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Tropical sod webworms pose a significant threat to warm-season turfgrasses in the southeastern United States. They are particularly destructive to newly established sod, lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses, causing damage to the aesthetic appeal, vigor, photosynthesis, and density of turfgrass. In this blog post, we will explore the characteristics of tropical sod webworms, their distribution, life cycle, economic impact, damage caused, and management strategies. Understanding these aspects is crucial for turfgrass managers, homeowners, and anyone involved in the care and maintenance of turfgrass areas.
Tropical sod webworms belong to the Herpetogramma species and are prevalent in the tropical zone, including regions such as Guam, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Australia, Hawaii, and the United States. While they have been recorded in various states like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Caribbean islands, comprehensive surveys to determine their exact distribution in recent years are lacking. The adult moths are dingy brown and have a wingspan of approximately 20 mm. They deposit clusters of creamy-white eggs on the upper surface of grass blades, and the larvae go through six instars before reaching the pupal stage.
The tropical sod webworms' life cycle consists of multiple generations, with the duration of each stage depending on the temperature. The eggs hatch within 3 to 4 days, and the larvae feed on the upper surface of grass blades during the night, hiding in the thatch during the day. The feeding damage caused by early larval instars often goes unnoticed, but as the larvae grow, they can chew entire sections of the leaf blades, resulting in a ragged appearance and patches of yellowish and brown grass. In southern Florida, adult tropical sod webworms are present year-round, with higher numbers in the fall. Their flight activity peaks in October and November in more northern regions of Florida.
Tropical sod webworms target warm-season turfgrasses, including centipede grass, bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, carpet grass, zoysia grass, Bahia grass, and St. Augustine grass. They can also feed on cool-season grasses like creeping bentgrass. Given the extensive turfgrass industry in the United States, particularly in Florida, where it is a significant contributor to the economy, tropical sod webworms pose an economic threat. Large outbreaks have been reported in Florida and Texas, leading to considerable damage to turfgrasses used in residential lawns, athletic fields, and sod production areas.
Tropical sod webworms target warm-season turfgrasses, including centipede grass, bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, carpet grass, zoysia grass, Bahia grass, and St. Augustine grass. They can also feed on cool-season grasses like creeping bentgrass. Given the extensive turfgrass industry in the United States, particularly in Florida, where it is a significant contributor to the economy, tropical sod webworms pose an economic threat. Large outbreaks have been reported in Florida and Texas, leading to considerable damage to turfgrasses used in residential lawns, athletic fields, and sod production areas.
Chemical control with above-ground insecticides targeted at damaging larvae is a common method, but timing, resistance risks, and non-target impacts must be considered. Cultural practices like maintaining healthy turfgrass through proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing can reduce susceptibility to infestations. Thatch removal and grass clipping removal during egg-laying periods can also help reduce populations. Certain turfgrass cultivars exhibit varying levels of resistance to tropical sod webworms, and incorporating these resistant cultivars can be an effective management strategy.
Biological control methods, such as the use of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, have shown promise in controlling tropical sod webworm populations. These natural controls, along with the preservation of beneficial arthropods like spiders, lady beetles, and parasitoids, can help limit outbreaks of this pest. By using low-toxicity insecticides, natural enemies can be protected, promoting a more balanced ecosystem within turfgrass areas.
It is important to note that despite the economic significance of tropical sod webworms and the potential damage they can cause, there is still a need for further research and integrated pest management programs. Continuous monitoring, early detection, and proper identification of pests are essential for implementing effective control measures. Additionally, education and awareness among turfgrass managers, homeowners, and professionals in the industry are crucial for mitigating the impact of tropical sod webworms on warm-season turfgrasses.
In conclusion, tropical sod webworms pose a significant threat to warm-season turfgrasses in the southeastern United States. Their destructive feeding habits can lead to aesthetic damage, reduced vigor, and the ingress of weeds. Implementing integrated pest management strategies, including chemical control, cultural practices, host plant resistance, and biological controls, can help manage tropical sod webworm populations effectively. By adopting these approaches and staying vigilant in monitoring and early detection, we can protect our turfgrass areas and maintain their health and beauty.