Phenophase‐linked management strategies for the stink bug, <i>Tessaratoma javanica</i> (Thunberg) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) in litchi in the Eastern Plateau and Hill regions of India

Abstract The litchi stink bug, Tessaratoma javanica , is a major sucking insect pest of litchi that causes damage to litchi flowers and fruits in India. Chemical insecticide‐based management strategies negatively impact insect pollinators, as litchi is a highly cross‐pollinated entomophilous crop, and are potentially detrimental to egg parasitoids of litchi stink bugs. Therefore, sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that effectively suppress stink bugs while conserving parasitoids and pollinators are needed. The efficacy of different groups of insecticides and their combination with a mechanical barrier ( stinkBug barrier band ) was examined at different phenophases, and their safety for pollinators and natural enemies in litchi orchards was assessed. The results revealed that various insecticides and their combinations showed different levels of efficacy against litchi stink bugs. The insecticide mixture of profenophos 50% EC (1.5 mL/L) + thiacloprid 21.7% SC (0.5 mL/L) proved effective against litchi stink bugs and was relatively safer for the honey bees, as assessed in terms of foraging rate and speed during full flowering and egg parasitoids at the end of flowering of litchi. The mixture of thiacloprid 21.7% SC (0.5 mL/L) + lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC (1.0 mL/L) with the stinkBug barrier band on tree trunks at the fruit development stage was most effective. Based on the results of the present study, profenophos 50% EC + thiacloprid 21.7% SC at the end of flowering and thiacloprid 21.7% SC + lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC with stinkBug barrier bands on tree trunks at the fruit development stage are recommended for managing the litchi stink bug, T. javanica in the litchi ecosystem.