Brown-marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stal.) - dangerous quarantine pest for the territory of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background and Aim. The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stal.) is a dangerous invasive species that causes significant damage to agricultural crops in Europe and Asia. Considering the active trade and economic relations of the Republic of Kazakhstan with regions where the pest is widespread, the risk of its introduction and establishment increases. The aim of this study was a comprehensive study of the harmfulness, spread and biological characteristics of the quarantine organism using modern diagnostic methods, as well as conducting a phytosanitary risk assessment for the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. Insect monitoring was carried out in the Almaty region using standard entomological methods, including sweeping with an entomological net, manual collection and visual inspection. To confirm the species identity of the selected samples, a molecular genetic method was used - PCR with species–specific primers. The phytosanitary risk analysis was performed using the CAPRA program.

Results. As a result of monitoring, the presence of H. halys in the territory of the Almaty region was confirmed. Based on the import analysis, potentially dangerous infestations were found to originate from countries where the pest is widespread (China, Turkey, Italy, Georgia, etc.). Calculations indicated that the southern and southeastern regions of Kazakhstan have favorable climatic conditions for the possible reproduction and spread of the pest.

Conclusion. The studies confirmed the relevance of the problem of Halyomorpha halys invasion for Kazakhstan. The revealed data indicate the need to strengthen phytosanitary control, conduct systematic monitoring and develop a set of preventive and protective measures aimed at limiting further spread of the pest.