Natal origin of the invasive biosecurity pest, brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys: Penatomidae), determined by dual-element stable isotope-ratio mass spectrometry.

Peter W Holder,Robert J Van Hale,Sherly George,Karen F Armstrong,Russell Frew

doi:10.1002/ps.5659

Abstract

BACKGROUNDPost‐border detection of a single brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in New Zealand warranted a biosecurity response, the nature of which would be influenced by its status as part of an established population or as a new arrival. Stable isotope analysis has the potential to determine natal origins, but is difficult to achieve for samples as small as a single insect. Here an analytical modification to measure small samples was successfully trialled as a means to supply evidence as to the local or exotic natal origin of the intercepted BMSB specimen.RESULTSSufficient analytical sensitivity was achieved using a modified isotope ratio mass spectrometry method, involving thermolysis and carbon monoxide cryofocusing, to enable the simultaneous analysis of δ2H and δ18O from wings of the post‐border BMSB sample. The values were much lower than those of the New Zealand green vegetable bug, used as a local reference. However, they fell within the range of those for BMSB of Northern Hemisphere origin intercepted at the New Zealand border over the same time period, specifically overlapping with the USA and Italy, but not China.CONCLUSIONThe isotope signature of the post‐border detected BMSB suggested a significantly cooler climate than the North Island of New Zealand, indicating that it was a new arrival and did not represent an established population. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Highlights

This is the most effective way to protect the economic returns of plant-based industries and plants of conservation value, as well as avoid the monetary,[3] environmental[4] and social[5] consequences of long-term pest management
Compared to first arrivals, where biosecurity actions may cost from tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand dollars (NZ$), the financial impact of response to establishment can run into millions of dollars to delimit and eradicate the pest, and as a result of trade disruption (e.g.).[7]
Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry

Summary

Introduction

Detection of exotic plant pests improves the likelihood of their successful eradication.[1,2] This is the most effective way to protect the economic returns of plant-based industries and plants of conservation value, as well as avoid the monetary,[3] environmental[4] and social[5] consequences of long-term pest management. Heightened surveillance systems aim to achieve early detection for priority pests.[6] In such systems, detection may be of first arrivals or members of a recently established population. These two chronologically close scenarios require different biosecurity responses with very different resource investments. Stable isotope analysis has the potential to determine natal origins, but is difficult to achieve for samples as small as a single insect. An analytical modification to measure small samples was successfully trialled as a means to supply evidence as to the local or exotic natal origin of the intercepted BMSB specimen

Methods

Results

Conclusion