Work

Landscape-Level Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Stink Bugs in Soybean–Maize Agroecosystems of the Neotropics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The crop system of soybean (summer)—maize or other cereals (fall/winter) succession has been adopted widely in the Neotropics. It inadvertently provides food in sequence to stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), forming green bridges, which favor their outbreaks. Attempts to control these outbreaks, usually consists of chemical control on isolated crop scenarios. Analyzing the literature available, it is possible to conclude that stink bugs must be managed having a broader and more holistic perspective, taking the whole landscape into consideration, rather than the usual individualized perspective. Multidisciplinary recommendations should include insect pests plus weed and disease controls, crop harvest, sowed cultivars or varieties, and neighboring vegetation (cultivated or native) for effective stink bug management. In conclusion, during the first crop season, stink bugs should be controlled only in the reproductive stage of soybean (from R3 to R6 plant development stage), when population is equal or higher than ET (2 stink bugs.m−1). Biologicals should be used instead of chemicals whenever possible. When ET is surpassed at R7 or R8, more tolerant maize varieties (fast growing) should be sowed in the second crop season with the adoption of seed treatment. Always, grain losses during harvest and the presence of weeds must be avoided at the end of soybean season. Additionally, chemical insecticides sprayings on maize might still be necessary if Diceraeuss spp. outbreaks equal or surpass three insects.m−1 during maize early stages. This more precise and less impactful management of the agroecosystem will promote more sustainable and resilient management of these polyphagous pests.

Source: Agronomy

DOI: 10.3390/agronomy16111087

Authors: Weidson Plauter Sutil, Antonio Ricardo Panizzi, Adeney de Freitas Bueno

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Paraná, Embrapa Trigo, Embrapa Soja

Language: English

Topic: Hemiptera Insect Studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137