Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) feeding damage determines early drop in olive crops. (23rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zapponi, Livia; Morten, Michele; Chiesa, Serena Giorgia; Angeli, Gino; Borri, Giacomo; Mazzoni, Valerio; Sofia, Monica; Anfora, Gianfranco
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied entomology. Volume 146:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 791
• Page End: 795
• Publication Date: 2022-04-23
• Subjects: economic loss -- feeding damage -- Hemiptera -- invasive species -- olive pest -- Pentatomidae; Entomology -- Periodicals; Insect pests -- Periodicals; 595.7
• DOI: 10.1111/jen.13018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0931-2048

Abstract

Abstract: The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys Stål, is an invasive species and a polyphagous pest. BMSB feeding activity was suspected to be responsible for olive damage. To evaluate the effect of feeding damage from adults and nymphs of BMSB, 30 rearing sleeves were positioned in an olive grove, at an early stage of drupe development. The individuals were kept in the rearing sleeves for 48 h, and the number of olives in each sleeve was checked weekly, visually assessing signs of damage and measuring their volume. After the 48‐hr exposure, the number of early dropped olives was significantly higher for rearing sleeves containing BMSB adults and nymphs compared with control, with visible signs of damage. The volume of olives still attached was significantly lower for rearing sleeves with adults. These results provide key evidence on BMSB damage in developing olives. If the numbers of BMSB keep increasing in Mediterranean regions (where most of the olive production occurs), actions should be taken to prevent economic losses.