The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive species reported in the US since the mid-1990’s. Since 2016, entomologist at UKREC tracked the spreading of BMSB in western counties without success. Nonetheless, in 2020, BMSB was reported in large numbers in W-KY by Villanueva. However, BMSB damage and management on soybeans is unknown in KY. In 2021 records of BMSB in western counties abruptly increased.

The objectives are to: determine BMSB distribution and movement, evaluate its abundance in FS and DC soybeans, assess optimal methods of control, and transference of all information generated in this study.

Presentations in farmers, CEA and Scientific conferences write reports, publication on the Kentucky Pest news blog, Univ of KY Corn and soybean Newsletter, and Peer-review publication

This proposal will benefit soybean producers in the following issues: •Create awareness on the incidence and spreading of BMSB, a high-risk pest that can reduce the quality and yields in Kentucky’s soybean production •To understand the biology of BMSB in local conditions (habitat configuration) that can explaining the presence and establishment of BMSB. • To select insecticide efficiencies with different modes of action to control BMSB • To detect potential natural enemies controlling the BMSB in KY • To utilize the most effective insecticides and application times that help reduce expenses and increase profits of KY farmers.