Evaluating the density-damage relationship of rice stink bug (Oebalus pugnax) on long grain rice

The rice stink bug (RSB), Oebalus pugnax (F.), is the most important economic pest of heading rice in the southeastern United States.  Economic injury occurs when RSB feed on rice in the flowering, milk, and dough stages of grain development resulting in sterile, partially-filled, or discolored (pecky) rice seeds.  Currently recommended economic injury levels (EIL) for RSB in Louisiana rice have not been evaluated for new varieties in more than 25 years.  Cage studies were conducted over three years at the Rice Research Station in Crowley, Louisiana, to determine the relationship between density of rice stink bugs at five population levels below and above the currently recommended EIL.  A density-dependent relationship was observed between the number of stink bugs infested in cages and the amount of total pecky rice after harvest.  The overall impact of findings on current management practices will be discussed.