Non Technical Summary
Increasing average temperatures impact agriculture, including the spread and persistence of insect pests. Several stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) species are significant soybean pests throughout the entire growing region, and temperature change may be playing a role in the observed range expansion of key species. In this project we will examine four soybean stink bug species regarding their hot and cold thermal tolerances, their reproductive potential within these thermal tolerances, and their endosymbiont flora (which may be influencing these tolerances). One of these species (brown marmorated stink bug) occurs predominantly in the northern U.S.; one (redbanded stink bug) in the southern U.S.; and two species (green and brown stink bugs) occur across the entire gradient in between. By examining bugs collected at these geographic extremes or from a transect across this geographic gradient we will be able to compare thermal responses and endosymbiont diversity of individuals from different temperature regimes. This will provide data for inferences about the current and future pest potential of these species in soybean production. Our objectives are 1. Determine stink bug developmental thresholds under constant and fluctuating temperatures; 2. Determine thermal tolerances (hot and cold) in four stink bug species at different latitudes; 3. Identify and compare gut endosymbiont species in four stink bug species at different latitudes. These objectives will provide data on how stink bugs react to increasing temperature averages and extremes and how their thermal capabilities correlate with endosymbiont load.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
211	1820	1130	100%

Knowledge Area
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1820 - Soybean;

Field Of Science
1130 - Entomology and acarology;

Goals / Objectives
Determine stink bug developmental thresholds under constant and fluctuating temperaturesDetermine thermal tolerances (hot and cold) in four stink bug species at different latitudesIdentify and compare gut endosymbiont species in four stink bug species at different latitudes

Project Methods
Detailed methods are as described in the submitted proposal. Briefly:We will examine how temperature and temperature fluctuations affect stink bug development in two species, with implications for population dynamics; the hot and cold thermal tolerances of four stink species collected along a latitudinal/temperature gradient; and the endosymbiont flora of the same four species collected at different latitudes. The Tilmon Lab (Ohio State University) will be responsible for all insect collection and safe delivery to their destination (LSU campus, Baton Rouge), the Davis Lab (Louisiana State University) will be responsible for determining developmental thresholds and thermal tolerances (and have experience in these techniques - see below). Endosymbiont detection will be outsourced to a company (Novogene).