Seemed more like June than April this week with summer like temperatures in the low 90’s.
Still looking for that rain, hopefully we can get some next week along with a bit cooler weather when a predicted front moves thru mid week.
We have been dealing with some Bermudagrass Mite damage recently so I thought I would explain what they are and the damage they can cause.
Bermudagrass mites (*Aceria cynodoniensis*) are tiny, microscopic pests that affect Bermudagrass (*Cynodon dactylon*), like we have on the golf course. These mites are known for causing significant damage to the grass by feeding on plant tissues. They are particularly problematic in warm climates during dry periods of the year.
Bermudagrass mites are too small to see with the naked eye (about 0.2 mm long), with elongated, worm-like bodies and only two pairs of legs. They feed on the grass's stem and leaf sheaths, injecting saliva that disrupts growth. This leads to shortened internodes, stunted growth, and a "witches' broom" effect—clumps of deformed, tufted grass. Infested areas often turn yellow or brown and may die off.
Here is a picture showing the “witches’ broom” appearance vs a normal Bermudagrass stem and shoot.
Damage is often mistaken for drought stress, nutrient deficiency, or fungal disease.
Mites reproduce quickly in warm weather, with females laying eggs under leaf sheaths. Their life cycle can complete in as little as 5-7 days under optimal conditions and spread via wind, mowing equipment, or human activity, making infestations difficult to contain once established.
These pests are a challenge for turf managers, especially in southern U.S. states and other warm regions where Bermudagrass is prevalent. Early detection and integrated pest management are key to minimizing their impact.
We recognized the mite activity and sprayed a treatment last week. The first picture shows some of the damage prior to the application last week. The last with new growth after the application. We will make a second application next week to make sure the population is reduced to a point where they are no longer causing significant damage to the turf.
The mites will get better as we make pesticide applications and rain becomes more frequent this summer.
The maintenance team was out working on course details again this week, edging greens…
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