Location: Beneficial Insects Introduction Research
2008 Annual Report
1a. Objectives (from AD-416)
Conduct field surveys in Korea for indigenous Asian natural enemies of the brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys) and soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), determine their impact on these pests in Korea, document native host range and other life history information, and provide live natural enemy material of selected species to ARS cooperators for further evaluation as potential biological control agents of these invasive pests in the United States.
1b. Approach (from AD-416)
1) conduct field surveys in Korea for indigenous Asian natural enemies of the brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys) and soybean aphid (Aphis glycines);
2) determine the impact of natural enemies on these pests in Korea;
3) document the native host range of natural enemies and other life history information relevant to their potential use as biological control agents;
4) provide live material of selected natural enemy species to ARS cooperators for further evaluation as potential biological control agents of these invasive pests in the United States.
3. Progress Report
Since establishment in North America a few years ago SBA has become the most important pest of soybeans and BMSB has the potential to become a significant pest in soybeans and various tree fruits. Research to date indicates that parasites present in North America are not capable of limiting populations of these pests, therefore ARS has engaged in foreign exploration to identify Asian natural enemies that can exert high levels of impact. This project is a new agreement that was initiated in September 2007 to provide long-term assistance in surveying for natural enemies of SBA and BMSB in Korea and record significant biological information needed to assess their efficacy and host specificity. The research addresses National Program 304 Component V - Pest Control Technologies, Problem Statement ‘Traditional Biological Control’. During the reporting period, overwintering host plants of SBA were monitored at three sites and parasites were obtained from aphids at these sites. Parasites were obtained from collections of overwintering BMSB, and a colony of the stinkbugs was established for production of egg masses to be used as sentinels in field exposures to detect summer parasitism. To monitor project progress, the ADODR corresponded with the cooperator and his graduate students conducting the research by electronic mail, and a meeting is planned to discuss the project during upcoming foreign exploration in Korea during September 2008.
4. Accomplishments
