Chinch bug feeding mechanisms and associated plant responses were documented for four chinch bug species on resistant and susceptible hosts. The responses of resistant and susceptible buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass, fine fescue, and sorghum plants to the feeding of Blissus occiduus, B. insularis, B. leucopterus hirtus, and B. l. leucopterus, respectively, were evaluated. Scanning electron and light microscopy documented specific chinch bug feeding sites on resistant and susceptible plants. Differential tissue staining techniques characterized plant responses to chinch bug feeding over time, while phloem-specific dyes were used to identify the source of plant fluids extracted during feeding.
Species 1: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Blissus (chinch bug)
Keywords: turfgrass
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