The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an important invasive pest on a variety of plants. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug overwinters as adults in diapause. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Growing Degree Day Model, developed by researchers at Oregon State University, and available on the Pest Prophet app, is a tool growers can use to predict overwintering emergence, egg laying, egg hatch and other stages, based on field-specific temperature data.

Initiating the Biofix

To properly use the model, the biofix must first be set. This is the date that will serve as the starting point for growing degree day accumulation. For this type of model January 1st is the standard biofix to start accumulation (for the Northern Hemisphere). This can be used to predict when adults will emerge and pheromone traps can be used.

After adults are observed and confirmed, the biofix can be adjusted in order to improve accuracy of the model for predicting later life stages.

Growing Degree Day Accumulation and Treatment

After the biofix is set, growing degree day accumulation can begin, using a lower threshold of 54F and an upper threshold of 92F. This can be done using daily high and low temperatures, or using hourly temperature data using the Pest Prophet app. Adults typically emerge and begin reproductive phase at 86 GDD (F) after the Jan. 1st biofix with the first egg laying occurs at 567 GDD (F). The model can also be used to predict subsequent generations and stages.

Source:

Nielsen and Hamilton. Env Ent 2008 37:346-354