Intraspecific and interspecific interaction and fitness cost of stink bugs Euschistus heros, Diceraeus melacanthus, and Piezodorus guildinii in soybean

Abstract

BackgroundThe most common pentatomid species in soybean crops are Euschistus heros (F.), Piezodorus guildinii (W.), and Diceraeus melacanthus (D.), causing a significant reduction in yield. It is known that these stink bugs inhabit the reproductive structures of soybeans simultaneously; however, there are few studies addressing their intraguild interactions, as well as aspects of possible competition between them in plants. Thus, the inter‐ and intraspecific interactions of these stink bugs were evaluated in laboratory and field conditions, throughout the duration of the instars and adulthood, including longevity, mortality, and the number of eggs per female.ResultsE. heros had a higher competitive capacity in the interaction with D. melacanthus and P. guildinii, negatively interfering in the abundance or development (duration of instar, fertility, and mortality) of these stink bugs in soybean crops. This interference may act on the natural balance of these insect pests. Mortality of adults in interactions containing E. heros as a competitor or not showed that this species was not affected by the other species under field conditions. In the scenario where D. melacanthus was evaluated, it was observed that the presence of other species caused higher mortality in D. melacanthus. Additionally, higher P. guildiniii mortality was observed in interspecific interactions.ConclusionOur results suggest that E. heros has a greater competitive ability in the soybean crop, followed by D. melacanthus and P. guildinii. Therefore, the results found justify the greater abundance of E. heros and help to explain the increasing occurrence of D. melacanthus in soybean crops, contributing to new directions for understanding the interaction of the soybean stink bug complex.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Insecticide Susceptibilities and Enzyme Activities of Four Stink Bug Populations in Mississippi, USA

“…Stink bug management in soybean cultivation currently relies on chemical control methods, including neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and organophosphates. However, growing concerns about pesticide resistance in stink bugs are prompting pest managers to explore safer and more sustainable options [39]. Biological control strategies involving parasitoids and entomopathogens, as well as the utilization of semiochemicals (including sex pheromones), are being employed [40].…”