Structural defenses of tall fescue grass and feeding by armyworms: Do trichomes and toughness matter?

Growth, survival, and development of the true armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth), were studied on tall fescue cultivars differing in physical characteristics such as siliceous edge barbs, trichomes, and shear strength. Forage quality data were also collected to see if pasture grasses modified for improved livestock performance are also more suitable for insect herbivores.