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Lethal Viral Necrosis (LVN) of 'Floratam' St. Augustinegrass

Fact Sheet

Emily Marois
Urban Horticulture
UF/IFAS Extension
West Palm Beach

Team Members: Marois, E*1, Krueger, K*2, Roberts, J*3, Schall, W4
  1. Urban Horticulture, , West Palm Beach, Florida, 33415
  2. Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33415
  3. Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent , UF/IFAS Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33415
  4. Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent - Emeritus, UF/IFAS Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33415

Abstract

Lethal viral necrosis poses a major threat to Palm Beach County landscapes, the third-largest county in Florida, with 1.5 million residents and 720,741 housing units. ‘Floratam’ St. Augustinegrass, is the most widely used turfgrass in the area and is highly susceptible to this disease. The condition of Lethal viral necrosis (LVN) is caused by the sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and was initially detected in 2014 in western Boynton Beach and Wellington, Florida. Since then, it has spread widely across Palm Beach County and a few other counties in Florida. Named for its lethal effects, LVN impacts the 'Floratam' cultivar of St. Augustinegrass and other cultivars with 'Floratam' genetics, often resulting in death within three years of symptom onset. The virus can spread through infected grass sap via mechanical transmission (i.e., mower wheels) or biologically by aphids that can be moved by wind. It is not transmitted through the soil. There is no cure for SCMV or LVN. This factsheet explains the virus's symptoms, transmission, and pathology testing to confirm diagnosis, management, and turfgrass replacement recommendations.

 

 

Factsheet