Articles
Investigation of the impact of brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) feeding on spread of hazelnut diseases in two commercial orchards in Georgia
Article number
1379_62
Pages
433 – 440
Language
English
Abstract
Hazelnut is an agricultural crop of primary importance for Georgia, which is among the five major hazelnut-producing countries.
About 50,000 hazelnut farmers are involved in production, and for the majority this crop is the primary source of income.
During the last three years, hazelnut quality decreased significantly because of damage caused by the new insect pest brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and the spread of various fungi and bacteria.
Large populations of H. halys in Georgia are already established in Abkhazeti, Samegrelo, Guria and Imereti regions.
The aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of H. halys feeding on spread of hazelnut diseases.
Field surveys were conducted in two commercial hazelnut orchards located in Darcheli and Ergeta villages of Zugdidi Municipality.
The feeding impact of H. halys in transmission of fungi and bacteria was studied using two approaches: 1) full and partial coverage of hazelnut trees that prevented or reduced pest feeding and comparing the results with hazelnut quality from uncovered trees, and 2) artificial injury on the kernels with fungal spores.
The results showed that in most cases, the primary source of corking damage to the kernels was the brown marmorated stink bug, whose feeding contributed to the development of fungal diseases as well as disease transmission.
These data illustrate the importance of BMSB management in order to improve the quality of hazelnuts.
The results of this study will help local growers to develop and implement alternative methods of control (e.g., attract and kill, perimeter spraying) that will reduce the total costs and large-scale use of pesticides.
About 50,000 hazelnut farmers are involved in production, and for the majority this crop is the primary source of income.
During the last three years, hazelnut quality decreased significantly because of damage caused by the new insect pest brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and the spread of various fungi and bacteria.
Large populations of H. halys in Georgia are already established in Abkhazeti, Samegrelo, Guria and Imereti regions.
The aim of this investigation was to determine the impact of H. halys feeding on spread of hazelnut diseases.
Field surveys were conducted in two commercial hazelnut orchards located in Darcheli and Ergeta villages of Zugdidi Municipality.
The feeding impact of H. halys in transmission of fungi and bacteria was studied using two approaches: 1) full and partial coverage of hazelnut trees that prevented or reduced pest feeding and comparing the results with hazelnut quality from uncovered trees, and 2) artificial injury on the kernels with fungal spores.
The results showed that in most cases, the primary source of corking damage to the kernels was the brown marmorated stink bug, whose feeding contributed to the development of fungal diseases as well as disease transmission.
These data illustrate the importance of BMSB management in order to improve the quality of hazelnuts.
The results of this study will help local growers to develop and implement alternative methods of control (e.g., attract and kill, perimeter spraying) that will reduce the total costs and large-scale use of pesticides.
Publication
Authors
M. Kodua, M. Murvanidze, M. Beruashvili, T. Otkhmezuri, D. Lipartia
Keywords
Halyomorpha halys, hazelnut, fungal diseases, kernel quality, Georgia
Groups involved
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