How destructive is brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) in herbaceous plants?

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is rapidly expanding its range and this invasive species has developed a palate for many species of plants.  The pest has spread to more than 40 states where it has been found feeding on a number of species not recorded in its native habitat in Asia.  Furthermore, their dense populations are frequently numerous enough to cause significant economic injury to many agricultural crops, but little is known about economic threats to ornamental plants. Brown marmorated stink bug adults have been observed feeding on flowers and seed pods of several ornamental herbaceous plants, but the damage to flowers, seed pods, stems and leaves has not been documented. Disease transmission from BMSB feedings on herbaceous plants has not been confirmed in the literature. Because of this dearth of knowledge, our team of researchers launched a study to determine if brown marmorated stink bug was a significant pest of herbaceous perennial plants growing in commercial perennial plant production nurseries. Trials were conducted at nurseries in Maryland and Pennsylvania nursery during 2012.  BMSB was found feeding on number of herbaceous plants but little damage was observed. A list of potential target herbaceous perennials has been developed.