PLANT-PEST INTERACTIONS

PROJECT NAME:

Characterization of turfgrass plant induced defenses in response to annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) feeding

Project Description: This study is in collaboration with Dr. Ben McGraw from Penn State. We will assess induced defense mechanisms in turfgrasses in response to insect herbivory by the annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) at various life stages. Plants being immobile organisms are highly vulnerable to abiotic and biotic stressors throughout their life. Our understanding of how plants protect themselves from insect attack is improving, yet studies in turfgrass are lacking.

We will investigate grass hormone and protein responses, which will aid in distinguishing insect defense responses from general mechanical damage. The proposed project would not only improve our knowledge of the turfgrass-insect pest interactions but may identify opportunities for enhancing tolerance within existing turfgrass stands (i.e. priming the stand) or identify desirable plant traits that could be selected for in new cultivars, and thereby reducing the need or amount of insecticide applications and reducing potential insect resistance to pesticides.

Currently, turfgrass managers are interseeding CBG into ABWinfestations in hopes of reducing populations over time. This project would provide information as to whether this is a sustainable approach, identify potential resistance/ tolerance mechanisms, and cultivars that would be the most effective candidates for defense against ABW. Additionally, the findings of the project would inform management of other turfgrass insect pests with a similar feeding habit or life cycle.

Methods: We will screen six creeping bentgrass cultivars (Penncross, Declaration, 007, Penn A1/A4, L-93, and Pure Distinction) and annual bluegrass for potential differences in response to ABW. Turfgrass tolerance assays, insect infestation, and insect collection will be conducted at PennState. Frozen plant tissue samples will be sent to our laboratory at MSU for plant response evaluation including phytohormone and proteome extraction and analysis at each extraction time and for each species [2 turf species x 2 insect treatments x 3 insect life stages x 2 plant tissue types (leaves, roots) x 4 replications = 96].

Expected results – Based on previous observations, we expect to find significant variation in CBG and ABG responses to ABW. The intra-and interspecies responses will be useful in identifying hormonal responses that can directly be used for applied management strategies, such as by using plant growth regulators or applications of hormones to alter turfgrass tolerance to insect pests. The hormone combined with proteomic responses will be useful to inform breeding programs about potential markers that could be used to develop insect tolerant germplasm.

Benefit Group – The benefit groups include golf courses, athletic fields, homelawns and others since the project outcomes are new knowledge of turfgrass resistance mechanisms to pests. Specifically, the use of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass here makes this directly apply to the golf turf industry.

Estimated project duration – 2 years (initiated in year 2021)

Crystal Mountain - Hole #4 Betsie Valley Course Thompsonville, MICourse Renovations

Grande Dunes Resort Course - Hole #5Myrtle Beach, SC - Green & Bunker Renovations

Grande Dunes Resort Course - Hole #5Myrtle Beach, SC - Green & Bunker Renovations

Grande Dunes Resort Course - Hole #5Myrtle Beach, SC - Green & Bunker Renovations

A. John Harvey, ASGCA, ASLA | PO Box 442 Manton, Michigan 49663 | 201-280-8389 www.sites.google.com/site/ajhgolfllc | jharvey442@gmail.com

A. John Harvey, ASGCA, ASLA | PO Box 442 Manton, Michigan 49663 | 201-280-8389

A. John Harvey, ASGCA, ASLA | PO Box 442 Manton, Michigan 49663 | 201-280-8389 www.sites.google.com/site/ajhgolfllc | jharvey442@gmail.com www.sites.google.com/site/ajhgolfllc | jharvey442@gmail.com