Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB): Introduction, its potential invasion and impact in South Asia

Abstract

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), native to East Asia, is an important agricultural and residential pest of serious global concern. Since its first arrival to Pennsylvania in 1996, it has been dispersed in different states of the USA and continues to invade more. Not only in North America, this insect has invaded Europe, Australia, South America, recently to Africa and newer regions of Asia. These insects are reported to be highly efficient in terms of biological characteristics. Furthermore, due to the absence of effective natural enemies in the newly invaded area, these insect's population is building extensively and causing severe damages to various crops. In the newly invaded areas, control options for these pests are limited till now and growers are mostly dependent on broad spectrum insecticides, which is not only costlier but also have negative consequences to the environment and biodiversity at large. Globalized trade has brought the risk of potential spread of this insect species to the South Asian region from the native areas and newly invaded regions. The regions of sub-tropical climate in South Asia may favor brown marmorated stink bug's growth, development and population buildup and could bear losses to proliferating growers of vegetable and fruit crops. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the movement and spread of this insect species to South Asia by following strong quarantine measures.