The objective of this work was to evaluate the biology of nymphs and adults of the green stink bug in cotton reproductive structures. The tested foods were: standard diet, containing green-bean pods, raw peanuts, and privet fruits; green soybean pods; soybean seed; cotton floral buds; and cotton bolls and seeds. The biological parameters evaluated were: nymphal developmental stage and survival; longevity of females and males; percentage of females in oviposition; pre-oviposition and oviposition periods; total number of eggs per female; and viability of eggs. Nymphs fed on cotton reproductive structures died in the second or third instar. Adults fed with cotton floral bud and seed do not reproduce; however, reproduction occurs when green stink bug adults are fed cotton bolls, indicating the adaptability capacity of the species in the reproductive stage of cotton.
Gossypium hirsutum; Nezara viridula; nutritional ecology; alternative host.