Prospects of Biological Control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug -Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) in Georgia Using Egg Parasitoids

Abstract

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is one of the most harmful invasive agricultural pests in Georgia, causing significant damage to a wide range of crops. Intensive reliance on chemical control has raised environmental concerns and highlighted the need for sustainable pest management strategies. Integrate Pest Management (IPM) is an alternative to chemical control against pest insects. In IPM biological control using egg parasitoids is one of the effective methods. The egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus was first recorded in Georgia in 2022 and is considered an adventive established species. In 2025, approximately 30,000 individuals of T. japonicus were mass-reared under laboratory conditions and released into selected field sites. Post-release monitoring confirmed successful establishment and parasitism under natural conditions. The results indicate that egg parasitoids represent a viable and environmentally safe tool for long-term management of H. halys in Georgia.