Redbanded Stink Bug: What to Expect in 2020

We have been getting some questions about what to expect this upcoming season with RBSB in soybean. While we have had a few freezes and cold snaps this winter, we do not believe we have had a cold enough winter to substantially impact overwintering RBSB populations in MS. While its too early to know for sure, what we do know based on past experience is that the late season build up of RBSB at the end of 2019 is very similar to what saw in 2016. The winter of 2019-2020 to date is very similar to what saw in 2016-2017. As a result, we experienced extremely high numbers in 2017. We are currently set up to see a similar result this year based on past history with this pest, however, there is no guarantee with insects. In LA they have been finding alive RBSB over the last couple months. In the next few weeks will begin to conduct our ditch bank surveys. These surveys will give some insight to what we can expect and how early we can expect it. We will post those surveys here.

As you begin your planning for soybean planting, it is important to remember that early planting is the best defense for avoidance or RBSB. I realize this is highly weather dependent, however it makes a huge difference for RBSB as well as many other insect pests of soybeans. We will update with more information as it becomes available.