Impact of Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) feeding on soybean seeds chemical compounds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of feeding by the stink bug Euschistus heros (F.) on the dry matter of seeds and on the protein, oil and fatty acid contents. Soybean plants at developmental stage R6 (full pod filling) were exposed in protected cages to E. heros adults for 15 days. After this period, insects were removed and the plants kept in cages until the seeds were physiologically mature. Mature seeds damaged by insect feeding were characterized by examining the damage under a stereoscopic microscope. Protein, oil and fatty acid contents were analyzed from the damaged seeds. Results indicated that E. heros feeding altered the chemical components of seeds, reducing the percentage protein content and increasing the percentage oil content. The percentage content of palmitic acid was reduced, while that of linoleic and arachidic acids increased. The dry matter contents and stearic, oleic and linolenic acids of the seeds were not altered due to the feeding of E. heros.