Event Title

Host-Plant Preference of Megacopta cribraria

Presenter Information

Taylor Upole

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

This document is currently not available here.

Share

Import Event to Google Calendar

COinS
 
Apr 4th, 2:30 PM Apr 4th, 3:30 PM

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.