Author
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Maas, David |
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Springer, Timothy |
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Submitted to: Southwestern Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 3/22/2005 Publication Date: 3/1/2005 Citation: Maas, D.L., Springer, T.L. 2005. Southern corn stalk borer, Diatraea crambidoides (Grote), feeding damage on eastern gamagrass in Oklahoma. Southwestern Entomologist. 30:67-69. Interpretive Summary: Southern cornstalk borer is a well documented pest of corn as well as sorghum. Larvae of the southern cornstalk borer were collected from established plantings of eastern gamagrass in Oklahoma. Underground stems were hollowed out by larval feeding and subsequently used for pupation. Eastern gamagrass has been previously noted as a food source for the southern cornstalk borer, although this is the first documentation in Oklahoma as host to the complete life cycle. Damage to reproductive and vegetative shoots of eastern gamagrass will reduce seed and forage production. Technical Abstract: Larvae of the southern cornstalk borer, Diatraea crambidoides (Grote) were collected from established plantings of eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] in Woodward and Fort Supply, Oklahoma during the late winter of 2002. Reproductive and vegetative shoots were hollowed out by larval feeding and subsequently used for pupation. During the summer of 2003, larvae ranging in size from 5mm to 20 mm and pupae were observed in both reproductive and vegetative shoots. Eastern gamagrass has been previously noted as a food source for D. crambidoides, although this is the first documentation in Oklahoma as host to the complete life cycle. D. crambidoides will have a negative economic impact on seed and forage production in eastern gamagrass. |
