Brown marmorated stink bug

Stink bugs are currently present in most AL cotton fields, and numbers are higher than average due to a mild winter. In his latest update, Pest Patrol entomologist Dr. Ron Smith reports that he expects AL cotton growers will need up to 3 foliar insecticide sprays to control stink bugs this year.

Stink bugs are small oval-shaped insects that target cotton bolls to feed on the seeds inside them. Their feeding, which is indicated by the presence of small black lesions or warts, can cause yield loss due to rotted bolls or reduced lint production. Damaged bolls can also be more vulnerable to plant pathogens and other insect pests.

Common species include:

• Redbanded stink bug: Green with red and yellow bands across the back.
• Green stink bug: Bright green with black bands on their antennae.
• Southern green stink bug: Green with rounded spine between hind legs.
• Brown marmorated stink bug: Brown with yellow to light-green undersides.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System reported large numbers of stink bugs in corn earlier in June, and those stink bugs are now migrating into cotton fields. With plant bugs, aphids and spider mites also present in numbers, growers can mix treatment for stink bugs with other insect pests.

When local thresholds are reached, apply an insecticide like Endigo® ZC, which combines 3 industry-leading technologies for quick knockdown and extended residual control of key foliar pests. These features will help protect fields and deliver higher yields.

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