A field protocol for evaluating stink bug injury to soybean seed

A complex of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) occurs as an annual pest problem in Louisiana soybean. In addition to direct yield losses, these insects can significantly reduce seed quality. The goal of this project is to develop a protocol to characterize stink bug feeding and soybean seed injury using plants in field plots. Stink bug adults were collected from native hosts or crops and maintained for 24 h in laboratory. Individual stink bug adults were caged on racemes of two seed pods in various stages of seed development for 24-96 h. A duplicate set of non-infested cages were used as a control. After removal of the insects, the cages were replaced for a cumulative period (infested + non-infested after insect removal) of 7 d. All cages were removed at this time and one cohort of pods containing immature seed were harvested for evaluation. The other cohort of pods was harvested at full seed maturity. Frequencies of seed injury and quality losses were established for several species. Results from this study protocol will provide a more complete understanding of stink bug feeding on soybean and can serve as reference data to improve soybean IPM recommendations.