The role of volatiles from brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, on host location and egg predation by minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest recently introduced into the United States and since then it has been reported in approximately 38 states. Natural enemies may play an important role in BMSB control. In fact, generalist insect predators in the Chrysopidae, Reduviidae, Lygaidae, and Anthocoridae families have been observed feeding on BMSB. In previous behavioral studies, we showed that adult minute pirate bugs, Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), are attracted to green bean pods previously infested by BMSB. Using GC-FID/GC-MS analysis, we identified tridecane as a major volatile associated with BMSB-infested bean pods. Our objectives here were to examine the effect of tridecane on the foraging behavior of O. insidiosus and to determine its role on predator learning. Experiments were conducted at two Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station facilities - Chatsworth and Bridgeton, NJ - under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. In the laboratory, a four-arm olfactometer was used to determine if unmated and mated, experienced and inexperienced, O. insidiosus males and females respond to different concentrations of tridecane. In the greenhouse, choice experiments were conducted based on the laboratory results to assess whether tridecane increases arrestment and egg predation by O. insidiosus in cages. In the field, studies were conducted with tridecane-baited traps in peach orchards and blueberry fields to evaluate the attractiveness of O. insidiosus and other predators to tridecane. By exploring and assessing host-finding cues used by predatory insects we can better understand how to manipulate them to improve biological control.