Neotropical Entomology (2009) 38, 459-463

Lenice Medeiros and Gabriela A. Megier (2009)
Ocorrência e desempenho de Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) em plantas hospedeiras alternativas no Rio Grande do Sul
[Occurrence and performance of Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) on alternative host plants in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]
Neotropical Entomology 38 (4), 459-463
Abstract: The Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros (F.) can reach high densities in some soybean areas in Brazil. Besides soybean, it also feeds on other plants, but little is known on the alternative hosts of E. heros in Rio Grande do Sul state. In this study, wild non-cultivated hosts of E. heros at Norwest of Rio Grande do Sul state were determined, and the E. heros performance was compared when fed on soybean and on wild hosts. Bugs were sought in plants located inside and on the edge of soybean fields during 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons. Adults were recorded feeding on seeds of Amaranthus retroflexus (Amaranthaceae), and on fruits of three Solanaceae, mainly Vassobia breviflora. Immature survivorship on soybean (86.7%) and on V. breviflora (81.8%) was the same, but nymphs fed on A. retroflexus did not reach adulthood. The host plant used during immature development greatly affected adult weight, with V. breviflora yielding the heaviest adults; however, adult survivorship and longevity when fed on different host plants were the same. Females fed on soybean laid larger egg masses than those fed on V. breviflora , but the overall fecundity was not affected.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: Portuguese)
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Euschistus heros	Soybean (Glycine max)	Brazil (south)