How to Manage Stink Bugs in Soybeans

FBN Network

Oct 03, 2023

Most commonly found in the southern United States, including states like Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, stink bugs can significantly impact soybean crops by feeding on the developing seeds within the pods, leading to reduced yield and lower quality. Their feeding activity can also cause premature pod drop and introduce pathogens into the plant, further compromising crop health and productivity. 

But by regularly monitoring fields for potential stink bug activity, recognizing indicators of stink bug infestations and being ready to react with appropriate insecticide products like Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC and GCS Bifenthrin 2EC, farmers can effectively respond to and control pest pressures. 

This guide will outline:

  • How to identify stink bugs

  • How to scout for stink bugs

  • Timing of stink bug infestations

  • How to chemically manage stink bugs 

How to Identify Stink Bugs

Russ Ottens, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Stink bugs are typically shield-shaped and have a distinctive odor when disturbed, hence their name. The most common Stink Bug species found in soybeans are the:

  1. Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula)

  2. Brown Stink Bug (Euschistus servus)

  3. Red Banded Stink Bug (Piezodorus guildinii)

Both the Green and Brown Stink Bugs have a mottled appearance and can vary in color from green to brown. Red Banded Stink Bugs are roughly half the size of other stink bug species, green in color and can be identified by a red band across the back and a fixed spine along the abdomen.

Adult stink bugs measure around 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length and have a characteristic triangular shape on their backs, which can help to differentiate them from other insects. 


[RELATED: Is Your Soybean Crop Getting Enough Potassium?]


How to Scout for Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are prolific, going through 4-8 generations in a single growing season. This means that growth stages from egg to adult can all be present at the same time, impacting the effectiveness of insecticides. And since most soybean insecticides have a limited amount of residual activity, they can pop up in a field quickly, making timely scouting even more important.

One of the most common indicators of stink bugs in soybeans is the appearance of small, necrotic spots on the pods. These spots are a result of the feeding punctures made by the insects, which can lead to significant yield losses if not addressed promptly. Another indicator is seeing the pests, which would be noticeable as adult bugs or nymphs. 

Note that Red Banded Stink Bugs will do 60% of their feeding in the bottom two-thirds of the canopy, so prioritize scouting in that area of the crop. That said, stink bugs will retreat into the canopy when temperatures are high, so take this into consideration when scouting is in progress. And since they reproduce quickly, be sure to check on at least a weekly basis. 

Russ Ottens, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Farmers who think they might be looking at a stink bug problem should use a sweep net to check insect counts. The economic threshold is approximately 6 bugs in 25 sweeps. 

Timing of Stink Bug Infestations

While stink bugs can be found throughout the entire season, their impact becomes most significant during the reproductive stages of the crop. In the early season, stink bugs may feed on vegetative tissues, but their damage is typically minimal at this stage. However, as soybeans enter the pod-filling stage, stink bug populations can rapidly multiply, posing a greater threat to both yield and quality. 


[RELATED: How to Manage Japanese Beetles in Soybeans] 


How to Chemically Manage Stink Bugs 

Timely and effective intervention relies on vigilant field scouting and pest detection, as does accurate identification given that different stink bug species have varying levels of susceptibility to certain insecticides. 

To combat Red Banded Stink Bugs, select an insecticide with the active ingredient bifenthrin or a high rate of acephate. The most effective tank mixes, however, include more than one active ingredient. This helps ensure adequate coverage while also protecting against resistance issues. A lambdacyhalothrin like Willowood Lambda-Cy 1EC and thiamethoxam combination can also be useful against this pest.

There are several chemical products also available that can effectively control other stink bug species in soybeans, including insecticides containing pyrethroids, neonicotinoids and organophosphates, all of which have been proven to be effective when applied according to label instructions and integrated into an overall pest management strategy. 

Other popular options include GCS Bifenthrin 2EC, an insecticide containing bifenthrin with similar label applications.

Stink Bug Crop Protection from FBN Direct®

Proactively scouting for and responding to pest presence in your fields will help reduce potential crop damage and improve yield. FBN Direct has a wide variety of effective insecticides to help address pest pressures and keep your operation on track. With transparent pricing, straightforward online ordering, detailed product labels and fast direct-to-farm delivery, FBN Direct can help you get the products you need to protect your crops. 


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FBN Network

Oct 03, 2023