Kudzu bugs have recently expanded their range into more intensive soybean production areas including Middle Tennessee (Lincoln Co.) and West Tennessee (Shelby Co.).  I’m sure other, low infestations levels have gone undetected and may primarily be occurring on kudzu (as opposed to soybean).  The map below shows the current distribution of this pest.  Please report any new county finds to your local County Extension Agent.  There is a lot a good information about the management of kudzu bugs in soybean at http://www.kudzubug.org/.

For areas where kudzu bugs have just been found in very low numbers (Shelby County) or just on Kudzu (Lincoln County), I’m not expecting population to increase to treatment levels in soybean during 2013.  However, I’ve been wrong once before, so please monitor your fields.  Remember, low numbers do not justify an insecticide application.  UT current threshold is 1 immature kudzu bug per sweep.  Some state also recommend treatment if there are 5 of more bugs PER PLANT.  Don’t jump the gun!