Management Practices to Manipulate Populations of the Plant Bug Labops hesperius Uhler

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization of wheatgrass significantly increased populations of the plant bug Labops hesperius Uhler; applications of potassium and phosphorus did not. Paraquat applied to wheatgrass to cure the herbage prematurely (in early May) also reduced the population of plant bugs by starving them. Mechanical removal of herbage also effectively reduced the bug populations both in the spring and the summer. Heavy spring grazing significantly reduced the bug population the first year and also thereafter. Wheatgrass pastures that are not fully utilized will provide oviposition material, winter protection, and a habitat that favors survival of the bugs.