The phenology of Lygus rugulipennis, the European tarnished plant bug, on late-season strawberries, and control with insecticides

The phenology of Lygus rugulipennis, the European tarnished plant bug, was studied in fields of strawberries producing late-season (July to September) crops. Adults invaded fields in small numbers, mainly in July. Large numbers of nymphs were found in late July and early August; these matured into adults from late August. Adults formed the overwintering population; some remained in strawberry fields but left in spring to feed on other host plants. All the insecticides tested, i.e. malathion, chlorpyrifos, heptenophos, cypermethrin, bifenthrin and trichlorfon, gave good short-term control of nymphs.