Effects of entomopathogenic fungi on the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)

The brown marmorated stink bug is a highly destructive invasive pest that continues to be a substantial source of damage in both food crop and ornamental systems.  While a number of control methods are being pursued, the use of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling the brown marmorated stink bug has been largely ignored until recently.  To determine the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi as a potential avenue for control, several strains of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana as well as two unidentified fungal strains and an industry standard were tested on both nymphs and adults of the brown marmorated stink bug.  Results from these bioassays suggest that while entomopathogenic fungi are a potentially valid method for controlling the brown marmorated stink bug, more research is required to find even more effective strains as well as determine useful formulations for deploying the fungus.