The feeding habits of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera) on select vegetable crops

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera), is an invasive species from Asia.  It has been found in more than 38 states within the US and is considered to be a major agricultural pest in Mid-Atlantic and neighboring states.  It has been reported that H. halys has over 300 host plants among which are several domesticated vegetables. A field study was conducted in Clarksville, Maryland, to investigate the feeding habits of H. hays on sweet corn, tomatoes, eggplants, green peppers, okra and green beans.  These vegetables were planted in small plots arranged in a Latin square design. Feeding injury and population density of H. halys were monitored throughout the growing season.