Evaluation of Chinese Centipedegrasses and other Turfgrass Taxa for Potential Resistance to Twolined Spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say)

Warm season turf taxa of centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack], bermudagrass [Cynodon L.C. Rich, spp.], St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze], and zoysiagrass [Zoysia Willd. spp.] were evaluated for tolerance to adult twolined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta Say) feeding in choice and no-choice experiments, and for their ability to support nymphal development (antibiosis potential). Among 133 selections evaluated, few showed evidence of potential antibiosis and/or improved tolerance over commercially available cultivars. Most of the centipedegrass taxa evaluated were susceptible to the spittlebug. However, some potential antibiosis among Chinese centipedegrass taxa was identified, and there was a gradient in the ability to tolerate spittlebug feeding. Among centipedegrasses, TC 358 and TC 362 showed moderate tolerance and recovery in no-choice and choice trials. The most tolerant bermudagrasses in no-choice trials were 00 - 23, 03 - 14, and 03 - 15. Centipedegra...