Pampas Grass Plume Problems: Fungal Disease or Insect Damage?

When pampas grass plumes fail to open and show fungal-like symptoms, the cause isn't always disease. Insect damage—particularly caterpillars or borers chewing developing plumes—can mimic fungal issues. Since fungicide treatments haven't resolved the problem over multiple years, insect activity should be investigated.

Recommended Action

Take samples (affected plumes and stem sections) to your local Extension office for professional diagnosis. They can send specimens to a plant pathologist for accurate identification. In Georgia, contact the Walton County Extension office at 1-800-ASKUGA1.

What to Look For

• Frass (insect droppings) near damaged plumes
• Entry holes in stems
• Chewed plume tips vs. fungal spores

Proper diagnosis prevents wasted treatments and targets the real problem.