Stink Bug Damage to Corn

ENTFACT-305:Stink Bug Damage to Corn | Download PDFby Ric Bessin, Extension SpecialistUniversity of Kentucky College of AgricultureStink bug damage in corn was first recognized as a problem in 1985. Most often only a very small percentage of fields are affected by these insects, however damage has been seen across a wide area of Kentucky.Brown and one-spotted stink bugs are the most common stink bugs found attacking corn. These insects are 1/2-inch long, shield shaped insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The upper side of the body ranges from light to very dark brown. The underside varies from light yellow to green.Figure 1. Brown stink bug commonly attacks seedling corn.Stink bugs feed on a wide variety of cultivated crops and weeds. Soybeans are a favorite late summer host, and dramatic growth in soybean acreage during the recent years has contributed to steadily increasing numbers of these insects. This increase coupled with certain cultural practices and crop rotation, can lea...