Biotechnological aspects of the use of pheromone traps for monitoring populations of Halyomorpha halys on ornamental plants

Abstract

The rapid expansion of invasive species in urban ecosystems represents a major challenge for plant protection and the maintenance of ecological balance. The invasive species Halyomorpha halys (Stal, 1855) is a highly polyphagous pest with a strong capacity for adaptation and dispersal, frequently utilizing ornamental plants as food sources and shelters in urban environments. In this context, biotechnological methods based on the use of aggregation pheromones are becoming essential for the effective monitoring of this pest. Pheromone traps enable early detection and assessment of population dynamics, contributing to the development of integrated pest management strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of pheromone traps in monitoring Halyomorpha halys populations on ornamental plants in the municipality of Chișinău.