Brown marmorated stink bug [BMSB; Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)] is an insect pest of concern worldwide. American grape producers are particularly concerned because the pest has affected their crop directly and their ability to export to certain markets across the world. Due to the phasing out of methyl bromide as a non-restricted fumigant, there is a need for developing alternative fumigants. Ozone (O3) in combination with carbon dioxide (CO2) is currently under study as an alternative to those treatments. Fumigant testing was conducted at the UC Davis Contained Research Facility where adult insects are treated with 10,000 ppmv in chamber at 3 ± 1 0C for 1 hour. Prior to fumigation with ozone, adult bugs are exposed to a range of concentrations of CO2 for ten minutes at 3 ± 1 0C. The initial results of this study are promising towards indicating that ozone fumigation (when combined with pre-fumigation CO2 exposure) can achieve the desired control of brown marmorated stink bug. Results of this study will show how adequate toxicological efficacy toward adult BMSB can be achieved by an ozone fumigation at a temperature of 3 ± 1 °C in combination with a pre-fumigation treatment of CO2 at the same temperature. Overall, these results may lead to a schedule for commercial implementation of ozone fumigations to better control BMSB across the world.

Postharvest fumigation with ozone to control brown marmorated stinkbug (Hempitera: Pentatomidae)

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

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