Rhizophagous insects associated to turfgrass varieties in the Varadero Golf Club, Matanzas, Cuba

• Published in: Pastos y forrajes Vol. 39; no. 3; p. 191
• Main Authors: Marrero-Artabe, Leonel, Rodríguez, Isandra, Jiménez, Jenny, Maspon, R, Baños, Rosa M, Mayorga-Martínez, María Cristina, Martínez-Rivero, María de los Ángeles, León-Betancourt, Roberto, de Armas, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editorial Universitaria de la Republica de Cuba 01-07-2016
• Subjects: Cuba
• ISSN: 0864-0394

A study was conducted in order to determine the main species of rhizophagous insects associated to the turfgrass varieties in the Varadero Golf Club (Matanzas, Cuba). During 2010-2015 root samples from the turf of varieties Bermuda grass 328 and tifdwarf (hybrids obtained from Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers x Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) were evaluated, which were extracted through a hole-cutting device. In them the main associated rhizophagous insects were collected and the lesions were identified and described. Thirteen insect species were found, corresponding to five orders and eight families, which were found in all the game areas (except in the rough); the taxa with higher incidence belonged to the orders Hemiptera and Coleoptera. Due to the affectations they caused on the turf of both hybrids the burrower bugs Dallasiellus varaderensis Marrero and Mayorga, Tominotus inconspicuus Froeschner and the true weevils Sphenophorus sp. (1) and Sphenophorus sp. (2) stood out; proving their potential as pest insects of the turf in Cuba for the grasses of the Cynodon genus, because the root affectations caused chlorosis, burns and localized death of the turfgrass in the Varadero Golf Club. As a result of the inventory conducted the recording, for the first time, of the two species of the Sphenophorus genus stands out. It is recommended to identify the Sphenophorus species and to include them, along with D. varaderensis and T. inconspicuus, in the available list of the insect species associated to turfgrasses in the country. Keywords: Bermuda grass 328, chlorosis, plant pests, tifdwarf