St. Augustine decline
Panicum Mosaic Virus
Symptoms
The symptoms of PMV include chlorotic tissue and a mosaic pattern on the leaf blades. These symptoms may resemble iron or zinc nutrient deficiencies, and in advanced stages, the entire stand may appear chlorotic.
Signs
PMV is not visible to the naked eye and requires laboratory testing to confirm diagnosis.
Biology
Panicum mosaic virus (PMV) is a submicroscopic agent that requires living host cells to multiply. It is a virus that infects St. Augustinegrass, a common turfgrass species.
Epidemiology
PMV is typically associated with other stresses such as shade, drought, insect, and nematode damage. It is transmitted through mechanical means, such as mowing, cultivation, and sod transplanting, rather than through a specific vector.
Cultural Management
To control PMV, it is important to limit other plant stresses such as drought or insect damage, since most viruses are associated with other stresses. This can be achieved through proper irrigation and pest management practices. Additionally, using virus-resistant cultivars of St. Augustinegrass can help to limit the spread of the disease.
Further Reading
University extension resources — open in a new tab.
Related Reports
No published reports yet for this pest.
Reports will appear here as they are peer-reviewed and published.