Recent Posts
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Atexzo® (isocycloseram) introduces the first IRAC Group 30 insecticide, a new tool for managing important pests, such as billbugs, mole crickets, fall armyworm, and bermudagrass mite. This insecticide is developed by Syngenta and powered by PLINAZOLIN® technology. Please refer to the insecticide label for all application directions, as it is the LAW. This article is…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Sooty Mold on Dormant Turfgrass We have recently received several turfgrass samples and inquiries regarding gray to dark, olive-green areas appearing on dormant or semi-dormant turfgrass. Under the microscope, we have found a large amount of several saprophytic (no disease-causing organisms) fungi and yeasts associated with the symptoms. These organisms colonize dead and senescing foliar…
Posted in: Turfgrass disease -
White grubs (Figure 1) are among the most destructive insect pests of turfgrass in Georgia and throughout the southeastern United States. These pests are the larval stages of several scarab beetle species, including Japanese beetles, green June beetles, and masked chafers (Figure 2). Grubs live in the soil and feed on turfgrass roots, causing patches…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Speakers and Topics: Industry Update 2025: Turfgrass – Dr. Ben Pritchard and Dr. Clint Waltz, Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA • Weeds continue to be major challenges for turfgrass managers, including golf courses, sod farms, and residential and public landscapes. The speakers will update the audience regarding the recent research findings…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Over 50% of the world’s population currently resides in urban areas and is projected to continue expanding. Bees are among the most populous, diverse, and effective pollinators. Approximately 70% of bee species nest in the ground, spending their larval and pupal stages underground (Figure 1). Continued urbanization poses a significant threat to natural spaces, as…
Posted in: Beneficials -
Cotton Jassid, Amrasca biguttula (Fig. 1), is native to the Indian subcontinent and has become an invasive pest in Georgia. It is spreading rapidly throughout Georgia and other southeastern states. Currently, it is present in nearly all southern counties and in two counties in northwest Georgia. Adults of the two-spot cotton leafhopper are small green…
Posted in: Ornamental pests -
Rhizoctonia Large patch of turfgrass is most common in the fall and in the spring as warm season grasses are entering or leaving dormancy. Large patch is caused by the soilborne fungus Rhizoctonia solani (AG 2-2LP). It can affect all warm-season turfgrass species. The disease produces irregularly-shaped weak or dead patches that are from 2…
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Cotton Jassid, Amrasca biguttula (Fig. 1), is native to the Indian subcontinent and has become an invasive pest in Georgia. It was first found in Florida and is gradually spreading throughout Georgia. Currently, it is present in many counties in the state (Fig. 2). Adults of the two-spot cotton leafhopper are small green insects with…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Georgia’s summer heat combined with high humidity are favorable conditions for gray leaf spot infection Gray leaf spot is a fungus disease that affects St. Augustinegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue in Georgia. Hot humid summer weather and high nitrogen levels can make turf susceptible to this disease. The fungus causing the disease is Pyricularia…
Posted in: Turfgrass disease -
False oleander scale (FOS), Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Fig. 1), is an invasive armored scale species native to China. It is prevalent in Georgia and poses a significant threat as a pest in ornamental nurseries. FOS primarily infests the leaves of plants, appearing as white spots (Fig. 2). As armored scales, they spend their entire lives inserting their…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest