Blissus Insularis Barber Research Articles

Evaluation of Cool- and Warm-Season Grasses for Resistance to Multiple Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) Species

Chinch bugs are common pests of many agronomic and horticulturally important crops and turfgrasses. The extensive overlap of plant hosts and geographic distribution of Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say), Blissus leucopterus hirtus Montandon, Blissus insularis Barber, and Blissus occiduus Barber underscores the importance of identifying resistant germplasm. Cool- and warm-season turfgrasses and sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, were evaluated for resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex, and the presence of multiple resistance was documented. Greenhouse studies established that B. occiduus-resistant ('Prestige', formerly NE91-118) and -susceptible ('378') buffalograsses,, Buchloë dactyloides (Nuttall) Engelmann, were susceptible to all other chinch bug species. KS94 sorghum exhibited resistance to both B. occiduus and B. l. leucopterus, whereas B. insularis-resistant St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze ('Floratam'), was also resistant to B. occiduus. B. l. leucopterus-susceptible sorghum ('Wheatland') and B. insularis-susceptible St. Augustinegrasses ('Raleigh' and 'Amerishade') were highly resistant to B. occiduus. Endophyte-free and -enhanced fine fescues (Festuca spp.) were moderately to highly susceptible to B. l. hirtus but moderately to highly resistant to B. occiduus. The results of this research showed the buffalograsses evaluated, including B. occiduus-resistant Prestige, are moderately to highly susceptible to the three other chinch bug species. In contrast, B. occiduus did not cause considerable damage to any of the turfgrasses or sorghum cultivars evaluated, other than buffalograss, irrespective of whether or not they are resistant to another chinch bug species. This information is increasingly important as various grasses become adapted to regions that may possess chinch bug species other than those with which they are typically associated. These levels of Blissus resistance should be included when selecting resistant germplasm for managing Blissus species pests.

Evaluation of Cool- and Warm-Season Grasses for Resistance to Multiple Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) Species

Chinch bugs are common pests of many agronomic and horticulturally important crops and turfgrasses. The extensive overlap of plant hosts and geographic distribution of Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say), Blissus leucopterus hirtus Montandon, Blissus insularis Barber, and Blissus occiduus Barber underscores the importance of identifying resistant germplasm. Cool- and warm-season turfgrasses and sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, were evaluated for resistance to chinch bugs in the Blissus complex, and the presence of multiple resistance was documented. Greenhouse studies established that B. occiduus-resistant ('Prestige', formerly NE91-118) and -susceptible ('378') buffalograsses,, Buchloë dactyloides (Nuttall) Engelmann, were susceptible to all other chinch bug species. KS94 sorghum exhibited resistance to both B. occiduus and B. l. leucopterus, whereas B. insularis-resistant St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze ('Floratam'), was also resistant to B. occiduus. B. l. leucopterus-susceptible sorghum ('Wheatland') and B. insularis-susceptible St. Augustinegrasses ('Raleigh' and 'Amerishade') were highly resistant to B. occiduus. Endophyte-free and -enhanced fine fescues (Festuca spp.) were moderately to highly susceptible to B. l. hirtus but moderately to highly resistant to B. occiduus. The results of this research showed the buffalograsses evaluated, including B. occiduus-resistant Prestige, are moderately to highly susceptible to the three other chinch bug species. In contrast, B. occiduus did not cause considerable damage to any of the turfgrasses or sorghum cultivars evaluated, other than buffalograss, irrespective of whether or not they are resistant to another chinch bug species. This information is increasingly important as various grasses become adapted to regions that may possess chinch bug species other than those with which they are typically associated. These levels of Blissus resistance should be included when selecting resistant germplasm for managing Blissus species pests.

Southern Chinch Bug Feeding Impact on St. Augustinegrass Growth Under Different Irrigation Regimes

Blissus insularis Barber reportedly is more damaging and abundant in sunny, drought-stressed areas of St. Augustinegrass compared to more properly irrigated areas of lawns. However, little is known about the response of St. Augustinegrass to B. insularis feeding and its interaction with irrigation. We sought to quantify St. Augustinegrass growth response to three levels of irrigation (30, 60, or 100% sand saturation) and B. insularis densities (0, 30, or 200 fourth and fifth instars per 181.4 cm2). Feeding by B. insularis significantly reduced turfgrass color, density, yield of grass clippings, and dry root weight at all irrigation levels. Main effects of irrigation level, however, were not significant, and there was no interaction between B. insularis density and irrigation level. Our results suggest that increased irrigation may not prevent B. insularis damage. It is possible that long-term B. insularis feeding damage may look like drought stress, but not be a result thereof. Also, B. insularis could already be present and feeding in a lawn, but a secondary stress, like drought, may intensify the damage. We speculate that increased temperature in sunny areas or near sidewalks and roads may decrease the development time of localized B. insularis populations and the ensuing greater B. insularis densities cause more and faster turfgrass damage.

Interrelationship of Big-Eyed Bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) and Southern Chinch Bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in Florida Lawns2

The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, is the most important insect pest of St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze. Fifteen chinch bug infestations in St. Augustinegrass lawns in Florida were sampled by vacuuming. Additional vacuum samples were taken in 15 randomly selected St. Augustinegrass lawns. The big-eyed bug, Geocoris uliginosus Say, was the most frequent and abundant big-eyed bug found at the infestations. Data showed that big-eyed bugs (Geocoris spp.) were highly aggregated at chinch bug infestations. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between numbers of chinch bugs and big-eyed bugs at chinch bug infestations showing that big-eyed bugs had a numerical predator response to increasing chinch bug populations.

Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) Survival on St. Augustinegrass Selections

The survival of female vs male adults of southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis Barber) was determined on five selections of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze) of which three (Floratam, 1997-6, Floratine) are susceptible to southern chinch bugs and two (FX-10, NUF-76) are resistant. Survival of different chinch bug life stages (small nymphs, large nymphs, adults) on the five selections also was determined. Survival of female adults, male adults, and other life stages was higher on the three susceptible selections than on the two resistant selections. These data show that survivorship of all stages of southern chinch bugs (small nymphs, large nymphs, adults of both sexes) tested responded similarly to the five St. Augustinegrass selections.

New Source of Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) Resistance in a Diploid Selection of St. Augustinegrass

Over 400,000 ha of St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze, are managed as a turfgrass in the southern United States, and the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, is its most important insect pest. New sources of host plant resistance to southern chinch bugs became necessary due to the development of virulent populations of chinch bugs which were able to feed on the only acceptable resistant cultivar, Floratam. Initial testing evaluated 14 lines for chinch bug resistance using insects collected from five locations from Palm Beach Co., FL. Host plant resistance was determined by mortality of adult chinch bugs held on a turfgrass for 14 d. A second study was conducted with five lines from the first test with southern chinch bugs collected from nine locations throughout Florida. Tests showed a high level of southern chinch bug resistance in NUF 76, NUF 216 and FX-10. Leaf blades of NUF-76 are significantly shorter and narrower than other tested St. Augustinegrass lines when evaluated 2 wks after mowing. NUF-76 is unique because for the first time, resistance to the southern chinch bug has been identified within a diploid line of St. Augustinegrass. Prior to this, southern chinch bug resistance was only associated with polyploid lines which generally have large leaves and reduced or no seed set due to sterility problems. This discovery will allow chinch bug resistance to be more easily bred into other St. Augustinegrass lines.

Seasonal Wing Polymorphism in Southern Chinch Bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze lawns are used throughout the southern United States for their climatic adaptation and their ability to tolerate full sun to moderate shade. The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber is the plant's most damaging pest (Crocker 1993). The adaptability of this insect is shown by its developing resistance to insecticides (Reinert & Portier 1983) and overcoming host plant resistance (Busey & Center 1987; Cherry & Nagata 1997). Southern chinch bugs (SCB) can occur as either macropterous or brachypterous adults. However, other than anecdotal reports, there are little field data on the occurrence of these wing forms in SCB. Also, reasons for the occurrence of brachypterous versus macropterous adults in SCB are poorly understood. Wilson (1929) reported that both macropterous and brachypterous SCB adults occur in Florida and these vary in relative numbers during the year, but no data were given. Komblas (1962) reported that population density was a factor in SCB wing form, noting that a larger percentage of nymphs raised under crowded conditions developed into macropterous adults than did uncrowded nymphs. Leonard (1966) discussed migration as an important factor in SCB wing formation. Lastly, Reinert and Kerr (1973) noted that although macropterous and brachypterous adults may be found in SCB, the latter predominates. However, reasons for the occurrence of the two wing forms were not discussed. The objectives of this study were to determine the seasonal occurrence of wing polymorphism in SCB in southern Florida and to determine if wing polymorphism is correlated with field population density. Chinch bugs were collected from infested St. Augustinegrass lawns in Palm Beach County, Florida from December 1999, to December 2000. Five new SCB infestations were located each month by looking for damaged yellow grass and then visually confirming the presence of SCB. Insects were collected by suctioning for 5 minutes a 1 x 1 m area at each infestation. Nymphs and adults were collected by suction into a gasoline powered modified WeedEater? Barracuda blower/vacuum (Poulan/WeedEater, Shreveport, LA). The use of a suction technique for sampling SCB was described by Crocker (1993). After collection, samples were frozen for later counting in a laboratory. Samples were passed through as U.S.A. Standard Testing Sieve #10 (2 mm opening) to remove large debris. Microscopic examination was used to determine the sex and wing form of each adult and count nymphs. In order to determine possible seasonal differences in wing polymorphism, samples from 3 month periods were pooled. For the purposes of this paper, winter is defined as December, January, and February, spring is March, April, and May, summer is June, July, and August, and fall is September, October, and November. These definitions correspond to seasonal definitions for the North Temperate Zone (Guralnik 1982). Mean differences in population density (nymphs + adults per sample) between seasons were determined using Tukey's test. Mean differences in percentage macropterous adults (macropterous adults/total adults per sample) between seasons were also determined using Tukey's test (SAS 1996). Pearson's correlation (SAS 1996) of percentage macropterous adults versus SCB density (adults, nymphs, or total = adults + nymphs) in all samples (N = 60) was conducted to examine possible relationships between wing form and field population density. Pearson's correlation for percentage macropterous males (macropterous males/ total adults) versus percentage macropterous females in all samples (N = 60) was also conducted to determine if both sexes were responding similarly to the factor or factors causing macroptery in the field. There was no significant difference in population density between the four seasons (Table 1). However, means during the winter-spring were lower than the summer-fall. Hence, data from winter and spring were pooled and compared against pooled data from summer and fall. The summer-fall population density (mean = 1746, SD = 3447) was significantly greater (alpha = 0.05) than winter-spring population density (mean = 431, SD = 682) by t-test analysis (t = 2.1, 58 DF). These data are in general agreement with Komblas (1962) and Reinert and Kerr (1973). Komblas (1962) reported that SCB populations decreased during winter in Louisiana. Reinert and Kerr (1973) also reported that field populations of SCB decrease drastically in cooler weather. There was no significant difference in percentage of macropterous adults between the four seasons (Table 1). However, as with population density, means during the winter-spring were again lower than the summer-fall. Hence, data from the winter and spring were again pooled and compared against pooled data from the summerfall. The summer-fall macroptery (mean = 22.3, SD = 18.1) was significantly greater (alpha = 0.05)

Interrelationship of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Southern Chinch Bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in Florida Lawns

The southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, and ants were sampled at chinch bug infestations in southern Florida. Samples were obtained both by vacuuming and by flotation. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was found more frequently and in greater abundance at the infestations than any other ant species. Data also show that the introduction of exotic ant species has resulted in a large reduction in the relative abundance of native ant species in the urban environment of southern Florida. Ants have been reported as predators of southern chinch bugs. However, my data show that ants show little response to southern chinch bugs at the population level and probably are not important in controlling chinch bug populations.

Southern Chinch Bug, Blissus insularis Barber (Insecta: Hemiptera: Lygaeidae)

This EDIS publication is an alternate version of a page published first on the Featured Creatures website. The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This 5-page fact sheet sheet that discusses the southern chinch bug was written by Stacy Woods and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, August 2001. EENY-226/IN383: Southern Chinch Bug, Blissus insularis Barber (Insecta: Hemiptera: Blissidae) (ufl.edu)

Survival of Different Life Stages of the Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) Following Insecticidal Applications

Survival of different life stages of the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, was measured after insecticidal applications of acephate, chlorpyrifos, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Adults and nymphs, but not eggs, were killed with all three insecticides sprayed at recommended field rates. Even when sprigs of St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze, were sprayed to runoff (drench), eggs were not killed. In topical treatments, only chlorpyrifos killed eggs when the insecticides were applied directly to the eggs.

Field and Laboratory Resistance of St. Augustinegrass Germplasm to the Southern Chinch Bug

St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] is host to the southern chinch bug (SCB) (Blissus insularis Barber). This study evaluated and compared field and laboratory resistance of St. Augustinegrass germplasm to the SCB. Turf field plots of 20 St. Augustinegrass genotypes were monitored monthly for 2 years for damage by the SCB. After each occurrence of damage, plots were treated individually with an insecticide and allowed to become damaged again. Genotypes differed in frequency of damage, which varied from 1.02 occurrences per year for FX-22 and FX-338 to zero occurrences per year for `Floratam'. During the next 2 years when no insecticide was applied, the portion of dead canopy varied from 86% for FX-313 to 0% for `Floratam'. In a second field experiment, SCB damage was evaluated in 10 polyploid St. Augustinegrass genotypes. Damage varied from 90% for `Bitterblue' to 0% for `FX-10'. Oviposition rate was determined from SCB confined in the laboratory on genotypes from both field experiments. Oviposition rate differed among genotypes and predicted (P < 0.01; r2 = 0.67 to 0.79) field damage. To my knowledge, this paper is the first to report field resistance to the SCB in St. Augustinegrass, validating the use of laboratory bioassays.

Genetic Diversity and Vulnerability of St. Augustinegrass

St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze, expanding rapidly as a lawn grass, due especially to urban development in warm coastal areas, where it is best adapted. Although first discovered in South Carolina, in 1788, St. Augustinegrass may not be native to North America. The six other species of the genus are endemic to the Old World, and are still confined mainly along shorelines from Africa to the South Pacific. The first recorded use of St. Augustinegrass was in 1880, as a lawn in Florida. Cultivars were named beginning in the 1920s. The first cultivar of known parentage was released in 1980. Genetic diversity in the urban landscape is reduced by reliance on a few vegetatively propagated cultivars. Among breeding collections of St. Augustinegrass, considerable diversity exists for diploids, but not for polyploids. A related species, pembagrass, S. dimidiatum (L). Brongn., is resistant to the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, and the sting nematode, Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau., which are pests of St. Augustinegrass. Currently, only 26 foreign introductions of Stenotaphrum are found in the National Plant Germplasm System. Untapped germplasm potential of polyploid St. Augustinegrass and related species should be explored in southern Africa, where potential sources of resistance to chinch bugs and drought, and shade tolerance might be found. For new problems that will be discovered, genetic diversity must be deployed so as to deter resistance‐breaking pest strains. This will require better knowledge of the biological relationships.

Resistance Bioassay from Southern Chinch Bug (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) Excreta

Antibiosis is considered to be the mechanism of resistance to the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, because of high mortality and reduced oviposition rate of southern chinch bugs confined on ‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze, compared with susceptible cultivars. To evaluate an alternative resistance bioassay, we determined the feeding response as excreta weight and grass residence frequency, based on the frequency of confined bugs on the grass. Within 24 h after presentation, excreta dry weight and grass residence frequency were reduced when bugs were confined on the resistant ‘Floratam’, compared with the susceptible ‘FX-313’ St. Augustinegrass. Excreta weight differed among hosts in several experiments involving 1 to 20 bugs per sprig. Excreta dry weight on resistant St. Augustinegrass genotypes such as ‘Floratam’ was always low (1-3 μg per bug per day) compared with susceptible hosts (range mostly 10-20 μg per bug per day). Excreta weight was highly correlated with oviposition rate (r2 = 0.42) on a genotype-mean basis. Because visual evaluation of the amount of excreta was more efficient than weighing in detecting resistance differences, we conclude that this technique is a rapid and powerful tool for detecting resistance. In two experiments, bugs reinstated within 2 and 5 d from ‘Floratam’ to a susceptible host showed no continuing effect from the prior host. Therefore, we conclude that the basis of resistance by ‘Floratam’ must be a feeding resistance.

Polyploid Stenotaphrum Germplasm: Resistance to the Polyploid Damaging Population Southern Chinch Bug

‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegruss [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] has been widely used in lawns because of its resistance to the southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis Barber). The southern chinch bug adapted genetically to Floratam and seriously damaged this cultivar within 12 yr after release. The Floratam‐adapted southern chinch bug has been described as the polyploid damaging population (PDP), because polyploid germplasm had previously shown resistance. This study examined polyploid germplusm for resistance to the PDP southern chinch bug. Stenotaphrum clones were bioassayed by confining stolon cuttings with PDP southern chinch bugs from different regions. Resistant clones were detected based on reduced southern chinch bug longevity, oviposition rate, and excrement production, compared with Floratam. The most resistant clones were PI 365031, a pembagrass [S. dimidiatum (L.) Brongn.], and FX‐2, FX‐10, and FX‐33 (intercrusses of polyploid S. secundatum from Africa). They supported low PDP southern chinch bug oviposition (≤5 eggs female‐1 wk‐1 and ≤25 eggs lifetime‐1). Resistance of FX‐33 was verified against PDP southern chinch bugs (representing laboratory colonies and field recollections) in mated pairs and congregations, and against southern chinch bugs that had received different prior food sources. Both FX‐33 and FX‐10 typified the African polyploid St. Augustinegrass germplasm by having 2n = 30 chromosomes, bivalent pairing at metaphase I, good crossed seed set, and abundant laminar hairs.

Inheritance of Host Adaptation in the Southern Chinch Bug (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)

The southern chinch bug ( Blissus insularis Barber) adapted to the resistant turf cultivar, ‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegrass ( Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze), within 12 yr after cultivar release. The inheritance of host adaptation was studied in a crossing experiment involving reciprocal F2 chinch bug crosses confined on ‘Floratam.’ Interpopulation crosses (e.g., nonadapted × adapted) were intermediate in mean oviposition rate and longevity compared with parent populations. This proved that host adaptation was inherited and that different populations of southern chinch bug could readily interbreed. Intercrosses among regional sources of adapted chinch bugs were well adapted to the resistant cultivar, thus host adaptation was controlled by the same genes, or similar gene action in different sources. Host adaptation of chinch bugs was increased experimentally through selection on the resistant cultivar, as demonstrated by increased longevity on ‘Floratam’ in the F3 generation from ‘Floratam’-exposed, surviving F2's, compared with naive, nonexposed progeny.

St. Augustinegrass Antibiosis to Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) and to St. Augustine Decline Strain of Panicum Mosaic Virus

Antibiosis to Texas populations of southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, was tested in 38 selected cultivars and experimental lines of St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze. High levels of resistance were measured in the experimental lines PI-410357, New Zealand-2, Mutant-5, TXSA-8202 (=Mutant-6), TXSA- 8218 (=Mutant-8), and the cultivar ’Floralawn.’ Although some B. insularis in Florida reportedly have overcome resistance by ’Floratam,’ we encountered no evidence of such a phenomenon. FA-243 was susceptible and FA-82 was slower acting than ‘Floratam.’ Both lines have been reported to be highly resistant to Florida B. insularis . Experimental lines DALSA-8208, DALSA-8216, and DALSA-8401 demonstrated moderate levels of antibiosis. The cultivars ‘Raleigh’ and ‘Seville’ and several experimental lines were susceptible. Bioassays of the grasses for resistance to the St. Augustine decline strain of the Panicum mosaic virus (PMV-SAD) indicated that all were resistant to the virus except FA-82, ‘Texas Common,’ TXSA-8262, DALSA-8203, DALSA-8207, DALSA-8209, DALSA-8210, DALSA-8212, DALSA-8217, DALSA-8403, and WT-1.

Southern Chinch Bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) Overcomes Resistance in St. Augustinegrass

A population of the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber, extensively damaged turf plantings of ‘Floratam’, a polyploid St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze, recognized for its resistance to this pest. We compared nymphal development, adult longevity, and egg production of this southern chinch bug population (polyploid-damaging population [PDP] with a standard population (STD), when both were provided St. Augustinegrass cultivars resistant and non-resistant to southern chinch bugs, STD bugs confined on resistant cultivars ‘Floratam’ and ‘Floralawn’ survived only 12 and 22 d, respectively, but survived 77 d on a susceptible cultivar (‘Florida Common’). In contrast, PDP bugs survived an average of 62 d on ‘Floratam’ and 80 d on ‘Floralawn’, STD females laid two eggs per female on resistant cultivars, but PDP females laid an average of 30 eggs on ‘Floratam’ and 85 eggs on ‘Floralawn’, Both PDP and STD bugs developed to adulthood on ‘Florida Common’, whereas only PDP bugs developed on ‘Floratam’.

Old World St. Augustinegrasses Resistant to the Southern Chinch Bug (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)

Several introduced clones of St. Augustine grass, Stenotaphrum secunda tum (Walt.) Kuntze and S. dimidiatum (L.) Brongn., from the Republic of South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malagasy Republic exhibited high levels of resistance (antibiosis > ‘Floratam’, a resistant cultivar) to the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis Barber. Resistance of 37 Stenotaphrum clones was evaluated on the basis of mortality of field-collected adult clinch bugs confined for 7 days with grass stolon terminals in plastic bags. Only polyploid St. Augustnegrasses were antibiotic to B. insularis. Resistance was found in both Old and New World clones, but not all polyploid St. Augustine grass clones were resistant to the southern chinch bug.

Carbamate and Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides for Control of Organophosphate-Resistant Southern Chinch Bugs (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)1

Tests conducted on residential lawns in southern Florida confirmed resistance to the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos, in Blissus insularis Barber. A carbamate, propoxur, and two synthetic pyrethroids, fenvalerate and pennethrin, provided good control of the resistant southern chinch bug populations.

Pesticide Screening Test for the Southern Chinch Bug1

A field cage technique for pesticide screening was developed for Blissus insularis Barber in St. Augustinegrass, Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze, in Texas. The method provides reliable results even when large natural populations are not available.