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The (Nezara viridula) southern green stink bug measures 11.5 to 16.5 millimeters and is therefore easy to detect with the naked eye. An adult bug has a shield-shaped body that is dull green in the summer period and reddish-brown in winter, with a spotted pattern on the lower body. They have six legs, two pairs of wings, black or dark red eyes and a small head with two antennae. The moment they are disturbed, they spread a smelly liquid – to which they owe the name ‘stink’ bug.

The females lay about 30 to 130 eggs at a time. They do this in 'glued together' yellow-white clusters on de underside of the leaf. Just after they are laid, they look like little pearls. As the time of hatching of the eggs approaches, these eggs gradually turn a brighter pink. Depending on the temperature, the eggs hatch after 4 days to 3 weeks, leaving the empty eggs on the leaf. The nymphs initially stay together and do not yet affect the plant. They then go through different stages, with each stage resulting in a different appearance. In the fifth stage, these bugs begin to spread out over the plant and eat the plant.

Eggs on the leaf and first-stage nymphs​​​​

Fourth-stage nymphs on the leaf​​​​

Fifth-stage nymph​​​​

Adult stink bug​​​​

By using its sucking mouth parts, the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) penetrates the plant’s tissues, preferably the young plant parts, growing shoots and fruits. It ingests the plant saps but also injects toxic saliva which ends up in the sap circulation. This saliva destroys the tissues. In peppers, you can see necrotic tissue forming on the fruits.

The wounds inflicted by the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) pose an additional problem. Through these wounds, fungi and bacteria can easily enter the plant which makes the plant more prone to becoming infected.

Damage on fruits​​​​

To prevent the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) from getting into greenhouses, insect netting can be used. Because this pest is very polyphagous, it is also recommended to remove any host plants from inside and outside the greenhouse. This prevents colonies from developing around the greenhouse. 

Controlling the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) remains challenging, and no integrated solution is currently available.

It is crucial to directly combat and eradicate Nezara in the initial infestations. Do this by thoroughly inspecting plants around the affected area, and manually crush any eggs, nymphs, and adults found. Repeat this daily for several days until no Nezara is observed.

Supplementary chemical control is possible with several products, though these can often be harmful to biological control agents. Always consult with your advisor before using any products. The most effective treatments are Vertimec, Closer, Sivanto Prime, and Gazelle. At the end of the growing season and during crop rotation, Decis is the most effective product. Applying this prevents Nezara from hiding in the empty greenhouse. In order to prevent a resistance problem, it is important to alternate these agents with products that have a different mechanism of action. 

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