Comparative Biology of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Feeding on Cotton and Soybean Reproductive Structures

Abstract

The neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), is a phytophagous pentatomid that causes considerable economic losses in soybean crop, but it has been recently reported using cotton as a new host plant. Nymphs and adults of E. heros were raised on six different food sources composed of the reproductive structures of cotton and soybean plants: a standard diet (green-bean pods + raw peanuts + privet fruits), soybean seeds, soybean pods, cotton seeds, cotton bolls, and cotton floral buds. The following biological parameters were evaluated: nymph developmental time, instar duration, and survivorship; adult weight at emergence; male and female longevity; duration of pre-oviposition and oviposition periods; and female fecundity and fertility. Nymphal development time and survival, as well as the adult weight and fecundity of E. heros fed on cotton bolls and seeds were reduced if compared to those fed on soybean pods. The cotton floral buds did not support the immature development nor the reproduction of adults of E. heros. Most of the cotton plant structures fed to E. heros caused high nymph mortality and low adult fertility. Cotton, therefore, appeared to be an unsuitable host for the development and reproduction of E. heros. Therefore, our data may allow us to suggest that the occurrence of E. heros on cotton may be due to occasional dispersion in search for shelter.

Biological Parameters of Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and its Susceptibility to Entomopathogenic Fungi When Fed on Different Diets

“…These data corroborate the results of our experiments and those of Azambuja et al (2013). Having a variety of grains in the diet provided the stink bugs different quantities and qualities of nutritional resources.…”

Transfer of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins from genetically engineered Bt cotton to herbivores and predators

“…In this study, we have quantified the Bt protein concentrations in a number of herbivores that are common pests of cotton, namely H. virescens (new world distribution), S. littoralis (Africa and Southern Europe), E. heros (South America), and A. gossypii , B. tabaci , F. occidentalis , T. tabaci , and T, urticae with global distributions (CABI, , Azambuja et al ., ). Lepidopteran caterpillars are a major threat for cotton production globally and they are the targets of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab.…”

First report of Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on African mahogany Khaya ivorensis

“…This fact has been reported in Hypsipyla robusta attacking the American mahogany Switenia macrophyla cultivated in Africa and Australia (Newton et al, 1993;Cunningham et al, 2005), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte migrating from corn to soybean (Meloche and Hermans, 2004), and Euschistus heros migrating from soybean to cotton (Azambuja et al, 2013). Further research must be encouraged concerning monitoring, pest control techniques, selection of new resistant materials and resistance management strategies, such as the use of structured refuge with susceptible materials.…”