TechNotes Tips - 09.14.01

Southern chinchbug is a devastating insect pest of St. Augustinegrass in southern Florida and other regions where this turf is used. If you notice yellowish spots that rapidly expand in size, check for chinchbugs. Checking is easily done by getting down on your knees and spreading the turf back to look for the insect. In areas of high chinchbug populations, slowly moving your foot across the turf will result in the bugs “crawling over” your shoe. In some cases, the presence of chinchbug populations can induce a distinct odor to the turf. Chinchbug damage is often misdiagnosed on St. Augustinegrass. For more information see:

http://www.floridaturf.com/chinch/

In the northern United States, autumn fertilization is critical to promoting turf recovery from summer stresses, and improving the overall health of the turfgrass plant. Going into the winter, September applications of fertilizer are the first steps for improving turf quality.