Meet Tofu's Enemy: Kudzu Bugs

[longknife]

New research shows they could spread to soybean farms across the US

By Mark Russell, Newser Staff

Once again Man, in his infinite wisdom, screws with Nature and faces the unwanted consequences.

Newser) – Kudzu plants have been choking the Southeast for years, so at first blush it would seem that the 2009 arrival of the kudzu-eating kudzu bug from Asia would be a blessing. No so much. It turns out the bugs favor a second crop as well: soybeans. And on the heels of new research, scientists fear the bugs could do serious damage to soybean farms far beyond the Southeast, reports Lab Spaces. It explains how the quirks of the bugs' life cycle are fanning fears: Eggs laid in the spring develop into bugs (Generation A) that eat only kudzu plants while they are young, and can move on to soybean plants only as they mature. These mature bugs lay more threatening eggs that hatch in summer (Generation B) and can feast on soybean crops from the get-go. Given the diet limitations of the immature Generation A bugs, researchers figured they wouldn't be able to migrate to areas without kudzu, the northern and western US.

Read more @ Meet Tofu's Enemy: Kudzu Bugs - New research shows they could spread to soybean farms across the US

I remember seeing this 40 years ago and wondered where it came from. Someone brings it for what they think is a good purpose and, without predators, it goes wild. Now, they want to bring in something to make up for their mistake - only threatening yet another important food source.

When does it stop?

 

[Mad Scientist]

Fortunately Monsanto already has "Round Up Ready" Soy beans! The GMO Soy has an insecticide in it that kills whatever insect that tries to eat it.

Of course, you then eat the insecticide which rots your insides as well but that's ok, we got ObamaCare!