Boll Wall Thickness in Four Cotton Species and Susceptibility to Stink Bug Feeding

Stylet penetration potential of the southern green stink bug was recently determined, and penetration estimates ranged from 900 µm for 1^st instars to 2,800 µm for female adults.  To better understand the susceptibility thresholds of developing cotton bolls to stink bug penetration (i.e., feeding), carpel walls of bolls from four cotton species were measured throughout the growing season.  Implications of identified boll wall thickness in comparison with stink bug stylet penetration estimates are discussed.