Colquitt County Forage Update 6-23-14
 

Thoughts on managing Bermudagrass Stem Maggot!!
     I am starting to see low levels of Bermudagrass stem maggot damage in some Colquitt County bermudagrass hay fields, as of June 23, 2014. Below are some thoughts on how to manage this pest in area bermudagrass hay fields.                                                                                    
     Bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM) is a new pest for Georgia forage producers.  Damage from BSM is a bronzing of the bermudagrass, generating damage similar to that of severe drought or frost damaged bermudagrass. The bronzing was the result of chlorosis and necrosis in the top two to three leaves of the plant. The damaged leaves could easily be pulled from the sheath and the end inside the sheath either showed evidence of insect damage or obvious decay. This damage was clearly not that of abiotic stress but rather a consequence of larval feeding.  Examples of the damage from BSM are in the slide below.

     So what do we do about it?
Bermudagrass Stem Maggot (BSM) management strategy is contingent upon timing.

• If signs of BSM damage occur when the bermudagrass is 6-8 in. tall, then harvest (remove if possible) and implement chemical suppression technique. The bermudagrass is unlikely to grow out of this damage. Delayed action can rob yield from future growth.
• If signs of BSM damage occurs late (~3 wk after prev. cutting/grazing), then harvest or graze as soon as possible.
   
• Chemical suppression technique requiring 2 applications:
  1^st App: 7-10 d after hay cutting.
  2^nd App: repeat 7-10 d later (or 14-20 d after cutting)
  Growers should apply a labeled rate of an insecticide.  Examples include pyrethroids, such as Baythroid, Karate, Mustang Max,  Sevin, malathion, Tracer or Prevathon. 

Colquitt County Bermudagrass Stem Maggot Survey

Up Coming Forage Events

Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day

July 10, 2014 | Moultrie, GA

Georgia Grazing School

Sept. 17-18, 2014 | Tifton, GA

Southeastern Hay Contest (in conjunction with the Sunbelt Ag Expo)

October 14, 2014 | Deadline for Entry is Sept. 22, 2014 | Moultrie, GA

Thanks for your time,

Jeremy Kichler
UGA Forage Team Member
Colquitt County Extension Coordinator