Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) and Its Impact on Crops

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive insect species that poses a significant threat to a wide range of crops, including grapes, fruits, and vegetables. Originally native to East Asia, BMSB has spread to North America and Europe, where it has become a major agricultural pest. The bug feeds on plant tissues using its piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing fruit deformation, discoloration, and reduced marketability. In vineyards, BMSB can damage berries, leading to economic losses and increased management costs. Controlling this pest is challenging due to its high reproductive rate, mobility, and ability to overwinter in buildings and natural habitats. Integrated pest management strategies including monitoring, biological control agents, exclusion techniques, and selective insecticides are essential to mitigate its impact and protect vineyard productivity.