Determining Euschistus quadrator population dynamics on soybean (Glycine max)

Euschistus quadrator Rolston is a polyphagous pest of row crops in the south. In Louisiana, it is an important pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., impacting yields through reduced seed weight and quality. Euschistus quadrator was first described in 1974 and has been a minor component of the brown stink bug complex in soybeans until recently. It now makes up as much as 93% of browns caught in soybean each year. However, very little is known about this pest. Thus, a preliminary study was initiated to investigate the survival and reproductive capabilities of Euschistus quadrator on soybean pods. Cohorts of forty first-instar nymphs of E. quadrator were placed in plastic rearing containers, ten nymphs per container, and given water and pods of soybean variety Asgrow AG46XF0 as food. Survivorship and stadium duration were recorded daily. Upon reaching the adult stage, individuals were sexed, and the number of males and females was recorded. Mated pairs were placed into containers and the number of egg masses, eggs per mass, and percent eclosion were documented daily. A life table analysis was then conducted. Age-specific survivorship, total progeny per female per day, intrinsic rate of increase, and doubling times were calculated. This study contributes to understanding the population dynamics of this pest and aids in determining optimal timing for pest control interventions.