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Development of Behaviorally-Based Monitoring Tools for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Commercial Tree Fruit Orchards
Abstract
Captures of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), were significantly greater in pyramid traps baited with the known attractant, methyl (2E,4E,6Z)decatrienoate, compared with unbaited traps. A dose-dependent response by adults to lures formulated with increasing amounts of methyl (2E,4E,62)-decatrienoate and deployed in association with black pyramid traps also was observed. Among pyramid traps representing different visual stimuli including black, green, yellow, clear, white and yellow, significantly greater captures were recorded in baited black pyramid traps for adults in 2009 and nymphs in 2010 compared with other trap types; the dark upright silhouette created by this trap likely represents a trunk-mimicking visual stimulus to foraging bugs. A ground-deployed baited black pyramid trap also captured significantly greater numbers of nymphs and adults compared with canopydeployed commercially available baited traps from Japan. Based on semi-field cage studies, brown marmorated stink bug was confirmed to be bivoltine within the mid-Atlantic region. Thus, the need for a reliable monitoring tool to detect presence, abundance and seasonal activity of brown marmorated stink bug in tree fruit and other cropping systems is critical.
... Behavioural studies indicate that these components play distinct roles in mate attraction, working as an aggregation pheromone (Moliterno et al. 2021). In addition, the Neartic stink bugs Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) and Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) produce epoxy-zingiberenol as an aggregation pheromone (Khrimian et al. 2014a, b;Leskey et al. 2012Leskey et al. , 2015Weber et al. 2014), which shares the same absolute configuration at 6S,7R as those of T. limbativentris and P. spinosa, but differs from those of O. poecilus and M. v-luteum. Field studies using traps with rubber septa impregnated with both (3S,6S,7R)-and (3R,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ols (zingiberenols) have successfully attracted T. limbativentris females in various regions of Brazil (De Freitas et al. 2021). ...
The small black stem bug, Paratibraca (= Glyphepomis) spinosa (Campos and Grazia 1998), is a rice pest in Brazil and is part of a complex of stink bugs that includes Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) and Tibraca limbativentris Stål. Together, these pentatomid species pose a serious threat to rice crops throughout South America. In this study, we identified the sex pheromone of P. spinosa. Our findings revealed that male P. spinosa produces four male-specific compounds identical to those produced by T. limbativentris males. These include (3S,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol and (3R,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol (zingiberenols), both sharing the same absolute configuration as the 1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol from T. limbativentris; along with two minor male-specific components: the cis and trans isomers of 2,10-bisaboladien-1-ol (sesquipiperitol). Y-tube olfactometer bioassays demonstrated that P. spinosa females were attracted to the odours of live males, whereas males showed no attraction to either sex. Females were particularly drawn to male volatiles, especially the fraction containing the compounds 1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol and 2,10-bisaboladien-1-ol. When tested with synthetic compounds, females were attracted to a blend of the two isomers, (3S,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol and (3R,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-3-ol, in the same ratio as naturally produced by males. Given that the sex pheromone compounds identified in P. spinosa are identical to those of T. limbativentris, we conducted bioassays with live heterospecific insects. In olfactometer bioassays, the females of both species were attracted by the odours of heteroespecific males.
... The aggregation pheromone-based trap proposed in this study, named a "mini-sailboat" (MSB) trap (Figure 1), is composed of a large black sticky panel acting as a "boat sail" and a water bin acting as the "boat hull". This design provides two advantages for mass trapping over the standard monitoring traps: a more attractive visual cue [20] and a larger trapping surface. ...
Simple Summary
Halyomorpha halys is a major pest of concern for many tree crops, such as pome and stone fruits. Currently, the management of this pest relies mainly on insecticides. The male-produced aggregation pheromone of H. halys showed promising results in attracting adults and nymphs, opening possibilities to develop new low-input insecticide management techniques. Our study demonstrated that traps baited with H. halys aggregation pheromone, when placed along the borders of an apple orchard, caused a shift in the spatial distribution of fruit damage. Although the overall fruit damage was not reduced, fruit damage significantly concentrated near the border treated with the traps. Limiting insecticide treatments to a small area near the orchard border, where insects are aggregated, can maximize the efficacy while reducing relevant side effects.
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive pest causing significant damage to tree crops. Our study examined the impact of newly designed aggregation pheromone-baited ‘mini–sailboat’ (MSB) traps for controlling H. halys and its effect on the spatial distribution of fruit damage. Four replicates of four traps, with a total of 16 MSB traps, were placed along a 1.3 km border of apple orchards, concentrating the traps on one side of the orchards. A fruit damage assessment for incidence and severity was conducted at increasing distances from the orchard border where the traps were placed, encompassing 107 assessment points. Our study showed that deploying MSB traps along the orchard border significantly increased fruit damage within the first 45 m compared to control plots without traps. However, beyond the first 45 m from the border, there was a significant reduction in damage incidence. In the treated plots, 50% of the damage occurred within 26 m of the traps, while in control plots, within 85 m. Shifting the fruit damage pattern means restricting the pests lingering in a narrow strip near the MSB traps, which paves the way for improved techniques to restructure the crop perimeter.
... The insect cycle is usually tracked with pheromone traps, and predictive models based on abiotic factors (degree days and photoperiod) help determine key oviposition dates as well as the presence of insects in the environment [115]. Black pyramid pheromone traps are the most effective method for monitoring pest dynamics and density in the field [116] as they can catch individuals when population rates are low and can capture populations early in the season. ...
The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855), native to East Asia, is an extremely polyphagous pest that infests more than 300 plant species from 49 families. In Europe and North America, this pest causes enormous damage to the production of economically important crops (tree fruit, vegetables, field crops, and ornamental plants). Global warming favours its spread, as the rise in temperature results in the appearance of further generations of the pest. Halyomorpha halys (nymph and adult) causes damage typical of the Pentatomidae family by attacking host plants throughout their development (buds, stems, fruits, and pods). Ripe fruits are often disfigured, and later suberification and necrotic spots form on the fruit surface, making them accessible to plant pathogens that cause fruit rot and rendering them unmarketable. The increasing global importance of the pest suggests that more coordinated measures are needed to contain its spread. Understanding the biology and ecology of this species is crucial for the development of reliable monitoring and management strategies. Most insecticides available for the control of H. halys have a broad spectrum of modes of action and are not compatible with most integrated pest management systems, so biological control by natural enemies has recently been emphasised. Preventing excessive population growth requires early identification and effective control measures that can be developed quickly and applied rapidly while respecting the environment. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest findings on the global distribution of this important pest, its potential spread, biology and ecology, key host plants of economic importance, monitoring methods, and effective biological control strategies, as well as future perspectives for sustainable H. halys control measures.
... The availability of the BMSB two-component aggregation pheromone [23] and pheromone synergist [24] has led research into developing management strategies centered around behavioral manipulation that could prevent or lessen crop losses [25,26]. These pheromones have been refined and optimized [27] and are commercially available and globally used in BMSB monitoring programs [28][29][30]. The pairing of pheromones with an appropriate killing agent could be conducive to developing an attract-and-kill (AK) strategy. ...
Simple Summary
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is causing extensive losses in agricultural products, especially tree fruit crops. Attract-and-kill (AK) strategies, which drive pests out of the cash crop to a circumscribed area where control interventions are applied, could be a more sustainable method for suppressing BMSBs while reducing the use of pesticides. This study assessed the effectiveness of an AK strategy against the BMSBs on pear, comparing sites with and without AK stations, consisting of pheromone lures coupled with insecticide-treated nets. The BMSB abundance was monitored using monitoring traps, and the fruit damage was recorded at harvest. In spring and early summer, the AK stations did not decrease pest density nor the fruit damage. Instead, after harvest, fewer BMSBs were detected in the AK sites than in sites without AK stations. Whilst this study supports the efficacy of the lures, the killing method needs to be refined and improved.
Abstract
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is causing extensive economic losses in tree fruit crops. Including attract-and-kill (AK) strategies targeting BMSBs in an integrated pest management framework could reduce the amounts of insecticides sprayed and benefit growers, consumers and the environment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an area-wide AK strategy across an intensive fruticulture region of Northern Italy, comparing four paired pear sites with and without two AK stations ha⁻¹. These stations consisted of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets containing alpha-cypermethrin, baited with the BMSB aggregation pheromone and synergist. BMSB abundance was estimated using black-standing monitoring traps, and fruit damage upon harvest was recorded across all sites. The AK stations did not decrease the BMSB abundance nor the fruit damage, while after harvest significantly lower BMSB captures were detected in the AK sites compared to the control sites. Whilst the lures’ efficacy was corroborated by this research, the killing method requires improvement and refinement.
... Finding no significant difference in capture between black and yellow pyramid traps supports using either color for monitoring H. halys adults and nymphs. Leskey et al. (2012b) also showed no difference in the capture of H. halys adults and nymphs when using black, green, white, yellow, or clear pyramid traps. Indeed, clear sticky traps used with a pheromone lure are now commonly used to monitor H. halys (Acebes-Doria et al. 2020). ...
The polyphagous pest, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), damages fruit in orchards and field crops and is often found within nearby woodlands. Pheromone-baited traps can be used to monitor H. halys. However, the efficiency of trapping H. halys may vary depending on trapping strategy (live vs. dead capture), location (ground or canopy), and diel periodicity of captures. We compared H. halys capture within fruiting hosts for: (i) live and kill traps on the ground vs. traps in the canopy of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) (Rosales: Rosaceae), sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willdenow) (Rosales: Cannabaceae), and pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) (Fagales: Juglandaceae) trees, (ii) ground and canopy-live traps in sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees) (Laurales: Lauraceae), and (iii) whether diel periodicity was detected for live capture in sassafras and cotton. More H. halys adults and nymphs were captured in kill traps than in live traps. More nymphs were captured in kill traps in black cherry and sugarberry on the ground than in the canopy. Live adult capture was significantly greater in sassafras and pecan canopies than on the ground. In cotton and sassafras, more live adults were captured from 8 PM—noon, with the fewest captured from noon—6 PM. A better understanding of stink bug activity in the field allows for improved trapping and, possibly, improved timing of treatment applications.
... A monitoring trap can be used to detect species, detect early warnings, analyze population trends and track pest dispersal, in addition to detecting species and early warnings 94,96 . Pheromone dispensers include hollow fibers, plastic laminates, impregnated ropes, twist ties, wax formulations, polyethylene vials, sol-gel polymers and rubber septa 97,98 . The ideal dispenser should be biodegradable, low cost and maintain an appropriate pheromone release rate during a pest's flight period 97 . ...
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies have been developed to combat the health, environmental and organismal adverse effects of conventional pesticides. It is possible to control agricultural and forestry pests by using insect pheromones. Recently, pheromone research has been influenced significantly by advances in agriculture as well as in technical aspects. Pheromone research is discussed in this review including synthesis, mechanism and application in integrated pest management. Moreover, the synthesis of certain chiral, racemic, monoolefinic and poly-olefinic pheromones has evolved a standard method for the manufacture of similar compounds. IPM is concluded with an in-depth discussion of pheromones' role in IPM. Further, it provides faster directions to organic chemists and entomologists in the development of eco-friendly tools. Future green agriculture will depend heavily on pheromones for its sustainability.
The invasion of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in the USA dramatically changed integrated pest management programs, particularly in the mid-Atlantic states. Abiotic factors including photoperiod influence the abundance and pest status of BMSB which is bivoltine in most regions of the USA. Orchard crops have been hardest hit and legacy issues persist as BMSB remains a key pest of tree fruit and nut crops. Behaviorally based management has been developed using tactics such as attract and kill which integrates high doses of aggregation pheromone and synergist or exploits the border-driven colonization of orchards. These tactics reduce insecticide application by >60% and can help support natural enemy populations. Generalist predators including damsel bugs and katydids are estimated to cause a minimum of 10% biological control services. However, the most promising biological control agent is the co-evolved egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus (Hemiptera: Scelionidae) which has been found in natural and agricultural areas parasitizing BMSB egg masses. The potential for T. japonicus to reduce BMSB abundance at a landscape scale has yet to be quantified and additional research on augmentative biological is needed.
Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive pest which feeds on numerous economically significant crops. Many integrated pest management strategies for this species rely on effective season-long monitoring for H. halys populations, including attract-and-kill and threshold-based insecticide sprays. Previous studies have shown that a black pyramid trap effectively captures all mobile life stages of H. halys, however, these bulky, ground-deployed traps can be impractical in active orchard rows. Clear sticky cards have been used as a more practical tool for monitoring when paired with the H. halys aggregation pheromone and synergist. Here, the efficacy of deploying single- or double-sided sticky cards hanging in trees or deployed on wooden stakes was compared to standard black pyramid traps over 2 years. The efficacy of single-sided sticky cards deployed on wooden stakes was also evaluated after occlusion of 25%, 50%, or 75% of the surface area by 2D inert materials and 3D organic matter. Single-sided sticky cards were also exposed to simulated sunlight and rainfall for 0, 4, 8, and 12 wk before deployment on wooden stakes. Captures of H. halys adults using sticky cards deployed on wooden stakes were comparable to pyramid traps. Occlusion of cards by 25% or more of any material type led to a decrease in H. halys captures, however, weathering did not influence capture. These data show that clear sticky cards deployed on wooden stakes are effective for season-long monitoring of H. halys in apple orchards, and card replacement should be driven by maintenance of cleanliness.
The Brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is one of the most harmful invasive species worldwide. It is highly polyphagous with the ability to feed on more than 300 different plants. So far, most studies describe the different host plants based on visual observations, which allowed to diagnose the most important host plants in the invasive range in North America and Europe. However, the exact feeding behavior of this important pest species is not known. By applying a molecular gut content analysis approach to individuals collected in the field across the seasons, we investigated the feeding plants and the composition of plants which were ingested on an individual level. In total, we detected 65 different feeding host genera belonging to 37 families, with Salix, Robinia , and Malus being the most important genera. Moreover, we newly described eight plant genera as host plants of H. halys . The number of plant genera within single individuals ranged from one up to 17, highlighting a complex feeding behavior and supporting the highly polyphagous nature of this species. Beta diversity analysis of host plants over the seasons showed significant differences and highlights different feeding hosts in winter and summer months and overall a different range of host plants across the season. Our results provide new insights into the feeding behavior of H. halys and provide important knowledge about the biology of this important pest species.
Capture of stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in apple orchards with yellow pyramid traps baited with Euschistus spp. (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) aggregation pheromone, methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate, was 4 fold greater when traps were topped with a 3.8-L jar with a 1.6 cm diameter opening and trimmed wire edging than with a 1.9-L jar with a 5 cm diameter opening with no wire edging. Stink bug capture in the 3.8-L jar top was unaffected by the presence or size of an insecticide ear tag, indicating that this improved design led to increased captures by reducing escape. Sixty-four percent fewer stink bugs escaped from 3.8-L jar tops with the improved capture mechanism than from the 1.9-L jar tops. Green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say), was more susceptible to the presence of the insecticide ear tag than the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), with dusky stink bug, E. tristigmus (Say), exhibiting high mortality in traps with and without ear tags. Among baited and unbaited pyramid traps with different visual stimuli, fewer captures were recorded in black pyramid traps than in clear, yellow, green or white pyramid traps. Similar numbers of brown stink bugs were captured in yellow pyramid traps deployed on the ground between trees or on horizontal branches within trees in the orchard border row. Captures of dusky and green stink bugs were greater in the tree pyramid, especially from August to mid-October. Relationships between stink bug capture and injury will need to be determined before this trap can be incorporated as a decision-making tool in pest management programs.
Field-based experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of the abundant brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), to commercially available pheromone lures containing methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate deployed in association with yellow pyramid traps. Euschistus servus aggregated over a zone of at least 3.14 m2 based on significantly greater numbers located on mullein plants located 1 m from baited traps compared with plants at 5 and 10 m. At this distance, ∼96% of all adults located on mullein plants were not subsequently captured by baited traps. However, the presence of mullein plants near baited traps did not significantly reduce baited trap captures. Even if mullein plants were not present, baited trap captures remained statistically identical. Based on all adults captured in baited traps and located on surrounding mullein plants, 50% of all individuals that entered plots were captured in traps.
A regression model was developed to predict the flight activity of Acrosternum hilare (Say) using data on the number of adults collected in a single black light trap located in Painter, VA, in the 18-yr period from 1990 to 2007. Eighteen initial weather variables, including cumulative precipitation over different time periods, mean monthly precipitation (PJA) and days below freezing (DFJA) from January to April, and mean monthly temperatures from December to April were tested in developing the regression model. Mixed (backward and forward) stepwise regression analysis showed that a two-variable model using PJA and DFJA was adequate for predicting the seasonal mean weekly number of A. hilare adults in the trap. Validation of the model using five independent black light trap data sets resulted in a strong correlation (r = 0.98) between observed and predicted mean weekly number of A. hilare adults caught in traps. Three peaks in flights of A. hilare adults were observed when mean trap catch was plotted over time for the 18-yr period. Peaks occurred at 319, 892, and 1,331 degree days (DD) from 1 January. Based on known developmental rates, the first peak was attributed to overwintered adults, the second to first-generation adults, and the third to a second generation of adults. This research suggests that A. hilare undergoes two complete generations in Virginia. Cumulative trap catch estimated from the 18-yr mean trap catch showed that 10, 50, and 90% of the total seasonal catch should occur by 153, 501, and 1,066 DD.
A scintillation glass-vial bioassay was used to test technical grade insecticides against the non-native stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål). Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is emerging as an important pest in the Mid-Atlantic States, especially in tree fruits and as a homeowner nuisance during the winter. Pyrethroid insecticides, especially bifenthrin, caused mortality against H. halys at low doses, with LC50 values of 0.03-0.49 (microg [AI]/cm2) (mg body mass(-1)). Three nicotinoids were tested against adults with LC50 values ranging between 0.05 and 2.64 (microg [AI]/cm2) (mg body mass(-1)). Phosmet had LC50 values that were up to 3.6-fold higher than other classes of insecticides tested. Fifth instars of H. halys were evaluated against selected chemicals, and they were generally susceptible at lower rates than the adults. Due to significant differences in weight, males and females were individually weighed, tested, and analyzed separately. Sex-related differences in susceptibility were found in the responses to thiomethoxam with males being less susceptible despite having a smaller body mass.
The attraction of the stink bug Euschistus conspersus Uhler to sources of the synthetic pheromone component methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate was investigated in a series of field experiments in native vegetation surrounding commercial apple orchards in Washington. In experiments with pheromone lures placed inside two different tube-type traps, stink bugs were attracted to the immediate area around traps in large numbers, but very few were caught in the traps. Pheromone lures attached directly to the host plant mullein, Verbascum thapsus L., demonstrated that these 'baited" plants attracted significantly more E. conspersus than unbaited plants. Spring (reproductive) and summer (reproductively diapausing) E. conspersus adults, both males and females, were attracted to pheromone-baited plants. There was no significant difference in the number of male or female E. conspersus attracted to pheromone-baited traps or plants in any of the experiments, further characterizing methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate as an aggregation, and not a sex pheromone. Stink bug aggregations formed within 24-48 h of lure placement on mullein plants and remained constant until the lure was removed after which aggregations declined over 3-4 d to the level of unbaited plants. The implications of these studies for E. conspersus monitoring and management are discussed.
Pyramid traps coated with "industrial safety yellow" exterior latex gloss enamel paint and baited with Euschistus spp. aggregation pheromone, methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate captured more stink bugs than all other baited and unbaited trap types in both apple and peach orchards in 2002 and 2003. Commercial sources of dispensers of methyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate deployed in association with pyramid traps had a significant impact on trap captures. Captures in pyramid traps were four-fold greater when baited with lures from IPM Technologies, Inc. (Portland, OR) than with lures from Suterra (Bend, OR). Variation in yellow pyramid trap color ("industrial safety yellow" and "standard coroplast yellow") and material (plywood, plastic, and masonite) did not affect trap captures. Brown stink bug was the predominant species captured (58%), followed by dusky stink bug, Euschistus tristigmus (Say) (20%); green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say) (14%); and other stink bugs (Brochymena spp. and unidentified nymphs) (8%). Captures in baited pyramid traps were significantly correlated with tree beating samples in both managed and unmanaged apple orchards and with sweep netting samples in the unmanaged apple orchard. However, problems associated with trapping mechanisms of pyramid trap jar tops and jar traps likely resulted in reduced captures in baited traps. Improved trapping mechanisms must be established to develop an effective monitoring tool for stink bugs in mid-Atlantic orchards.
Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Pentatomidae), called the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), is a newly invasive species in the eastern USA that is rapidly spreading from the original point of establishment in Allentown, PA. In its native range, the BMSB is reportedly attracted to methyl (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-decatrienoate, the male-produced pheromone of another pentatomid common in eastern Asia, Plautia stali Scott. In North America, Thyanta spp. are the only pentatomids known to produce methyl 2,4,6-decatrienoate [the (E,Z,Z)-isomer] as part of their pheromones. Methyl 2,4,6-decatrienoates were field-tested in Maryland to monitor the spread of the BMSB and to explore the possibility that Thyanta spp. are an alternate host for parasitic tachinid flies that use stink bug pheromones as host-finding kairomones. Here we report the first captures of adult and nymph BMSBs in traps baited with methyl (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-decatrienoate in central Maryland and present data verifying that the tachinid, Euclytia flava (Townsend), exploits methyl (E,Z,Z)-2,4,6-decatrienoate as a kairomone. We also report the unexpected finding that various isomers of methyl 2,4,6-decatrienoate attract Acrosternum hilare (Say), although this bug apparently does not produce methyl decatrienoates. Other stink bugs and tachinids native to North America were also attracted to methyl 2,4,6-decatrienoates. These data indicate there are Heteroptera in North America in addition to Thyanta spp. that probably use methyl 2,4,6-decatrienoates as pheromones. The evidence that some pentatomids exploit the pheromones of other true bugs as kairomones to find food or to congregate as a passive defense against tachinid parasitism is discussed.
Identification of the aggregation pheromone responsible for the aggregation phenomena of the brown-winged green bug, Plautia stali SCOTT (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was attempted. Volatiles collected from adult males which attracted adults showed attraction activity under field conditions. Volatiles were then collected from a total of 180,000 adult males and the activity of the fractionated samples was field tested using water pan traps. A mixture of hexane and 5% ether in hexane fractions from Florisil LC showed attraction activity, and this was further purified with HPLC and GC. By GC-MS and NMR analysis (COSY), the chemical structure of the active compound was identified as methyl (E,E,Z)-2,4,6-decatrienoate. The attraction activity of the synthesized compound of this structure was confirmed by field tests.
Field studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an improved pyramidal trap for monitoring fruit-piercing stink bugs such as Plautia crossota stali Scott, Halyomorpha halys (Stal), and Glaucias subpunctatus (Walker) in two regions with different stink bug population densities. Improved traps, made from either yellow or translucent and colorless materials, were compared with the original pyramidal trap and the standard water-basin trap. All traps were baited with P. c. stali aggregation pheromone. The translucent, colorless trap captured significantly more target insects than the original design or the yellow trap, although there was no significant difference in one region. Further, the translucent improved design trap caught stink bugs comparable to the water-basin trap, and fluctuations in capture of P. c. stali were proportionally similar between the two trap types. The improved trap design eliminates the need for changing water in the standard water-basin trap, thus the improved trap may be used as an effective and simple monitoring tool over a wide geographical range.
The knockdown and lethal efficacies of five aerosol formulations including Combat Speed® (AIs: 0.1 % imiprothrin and 0.3% cyphenothrin), Raid Power® (AIs: 1.0% pyrethrin and 0.2% permethrin), Home Keeper®, (AIs: 0.2% tetramethrin and 0.3% permethrin), Super Killer® (AIs: 0.32% tetramethrin and 0.08% bioresmethrin), and Perma Kill-K® (AIs: 0.3% dichlorvos and 0.1% tetramethrin) against five strains of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) were assessed. The results show that the mean value of KT50 (5.4 sec.) of Combat Speed® was 4.5 and 3.1-folds lower than those of Perma Kill-K® and Home Keeper®, respectively. The mean value of KT90 (9.0 sec; slope = 10.02) of Combat Speed® was 3.8 to 5.8-folds lower than Perma Kill-K®, Supper Killer® and Home Keeper®. As lethal effects, the mean value of LT50 (17.3 sec.) of Combat Speed® was over 26 folds lower than Supper Killer® and Perma Kill-K®. The mean value of LT90 (32.9 sec.) of Combat Speed® was 37.4 and 15.1-folds lower than those of Supper Killer® and Perma Kill-K®, respectively. In general, Combat Speed® and Raid Power® were considered the insecticide aerosols with faster knockdown and higher lethal effects than Supper Killer®, Perma Kill-K®, and Home Keeper® against five strains of German cockroaches in Korea. Also, the knockdown and lethal effects of Supper Killer®, Perma Kill-K®, and Home Keeper® were highly variable depends on the strains.