Halyomorpha halys in peaches: improved detection for IPM scouting

Project Overview

GNE13-054
Project Type: Graduate Student
Funds awarded in 2013: $14,850.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2013
Grant Recipient: Rutgers University
Region: Northeast
State: New Jersey
Graduate Student:
John Cambridge
Email
Faculty Advisor:
George Hamilton
Email
Rutgers University

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Fruits: peaches, general tree fruits

Practices

  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension
  • Pest Management: field monitoring/scouting, integrated pest management

    Proposal abstract:

    This study has been developed in response to the lack of standardization in sampling protocols for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) in peach orchards. Peaches are an economically important crop in New Jersey, bringing in over 39 million dollars to growers annually (NASS, 2012). There is currently no uniformity in the time of day for sampling population levels in orchards. This stems from a lack of understanding of the diel behavior of this pest and historical indifference to this variable. This study will create a standard protocol for IPM scouts to monitor this pest. This new protocol will allow for more accurate population monitoring and will translate to less damage, less pesticide use and greater profits for growers.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Determine relative attractiveness of different color lights to BMSB.
    Determine the best time of day to sample of BMSB is peach orchards.
    Determine BMSB population density variance within peach orchards over a 24 period throughout the growing season.
    Create a standardized protocol for visual BMSB sampling.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.