This thesis studies the behavioural responses of Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug) to sulphur-based compounds and water stress conditions. Through a series of laboratory, semi-field, and greenhouse experiments, the study explores the potential of these factors in sustainable pest management, particularly within IPM frameworks. Five different sulphur-based compounds were tested for their effect on H. halys. Behavioural arena experiment, potted plants experiment, no choice test and experiments to determine water stress were conducted. Results show that sulphur-based products, generally repelled H. halys, with stronger effects observed in semi-field environments than in laboratory tests. Feeding activity, measured by stylet sheaths on green beans, was significantly reduced by sulphur treatments, indicating a feeding deterrent effect. Additionally, semi-field trials clearly preferred well-watered apple trees over water-stressed ones, suggesting that controlled water stress could be a potential pest management strategy. The study concludes that combining sulphur-based compounds with water stress management could serve as an effective approach for reducing H. halys infestations. However, further research is recommended to assess long-term efficacy under field conditions and to explore plant physiological responses under stress. This thesis contributes to the understanding of H. halys behaviour and highlights the potential of sulphur-based products as sustainable pest control tools.

An experimental analysis on the impact of plant water-stress and sulphur application on olfactory responses in Halyomorpha halys

JAFRI, SYEDA TAHIRA FATIMA
2023/2024

Abstract

This thesis studies the behavioural responses of Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug) to sulphur-based compounds and water stress conditions. Through a series of laboratory, semi-field, and greenhouse experiments, the study explores the potential of these factors in sustainable pest management, particularly within IPM frameworks. Five different sulphur-based compounds were tested for their effect on H. halys. Behavioural arena experiment, potted plants experiment, no choice test and experiments to determine water stress were conducted. Results show that sulphur-based products, generally repelled H. halys, with stronger effects observed in semi-field environments than in laboratory tests. Feeding activity, measured by stylet sheaths on green beans, was significantly reduced by sulphur treatments, indicating a feeding deterrent effect. Additionally, semi-field trials clearly preferred well-watered apple trees over water-stressed ones, suggesting that controlled water stress could be a potential pest management strategy. The study concludes that combining sulphur-based compounds with water stress management could serve as an effective approach for reducing H. halys infestations. However, further research is recommended to assess long-term efficacy under field conditions and to explore plant physiological responses under stress. This thesis contributes to the understanding of H. halys behaviour and highlights the potential of sulphur-based products as sustainable pest control tools.
2023
An experimental analysis on the impact of plant water-stress and sulphur application on olfactory responses in Halyomorpha halys This thesis explores the responses of Halyomorpha halys, commonly known as the brown marmorated stink bug, to water-stress conditions and sulphur-based agrochemicals. The study aims to enhance sustainable pest management strategies by evaluating novel sustainable intensification approaches and their environmental impacts. Six different sulphur-based agrochemicals were tested and compared throughout the research. A range of experimental methodologies was employed to examine the effects of sulphur treatments and water stress on H. halys behavior. Two-choice tests conducted in controlled bug dorms presented the bugs with sulphur-treated and water-treated green beans and apple fruits (Golden Delicious). Behavioral cage trials utilized potted apple plants treated with sulphur-based agrochemicals alongside water-treated controls, creating a semi-natural environment for the bugs to interact with treated and control plants over a 24-hour period. These tests quantified repellence and attraction, revealing the insects' preferences for or aversions to sulphur-treated resources. Semi-field trials investigated how varying water stress levels impacted H. halys populations on potted apple plants. Plants subjected to different irrigation regimes, from well-watered to water-stressed conditions, were used to assess if water availability influenced plant vulnerability to H. halys infestations. Mortality tests were conducted to determine the effects of water stress on H. halys survival rates.
Halymorpha Halys
Sulphur compounds
Water stress
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/70920