Injuries of four species of stink bugs to corn seedlings

Injuries caused by the stink bugs Dichelops furcatus (F.), Nezara viridula (L.) and Euschistus heros (F.), compared with Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas), to corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings were studied. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with five treatments (four species of stink bugs and control, without infestation) using eight replications. In the vegetative stage (V 1 to V 3) D. melacanthus, at the density of one adult/plant, caused reduction in height, in the number of expanded leaves, in root dry matter, and caused injuries and winding of the central leaves. D. furcatus, E. heros and N. viridula caused injuries, but at different intensities. Injuries caused by D. furcatus and N. viridula were similar in intensity to those by D. melacanthus and the injuries caused by E. heros were less intense than those of the other species.