Redbanded Stink Bug Ditchbank Survey 5/10/2018

In 2017, we were able to accurately predict the threat of RBSB based on sampling ditch banks in the spring. Every year we sample ditch banks across the state to make collections of various insect pests. With most pests, such as tarnished plant bugs, what we find in ditch banks does not correlate well to what growers may find in the fields. However, with RBSB finding them in the spring in substantial numbers is an indication of how far north and in what numbers they successfully overwintered.  We were commonly finding RBSB in crimson clover well above Hwy 82 in fairly high numbers in 2017.  Additionally, we were seeing reproduction as early as March of 2017.  Unlike other pests, ditch bank samples for RBSB are a strong indicator of the potential problem and this in fact did materialize into a greater issue last year.

WEEK OF MAY 7-11 UPDATE

This week we continued ditchbank surveys around the state. There were 9 RBSB found this week. Dr. Jeff Gore and Don Cook’s crew found 1 adult and 1 nymph in the Vicksburg area. This was in 2000 sweeps, so these numbers are extremely low. However, in one spot in Ecru, MS we found 4 adults in 100 sweeps and in Macon, MS we found 3 adults in 100 sweeps. As a whole, numbers are still low. While RBSB are present at low levels at this time in isolated areas, the numbers are low. Soybeans planted in the normal planting window will likely have no or very low incidence of the pest. It will take some time for these numbers to build to threatening levels and only very late planted beans may experience any problems.

SIDE NOTE ON BOLLWORM: Bollworm traps have been very high for this time of year. One of Nathan Little’s (USDA-ARS, Stoneville)  traps in Washington County had over 300 moths in it. This is about as high as we have ever seen them in May. This is not necessarily and indicator of future problems but it does say, at least for now, there are plenty bollworms out there. We will start posting moth trap catches very soon,.