IS IT DROUGHT OR BILLBUG? If drought like symptoms are appearing in Kentucky bluegrass fairways, roughs, athletic fields or homelawns and irrigation does not seem to help, check for bluegrass billbug. Damaged plants are easily pulled up since they have been chewed off at the crown. The presence of fras (the grubs by product) is a sign the billbug has caused the damage. If you dig a little deeper into the soil, you may also observe the billbug grub. The grub is characteristically legless.
HURRICANES BRING OUT THE BEST IN BROWN PATCH. With the remnants of Hurricane Dennis moving inland and into the Midwest, the risk of Rhizoctonia blight (brown patch) increases on tall fescue and bermudagrass lawns. The combination of high moisture and/or relative humidity in combination with nighttime temperatures that remain above 75 F are extremely favorable for Rhizoctonia blight to attack tall fescue. During these times minimize nitrogen applications that might cause succulent growth. This disease is often associated with high nitrogen fertility programs. In addition minimize late evening irrigation. The longer the leaves remain moist or wet the more favorable the conditions for Rhizoctonia blight.
SOUTHERN CHINCHBUG ACTIVE. The southern chinchbug can cause damage wherever St. Augustinegrass is grown. Symptoms appear as irregular shaped patches initially appearing yellowish in color. The patches will eventually coalesce into larger dead patches. The southern chinchbug looks just like the hairy chinchbug, with “wings” closely pressed to the back. St. Augustinegrass turf that has a significant amount of thatch is especially susceptible to damage.
SOIL TEMPERATURES.
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