Temperature-Dependent Life Table Parameters of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the United States

Simple Summary Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest species that causes significant economic damage to many crops. One of the crucial aspects of management strategies rely on understanding the biology and life-table parameters of H. halys. Here, we described the temperature dependent life-table parameters of H. halys from New Jersey and Oregon. In addition, comparison with previous data was performed to provide up-to-date information. Altogether, the current data and previous reports were employed to determine developmental thresholds and estimates of optimal temperatures for H. halys population development. Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a generalist pest that causes serious injury to a variety of crops around the world. After the first detection in the USA, H. halys became a serious threat to growers resulting in significant crop damage. Understanding the effect of temperature on H. halys development will help to achieve successful control by predicting the phenological timing of the pest. Here, life table parameters (survival, development, reproduction, and daily mortality) of H. halys were evaluated for New Jersey and Oregon populations in the US. Parameters were determined from field-collected and laboratory-reared individuals. The results indicated that New Jersey populations had higher levels of egg-laying than Oregon populations and exhibited higher and earlier fecundity peaks. Survival levels were similar between populations. Linear and nonlinear fit were used to estimate the minimum (14.3 degrees C), optimal (27.8 degrees C), and maximum (35.9 degrees C) temperatures where development of H. halys can take place. An age-specific fecundity peak (M-x = 36.63) was recorded at 936 degree days for New Jersey populations, while maximum fecundity (M-x = 11.85) occurred at 1145 degree days in Oregon. No oviposition was recorded at the lowest (15 degrees C) or highest (35 degrees C) trialed temperatures. Developmental periods increased at temperatures above 30 degrees C, indicating that such higher temperatures are suboptimal for H. halys development. Altogether the most optimal temperatures for population increase (r(m)) ranged from 25 to 30 degrees C. Survival rates of H. halys at suboptimal low temperatures of 8 degrees C (i.e., 61%) is comparable to previous reports. The present paper provides additional data and context from a range of experimental conditions and populations. Such temperature-related H. halys life table parameters can be used to provide determine the risk to susceptible crops.

Automated summary

This study described the temperature dependent life-table parameters of the brown marmorated stink bug and compared them with previous data. By determining the developmental thresholds and optimal temperatures, the findings can help in predicting the timing of pest occurrence and achieving successful control.