An evaluation of novaluron on Southern green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs and sublethal effects on fecundity in adults

Abstract

Stink bug species emerged as major insect pests of cotton in the mid-southern United States following the eradication of the boll weevil and the introduction of genetically modified Bt cotton for lepidopteran pests. Considering the limited number of chemical classes available for insect control, further insights into other chemistries are necessary to inform management strategies with the overall goal of establishing and maintaining the most cost efficient and efficacious control programs for stink bugs in Alabama. The insect growth regulator, novaluron, has shown control of tarnished plant bugs, but little research has been done on its effect in stink bugs. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effects of novaluron, in a laboratory setting, on adult fecundity, nymphal mortality, and yield and damage in the field. We hypothesized that novaluron would have a direct effect on mortality in nymphs and could decrease fecundity in adult stink bugs. Although the effect on fecundity was counter to our hypothesis, this study shows effective control of nymphs in our model insect, the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Future evaluation of proper timing of novaluron applications could make this a valuable tool for residual control of stink bugs in cotton.