Entomology, Department of

 

Date of this Version

10-2005

Comments

USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online 4(19):1-7 (October 1, 2005)

Abstract

Researchers at the University of Nebraska evaluated selected cool- and warm-season turfgrasses for resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex, and documented the presence of multiple chinch bug resistance in these turfgrasses.

Greenhouse and field screening studies were initiated to search for cool- and warm-season turfgrasses with resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex. Several warmseason turfgrasses (buffalograss, zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass) with resistance to the western chinch bug have been identified.

Studies are currently underway to investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying resistant turfgrasses. This information is fundamentally important for formulating plant breeding strategies, and subsequently developing chinch bug-resistant germplasm through conventional breeding and biotechnological techniques.

This research project has also focused on documenting the presence of multiple chinch bug resistance among these cool- and warm-season turfgrasses. These studies have identified turfgrasses with resistance to multiple chinch bugs and suggest different feeding mechanisms among the chinch bug complex. The varying degrees of susceptibility and resistance exhibited among the turfgrasses evaluated underscores the importance of identifying turfgrasses that are not only resistant to one particular chinch bug species, but also resistant to other chinch bug species inhabiting nearby turf areas.

Knowledge gained from this research will benefit golf course superintendents, sod producers, and other turfgrass managers by furnishing turfgrasses with improved resistance to chinch bugs.

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