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TROPICAL SOD WEBWORM SYMPTOMS AND MANAGEMENT Herpetogramma phaeopteralis (Guenee) |
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| LIFE CYCLE:Life cycle: eggs
hatch in about one week at 78 F (26 C). Larvae complete development
in about 25 days. Complete life cycle takes 5-6 weeks (78 F or 26 C) to 11 weeks (73 F or 23 C). Predominate damage is mid- to late summer. FEEDING SYMPTOMS: Feed along midrib, between veins. Will chew notches in the leaf blades, giving a ragged appearance. Infested turf appears to be severely scalped, with large yellowish or brown patches. |
MANAGEMENT: Halofenozide (MACH 2)—an insect growth regulator/molt accelerator—and spinosad (CONSERVE) are effective chemical controls. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and neem (azadirachtin) may provide some control of small larvae (do not irrigate). Avoid mowing for at least 1-3 days after application of insecticides. Apply in the afternoon and avoid irrigating over night. Liquid sprays are more effective than granular applications. Contact insecticides: acephate (ORTHENE), azadirachtin (TURPLEX), chlorpyrifos (DURSBAN), cyfluthrin (TEMPO), fluvalinate (MAVRIK, YARDEX), isazofos (TRIUMPH), isofenphos (OFTANOL), trichlorfon (DYLOX, PROXOL), tebufenozide (CONFIRM). Biorational products: entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernem carpocapsae)--apply in early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat or direct sunlight. Irrigate to moisten soil and thatch; then again immediately after application, before spray droplets dry. |