The research into shield bug pests addresses an emerging issue resulting from a

reduction in the use of disruptive insecticide sprays on cotton, especially Ingard

cotton. Shield bugs have caused serious losses on some properties and

impacted on profitability. Management approaches are necessary that

complement the adoption of IPM, are based on accurate, locally-developed

thresholds and are less reliant on insecticides. These developments will

contribute to the sustainability of cotton production enterprises, maintain

profitability, and benefit rural communities by reducing insecticide use.