The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is causing significant impacts in the USA, and there are concerns regarding the effects this pest could have on horticultural sectors in New Zealand. KVH, along with other horticultural sectors and MPI, have been working to strengthen the border to keep BMSB out, along with developing a surveillance and control programme to detect and eradicate it should it arrive.

In addition, KVH has meet with New Zealand researchers to agree the focus of the R&D efforts, which include improving our detection technologies at the border, lure and kill approaches, and biological control options that may be available.

This pest has been assessed by KVH as one of the top five priority pests facing our industry, and there are reports from China (where it is a native) of it causing damage to kiwifruit.

• Click here to read more information about the BMSB.