Evaluation of turfgrasses for resistance to mole crickets (Orthoptera : Gryllotalpidae)

Bermudagrass (Cynodon sp. and paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) genotypes were evaluated in laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments for potential re sistance to the common turfgrass pests, tawny mole cricket (Scapteriscus vi cinus Scudder) and southern mole cricket (Scapteriscus borellii Giglio-tos) . Potential resistance among 21 seashore paspalums to both insects in an en vironmental chamber at 27 degrees C, 85% relative humidity, and 15 hours li ght/9 hours dark) revealed that Glenn Oaks 'Adalayd' was least tolerant of cricket injury, while 561-79, HI-1, and 'Escalibur' were most tolerant. Nym phal survival was not influenced by turfgrass type. Plant selections that m aintained the highest percentage of their normal growth after 3 weeks of fe eding by tawny mole crickets over three separate greenhouse trials mere 561 -79, HI-1, HI-2, PI-509018, 'Excalibur', SIPV-1 paspalums, and 'Tifeagle' a nd 'Tifsport' bermudagrasses, Although none of the tested genotypes mas hig hly resistant to tawny mole cricket injury, 'TifSport' bermudagrass and 561 -79 (Argentine) seashore paspalum mere most tolerant.