Controlling the stink bug problem

KVH has been working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Horticulture NZ, and other industry groups on an application to release a biological control that would help the fight for eradication in the event of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) establishing here.

One of the most promising control strategies currently being pursued, the Samurai Wasp (Trissolcus japonicas) is a natural enemy of the BMSB and it’s thought to be effective in suppressing populations by up to 80%.

The application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is on behalf of the BMSB Council – which KVH is a member of, alongside other signatories to the BMSB Operational Agreement – and seeks official pre-approval for the importation and release of the Samurai Wasp into the New Zealand environment, when there is a BMSB incursion or established population found.

The application is seeking pre-approval as rapid release of large numbers of the wasp during the early phase of a BMSB incursion would be a critical part of eradication efforts. Even if eradication wasn’t successful, early release and establishment of populations of the wasp would still act as a biocontrol and reduce the likelihood of large populations of BMSB developing.

Any grower who wants to know more about the work being done in this area can contact KVH for more information.

The full application document will be made available as part of the EPA consultation process, which will also include a submission period that growers can take part in to show support or raise any concerns. KVH will keep growers updated about the timings around this process.