TechNotes Tips - 07.11.02

Hot dry weather in many parts of the United States has been ideal for crabgrass development. There are many types of crabgrass including smooth, and hairy (large). The worst infestations in lawns will appear in open, thin turf areas along street curbs and sidewalks. There are post-emergent herbicides available for crabgrass control but the label should be consulted for proper use.

Japanese beetles are visible on many ornamental plants. The Japanese beetle is also laying eggs in the turf which will hatch into grubs that can feed on turfgrass root systems. In some areas, Japanese beeltes may not be observed but grubs often appear when Japanese beetle grubs would be expected to appear.

The masked chafer also lays eggs around the same time as the Japanese beetle. However, the masked chafer is nocturnal in that it takes flight and lays eggs at night. Be sure to check around light posts or night lights to see if the masked chafer adult is present. This is a good sign to determine if grubs will be present as a lawn pest.