\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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
