Research Updates

Field research was somewhat diminished in 2020 given that the start of the pandemic coincided with early spring-active insect projects. Travel was limited in March and April, though most of our chemical efficacy trials, as well as summer and fall pest projects, continued as normal. European crane flies (ECF) and chinch bugs dominated the turfgrass insect pest discussion in 2020. These are two pest complexes that are not normally a concern unless environmental conditions allow for their populations to increase substantially or makes their feeding more noticeable. The drought that lingered into fall led to many reports of chinch damage to fine fescue surrounds on golf courses. Damage is often confused with drought stress. Our laboratory is looking to infest our chinch bug fine fescue farm on campus. If you (or anyone you know or love) has chinch bug issues, then please let us know! We would be happy to take them off your hands.

ECF populations exploded after two years of above normal rainfall. Two species are present in Pennsylvania though “The European Crane Fly” (Tipula paludosa) has greater potential to damage turf. This insect has begun to appear outside of northwestern Pennsylvania. Early detection is essential to slowing the spread. If you observed crane fly adults emerging from the turf in fall and have larval damage in spring, please let us know! Moisture has an influence on population outbreaks. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the drought during the egg laying period reduced populations.