Southern Green Stink Bug, Nezara viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Feeding in Corn

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 1983 and 1984 to evaluate effects of Nezara viridula (L.) feeding damage to field corn. Two adult N. viridula per plant feeding on V15-stage plants caused significant reductions in ear weight and ear length. No significant reductions in seed weight were observed at any N. viridula infestation level evaluated. Results indicated that feeding damage is most intense in younger plants and that reductions in yield can be attributed to total ear loss rather than reductions in kernel weight.