The impact and control of Brown marmorated stink bugs on Turkish hazelnut production

Abstract

The Turkish hazelnut is a crucial commodity both in Turkey and globally, with Turkey accounting for approximately 70% of the world's hazelnut production. However, hazelnut harvesting faces significant challenges, one of which is the presence of stink bug pests such as the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). This study utilized a mathematical model to examine the adverse impact of pests such as the brown marmorated stink bug [Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)] and similar stink bug pests on hazelnut production. The findings revealed that between 2017 and 2022, hazelnut yields in Turkey suffered damage from stink bug pests like the brown marmorated stink bug, amounting to 106,820 tonnes annually and 640,920 tonnes cumulatively. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the application of control measures, whether through biocontrols, traps, or chemicals, to increase the death rate of BMSB-type pests by 25% or 50%, or to decrease the egg ratio by 25% or 50%, has the potential to save up to 82,506 tonnes of hazelnut production from these pests annually. Overall, this study highlights the importance of managing pest infestations in agricultural production and the potential benefits of using control methods to mitigate their impact.