\m 16 5 85 2 1 'Insect Pests' \m 97 38 7 4 1 'Control Recommendations' \m 98 38 39 4 2 'General Information' \m 120 44 84 4 2 'Aphids' \m 141 51 99 5 2 'Armyworms. Grass Loopers, and other Caterpillars' \m 202 76 30 6 2 'Spider Mites (on clover)' \m 221 83 37 6 2 'Mosquitoes' \m 238 89 42 6 2 'Mole Crickets' \m 264 98 7 7 2 'Spittlebugs (on Pangolagrass)' \t'November 1987' 'IV C-' \a Dr. Phil Koehler, Extension Entomologist \a \a INSECT CONTROL IN PASTURE Dr. Phil Koehler, Extension Entomologist \h 1 'Insect Pests' INSECT CONTROL IN PASTURE Insect Pests Probably the most important pests of pasture grasses in Florida are spittlebugs, mole crickets, and caterpillars. Other insects may become important at certain times in localized areas. The subsequent sections describe some of these pests and suggest recommendations for their control. APHIDS: The yellow sugarcane aphid is a major pest of pangolagrass. It is a potential threat in all areas growing pangola but is of greatest importance in central and southern Florida. The greenbug (also an aphid) is found in most areas, but unlike the yellow sugarcane aphid, it is highly parasitized and frequently controlled by natural enemies. ARMYWORMS (Fall, Southern, Striped and others): These caterpillars or "worms" are the immature stages of grayish-brown moths. Females lay their eggs on the lower leaves of grasses and the larvae begin to feed as soon as they hatch. Because they often move in large numbers from one area to another in search of food, they are called armyworms. To prevent extensive damage, treatment must be made when the worms are small. The almost mature larvae (1 to 1 1/2 inches) are difficult to control. GRASSWORMS OR STRIPED GRASS LOOPERS: These caterpillars, when full grown, are longer and more slender than the armyworms discussed earlier. They move in a looping manner by humping their bodies. Striped grass loopers are especially fond of pangola, para and bermuda grasses. Their color varies from cream to blue-gray to brown, black or orange. Large black and white spots appear when the body of the larva is fully extended. In addition to this coloration, grassworms have a light narrow stripe along the middle of the back the full length of the body. Smaller larvae are often overlooked. SPITTLEBUGS: Spittlebugs have caused damage to pastures in some areas of Florida. Adults, as well as nymphs, damage plants by sucking plant sap. The adult spittlebug is about 3/8 inch long, and is dark brown to black, with two orange-red lines across its wings. The presence of immatures or nymphs is easily determined because they are covered with a mass of froth of spittle-like material. Tests for control have been limited. Toxaphene or Sevin should result in a good kill of these pests when applied to grass short enough for the insecticide to get down where the insects are feeding. Insecticides have not given effective control where the grass has been allowed to grow tall and become densely matted. \bBurning off the dense mat of dry grass in late February or early March has been suggested for control of spittlebugs in coast pastures in the central and northern areas of the state. If the pasture contains clover, it can be burned late in the fall. Mowing or grazing often enough to keep down the dense mat will reduce the spittlebug problem. SPIDER MITES (on clover): Spider mites cause damage to clover pastures in some areas and require control measures. Two applications of parathion 1-2 weeks apart (as for aphids on the Pasture Insect Control Chart in a subsequent section) can be used for controlling mites on clover. NOTE THE RESTRICTIONS FOR PARATHION IN THE CONTROL CHART. MOLE CRICKETS: At least two species of these odd looking crickets, the Changa and the Southern mole cricket, are the most widespread and destructive to pastures in Florida. These brownish crickets are covered with very fine hair and have flattened, shovel-like front legs. They usually grow to 1 1/2 inches in length. Mole crickets make burrows resembling tiny mole tunnels in the soil. The burrowing loosens the soil and the crickets disturb and cut off the grass roots. In the spring the adult female places 30 or more eggs in each of 3 or 4 underground cells. Eggs hatch in 1 or 2 weeks during warm weather. The crickets become adults by fall. There is one generation per year. Bait applications from July to mid-September are recommended for best control of mole crickets. \b\v \h 1 'Control Recommendations' \h 2 'General Information' \v \v \v Control Recommendations for Pasture Insect Pests General Information: Insect infestations in pastures usually start in small, isolated areas. Make frequent inspections and spot treat before infestations become widespread. This practice not only saves insecticide, but also prevents extensive injury to the grass and reduces the residue problem. Recommended materials are listed in the charts in subsequent sections. Dilute WP and EC formulations in enough water for sufficient coverage (usually 3 gallons by air and 10 gallons by ground). Apply low rates of materials to light infestations, light forage cover, and smaller stages of pests. Apply higher rates to heavy infestations, dense forage cover, and mature stages of pests. \h 2 'Aphids' Aphids: *Min Days refers to minimum days from last application to harvest or grazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticide Min days* Formulation Amount/Acre Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- malathion 0 4 - 5% dust 30 - 40 lbs. No waiting period for malathion. 0 25% WP 2 lbs. 0 57% EL 1 1/2 - 2 pts. parathion 15 15% WP 1 - 2 lbs. Remove livestock prior to application. 15 2% dust 20 - 30 lbs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \b\v \h 2 'Armyworms. Grass Loopers, and other Caterpillars' \v \v \v Armyworms, Grass Loopers and other Caterpillars: *Min days refers to minimum days from last application to harvest or grazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticide Min days* Formulation Amount/Acre Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- bacillus See label for rates and instructions thuringiensis (Javelin) (armyworms and alfalfa caterpillar) carbaryl 0 80% WP 1 1/4 - 2 lbs. Application may be (Sevin) made without removal 0 5% dust 20 - 30 lbs. of livestock. 0 4% oil 1 - 1.5 qt. Dilute 1:1 in fuel oil. Applied by air, application may be made without removal of livestock. malathion 0 57% EL 2 pts. No waiting period for (1 1/2 pts. malathion. in 1 gal water) 25% 3 lbs. 4% dust 35 - 40 lbs. 5% dust 30 - 35 lbs. methomyl 7 (grazing) 90% SP .25 - 0.5 lbs. For bermuda grass (Lannate) application only. 3 (hay) L (1.8 1 - 2 pts. Remove livestock lbs./gal) prior to application. methoxychlor 7 50% WP 2 - 6 lbs. Remove livestock (Marlate) prior to application. methyl 15 4 EC 1/2 - 1 pt. Remove livestock parathion prior to application. parathion 15 2% dust 20 - 30 lbs. Remove livestock prior to application. 15 15% WP 2 lbs. trichlorfon 0 40% LS 0.5 - 2 pts. Application can be (Dylox, made without removal Proxol) of livestock. Do not apply more than 3 times per season if the crop is cut for hay. 80% WP 10 - 20 oz. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \b\v \h 2 'Spider Mites (on clover)' \v \v \v Spider Mites (on clover): *Min days refers to minimum days from last application to harvest or grazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticide Min days* Formulation Amount/Acre Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- parathion 15 15% WP 1 - 2 lbs. Do not apply within 15 days of grazing. 2% dust 20 - 30 lbs. Remove livestock prior to application. 8 EC 1/2 - 3/4 pt. 4 EC 1 - 1 1/2 pt. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \h 2 'Mosquitoes' Mosquitoes: *Min days refers to minimum days from last application to harvest or grazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticide Min days* Formulation Amount/Acre Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- malathion 0 95% concen- 2 - 4 fl. oz. Applications can be trate (ULV) made without removal of livestock. naled 0 85% concen- 1/2 - 1 fl. trate oz. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \h 2 'Mole Crickets' Mole Crickets: *Min days refers to minimum days from last application to harvest or grazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticide Min days* Formulation Amount/Acre Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- malathion 0 4% bait 12.5 - 15 lbs (Applicator-formulated bait from the following ingredients: 50 lb laying mash 2 qt 50-51% malathion EC 3 pt crude cottonseed oil 6 lb granulated sugar Put solid ingredients in cement mixer or large drum. Spray mixture of liquid ingredients onto solid. Agitate for complete coverage with toxicant. Store for 1-2 days before application.) trichlorfon 0 5% bait 20 - 30 lbs. Applications may be (Dylox, made without removal Proxol) of livestock. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \b\v \h 2 'Spittlebugs (on Pangolagrass)' \v \v \v Spittlebugs (on Pangolagrass): *Min days refers to minimum days from last application to harvest or grazing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insecticide Min days* Formulation Amount/Acre Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- diazinon 14 AG500 2 qt. Remove livestock (4 EC) prior to application. Apply in 2 gal of water/acre. Apply in early June following cutting. Make addi- tional applications as needed but no closer than 30 days between applications. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------