PLANTING TIME AS A TACTIC TO MANAGE THE SMALL RICE STINK BUG, OEBALUS-POECILUS (HEMIPTERA, PENTATOMIDAE), IN RIO-GRANDE-DO-SUL, BRAZIL

Field studies throughout the year focused on the life history of the small rice stink bug, Oebalus poecilus, in southern Brazil. In addition, laboratory experiments examined the bug's life cycle and photoperiodic responses. Adults remain dormant during most of the year. Although activity is restricted to the period between November and March, four generations can develop in each rice-growing season, and populations can reach economically harmful levels. Late-planted rice, however, escapes attack because diapause is induced during early March. The results indicate that delaying and restricting the time of rice planting can be an effective pest management tactic in Rio Grande do Sul, because it results in asynchrony between the pest and the crop.