Seasonal abundance of rice stem bug

Abstract

The rice stem bug (Tibraca limbativentris) population has increased over the last years making it one of the main pests in irrigated rice crops in Planalto da Campanha, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Favorable factors throughout the year provide conditions for its infestation in crops and subsequent hibernation. This study aimed to determine the variation of rice stem bug population in commercial irrigated rice crop and hibernation sites. Therefore, a population survey of nymphs and adults was carried out. It was concluded that the photoperiod and temperature were the factors that most affected the insect population, leading to a hibernation period of 10 months. Management operations also affected the population reduction.

Keywords

• Tibraca limbativentris Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
• Oryza sativa L.
• population variation