RHODESGRASS MEALYBUGS IN HOME LAWNS
S. Bambara, Extension Entomologist
CAUTION: These recommendations were
developed for North Carolina and may not apply to other areas.
RHODESGRASS MEALYBUG, Antonina graminis (Maskell), Pseudococcidae,
HEMIPTERA.
General
Information
This mealybug is sporadic and much more common in the Gulf states and lower
tier states. It has a wide range of host grasses, however. Bermudagrass, St.
Augustinegrass, tall fescue, and centipede-grass can be seriously injured.
Mealybugs typically feed under leaf sheaths, on nodes or in the crowns. They
feed on plant sap with piercing-sucking mouthparts and disrupt the plant's vascular
system which will interfere with water and nutrient uptake resulting in discoloration
and wilt. Damage may be most noticeable during periods of drought or stress.
Stunting, thinning and death may result in a heavy infestation. Masses of waxy,
white secretions may be noticed along with possible honeydew and sooty mold.
Mealybug damage is often heaviest in sunny locations during hot, dry periods.
It is an infrequent pest in North Carolina.
Biology
Mealybug females deposit 300-600 eggs in a cottony ovisac. Eggs hatch into
crawlers within 1-3 weeks. Only females are known in parthenogenic Rhodesgrass
mealybug. A generation may take 4-6 weeks depending upon temperature and location.
There can be several generations per season.
Mealybugs can be detected at the base of stems and under leaf sheaths. Look
for tiny white cottony masses, honeydew, sootymold and ant activity.
Control
Try to maintain healthy turf, collect and destroy clippings. Pesticides such
as Talstar, Tempo or Scimitar can be applied by certified applicators, but thorough
coverage is needed and a surfactant is often helpful. Though we have not tested
it, imidacloprid (Merit) is effective on other mealybugs should be effective
and is available to homeowners. It may be used because the turf site is on the
label. Sevin may also be used. It might be best to rotate chemical choices.
We have no reliable thresholds, so treatment should be based on the seriousness
of the population, damage, time of year, weather, type of grass and general
good judgement. It might be unrealistic to think that they can ever be completely
erradicated from a lawn.
Eileen A. Buss, assistant professor, Entomology and Nematology Department,
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611 donated the above picture.
Links of interest:
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG268/html/rhodesgrass_mealybug.htm
Recommendations of specific chemicals are based upon information on the manufacturer's
label and performance in a limited number of trials. Because environmental
conditions and methods of application by growers may vary widely, performance
of the chemical will not always conform to the safety and pest control standards
indicated by experimental data.
Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication
as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or
listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply
endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination
against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals
are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations
and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about
usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical.
Other Resources
For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service.
Published by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30,
1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless
of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina
State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
© 2003 NC Cooperative Extension Service
ENT/ort-127 January 2003
Web page last reviewed January, 2008 by the webperson.