Host Suitability and Preference for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Halyomorpha halys was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania, in 2001. Currently a pest of fruit and vegetable crops in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states, as well as an urban nuisance, H. halys is considered to be an invasive species. Interceptions have occurred in Florida, but no established populations have been recorded in Florida. Many host plants are documented in the literature, and H. halys is highly polyphagous; however, little information exists regarding developmental hosts. Research objectives focus on identifying developmental hosts and preferences for plants commonly found in Florida. Plant species evaluated in a no-choice, balanced incomplete block design include Calamintha georgiana, Camelia japonica, Citrus x sinensis, Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus paradise, Elaeagnus ebbingii, Fragaria x ananassa, Hamelia patens, Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus mutabilis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Ligustrum japonicum, Malus domestica, Passiflora coccinea, Persea americana, Prunus persica, Ruellia brittoniana, Smilax rotundifolia, Thunbergia battiscombei, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vitex agnus-castus, and Vitis riparia.  Results demonstrate Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Malus domestica are developmental hosts, but not Citrus species; however, survival to third instar was observed on Citrus aurantiifolia. In choice tests, adult specimens were present and feeding respectively more often on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Elaeagnus ebbingii, and Ligustrum japonicum than other plant species.