Also known as true bugs, Hemiptera is an order of insects that includes well-known bugs like cicadas, bed bugs, stink bugs, and shield bugs. This order is characterized by insects with piercing and sucking mouth parts that cause physical damage to plant tissues. They're also known for exuding an unpleasant scent when threatened. Some species are also known for poisoning the plants while feeding.
Most of these insects feed on plants' sap and have fast reproductions, characteristics that have long made them agricultural pests due to the wide range of damage they cause to crops. This damage is both direct and indirect since some species are also known to carry and transmit viral diseases. For example, tarnished plant bugs carry fire blight. They affect many hosts, such as corn, cabbage, broccoli, beans, squash, cucumbers, and watermelons.
Hemiptera
Signs of damage
- Leaf galls. Abnormal swelling, similar to warts on the plants' external tissue.
- Browning and curling leaves.
- White and yellow spots on leaves. Lead to wilting, and leaves eventually drop.
- Mouthparts cause physical damage. Usually circular-shaped and smaller than other insect feedings.
- Deformities. Along the whole plant, including roots.
- Falling fruits and leaves. Fruits tend to gain scabs.
- The appearance of fungal growth.
- Clusters of eggs on leaves' underside. This only happens with some species.
- Death. In extreme cases, the plant becomes too weak, or the amount of poison injected is not sustainable anymore, and they eventually die.
How to prevent
Patrol the plants and handpick any of these bugs, as this is a great way to control and mitigate any infestation in the early stages and avoid major plant damage.
Insecticidal soap can be employed in early spring to strengthen vulnerable crops and prevent appearance. This can also be paired with fine nettings around the plant to obstruct these bugs' entrance and make them easier to handpick.
Weed control is important, as it creates a cleaner environment and prevents not only this but other pathogens.
Heal
Insecticidal soap solutions are known to work, as well as sabadilla dust. Removing any bugs, either adult or nymphs is always beneficial by handpicking and killing them.
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