Cabbage stink bug (Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) - an increasingly important pest in Europe

Eurydema ventralis Kolenati, 1846 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), commonly known as the cabbage stink bug, is an increasingly important pest in Brassicaceae crops across Europe, including Slovenia. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the taxonomy, biology, distribution, and economic impact of Eurydema ventralis, with a focus on cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) cultivation. Various monitoring and population assessment methods are discussed as foundational tools for implementing integrated pest management (IPM). The focus of this study is on the available control strategies, including chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical approaches. While synthetic insecticides remain a commonly used option, their environmental impact, potential for resistance development, and non-target effects raise concerns. Increasing research attention is being given to biological control agents, such as egg parasitoids, generalist predators (e.g., Coccinellidae, Carabidae, Nabidae), and entomopathogenic fungi. These agents show considerable promise but are not being fully utilized at present. A further review of cultural practices and mechanical control methods is also undertaken for their role in reducing pest populations. The compatibility of different strategies within an IPM framework is examined in detail. In conclusion, this review identifies existing knowledge gaps and puts forward a number of recommendations for future research directions. The purpose of these recommendations is to support the development of more sustainable and ecological pest management solutions for E. ventralis in cabbage cultivation.