Analysis of seasonal population dynamics of Halyomorpha halys on various ornamental plant species
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug) poses a serious threat to both agricultural and ornamental plants in the Republic of Moldova. This species is native to China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula. In Europe, Halyomorpha halys was first detected in 2004. In 2019, the invasive species was recorded for the first time in the Republic of Moldova. In recent decades, Halyomorpha halys has become a significant pest of globally important fruits and vegetables. This species is one of the most challenging pests to control due to its high mobility and polyphagous feeding behavior, which enables it to rapidly colonize new territories. Even small populations can cause considerable damage to crops. In recent years, active spread of this pest has been observed within urbanized areas, where ornamental plants play a significant role in supporting its life cycle. The aim of this study is to determine the seasonal population dynamics of H. halys on various ornamental plant species in the urban environment of Chisinău. Materials and Methods. Monitoring was carried out during the 2024 growing season (April–October) on the territory of the Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection. Four widespread ornamental plant species were selected: lilac (Syringa vulgaris), tree ailanthus (Ailanthus), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), and sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). Pest population counts were conducted twice a week using visual observations, recording the number of adults, nymphs, and egg masses. Results and Discussion. The results showed that the highest number of adults was observed in July on ailanthus (an average of 15.4 individuals per plant), while the peak abundance of nymphs was recorded in June and August on lilac and hibiscus. The lowest pest activity was noted on sea buckthorn throughout the entire observation period. Air temperature had a significant influence on pest activity: when the temperature dropped below +18 °C, the number of insects on plant surfaces sharply decreased Egg masses were most often found on the underside of syringa and hibiscus leaves. The average number of eggs per mass was 26–28. Despite the high number of adults on ailanthus, the level of reproductive activity was lower (average number of egg masses per plant – 1.3). Conclusions. Seasonal monitoring of Halyomorpha halys on ornamental plants has demonstrated the importance of continuous population surveillance throughout the entire vegetation period. The identified plant species preferences and seasonal fluctuations in population density will contribute to the development of more effective strategies for controlling and protecting plants from this invasive pest. Thus, ornamental plants, especially lilac and ailanthus, play an important role in sustaining and reproducing H. halys populations in urban environments. The data obtained emphasize the necessity of including ornamental plantations in phytosanitary monitoring systems, particularly in urbanized areas.
Authors: Maria Zavatin, Iuliana Rusu, Tudor Nastas
Institution: Moldova State University
Language: English
Topic: Hemiptera Insect Studies
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204685266