The kudzu bug or bean plataspid, Megacopta cribraria (Fabricius), is native to Asia where it appears to be widely distributed (although the taxonomy is not entirely clear), but is Hemisphere. Other natural enemies may eventually emerge as good candidates for importation, but at present P. saccharalis appears to be most promising.

A laboratory investigation was made of the effects of textural and structural stratification within the profile on rate of water infiltration into soil. A recording infiltrometer was devised and a method developed for obtaining uniformly packed tubes of soil. Infiltration data were obtained for soil conditioner treated Palouse silt loam. These data were used to test several infiltration equations found in the literature. It was observed that none of the equations tested adequately describe the experimental data. Effects of strata within soil were related to the pore characteristic differences between the layering material and the surrounding soil. When most of the pores in a layer were larger than those in the surrounding soil, infiltration was temporarily inhibited after the wetting front reached the layer. The degree of inhibition was increased when the pore sizes in the layer were increased. Water must accumulate at a layer‐soil interface until it is at a tension low enough to allow it to move into pores in the layer. Water movement into the surface is reduced while the accumulation takes place.

In October 2009, large aggregations of Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) were discovered on outside, perimeter walls of houses in northeast Georgia, prompting homeowners to contact county Extension agents and pest management professionals to learn more about the insect and to rid the premises of the nuisance. The insect was flying from nearby patches of kudzu (Pueraria spp.) onto houses, presumably in an attempt to locate overwintering sites. In its native Asia, one of its preferred hosts is kudzu, an invasive, leguminous vine that now grows throughout the southeastern U.S. Before discovery in Georgia, M. cribraria was unknown from the New World. In addition to its emergence as a nuisance pest, M. cribraria has been reported as a pest of numerous legume crops in Asia, including soybean, Glycine max Merrill. As of August 9, 2010, M. cribraria was known from 48 counties in northeast Georgia and 13 counties in northwest South Carolina. In late June and early July 2010, M. cribraria was found on soybeans in 20 of the 48 Georgia counties and five counties in South Carolina.

The majority of the literature concerning fungus gnats in the genus Bradysia (Family Sciaridae) can be divided into two groups, addressing their cytogenetics or their role as economically important pests. Cytological anomalies in sciarids are recognized in (1) chromosome complement, (2) differential chromosome contributions of the sperm and egg, (3) alteration of chromosome complement during embryogenesis, (4) and alteration during gametogenesis. The literature concerning these cytological events is reviewed within the context of the development of the science of cytogenetics and as they relate to the taxonomy and systematics of this group. Although species of Bradysia were recognized as pests of various seedling plants over a century ago, their economic importance in plant and mushroom production was largely overlooked until recently. A review of the scientific literature on the biology and management of the sciarids indicates that members of the genus Bradysia may be especially pestiferous in greenhouse plant production. Although, a fungal food source appears to be critical to successful development and reproduction of fungus gnats, larvae also will feed on healthy plant tissue. Feeding activities of larvae directly damage seedlings, whereas both larvae and adults indirectly contribute to plant damage through the spread of fungal phytopathogens. The relatively recent confirmation of fungus gnats as potential disseminators of plant pathogens has placed these insects in the category of a more serious pest. As expected with any recently recognized pest, critical information regarding monitoring and economic thresholds is lacking. However, because these flies have been considered a nuisance, chemical control methods are available, as are alternatives which have been integrated most successfully into management programs in European glasshouses.

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