Do not spray before lespedeza reaches a height of at least 2 inches, and after it begins to form buds. Several diseases, including nematodes, attack lespedezas. The major recommended control is using resistant varieties, as discussed earlier. The major insects significantly affecting lespedeza in Mississippi are fall armyworms and grasshoppers. The fall armyworm is the most destructive.
Fall armyworms are caterpillars that eat the leaves and are worse on lespedeza in hot, dry weather.
Contact your county Extension agent for control recommendations for these and other pests in lespedeza. By E. Lamar Kimbrough, Ph.D., Extension Agronomist Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. Information Sheet 1014 Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture . Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown , Director Copyright by Mississippi State University.