Understanding Colonization of Cotton Fields by Stink Bugs

Stink bug populations develop on numerous nonagronomic and agronomic hosts before invading cotton fields starting at bloom.  We investigated changes in stink bug density and dispersion in commercial fields to improve scouting and treatment options.  Results show that stink bugs generally colonize the edges of cotton fields, from adjacent crops like peanuts and soybeans, before moving to the middle of the field.