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St. Augustine Decline (SAD)
St. Augustine decline (SAD) is a mosaic disease of St. Augustinegrass caused by a Panicum mosaic virus. The disease is found in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The first symptoms appear as a mild chlorosis or mosaic pattern on leaf blades. After infection, it takes about 3 years before the grass begins to die out and become invaded by weedy plants. Early symptoms are often confused with nutrient deficiencies.
The St. Augustine decline virus is transmitted by lawn mowers, clippings, and sprigs or sod. No other cultivated turfgrasses are known to be affected by the SAD virus. The only control for this disease is the use of resistant varieties, including Floratam, Raleigh, and Seville.Once SAD is present in a St. Augustine lawn, consider renovation. You may wish to select another type of grass or a St. Augustinegrass variety that is resistant to the virus.