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Fruit damage from BMSB #286003

Asked October 20, 2015, 4:53 PM EDT

Are there any recommended precautions to take now in hopes of minimizing damage from brown marmorated stink bugs on next years fruit crops? We had extensive damage on our asian pears, european pears, apples, quince, grapes, corn, peppers, squash and tomatoes this year.

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

According to the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook, "There are currently no established treatment thresholds for brown marmorated stink bug, but given the severity of damage that occurs when populations are noticeable, growers readily spray insecticides. Current insecticide programs in the eastern USA are based upon pyrethroid, carbamate, organophosphorus and nicotinoid insecticides.  All of these insecticides are disruptive to various natural enemies and have the potential to cause secondary pest outbreaks. Gardeners and growers with small plots may be able to exclude BMSB with fine netting, but this is not feasible for larger farms."
http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/pnw-insect-management-handbook/emerging-pest-brown-marmorated-stink-b…

A few years back Penn State did several efficacy trials with various insecticide programs and found a few programs that were effective (usually with multiple applications). For more information, see the following: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2012/management-options-against-brown-marmorated-sti...

Good luck!


An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 20, 2015, 8:15 PM EDT

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