You Are Here: Management Updates 2000 Archive June 2, 2000

Date: June 2, 2000
Category: Insects
Subject: Hyperodes Weevils, Black Turfgrass Ataenius, White Grubs, Chinch Bugs

Annual bluegrass weevils - Nikki Rothwell has been collecting adult weevils from courses throughout the Northeast and then dissecting them to determine whether females still have eggs. Samples from one golf course in Westchester County (NY) had large numbers of eggs, and we are not yet finding any larvae in turf plugs. At another course, about ten miles to the south (in Yonkers), adults had very few eggs but we are finding small larvae in the turf samples. So ... there seems to be considerable variability between courses (and sometimes within courses). At the very least, it would seem that some areas in southern New England may start to see weevil damage within the next week or so, especially areas that have southern exposures and relatively light soils. Golf courses in northern New England or interior portions of Massachusetts probably will see damage in about two to four weeks. Good luck to all!
Black turfgrass ataenius (BTA) - We have been receiving reports of large numbers of adults moving on the greens. The first of those reports, which seemed a little late to us, came in about two weeks ago, in between rainstorms. And now the horse chestnut trees are in or past full bloom, which seems a little early to us! Any golf course superintendents who have had a history of BTA damage in recent years should start scouting their turf within the next week or so, as adults are laying eggs in most locations (Massachusetts and south). If you plan to control the larvae, it is too late to expect Merit or Mach 2 to work on the soon-to-be-emerging larvae, but this would be a good time to apply a product like Turcam or Oftanol. If you plan to use Dylox or Proxol as a clean-up, wait a little longer - until you see the "whites in their eyes", or at least until you can see the small grubs! Whichever approach you take, be sure to water heavily (at least 0.25 inch) after the application.

White grubs - Most species are finishing feeding at this point. Some grubs might look a little yellow, but unfortunately this is a normal occurrence - they are just getting rid of food stores before they begin to pupate. European chafer adults probably will start emerging within the next 10 to 14 days. Look for them (especially in the eastern third of Massachusetts and the extreme western portions of the state, around Pittsfield) in the evening, just as the sun is setting. They especially seem to like locust and willow trees.

Chinch bugs - Based on the summer conditions of 1999, many areas may have large populations of chinch bugs going into this summer. Be forewarned, and remember that chinch bug damage often closely resembles drought damage. Lawns that experience chinch bug damage in a droughty year will take MUCH longer to recover, so scout for chinch bugs this summer and avoid any doubt. Scouting could begin any time now, but certainly should be underway in early July. You can use a flotation technique or just get down on your hands and knees and look for chinch bugs scurrying across the surface.

- Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum