Biological Control and Exclusion of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Organic Crops

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive species pest first introduced to the U.S. in the mid-1990s. It has since been detected in 40 states, and is one of the most devastating pests of the Mid-Atlantic region in the last 50 years. The diverse host range of BMSB includes tree fruit, small fruits, vegetables, and row crops. Management of BMSB in organic systems is particularly challenging and pest management options are limited. Pest management in organic production systems emphasizes biological control and cultural methods to exclude pests or reduce their damage. The potential for biological control and mesh barrier screens to mitigate damage by BMSB are being investigated in Tennessee as part of a multi-state project to study whole farm organic management of this invasive pest. Here we report on the results obtained in the first year of this study. Sentinel and natural-laid BMSB egg masses were observed for parasitism and predation by natural enemies on organic bell peppers, corn, and soybean. Parasitism rates ranged from 1-16%, and predation rates ranged from 2-30%, showing that biological control may help reduce BMSB. The mesh barrier study was performed on bell peppers, and treatments included 1/6”, 1/8” and fine mesh screens, compared to a no-screen control. The fine mesh screens increased yield and marketable fruit by reducing BMSB damage and reducing sunscald of peppers. Mesh barrier screens can be re-used from year to year and have potential to exclude BMSB and improve marketable yields in organic vegetables in an integrated pest management system.