Kudzu Bugs Migrating Into Soybeans

DR. SEBE BROWN

JACKSON, TENNESSEE

I’ve gotten a few questions on Kudzu bugs over the past few days. Early planted beans (R3 +) are driving these calls and adult migration into more mature soybeans is common. With the mild winter and early spring, this migration is sooner than we’ve seen in the past. 

I want to remind everyone NOT to be over aggressive with insecticide applications.  It takes time and pressure before kudzu bugs cause yield loss. Don’t spray the adults as they migrate into fields. If you jump the gun, and second spray may be necessary. Wait until you begin picking up nymphs in your sweep net, and use a treatment threshold of 1 nymph per sweep. This may take several weeks after the first adults are observed in fields. Our data from previous years shows this threshold works well at preserving yield. Bifenthrin products like Brigade, cyhalothrin products such as Warrior II, and other pyrethroid insecticides such as Mustang Max provide good control.

Final note: UT does NOT recommend adding a pyrethroid with your fungicide unless your field is at threshold for an economically important insect. All of the calls I’ve received have been on migrating adults.   ∆

DR. SEBE BROWN

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE