Biology, ecology, and management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)

Authors: RICE, KEVIN - Pennsylvania State University; BERGH, CHRIS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; BERGMAN, ERIC - University Of Maryland; BIDDINGER, DAVID - Pennsylvania State University; DIECKHOFF, CHRISTINE - University Of Delaware; DIVELY, DALEN - University Of Maryland; FRASER, HANNA - Ontario Ministry Of Agriculture; GARIEPY, TARA - Rutgers University; HAMILTON, GEORGE - Rutgers University; HAYE, TIM - Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International (CABI); HERBERT, AMES - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; Hoelmer, Kim; HOOKS, CERRUTI - University Of Maryland; JONES, ASHLEY - University Of Maryland; KRAWCZYK, GREG - Pennsylvania State University; KUHAR, THOMAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; MITCHELL, WILLIAM - Pennsylvania State University; NIELSEN, ANNE - Rutgers University; PFEIFFER, DOUG - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; RAUPP, MIKE - University Of Maryland; RODGRIGUEZ-SAONA, CESAR - Rutgers University; SHEARER, PETER - Oregon State University; SHREWSBURY, PAULS - University Of Maryland; VENUGOPAL, DILIP - University Of Maryland; WHALEN, JOANNE - University Of Delaware; WIMAN, NIK - Oregon State University; Leskey, Tracy; TOOKER, JOHN - Pennsylvania State University

Submitted to: Journal of Integrated Pest Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/28/2014
Publication Date: 9/1/2014
Publication URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/IPM14002
Citation: Rice, K., Bergh, C., Bergman, E., Biddinger, D., Dieckhoff, C., Dively, D., Fraser, H., Gariepy, T., Hamilton, G., Haye, T., Herbert, A., Hoelmer, K.A., Hooks, C., Jones, A., Krawczyk, G., Kuhar, T., Mitchell, W., Nielsen, A.L., Pfeiffer, D., Raupp, M., Rodgriguez-Saona, C., Shearer, P., Shrewsbury, P., Venugopal, D., Whalen, J., Wiman, N., Leskey, T.C., Tooker, J. 2014. Biology, ecology, and management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys). Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 5(3): A1-A13.

Interpretive Summary: Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive insect pest that was accidentally introduced to the United States from China. First seen in Allentown, PA, in 1996, it has been reported from at least 40 states in the US. It has also been found in Canada, Switzerland, France, Germany, Lichtenstein and Italy, suggesting this invasive species may become a cosmopolitan pest species. In its native Asian range it is a sporadic pest; but in North America, where it has few natural enemies, it has become a major agricultural pest of numerous crops. BMSB causes substantial economic damage when it attacks fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamental plants. BMSB has disrupted IPM programs for many crops and pesticide applications have increased in response to BMSB infestations, harming beneficial insects and causing secondary pest outbreaks. BMSB is also an urban nuisance pest because it often overwinters in homes and other buildings. Although our knowledge about this species is still increasing, we review its life history, host plant damage, and the management options available for this invasive pest.

Technical Abstract: Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål, is an invasive, herbivorous insect species that was accidentally introduced to the United States from Beijing, China. First discovered in Allentown, PA in 1996 but not officially identified until 2001, H. halys has now been reported from at least 40 states in the US. Additional invasions have been detected in Canada, Switzerland, France, Germany, Lichtenstein and Italy suggesting this invasive species could emerge as a cosmopolitan pest species. In its native range (China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan), H. halys is classified as an outbreak pest; however, in North America, where it is attacked by few natural enemies, H. halys has become a major agricultural pest across a wide range of commodities. Halyomorpha halys is an extreme generalist herbivore, capable of feeding on over 100 species of host plants, often resulting in substantial economic damage; its feeding damage resulted in $37 million of losses in apple in 2010, but this stink bug species also attacks other fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamental plant species. Halyomorpha halys has disrupted IPM programs for multiple cropping systems. Pesticide applications, including broad-spectrum insecticides, have increased in response to H. halys infestations, potentially negatively influencing populations of beneficial arthropods and increasing secondary pest outbreaks. Halyomorpha halys is also challenging because it affects homeowners as a nuisance pest; the bug tends to overwinter in homes and outbuildings. Although our knowledge about this species is still evolving, we present its life history, host plant damage, and the management options available for this invasive pest species.