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Submitted to: Annals of the Entomological Society of America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2008 Publication Date: 3/1/2009 Citation: Esquivel, J.F. 2009. Stages of gonadal development of the southern green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Improved visualization. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 102:303-309. Interpretive Summary: The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), and other stink bug species have become pests in cotton following successful eradication efforts to eliminate the boll weevil. Little is known about the development of southern green stink bug populations in Central Texas. The reproductive systems can be examined to estimate population density and overwintering survival, but earlier studies did not clearly demonstrate the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. The objective of this study was to provide improved images of the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. These images will be critical in the accurate assessment of population reproductive status, estimation of population densities, and overwintering survival. Additionally, images shown here can be applied to similar stink bug species that infest row and fruit crops. Technical Abstract: The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), and other related species have become pests in cotton following successful eradication efforts for the boll weevil. In Central Texas, little is known regarding the ecology of N. viridula. The reproductive status of N. viridula adults can be used to estimate population density and overwintering survival, but previous studies failed to provide clear visualizations for the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. This study was undertaken to provide improved visualizations of the developmental stages of the reproductive systems. Results will be critical in the accurate assessment of population reproductive status, estimation of population densities, and overwintering survival. Additionally, images presented here may be applicable to other stink bug species that infest row and fruit crops. |
