DISTRIBUTION OF THE KUDZU BUG AND ITS POTENTIAL PREDATORS IN ALABAMA
Applied Research
Mary Delaney
Epidemiologist
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Abstract
Since its discovery in Georgia, USA, in October 2009, <i>Megacopta cribraria</i> (F.) more commonly known as the kudzu bug, has rapidly spread across the southeastern United States. Kudzu bugs were first detected in Alabama in October 2010 and were eventually found in all 67 counties by August 2013. Although the primary demonstrated reproductive hosts are kudzu (<i>Pueraria montana</i> Lour. [Merr.] variety <i>lobata</i> [Willd.] Maesen & S. Almeida) and soybeans (<i>Glycine max</i> [L.] Merrill), it has been observed to feed on several other legumes and occasionally feed on a wide variety of native and introduced plants in Alabama. Four insects have been observed to cause some mortality of all life stages of Megacopta. Evidence of a potential adult parasitoid has also been observed. Insects of the families Scelionidae, Reduviidae, Tachinidae, and Chrysopidae have been observed feeding or parasitizing life stages of the kudzu bug. Despite these natural control agents, <i>M. cribraria</i> populations have increased dramatically, becoming one of the most pervasive nuisance pest insect in Alabama. Management strategies for kudzu bug infested soybeans include treating field borders and delaying application of insecticides until the density of immature kudzu bugs reaches one per sweep.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
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Authors: M.A. Delaney
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Delaney, M. Epidemiologist, ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM, Alabama, 36849