Case Study 2: Halyomorpha halys (Stål) in Europe

First discovered in Switzerland in 2004, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is now present in 80% of European countries. A few years after its introduction, BMSB has caused severe losses, particularly in fruit and hazelnut orchards in southern and eastern Europe, and is currently a serious threat to agricultural production. Due to its bio-ecological characteristics, BMSB is difficult to control. The use of broad-spectrum insecticides has been inconclusive in reducing damage, and has disrupted integrated pest management programmes with negative economic and environmental impacts. Some countries have approved classical biological control programmes, such as the one launched in Italy in 2020, as an environmentally sustainable long-term solution to managing the invasive pest. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of studies carried out in Europe covering the history of its invasion, biology, natural enemies, ecology and behaviour. Integrated management options, with particular emphasis on biocontrol is also covered, including innovative approaches for monitoring and control.