The stinkbug is one of the most common soybean insect pests in North America, according to the University of Missouri Extension.

Soybean fields can quickly become the feeding ground for many different species of stinkbugs – the most common being the southern green stinkbug, the green stinkbug and the brown marmorated stinkbug.

As reported by the University of Missouri, when stinkbugs invade a field, they primarily attack the pods and beans of the plant. Damage at these points can cause significant reduction to yield potential. Stinkbugs also remove fluids from soybean plants by feeding on the stems, foliage and blossoms.

The stress of such an invasion causes leaves to curl and wrinkle as the life is sucked out of them, and some leaves may even express what is called “staygreen syndrome,” meaning they fail to mature naturally. Soybeans are particularly susceptible to yield loss caused by stinkbugs during the R4 to R7 reproductive stages. In addition, the piercing mouthparts of this insect leave wounds in the plant that can provide an avenue for diseases to gain entry into the pod.

Syngenta recommends taking a proactive approach to control damaging soybean insects by utilizing an insecticide application such as Endigo® ZC insecticide. It’s also important to scout for insect pressures that have reached threshold levels. Scouting in these cases will help to identify where and when treatment is necessary.

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©2016 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Endigo ZC is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Endigo ZC is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops and weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift onto blooming plants while bees are foraging adjacent to the treatment area. Endigo® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.