Abstract
The egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus is the main candidate for classical biocontrol of the invasive agricultural pest Halyomorpha halys. The efficacy of classical biocontrol depends on the parasitoid’s survival and conservation in the agroecosystem. Most parasitoid species rely on floral nectar as a food source, thus identifying nectar sources for T. japonicus is critical. We evaluated the impact of eight flowering plant species on T. japonicus survival in the lab by exposing unfed wasps to flowers inside vials. We also measured the wasps’ nutrient levels to confirm feeding and energy storage using anthrone and vanillin assays adapted for T. japonicus. Buckwheat, cilantro, and dill provided the best nectar sources for T. japonicus by improving median survival by 15, 3.5, and 17.5 days compared to water. These three nectar sources increased wasps’ sugar levels, and cilantro and dill also increased glycogen levels. Sweet alyssum, marigold, crimson clover, yellow mustard, and phacelia did not improve wasp survival or nutrient reserves. Further research is needed to determine if these flowers maintain their benefits in the field and whether they will increase the parasitism rate of H. halys.
Highlights
The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is a polyphagous agricultural pest that has spread from its native range in Asia to the United States [1], Canada [2], Europe [3], and Chile [4]in the last 25 years
Buckwheat, cilantro, and dill provided the best nectar source for T. japonicus, improving the median survival by 15, 3.5, and 18.5 days compared to water, respectively
While our study has identified three promising nectar sources for T. japonicus, additional research is needed to determine if these flowers maintain their ability to improve wasp survival in the field, and whether they will increase the parasitism rate of H. halys
Summary
The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is a polyphagous agricultural pest that has spread from its native range in Asia to the United States [1], Canada [2], Europe [3], and Chile [4]in the last 25 years. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), is a polyphagous agricultural pest that has spread from its native range in Asia to the United States [1], Canada [2], Europe [3], and Chile [4]. Halyomorpha halys feeds on cultivated fruits, vegetables, row crops, ornamentals, and wild host plants [5]. Due to its wide host range, dispersal capacity, and voracious feeding by nymphs and adults, H. halys causes substantial economic damage [5,6]. Infestations are largely controlled by insecticides, which is costly to growers, has limited efficacy, is not compatible with integrated pest management strategies [7], and risks insecticide resistance and secondary pest outbreaks. Recent research aims to develop alternative management practices, including classical biological control
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