Venetian Isles Homeowners Association (VIHA)

December 04th, 2016

12/4/2016

Mosaic Disease of St. Augustinegrass

“aka Sugarcane Mosaic Virus”

Rare Disease causing yellowing, thinning, then death of lawn and sod failure after install.
Systemic death response seems to be Temperature stress related (Fall till Spring).
Currently confirmed in samples from 6 Florida Counties and counting.
Floratam, which has become one of the most produced and prevalent St. Augustine grasses used in warm-season lawns is thought to be the most susceptible.
Floratam sod used to replace infected lawns in 2013 died again in 2014.

History of (SCMV)

First detected in St. Augustine grass in the 60’s, seen only sporadically since – fewer than 5 samples with mild symptoms were brought to the UF Pathology Departments attention.
Widespread browning of lawns initially in the Bayway Isle Community October 2013.
Visits from PHC Professionals, Inc (Independent Lab) and Dr Phil Harmon from the UF Plant Pathology Department where samples were obtained in December 2013.
Received Confirmation of the Virus on March 13, 2014.
UF Publication released November 2014.
Each Year since, the Virus has been found in Tierra Verde, all areas of St Petersburg, and sporadic lawns in other Pinellas County communities. (Waterfront)

Treatment (there is no cure but, to resod)

Resodding using a plant host resistance is the best management tool for viral diseases
St Augustine “Bitterblue” and “Palmetto” may get the disease but appear more resistant

Lawns also could be plugged with a less susceptible variety, but it would need to outcompete the ‘Floratam’ during spring and summer season.
The virus can be transmitted by mechanical means. Lawn mowers, line trimmers, and other equipment should be sanitized between properties.
Can be spread by shoes walking across the yards and even birds.

Additional Information

You may go direct to UF Library site and enter in your browser http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp313