Host preference of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), using economically important crops of Florida

Halyomorpha halys (Stål), also known as the brown marmorated stink bug, has become an economically important pest in the United States. This invasive pest is highly polyphagous and has reportedly caused economic damage of fruit trees and soybean in the Mid-Atlantic States. Although the brown marmorated stink bug has not yet been detected, the distribution of this stink bug is expected to include northern and central parts of Florida. The purpose of this research was to determine the potential economic impact of the brown marmorated stink bug by exploring its host range and host preference. No-choice and choice tests were conducted in a quarantine laboratory using six test plant species. The results of this research will be provided to extension agents and  farmers for their potential use, and may give insight on the movement of the brown maramoted stink bug if it became established in Florida.