The Georgian Model of Integrated Pest Management Against Halyomorpha halys as a Regional Response to a Global Agricultural Threat

Abstract

The Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, has been a significant invasive pest in Georgia since 2016,
severely affecting hazelnuts, fruits, and vegetables. To mitigate this threat, a regionally adapted Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) model was designed and implemented in the most affected western regions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the
IPM strategy, which combined pheromone-based monitoring using MDT-baited traps, targeted insecticide applications,
biological control trials with Trissolcus grandis, and extensive public outreach. Between 2017 and 2024, over 60,000 pheromone
traps were deployed annually, enabling real-time, data-driven interventions and minimizing unnecessary pesticide use. The
results revealed a marked reduction in H. halys populations and a significant decrease in crop losses. The coordinated IPM
approach proved effective and scalable, providing a replicable model for managing invasive agricultural pests in similar
agroecological contexts.