Articles
Biology and population dynamics of Palomena prasina L. in hazelnut orchards in Catalonia (Spain)
Article number
1379_57
Pages
393 – 400
Language
English
Abstract
Recently, defects on hazelnut kernels caused by trophic activity of stink bugs have concerned producers and processors.
This type of damage directly affects hazelnut quality and, consequently, the value.
The origin of this problem is stink bug bites, and injury induced by the feeding of these insects.
The aim of this work was to monitor stink bug populations in several hazelnut orchards in Tarragona (north-eastern Spain) during three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019). It was observed that Palomena prasina L. was the predominant Pentatomidae species in this area.
Field observations showed that P. prasina has one generation per year and has five nymphal instars.
Factors such as population level varied according to year or cultivated area (hilly or lowland), showing that population fluctuations probably depend on yearly weather conditions.
It is also reported that the presence of stink bugs has a high correlation with the daily degree temperatures.
Interesting records have been obtained such as the time when adults emerge (during May, around 500 cumulative degree days), when nymphs emerge (beginning July, around 1000 cumulative degree days) or when the peak of population occurs (beginning September, around cumulative 1770 degree days), or the period when adults enter or leave hazelnut orchards and the distribution of stink bugs in the orchard (borders or inside). This information will aid the development of integrated control strategies and will contribute to improve the quality of the produced nuts.
This type of damage directly affects hazelnut quality and, consequently, the value.
The origin of this problem is stink bug bites, and injury induced by the feeding of these insects.
The aim of this work was to monitor stink bug populations in several hazelnut orchards in Tarragona (north-eastern Spain) during three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019). It was observed that Palomena prasina L. was the predominant Pentatomidae species in this area.
Field observations showed that P. prasina has one generation per year and has five nymphal instars.
Factors such as population level varied according to year or cultivated area (hilly or lowland), showing that population fluctuations probably depend on yearly weather conditions.
It is also reported that the presence of stink bugs has a high correlation with the daily degree temperatures.
Interesting records have been obtained such as the time when adults emerge (during May, around 500 cumulative degree days), when nymphs emerge (beginning July, around 1000 cumulative degree days) or when the peak of population occurs (beginning September, around cumulative 1770 degree days), or the period when adults enter or leave hazelnut orchards and the distribution of stink bugs in the orchard (borders or inside). This information will aid the development of integrated control strategies and will contribute to improve the quality of the produced nuts.
Publication
Authors
A. Aymamí, G. Barrios, J. Sordé, R. Palau, C. Solano, L. Domingo, A. Salvat, M. Rovira
Keywords
stink bug, degree days, Corylus avellana, kernel damage, Palomena prasina, population
Groups involved
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