Andropogon bicornis L. (Poales: Poaceae): a stink bug shelter in the soybean and corn off-season in southern Brazil

Abstract

Associated host plants promote the survival of various species of pest insects during unfavorable periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diversity, abundance and structure of the pentatomid bugs community during the soybean and corn off-season in Andropogon bicornis L. (Poales, Poaceae) plants. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil. During the soybean and corn off-season from 2014 to 2018, clumps of 10 to 50 centimeters in diameter were observed around the growing area. Data on the number of species and abundance of individuals were used for statistical analysis (ANOVA, linear regression and Pearson correlation) and faunistic (diversity and abundance distribution). At the end of the experiment 4050 adults belonging to the species Euschistus heros (F.), Dichelops furcatus (F.), Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), Edessa meditabunda (F.), Edessa ruformaginata (De Geer) and Piezodorus guildini. Among the species, we found greater abundance for E. meditabunda, E. heros and D. furcatus (96.07%) of the individuals sampled. Higher interspecific correlation was observed between the same species, we also observed a direct effect of the clump diameter on the population density. Among the six species observed, at least five are economically important for soybean and corn crops, so further studies are needed in order to verify the effects of this hibernation site on the population present in the crop and its damages.