Researchers set sticky traps to survey insects in an apple orchard. Credit: Domini Brown
Background
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is a notorious invasive pest that feeds on over 170 plants including fruits, vegetables, and field crops. Apples, an important crop in Minnesota, are particularly at risk. In 2010, the US Apple Association estimated that brown marmorated stink bugs caused $37 million in damages to the apple crop in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The parasitoid samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) from Japan is a natural enemy of brown marmorated stink bug in its native range. The species has been confirmed in Minnesota by the state Department of Agriculture as of 2022. It is possible that the samurai wasp could be used as biocontrol against invasive brown marmorated stink bugs, however, the effects of the wasps on native species is unknown. It is not clear whether the samurai wasp’s potential benefits outweigh risks to native species.
Research questions
- What are the benefits of the samurai wasp to apple production, native species, and plant species?
- What are the risks to native insect species?
Outcomes
Researchers found that the exotic samurai wasp is established in Minnesota apple orchards, where it attacks the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, an emerging pest. Although it has the potential to provide natural biological control and reduce insecticide use, it may also affect native insect species.
Outreach
- Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference, 2024
- Entomology Society of America, North Central Branch meeting, 2025
News and media
- Meet Sabrina Celis: An entomologist hunting down biocontrol options for brown marmorated stink bugs - MITPPC
- Testing biocontrol options for brown marmorated stink bugs - UMN News