Event Title
Host-Plant Preference of Megacopta cribraria
Faculty Mentor
Caralyn Zehnder
Keywords
Caralyn Zehnder
Abstract
Megacopta cribraria, the kudzu bug, is a rapidly spreading invasive species that was first reported in Georgia in 2009. M. cribraria can have negative impacts on their native host plant, kudzu, as well as economically important crops such as soybeans. To better understand their feeding habits, studies were conducted to determine their host plant preference. In one set of laboratory trials, M. cribraria were presented with both kudzu and soybeans. When given this choice, the insects showed preference towards kudzu. In a second set of laboratory trials, the insects were presented with an inoculated soybean plant and a non-inoculated soybean plant. M. cribraria did not show any preference between the two choices of soybeans, suggesting them ill equipped for distinguishing between the two. Overall, these results show that in areas where soybeans are grown near kudzu, kudzu will suffer more damage than soybean crops.
Session Name:
Biological and Environmental Sciences V
Start Date
4-4-2014 2:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 3:30 PM
Location
HSB 207
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Host-Plant Preference of Megacopta cribraria
HSB 207
Megacopta cribraria, the kudzu bug, is a rapidly spreading invasive species that was first reported in Georgia in 2009. M. cribraria can have negative impacts on their native host plant, kudzu, as well as economically important crops such as soybeans. To better understand their feeding habits, studies were conducted to determine their host plant preference. In one set of laboratory trials, M. cribraria were presented with both kudzu and soybeans. When given this choice, the insects showed preference towards kudzu. In a second set of laboratory trials, the insects were presented with an inoculated soybean plant and a non-inoculated soybean plant. M. cribraria did not show any preference between the two choices of soybeans, suggesting them ill equipped for distinguishing between the two. Overall, these results show that in areas where soybeans are grown near kudzu, kudzu will suffer more damage than soybean crops.