Redbanded Stink Bug Survey 4/2/20

This year has been unusual to say the least with the COVID-19 outbreak. During this time, worker availability has become our limiting factor.  It has ultimately limited our ability to conduct as many state wide surveys with student workers at home. Thankfully, our independent consultants and local retailers have been more than willing to lend a hand. We appreciate everyone that has aided in these surveys.

RBSB ditch bank survey results from the week of March 30, 2020 :

As we suspected with the mild winter, redbanded stink bugs (RBSB) have been found in the state. This will be a strong indicator of the problems to come as the season progresses. Since we have not extensively surveyed, starting now, we ask that you please help us in monitoring this pest (details are located at the bottom of this post). Even with the current price of beans, it is imperative that you consider the problematic nature of this pest and determine a way to factor RBSB control into your budgets.  Unfortunately, this year seems to be starting out very similar to the last few years…..wet. This will ultimately impact planting date. Planting date will be the biggest factor in determining how many insecticide applications will be required.  The earlier your crop is planted, the fewer number of sprays will likely be required.

Noxubee County 1: 0/100 Sweeps

Copiah County: 7/100 Sweeps

Hinds County 1: 13/100 Sweeps

Hinds County 2: 16/100 Sweeps

Warren County: 12/100 Sweeps

Sharkey County 1: 1/100 Sweeps

Sharkey County 2: 1/100 Sweeps

*At this time all finds were adults

Here’s how you can help:

When traveling the area you work, simply sweep patches of crimson or white clover on roadsides and ditch banks. Report your numbers to Angus Catchot either by text (662-418-8163) or email (acatchot@ext.msstate.edu).  Each week we will post the latest survey information.

This process is very simple but please take note of the information we are requesting:

• Keep up with the number of sweeps you take at each location. 
  • The total number may vary depending on the size of the clover patch. That is fine.
• Keep up with numbers of Adults and Nymphs separately. Send pictures if you ID help. 
  • Each location should be reported in x number of adults/nymphs per x number of sweeps.
  • An example report: Washington Co. DREC. 5 adults and 0 nymphs/15 sweeps.
• Record the location for each set of samples. 
  • If you do not have access to GPS coordinates, record county and closest town.
  • Below is an app that you can download. It provides exact information on your location. If this is your preferred method of location identification, just screenshot and send with your report.
    • 

HELPFUL TIPS:

• It is okay to sweep the same patches. Make sure it is on different weeks.
•  Older clover that has been flowering for a while or starting to dry down, tends to be a more preferred host than newly flowering clover.

The entomology team would like to personally thank everyone who has been willing to help out! Unlike many other pests, these surveys are an accurate predictor of what can be expected in the future. Management decisions can be based on this information making it very important.