Host plant preference of harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a pest of cole crops (Brassicaceae). This study seeks to identify plant species/varieties that are preferred by this pest species in order to develop a trap crop system for its management. Field-cage and lab choice tests, conducted in 2009, found a clear preference for mustard (Brassica juncea ‘Southern Giant Curled’) over other selected Brassicacea species including rapini (B. rapa ‘Ruvo’), rapeseed (B. napus ‘Athena’), collard (B. oleracea ‘Champion’), arugula (Eruca sativa) and a non-Brassicaceae species, snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). In addition, rapini and rapeseed were preferred over collards, arugula and bean in some tests. Additional lab choice tests showed that plant maturity may also be an important factor in plant selection as M. histrionica adults preferred florets over stems or leaves of broccoli, mustard and rapini plants.