Salt
Tolerant Seashore Paspalum for Salt Water Irrigated Golf Courses
Potential Insect and Disease
Problems
Insect and disease incidence are usually less of
a problem for paspalum than other turfgrasses. But, they are susceptible
and don't let anyone tell you differently!
#1 Insect: Sod Web Worms. You will
get them. These Lepidoptera are pretty easy to control with labeled
insecticides, but in warm climates the cycles are so often that
they can drive you nuts. Just when you think you have them under
control another batch of eggs hatch and they begin eating your paspalum
again.
#2 Insect: Hunting Bill Bugs. There
is a good chance you will see these little critters-or not see them!
The adults are easy to see and can be controlled with labeled insecticides.
The larva though is almost impossible to see as they live and feed
inside the sheaths of the plant. Only a systemic insecticide will
get to them.
Paspalum is also susceptible to damage from mole
crickets, nematodes and a few other common pests. But with knowledge
and a good preventative maintenance program everything is controllable.
#1 Disease: Probably Dollar Spot
(if you are managing the paspalum correctly with low inputs of nitrogen)
This is easily cured with a light application of nitrogen.
Brown Patch and even Pythium have been reported effecting
paspalum. Again, all of these can be managed with good cultural
practices and some experience.
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