Author
TOFANGSAZI, NASTARAN - University Of Florida | |
CHERRY, RON - University Of Florida | |
Meagher, Robert - Rob | |
ARTHURS, STEVEN - University Of Florida |
Submitted to: Journal of Integrated Pest Management
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2014 Publication Date: 12/1/2014 Citation: Tofangsazi, N., Cherry, R.H., Meagher Jr, R.L., Arthurs, S.P. 2014. Tropical sod webworm (Lepidoptera: Crambidae): a pest of warm season Turfgrasses. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 5(4):c1-c8. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1603/IPM14014. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Larvae of Herpetogramma species (commonly called webworms, sod webworms, or grass webworms) are widely distributed throughout North America, Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America. Tropical sod webworm Herpetogramma phaeopteralis (Guenée) larvae are among the most destructive pests of warm season turfgrasses in the southeastern United States, Caribbean and Central America, especially on sod farms and newly established sod, lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses. Larval feeding affects the aesthetics, vigor, photosynthesis and density of turfgrass. Symptoms of infestation appear as notched and ragged grass blades with damaged areas in lawn appearing as small brown patches of closely mowed grass that allow the ingress of weeds. Current control recommendations against tropical sod webworm include several cultural methods and the application of above-ground chemical insecticides against larval stages. In this paper we discuss the seasonal biology, taxonomy, morphology, damage, and potential integrated management options of this important pest. |