INFLUENCE OF DIETARY CONDITIONS ON LIFE SPAN AND REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF OVERWINTERED HALYOMORPHA HALYS

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive insect originating from East Asia, which rapidly spread across different parts of the world, becoming a significant agricultural pest. This thesis investigates the impact of dietary conditions on lifespan, reproduction, and volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of overwintered H. halys adults. Specifically, it examines how dietary variations influence mortality rates, feeding behavior, and fecundity, while also comparing VOC emission patterns between male and female insects. Experiments were conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, with overwintered H. halys individuals collected from the field and then maintained under three dietary treatments: "No diet" (moistened cotton), "Poor diet" (moistened cotton, green beans, and cotton), and "Rich diet" (moistened cotton, green beans, carrots, almonds, and walnuts). These treatments were introduced during post-diapause termination to assess their influence on the H. halys physiological and behavioral responses. Data were collected on mortality, feeding activity (through the stylet sheath count), and fecundity. VOC profiles were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify sex-specific patterns in chemical signaling, which play a crucial role in insect communication and reproductive activities. Results indicated that diet quality significantly affected the mortality rates, feeding behavior, and fecundity of overwintered H. halys, with richer diets correlating with higher survival and reproductive success. Furthermore, VOC profiles differed between males and females, reflecting their distinct roles in communication and mating. This research contributes to the understanding of how dietary conditions and diapause termination influence the behavior, longevity, and reproduction of H. halys. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of diet and environmental factors in shaping the biology of this invasive pest. Keywords: Halyomorpha halys, brown marmorated stink bug, dietary conditions, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), insect behavior, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), IPM.