Infestations of kudzu bug on kudzu or soybean have been reported from most soybean producing areas of Tennessee, and this invasive insect has spread rapidly through the state. Adult kudzu bugs are about the same size as adult lady beetles. They are approximately 1/4-inch long, almost square in shape with a brown to olive-green hue. The immature stages are more rounded, smaller and “hairy”. Eggs of kudzu bugs are light-colored, barrel-shaped, and placed on leaves or other plant parts in two rows. Kudzu bugs are generally found on the stems where they feed on plant juices (phloem). They do not feed on seeds. It takes many kudzu bugs to cause economic damage to soybean, but infestation levels may reach hundreds of bugs per plant. For more information visit the Soybean Insects Kudzu Bug Fact Sheet (W310).
Management options
| Insecticide (Trade Names) for KUDZU BUG | Lb Active Ingredient per Acre | Amount Formulation per Acre | Performance Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| acephate 90 (Orthene 90S) | 0.75 - 0.99 | 0.83 - 1.10 lb | 7 |
| bifenthrin (Brigade 2E, Discipline 2E, Fanfare 2E) | 0.078 - 0.10 | 5 - 6.4 oz | 9+ |
| γ-cyhalothrin (Declare 1.25) | 0.0125 - 0.015 | 1.28 - 1.54 oz | 8 |
| λ-cyhalothrin (Warrior II 2.08) | 0.031 | 1.92 oz | 9 |
| Z-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx 0.8E) | 0.025 | 4 oz | 9 |
- Treatment based only on the presence of adults is generally discouraged because reinfestations may occur quickly, and it takes sustained infestations to cause yield loss.
- One well-timed insecticide application will generally provide satisfactory control.
- A white-colored fungus, Beauveria bassiana, often attacks kudzu bugs and suppresses or almost completely controls infestations.
- For more information see http://www.utcrops.com/soybean/soybean_insects/SoybeanKudzuBug.htm.