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The ecology and the biological control of the annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis Kirby (Coleoptera: curculionidae) using entomopathogenic nematodes (rhabditida: steinernematidae and heterorhabditidae)
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McGraw, Benjamin Alexander. The ecology and the biological control of the annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis Kirby (Coleoptera: curculionidae) using entomopathogenic nematodes (rhabditida: steinernematidae and heterorhabditidae). Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T39C6XP3

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TitleThe ecology and the biological control of the annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis Kirby (Coleoptera: curculionidae) using entomopathogenic nematodes (rhabditida: steinernematidae and heterorhabditidae)
NameMcGraw, Benjamin Alexander (author); Koppenhofer, Albrecht (chair); Hamilton, George (internal member); Lashomb, James (internal member); Clarke, Bruce (outside member); Rutgers University; Graduate School - New Brunswick
Date Created
Other Date2009-01 (degree)
SubjectEntomology, Turfgrasses--Diseases and pests
Extentxvii, 165 p. : ill.
DescriptionThe annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis Kirby, is a highly destructive insect pest of fine turfgrass in the northeastern United States and eastern Canadian provinces. I examined the spatial ecology of L. maculicollis and assessed the virulence of endemic and released entomopathogenic nematodes to weevil stages to develop ecologically based control programs. Endemic populations of Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar infected a range of weevil instars and caused moderate generational mortality. The variability in seasonal abundance of endemic nematode populations and the variability in weevil generational mortality suggests an inability for reliable pest population regulation. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated that L. maculicollis fourth- and fifth-instar larvae were moderately to highly susceptible to nematode infection. Several species of nematodes significantly reduced densities of both instars, although a decrease in susceptibility to nematodes was observed as the insect aged. No difference was observed between the virulence of endemic and commercial nematode strains to any L. maculicollis stage tested. Field trials conducted over a three year period demonstrated great variability in the ability of commercial and endemic nematodes applied at standard field concentrations to reduce L. maculicollis densities below damage thresholds. Many factors, including nematode concentration, weevil spatial distribution and density, and timing of application are believed to have contributed to the variability in control.
The spatio-temporal distribution of emerging overwintering adult populations, first generation larvae and the distribution of host plants were examined to identify the spatial structure of populations, better target curative controls and develop monitoring programs. Significant aggregations of cumulative adult captures, larvae and their preferred hosts (Poa annua L.) were found on fairway edges when the entire width of fairways was sampled. Adult distribution rarely coincided with the following week's spatial pattern, suggesting that adults actively disperse across fairways throughout the oviposition period. Spatial association was detected between adults and larvae, but rarely between either stage and P. annua. The findings challenge assumptions of L. maculicollis host preference, but suggest a potential for targeting controls. The data were used to develop sequential sampling programs to rapidly assess adult densities and estimate the threat of larval damage.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references (p. 152-164)
Noteby Benjamin Alexander McGraw
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Persistent URLhttps://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T39C6XP3
Languageeng
CollectionGraduate School - New Brunswick Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameNjNbRU
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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