D3450: Recent advances in understanding the biology and ecology of Nezara viridula (L.)

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), is a worldwide pest of grains, row crops, and fruit and nut trees. Understanding plant-insect-pathogen interactions, potential biological control mechanisms, and population dynamics are critical to managing the pest species. N. viridula can transmit disease-causing pathogens of cotton and were recently shown to acquire the causative agent of fusarium wilt in cotton. Morphological observations of the stylets suggest dimensions of the food canal do not affect pathogen transmission, and differing types of nerves were detected within the stylets. More recent work demonstrated a Bacillus agent as a potential biocontrol agent, while a new color morph of N. viridula was observed in the United States.