Halyomorpha halys in peaches: improved detection for IPM scouting

Halyomorpha halys in peaches: improved detection for IPM scouting

Summary

“Halyomorpha halys in peaches: improved detection for IPM scouting” is a two year study designed to assess the importance of standardizing the time of day when sampling for Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in New Jersey peach orchards.  Population metrics were gathered by timed visual sampling where observers inspected trees for two minutes apiece and recorded the life stage and quantity of all H. halys found.  This procedure was conducted at two farms in central-southern New Jersey by sampling 132 per site at regular 2-3 hour intervals over the course of a 24 hour period.  The null hypothesis for this study is that there is no difference in detectability regardless of the time of sampling.  The results of this study will be important for creating effective IPM monitoring programs, pesticide application schedules, and future research protocols.

Objectives/Performance Targets

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

Accomplishments/Milestones

Objective 1 to determine the appropriate colored light for use in nighttime sampling of adults has been completed and analyzed (Appendix A).  The result of this study show that light sources emitting a wavelength of 560nm (green), 590nm (yellow) and 750nm (red) do not significantly affect H. halys distribution in relation to different light source as compared a no-light control.  In contrast, lights emitting 460nm (blue), 640nm (orange), 440nm-780nm (white) light did show significant attraction to H. halys.  This data is being written up for publication.  This project will be expanded to determine the impact of light wavelength on nymphal distribution in relation to light sources this winter.

The first year of the time-of-day sampling (objectives 2 and 3) has been collected in orchards located at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center and the Rutgers Fruit and Ornamental Research Extension Center.  The data has been analyzed (Appendix B) and development of the time-of-day conversion model has begun.  Overall significantly more H. halys were found during daylight hours than at night.  This pattern appears to be driven by nymphs and is most prevalent between July and August when the nymphs comprise the vast majority of the apparent H. halys population.

The study will be repeated in the summer of 2014, following which objective 4 will be addressed.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The results of this project so far are providing important insights into the development of effective monitoring techniques for H. halys.  This is essential for assuring the accuracy of timed control measures.  Since the funding for this project was only recently received, there are no specific impacts to report at this time.  However, when the project concludes at the end of the summer in 2014, information developed will be distributed to extension/IPM programs throughout the mid-Atlantic region and will provide recommendations for how to incorporate these findings into current practices.

Collaborators: