Floratam problem

jethro – posted 01 August 2007 09:33

What is this? Chinch bugs?

Thanks,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10823159@N02/

TexanOne – posted 02 August 2007 01:32

It’s hard to say for sure and I could be totally wrong, but this looks more like a fungal problem to me – Nigrospora Stolon Rot from the Nigrospora Sphaerica fungus specifically. This fungus thrives in high temperatures and drought conditions. Daconil is the only fungicide known that has produced good results of control, but finding it may be a problematic because it is only labeled for commercial use.

Chinch bug damage tends to start in lush, thriving St Augustine hot spot areas, such as near pavement in full sun and spread from there. However, chinch bugs are very common in humid, coastal areas.

Just to be sure, I would treat the entire lawn for chinch bugs and for fungus. There are many common insecticide products available to treat chinch bugs.

jethro – posted 02 August 2007 07:19

Thanks. I treated for chinch bugs but i don’t think its chinch since I flooded the area with my hose hoping to see some pop up. There was nothing. Thanks for the help.

jethro – posted 02 August 2007 07:20

Also, I have never had this in my yard before. I have a lawn service mow my yard. Can a fungas be transferred from one yard to another via lawn service?

TexanOne – posted 03 August 2007 16:38

Absolutely, fungal infections can be spread that way, but the atmosphere is naturally full of mold spores anyway.

Natural soil amendments such as composted (no smell) cow manure, corn meal, and other organic soil products go a long way to restore the natural balance in the soil and can prevent and oftentimes cure non-specific fungal diseases in turfgrasses.

n8 @ FPC – posted 03 August 2007 18:17

One thing that strikes me about the photos is the lack of a “transition area” between the lush grass and the dead (i.e. yellowing or disease riddled blades). The problem that led to these bare spots does not currently appear to be damaging the grass. Often times natural predators of chinch bugs (such as big-eyed bugs) can control infestations to the point of elimination, especially in lush areas or partial shade (both of which are evident in the photos).

jethro – posted 04 August 2007 04:59

Thanks for the input. It appears the damage is from chinch bugs after all. Thanks for the input. Also, I will be mowing the lawn myself from now on.

seed – posted 04 August 2007 21:44

Did you see chinch bugs?

Phil

jethro – posted 05 August 2007 06:42

Yes I did. I didn’t realize how small they are.

jethro – posted 09 August 2007 13:58

I was just wondering. Should I rip out the damaged area or leave it alone?

Thanks,

swflawn – posted 15 August 2007 05:40

The picture is of leaf spot use dithane m45 and only water in the mornings. Need to see pictures of damage from chinch to answer next question.

Alex_in_FL – posted 28 October 2007 06:46

Agree with swflawn can’t say without a photo or indication of damage.

Sight unseen I recommend you rake up the dead grass and toss some pre-emergent in the raked areas to keep the weeds out.