DAMAGE TO WHEAT BY SAY STINK BUG, CHLOROCHROA SAYI

Abstract

Wheat grown in a growth chamber was infested at various stages of growth with adults of Say stink bug, Chlorochroa sayi Stål (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae). Feeding during the boot stage stunted the plants, and feeding just before heading reduced the numbers of kernels in the heads. Damage after heading varied directly with duration of feeding and numbers of insects but inversely with development of the kernels. Damage consisted of reduced numbers of kernels per head, lowered mean weights of kernels, or discolored kernels. Yield was reduced by more than 75% when wheat was fed upon just before, or 5 days after, the heads emerged. When the feeding occurred in the dough stage, damage was slight.