Rice stink bug population trends in dwarf lilyturfs prior to their arrival in rice paddies

Abstract

In this study, a population of rice stink bugs Niphe elongata (Dallas), inhabiting the leaves of dwarf lilyturf Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl was investigated. Bug trapping frequency by light traps and swooping in paddy fields was recorded using light traps and paddy fields located near the dwarf lilyturf plant. The possibility of efficiently forecasting bug outbreaks was explored using this investigation. The number of rice stink bugs captured by light traps and outbreaks in paddy fields increased after a decrease in the bug population on dwarf lilyturf. These results highlight the importance of regular monitoring of N. elongata populations on dwarf lilyturfs for forecasting rice stink bug outbreaks in paddy fields.