Chinese language publications are important for understanding the likely impact of brown marmorated stink bug to kiwifruit

Abstract

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a polyphagous pest originating from Asia but is now established in North America, Europe and recently South America. It has not established in New Zealand but is considered a signi cant biosecurity threat. Surprisingly, there is very little accessible information on its potential impact on kiwifruit, one of New Zealand’s most important horticulture crops. Articles in Chinese characters^1,2,3 published in Chinese journals more than a decade ago demonstrate that BMSB is an important kiwifruit pest in China and, therefore, of concern to New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. However, these articles were unknown to the broader BMSB research community until recently. This example reemphasises the importance of searching Chinese databases with Chinese characters, along with standard searches in international databases, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of biosecurity risks to New Zealand.

1. Zhang F, Chen Z, Zhang S. 2000. The occurrence and control of Halyomorpha halys in kiwifruit orchards. Northwest Horticulture 2: 38.

2. Guo X, Shi X. 2003. The biology and integrated management of important kiwifruit pests. China Fruits 1: 45-46.

3. Feng H. 2007. The occurrence and control of pests in kiwifruit orchards. Northwest Horticulture 12: 22.