Arkansas Researchers Target Insecticide Resistance in Rice Stink Bugs

University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. (RFD NEWS) — Native rice stink bugs may be small, but they cost farmers millions of dollars each year in crop losses and control costs. Now, researchers say new findings could help address one of the industry’s growing concerns: insecticide resistance.

Allen Szalanski from the University of Arkansas joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the pest’s impact on agriculture and why it continues to be a costly challenge for rice producers.

Szalanski explained the background of the Rice Stink Bug and outlined how infestations can affect crop quality and farmers’ profitabilityto help insecticides remain effective for longer periods. He also shared details from a new study that identified clues that could help researchers better understand how the pest develops resistance to insecticides.

According to Szalanski, those findings could eventually support new management strategies designed to help insecticides remain effective for longer periods of time. He also discussed the next steps in the research process as scientists continue studying the pest and potential control options.

Related Stories
USDA’s Quarterly Grain Stocks report shows increased supplies across all major commodities, with corn, soybeans, and wheat stocks all rising compared to a year ago. Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses producer and market sentiment ahead of the key report.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler breaks down the Grocery Guarantee Program, its goals for expanding farmer access to capital, and its potential impact on food production and prices.
Rising fuel costs will soon increase grain transportation expenses.
The five-day auction drew up to 6,000 people and saw steady prices throughout the event
Cattle farmer Scott Porter, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farmer of the Year, discusses his commitment to mentorship and the importance of strengthening the future of agriculture.
Son of a South Dakota Rancher, Kolt Mendenhall is turning his lifelong passion for riding into a collegiate career, committing to Southeastern Oklahoma State University next fall, bringing years of ranch experience to the collegiate arena.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.
Corn Refiners Association VP Kristy Goodfellow offered insight into the Feeding the Economy Report’s key findings, showing the breadth of agriculture’s economic impact and the challenges ahead.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s new soil health strategy, its implications for producers, and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in Canada compared to USDA funding for conservation.
National Association of Wheat Growers President Jamie Kress discusses how rising fertilizer prices pressure wheat producers and the Administration’s consideration of lowering duties on Moroccan phosphate.
Premieres on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET
EPA estimates the rule could generate more than $10 billion for rural economies and support over 100,000 jobs across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.