Kudzu bug: Can Tennessee shake it off?

The kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria, a non-native, invasive species from Asia, was first discovered in the U.S. in 2009 in several northeastern counties of Georgia. It has since spread to numerous other states, including Tennessee where it has spread rapidly to more than 50 counties in two years. The kudzu bug causes agricultural, urban, and health-related concerns. The purpose of this presentation is to provide information on the distribution, population levels, overwintering habits, natural enemies, and alternate host plants of kudzu bug in Tennessee. In 2015, three locations in Knox Co. were selected, and three kudzu sites established at each location. These nine sites were visited weekly from early May until November. Five sweep-net samples were taken from kudzu at each site, and the total number of kudzu bug adults and nymphs (stages 1-5) were counted and recorded. Eggs were collected at all sites and yellow pan traps were established at one site at each location to monitor for kudzu bug egg parasitoids (Paratelenomus saccharalis). In addition to these nine sites in Knox Co., sites in five other counties were sampled to assess kudzu bug and its parasitoids. Two alternate host plants (bush honeysuckle and ragweed) were assessed for kudzu bug development and reproductive suitability. Results will be analyzed, summarized, and presented. The outcome of this project will be a better understanding of kudzu bug life history, overwintering habits, and the potential role of alternate host plants and natural enemies to enhance the overall management of this invasive pest.