Brown marmornated stink bug diel sampling variance in peaches

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys is an invasive pentatomidae species first found in Allentown, PA in 1996.  It is a highly polyphagous pest known to feed on 300+ plant species.  In response to the destructive potential of this pest, IPM must monitor field, vegetable, fruit, and nut crops.  This project was done to standardize sampling programs for BMSB.  Research was conducted throughout the summer of 2013 in peaches to assess whether or not time of day was a significant factor in apparent BMSB population.  Analysis of the data support this hypothesis.  There is a significant increase in visually detected BMSB in peaches in the early afternoon as compared to the morning, evening, or night.  This increase is primarily due to the detection of nymphs.  This study will be replicated in 2014.