Performance and Preference of Chinavia erythrocnemis (Berg) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) on Reproductive Structures of Cultivated Plants.

Laboratory studies with the stink bug Chinavia erythrocnemis (Berg) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were conducted to evaluate the effect of reproductive structures of cultivated plants, on nymph and adult performance, and adult preference. Results indicated that nymphs were able to complete the development on all plants evaluated. Nymph developmental time was significantly shorter on immature soybean pod [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], compared with immature green bean pod (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), immature siliques of canola (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera), and immature ear heads of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Nymph survivorship was superior on soybean (60%), decreasing on the remaining food sources (< 38%). Fresh body weight of females and males at adult emergence was higher on green bean and on soybean, compared with wheat and canola. Survivorship of adults after 40 days was highest on soybean (80%) and on green bean (65%), and lowest on canola (25%). Females of C. erythrocnemis reproduced on all food sources tested, except on canola, on which no female laid eggs. The fecundity and longevity of adults were significantly higher on green bean and on soybean compared with wheat and canola. In general, adults gained weight over time when fed on green bean (18%), followed by soybean (3.4%). On wheat and on canola, the bugs lost weight over time (- 14.9% and - 27.4%, respectively). In general, soybean pod was preferred compared with green bean, canola, and wheat; green bean was preferred over wheat and canola; and canola was preferred to wheat.