Project Number: 1926-22000-026-13
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2010
End Date: Sep 30, 2012

Objective:
The objective of this project is to conduct host-specificity testing of promising exotic natural enemies of BMSB on high-priority native pentatomids, and apply for release permits for those species that are specific to BMSB. (1) Participate cooperatively with scientists at selected locations in the U.S. to assess exotic natural enemies for biological control of BMSB. (2) Review the literature on native pentatomids in North America to help prioritize and select species for host-specificity testing of the natural enemies for BMSB. (3) Where possible, collect those native pentatomids from the field and develop colonies for use in host-specificity testing. To minimize duplication of effort, this will be coordinated on a national level with each project partner focusing on the native pentatomids in their region. (4) Provide potential biological control agents from USDA-ARS-BIIR cultures to cooperator containment facilities for host-specificity testing in other regions. All quarantine facilities must be APHIS certified. Only fully permitted and documented species will be brought into quarantine and tested. (5) Initiate physiological host-specificity testing (no-choice, choice, environmental/behavioral restrictions) on Trissolcus halyomorphae and other Asian Trissolcus species. Other exotic natural enemies may be evaluated, if agreeable to APHIS and as time and resources permit. (6) Help prepare and apply for release permits for those species that are specific to BMSB. (7) Collect data as appropriate and possible on native natural enemies attacking BMSB as time and resources permit.

Approach:
Participate cooperatively with scientists at selected locations in the U.S. to assess exotic natural enemies for biological control of BMSB by developing host test lists; establishing protocols for the evaluations; initiating colonies of native stink bugs to support host-specificity testing; providing biological control agents from USDA-ARS-BIIR cultures to cooperators; and conducting host-specificity testing of candidate biological control agents.