How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

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	P.H.I.+
(trade name)			(days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and honey bees.
A.	ESFENVALERATE*
	(Asana XL)	5.8–9.6 oz	3
	MODE OF ACTION: A pyrethroid (Group 3)1 insecticide.
	COMMENTS: Repeat as necessary. Do not exceed 0.25 lb a.i./acre/season.
+	Preharvest interval. Do not apply within this many days of harvest.
*	Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
1	Modes of action are important in preventing the development of resistance to pesticides. 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. 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 is assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

PUBLICATION

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

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