S14 - Session P1- Inundative release of Anastatus bifasciatus for the control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) in Trentino region

Authors: Anna Aldrighetti *, Lorenzo Colombo

The invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), native of the Asian Continent was detected for the first time in Trentino in 2016. After its introduction, Halyomorpha halys has become a harmful pest of several agricultural species, of which apple is the most affected in the area. Nowadays, insecticides registered for H. halys control are quite ineffective and highly harmful for the environment. For this reason, biological control is currently one of the most studied methods to overcome the issue. Since the most performing parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is still under investigation by the Italian Agricultural Ministry, at the moment the only admitted native parasitoid, able to contain H. halys population is Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae). To evaluate its efficacy against BMSB, inundative releases were performed in Valsugana Valley of Trentino region. In total, 0,1 A. bifasciatus /m 2 were released, on 3ha surface. Parasitism of H.halys naturally laid egg masses achieved on average 12% in the release area, whereas 5% in the non-release one. Beside A. bifasciatus parasitism, also its host-feeding behaviour was investigated, leading to a final 58% visited egg masses mortality.