Coast Gardener
Armyworms can devour lovely lawns
Coast Gardener Newspaper and Web Column - August 24, 2002
Just when you think it's time to "throw in the trowel" for end-of-summer lawn chores, it's time to scout your lawn for armyworms. According to an Extension Specialist, fall armyworms have been observed in large numbers on athletic fields and golf courses in parts of Mississippi. These critters love home lawns just like any other plot of turf, so watch out for them.
Adult
moths begin to fly around during late summer nights and deposit up to
1,000 eggs in as many as 150 clusters. These eggs hatch only after a
few days paving the way for large numbers of tiny armyworms to feed on
any grass tissue in their path. They are veracious feeders and will quickly
devour your lawn when many are feeding in a single area.
Armyworms are easy to control with insecticides if numbers get out of hand. It is important, however, not to panic! If only a couple of them are found in your lawn spraying may not be necessary unless you notice numbers sharply increasing over a short period of time.
Scouting your turf at least a couple times a week best discovers the tiny worms. They are very tiny when they first hatch; they are only about 1/16 of an inch long and grayish-green in color. As they mature they become tan to almost black in color with stripes along their sides. A good mark to remember is the inverted Y shape on the head.
Refer to Extension publication 1322 "Establish and Manage Your Home Lawn" for treatment options if you find yourself in a war with armyworms this year. You may access this publication online at http://msucares.com/pubs/pub1322.htm or request one from your local county Extension Service office.
Master Gardener slots still available
Are you a person who loves gardening, loves to meet and help people, and loves to volunteer your time to your community&emdash;all while having loads of fun? If your answer is yes, then the Master Gardener program may be for you. There's still time to participate in the upcoming Master Gardener class sponsored by Mississippi State University Extension Service.
The training begins September 13 and continuing until November 15. The course is ten weeks long and will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Friday during this period. The only deviation is on October 18. That week's course will be held on Thursday, October 17 instead. The course will be taught at the Harrison County Extension Service office at the corner of 17th Street and 24th Avenue in downtown Gulfport.
An application process is used to select potential candidates. You may request an application form from the Harrison County Extension Service. The course costs $100; registration is not complete until an application form and payment is received by September 1. Interested persons in the Master Gardener volunteer program should call 865-4227.
These archived gardening columns were written by Chance McDavid, former Harrison County Extension Agent.