Summary of Losses from Insect Damage and Costs of Control in Georgia - 1997

XIII. Ornamental, Lawn and Turf Insects

B. L. Sparks, W. G. Hudson, S. K. Braman, R. D. Oetting, and D. L. Horton

Ornamental production of floriculture crops is primarily under greenhouse culture and has spring and fall pest problems. There is a limited amount of field production of cut flowers with similar problems as greenhouse production. In 1997, the most difficult pest to manage on floriculture crops was western flower thrips. Failure to control thrips was reported with all management strategies. Mites are increasing more difficult to manage with insecticides especially in warm seasons. The greenhouse whitefly is more prevalent on fall crops. This increase is believed to be a result of declining susceptibility to imidacloprid, the primary insecticide used to control silverleaf whitefly. Other strategies must be used to control greenhouse whitefly. The use of good sanitation, exclusion and other cultural practices are encouraged to reduce the incidence of pest problems and the need for pesticides.

In 1997, the major insect problems on woody ornamentals, both in home landscapes and commercial landscape maintenance, included various species of borers, scale insects, mites, lace bugs, foliage feeding beetles and whiteflies. Borer damage was noted on many different species of ornamental trees and shrubs during the year. Damage due to the Asian ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was found in greater incidence and on a wide range of host plants in nursery production and landscapes. An increase in perennial production resulted in an increase in aphids, thrips and whiteflies as well as leaf and flea beetles. Japanese beetle populations and associated damage were substantial in 1997 and control costs in both nursery production and landscape situations increased significantly. Spider mite, aphid and scale insect problems were severe and widespread throughout the state in Spring 1997 but decreased in later months.

The turf industry in Georgia (includes production, sales, installation and maintenance) is estimated to be worth in excess of $1.4 billion annually. There are currently 368 golf courses in operation in the state, with more under construction or in planning. There are over 740 football fields, over 16,000 acres of turf on school grounds (public and private), and over 25,000 acres of turf in parks. All total, there are an estimated 1.3 million acres of turfgrass in the state. Increasing urbanization and emphasis on expanding recreational opportunities statewide should lead to continued strong demand for quality sod in the future. The Atlanta Metro Area is the largest lawn care market in the USA. Sod production accounts for over 15,000 acres in Georgia, and the trend towards increasing acreage devoted to this crop will continue as long as the demand is there.

Although mole crickets are found only in the coastal plain region of Georgia, they are so destructive and difficult to control that almost half of the losses from insect pests in turf statewide are due to these pests. The introduction of new, more effective insecticides for mole cricket control has lead to a reduction in damage, but has increased cost of mole cricket control over the last two years. Caterpillar problems were widespread but sporadic in 1997. Spittlebugs were more abundant and damaging in 1997 than during previous years. Damage from Japanese beetle continues as populations of this introduced pest continue to increase.

1. Primarily cutworms, corn earworms, loopers, azalea caterpillars, and leaf rollers.
2. Primarily leaf beetles, Japanese weevils, Fuller Rose weevil, Japanese beetle, whitefringed beetle, borers, and carpenterworm.
3. Includes grasshoppers, fungus gnats, millipedes, sowbugs, psocids, springtails, ants, earwigs, and leafminers.
4. Sod webworms, armyworms, cutworms.
5. Ants (excluding fire ants), billbugs, leafhoppers, and mites.