Preference of the kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) to different growth stages of soybean

Preferences of kudzu bugs to different growth stages and organs of soybean were investigated using choice test in greenhouse and Y-Tube olfactometer assay in the laboratory. Of the four selected growth stages, adults showed significant predilection to feed on R1 than V2, R3 and R5 stages. More kudzu bugs were observed on the leaves of V2, R1, and R3 stage, but the preference changed to the petiole of R5 stage. The behavioral observations were corroborated by olfactometer assay, indicating that the blooming soybean crop is most attractive to kudzu bugs. This finding is important in developing kudzu bug management tactics.