Identifying natural enemies of Halyomorpha halys using video surveillance in organic systems

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest species distributed throughout the United States with the potential to become a serious threat to Michigan’s agricultural output due to its polyphagous nature; the extent of economic impacts remains unclear. This study was designed to explore existing sources of biological control in Michigan. Our objective was to identify natural enemies and examine their behavior. In a replicated field experiment in which we monitored for natural enemies of BMSB egg masses, 12 video surveillance systems were set up at two organic field sites in south-central Michigan during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. A single BMSB egg mass was pinned onto vegetable and apple leaves in the field and monitored with one camera per egg mass. Each egg mass was placed for 48h. The video data were watched to identify and quantify the causes of damage to the egg mass. Predators were observed causing chewing and sucking damage to the eggs. Twelve taxa were positively identified causing damage each year. The taxa observed most frequently in both years were Dermaptera and Formicidae. A diversity index was calculated for each site and crop combination; site2 tomatoes had the highest diversity index in 2013. So far in 2014, site1 peppers has the highest diversity index. A diel rhythm chart was created to examine behavior. Sixty percent of observed events occurred at night in 2013. These results suggest that there is potential for suppression of BMSB in Michigan by native natural enemies.