IPM and mating disruption in the age of brown marmorated stink bug

While tracking continues for the brown marmorated stink bug, fruit growers are asked not to abandon their integrated pest management programs and to avoid using extreme control measures.

Currently, only four confirmed specimens of the brown marmorated stink bug have been found in Michigan. Researchers at MSU and cooperating universities are currently tracking the distribution and spread of brown marmorated stink bug in Michigan and surrounding states. This effort is to establish an understanding of the areas at highest risk for population growth. Once locations are identified, we can employ appropriate management tactics. We are working on management tactics suitable for the growing conditions in Michigan, work that is strengthened by research conducted on the East Coast.

Fruit growers should not abandon IPM programs, including mating disruption for codling moth and oriental fruit moth in anticipation of brown marmorated stink bug problems. We do not know the extent of the population in Michigan and extreme control measures such as organophosphate insecticide applications should not be considered at this point. If populations are detected, growers should continue with current IPM programs and we will make suggestions regarding brown marmorated stink bug control. We will update the MSU IPM webpage at http://www.ipm.msu.edu/bmsb.htm with information about population locations and densities throughout the growing season as well as report to the MSUE News for Agriculture site at news.msue.msu.edu.

If you suspect or see brown marmorated stink bug on your farm or house, please collect specimens and send them to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics:

MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics
101 Integrated Plant Systems
East Lansing, MI 48824-1311

Be sure to include a note with your contact information including your email address or phone. Digital photos may be sent to: msubughelp@msu.edu. Please save the specimen after you take the photo for potential further identification.

Related topic:

Dr. Grieshop's and Dr. Gut's work is funded in part by MSU's AgBioResearch

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