June 8, 2007 No. 15
We are attempting to document the level of Hessian fly infestation throughout Kansas. Thus, if you have noted any Hessian fly infested wheat this spring, or if you discover Hessian fly damaged plants during harvest please notify us, by either calling Jeff Whitworth, at 785-532-5656 or by e-mail jwhitwor@ksu.edu . We continue to have localized losses to Hessian fly but we don’t really have information regarding the magnitude of the problem or it’s potential. Without documentation it’s difficult to get wheat breeders interested in developing agronomically acceptable varieties which incorporate Hessian fly resistance and we’d really like to do this before these localized problems become widespread.
Jeff Whitworth
Baxter Springs – 1297; Clyde – 947; El Dorado – 1101.5; Elkhart – 900; Ellsworth – 1064; Emporia – 1086; Garden City – 1335; Hays – 873; Hiawatha – 1029; Hutchinson – 1045.5; Independence – 1268.5; Kansas City – 1091; Lawrence – 1088.5; Manhattan – 1088.5; Newton – 1017; Olathe – 1082; Pittsburg – 1291; Saint Francis – 625; Salina – 1068.5; Topeka – 1149; and Wichita – 1122.
Bob Bauernfeind
Snake skins?........ A “snake skin” was received earlier this week. Well, maybe resembled a snake skin, but the sender knew that it wasn’t. But what was it???
It was the silken tube of a buffalograss webworm. Despite its name, buffalograss webworms also feed on Bermuda grass. Buffalograss webworms historically have been reported from in Pratt, Stafford, Barton, Russell, Ellis and Trego counties. This is the time frame that they are first noted, usually when there a sharp dividing line between damaged and non-damaged grass. All too often, this “first warning sign” is ignored, resulting in bare spots.
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| Damaged and Undamaged | Severe Damage |
It is then that “strange tubes” become readily evident. The tubes rough exteriors are encrusted with dirt particles. Inside, however, the inside of the tube consists of woven silk
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| Tubes | Buffalograss webworm |
The front end of a silken tube is open, and is the foraging front ---- larvae extend their tubes as they search for food. During the evening hours, larvae clip grass blades which they store in their vertical tunnels. During the day, they remain in their vertical tunnels consuming their stored provisions. Entryways to the vertical tunnels can be exposed by gently brushing away foraging tubes.
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Entrances to Vertical "soil tubes" |
One can disrupt/hinder buffalograss webworms by raking and breaking up their foraging tubes. This is labor intensive and must be often repeated. Insecticidal control may be more practical. It is not necessary to treat an entire lawn. Rather, apply a 6-12-inch band on their next meal ----- the juncture where the damaged grass abuts the undamaged grass. Check your local retail outlets for products registered for use against turfgrass pests. While buffalograss webworms (per se) will not appear on product labels, “webworms” or “sod webworms” will be listed.
Bob Bauernfeind
An interesting and entertaining look at the K-State Insect Zoo can be viewed by accessing: www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/jun/07/bugs_rule/ Click on “Play Video”
Bob Bauernfeind
Sincerely,
Robert J. Bauernfeind Jeff Whitworth
Extension Specialist Extension Specialist
Horticultural Entomology
Entomology (Crops)
