Southwestern Entomologist (2012) 37, 115-122

John D. Burd, Jarrad R. Prasifka and Jeffrey D. Bradshaw (2012)
Establishment and host effects of cereal aphids on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars
Southwestern Entomologist 37 (2), 115-122
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', 'BlackweN', '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, suggested potential for developing cultivars resistant to specific aphids and biotypes.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): John D. Burd, Jarrad R. Prasifka

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Diuraphis noxia
	Rhopalosiphum maidis	Panicum (crop)
	Sitobion avenae	Panicum (crop)
	Rhopalosiphum padi	Panicum (crop)
	Schizaphis graminum	Panicum (crop)
	Sipha flava	Panicum (crop)