Studying the spread of Asian BMSB and it’s damage on experimental hazelnut garden in west Georgia

Author: lika dekanoidze
Keywords: BMSB, Invasive pest, behavior, monitoring, agricultural crops
Annotation:

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Stäl) (Heteroptera - Pentatomidae) is an invasive insect pest species naturally occurring in China, Japan and Korea. More than 20 years ago the BMSB populations become established in North America and in Europe. In Georgia, BMSB populations were observed during the 2015 season with the significant economic impact reported during the 2016, 2017 seasons. In addition to hazelnuts (with exportable value), BMSB has the potential also to cause severe injuries on other crops such as maize, citruses, pome and stone fruit etc. Understanding the stink bug biology and behavior is the key precondition for effective planning and implementation of best Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Unfortunately, there are no scientific data available for BMSB biology in Georgia. The purpose of this project was to study BMSB biology, level of its invasion and degree of injury of various crops in West Georgia, including hazelnut; to evaluate the dynamic of population growth at all stages of its lifecycle by application of various monitoring tools (traps and lures); also the influence of temperature on the insect development. The BMSB migration routes and overwintering places was also identified. In additionthe level of damage caused by BMSB of hazelnut was defined, Efficiency of lures and traps as monitoring tools and the comparative data analysis was conducted. The results of proposed research will support local farmers, National Food Agency and other stakeholders concerned to better plan and implement Pests management and control measures. The received data will contribute to further research on BMSB.