Nymph developmental time and survivorship, adult body weight, and adult damage of Nezara viridula (L.) feeding on canola seeds at different stages of maturation.

Abstract

This study investigated nymph developmental time and survivorship, adult body weight, and the impact of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (L.) on seeds of canola at different stages of maturation. Tests were conducted under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 10% relative humidity, and L14:D10 h photoperiod) in the laboratory using rearing cages. Treatments were set at random and statistically analyzed using program 'R'. Results indicated that total nymph developmental time was significantly longer on green seed stage and early maturation seeds compared to advanced maturation seeds. Survivorship was high on all three food sources (≥80%). Adults exhibited significantly higher fresh body weight when fed on advanced maturation seeds compared to those fed on green stage or early maturation seeds. Adult feeding caused significant seed damage and dry weight loss across all seed stages, with green stage seeds experiencing the highest levels of damage and dry weight loss. Early maturation seeds and advanced maturation seeds showed no significant difference between them. These information reveal that N. viridula feeds and cause damage to canola seeds and may help to improve management of this pest in the field.