The last two years (2010 and 2011) tomato crops from west of Romania have been invaded a new pest species known as Nezara viridula (southern green stink bugs). This pest is dangerous both stage adult and larva, too. The fruits of tomato are quantitatively and qualitatively affected. First, on fruits appear smaller yellow spots, in time these get bigger and may include entire surface. Injuries occur on young fruits (green tomato stage) and mature fruits (red tomato stage). From observations made in last two years larva of southern green stink bugs prefer especially green tomato stage while the adults of this pest attack more mature tomato. In all cases studied al individuals were observed on the basal part near the stem. During feeding, the bugs injected the toxic saliva; following the affected zone of green tomatoes is stopped in developing and red fruits are unfit for consumption because their bad flavor. Regarding the period of day with great activity of feeding it can be mentioned that adults and larva were present on the plant especially in middle of day (between 11 and 16 h). This aspect is confirmed by information from available specialty literature who said that the stink bug is native from an equatorial zone of Africa. The highly temperature and drought in the last years could be the main cause of appearance and increasing of pest population. Besides tomatoes plants the adults of southern green stink bugs was observed on other plants (legumes and ornamental plants). This work is an informational work scientifically papers which aims to bring in attention of specialists and tomatoes producers the importance of this invasive species known Nezara viridula. Knowledge of species through the morphological, feeding, behaviors and ecological aspects helped the clarify uncertainties about this pest and also taking measures to reduce their highly population at below economically damaging. This is the first scientifically information of occurrence of invasive species Nezara viridula in Romania.

Nezara viridula, tomatoes, adult, larva, injury

Presentation: oral