Bill Cissel, Extension Agent – Integrated Pest Management; bcissel@udel.edu
The kudzu bug was recently detected in Maryland soybean fields. Here is a link for more information on the kudzu bug and how to report detections in Maryland: http://mdkudzubug.org/
I am currently surveying fields throughout the state as well as inspecting a couple kudzu patches for the kudzu bug so if you find a field with a kudzu bug infestation in Delaware, please contact me at bcissel@udel.edu or call 302-893-9206.
Kudzu Bug Adults
Kudzu Bug Nymphs
The kudzu bug, also called the bean plataspid, lablab bug, and globular stink bug is an invasive species introduced from Asia. It was first discovered in Georgia in 2009 and has since been detected throughout much of the southeastern US. In 2013, the kudzu bug was detected in Sussex County Delaware. Kudzu bug adults and nymphs are a pest of soybean, using their piercing sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap of soybean stems and leaf petioles. In Georgia and South Carolina, kudzu bug feeding injury reduced yield in 16 of 19 trials with an average yield loss of 18%, ranging from 0-47%.
Kudzu Bug Distribution Map
In 2013, the kudzu bug was detected in Delaware but has not been detected at economic levels in Delaware soybeans. For more information on identification, biology, research, and management of kudzu bug in soybeans, please visit kudzubug.org: https://www.kudzubug.org/
Based on information from the south, a 15-inch diameter sweep net is the preferred method for sampling soybeans. The suggested threshold is one nymph per sweep. If adult infestations are high and the soybeans are under stress, an insecticide treatment may be necessary to prevent economic losses from occurring. There are many products that will provide effective control if this pest were to become a problem for us.