The Smell of Success

Soybean Checkoff Drives Research to Fight Stink Bugs

Every year, U.S. soybean farmers face crop pests, diseases and weather-related stresses. While some may be easily addressed, others really stink – literally!

Case in point: stink bugs. Currently known stink bugs and lesser-known associated species including brown marmorated stink bugs, red-banded stink bugs and kudzu bugs have emerged as new yield-robbing pests in U.S. soybeans.

Experts predict that without effective management strategies, these three insects could cause significant injury to U.S. soybeans and reduce crop value.

The soybean checkoff’s Production Research program facilitated meetings of key soybean research specialists charged with evaluating and establishing focused plans to direct future soybean research efforts. One of these groups met in Atlanta in March 2011 to prioritize stink-bug-related management issues that must be solved in order to ensure the economic future of U.S. soybeans.

Ultimately, the group, consisting of soybean entomologists and soybean breeders from 11 soybean-producing states identified four critical needs for research:

1. Determine and quantify the effects of these pests on U.S. soybean yields, seed quality and crop value.

2. Increase knowledge of basic stink-bug biology and ecology across the soybean growing region.

3. Develop integrated pest management strategies.

4. Develop communications plans and materials to deliver information to U.S. soybean farmers, extension agents and other U.S. soybean industry stakeholders.

The group evaluated many issues related to the pests and developed a cohesive strategic plan providing further details of the four priorities. The plan also outlines specific strategies for researchers to use in developing projects focused on providing sustainable, practical solutions for all U.S. soybean farmers.