Determining in-field dispersal of the redbanded stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in soybean fields using a protein based mark-capture method

A study was designed to determine the dispersal of redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), adult and nymph in soybean fields using protein marking via a mark-captured method. Insects were marked by spraying the soybean field with 10% chicken egg white solution. Following marker application, insects were collected from the field. Marker on the insect body was detected using chicken egg albumin specific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess dispersal of P. guildinii. The protein marking was found to be a viable option for marking P. guildinii that provided direct proof of insect movement. With this marking technique, we were able to detect 50% or more protein marked insects for 3 days after field marking, however marker was detected in 50% or more soybean leaf sample only for 2 days after field marking. Marking efficiency drastically reduced after 4-5 days of marker application in the soybean field. Thus, the method, though useable, has limitations. Mean dispersed distance of P. guildinii was up to 137.0 ± 21.5 m along soybean rows and 15.3 ± 1.2 m across rows. Mean nymphal dispersal (4th and 5th instars) was documented up to 122.0 ± 7.0 m along and 11.7 ± 1.7 m across soybean rows.