Thermal and X-ray imaging reveal the effects of entomopathogenic fungi on Euschistus heros

Entomopathogenic fungi are sustainable alternatives for managing Euschistus heros, a major soybean pest. This study evaluated the effects of Cordyceps javanica and Metarhizium anisopliae on dorsal temperature of E. heros and their impact on soybean seed damage. Thermal imaging monitored insect body temperature during an Electropenetrography (EPG) experiment, while X-ray imaging assessed seed damage. Thermal analysis showed that stink bugs treated with chemical insecticide exhibited higher temperatures over time, indicating physiological disturbances, while fungal treatments (M. anisopliae and C. javanica) showed intermediate temperatures with progressive decline, evidencing metabolic alterations induced by infection. X-ray analysis revealed that the Control group had the highest incidence of pod damage, whereas C. javanica, M. anisopliae, and chemical treatments significantly reduced feeding damage. These findings indicate that entomopathogenic fungi influence E. heros physiology and reduce seed damage, reinforcing their potential as sustainable alternatives to insecticides.