CHINCH BUG DAMAGE TO BERMUDAGRASS

Abstract

Chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say), population densities and damage were recorded from bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., pastures in Tifton, GA. Field observations of chinch bug populations indicated they prefer and/or damage goosegrass (Eleusine indica [L.) Gaertn) > Texas panicum, (Panicum texanum [Buckl]) > bermudagrass ≥ crowfoot grass, (Dactyloctenium aegyptium) [L.]), pigweed, (Amaranthus sp.), or sicklepod, (Cassia obtusifolia [L.]). These results suggest initial chinch bug infestations originated on goosegrass and spread to bermudagrass. Laboratory assays using adult and nymphal chinch bugs showed a preference for goosegrass over other grasses and weeds in bermudagrass pastures. A laboratory assay of six bermudagrass varieties showed that Kenya 61 was most preferred and Tifton 292 the least preferred by chinch bug nymphs.