Abstract
Southern green stink bug Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) - less important cucurbit pest.
Abstract
Southern green stink bug is a polyphagous pest with a world-wide distribution. Although its primary vegetable hosts are cruciferous and bulb vegetables, feeding on cucurbits can cause damage. Recent climate change, with frequent deviations from temperature and precipitation averages, causes more frequent and abundant occurrence of this pest originating from tropical and sub-tropical areas. The southern green stink bug has 4-5 overlapping generations per year. Fifth instars and adults cause damages by feeding on stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. There are currently no chemical plant protection products registered for the control of southern green stink bug in Croatia on cucurbits. Therefore, in case of heavy infestation on young plants, non-chemical measures should be undertaken.
