Evaluation of buffalograss germplasm for resistance to Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae).

Blissus occiduus Barber has emerged as an important insect pest of buffalograss, Buchloë dactyloides (Nuttall) Engelmann, in Nebraska. This research evaluated selected buffalograss germplasm for resistance to B. occiduus. Eleven buffalograss selections were screened for chinch bug resistance in three greenhouse studies and two field evaluations. Based on chinch bug damage, NE91-118, 'Tatanka', 'Bonnie Brae', and 'Cody' were rated highly to moderately resistant. These four buffalograsses exhibited minimal damage, even though all were heavily infested with chinch bugs. NE84-45-3 and '378' were highly susceptible to B. occiduus. Field evaluations confirmed chinch bug resistance ratings under field conditions. NE91-118 displayed high levels of resistance in the field screening evaluations, whereas Cody and Tatanka showed moderate levels of resistance, and 378 was highly susceptible.