Bed bugs can reduce soybean production by up to 30%

The presence of pests continues to be one of the main challenges for soybean productivity in Brazil, with the potential to cause significant losses when management is not carried out adequately. Recent studies indicate that the attack of stink bugs can compromise up to 30% of the production, directly affecting the profitability of the farmer. The complex of stink bugs brings together different species with varied levels of aggressiveness, with the brown stink bug being the most harmful to the crop. It is estimated that more than 50 million tons of soybeans are impacted by the occurrence of this pest. Data from agricultural research point out that the losses caused by stink bugs in the last harvest reached about R$ 12 billion. These insects damage the plant by puncturing its structures and removing nutrients, weakening pods and branches and releasing toxins that impair the development of the crop. Experts highlight that failures in control can generate significant economic losses, ...