New Invasive Insect Eats Kudzu, But Also Threatens Soybean Crops

Originally from Asia, a Clemson University researcher said the bean plataspid had never been spotted in the U.S.-- until last October. Less than a year later, it's invaded the Upstate, and could take a bite out of a $140 million dollar cash crop.

Jeremy Greene, an entomologist with Clemson, said researchers need the public's help to track the bug, which is so new, it doesn't yet have an official common name.

He calls it a kudzu bug, after one of its favorite meals. Greene says, it wouldn't be such a big concern if the kudzu is where it stayed. But it also eats legumes, and has been found on soybean crops throughout the Upstate.

“The bean plataspid has been confirmed on soybeans and kudzu in more than a dozen counties, including Oconee, Anderson and Abbeville, and on soybeans in Barnwell County; but it will feed on legumes in general, so it could be on other hosts, and it might be present but yet-to-be-detected in other counties,” said Greene.

Soybeans are a multi-million-dollar commodity crop in South Carolina. The state has approximately 590,000 acres of soybeans with a gross value of $139 million, according to Clemson University.

Greene said since the insect has never been studied in this country,entomologists don't know exactly how much damage it can do. But Greene adds there is some information that's cause for concern.

"There is at least one paper that reports them being injurious to 50 percent of the crop. In other words-- causing a 50 percent loss in yield. So that's alarming," said Greene.

“We are actively looking for this insect, and our S.C. Soybean Board has funded a portion of a project to help with the search for this pest,” said Greene. “If you see it in or around kudzu, in noticeable numbers on buildings, please let me know (greene4@clemson.eduor 803-300-1160). If you are able to provide GPS coordinates for kudzu patches in your area where you can sweep with a sweep net and confirm the presence or absence of this pest, your help will certainly be more than welcome. We want to define the distribution of this pest regularly this season and learn what we can about it.”

Greene said there are pesticides that can control the insect, but they do not stop re-infestation.

He also said as the temperature drops, swarms of the insects may be found on the side of homes, trying to get inside to stay warm.

Greene said until more research is done, he cannot know what the long-term impact of the kudzu bug may be, but points to it's namesake as a reason to find out.

"Look at kudzu. It's an invasive species," said Greene. "We brought that into the country to help with erosion. and it's really gotten out of control, so who knows what will happen with this insect species."