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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Southeast Watershed Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #408697
Research Project: Biologically-based Management Systems for Insect Pests and Pollinators in Agricultural Landscapes in the Southeastern Region

Location: Southeast Watershed Research

Title: Assessment of sugarberry as a host tree of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in southeastern US agroecosystems

Author
item Tillman, Patricia
item COTTRELL, TED - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)
item KESHEIMER, KATELYN - Auburn University
item Grabarczyk, Erin

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2024
Publication Date: 9/27/2024
Citation: Tillman, P.G., Cottrell, T.E., Kesheimer, K.A., Grabarczyk, E.E. 2024. Assessment of sugarberry as a host tree of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in southeastern US agroecosystems. Florida Entomologist. 107(1):2024-0054. https://doi.org/10.1515/ aent-2024-0054.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/flaent-2024-0054

Interpretive Summary: The invasive brown marmorated stink bug is a major insect pest that disperses between non-crop host plants and crops in search of food. Sugarberry trees are commonly found in woodland habitats in the southeastern US and may serve as a non-crop host for this pest. Therefore, the main objective of this 2-yr study was to determine if 1) sugarberry serves as a host tree and 2) whether natural enemies attack brown marmorated stink bug egg masses in the tree canopy. We monitored stink bugs on sugarberry trees in woodlands adjacent to field crops during 2022 and orchard crops during 2023. Each year traps baited with stink bug attractants were deployed in the canopy of sugarberry trees to capture brown marmorated nymphs and adults. We also evaluated parasitism and predation of eggs of the pest in tree canopies. Brown marmorated stink bug males and females as well as the 2nd through 5th nymphal stages were captured in traps throughout the season. One parasite species emerged from eggs. Chewing and sucking predators ate the eggs. We conclude that sugarberry is a host tree for the brown marmorated stink bug, and native natural enemies kill their eggs in this host tree.

Technical Abstract: The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a polyphagous pest that disperses between non-crop host plants and crops in search of food. Sugarberry trees (Celtis laevigata Willdenow) are commonly found in woodland habitats in the southeastern US and may serve as a non-crop host for H. halys. Therefore, the main objective of this 2-yr study was to determine if 1) sugarberry serves as a host tree and 2) whether natural enemies attack sentinel egg masses in the tree canopy. We monitored stink bugs on sugarberry trees in woodlands adjacent to field crops in Prattville, AL during 2022 and orchard crops in Byron, GA during 2023. Each year pheromone-baited pyramidal traps were deployed in the canopy of sugarberry trees to capture H. halys. We evaluated parasitism and predation of H. halys by placing sentinel egg masses in tree canopies. Halyomorpha halys males and females as well as 2nd through 5th instars were captured in traps and observed in trees over the season at both locations. Trissolcus euschisti Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was the only parasitoid species that emerged from H. halys eggs. Chewing and stylet sucking predators were the primary predators of H. halys sentinel egg masses. We conclude that sugarberry is a reproductive host plant for H. halys, and native natural enemies predate and parasitize H. halys eggs in this host tree.