Surveys for Halyomorpha halys (Stål)(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and its biocontrol potential by parasitic wasps in the Republic of Georgia (Sakartvelo)

During field surveys in Georgia, in the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, we investigated hazelnut orchards in four regions of Georgia: Achara, Guria, Samegrelo and Kakheti for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) – Halyomorpha halys (Stal)(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Additionally, we conducted surveys in apple and peach orchards in the Kartli and Kakheti regions to find out if there was damage caused by pentatomids and search for BMSB. Fruit damage was investigated and causes of damages were classified. Monitoring of the pest was carried out by plant beating and visual observation of trees. The BMSB was found in all visited orchards in western Georgia, while it was not detected in eastern Georgian orchards. Parasitoids were collected with sweeping nets and by rearing them from field-collected egg masses. Five species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), which are known parasitoids of Pentatomidae, were identified. Four of these are documented for the first time from Georgia, and two are new records for the Caucasus region.