The sucking bug complex has become one of the most important concerns for cotton producers and consultants in recent years. The tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), and species of predominant, phytophagous (plant-feeding) stink bugs, such as the green stink bug (GSB), Acrosternum hilare (Say), the southern green stink bug (SGSB), Nezara viridula (L.), and the brown stink bug (BSB), Euschistus servus (Say), are all members of the sucking bug complex of concern. As we continue to move into an era of enhanced genetically-engineered cotton, this complex of hemipterans (bugs) will become the most important insect problem requiring coordinated management efforts in the field.

Because plant bugs and stink bugs continue to pose a challenge to current and future efforts concerning cotton insect management, we continued investigations into alternative monitoring strategies and management tactics for the pest complex. Research with treatment thresholds for the sucking bug complex was designed to refine current recommendations.