Recent Posts
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Short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus) (Fig. 1) remains an insect worth watching in Georgia. Although the insect has received increasing attention because of its potential to affect ornamental plants, its current presence in Georgia’s ornamental plant industry is still being monitored. Recent observations from our surveys suggest that we are currently detecting this pest in retail…
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The flea beetle, Argopistes tsekooni (Fig. 1) is an emerging pest on Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) in Georgia. Native to China, it is now widely distributed in North and central Georgia. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage (Fig. 2). Larvae are leaf miners that develop within leaf tissues (Fig. 3), while adults feed externally,…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
The Turfgrass Research Field Day returns to the UGA Griffin Campus on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026. Since this exclusive event only happens every other year, it offers a rare opportunity for turf professionals, landscapers, and superintendents to explore the cutting edge of turf science. Attendees will spend the day engaging in educational field tours, browsing…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) has not yet been confirmed in Georgia. The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) (Fig. 1) is a destructive, invasive sap-sucking insect native to South and Southeast Asia that has recently emerged as a threat to agriculture in the United States. After first becoming a serious pasture pest in Queensland, Australia, in 1928,…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Dollar Spot is Still Active The dollar spot fungus (Clarireedia spp.) remains active and continues to infect both cool- and warm-season turfgrasses. The recent period of lower temperatures and extended leaf wetness has created favorable conditions for disease development and symptom expression. As a result, dollar spot activity is ongoing. Turfgrass managers should continue to monitor…
Posted in: Turfgrass disease -
We have recently observed infections and symptoms of mini ring (leaf and sheath spot) in our TifEagle experimental green at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus. Environmental conditions characterized by hot spells, extended leaf wetness, and high humidity are favorable for disease development. While this week’s coolish temperatures are a temporary reprieve, turfgrass professionals should…
Posted in: Turfgrass disease -
The brown-winged planthopper, Pochazia shantungensis (Figure 1), was newly detected as an invasive pest in Atlanta, Georgia, following a photo posted to iNaturalist on 25 July. On October 20 and 24, 2025, egg masses were found at site 1 in Atlanta. On April 28 and 30, 2026, nymphs were also found at Site 1 and…
Posted in: Turfgrass insect pest -
Recent periods of warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall across Georgia have created favorable conditions for the development of Pythium blight in tall fescue. This destructive disease, caused by several species of Pythium, can spread rapidly under conducive environmental conditions and result in significant turf loss within a short period of time. Initial symptoms typically…
Posted in: Turfgrass disease -
The two‑spot cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula), an invasive pest native to the Indian subcontinent, has recently expanded into the southeastern United States (Figures 1 and 2). After initial detections in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in 2023, the pest was reported in Florida in 2024 and in Georgia in 2025. Now, it is confirmed…
Posted in: Ornamental pests -
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