The Impact of Nezara viridula L. (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Feeding on Canola Seed Germination and Chemical Quality
摘要
This study investigates the comprehensive effects of the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula L. feeding on canola seed germination and seed chemical quality (proteins, lipids, oligosaccharides, dry matter, and fatty acid profile). Damaged siliques originated significantly higher percentages of abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. Seed quality analyses demonstrated that damaged seeds showed lower levels of lipids and dry matter but higher levels of crude proteins. The fatty acid profile in seed oil was altered due to stink bug feeding, with increased levels of oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids and decreased levels of linolenic acid. Regarding oligosaccharides, the fructose and stachyose levels were notably lower in damaged seeds, whereas the sucrose level was higher. Multivariate analysis using principal components analysis provided a structured overview of their interrelationships. Therefore, these results clearly demonstrate that, although N. viridula is not considered a main pest of canola, its feeding activities on this plant results in substantial seed damage and detrimental alteration of seed chemical compounds.