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EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF MEGACOPTA CRIBRARIA (KUDZU BUG) ON SOYBEANS IN GEORGIA

Applied Research

Clay Talton
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Elberton

Abstract

\r\n Megacopta Cribraria, commonly known as the Kudzu Bug, was first discovered in 9 northeast Georgia counties in 2009. Currently, the bug is found in 143 Georgia counties, all of South Carolina, 42 North Carolina Counties, 5 Alabama Counties, and 1 county in Virginia.  On-farm trials were established in Elbert and Morgan Counties to evaluate the potential impact of kudzu bug in soybeans.  Protected and untreated plots, approximately 2.5 acres in size, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications at each location.  Endigo (4.5 oz/acre) insecticide was applied at 3 week intervals on MG VII soybeans beginning at the R1 growth stage.  Kudzu bugs were counted weekly using a 15 inch diameter sweep net.  Adults peaked the second week of August and nymphs peaked in mid-September at both locations; kudzu bug populations were significantly lower in Endigo plots compared with the untreated.  In the Elbert County trial, yields were significantly lower (Prob F= 0.04) in the untreated, 20.5 bu/acre, compared with Endigo, 25.4 bu/acre; a 19% loss in yield in the untreated.  In the Morgan County trial, yields were lower but not significantly different (Prob F=0.11) in the untreated, 31.1 bu/acre, compared with Endigo, 34.9 bu/acre; an 11% loss in yield in the untreated. This study suggests that the Kudzu Bug is an economic pest of soybeans.  Additional research is needed to determine thresholds and timing of insecticide application.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: C.S. Talton, R.C. Smith, P.M. Roberts
  1. Talton, C. Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Elbert County, Georgia, 30635
  2. Smith, R. Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Morgan County, Georgia, 30650
  3. Roberts, P. Extension Specialist, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31793