Orchard Management Influences Predation of <scp> <i>Halyomorpha halys</i> </scp> Eggs

ABSTRACT The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest in many regions worldwide and causes significant damage to fruit in orchards, including apple and pear. In this study, we investigated the predation of H. halys eggs on apple trees in conventional, organic, and extensively managed orchards to assess the relationship between orchard management and conservation biological control against this pest. In addition, we deployed camera traps to observe predation on H. halys eggs. In extensively managed orchards, over 40% of the eggs were consumed by predators during a 2‐day exposure period. In contrast, only about 10% of the eggs were eaten in both conventional and organic orchards. Camera traps showed that katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) and great tits ( Parus major ) can consume entire stink bug egg masses. Earwigs ( Forficula spp. (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)) and harvestmen (Opiliones) were observed on the eggs but consumed only a few. Our results highlight that orchard management practices influence conservation biological control.