Native and Non-Native Egg Parasitoids Associated with Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål 1855; Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Western Slovenia

摘要

Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), is an invasive pest causing serious damage to agricultural production. Managing this pest species is challenging because of its wide host range and lack of effective control measures. Biological control of H. halys through natural enemies seems to be the most environmentally friendly and sustainable solution. Extensive knowledge of the native egg parasitoid fauna is needed prior to the introduction of a biological control program. The main purpose of the study, carried out in the Goriška region of Western Slovenia, was to detect egg parasitoid species associated with H. halys and to evaluate their impact on the pest population under local environmental conditions. High species richness was identified during the study, and five egg-parasitoids were recorded for the first time in Slovenia. The native species Anastatus bifasciatus dominated in urban and suburban areas, while the non-native Trissolcus mitsukurii prevailed in agricultural areas. Rapid recruitment of native parasitoids, the presence of an effective alien parasitoid species in the region and increasing overall parasitism rates are very encouraging results and valuable information for future activities regarding the biological control of H. halys in Slovenia.