Halyomorpha Halys Research Articles

Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) feeding damage determines early drop in olive crops

AbstractThe brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys Stål, is an invasive species and a polyphagous pest. BMSB feeding activity was suspected to be responsible for olive damage. To evaluate the effect of feeding damage from adults and nymphs of BMSB, 30 rearing sleeves were positioned in an olive grove, at an early stage of drupe development. The individuals were kept in the rearing sleeves for 48 h, and the number of olives in each sleeve was checked weekly, visually assessing signs of damage and measuring their volume. After the 48‐hr exposure, the number of early dropped olives was significantly higher for rearing sleeves containing BMSB adults and nymphs compared with control, with visible signs of damage. The volume of olives still attached was significantly lower for rearing sleeves with adults. These results provide key evidence on BMSB damage in developing olives. If the numbers of BMSB keep increasing in Mediterranean regions (where most of the olive production occurs), actions should be taken to prevent economic losses.

Temperature-driven differences in phenology and habitat suitability for brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in two ecoregions of North Carolina

Temperature-driven differences in phenology and habitat suitability for brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in two ecoregions of North Carolina

Effect of Duration of Deployment on Parasitism and Predation of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Sentinel Egg Masses in Various Host Plants

The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an agricultural and nuisance pest in Georgia and Alabama, USA. Natural enemies may provide significant suppression of the brown marmorated stink bug, and sentinel egg masses are deployed commonly on plants in the field to measure their effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of deployment duration (2–5 d) on parasitism and predation of brown marmorated stink bug sentinel egg masses in plum, peach, blueberry, tomato, sassafras, corn, and soybean in these 2 states. Retrieved egg masses were processed to quantify rates of predation and parasitism and identify parasitoid species and predation types. Across crops, predation and parasitism were higher significantly in plum at 5 d compared to 2 d deployment but was similar in soybean regardless of exposure time in 2017. Predation and parasitism were higher significantly after 5 d of exposure compared to 2 d and 3 d whereas parasitism was significantly higher at 3 d compared to 2 d exposure in 2018 to 2020. For individual crop trials, though, effects of time of exposure were tested in different yr, sampling dates, and crops with variable results. When significant differences were detected for parasitism in plum, peach, tomato, and sassafras, a 5 d deployment resulted in higher parasitism compared to 2 d. Given the variability of factors that affect parasitism and predation under field conditions, we conclude that a 5 d deployment is optimal and a 3 d exposure time is minimal for assessing predation and parasitism. An additional benefit for a 5 d exposure is that it increases the probability of detecting hyperparasitism.

Influence of Trap Location in the Tree Canopy on Captures of Adventive Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is an egg parasitoid of the invasive Asian pest, brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Also native to Asia, adventive T. japonicus populations have been detected in North America since 2014, and are currently reported from 15 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian provinces. Yellow sticky cards (YSC) have proven effective for monitoring the presence, seasonal abundance, and distribution of these adventive populations. Our research has utilized YSC deployed in the midcanopy of H. halys host trees, following a study in which all leaves on felled tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, were inspected for H. halys egg masses, yielding eggs parasitized by T. japonicus only from mid- and upper-canopy leaves. However, given that other investigators have captured T. japonicus using YSC deployed in the lower-canopy, and that the effect of YSC placement in trees on T. japonicus captures had not been examined, captures of T. japonicus on YSC in the mid- and lower-canopy of individual A. altissima were compared. Traps were replaced weekly for five weeks and assessed for scelionid species. In 2020 and 2021, T. japonicus represented ≥53% of all Scelionidae captured, and there was not a significant effect of YSC location in the canopy on its captures. Deploying YSC at either canopy height was effective for measuring the relative abundance of T. japonicus, but sampling from the lower canopy substantially improved the efficiency and convenience of T. japonicus surveillance.

Current distribution and spatial spread patterns of Halyomorpha halys in Germany

AbstractThe brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys Stål) is a polyphagous insect from the Pentatomidae family that is originally from Asia. This contaminating (i.e. hitchhiking) species, often found in urban areas and along anthropogenic infrastructure, is fast spreading in Germany and other European countries. As a pest in those countries for agriculture and as a nuisance pest for the public it is important to have a solid database of the current distribution for spread modelling, risk assessment and further analysis to contain infestations and reduce or prevent further spread. The authors present here the current phytosanitary status and trends of distribution of the brown marmorated stinkbug in Germany.

Pest species composition of fragrant trees in the parks and gardens of Yerevan City, Armenia

Several fragrant tree species, i.e., Aesculus hippocastanum, Magnolia brooklynensis „Yellow Bird,‟ Catalpa bignonioides, and Prunus serrulata were previously registered in the database. A. hippocastanum, Ailanthus altíssima, C. bignonioides, and Robinia pseudoacacia were found to be the most common and important species in the parks and gardens of Yerevan, Armenia. These species were found in almost all of the studied gardens. The present study aimed to investigate the species composition of the pests of fragrant trees in different landscaped areas of Yerevan, Armenia, during 2020–2021. This study found 48 species of pests of fragrant trees in various parks and gardens. The species belonged to three taxonomic classes, 11 orders, and 33 families. These pest species significantly suppressed the growth and development of fragrant trees, and in some cases, even caused the trees to dry out. In the early spring, the pest species Parthenolecanium corni Bouche., Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Aphis laburni Kalt., Myzus cerasi, Panonychus ulmi, Tetranychus urticae, and Schizotetranychus pruni were observed on fragrant plants. Notably, this study revealed six species of fragrant tree pests, of which four, i.e., Dasineura gleditchiae, Halyomorpha halys, Trioza neglecta, and Calophya rhois, were found for the first time in the fauna of Armenia, and two, i.e., Obolodiplosis robiniae and Euura tibialis, were found previously in Tavush Region, Dilijan, Armenia.

Feeding and oviposition by the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) induce direct and systemic changes in volatile compound emissions from potted peach and tree of heaven

Feeding and oviposition by the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) induce direct and systemic changes in volatile compound emissions from potted peach and tree of heaven

Laboratory study of the lifecycle parameters of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål.) – An alien pest established in Bulgaria

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a pest found on agricultural crops, first reported in Bulgaria in 2016. In 2018 in the region of Plovdiv it was found feeding on a variety of agricultural and ornamental plants, such as corn, tomato, apple, vinegrapes, raspberry, mulberry, and hibiscus. The rapid spread and the threat for many potential host plants in Bulgaria were the reasons for the current study. The life cycle parameters of the Bulgarian population of H. halys were studied in 2019. The progeny of the field-collected adults from the region of Plovdiv were reared at laboratory conditions at constant temperature of 25 ± 2°C, RH 60 - 70% and a photoperiod of 16:8 hours L:D. Under these conditions the embryonic development was completed in 5.10 ± 1.02 days; the 1st nymphal instar in 5.32 ± 1.23 days; the 2nd - in 9.35 ± 2.88 days; the 3rd - in 7.18 ± 2.55 days; the 4th - in 7.40 ± 1.89 days, and for the 5th nymphal instar – in 10.87 ± 2.63 days. The adults lived an average of 17.53 ± 9.34 days with a maximum life span of 44 days.

Expressional and functional comparisons of five clustered odorant binding proteins in the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play essential roles in the functioning of insect peripheral olfactory systems. To fully understand the olfactory roles of OBPs in Halyomorpha halys, an important invasive pest found worldwide, we studied the expression and functional characterization of five OBP-associated genes from H. halys that are clustered in the genome. The tissue distribution of the OBP gene cluster suggests that these genes were enriched in nymph and adult antennae, indicating their possible involvement in the chemosensory process. The different expression levels of the five OBPs in nymph and adult antennae suggest that this gene cluster is regulated independently. Ligand-binding experiments have shown similar specificities of these five OBPs towards several organic compounds, including the alarm pheromone of H. halys (trans-2-decenal), the aggregation pheromone of Plautia stali (methyl (2E, 4E, 6Z)-decatrienoate), and plant volatile compounds (e.g., cis-3-hexenyl benzoate and β-ionone). In particular, trans-2-dodecenal, an alarm pheromone analog, exhibited high affinity to the five OBP proteins and alarm pheromone activity towards H. halys. Thus, this OBP cluster may mediate the response of stink bugs to the both the alarm pheromone and host-related volatiles and could be an interesting target to design novel olfactory regulators for the management of H. halys infestations.

First occurrence of <i>Halyomorpha halys</i> in Bordeaux vineyards

Here we report the first detection of Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) in Bordeaux vineyards. The species is native to Eastern Asia and was introduced to France in 2012. Halyomorpha halys is highly polyphagous and causes significant damage to various crops, including grapevines. From 2018 to 2020, Pentatomidae species were collected in vineyards in the Bordeaux region. In 2020, the first nymphs and adults of H. halys were identified in the plot centres. The study emphasizes the need for field population monitoring in risk assessment and, consequently, risk management.

First record of the invasive true bug (Heteroptera) Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) from Hamburg with other records from Northern Germany and possible implications for its range expansion

The invasive pentatomid true bug Halyomorpha halys is reported for the first time from the German state of Hamburg, along with records from several other locations in Northern Germany. Specimens collected by scientists were evaluated along with records from citizen science platforms. DNA barcode sequences of several H. halys specimens from Hamburg were evaluated along with 42 sequences of the species from across the world in a haplotype network analysis demonstrating that all specimens studied from Hamburg had the haplotype H3. The present state of distribution of H. halys in Germany, patterns of range extension, invasiveness, and possible economic impacts are discussed.

Characterizations of botanical attractant of Halyomorpha halys and selection of relevant deorphanization candidates via computational approach

Halyomorpha halys has been recognized as a global cross-border pest species. Along with well-established pheromone trapping approaches, there have been many attempts to utilize botanical odorant baits for field monitoring. Due to sensitivity, ecological friendliness, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale implementation, the selection of botanical volatiles as luring ingredients and/or synergists for H. halys is needed. In the current work, botanical volatiles were tested by olfactometer and electrophysiological tests. Results showed that linalool oxide was a potential candidate for application as a behavioral modifying chemical. It drove remarkable attractiveness toward H. halys adults in Y-tube assays, as well as eliciting robust electroantennographic responsiveness towards antennae. A computational pipeline was carried out to screen olfactory proteins related to the reception of linalool oxide. Simulated docking activities of four H. halys odorant receptors and two odorant binding proteins to linalool oxide and nerolidol were performed. Results showed that all tested olfactory genes were likely to be involved in plant volatile-sensing pathways, and they tuned broadly to tested components. The current work provides insights into the later development of field demonstration strategies using linalool oxide and its molecular targets.

Olfactory responses of Trissolcus mitsukurii to plants attacked by target and non-target stink bugs suggest low risk for biological control

In crop systems, successful management of invasive insect herbivores can be achieved through the introduction of exotic biocontrol agents, parasitoids or predators, having a coevolutionary history with the pest. To avert threats to local biodiversity, recent legislations require a risk assessment for the organism to be released. Evaluation of its ability to exploit, for host location, odours associated with target and non-target species is crucial for a better definition of its ecological host range. Using Y-tube olfactometer bioassays in a quarantine laboratory, we investigated the ability of the Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus mitsukurii (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) to exploit odours associated with the global invader Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and with non-target stink bugs native to Southern Europe. We demonstrated that T. mitsukurii is attracted by plants exposed to feeding and egg deposition of the coevolved H. halys and the native Nezara viridula, while it is not attracted by physogastric (gravid) females or eggs alone. Remarkably, T. mitsukurii is repelled by plants bearing eggs of the beneficial Arma custos. Our results contribute to a more thorough and nuanced assessment of the potential non-target risks in the case of mass-release of parasitoids as part of a biological control programme for invasive stink bugs.

Methyl Salicylate Can Benefit Ornamental Pest Control, and Does Not Alter Per Capita Predator Consumption at Close-Range

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is an herbivore-induced plant volatile widely tested for attracting natural enemies for pest control. MeSA is commercially sold as slow-release lures or as a spray. While MeSA application has increased the abundance of natural enemies in numerous food crops, its ability to reduce pests for crop protection is not as frequently demonstrated. Our first objective was to test MeSA lures in ornamental fields where few studies have been done, and monitor natural enemies, pests, and crop protection. A 2-year study in spruce container yards revealed more aphid parasitoids (Pseudopraon sp.), fewer aphids (Mindarus obliquus) on shoot tips, and less shoot tip damage in MeSA plots during the first year. A 2-year study in red maple fields revealed more predatory lady beetles and rove beetles, and parasitic Ceraphronidae, Diapriidae, and Chalcidoidea in one or both years with MeSA. Fewer pest thrips were also captured in MeSA plots, though it is not clear whether this was due to enhanced predation or reduced colonization. Maple growth as measured by stem diameter change did not differ with MeSA use. A 2-year study examining predation on sentinel Halyomorpha halys eggs in various mature ornamental stock blocks found no increase in predation except for 1 month, though green lacewings, lady beetles, and predatory thrips occurred more in MeSA plots in the first year. While MeSA is expected to enhance biological control by herding in natural enemies, the impacts that applied volatiles have on predator efficiency is mostly unknown. Thus, our second objective examined how volatiles would impact feeding rates at close-range. Adult carabid Pterostichus melanarius, adult coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis, and larval lacewing Chrysoperla rufilabris consumed their prey at similar rates in the presence/absence of MeSA when food was presented directly in a 28 cm2 or 30 ml arena, or when foraging in a 520 cm2 outdoor soil arena or 946 ml arena with aphids on leaves.

Transcriptome Analysis for Identification of Genes Related to Growth and Development, Digestion and Detoxification, Olfaction in the Litchi Stink Bug Tessaratoma papillosa.

Tessaratoma papillosa is a major pest of Litchi chinensis and Dimocarpus longan. Adult and nymph secretions are not only harmful to plants but also to humans. At present, there are not a lot of research on T. papillosa, especially omics research. We used high-throughput sequencing technology to sequence the T. papillosa transcriptome and obtained 67,597 unigenes homologous to Halyomorpha halys (88.03%). Subsequently, RNA-SEQ and comparative analyses were performed on the 14 different developmental stages and tissues. A total of 462 unigenes related to growth and development, 1,851 unigenes related to digestion and detoxification, and 70 unigenes related to olfaction were obtained. Moreover, expression analysis showed that the T. papillosa major life activities genes are uniformly expressed across all developmental states. However, the adult midgut gene expression patterns were utterly different from that of the nymphs. Similarly, female fat body genes exhibited distinct expression patterns compared to that of males and nymphs. Thus, different developmental stages and physiological functions affect gene expression patterns. We also found that most of the differential genes were associated with cellular maintenance. This study will help understand the growth and development of litchi stink bugs, their choice of host plants, food digestion and detoxification, and their reproductive behavior. In addition, this result can provide reference information for some target genes in the process of control of T. papillosa.

Identification of predatory arthropods of the invasive Halyomorpha halys through molecular gut content analysis

Abstract Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) is an invasive agricultural pest in North America and Europe. Most of the information on H. halys predators in invaded areas comes from North America. This work focused on the molecular identification of arthropod predator species capable of feeding on H. halys in northern Italy. Predatory arthropods were collected in the field in four urban parks using the tree‐beating technique. A real‐time PCR workflow was applied to detect H. halys DNA from the gut content of predators. Of the 190 predator individuals analysed, 46 were positive for H. halys DNA and belonged to 10 insect taxa (1 Dermaptera, 3 Coleoptera, 2 Hemiptera and 4 Orthoptera) and six arachnid taxa (2 Opiliones and 6 Araneae). The integration of gut content analysis with laboratory bioassays and field observations allows the identification of a greater number of predators and therefore a better understanding of how the invaded ecosystem is responding to the introduction of a new species, given that samples are taken from the invaded environment itself. Therefore, the gut content analysis provides essential elements for conservation biocontrol in integrated pest management programmes.

Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug)

Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug)

Halyomorpha halys Stål, (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) feeding effects on some agriculturalfruits in Georgia

Feeding effects of the invasive, polyphagous brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae), on some agricultural fruits (hazelnut, blueberry, mandarin, lemon) were investigated in Guria and Samegrelo regions of Georgia in 2019 and 2020. The damage to hazelnut kernels was evaluated when H. halys adults were allowed to feed on kernels in different stages of development. Furthermore, BMSB adults were allowed to feed on almost ripened fruits of blueberry, on small mandarin fruits which were not yet well developed, and on ripened fruits of mandarin. The evaluation of damage on lemon was recorded after allowing adult BMSB on small, not yet developed fruits and on almost developed fruits. It was shown that hazelnuts are susceptible to damage caused by feeding of BMSB throughout the entire period of kernel development (100% of kernels were damaged and did not develop at all). Furthermore, BMSB damages blueberry severely (100% damage) when the fruits are almost ripened. Damage to mandarin fruits in early development stages was over 90%, and 100% of ripened mandarin fruits dropped to the ground. We did not find any damage when BMSB was allowed to feed on Lemon throughout the development of the fruits.

Spolni dimorfizam smeđe mramoraste stjenice

The brown marmorated stink bug is a relatively new member of the Croatian entomofauna, whose biology and ecology are still being researched. The species is known for its polyphagy and is invasive, as evidenced by damage to field, vegetable, and fruit crops around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the sexual dimorphism of Halyomorpha halys based on phenotypic characters on the dorsal and ventral sides of the body. Sixty individuals of each sex were isolated. Each individual was photographed from the dorsal and ventral sides using a digital camera, then the forewing and hindwing pairs were removed, mounted on microscope slides, and photographed. Photographs of the dorsal side of the body were used to measure the values of body length, pronotum width, body surface area, and the surfaces of the forewing and hindwing pairs. Differences on the ventral side of the body were determined by visual inspection. The results of the study showed that males and females differed statistically in all measurements and that the species exhibited female-biased sexual size dimorphism. These traits (larger and more powerful physique and especially wings) make females the more suitable sex for migratory flight and thus responsible for the rapid expansion of the population into new areas. Differences between the sexes have also been noted in coloration on the ventral side of the body. The red pigmentation of the sternum was much more pronounced in males than in females, further confirming the sexual dimorphism of the species in body coloration.

The tachinid fly, Pentatomophaga latifascia (Diptera: Tachinidae), may help control Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in early spring in northern Japan

Abstract This study investigated the potential of the parasitic tachinid fly, Pentatomophaga latifascia (Diptera: Tachinidae), as a biological control agent against adult brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. Overwintering adults of H. halys were collected from a hibernation site from 2017 to 2019, and the adults were reared at 20 °C in the following spring of each year. Almost all female and male adults parasitised by P. latifascia survived only a few days after the larvae of P. latifascia emerged, and none of the females laid eggs. Emergence of larval P. latifascia from the adults was observed from 18 days after the start of rearing, and all emergence was completed within a 20-day period. The parasitism rate of the field population of overwintered H. halys adults was about 10% each year, and the survival rates of adults of both sexes decreased by about 10%, in synchrony with the time of emergence of larval P. latifascia. These observations indicated that P. latifascia contributed to a decrease in the population density of post-overwintering adult H. halys, at least in early spring.