Bermudagrass hay farmers need to scout their fields for Bermudagrass Stem Maggots. I just discovered a big infestation here at the North Florida Research Center (NFREC) which is first one in two years in North Florida that we are aware of. Also, Liza Garcia has been scouting fields from Jackson County west and also found some flies in increasing numbers the last few weeks. Populations appear to be back and potentially building up to damaging numbers.

[important]Growers should scout their fields for dead stems and cut the hay before it gets worse, or spray pyrethroid insecticides on young fields with the potential to produce high quality hay.[/important]

More information on this subject is available in previous articles:

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot ID and Management

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot—A New Pest in Florida

Stem Maggots Coming to Panhandle Bermudagrass Fields

UF/IFAS Seeks Input from Hay Producers on Stem Maggot Damage

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