Beware of the Kudzu Bug

Tremendous kudzu bug population growth and expansion have been documented in Mississippi this year. In the most recent Mississippi Crop Situation Blog, Angus Catchot, Mississippi State University Extension entomologist, says farmers will likely start seeing the next big push into soybeans at the end of July into August. He also expects to see much higher numbers of the kudzu bug, after they have had time to complete another generation.

Kudzu bugs produce two generations per year — once in late spring/early summer during early growth stages of kudzu plants and early-planted soybeans. Then they produce the second generation near the end of the growing season, before kudzu bugs start to look for overwintering sites. The species prefers legumes and uses kudzu plants and soybeans as primary reproductive hosts.

Experts recommend applying an insecticide shortly after finding immature insects. Farmers who spray too early might need to re-treat. Here are some other treatment recommendations, which are included in the Soy Checkoff Kudzu Bug Informational Guide:

• Many of the insecticides recommended for use on stink bugs can be used to control kudzu bugs.
• Apply an insecticide when sweep-net sampling catches one immature insect per sweep.
• A potential cost-saving treatment would be to apply insecticide along border rows to mitigate populations that develop around field perimeters.