Control of Buffalograss Chinch Bugs with Beauvarja Bassiana and Entomopathogenic Nematodes, 1993

The study was conducted on a buffalograss lawn in Lincoln, NE. The turf was maintained at a mowing height of 3.5 inches and thatch accumulation in the plot area was 0.25 inches. Field conditions at the time of application were: soil type, silty clay loam; soil organic matter, 3-5%; soil pH, 6-7; water pH, 7.0; soil moisture, near field capacity. Plots were 4 × 4 ft and the experimental design was a RCB with 3 replications’. Insecticide treatments were applied 2 Sep. Prior to application, the plot area was mowed to 1.5 inches. Treatments were applied with a CO2 sprayer using a LF-4 tip at 24 psi and delivering 5 gal finished spray/1000 ft2. Immediately following application, plots were syringed with 0.25 inches water. A total of 0.29 and 0.68 inches of rain fell respectively, during the 7 and 14 day post-treatment periods. Product efficacy was evaluated 9 and 16 Sep (7 and 14 DAT) by removing from each plot three turf-soil cores to a depth of 1 inch with a 4.25-inch diam cup cutter (0.3 ft2 total area per plot). Cores were returned to the laboratory and placed in Berlese funnels. Extracted chinch bugs were counted after 48 hr.