Jeremy Greene, entomologist at Clemson University, reports that nearly every soybean field he’s scouted in South Carolina has kudzu bugs. He recommends growers throughout the South actively scout and those in the Midwest begin monitoring for this pest.

Kudzu bugs can contribute to up to 75% yield loss, according to the University of North Carolina, so it is important for growers to be extremely vigilant in scouting efforts in order to save soybean yields and profit this year.

Greene is encouraging growers throughout the South to utilize a sweep net before soybeans begin to bloom, to determine whether or not they are causing damage and reproducing.

Kudzu bug scouting tips:

• Round bodies
• Dark green with brown specs
• Plate on the center of their backs

Should kudzu bugs reach local thresholds, Syngenta recommends Endigo^® ZC insecticide, a proven solution to prevent soybean damage from a wide range of pests for higher yield potential.

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