Population Dynamics of Stink Bugs within Cover Crops on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
Applied Research
Haley Sater
Agriculture Extension Educator; Agriculture and Food Systems
University of Maryland Extension
Salisbury
Abstract
Stink bugs (Pentatomidae) are significant economic pests of soybean (Glycine max), causing yield losses through pod and seed feeding. While fall-planted cover crops provide numerous agronomic and environmental benefits, there is growing concern that they may serve as overwintering habitat for stink bugs, potentially increasing early-season infestations in soybean fields. This study aimed to assess stink bug populations in Maryland cover crop fields and their movement into soybean fields after cover crop termination. Between mid-April and mid-May 2024, 26 cover crop fields were sampled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, primarily planted with winter wheat (75%) and mixed cover crop species (25%). Stink bug densities were evaluated using sweep net sampling, and a subset of fields was monitored after soybean emergence. A total of 91 stink bugs were detected in cover crops, with peak populations observed in late April and early May. The predominant species were the brown stink bug (Euschistus servus) and the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). However, population levels remained well below the economic threshold of 36 stink bugs per 100 sweeps. In June, only 11 stink bugs were observed in emerging soybean fields. Additionally, more beneficial insects, particularly ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), were detected than stink bugs. These findings suggest that while stink bugs are present in cover crops, they do not appear to pose a significant early-season threat to soybeans. Future research will expand sampling to include additional mixed-species cover crop fields to determine if stink bug populations differ based on cover crop composition.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Haley Sater, Emily Zobel, Dwayne Joseph
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Sater, H. Agriculture Agent; Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21801
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Zobel, E. Senior Agriculture Educator Associate; Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21613
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Joseph , D. Agriculture Agent; Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension , Maryland, 21620