The ENY-Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Project began in 2010 to address the potential impact this invasive species could have on NYS commercial agricultural commodities while documenting its pest status in the urban environment. The Hudson Valley Region, along with Metropolitan NY and Long Island, are the leading edge of the population expansion. By monitoring several agricultural commodities in the region, collecting, verifying and documenting the population spread along the agricultural-urban interface, we hope to assist residents and agricultural producers alike in understanding this pest and mediating its impact.
Trapping results of this seasons populations from 5 Hudson Valley sites captured highest numbers of adults in Milton, NY with a total of 71 adults in both pheromone and black light traps this season. Weekly trap captures above 40/week should be considered for the beginning of BMSB management in these locations. In 2013 we did observe orchard sites with trap captures exceeding this number with no damage to fruit. In years with low hours of relative humidity above 90% or drought, it will be likely to see higher damage levels as we did in 2012. Generally, stink bug are a dry weather insect pest, looking for water and nutrients in well irrigated agricultural systems after primary deciduous tree and weed hosts dry out.
Recommendations for management in pome fruit.
