Phenology-based field monitoring for consperse stink bug (Hemiptera : Pentatomidae) in processing tomatoes

Egg incubation and nymphal development of the consperse stink bug Euschistu s conspersus Uhler were studied in laboratory growth chambers under constan t and fluctuating temperatures. Eggs did not hatch at 10, 12, and 37 degree s C, and separately placed first-instar nymphs did not survive to become ad ults. Egg incubation and total nymphal development times were significantly shorter at 32 degrees C than compared with the lower temperatures. Egg inc ubation and total nymphal development at the fluctuating temperature fell b etween the two optimal constant tt temperatures of 27 and 32 degrees C. Lin ear regression of developmental times and constant temperatures for egg inc ubation, first-third instar nymphal development and fourth-fifth instar nym phal development provided an estimated lower developmental threshold of 12 degrees C for E. conspersus. This threshold was used to develop a phenology model. Field validation of the model was based on canopy shake samples and pheromone trap captures obtained from processing tomato, Lycopersicon escu lentum Miller, fields. Results supported the laboratory phenology model. Fi eld observations supported the trap's potential as a degree-day biofix in p rocessing tomatoes.