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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Southeast Watershed Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #428663
Research Project: Biologically-based Management Systems for Insect Pests and Pollinators in Agricultural Landscapes in the Southeastern Region

Location: Southeast Watershed Research

Title: Crimson clover improves biological control of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) by native stink bug egg parasitoids in pecan orchards

Author
item Myers, Emily
item Tillman, Patricia
item Cottrell, Ted
item GRABARCZYK, ERIN - Valdosta State University

Submitted to: BioControl
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/24/2025
Publication Date: 10/28/2025
Citation: Myers, E.B., Tillman, P.G., Cottrell, T.E., Grabarczyk, E.E. 2025. Crimson clover improves biological control of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) by native stink bug egg parasitoids in pecan orchards. BioControl. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-025-10360-y.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-025-10360-y

Interpretive Summary: The invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a significant insect pest in pecan orchards. Natural enemies, such as stink bug egg parasitoids, may help control outbreaks of this pest in pecan. The addition of floral resources, such as crimson clover, which attract parasitoids, may further increase rates of parasitism as well as numbers of parasitoids. We tested whether number of parasitoids and parasitism of BMSB egg masses differed in pecan orchards with and without crimson clover either in tree canopies or on the ground next to trees. We monitored parasitism with sentinel egg masses and numbers with yellow sticky cards. Overall, parasitism of sentinel egg masses was higher in orchards with crimson clover compared to the control and on the ground compared to the canopy. The number of parasitoids was similar whether crimson clover was present or not. Increased parasitism of sentinel egg masses in crimson clover suggests that cover clover improves biological control of BMSB in pecan orchards. Importantly, planting crimson clover in pecan orchards is a simple, sustainable approach for growers to better control the BMSB.

Technical Abstract: The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a significant insect pest in agricultural systems including pecan orchards. Natural enemies, such as stink bug egg parasitoids, may help control H. halys outbreaks in pecan. The addition of floral resources, such as crimson clover, which attract parasitoids, may further increase rates of parasitism as well as parasitoid abundance. We tested whether parasitoid abundance and attack on H. halys egg masses differed in pecan orchards with and without crimson clover either in tree canopies or on the ground next to trees. We monitored presence of parasitism with sentinel egg masses and abundance with yellow sticky cards. Overall, parasitism of sentinel egg masses was higher in orchards with crimson clover compared to the control and on the ground compared to the canopy. Parasitoid abundance was similar whether crimson clover was present or not. However, more parasitoids were detected on the ground, a pattern that was primarily driven by high numbers of Telenomus podisi (Ashmead). Despite similar abundance, increased parasitism of sentinel egg masses suggests that crimson clover improves biological control of H. halys in pecan orchards. Importantly, planting crimson clover in pecan orchards is a simple, sustainable approach for growers to better control H. halys.