ARS | Publication request: Occurrence of the Maize Billbug, Sphenophorus Maidis in Eastern Gamagrass

Submitted to: Southwestern Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 8, 2003
Publication Date: June 1, 2003
Citation: MAAS, D.L., SPRINGER, T.L., ARNOLD, D. OCCURRENCE OF THE MAIZE BILLBUG, SPHENOPHORUS MAIDIS IN EASTERN GAMAGRASS. SOUTHWESTERN ENTOMOLOGIST. 2003. V. 28(2). P.151-152.

Interpretive Summary: Maize billbug is a well documented pest of corn as well as sorghum, cattails and many species of wild grasses, reeds, rushes and sedges. Adult, pupal and larval stages of the maize billbug were collected from established plantings of eastern gamagrass in Woodward and Fort Supply, Oklahoma. Underground stems were hollowed out by larval feeding and subsequently used for pupation. Damage affected the prior year's reproductive and vegetative shoots, reducing overall plant vigor as well as seed yield. The maize billbug could potentially have a negative economic impact on seed production in eastern gamagrass.

Technical Abstract: Adult, pupal and larval stages of the maize billbug [Sphenophorus maidis (Chittenden)] were collected from established plantings of eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] in Woodward and Fort Supply, Oklahoma. Proaxis phytomers were hollowed out by larval feeding and subsequently used for pupation. Damage affected the prior year's reproductive and vegetative culms, reducing overall plant vigor as well as seed yield. S. maidis could potentially have a negative economic impact on seed production in eastern gamagrass.