Incidence of field predation of stink bugs by generalist predators using molecular gut-content analysis

In recent years stink bugs, including Nezara viridula, Euschistus servus, and Chinavia hilaris have become serious pests of cotton.  Soybean is an effective trap crop for these stink bug pests in cotton.  Many species of generalist predators are very common in both the soybean and cotton.  The goal of this study was to assess the incidence of field predation by these generalist predators using molecular gut-content analysis.  Predation of stink bugs by Geocoris punctipes, Orius insidiosus, Oxyopes salticus, Solenopsis invicta, and Hippodamia convergens was common in both crops.  Geocoris uliginosus was tested positive for stink bugs only in soybean.