Environmental Entomology (2000) 29, 1027-1033

M.T. Coombs (2000)
Seasonal phenology, parasitism, and evaluation of mowing as a control measure for Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Australian pecans
Environmental Entomology 29 (5), 1027-1033
Abstract: This study investigated aspects of the ecology, pest status, and management of Nezara viridula (L.) in pecans in Australia. N. viridula adults were shown to feed in the pecan canopy from January to March, causing premature nut fall and black pitting of the kernel. N. viridula was shown not to be able to breed in pecans. Population increases of N. viridula occurred on uncultivated hosts (weeds) growing in the orchard understorey and surrounding vegetation, from which adults subsequently invaded the pecan trees. Mowing of understorey weeds was evaluated as a control measure for reducing N. viridula numbers in the orchard without the requirement for pesticide application. The action of natural enemies (parasitoids of eggs) was evaluated. Parasitism of eggs by Trissolcus basalis (Wolllaston) peaked at ~54% during spring and summer. The results of this study are discussed in relation to the seasonal phenology of N. viridula on weed hosts in eastern Australia and the potential for management of N. viridula in other orchard crops.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Marc T. Coombs

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation
damage/losses/economics
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
population dynamics/epizootiology
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Nezara viridula	Pecan/hickory (Carya)
Trissolcus basalis (parasitoid)	Nezara viridula	Pecan/hickory (Carya)