RESEARCHERS have developed a new tool in the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), a devastating pest that could wreak havoc on local apple and pear industries if it were to breach Australian borders. The bug, native to China, Japan, and Taiwan, has already established itself as a significant pest in North America and Europe.
The new tool, an environmental DNA (eDNA) test, will assist with rapid detection of the bug, which has been increasingly found at Australian ports over the past few years. The bug is known to ‘hitchhike’ on plant material and hide in cargo of all kinds, including vehicles and machinery.
Dr Mackenzie Lovegrove, a molecular geneticist and field scientist at EnviroDNA, explained, “The eDNA technology will be available for use alongside existing surveillance mechanisms at the border to aid surveillance efforts, as well as incursion response activities should the bug be intercepted outside Australian ports.”
The eDNA test was developed by researchers at Cesar Australia, EnviroDNA, and Plant and Food Research New Zealand. It is a targeted test that is highly sensitive and specific, meaning it only detects BMSB and not other closely related insects.
The test will be a significant addition to our defences against this catastrophic ‘hitchhiker’, ensuring a safe and secure future for our apple and pear industries.
Look for any unusual stink bugs on your plants or unusual aggregations of stink bugs in or on buildings. Report any unusual sightings to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
