Monday, 1 March 2021

Stinky Strikes!

The Brown marmorated stink bug, Halomorpha halys, hails from South-East Asia but is also an established pest in the US. This bug is presumed to have now 'hitched a ride' on crates to the UK ( https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/01/uk-scientists-confirm-arrival-of-brown-marmorated-stink-bugs). Like all stink bugs, the odour (in this case, smelling like almonds), is a defense mechanism used against potential predators by these sap suckers. The fluid from this insect, however, creates indelible brown marks on fruit (like apples) and vegetables (like cucumbers). These will not go down well with supermarkets or consumers. There is even a suggestion, that the bug could damage the UK's nascent wine industry, by changing the bouquet of their grapes. This bug's UK arrival is yet another illustration of the need for strong biosecurity.
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