St. Augustine Decline, Centipede Mosaic (virus – SAD)

Host Grass: Centipede Grass, St. Augustine Grass(Stenatophrum secundatum)

Cause and Symptoms: In early infection stages, leaves show a chlorotic (yellow) mottling. The mottling or mosaic symptom becomes progressively more severe until a chlorotic appearance is observed. In later stages of disease development, leaves and stolons begin to die and invading grasses and weeds crowd out weakened St. Augustine or Centipede grass. Infected grass does poorly in shaded areas.

Control and Management:  Plant a resistant variety – Floratam, Raleigh or Seville. Seville is very susceptible to downy mildew. Floratam is susceptible to cold injury and should not be used in more northern areas. Raleigh is adapted to the same areas as common St. Augustinegrass. No chemicals are available to treat diseases caused by viruses.

Content edited by: Young-ki Jo, ykjo@tamu.edu , Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Dept Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Texas A&M University, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, May 31, 2013