Biology and Control of the Spittlebug Prosapia bicincta in Coastal Bermuda Grass1

Abstract

Since 1957 the spittlebug Prosapia bicincta (Say) has become an increasingly important pest of Coastal Bermuda grass in South Carolina. Biological investigations indicated that the complete life cycle required a minimum of 46 days under field conditions. Eggs were deposited in the soil, in trash, on the plant, and occasionally inserted partially into the stem of the plant either singly or in cluster. The egg served as the overwintering stage and a single female laid as many as 81 eggs in a lifetime. Five nymphal instars were observed during the nymphal feeding period. Feeding was observed on a wide variety of host plants. Injury to plants was observed resulting from the feeding of both the nymph and adult stages. Guthion® (O,O- dimethyl S- (4-oxo-l,2,3-benzotriazin-3 (4H) -ylmethyl) phosphorodithioate), endosulfan, endrin, and DDT were the most effective insecticides tested as foliage sprays against nymphs. Heptachlor and endosulfan were also effective as granular formulations. Guthion, malathion, mevinphos, endosulfan, and carbaryl were 100% effective as foliage sprays in controlling adults. Parathion, naled, and methoxychlor were slightly less effective.