Kudzu bug
scouted Aug. 29, 2022
- Scientific Name
- Megacopta cribraria
- Background
- Soybeans in Johnston county were scouted and it was observed that 25% of the field was affected by dieback, root rot, and wilting in random low areas of the field.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified after the sample was analysed, and signs of Kudzu bug damage was found. Kudzu bugs have several generations per year and will feed on soybeans July-August. Kudzu bugs can have a significant impact on crop yields with untreated yields being reduced by up to 60%. The economic threshold for spraying is five bugs per plant until mid-July. After this time period net based sweep threshold of one nymphal-stage bug per sweep should be used. As Kudzu bug migrations can last several weeks it is recommended to only spray when nymphs are found on plants. Following the Kudzu bugs migration period during the early season, Kudzu bugs can normally be managed with a single spray. The insecticides effective against Kudzu bugs will also eliminate beneficial insects which puts fields at greater risk of infestations from other harmful insects.
- Resources
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- No resources have been added.
