Help keep the stink bug out of Fiji
THE Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), scientifically known as “Halyomorpha halys” is an agricultural pest native to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It is an invasive pest which is exotic to Fiji (presently not found here) however, if introduced, it could successfully establish itself in Fiji.
BMSB is a voracious feeder that damages vegetable crops, fruit trees and ornamental trees.
It is known to feed on more than 300 hosts, including important agricultural crops such as apple, beans, corn, cotton, citrus, fig, grape, okra, peach, pear, raspberry, soybean, tomato and some ornamental and weed plant species.
The bug is not a risk to human health but it is regarded as a nuisance pest because it seeks sheltered places to overwinter such as inside homes, sheds, vehicles and machinery (whether new or used) – often in large numbers.
Annually, September 1 marks the beginning of the BMSB season (until May the following year) for Southern Hemisphere countries, more so for countries in the Oceania region when ships travelling from the Americas, Asia and Europe could possibly bring with them overwintering BMSB — sometimes in very large numbers.
This is a risk as the BMSB can become active upon arrival in our tropical country.
For this week and next week, we will learn about BMSB in detail, how they can enter Fiji, the threat to Fiji’s agricultural and horticultural industries from BMSB and simple guidelines to identify this notorious pest.
How BMSB can get into Fiji
As stated earlier, the BMSB is currently not present in Fiji.
However, spread of this pest outside of its native range is usually due to assisted means, including import pathways — known as hitchhiking.
The pest can be found in huge numbers seeking shelter from cold weather in crevices or protected areas of imported shipping containers, vehicles, boats, caravans, machinery and personal stored items.
Danger from BMSB to Fiji's agriculture sector
The juvenile or nymphal stages tend to cause the most damage.
On tree fruit, feeding injury can cause malformation, such as sunken areas and corky spots as the fruit develops as well as premature fruit drop.
Similar damage occurs to fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes and capsicums.
On maize and soybeans, feeding damage can stop seed development.
Buildings and vegetation, including wild and ornamental plants, provide refuge for adults, which are a source of re-infestation for nearby crops.
As with other stink bugs, this pest emits a characteristic and unpleasant odour when disturbed or crushed.
Why do the BMSB hide in cracks and crevices?
As the weather gets colder towards the end of summer and early fall, stink bugs begin searching for warm overwintering sites.
This leads them to enter homes and other structures that could provide shelter including vehicles.
Stink bugs reemerge from their overwintering sites in early spring to become active once again — meaning they can hide on board aircrafts/ships or their cargo/contents and become active once they get into the warmer environment such as the weather of
Fiji.
During warm months in the countries they are currently found in, they are frequently seen congregating in masses on the sides of buildings. ■ Next week, we will look at key characteristics to tell BMSB from other stink bugs and what you can do to assist BAF in keeping this pest out of Fiji.
For further information please contact:
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on 3312512 or Short Codes: General Enquiries - 5994,
Termites - 5996, Giant Invasive Iguana (GII) - 5995,
Animal Disease Surveillance - 5997 or email info@baf.com.fj, visit BAF website www.baf.com.fj