Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research documented new pests and potentially important natural enemies associated with Nebraska buffalograss. Turfgrasses with resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex were identified, and mechanisms contributing to this resistance were investigated. Buffalograss, zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass germplasm with resistance to the western chinch bug, Blissus occiduus, was identified, and levels of tolerance, antibiosis and antixenosis were documented. Of 100 buffalograsses evaluated in greenhouse and field studies, four (Prestige, PX3-5-1, 196, and 184) genotypes were identified as highly resistant to B. occiduus. Subsequent choice and no-choice studies characterized these buffalograsses as tolerant. Field surveys documented the biology, ecology, and seasonal occurrence of Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica, in eastern Nebraska. Research investigated the value of Metarhizium anisopliae auto-disseminators for Japanese beetle control, and concluded this approach is
ineffectual for managing this pest. Recently initiated research projects are identifying potentially important arthropod pests and natural enemies associated with cultivated and native switchgrass stands in Nebraska, and are exploring differential responses of two chinch bug species (B. occiduus and B. l. hirtus) to neonicotinyl insecticides. This research has been presented at scientific and extension meetings, disseminated through extension recommendations, radio, television, electronic media, and specialized programs for members of extension, government agencies, agribusinesses, professional turf and landscape associations, and the general public.
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Terry Riordan, Professor of Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, served as the Turfgrass Breeder associated with the project. Drs. Z B Mayo, John Foster, and Bob Wright Professors of Entomology and Tiffany Heng-Moss, Associate Professor of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, cooperated on the plant resistance and biological control components of this project. Dr. Gautam Sarath, USDA-ARS provided counsel on biochemical and molecular techniques, and Drs. Bob Shearman and Roch Gaussoin, Professor and Associate Professor, respectively of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, advised on various aspects of buffalograss culture. Dr. Erin Blankenship, Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE was consulted on experimental design and data analyses. Support staff consisted of a grant-supported research technician, and several student support staff. Four undergraduate and eight graduate
(1 PhD, 7 MS) students were recruited to work on this project. Programmatic partnerships and linkages included government agencies (USDA/APHIS, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, private sector associations (Nebraska Turfgrass Association, Nebraska Golf Course Superintendent's Association (NGCSA), Nebraska Professional Lawn Care Association (NPLCA), Nebraska Sod Producer's Association, Nebraska Sports Turf Association, Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association, Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society), Nebraska Educational Television, AK-SAR-BEN and over 20 insecticide/equipment manufacturers.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this research include extension staff, government agencies, agribusinesses, professional turf and landscape managers, and the general public. This research is designed to facilitate development of improved IPM strategies for the arthropods affecting buffalograss and other managed and native grasses in Nebraska. High priority is placed on the search for new knowledge and the integration of this knowledge into the existing information base. Scholarly publications and scientific presentations provide important vehicles for disseminating new knowledge, while information disseminated through extension recommendations, radio, television, and electronic media enhance the stakeholder's ability to make sound pest management decisions.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There were no major modifications to this project.
Impacts
This project is characterizing the biology, ecology, and injury potential of insects and mites affecting buffalograss and other cultured and native grasses in Nebraska. The commercial production of Prestige buffalograss provides consumers with a high quality turfgrass with improved chinch bug resistance. Identifying new resistant turfgrasses and understanding the mechanisms contributing to this resistance is essential for formulating plant breeding strategies, and developing chinch bug-resistant germplasm through conventional breeding and biotechnological techniques. Knowledge gained from this project has benefit turfgrass sod producers, golf course superintendents, and other turfgrass managers by furnishing turfgrasses with improved resistance to chinch bugs. Research also investigated the value of Metarhizium anisopliae auto-disseminators for control of Japanese beetles and concluded this approach is not effective for managing this pest in Nebraska. Switchgrass offers
much potential as a biomass energy source. Identifying potentially important arthropod pests and their natural enemies is essential for development of effective, economical, and sustainable pest management recommendations.
Publications
- Carstens, J., T. Heng-Moss, F. Baxendale, R. Gaussoin, K. Frank, and L. Young. 2007. Influence of buffalograss management practices on the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus Barber, and its beneficial arthropods. J. Econ. Entomol. 100 (1): 136-147.
- Eickhoff, T.E., T.M. Heng-Moss, and F.P. Baxendale. 2007. Evaluation of warm-season turfgrasses for resistance to the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus. HortScience 42(3) 718-720.
- Eickhoff, T.E, L. Toda, and F.P. Baxendale. 2007. DPX-E2Y45 for control of billbugs, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 32 (Online).
- Stamm, M. D., C. M. Wasem, F. P. Baxendale. 2007. Provaunt for control of grasshoppers, 2006. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 32 (Online).
- Baxendale, F.P. and T.M. Heng-Moss. 2007. Chinch Bugs, p. 63-67. In Lamp, W.O., R.C. Berberet, L.G. Higley and C.R. Baird (eds.). Handbook of Forage and Rangeland Insects. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Research continue to evaluate and identify warm-season turfgrasses with resistance to chinch bugs. Of 90 buffalograss genotypes evaluated in greenhouse and field studies, four were identified as highly resistant to the western chinch bug, Blissus occiduus. The buffalograsses 184 and PX3-5-1 were characterized as tolerant, whereas Prestige and 196 showed both tolerance and antixenosis. The zoysiagrasses Diamond, Zoro, and Emerald and the bermudagrass Mini Verde were characterized as moderately resistant to B. occiduus, whereas the zoysiagrasses Zenith, Meyer, and Crowne were highly to moderately susceptible feeding. DeAnza zoysiagrass and the bermudagrasses Tifway 419 and Tifsport were categorized as moderately susceptible. Studies continue to investigate plant defense responses in resistant and susceptible buffalograss and zoysiagrass cultivars to chinch bug feeding. Elevation of specific oxidative enzymes such as peroxidase may help insects detoxify peroxides that
accumulate in response to plant stress. Field surveys documented the presence and seasonal distribution of Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica in eastern Nebraska. The survival and virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae spores inside auto-dissemination chambers were assessed under field conditions. Laboratory bioassays are underway to determine the effective concentration of M. anisopliae spores against P. japonica adults and larvae.
Impacts
This project is characterizing the biology, behavior and injury potential of insects and mites affecting buffalograss, zoysiagrass, and other turfgrasses in Nebraska. Emphasis is placed on locating insect-resistant turfgrasses, and on identifying beneficial natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations. The chinch bug-resistant buffalograsses identified through this research are currently being used in breeding efforts to improve resistance to the western chinch bug. Understanding the physiological and biochemical responses of grasses to insect feeding offers an exciting new perspective on plant resistance to insects, and provides a model for studying insect-plant interactions.
Publications
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, T. Macedo, L. Franzen, L.G. Higley, and G. Sarath. 2006. Physiological responses of resistant and susceptible buffalograsses to chinch bug feeding. J. Econ. Entomol.99:222-228.
- Anderson, W.G., T.M. Heng-Moss, and F.P. Baxendale. 2006. Evaluation of cool- and warm-season grasses for resistance to multiple chinch bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) species. J. Econ. Entomol. 99 (1):203-211.
- Eickhoff, T.E., F.P. Baxendale, and T.M. Heng-Moss. 2006. Host preference of the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus. J. Insect Sci. 6:07.
- Eickhoff, T.E., R.W. Baxendale, L. Toda and F.P. Baxendale. 2006. Residual control of chinch bugs with Allectus insecticide, 2005: Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 31 (Online).
- Eickhoff, T.E., R.W. Baxendale, C.M. Wasem and F.P. Baxendale. 2006. Effect of application timing for control of white grubs using Allectus, 2005: Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 31 (Online).
- Anderson, W.G., T.M. Heng-Moss, F.P. Baxendale, L.M. Baird, G. Sarath, and L.G. Higley. 2006. Chinch bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) mouthpart morphology, probing frequencies, and locations on resistant and susceptible germplasm. J. Econ. Entomol. 99 (1):212-221.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Research identified zoysiagrass and bermudagrass germplasm with resistant and susceptible to Blissus occiduus. Zoysiagrass cultivars Myers and El Toro were moderately susceptible whereas, Emerald and 8516 were moderately resistant. Bermudagrass Tifway 419 was moderately susceptible, while Mini Verde was moderately resistant to B. occiduus. Studies are investigating levels of peroxidase activity in resistant and susceptible buffalograss and zoysiagrass cultivars in response to chinch bug feeding. Field surveys documented the seasonal distribution of Popillia japonica in Eastern Nebraska in 2005. Studies are underway to documented the concentration of Metarhizium anisopliae spores picked up by P. japonica adults as they passed through an auto-dissemination chamber, and to determine the effective life of M. anisopliae spores inside the auto-dissemination chambers under field conditions. Laboratory bioassays are underway to determine the effective concentration of M.
anisopliae spores against P. japonica larvae.
Impacts
This project is characterizing the biology, behavior and injury potential of insects and mites affecting turfgrasses in Nebraska. Emphasis is placed on locating insect-resistant turfgrasses, and on identifying beneficial natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations. This research will facilitate development of effective and sustainable IPM strategies for arthropods affecting turfgrasses in Nebraska.
Publications
- Gulsen, O., T. Heng-Moss, R. Shearman, P. Baenzinger, D. Lee, and F.P. Baxendale. 2004. Buffalograss germplasm resistance to Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 97:2101-2105.
- Eickhoff, T.E., W.G. Anderson, and F.P. Baxendale. 2005. Residual control of grasshoppers with Arena, 2004. Arthropod Management Tests, Vol. 30 (Online).
- Eickhoff, T.E., F.P. Baxendale, and T.M. Heng-Moss. 2005. Use of Provaunt for control of white grubs, 2004. Arthropod Management Tests, Vol. 30 (Online).
- Heng-Moss, T.M., T.E. Eickhoff, and F.P. Baxendale. 2005. Use of Merit and competitive products for control of white grubs, 2004. Arthropod Management Tests, Vol. 30 (Online).
- Baxendale, F.P., R.W. Baxendale, and S. Rochefort. 2005. Use of NemaGreen and SDS502 for control of white grubs, 2004. Arthropod Management Tests, Vol. 30 (Online).
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Research documented resistance to multiple chinch bug species (Blissus occiduus, B. l. hirtus, B. insularis, B. l. leucopterus) in cool- and warm-season grasses, used morphological techniques to confirm similar mouthpart structure in the four chinch bug species, and employed plant staining, sectioning, and light microscopy to determine chinch bug probing frequencies and locations on resistant and susceptible in cool- and warm-season grasses. Using choice and no-choice studies, zoysiagrass and bermudagrass germplasm with resistance and susceptibility to B. occiduus was identified. Moderately resistant grasses included the zoysiagrasses : Emerald, Crowne, Palisades, Diamond, 8516, Cavalier, Royal and El Toro and the bermudagrasses Tifsport and Mini Verde. Moderately susceptible grasses included the zoysiagrasses: Myers, Zenith and DeAnza, and the bermudagrasses Jackpot and Tifway 419. This research represents the first report of zoysiagrass and bermudagrass resistance
to B. occiduus. Levels of tolerance, antibiosis and antixenosis were documented in selected buffalograss, zoysiagrass and bermudagrass germplasm, and a peroxidase in resistant sorghum line Cargill 607E was purified and identified. Studies are currently underway to characterize changes in plant protein profiles and oxidative enzyme activity levels of injured plants, and are investigating the potential value of these differences as protein-mediated markers to screen for insect resistant turfgrasses.
Impacts
This project is characterizing the biology, behavior and injury potential of insects and mites affecting buffalograss, zoysiagrass, and other turfgrasses in Nebraska. Emphasis is placed on locating insect-resistant turfgrasses, and on identifying beneficial natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations. This research will facilitate development of effective and environmentally- responsible IPM strategies for arthropods affecting turfgrasses in Nebraska. Understanding the extended host range of B. occiduus will lead to more effective approaches for managing chinch bugs infesting buffalograss. Characterizing the physiological and biochemical responses of B. occiduus to resistant turfgrasses contributes to our basic understanding of insect-plant interactions. Changes in plant protein profiles and oxidative enzyme activity levels may provide valuable protein-mediated markers to screen for turfgrasses resistant to chinch bugs and other
sap-feeding insects.
Publications
- Heng-Moss, T.M., T.E. Eickhoff, W.G. Anderson, and F.P. Baxendale. 2004. Selected rates of pyrethroid insecticides for control of chinch bugs, 2003. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 29 (Online).
- Eickhoff, T.E., F.P. Baxendale, T.M. Heng-Moss, and E.E. Blankenship. 2004. Turfgrass, crop, and weed hosts of Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 97(1):67-73. Journal Series No. 14123.
- Heng-Moss, T., G. Sarath, F. Baxendale, D. Novak, S. Bose, N. Xinhi, and S. Quisenberry. 2004. Characterization of oxidative enzyme changes in buffalograss challenged by Blissus occiduus. J. Econ. Entomol. 97(3):1086-1095. Journal Series No. 14298.
- Anderson, W.G., F.P. Baxendale, T.M. Heng-Moss, and T.E. Eickhoff. 2004. Application timing of Merit for control of billbugs and white grubs, 2003. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 29 (Online).
- Baxendale, F.P., R.W. Baxendale, and T.E. Huntington. 2004. Control of chiggers with pyrethroid insecticides, 2003. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 29 (Online).
- Eickhoff, T.E., W.G. Anderson, T.M. Heng-Moss, and F.P. Baxendale. 2004. Residual control of grasshoppers with Talstar, 2003. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 29 (Online).
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
A field study documented the influence of buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.), management practices (mowing height and fertilization) on the biology and seasonal abundance of B. occiduus and its natural enemies. Mixed model analysis revealed significant differences in chinch bug numbers among mowing heights and nitrogen rates. Chinch bug numbers were highest at the 5.0 cm mowing height, and at the two highest (198 and 98 kg N) fertilizer levels. The most abundant natural enemies associated with buffalograss during the growing season were ants, spiders, ground beetles, big-eyed bugs, and rove beetles. Except for ants, there were no significant differences in numbers of beneficial arthropods among mowing heights or fertilization levels. Laboratory studies documented predation of B. occiduus by big-eyed bugs, Geocoris spp. Big-eyed bugs preyed on all life stages of B. occiduus evaluated (1st-5th instars and adults). Mean predation of the twenty 1st and 2nd instar
chinch bugs exceeded 96% after 24 hours. Big-eyed bugs consumed 57% and 25% of 3rd and 4th instars, respectively during this same interval. Less than 10% of 5th instar or adult chinch bugs were consumed during the 24 hour evaluation period. Research investigated multiple chinch bug (B. occiduus, B. l. hirtus, B. insularis, B. l. leucopterus) resistance in buffalograss, fine fescue, St. Augustinegrass, and sorghum cultivars. Choice and no-choice studies were initiated to search for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass germplasm with resistance to B. occiduus, and to document tolerance, antibiosis and/or antixenosis in selected zoysiagrass and bermudagrass cultivars. Studies are characterizing changes in plant protein profiles and oxidative enzyme activity levels of injured plants, and are investigating the potential value of these differences as protein-mediated markers to screen for insect resistant turfgrasses.
Impacts
This project is characterizing the biology, behavior and injury potential of insects and mites affecting buffalograss, zoysiagrass, and other turfgrasses in Nebraska. Emphasis is placed on locating insect-resistant turfgrasses, and on identifying beneficial natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations. This research will facilitate development of effective and environmentally- responsible IPM strategies for arthropods affecting turfgrasses in Nebraska. Understanding the influence of buffalograss maintenance practices on B. occiduus and its natural enemies will lead to more efficient and environmentally-responsible approaches for managing chinch bugs infesting buffalograss maintained under a wide range of management regimes. Characterizing the physiological and biochemical responses of B. occiduus to resistant turfgrasses contributes to our basic understanding of insect-plant interactions. Changes in plant protein profiles and
oxidative enzyme activity levels may provide valuable protein-mediated markers to screen for turfgrasses resistant to chinch bugs and other sap-feeding insects.
Publications
- Anderson, W.G., J.D. Carstens, and F.P. Baxendale. 2003. Preventive control of first/second generation chinch bugs with bifenthrin formulations, 2002. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 28 (Online).
- Baxendale, F.P., T.E. Eickhoff, and T.M. Heng-Moss. 2003. Control of white grubs with the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis zealandica, 2002. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 28 (Online).
- Carstens, J.D., T.E. Huntington, and F.P. Baxendale. 2003. Control of second generation chinch bugs with experimental formulations of zeta-cypermethrin, 2002. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 28 (Online).
- Eickhoff, T.E., W.G. Anderson, and F.P. Baxendale. 2003. Selected rates of DPX-MP062 for first generation sod webworm control, 2002. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 28 (Online).
- Heng-Moss, T.M., X. Ni, T. Macedo, J.P. Markwell, F.P. Baxendale, S.S. Quisenberry, and V. Tolmay. 2003. Comparison of chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in 'Betta' wheat isolines. J. Econ. Entomol. 96: 475-481.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Choice and no-choice studies documented the potential of B. occiduus to feed and reproduce on horticulturally and agronomically important grasses. Highly to moderately susceptible grasses included buffalograss, yellow and green foxtail, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, brome, zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, sorghum, tall fescue and barley; slightly to non-susceptible grasses included fine fescue, rye, crabgrass, bentgrass, wheat, corn, fall panicum and St. Augustinegrass. Warm season turfgrasses (buffalograss, zoysiagrass, bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass) were highly preferred over all other grasses, with buffalograss and zoysiagrass being the most preferred. Kentucky bluegrass, rye, wheat and sorghum were less preferred than any of the warm season grasses, and tall fescue, perennial rye, wheat, and green foxtail were the least preferred of all grasses evaluated. The reproductive potential of B. occiduus to reproduce on these same grasses was investigated. Plant
hosts producing high to moderate numbers of B. occiduus offspring included wheat, barley, yellow foxtail, sorghum, green foxtail and rye. Plants producing relatively few offspring included fine fescue, brome, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, fall panicum, and large crabgrass. No reproduction occurred on bermudagrass or St. Augustinegrass, and buffalograss plants were killed by B. occiduus before offspring could be produced. A field study documented the influence of buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.), management practices (mowing height and fertilization) on the biology and seasonal abundance of B. occiduus and its natural enemies. Mixed model analysis revealed significant differences in chinch bug numbers among mowing heights and nitrogen rates. Chinch bug numbers were highest at the 5.0 cm mowing height, and at the two highest (198 and 98 kg N) fertilizer levels. The most abundant natural enemies associated with buffalograss during the
growing season were ants, spiders, ground beetles, big-eyed bugs, and rove beetles. Except for ants, there were no significant differences in numbers of beneficial arthropods among mowing heights or fertilization levels. Laboratory studies documented predation of B. occiduus by big-eyed bugs, Geocoris spp. Big-eyed bugs preyed on all life stages of B. occiduus evaluated (1st-5th instar nymphs and adults). Mean predation of the twenty 1st and 2nd instar chinch bugs exceeded 96% after 24 hours. Big-eyed bugs consumed 57% and 25% of 3rd and 4th instars nymphs, respectively during this same interval. Less than 10% of 5th instar nymphs or adult chinch bugs were consumed during the 24 hour evaluation period. Research was initiated to investigate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with chinch bug-resistant turfgrasses. Studies are characterizing changes in plant protein profiles and oxidative enzyme activity levels of injured plants, and investigating the potential value
of these differences as protein-mediated markers to screen for insect resistant turfgrasses.
Impacts
This project is characterizing the biology, behavior and injury potential of insects and mites affecting buffalograss and other turfgrasses in Nebraska. Emphasis is being placed on locating insect-resistant turfgrasses, and on identifying beneficial natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations. This information will facilitate develop effective and environmentally- responsible IPM strategies.
Publications
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale and T.P. Riordan. 2001. Interactions between the parasitoid Rhopus nigroclavatus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its mealybug hosts Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Biological Control. 22: 201-206.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, T.P. Riordan and J.E. Foster. 2002. Evaluation of buffalograss germplasm for resistance to Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera Lygaeidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 95(5): 1054-1058.
- Eickhoff, T.E., J.D. Carstens and F.P. Baxendale. 2002. Efficacy of selected insecticides against first generation chinch bugs on buffalograss turf, 2001. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 27 (Online).
- Carstens, J.D., T.E. Eickhoff and F.P. Baxendale. 2002. Curative white grub control on a golf course fairway, 2001. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 27 (Online).
- Heng-Moss, T.M.,T.E. Eickhoff and F.P. Baxendale. 2002. Control of leafhopper with selected pyrethroids, 2001, Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 27 (Online).
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Buffalograss germplasm was evaluated for resistance to the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus. Greenhouse and field screening studies characterized NE91-118, `Tatanka', `Bonnie Brae' and `Cody' as highly to moderately resistant, and NE84-45-3 and `378' as highly susceptible to chinch bug feeding. In no-choice studies, NE91-118, Cody, and Tatanka were characterized as tolerant to B. occiduus. Antibiosis studies found no statistically significant differences in chinch bug fecundity, nymphal development or survival among the resistant and susceptible buffalograsses. Choice studies documented antixenosis in NE91-118, whereas Cody and Tatanka showed little or no antixenosis. Studies investigating physiological differences between chinch bug-susceptible and -tolerant plants revealed photosynthetic compensation in the tolerant buffalograss NE91-118. Enzyme activity assays revealed a loss in catalase activity in susceptible buffalograsses in response to chinch bug feeding. Selected
turfgrasses, crops and weed species were compared in the greenhouse for their suitability as B. occiduus feeding and reproductive hosts. No-choice greenhouse studies identified buffalograss, yellow and green foxtail, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, brome, zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, sorghum, tall fescue and barley as highly to moderately susceptible, and fine fescue, rye, crabgrass, bentgrass, wheat, corn, fall panicum and St. Augustinegrass as slightly to non-susceptible to B. occiduus. Plants producing high to moderate numbers of B. occiduus offspring were wheat, green, sorghum, rye, yellow foxtail and barley, whereas, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, large crabgrass produced relatively few offspring. No reproduction occurred on, perennial rye, fine fescue, fall panicum, bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. Buffalograss plants were killed by B. occiduus before offspring could be produced. Preliminary choice studies indicate buffalograss and zoysiagrass are
highly preferred by B. occiduus; Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, rye and sorghum less preferred; and St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, wheat, perennial rye, and green foxtail the least preferred as B. occiduus hosts. Research continued to investigate the beneficial arthropod community in buffalograss and examine the role played by natural enemies in chinch bug population regulation. Studies were initiated to assess the influence of buffalograss maintenance practices on the biology, distribution and behavior of B. occiduus and its natural enemies. Field studies documented the effects of insecticide formulations, fertilizer carriers and treatment timing on the control of chinch bugs, white grubs and bluegrass billbugs in turf.
Impacts
Arthropods cause significant injury each year to turfgrasses in Nebraska. This project is designed to identify the insects and mites affecting buffalograss and other turfgrasses, investigate their biology, ecology, distribution and injury potential, and develop effective, sustainable and environmentally- responsible IPM alternatives. Special attention is given to locating insect-resistant germplasm and identifying natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations.
Publications
- Ni, X., S.S. Quisenberry, T. Heng-Moss, J. Markwell, G. Sarath, R. Klucas and F. Baxendale. 2001. Oxidative responses of resistant and susceptible cereal leaves to symptomatic and nonsymptomatic cereal aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding. J. Econ. Entomol. 94: 743-751.
- Baxendale, F.P., T.P. Weinhold, T.M. Heng-Moss, L.J. Young and M.A. Zajac. 2001. Residual control of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with selected synthetic pyrethroids. Intl. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 9: 751-754.
- Eickhoff, T.E. and F.P. Baxendale. 2001. Evaluation of granular bifenthrin formulations for control of first generation chinch bugs on buffalograss, 2000. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 26 (Online).
- Weinhold, A.P. and F.P. Baxendale. 2001. Application timing of Mach 2 on fertilizer carriers for control of white grubs, 2000. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 26 (Online).
- Heng-Moss, T.M. and F.P. Baxendale. 2001. Timing effects of Mach 2 formulations on control of bluegrass billbugs, 2000. Arthropod Management Tests. Vol. 26 (Online).
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Three new buffalograss cultivars (Legacy, 118, 120) were released by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Buffalograss germplasm was evaluated for resistance to the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus. Greenhouse and field screening studies characterized 118, Cody and Tatanka as highly to moderately resistant. Choice and no-choice studies identified Cody and Tatanka as tolerant, and 118 as both tolerant and antixenotic to B. occiduus. Photosynthetic studies demonstrated that chinch bug feeding negatively impacts photosynthetic rates in susceptible buffalograsses. Infested and uninfested 118 plants had similar photosynthetic rates, suggesting photosynthetic compensation in tolerant buffalograsses. Selected crops, weeds and turfgrasses were compared in greenhouse no-choice studies for evidence of B. occiduus feeding and reproduction. Preliminary results suggest that zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass, fine fescue, wheat, sorghum, barley,
rye, green and yellow foxtail, large crabgrass and brome are suitable B. occiduus hosts. Additional evidence suggests that zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, perennial rye, wheat, rye, green foxtail and brome may be highly susceptible to B. occiduus feeding injury. Selected pyrethroid insecticides (DeltaGard GC, Scimitar GC, Talstar F) and a non-pyrethroid industry standard (Dursban Pro) were evaluated for residual control of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon on creeping bentgrass turf. Results suggest that DeltaGard GC and Scimitar GC have the potential of providing up to 80% residual black cutworm control for 30 days or more on golf course putting greens and tees.
Impacts
Arthropods cause significant injury each year to turfgrasses in Nebraska. This project is designed to identify the insects and mites affecting buffalograss and other turfgrasses, investigate their biology, ecology, distribution and injury potential, and develop effective, sustainable and environmentally- responsible IPM alternatives. Special attention is given to locating insect-resistant germplasm and identifying natural enemies which may play an important role in regulating pest populations.
Publications
- Baxendale, F.P. and A.P. Weinhold. 2000. Evaluation of Mach 2 formulations applied on 2 dates for control of bluegrass billbugs, 1999. Arthropod Management Tests. 25:357.
- Weinhold, A.P., F.P. Baxendale and R.D. Grisso. 2000. Efficacy of diazinon and bifenthrin insecticides for control of adult bluegrass billbugs, 1999. Arthropod Management Tests. 25:377.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale and T.P. Riordan. 2000. Efficacy of selected insecticides against second generation chinch bugs on buffalograss turf, 1999. Arthropod Management Tests. 25:378.
- Johnson, P.J., T.P. Riordan, J.M. Johnson-Cicalese, F.P. Baxendale, R.E. Gaussoin, R.C. Shearman and R.V. Klucas. 2000. Registration of 61 (Legacy) buffalograss. Crop Sci. 40:569-570.
- Riordan, T.P., P.J. Johnson, J.M. Johnson-Cicalese, R.E. Gaussoin, F.P. Baxendale, R.C. Shearman and R.V. Klucas. 2000. Registration of 118 buffalograss. Crop Sci. 40:570-571.
- Johnson-Cicalese, J.M., P.J. Johnson, T.P. Riordan, F.P. Baxendale, R.E. Gaussoin, J.E. Watkins and R.V. Klucas. 2000. Registration of 120 buffalograss. Crop Sci. 40:572.
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
Buffalograss germplasm was evaluated for resistance to the chinch bug, Blissus occiduus, by screening ten buffalograss selections (`Cody', `Tatanka', `Texoka', `609', `315', `378', NE86-120, NE86-61, NE91-118, and NE84-45-3) in greenhouse trials. `Cody', `Tatanka', and NE91-118 exhibited high to moderate levels of resistance to chinch bug feeding, whereas `378' and NE84-45-3 were moderately to highly susceptible. Additional greenhouse experiments investigated the categories of resistance (antixenosis, antibiosis, tolerance) for the ten selections. Choice studies revealed that NE91-118 exhibits high to moderate levels of antixenosis. No-choice experiments found no statistical differences in turfgrass quality between chinch bug-infested and non-infested `Cody', `Tatanka', and NE91-118 plants suggesting tolerance to chinch bug feeding. Chemical and mechanical (water injection) control studies using a John Deere RZI 700 Root Zone Injection applicator evaluated reduction
of Cyclocephala lurida and Agrotis ipsilon larvae on highly maintained turfs. For C. lurida, RZI 700-applied halofenozide and isofenphos resulted in 97% to 100% mortality, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin provided 67% and 88% larval mortality for one and two application passes, respectively. Mechanical (water-only injections) applications provided from 37% to 71% and 22% to 74% C. lurida and A. ipsilon larval mortality, respectively, depending on pulse rate of injections and number of applicator passes. Other studies documented the efficacy of synthetic and botanically-derived insecticides using various application methods for control of cutworms, sod webworms, billbugs, chinch bugs and white grubs in turfgrass.
Impacts
Arthropods cause significant injury each year to turfgrasses in Nebraska. This project is designed to identify the insects and mites affecting buffalograss and other turfgrasses, investigate their biology, ecology, distribution and injury potential, and develop effective, sustainable and environmentally-responsible IPM alternatives. Special attention is given to the identification of natural enemies which play an important role in regulating pest populations, and on locating insect-resistant germplasm.
Publications
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale and T.P. Riordan. 1998. Rhopus nigroclavatus (Ashmead) and Psuedaphycus sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): two parasitoids of the buffalograss mealybugs, Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp. J. Kansas Entomol. Soc. 71(1): 85-86.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale and T.P. Riordan. 1998. Beneficial arthropods associated with buffalograss. J. Econ. Entomol. 91(5): 1167-1172.
- Weinhold, A.P., F.P. Baxendale and R.D. Grisso. 1999. High pressure injection of liquid insecticides for control of southern masked chafer larvae, 1998. Arthropod Management Tests. 24:363.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, T.P. Riordan and L.J. Young. 1999. Influence of Rhopus nigroclavatus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) on the mealybugs, Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp. Environ. Entomol. 28(1): 123-1217.
- Baxendale, F.P., T.M. Heng-Moss and T.P. Riordan. 1999. Blissus occiduus Barber (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae): A chinch bug pest new to buffalograss turf. J. Econ. Entomol. 92(5): 1172-1176.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale and A.P. Weinhold. 1999. Black cutworm control using Conserve in combination with selected additives, 1998. Arthropod Management Tests. 24:332.
- Weinhold, A.P., F.P. Baxendale and R.D. Grisso. 1999. Mechanical control of late instar black cutworm on bentgrass using a John Deere RZI 700 high pressure liquid injection applicator, 1998. Arthropod Management Tests. 24:340.
- Baxendale, F.P., A.P. Weinhold and T.P Riordan. 1999. Effect of application timing of selected insecticides for control of bluegrass billbug, 1998. Arthropod Management Tests. 24:350.
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
Research demonstrated the effectiveness of the encyrtid parasitoid, Rhopus nigroclavatus (Ashmead)as a biological control agent for the buffalograss-feeding mealybugs, Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp. under greenhouse conditions. Results revealed the preference of R. nigroclavatus for adult female mealybugs and later instar nymphs. Significant differences were detected in numbers of mealybugs between treatments containing only mealybugs and those containing both mealybugs and parasitoids. Studies were initiated to identify buffalograss germplasm resistant to Blissus occiduus Barber, an important chinch bug pest of buffalograss in Nebraska, and to characterize the mechanisms of this resistance. In screening trials, `Cody' and `Tatanka' buffalograss consistently exhibited high levels of resistance to chinch bug feeding, while `Bonnie Brae' and NE 91-118 showed moderate levels of resistance. NE 86-61, NE 84-45-3, `378' and `315' were moderately to highly
susceptible. `Cody' and `Tatanka' maintained acceptable turf quality although heavily infested with chinch bugs, suggesting tolerance as a mechanism of the resistance. Research designed to assess the influence of trees and their understory on the abundance of insect pests and their arthropod natural enemies in tree/turf landscapes suggested that natural enemies may play a more important role in regulating tree/turf pest populations than previously thought. Spiders, ants and lady beetles were the most abundant predators in sweep samples whereas, spiders, ants and ground beetles were most abundant in pitfalls. Results suggested that tree borders provide food, shelter and refuge for these and other insect predators. Other studies documented the efficacy of synthetic and botanically-derived insecticides for control of cutworms, sod webworms, chinch bugs and white grubs in turfgrass.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Dix, M.E. and F.P. Baxendale. 1997. Insect pests and arthropod predators associated with tree-turf landscapes. J. Entomol. Sci. 32(3):257-271.
- Dix, M.E. and F.P. Baxendale. 1998. Arthropod on pine foliage in turf landscapes. J. Entomol. Sci. 33(1): 113-120.
- Johnson-Cicalese, J.M., F.P. Baxendale T.P. Riordan and T.M. Heng-Moss. 1998. Identification of mealybug (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) resistant turf-type buffalograss germplasm. J. Econ. Entomol. 91(1):340-346.
- Weinhold, A.P. and F.P. Baxendale. 1998. Control of early instar black cutworm using Conserve insecticide, 1997. Arthropod Management Tests. 23:320.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., A.P. Weinhold and F.P. Baxendale. 1998. Influence of application timing of insecticides on control of southern masked chafer, 1997. Arthropod Management Tests. 23:333.
- Weinhold, A.P., F.P. Baxendale, J. Schild and T. Merrigan. 1998. Selected rates of conventional and biorational insecticides for early season sod webworm control, 1997. Arthropod Management Tests. 23:340.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, A.P. Weinhold and T.P. Riordan. 1998. Effect of post-treatment irrigation on deltamethrin for buffalograss chinch bug control, 1997. Arthropod Management Tests. 23:341.
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Progress 10/01/96 to 09/30/97
Outputs
Beneficial arthropods collected from buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm., included predatory ants, spiders, ground beetles, rove beetles, big-eyed bugs, and several species of hymenopterous parasitoids. Ants and spiders represented 84% of the total beneficial arthropods captured. Two encyrtid parasitoids, Rhopus nigroclavatus (Ashmead) and Pseudaphycus sp. were reared and dissected from the buffalograss-feeding mealybugs, Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp. Parasitism rates of adult female mealybugs by R. nigroclavatus were 78.5%, 67.5%, and 4.25% for adult females, 3rd and 4th instar nymphs, and 1st and 2nd instar mealybugs, respectively. Research investigated the potential of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a rapid, economical and relatively simple method of screening large numbers of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and/or breeding lines for resistance to the bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal. Mechanical and
insecticidal control of selected turfgrass insect pests were investigated using the John Deere RZI-700 high-pressure liquid injector. Water injection provided over 40% white grub control on a golf course fairway. Modifications are underway to optimize the RZI-700 for mechanical and chemical control of additional turfgrass insect pests. Additional management studies documented the efficacy of synthetic and botanically-derived insecticides for control of white grubs, billbugs, cutworms, sod webworms and chinch bugs in turfgrass.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Baxendale, F.P. T.M. Heng-Moss and R.E. Gaussoin. 1997. Biorational insecticides for control of annual white grubs on a golf course fairway, 1996. Arthropod Management Tests 22:365.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, K.A. Weinhold and T.P. Riordan. 1997. Insecticidal control of chinch bugs on buffalograss, 1996. Arthropod Management Tests 22:372.
- Baxendale, F.P. and R.E. Gaussoin, eds. 1997. Integrated Turfgrass Management for the Northern Great Plains. EC97-1557. Univ. of Nebr., Coop. Extension. 256 p.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, J.M. Johnson-Cicalese, and T.P. Riordan. 1997. Non-destructive monitoring of mealybugs (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on buffalograss. Intl. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J.
- Baxendale, F.P., T.M. Heng-Moss and T.P. Riordan. 1997. Buffalograss Chinch Bugs. NF97-342. Univ. of Nebr., Coop. Extension.
- Baxendale, F.P, A.P. Weinhold, J. Schild and T. Merrigan. 1997. Spring application of conventional and biorational insecticides for control of sod webworms, 1996. Arthropod Management Tests 22:354.
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
Studies were initiated to document the beneficial arthropod community in buffalograss, Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm., & to determine if parasitoid wasps or other natural enemies can be used as biological control agents for arthropod pests associated with buffalograss. Several potentially important beneficial arthropods were identified. A parasitoid wasp, Rhopus sp., (Family Encyrtidae), was reared & dissected from the buffalograss-feeding mealybugs Tridiscus sporoboli & Trionymus sp. Studies are underway to evaluate Rhopus sp. as a potential biological control agent for these mealybugs. Preliminary research suggested the potential of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a rapid, economical and relatively simple method of screening large numbers of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and/or breeding lines for resistance to the bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal. Water, applied using a prototype John Deere high-pressure liquid injection
applicator equipped with newly developed multi-orifice spray tips, provided 46.8% control of white grubs on a golf course fairway. This technique has the potential to provide sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally compatible control of white grubs & certain other insect pests affecting turfgrasses. Mgmt. studies documented the efficacy of synthetic and botanically-derived insecticides & entomopathogenic nematodes for control of white grubs, chinch bugs, billbugs, cutworms, sod webworms, leafhoppers & mealybugs in turfgrass.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Weinhold, A.P and F.P. Baxendale. 1996. High-pressure injection of water for control of annual white grubs on a golf course fairway in 1995. In Turfgrass Research Rpt 1995, p. 22.
- Baxendale, F.P., A.P. Weinhold and J. Schild. 1996. Control of sod webworm on a Kentucky bluegrass lawn in Scotts Bluff Co., Nebraska, 1995. Arthropod Management Tests, 21:347.
- Baxendale, F.P., A.P. Weinhold, T.P. Riordan and T.M. Heng-Moss. 1996. Control of bluegrass billbug adults on a Kentucky bluegrass lawn in Saunders Co., Nebraska, 1995. Arthropod Management Tests, 21:347.
- Heng-Moss, T.M., F.P. Baxendale, A.P. Weinhold and T.P. Riordan. 1996. Mealybug control on buffalograss turf in Saunders Co., Nebraska, 1995. Arthropod Management Tests, 21:354.
- Riordan, T.P., F.P. Baxendale, R.E. Gaussoin and J.E. Watkins. 1996. Buffalograss: An Alternative Native Grass for Turf. G96-1297. Univ. of Nebr., Coop. Extension.
- Baxendale, F.P. and R.E. Gaussoin, eds. 1996. Integrated turfgrass management for the Northern Great Plains. EC96-1557. Univ. of Nebr., Coop. Extension.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
This project was not active during 1995. It became active in January, 1996; thus, there is no progress to report.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.
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