Abstract

Abstract Previous observations on the effect of endophyte infection in turfgrass on white grub development and natural incidence have been variable and contradictory. We reexamined these white grub-endophyte interactions and expanded them to the previously not studied oriental beetle (Exomala [= Anomala] orientalis Waterhouse). Endophyte infection in strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. rubra) had no effect on survival and weight gain of neonate Japanese beetle (P. japonica Newman) and E. orientalis larvae in greenhouse pot experiments. In tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreber) in greenhouse pot and in microplot field experiments, endophyte infection had no significant effect on survival and a weak negative effect on weight gain of P. japonica, but reduced E. orientalis survival without affecting its weight gain. In samples taken from tall fescue fields in October, the natural incidence of third instars was higher in endophytic than in nonendophytic turf in 3 of 4 yr. The effect was strongest ...

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