Quality degradation of industrial hemp due to infestation by Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a highly polyphagous pest that causes severe damage to a wide range of hosts by feeding on vegetative and reproductive organs of plants, as well as on seeds. The aim of the present study was to determine if BMSB injures hemp seeds and to what the extent of this injury was, in terms of seed weight and quality. At the growth stage of the formation of female inflorescence, a BMSB individual was inserted into separate sleeve cages that were placed on the top of female industrial hemp plants. The entire procedure was repeated at two more growth stages, 20 and 40 days after the formation of the female inflorescence. According to our results, no differences were observed among infested and non-infested plants regarding seed weight and percentage of empty seeds. Conversely, infested plants displayed significantly lower mean protein content 20 days after the formation of the female inflorescence. Likewise, infested plants exhibited the lowest mean oil content 20 days after the formation of the female inflorescence.