A Comparison of Organophosphates, Pyrethroids, and Neonicotinoids for Managing Stink Bugs in Cotton

Stink bugs are an economically important pest of many vegetables, tree nuts, and row crops in the southeastern US.  Although newer insecticide classes and transgenic cultivars offer excellent options for managing many insect pests, stink bugs require application of broad spectrum insecticides, such as organophosphates, which have a greater chance of disrupting natural enemies.  The objective of this research was to compare commonly used insecticides from three different classes for management of Euschistus servus and Nezara viridula in cotton production.  Trials were conducted in the laboratory under time lapse videography, in field cages, and on commercial farms.  Response variables included mortality, recovery following exposure, duration of feeding following exposure, repellency, and feeding damage to cotton bolls.