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Researchers from Argentina detect unusual insects in maize crop
Feb. 10, 2017
Researchers from the Argentinean National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the National University of San Luis (UNSL) have recently detected small stink bug colonies in advanced maize crop, which affect the growth of crops and their yield.
The insects can be confused with a fly, and attacks other crops such as cotton, plum, peach, sunflower, lettuce, flax, quinoa, wheat, vine and even weeds.
Until now, their presence had not been reported in the semi-arid region of the province of San Luis.
"The bug is an insect that stings and sucks the sap from plants and can inject toxins through its saliva and promote the entrance of phytopathogens," the researchers explained. "It is able to retract the growth rate of crops in a significant way; chlorotic-yellow spots were detected on the upper leaves of the maize plants, which later became necrotic (brown) as a result of adult infestation during the early stages of the cycle.”
"If the impact is severe and prolonged until the reproductive stage, it could even depress crop efficiency," they stated.
"This situation can translate into substantial yield losses," they emphasized.
The INTA specialists have suggested a series of measures for the management of these insects, as there is no record of the extent of damage the bugs cause to come up with a specific solution or insecticide.
The measures include keeping the land free of possible weeds and monitoring the eggs in the soil, the insects on the crop stubble — preferably at dawn and dusk — and the damage to the plants.
In addition, some specialists have mentioned the use of registered pyrethroid insecticides for stink bugs in other species as an alternative, and consulting experts on the subject, given the multiple variables that may influence the management of this species.
Source: AgroNews
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