Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a cosmopolitan
insect that causes economic damages to several cultures, in particular
soybeans ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.) Among the techniques that involve
Integrated Pest Management, the resistance of plants is pointed as a
tool of great value and can contribute to the reduction of populations
of insects. The feeding preferences of adults of southern green stink
bug (N. viridula), and the attractiveness of soybean genotypes were
evaluated under laboratory conditions to detect the most resistant
material against attack from this insect. A choice test, using mature
grains and green pods of the genotypes was carried out, in which the
number of individuals attracted in different periods was counted.
Feeding preference was evaluated in the choice tests using green pods
and the number of pricks and the average time spent feeding by pricks
were evaluated. In addition, texture and trichome density in the green
pods were evaluated. The mature grains of ‘TMG 117RR’ and
‘TMG 121RR’ were less attractive to the adults of N.
viridula. Regarding the green pods, ‘IAC 17’ and PI 227687
were less attractive; ‘IAC 17’ and ‘IAC PL1’
were less consumed, indicating the feeding non-preference as a
resistance mechanism. ‘IAC 17’, ‘TMG-117RR’ and
PI 227687 presented high levels of trichome density, and in ‘IAC
17’ this morphological characteristic was considered to be the
main resistance factor against N. viridula. These results may be useful
for breeding programs that focus on the resistance of soybeans to
insects