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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Green stink bug adult and feeding injury on an immature peach.

Cucurbits

Green Stink Bug

Scientific Name: Acrosternum hilare

(Reviewed 11/05, updated 6/08)

In this Guideline:

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

The green stink bug is bright green with the entire lateral margin lined yellow, orange, or reddish. They are slightly larger (0.6–0.9 inch or 1.5–2.2 cm in length) and less common than the redshouldered stink bug. These bugs develop in trees and weeds and move into green plants. Do not confuse these stink bugs with the rough stink bug, a predator that is speckled white and gray and is quite common in many crop areas throughout the year.

DAMAGE

Feeding on immature fruit can cause growth distortion, as well as irregular surface and internal spots on fruit at any time.

MANAGEMENT

Stink bugs are sporadic and spotty seasonal pests. During mid- to late summer, populations can become quite high. These pests often move from undisturbed areas such as weedy fields and ditchbanks as well as from riparian areas into crops. Monitor such adjacent areas to eliminate any surprise infestations. Time applications after the majority of eggs have hatched and nymphs are easily found. Individuals tend to hide by moving to the opposite side of the plant or fruit surface being observed.

Common name Amount/Acre R.E.I.+ P.H.I.+
(trade name)   (hours) (days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and honey bees. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.
 
A. ESFENVALERATE*
  (Asana XL) 5.8–9.6 oz 12 3
  MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 3
  COMMENTS: Repeat as necessary. Do not exceed 0.25 lb a.i./acre/season.
 
+ Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.
* Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
1 Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

[Precautions]

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r116302411.html revised: September 23, 2009. Contact webmaster.