Abstract
Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) is an economically important pest of soybeans, significantly affecting their quality and market value. This study aims to evaluate the adaptability of R. pedestris to different soybean varieties and provide a foundation for selecting resistant varieties and developing effective integrated pest management strategies. Seven widely planted varieties (Beidou No. 3, Jiyu 47, Jiyu No. 80, Jiyu No. 90, Jiyu 203, Kangxianchong No. 6, and Kangxianchong 12) were selected for testing, and the developmental and population parameters of R. pedestris were measured using an age-stage, two-sex life table method. Notable differences were found in the developmental period, female longevity, and total preoviposition period (TPOP) of R. pedestris across diverse varieties. For those feeding on Kangxianchong 12, the nymph stage (14.73 ± 0.11 days), total longevity (37.35 ± 1.12 days), total female longevity (38.83 ± 1.80 days), and fecundity (38.86 ± 3.27 eggs per female) were all remarkably longer than on the other varieties. Additionally, the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R(0)), and average generation time (T) of R. pedestris varied significantly between soybean varieties. The lowest r (0.0789 ± 0.0075 per day) and λ (1.0821 ± 0.0081 per day) values were recorded for Kangxianchong No. 6, while the highest were for Jiyu 47 (r = 0.0933 ± 0.0070 per day, λ = 1.0978 ± 0.0076 per day). The R(0) and T values for R. pedestris on Kangxianchong 12 (R(0) = 16.33 ± 3.24 offspring per female, T = 31.18 ± 0.79 days) were remarkably higher than those of the other six varieties, suggesting that Kangxianchong 12 and Jiyu 47 are preferred hosts, whereas Kangxianchong No. 6 is less preferred. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing soybean cultivation and managing R. pedestris.