecosystems.

The future of the global food system is increasingly uncertain due to rapid population growth, climate change and the rising demand for nutritious food. Conventional farming practices place significant pressure on natural resources and ecosystem services, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. In this context, edible insects offer a promising solution because of their low environmental impact, efficient feed conversion, rapid reproduction and high nutritional value. Insects are the most diverse group of arthropods, with over one million identified species, many of which are traditionally consumed by humans in a practice known as entomophagy. Edible insects such as beetles, caterpillars, bees, ants, grasshoppers, termites and cockroaches are commonly consumed in countries including China, India, Mexico, several African nations and parts of Europe. In India, entomophagy is particularly prevalent in the northeastern states, where indigenous communities regularly consume termites, honey bees, grasshoppers, aquatic insects, stink bugs and silkworms. Insects are prepared using traditional methods such as frying, boiling and smoking, as well as modern processing techniques like drying and high-pressure processing. Compared to conventional livestock, farming insect requires less land, water and energy, making it a sustainable option that can support rural livelihoods and enhance food security.

Responses of the Egg Parasitoid Psix saccharicola towards Volatiles from the Pistachio Green Stink Bug Acrosternum arabicum.

Psix saccharicola Mani (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is a key parasitoid of stink bugs eggs in Iranian pistachio orchards, especially Acrosternum arabicum Wagner (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Cold storage of host and parasitoid life stages can facilitate parasitoid production and assist application timing in augmentation programs. We tested the suitability of A. arabicum eggs stored at -20 °C and -80 °C for periods of 0 to 90 d for parasitism by P. saccharicola. The fecundity of F1 females declined with duration of host egg storage, more so at -80 °C than at -20 °C, and so did immature survival and sex ratio. Duration of egg storage, but not temperature, affected the survival of F2 parasitoids. The 24-h fecundity of F2 females, their progeny survival and sex ratio, did not differ from controls even when parental host eggs were stored for 60 d at -20 °C, but the sex ratio was reduced by storage for 15 d at -80 °C. Parasitoid storage as pupae at either 6 °C or 8 °C for 0 to 28 d (with 2 h daily at 27 °C) had no effect on 24-h fecundity, percent parasitism, or sex ratio, but survival declined with storage time, falling to ca. 30% and 50% after 28 d at 6 °C and 8 °C, respectively. Progeny sex ratio of the F2 generation declined progressively with storage duration at 6 °C, but not at 8 °C, whereas other fitness measures were unaffected. We conclude that the use of frozen host eggs and refrigerated pupae could facilitate the rearing and augmentation of P. saccharicola against stink bug pests of pistachio.

The combination of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) with natural enemies represents a promising strategy for more sustainable management programs within the context of integrated pest management (IPM). This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity of EPF isolates on 2nd-instar nymphs of Euschistus crenator, through daily mortality and estimation of lethal time, in addition to investigating the selectivity of the most efficient isolates with respect to the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi, an important natural enemy of stink bugs in soybean crops. All isolates were pathogenic to E. crenator, with LCMAP106, UFSM-01, and the commercial strain PL63 (BOV) of Beauveria bassiana promoting 83.75%, 75% and 87.5% mortality, respectively, after 10 days. The biological parameters of the offspring of females of T. podisi exposed to these isolates were evaluated. The exposure did not affect parasitism or survival, although it did influence the sex ratio, emergence and egg-to-adult cycle. This study also confirmed, for the first time, the parasitism of E. crenator eggs by T. podisi. The results demonstrate the potential of different fungal isolates in controlling E. crenator and indicate that T. podisi can be used in conjunction with EPFs, as its ability to parasitize pest eggs and interrupt their biological cycle was not affected. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence, replication, and tissue-specific localization of Euschistus heros virus (EhV) across life stages of the Neotropical brown stinkbug Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Entomopathogenic fungi are sustainable alternatives for managing Euschistus heros, a major soybean pest. This study evaluated the effects of Cordyceps javanica and Metarhizium anisopliae on dorsal temperature of E. heros and their impact on soybean seed damage. Thermal imaging monitored insect body temperature during an Electropenetrography (EPG) experiment, while X-ray imaging assessed seed damage. Thermal analysis showed that stink bugs treated with chemical insecticide exhibited higher temperatures over time, indicating physiological disturbances, while fungal treatments (M. anisopliae and C. javanica) showed intermediate temperatures with progressive decline, evidencing metabolic alterations induced by infection. X-ray analysis revealed that the Control group had the highest incidence of pod damage, whereas C. javanica, M. anisopliae, and chemical treatments significantly reduced feeding damage. These findings indicate that entomopathogenic fungi influence E. heros physiology and reduce seed damage, reinforcing their potential as sustainable alternatives to insecticides.

Trissolcus cultratus, a parasitoid wasp of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), exhibits divergent parasitic capacities between Chinese and Swiss populations, with Chinese strains successfully reproducing on fresh and cold storage host eggs in both laboratory and field conditions, while Swiss strains fail to develop in fresh BMSB egg. We sequenced and assembled the first T. cultratus transcriptome, a total of 184,932,102 and 195,101,432 clean reads from the Chinese and Swiss strains, respectively, were de novo assembled into 19,280 and 16,322 unigenes. These assemblies predicted 9,811 and 9,582 protein-coding genes for the two strains. Among the 19,280 and 16,322 unigenes, we further identified 554 and 557 transcription factors in the Chinese and Swiss strains, respectively. This work presents the first transcriptomic dataset for T. cultratus, offering a valuable foundation for subsequent research on its population genetics.

Isocycloseram is a novel isoxazoline insecticide targeting the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel (GABAR). It exhibits high efficacy against Lepidopteran pests like Plutella xylostella but is safe to natural enemies. However, the risk of isocycloseram resistance in P. xylostella and the mechanisms underlying its selective action between P. xylostella and its natural enemy, Arma chinensis, remain unknown. In this study, the resistance risk of P. xylostella to isocycloseram was assessed. After 16 generation selections, P. xylotella developed 32.0-fold resistance with a realized heritability (h2) of 0.452. The isocycloseram resistant strain also showed 4.4-fold cross-resistance to abamectin but remained susceptible to endosulfan, broflanilide, cyproflanilide, and chlorantraniliprole. Furthermore, isocycloseram was found to be highly toxic to P. xylostella but safe to A. chinensis. The specific activities of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and cytochrome P450 O-demethylation enzymes in A. chinensis were significantly higher than those in P. xylostella when induced by isocycloseram. In addition, molecular docking demonstrated that isocycloseram binds more strongly to PxGABAR (-9.44 kcal mol-1) than to AcGABAR (-8.06 kcal mol-1). Plutella xylostella has a high risk of developing resistance to isocycloseram. The elevated activity of detoxification enzymes in A. chinensis and reduced binding affinity of AcGABAR to isocycloseram may contribute to the selective toxicity of isocycloseram between P. xylostella and A. chinensis. These findings lay a foundation for the scientific application of isocycloseram in pest control and natural enemy conservation. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Light impacts feeding activity by brown marmorated stink bug on ‘Pinot noir’ grapes

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a vegetable of great socioeconomic importance, cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions due to its hardiness, tolerance to high temperatures, and nutritional value. However, insect pests represent one of the main limiting factors of production. In this context, the objective of this study was to identify the population fluctuation of arthropods associated with different okra cultivars. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of São Carlos, Lagoa do Sino campus (Buri-SP), between March and July 2023, evaluating insect occurrence in five cultivars: Apuim, Canindé, Cariri, Clemson Americana 80, and Santa Cruz 47. Fifteen species were recorded, with key pests including Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Empoasca spp., stink bugs of the Pentatomidae family, and caterpillars of the Noctuidae family. The Apuim cultivar was classified as resistant, Cariri and Clemson Americana 80 showed moderate resistance, while Canindé and Santa Cruz 47 proved to be susceptible. The results highlight the relevance of varietal resistance in the sustainable management of okra.

Flowering plants serve as a valuable source of nectar, which supports the survival and reproductive success of flower-associated insects, including adult parasitoids. Fermentation by nectar-inhabiting microbes can alter nectar chemistry, which in turn, could affect the performance of nectar-feeding parasitoids. Although there is growing evidence on how yeasts and bacteria influence flower-visiting insects, the potential role of other microbial taxa that can colonize nectar has been largely neglected. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that filamentous fungi isolated from the nectar of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, affect nectar chemistry with cascading effects for the longevity of insect parasitoids. As model organisms, we used Trissolcus basalis and Ooencyrtus telenomicida, two co-occurring egg parasitoids of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula. Laboratory bioassays showed that the longevity of T. basalis was reduced when wasps were fed on synthetic nectar fermented by Cladosporium sp. SAAF 22.2.12 and Cladosporium sp. SAAF 22.3.29, compared with wasps that fed on non-fermented synthetic nectar. On the contrary, no effects of fermentation by nectar-inhabiting fungi were reported in terms of longevity for O. telenomicida. Chemical analyses revealed that nectar fermentation by filamentous fungi substantially increased the chemical diversity of the nectar medium, with a total of 12 sugars and sugar alcohols detected in the fermented products of the different fungal strains, although in varying proportions. Altogether, these findings highlight the potential of neglected microbial taxa to affect nectar chemistry and longevity of adult parasitoids, broadening our understanding of plant-microbe-insect interactions.

The predatory sting bug Arma custos and ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes zhonghuajia are important natural enemies which may co-occur in agroecosystems in China. Understanding interspecific interactions is essential for optimizing multi-agent biological control. This study presents the first systematic assessment of the compatibility and intraguild effects between these two species. Laboratory bioassays evaluated the impact of P. zhonghuajia density [0 (control), 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mites] on A. custos egg hatch rate and incubation period, and effect of mite density [0 (control), 1, 5, 10, 20, or 30 mites] on the paralysis and lethalityl of A. custos nymphs and adults. Results show that P. zhonghuajia did not significantly affect egg viability (82–86% hatch rate) and development (8.4–8.8 d), indicating baseline egg-stage compatibility. In contrast, nymphs and adults experienced strong mite density- and time-dependent paralysis and mortality. The young 1st–2nd-instar nymphs of A. custos were highly susceptible and completely paralyzed or died when they were exposed to 5–10 mites for 24 h; whereas older instars and adults exhibited higher tolerance, where high mortality occurred at higher mite densities of ≥ 20 individuals. This is the first study to estimate the critical density-dependent lethality: 5 mites for 1st–3rd instars, 10 mites for 4th–5th instars, and > 10 mites for adults. These findings reveal a parasitism-mediated intraguild interaction, in which P. zhonghuajia dominated nymphal and adult stages of A. custos, while eggs remained largely unaffected. The results provide essential guidance for the future design of coordinated release strategies under field conditions, as they emphasize that temporal or spatial niche separation would be necessary to reduce direct suppression of A. custos and maintain the complementary pest control potential of both agents in applied settings. This study advances understanding of intraguild dynamics among natural enemies, offering practical and theoretical insights for multi-agent biodiversity-based pest management that require further field validation.

True bugs (Heteroptera) have undergone repeated evolutionary shifts between phytophagous and carnivorous feeding strategies. Although gut microbiomes are recognized for aiding dietary adaptation, their function in mediating these transitions is still unclear, specifically, how microbial communities change during dietary evolution and influence the diversification of feeding traits. Here, we selected a stink bug lineage of the subfamily Asopinae (Pentatomidae), representative of an independent feeding trait transition from phytophagy to carnivory. Their gut microbiomes were analyzed and compared to those of closely related phytophagous species within the Pentatomidae family, as well as predatory assassin bugs from the Reduviidae family, which represent the ancestral heteropteran feeding trait of predation. It was found that Asopinae lack the gammaproteobacterialsymbionts and midgut crypts that are conserved in their phytophagous counterparts. Instead, their gut microbiomes converged on a community dominated by Enterococcus (Firmicutes) and select Proteobacteria (Serratia, Yokenella, Proteus), mirroring the microbiome of assassin bugs. This core community persisted despite prey variation, likely maintained through pentatomid ancestral eggshell-piercing behavior, enabling vertical transmission. Metagenomic analysis linked the Asopinae microbiome to functions potentially associated with predation adaptation, including the digestion of chitinous substrates likely sourced from prey's internal body. Through bacterial isolation, genomics, and functional assays, we demonstrated that Serratia mediates chitin degradation, which along with a potential coordination in diet digestion, may also have been involved in an antifungal effect. Meanwhile, an Enterococcus strain exhibits inhibition to multiple pathogens such that may provide protections to the host, potentially via a class III lanthipeptide. Our findings reveal a coordinated restructuring of the gut microbiome during dietary shifts. The convergence of Asopinae and Reduviidae microbiomes underscores how microbial communities may have facilitated the ecological adaptation, likely by enabling hosts to exploit new dietary niches and providing defense against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Video Abstract.

The predatory bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an important natural enemy of agricultural and forest pests. In this study, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of E. furcellata using a combination of Illumina short-read sequencing, PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing, and Hi-C technology. The assembled genome has a total size of 1140.70 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 154.55 Mb. The genome exhibits a high level of completeness, with 99.7% of conserved genes detected. Repetitive elements account for 64.33% of the genome. A total of 22,534 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 20,803 were successfully annotated. This high-quality genome assembly provides a valuable resource for future research on the biology and ecological functions of this predatory insect.

Alfalfa seed production is a major challenge all over the globe and the research to combat this phenomenon of low seed yield is limited over the course of time. Its high seed yield, commercial distribution and delivery to farmers at a competitive price are critical issues in Pakistan. Seed yield is governed by complex interaction among genetic potential of a variety and its environments, pollinators, and crop management. Reduce biomass and nutritional value is another limiting factor in impacting the productivity and growth of livestock sector. Under this scenario, scientist of Fodder Research Substation has initiated an effort during the studied year 2013-2015 to develop a new variety of alfalfa (PAK CAS-Alfalfa) by mass selection. Diverse group of seven elite lines (No. 6316, No. 6450 and No. 6455) from local and foreign origin (No. 6433, NO. 34187 No. 9011 and No. 8004) were used to develop promising line FA-01-2019, which was later named as PAK CAS-Alfalfa (2024). This magical variety has proven as high forage yielder (9% higher yield in National Trials) along with high crude protein (22.4%) contents than existing alfalfa varieties. This variety is resistant to Rhizoctonia solani (moderately resistant), alfalfa weevil (3.7% and 3.4%), and stink bug (7.3% and 7.5%) which has deleterious impact on alfalfa fodder and seed yield. This variety (high-quality, nutritive fodder and strong adaptability) has the potential to overcome the constraints in alfalfa production and other fodder related quality parameters.

Apple (Malus domestica Borkhausen, Rosaceae, Rosales) orchards in Québec (Canada) have recently experienced increases in both stink bug populations and associated fruit damage. Even in the absence of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), stink bugs are jeopardizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs since few environment-friendly control options are available. The objectives of this study were thus to (i) acquire knowledge on the seasonal abundance and species composition of Pentatomidae in 4 apple orchards using baited pyramid traps and beating trays and (ii) adapt and test an attract-and-kill (AK) strategy based on the knowledge acquired. Twenty species of stink bugs were collected over 3 years. Euschistus servus euschistoides (Vollenhoven) represented 80% of individuals captured overall and peaked at the end of August. Chinavia hilaris (Say), Euschistus tristigmus (Say), and H. halys came in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Trece's multi-species pheromone lures (Pherocon CSB+GSB+BMSB) commercialized for Euschistus sp., C. hilaris and H. halys respectively, caught the highest numbers of species and individuals, and were thus chosen for the AK trial. Lures were used in combination with sticky-coated yellow panel traps deployed at the periphery of the orchards. AK resulted in high stink bug mortality (numbers equivalent to ca. 10,000 individuals/ha) and damage was reduced by 25% overall for the 4 orchards, but not enough to translate into a statistically significant effect. Visual appearance of damage to fruit caused by phytophagous stink bugs on different cultivars is described.

The field studies were carried out on the occurrence and abundance of the natural enemy of sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., which is an economically important crop grown at the Entomology farm of Lovely Professional University, Zaid 2022-2023. After 15 days of germination, the data for natural enemies were taken every week till the harvest of the crop. The observation was carried out in the morning since most insects are most active in the early morning or late afternoon. The meteorological data were also taken to note the effects of temperature, humidity and others on the insect pests and natural enemy populations invading sunflowers. Different insect species were observed participating in behaviours like foraging, mating, and interacting with their habitat. Insect pests such as Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Spilosoma obliqua, Notobitus meleagris, Arctia caja, Phyllotreta vittula, etc. and pollinators such as bees and flies were observed. Natural enemies like assassin bugs, spiders, coccinellids, stink bugs, etc., were recorded from the head, upper, middle, and lower leaves of the plant.

ABSTRACT The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest in many regions worldwide and causes significant damage to fruit in orchards, including apple and pear. In this study, we investigated the predation of H. halys eggs on apple trees in conventional, organic, and extensively managed orchards to assess the relationship between orchard management and conservation biological control against this pest. In addition, we deployed camera traps to observe predation on H. halys eggs. In extensively managed orchards, over 40% of the eggs were consumed by predators during a 2‐day exposure period. In contrast, only about 10% of the eggs were eaten in both conventional and organic orchards. Camera traps showed that katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) and great tits ( Parus major ) can consume entire stink bug egg masses. Earwigs ( Forficula spp. (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)) and harvestmen (Opiliones) were observed on the eggs but consumed only a few. Our results highlight that orchard management practices influence conservation biological control.