Field Crops, Forage and Turfgrass Production
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C 1130
Armyworms in Sod
It is not unusual for fall armyworms to infest newly planted sod in a home landscape, especially during late summer to fall. Not all fall armyworm problems originate from sod farms but instead begin near the home landscape where sod is installed. This resource explains the biology and seasonality of fall armyworm in Georgia and discusses possible management strategies to mitigate infestation.
William Hudson, Freddie Waltz, and Shimat Joseph
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The two-lined spittlebug is an important insect pest of turfgrass in Georgia, with centipedegrass being the most susceptible to infestation. It also attacks some ornamental plants, including asters, hollies, and morning glories. This publication provides management options and other information on the two-lined spittlebug, including identification and biology, host plants, damage symptoms, and control strategies.
William Hudson, Shimat Joseph, and Fawad Zafar Ahmad Khan
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Rhodesgrass mealybugs are an invasive insect native to Asia that can infest more than 100 grass species including all warm-season grasses commonly used for pastures and turf in Georgia. This publication includes information about rhodesgrass mealybug identification and biology, its host plants, damage symptoms, and control strategies, including the use of parasitic wasps.
William Hudson and Shimat Joseph
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Pesticide applicators should visit the Bulletins Live! Two website to determine if they are located within a pesticide-restricted or limited area, known as a pesticide use limitation area (PULA). These restrictions protect endangered and threatened species from adverse effects. This publication provides users a step-by-step guide on how to navigate this website and access the information needed for applications and recordkeeping.
Stanley Culpepper, Eric Prostko, and Taylor Singleton
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Fairy ring is an umbrella term for a disease that can be caused by more than 60 different species of basidiomycete fungi. It is particularly damaging on golf greens, but can affect all turf species in Georgia. Infection leads to localized dry spots and nutrient imbalances. No single strategy guarantees complete control, but integrating thatch reduction, water management, fertility optimization, and targeted fungicide applications can significantly mitigate disease impact.
Alfredo Martinez, Sergio Sosa, and Bikash Ghimire
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C 1178
Mite Management in Turfgrass
Plant-feeding mites can cause serious damage in turfgrass systems, and drought-stressed turfgrass is particularly prone to mite infestation. Mites are generally active in turfgrasses from spring into fall. They feed on plant sap and, in some cases, also inject toxins into plant tissues or manipulate plant growth, thereby producing characteristic symptoms. Some mites do not directly damage the turfgrass but instead become nuisance pests by moving from the lawn to houses and other buildings. This circular discusses the biology, damage, and management of the various mite species that attack turfgrass.
William Hudson, Shimat Joseph, and Fawad Zafar Ahmad Khan
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B 1331
Canola Production in Georgia
Growing canola profitably takes planning and good management. All aspects of production, from seed selection to harvest to marketing, must be taken into account if the grower is to make a profit. Land preparation, fertility management, weed and other pest control, and timely harvest and marketing are all components of a good canola production package. Before you grow canola, dedicate yourself to make “best management practices” a part of your production system.
Timothy Brenneman, Timothy Grey, G. Buntin, James Buck, Eric Prostko, and Amanda Smith
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Hunting billbug, Sphenophorous venatus vestitus (Family: Curculionidae) is an important weevil pest of turfgrass in Georgia. It’s called a “billbug” because of its long snout, or bill, which has small mandibles at the tip. Hunting billbug infestations in turfgrass are not easily detected until the first signs of feeding damage, such as discoloration or irregular patches, appear scattered across the turfgrass. Although hunting billbugs attack all major turfgrass genotypes, damage on zoysia grass cultivars can be particularly serious. In addition to hunting billbug, several other species of billbugs are found in warm-season turfgrass including the lesser billbug, S. minimus, and uneven billbug, S. inaequalis.
William Hudson and Shimat Joseph
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Fall armyworms can quickly decimate a field of any forage crop or pasture, often eating higher quality forage first. Growers and farmers can face severe economic damage and total forage loss. Anyone growing forage or pasture used to feed livestock can use this publication to find answers to the most common questions about fall armyworm in Georgia pastures and hayfields.
Savannah Tanner, Lisa Baxter, and Shanna Reynolds
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