Establish treated and untreated zones along the field gradients to determine the effects of varying infestation densities on soybean yield and growth.
Several studies will quantify the spatial variation in distributional abundances of stink bugs, at different spatial scales, and examine the factors influencing distribution of populations.
General surveys will be conducted where BMSB has not been reported causing economic damage to soybeans: namely the coastal plain areas of MD and VA.
Continue to evaluate how to most effectively deploy a perimeter treatment, i.e., entire field perimeter, only along wood edges, and width of the treatment.
Conduct studies to follow the fate of either naturally-occurring or lab-reared egg masses used as “sentinels” to assess egg parasitism and predation at multiple locations and in several different soybean/farmscapes in the mid-Atlantic region. Samples of adult stinkbugs will also be collected and examined for presence of parasitoids.
Continue to provide educational and information transfer of the project results to stakeholders, via a variety of mechanisms, including newsletters, extension bulletins, producer meetings and real-time information platforms such as web-based publications and blogs.