Review of Phytophagous Pentatomids (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Associated with Soybean in the Americas

Published research on stink bugs (Pentatomidae) associated with soybean in the Americas is compiled and reviewed. Emphasis is placed on Nezara viridula (L.), Acrosternum hilare (Say), Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), and Euschistus heros (F.). Nymphs and adults feed via stylet insertion primarily in seeds, reducing seed yield and quality and sometimes causing prolonged leaf retention and development of abnormal leaflets and pods. Colonization of soybean by pentatomids typically starts during pre-blooming and peaks by late pod-filling stage. As plants senesce, movement to alternate hosts occurs. Economic thresholds in soybean differ throughout the Americas and normally control measures are required. Important natural enemies of phytophagous pentatomids include the hymenopteran egg parasites Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) and Telenomus mormideae Lima, and the tachinid adult parasites Trichopoda pennipes (F.) and Eutrichopodopsis nitens Blanchard. Cultural and chemical control strategies and host plant resistance to stink bugs are discussed. Opportunities for future research within the philosophy and methodology of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are suggested.