What turf management practice minimizes problems with sod webworms?

What turf management practice minimizes problems with sod webworms?

• A. Plant resistant endophyte-enhanced varieties of fescue and ryegrass.
• B. Use close mowing to under 1 inch.
• C. Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer in spring.
• D. Mow frequently to remove larval habitat.

Answer: (A)

Endophyte-enhanced grasses provide a built-in defense against sod webworms. The fungal endophyte living in resistant varieties of fescue and ryegrass produces alkaloids that deter or reduce feeding by the larvae. When sod webworm caterpillars chew on the leaves, they ingest these compounds, which can slow their growth or kill some individuals, leading to fewer damaged areas in the turf. Because this protection is part of the plant, it lowers pest pressure without needing chemical controls and fits well with sustainable turf management. Low mowing isn’t a reliable way to prevent sod webworms and can stress the turf, potentially making the stand more vulnerable. Applying high nitrogen in spring promotes rapid shoot growth, which can actually favor pest outbreaks by providing more food and new tissue for feeding. Mowing frequently to eliminate larval habitat isn’t effective either, since sod webworm larvae spend time in the thatch and soil, not just on the leaf blades you cut. The endophyte approach is the most direct and durable method among these options.

Endophyte-enhanced grasses provide a built-in defense against sod webworms. The fungal endophyte living in resistant varieties of fescue and ryegrass produces alkaloids that deter or reduce feeding by the larvae. When sod webworm caterpillars chew on the leaves, they ingest these compounds, which can slow their growth or kill some individuals, leading to fewer damaged areas in the turf. Because this protection is part of the plant, it lowers pest pressure without needing chemical controls and fits well with sustainable turf management.

Low mowing isn’t a reliable way to prevent sod webworms and can stress the turf, potentially making the stand more vulnerable. Applying high nitrogen in spring promotes rapid shoot growth, which can actually favor pest outbreaks by providing more food and new tissue for feeding. Mowing frequently to eliminate larval habitat isn’t effective either, since sod webworm larvae spend time in the thatch and soil, not just on the leaf blades you cut. The endophyte approach is the most direct and durable method among these options.