Summary
Lethal Viral Necrosis has been positively identified in Floratam lawns in Southwest Florida and is lethal to the grass, with no known cure.
Lethal Viral Necrosis is a new and deadly foliage disease spreading through lawns in Southwest Florida. This disease has been positively identified in Floratam lawns and is lethal to the grass, with no known cure.
Our technicians are vigilant in spotting symptoms, which include a mosaic pattern on the leaf that may appear as blotchy, streaky patterns of yellow and green before the lawn turns brown and dies prematurely. Floratam, a common type of St. Augustinegrass, is the only variety susceptible to the lethal effects of the disease. Other varieties, such as Palmetto, Bitterblue, Bermudagrass, paspalum, bahiagrass, and ornamental fountain grass, can host the virus but are not killed by it. Zoysiagrass is not a host.
Symptoms and dieback occur in Floratam lawns usually during the fall/winter and continue into the spring. While it’s tempting to assume a dying yard is associated with colder temperatures and less watering, it’s important to have a professional look at your lawn if you suspect it is dying. While the virus is a significant threat to lawns, early detection and preventative measures can help manage its spread. Lethal Viral Necrosis is only positively identified by lab testing. The moist sap of infected grass, when it is exposed, causes the spread of the virus. Newly mowed grass that is transferred from one lawn to another by landscapers accelerates the spread. We recommend you talk to your landscaper and request that all grass is blown off equipment and sanitized appropriately between mowing – especially if the virus has been positively identified.
The only solution if your grass has the virus is to resod your lawn. Lethal Viral Necrosis will kill a Floratam lawn in three years or less.
Lethal Viral Necrosis poses a significant threat to Floratam lawns in southwest Florida. While there is no cure for this disease, early detection and preventive measures can help manage its spread.
Our trained technicians are vigilant in identifying symptoms and will ensure that any suspected cases are promptly tested. If your lawn is affected, resodding with Zoysiagrass is recommended as it is not a host to the virus. By taking these steps, we can work together to protect our lawns and maintain the beauty of our landscapes.
