Mississippi Kudzu Bug Update: 7/12/2013

I have had numerous calls on kudzu bugs in the last couple weeks, mainly from the southwest part of the state. Kudzu bugs were found in 4 counties in 2012 in MS. In 2013 we have now confirmed 10 additional counties, in which 6 were found in soybeans. Since these initial finds in soybeans in Warren, Claiborne, Hinds, Yazoo, Stone, and Rankin Counties, it has become common for consultants to find 4-8 adults per 25 sweeps, in a few cases up to 10-15 in a couple of these areas.

Here are just a few bullets points about kudzu bugs based on the questions I have been getting lately. In the next couple weeks I plan to post a comprehensive newsletter on management.

–Threshold: average of 1 immature per sweep on reproductive stage soybeans. 5 adults per plant on vegetative state soybeans.

-It is very important not to treat too early on adult numbers or you will have to make several applications since adult migrations can be very long and they will simply re-infest the field after application

-Nearly everything we currently treat stink bugs with in soybeans will work fine on this pest (Much more on this later).

-Piercing sucking mouthparts so they will not chew holes in leaves.

-Do not preferentially feed on fruit. Mainly feed on stems and petioles so damage is slow and takes high numbers. Yield loss is due to general loss of vigor from feeding.

Below is a map of the latest kudzu bug find in MS. Click to enlarge.