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Tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) is a pest of a wide variety of crops, including legumes, and can reduce yields through flower and pod feeding. Flower feeding can result in blossom drop while pod feeding can appear as discolored “stings” to pods. Adults are just under ¼ inch, a mottled tan and brown color, and with a distinctive yellow “Y” marking near the base of wings.

Tarnished plant bug.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Reduce overwintering habitats around fields (debris, hedge rows, etc.).
• Practice effective management of broadleaf weeds around fields.

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