DAMAGE DESCRIPTION:
Close examination reveals whitish moldy-appearing, clam-shaped material on stems, nodes and crowns; scale resembles small oyster shell; suck vital fluids from turf causing it to turn yellow and brown-damage can be confused with disease appearance; scales about 1/16 inch across; damage more frequent in shaded areas and areas of excessive thatch.
HOST GRASSES:
Hybrid and Common Bermudagrasses
LIFE CYCLE:
Newly hatched nymphs mobile, but within hours settle down, insert mouthparts into stem to suck juices, lose antennae and legs, begin immobile life; stem sucking insect; seldom causes severe turf damage; 2 or 3 generations per year.
FACTORS THAT MAY PROMOTE INSECT DAMAGE:
Shady areas; excessive thatch; turf injury usually associated with multiple stresses, such as water and shade.
CULTURAL CONTROL:
Remove limbs and take away shady areas; remove thatch; good water balance.
CHEMICAL CONTROL:
Control requires 2 to 3 applications, 3 to 4 weeks apart, drenching the grass crowns; some resource materials states no chemical control options.
| Specific Insecticide Recommendations | ||||
|
Insecticide (chemical name) |
Efficacy |
Application Interval |
Time of Year To Apply |
Example of Products (trade names |
| Cyfluthrin | Fair | 3 to 4 weeks | As needed | Tempo |
| Diazinon | Fair | 3 to 4 weeks | As needed | Diazinon |
REFERENCES:
Emmons, R. D. 2000. Turfgrass Science and Management. Third Edition. Delmar Thomson Learning. Albany, New York.
Beard, J. B. 2002. Turfgrass Management for Golf Courses. Second Edition. Ann Harbor Press. Chelsea, Michigan..
Decker, H. F., Decker, J. M. 1988. Lawn Care-A Handbook for Professionals. Prentice Hall. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Liskey, E., “Turfgrass Insecticides”, Grounds Maintenance, Volume 37, Number 2, February 2002, pp. 8-10.
Turgeon, A. J. 2002. Turfgrass Management. Sixth Edition. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.