Pest biology and FQPA regulatory constraints have elevated the severity of consperse stink bug (Euschistus conspersus Uhler) in California processing tomatoes where ~90% of the U.S. crop is produced. Pheromone lures and traps are commercially available and a phenology model has been developed for this species. However, pheromone-based monitoring and prediction of field populations are limited by lack of data on migratory capability and reproductive status of pheromone trap and direct field samples during the tomato growing season. From July 2000 through September 2001, pheromone trap and/or direct sampling methods were employed in a seasonal survey of E. conspersus from processing tomatoes, overwintering habitats, and Spring alternate host plants in California’s Sacramento Valley. Representative sample sizes from each sample date were dissected to correlate flight muscle development with female reproductive biology. Field sampling results illustrate trap capture as significantly higher early in the tomato growing season relative to beating tray samples within the same fields, over the same sample period. Trap data analysis revealed differential sex ratios with significantly higher female response early season; male:female ratios nearly equal mid-season; and a second female response peak near harvest. Dissection results indicate E. conspersus adults overwinter unmated, delaying sexual maturity until emergence from diapause the following Spring. Pheromone traps attract sexually mature adults, with diapause-destined individuals unresponsive. Hypothesized flight muscle polymorphism was not observed. Flight muscles are maintained in males and females throughout the year, over two generations, during reproductive and diapause development. Correct understanding of stink bug seasonal biology in relation to early season trap catch will improve forecasting of postdiapause development, migration and reproduction in tomatoes. These results will support industry efforts to base treatment decisions on the more susceptible nymphal stages, using reduced risk insecticides.
Species 1: Hemiptera Pentatomidae Euschistus conspersus (consperse stink bug)
Keywords: Pheromone trap, Processing tomatoes
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA