Building an army to stop a stink bug invasion

This episode of 'Our Changing World' explores New Zealand's proactive defense against the looming threat of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), a highly destructive pest that could devastate the country's agriculture and native ecosystems. With a single male BMSB detected in Oraki near Auckland, biosecurity officials are preparing for a potential incursion. The focus is on biological control through the samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus), a natural predator of BMSB from East Asia. Scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute in Auckland are working in high-security containment labs—dubbed 'Area 51'—to mass-rear the wasps, develop artificial stink bug eggs, and test cryogenic storage to preserve viable females for rapid deployment. The episode highlights the complexity of ecological risk assessment, including concerns about whether the wasp might target native stink bugs or compete with existing parasitoid species. MPI’s Scott Sinclair outlines the multi-tiered response strategy, starting with public awareness, trapping, and insecticides, with biological control reserved for when chemical methods are no longer sufficient. The urgency is underscored by real-world examples like Georgia’s hazelnut industry collapse in just months after BMSB arrival. The episode emphasizes that prevention is paramount—New Zealand cannot afford to wait and see. Researchers are tackling challenges from lab-scale rearing to field behavior, acknowledging that every answer spawns new questions. The work is multidisciplinary, involving entomologists, bioengineers, and chemical ecologists. The overarching message is clear: building a 'biological army' in advance is not just science fiction—it’s essential national defense. Listeners are urged to report any suspected BMSB sightings to MPI immediately, reinforcing the idea that every citizen is part of the biosecurity frontline.