Zarina Dairbekova

The article proposes and tests an integrated technical scheme for the early detection, digital passportization, and preparation of Halyomorpha halys Stål samples for molecular-genetic verification under the conditions of southern Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was to develop a reproducible system combining field monitoring, GPS referencing of foci, standardized recording of samples, and the formation of a collection suitable for subsequent analysis using the COI and ITS1 markers. Field testing of the system was carried out in the Botanical Garden of Almaty using pheromone traps and trap belts on apple and pear trees. During the observations, 215 individuals at different developmental stages were recorded. The highest abundance was detected in the central part of the surveyed territory; the maximum values were recorded at points D1 and D2 (30 and 33 individuals, respectively). It was established that pheromone traps provide more complete detection of adult imagoes, whereas trap belts increase the detectability of nymphal stages. A unified digital passport of the sample was proposed, ensuring the traceability of data from the moment of collection to the stage of laboratory processing and spatial analysis. The developed system can serve as the first stage of dissertation research on the molecular structure of invasive populations of H. halys and as a basis for regional phytosanitary monitoring programs.

Halyomorpha halys (brown marmorated stink bug) is an invasive polyphagous pest that causes significant economic damage to fruit, vegetable, and horticultural crops. The species' high reproductive capacity, broad range of host plants and adaptation to diverse climatic conditions have led to its rapid spread across many countries. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is a promising biological pest control agent due to its high pathogenicity and environmental safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a native isolate of B. bassiana against various stages of H. halys. Under laboratory conditions, eggs, nymphs, and adults were treated with conidial suspensions at concentrations of 1×10⁵–1×10⁸ conidia/ml. Mortality rates, infection dynamics, LT₅₀ and LT₉₀ values, and the sublethal effects of the fungus were studied. Results showed that mortality also increased with increasing conidia concentrations. The greatest effect was observed at a concentration of 1×10⁸ conidia/ml: nymph mortality reached 98%, adult mortality 95%, and egg mortality 74%. Furthermore, at the highest concentration, the LT₅₀ index was 3.7 days, indicating the high virulence of the local isolate. The fungus also reduced feeding activity, decreased movement intensity, and impaired reproductive performance. These results demonstrate that the local isolate of Beauveria bassiana exhibits high entomopathogenic activity against Halyomorpha halys and holds promise for use in integrated biological pest management programs.

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a significant defoliator of broadleaf forests and fruit trees, but its population genetic structure in Central Asia remains poorly defined. We analyzed 153 specimens collected from ten populations across Kazakhstan between 2023 and 2024, using a combination of diagnostic real-time PCR, RAPD genotyping, and mitochondrial COI sequencing. Subspecies identification and Asian introgression were initially assessed with the COI/FS1 TaqMan assay. All samples carried the European mitochondrial type L. dispar dispar, while the nuclear FS1 locus indicated Asian introgression in 92.8% of specimens, including eleven heterozygotes for the Asian allele. RAPD amplification with five polymorphic primers produced 107 variable bands, which we converted into a presence/absence matrix for population genetics analysis. Principal coordinate analysis showed weak but detectable population structure, and Bayesian clustering (STRUCTURE) supported the presence of two primary nuclear clusters. Populations from Ketpentau, Sumbe, Kazachka, Butakovka, and Pavlodar were assigned predominantly to one cluster, whereas most individuals from Almaty, Ile-Alatau, Koksu, North Kazakhstan, and Tekeli were assigned predominantly to the other, with limited admixture in several localities. COI sequences formed a single, minimally differentiated L. dispar clade, with no evidence of distinct mitochondrial lineages. Overall, these findings reveal extensive Asian nuclear introgression in populations retaining European mitochondrial haplotypes, supporting the interpretation of Kazakhstan as part of a broad contact zone within the larger dispar–asiatica gradient. The observed mito-nuclear discordance has important implications for quarantine diagnostics and highlights the need for multilocus molecular assays in regional biosurveillance.

Предпосылки и цель. Коричнево-мраморный клоп (Halyomorpha halys Stal) является опасным инвазивным видом, наносящим значительный ущерб сельскохозяйственным культурам в странах Европы и Азии. С учётом активных торгово-экономических связей Республики Казахстан с регионами, где вредитель широко распространён, возрастает риск его интродукции и акклиматизации. Цель исследования – комплексное изучение вредоносности, распространения и биологических особенностей карантинного организма с применением современных методов диагностики, а также проведение оценки фитосанитарного риска для Республики Казахстан. Материалы и методы. Мониторинг насекомых проводился на территории Алматинской области с использованием стандартных энтомологических методов, включая кошение энтомологическим сачком, ручной сбор и визуальный осмотр. Для подтверждения видовой принадлежности отобранных образцов применяли молекулярно-генетический метод – ПЦР с видоспецифичными праймерами. Анализ фитосанитарного риска оценивался с помощью программы CAPRA. Результаты. В результате мониторинга подтверждено наличие H. halys на территории Алматинской области. По результатам анализа импорта установлено, что потенциально опасные по заражению грузы поступают из стран, где вредитель широко распространён (Китай, Турция, Италия, Грузия и др.). Расчёты показали, что южные и юго-восточные регионы Казахстана обладают благоприятными климатическими условиями для возможного размножения и распространения клопа. Заключение. Проведённые исследования подтвердили актуальность проблемы инвазии Halyomorpha halys для Казахстана. Выявленные данные свидетельствуют о необходимости усиления фитосанитарного контроля, проведения систематического мониторинга и разработки комплекса профилактических и защитных мероприятий, направленных на предотвращение дальнейшего распространения вредителя.