Mating, ovipositional rhythm and fecundity of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on privet, Ligustrum lucidum Thunb., and on soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill fruits

Laboratory studies were conducted on mating, ovipositional rhythm, and fecundity of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) fed on immature fruits of privet, Ligustrum lucidum Thunb. and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. A greater number of pairs were observed mating on privet (27 to 37 %) than on soybean (22 to 23 %). The preoviposition period was significantly shorter when females fed on privet (15.5 days) than when they fed on soybean (23.9 days). The intervals of time between the first four ovipositions, and between the 1st and the 4th oviposition were shorter on privet than on soybean (range of 1.9 to 3.3 days less on the former food). Greater percentage of females N. viridula oviposited and showed greater fecundity on privet than on soybean. On privet, the oviposition rhythm peaked at days 11 and 17; however, no peaks on oviposition were observed on soybean.