There is usually a pretty steep learning curve for researchers when encountering a new problem and the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is putting that thought to the test. They need to figure out the life cycle, mating habits, and feeding patterns in order to develop a management plan. As research is done, old ideas are thrown out and new discoveries are made.
A Penn State fact sheet on the BMSB lists a variety of plants that this insect will feed upon. This long list includes apple, peach, blackberry, sweet corn, field corn, soybeans, tomatoes, lima beans and green peppers. Extension educators and researchers were caught a little off guard this growing season with its feeding activity. Although sweet corn is listed as a host, some observations in the field are showing that this food source should be at the top of the list.
A USDA scientist visited with a West Virginia organic grower a few days ago to look into BMSB activity. The grower had side-by-side plantings of sweet corn, various pepper varieties, and tomatoes (remember, it was thought that sweet corn, tomatoes, and peppers were preferred equally by the BMSB). The organic grower’s sweet corn had unbelievable numbers of bugs, up to 40 per ear. The USDA scientist estimated that 99% of the bugs observed on the farm were on the sweet corn. He saw a few on peppers and essentially none on tomatoes. Mature sweet corn seems a highly preferred host. We even observed adults flying from the periphery directly into the corn. It was noted that the entire plot of mature sweet corn was lost to the insect. This observation was not an isolated incident either as a Virginia Tech vegetable specialist found that the insect is clearly drawn to mature sweet corn when it is available.
The Plant Destroyer is Back
Do you remember a few summers ago when many of the tomatoes throughout Pennsylvania died because of a plant disease? Well, it is back this year. There appears to be a pretty good outbreak in New York where growers and home gardeners alike are losing plants. There was also a report of late blight in Pennsylvania. It is important to scout your tomatoes and potatoes and look for lesions that are pale green or water-soaked and gray in color on the leaves, petioles and stems. Under humid conditions, white sporulation (fuzzy growth) can develop especially on the underside of the leaves. Applications of protectant fungicides, such as chlorothalonil, can manage this disease if applied as the organism moves into the area.
Penn State Master Gardener Classes
The Penn State extension office in Clinton County is offering Master Gardener classes this fall. If you are interested in any aspect of horticulture, whether it is in the landscape or the vegetable garden, it is a good idea to understand the science behind successful gardening. Applications are being taken for Master gardener training classes for this fall. Contact Clinton County Master Gardener Coordinator, Quentin Stocum, for more details.
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