Stinkbugs

Caused by: Halyomorpha halys
Problem Category: Insect
Symptoms: Dark colored pinpricks on fruit surrounded by a lighter area that turns yellow or remains light green; stink bugs often carry pathogens in their mouthparts which can cause secondary infections and decay of fruit; adult insect is shield-shaped and brown or green in color; may have pink, red or yellow markings; eggs are drum shaped and laid in clusters on the leaves; larvae resemble the adults but are smaller
Comments: Several types of stink bug can cause damage to tomatoes; adult Insect overwinter under leaves, on legumes, blackberries or on certain weeds such as mustard or Russian thistle
Management: Remove weeds around crop which may act as overwintering sites for stink bugs and practice good weed management throughout the year; organically accepted control methods include the use of insecticidal soaps, kaolin clay and preservation of natural enemies; chemical treatments are not recommended for tomatoes that are to be processed for paste or canning unless secondary infections with other pathogens are a concern
Control: spray 5%Neem seed kernal extract or chiili garlic extract to control the stink bugs