Sunflower Research Site Logo
ARS Home About Us Helptop nav spacerContact Us En Espanoltop nav spacer
Printable VersionPrintable Version     E-mail this pageE-mail this page
Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture
Search
  Advanced Search
 
Programs and Projects
Subjects of Investigation
 

Research Project: SUNFLOWER GERMPLASM DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVED INSECT AND DISEASE RESISTANCE

Location: Sunflower Research

Title: Establishment and host effects of cereal aphids on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars

Authors
item Burd, John -
item Prasifka, Jarrad
item Bradshaw, Jeffrey -

Submitted to: Southwestern Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 30, 2012
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
Citation: Burd, J.D., Prasifka, J.R., Bradshaw, J.D. 2012. Establishment and host effects of cereal aphids on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars. Southwestern Entomologist. 37(2):115-122.

Interpretive Summary: Potential for widespread plantings of switchgrass as a source for biomass prompted its evaluation as a host for important cereal aphids. Seedlings of four varieties of switchgrass, 'Kanlow', 'Blackwell', 'Cave-In-Rock', and 'Sunburst', were evaluated as hosts for greenbug (biotypes E, I, and Florida), Russian wheat aphid (biotype 2), bird-cherry oat aphid, corn leaf aphid, English grain aphid, and yellow sugarcane aphid. Greenbug biotype E and Russian wheat aphid biotype 2, both economically important cereal aphids in the United States, and English grain aphid were unable to establish on any of the switchgrass cultivars. However, greenbug biotypes I and Florida, bird-cherry oat aphid, corn leaf aphid, and yellow sugarcane aphid established on all cultivars tested. The aphids which successfully established on switchgrass also reduced plant growth (number of leaves added and leaf biomass), usually by 50% or more. Interactions between greenbug biotypes and cultivars, along with observations of other aphids on switchgrass cultivars, suggest there is potential for developing cultivars resistant to specific aphids and biotypes.

Technical Abstract: Potential for widespread plantings of switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L., as a biomass feedstock prompted its evaluation as a host for economically important cereal aphids. Seedlings of four cultivars of switchgrass, 'Kanlow', 'Blackwell', 'Cave-In-Rock', and 'Sunburst', were evaluated as hosts for greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), biotypes E, I, and Florida; Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdj.), biotype 2; bird-cherry oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.); corn leaf aphid, R. maidis (Fitch); English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.); and yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes). Greenbug biotype E and Russian wheat aphid biotype 2, both economically important cereal aphids in the United States, and English grain aphid were unable to establish on any of the switchgrass cultivars. However, greenbug biotypes I and Florida, bird-cherry oat aphid, corn leaf aphid, and yellow sugarcane aphid established on all cultivars tested. The aphids which successfully established on switchgrass also reduced plant growth (number of leaves added and leaf biomass), usually by 50% or more. Interactions between greenbug biotypes and cultivars, along with observations of other aphids on switchgrass cultivars, suggest there is potential for developing cultivars resistant to specific aphids and biotypes.

   

 
Project Team
Gulya, Thomas
Hulke, Brent
Prasifka, Jarrad
 
Publications
   Publications
 
Related National Programs
  Plant Genetic Resources, Genomics and Genetic Improvement (301)
 
Related Projects
   PYRAMIDING SCLEROTINIA HEAD ROT AND STALK ROT RESISTANCES INTO ELITE SUNFLOWER BREEDING LINES WITH THE AID OF DNA MARKERS
   DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANCE TO ATRAZINE (TRIAZINE) IN SUNFLOWER
   EXPANSION OF FIELD TESTING OF USDA-ARS PRE-RELEASE GERMPLASM TO ADDITIONAL WORK SITES IN THE SUNFLOWER GROWING REGION
   MONITORING THE DISTRIBUTION OF DOWNY MILDEW, VERTICILLIUM AND CHARCOAL ROT ON SUNFLOWER: A MULTIPLE STATES APPROACH
   EVALUATION OF SUNFLOWER FOR RESISTANCE TO SEED-AND STEM-INFESTING INSECT PESTS IN THE GREAT PLAINS
   DISCOVERY AND USE OF NOVEL SOURCES OF RESISTANCE TO HEAD ROT AND STALK ROT IN CULTIVATED SUNFLOWER AND WILD HELIANTHUS
   INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF SUNFLOWER VOLATILES AND OTHER SEMIOCHEMICALS IN RESISTANCE TO INSECT PESTS
   DISCOVERY AND USE OF NOVEL SOURCES OF RESISTANCE TO HEAD ROT AND STALK ROT IN CULTIVATED SUNFLOWER AND WILE HELIANTHUS
   Mapping phomopsis and sclerotinia resistance using SNP marker technology
 
 
Last Modified: 05/24/2013
ARS Home | USDA.gov | Site Map | Policies and Links 
FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Nondiscrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | White House