![]() ![]() Palm Beach County’s official website has recently posted an article about lethal viral necrosis with fact sheets from the University of Florida, frequently asked questions and additional information that can help you learn more about this quick spreading virus, which includes contact information for sending grass samples for testing and pricing. Augustine varieties, or look into additional types of turfgrass that may be more resistant to disease. Once infected, replacement of the turf will eventually be required. ![]() Can You Treat Floratam Grass For Lethal Viral Necrosis?Ĭurrently, there is no treatment for lethal viral necrosis. The best way to determine if your lawn has been infected with lethal viral necrosis is by having it tested by the University of Florida Plant Diagnostic Center in Gainesville, Florida. The most noticeable symptoms will include yellowish, long splotchy spots on leaf blades and potentially yellowing or dead patches of turfgrass. When the wet season ends, temperatures decrease and grass growth slows you are more likely to notice symptoms related to the virus. During summer months, grass grows faster and thicker, making it more difficult to see signs of lethal viral necrosis. Your grass can contain the virus without showing symptoms. While this is most often the way the virus is transmitted, it can also arrive on infected turfgrass, aphids and potentially other methods that have not been discovered or confirmed. When cutting are completely dried out the virus can no longer survive outside of the plant. It can survive longer when mowing lawns that are wet as the dampness prolongs hydration of the grass cuttings. The virus lives in the sap and is released when grass is freshly cut. This virus is believed to be transmitted most commonly by lawn mower wheels, grass trimmers and other types of lawn equipment that are exposed to grass clippings. Augustine varieties including Palmetto, Seville, Citrablue, Provista, Captive, Sapphire and Bitterblue all appear to be able to harbor the virus without dying from it. Once Floratam contracts the disease, it will die in three years, if not sooner. Formerly Sugarcane Mosaic Virus, or SCMV, the “new” SCMV is actually caused by two viruses that will infect and kill Floratam St. Having originally been seen first in Pinellas County, it made its way to Palm Beach and can now be found in many counties throughout the state of Florida. To start planning your visit to the wildlife refuge, see the official website.Lethal viral necrosis was first discovered as infecting the variety Floratam St Augustinegrass in Palm Beach County, Florida towards the end of 2014. There is a refuge visitor center open from Tuesday to Saturday during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) season, and it offers indoor restrooms. Visitors should note that pets (aside from service animals) are not allowed to enter the refuge. Parking is free, and spots are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance costs $5 for a single vehicle or $2 per person entering on foot. Entrance is free from November through March, but if you're visiting in the warmer months, you'll have to pay a small fee. Note that the visitor center does close seasonally. The visitor center is generally open daily from 8 a.m. The refuge, located just past Sandbridge Beach, is open daily from dawn to dusk. The more than 9,200-acre refuge offers several easy to moderate hiking trails that will bring you past wetlands, sand dunes and whispering sea grass, as well as pine forests full of critters. Though you may not encounter other humans at the refuge, you'll see your fair share of animals, whether it be herons, ducks, swans or sea turtles. Previous visitors lauded the refuge's serene atmosphere and said they encountered very few other people while exploring. Sometimes, all you want is a little peace, and when you're in Virginia Beach, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the place to find it. ![]()
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