ABSTRACT
Vector-borne pathogens can be categorized functionally according to the degree of symbiosis that they acquire with their vectors. Three modes of transmission have been broadly described: non-persistent, semi-persistent, and persistent. Although L. R. Nault originally compiled these modes specifically for viruses transmitted by sternorrhynchan and auchenorrhynchan vectors, they can usefully be applied to all taxa of microbial pathogens and hemipteran vectors. Pentatomids possess the typical heteropteran mouthparts, composed of interlocking needle-like stylets to pierce food sources and obtain nutritional resources. Nezara viridula has been shown to have the capacity to transmit a strain of an opportunistic bacterium Pantoea agglomerans marked with antibiotic resistance into cotton bolls resulting in disease. Virus transmission is associated primarily with aphids, leafhoppers, and planthoppers; few confirmed cases of virus transmission by Heteroptera are known. Fruit-inhabiting forms, isolated from tomato, corn, and other crops, are vectored by a number of heteropterans, including coreids and the pentatomids Nezara viridula and Arvelius albopunctatus.
