Determination of the field effectiveness of pheromone traps against brown marmorated stink bug [Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)]

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys) that can feed on many host plants is a very important invasive insect species. First time in Turkey, it was discovered in 2017. Its populations increased in short time, especially in Artvin and Rize provinces and currently it is spreading out in other provinces, mainly in Karadeniz and Marmara regions. As general biological, biotechnical and chemical control are the main methods against this serious pest. Pheromone traps are widely used for mass trapping within the scope of biotechnical control and monitoring of H. halys populations. In this study, the field testing of pheromone was was carried out in 2021 (July-September) in Artvin province for determining the field effectiveness of pheromone source, catching effectiveness of 3 different trap types in 3 different plant ecosystem, and seasonal population fluctuating. Funnel, Plastic bottle and Sticky traps were experimented in hazelnut, kiwi and corn fields. Pherocon® trece was uesed in experiemts as pheromone source. The field effectiveness of pheromon source were found 100% for Plastic bottle and Sticky traps, and 99.9% for Funnel trap, compared to traps without pheromone. The highest insect catching was found in Funnel trap, the mean number of captured insects were 145, 96 and 99 insect/trap for Funnel, Plastic bottle and Sticky traps, respectively, during the sampling period. Total number of captured insects were 2912, 1939 and 1982 for the trap types respectively. The mean number of captured insects in hazelnut, kiwi and corn fields were 35, 48 and 31 insect/trap respectively. The total number of captured insects in hazelnut, kiwi and corn fields 2080, 2869 and 1884 respectively, during sampling period. The highest insect catching was observed in September. As a result, it was determined that pheromone source was only reason for orientation of insects into traps, Funnel trap was the best for insect cathching and the highest insect capturing was in kiwi orchards.