St. Augustine Decline: Torpedograss, Nutsedge, Chinch Bugs, Spittlebugs

Cocoa, FL. Floratam St. Augustine sodded 2007. Backyard good except torpedograss on north fence. Front yard: 10–15 ft diameter nutsedge + torpedograss patch. SA died there. Talstar granular applied but brown areas expand. ¼–⅜" black bug with orange stripes (spittlebug?) ahead of mower. Spittle found at SA base.

Torpedograss (Panicum repens) in SA

No selective control in SA. Glyphosate kills both. Spot-treat patches, resod/plug SA.

Nutsedge

Halosulfuron (SedgeHammer) or sulfentrazone (Dismiss) — check labels for SA safety. Multiple apps needed.

Chinch Bugs vs. Brown Patch

• Chinch bugs: Start at dry edges. Soap flush to confirm.
• Brown patch: Circular, "smoke ring," warm/wet. Talstar won't help.

Spittlebugs (Prosapia bicincta)

Two-lined spittlebug: black with two orange/red lines across wings. Nymphs in spittle masses at base. Damage: yellowing, wilting. Talstar (bifenthrin) controls them.

Action Plan

1. Soap flush: confirm chinch bugs/spittlebugs.
2. If spittlebugs: bifenthrin (Talstar) per label.
3. Torpedograss patches: glyphosate → resod SA.
4. Nutsedge: halosulfuron/sulfentrazone per label.
5. Check irrigation: dry spots = chinch bug magnets.

UF/IFAS Resource

Table 1 at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH077 lists herbicide options for torpedograss.