Ecology, biology, and management of Conchuela stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Texas High Plains cotton

Abstract

The Conchuela stink bug, Chlorochroa ligata Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a prevalent stink bug pest that commonly infests Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., in Texas. It is found throughout a wide region, spanning from Texas to California, in the western United States. Feeding by Conchuela stink bugs on cotton plants leads to various negative impacts, including reduced lint yield and quality, decreased gin turnout, and declined lint value per unit area. Additionally, an infestation of Conchuela stink bugs can indirectly damage cotton by transmitting plant pathogens. Boll rot is among the most economically damaging diseases transmitted by stink bugs in cotton. In this article, we explore the geographic distribution, host range, biology, damage, and management strategies related to Conchuela stink bug in cotton.