The second week was full of surprises. I am definitely getting my feet wet literally and figuratively this week. Looking a little closer this week at our trouble greens (#5, #10, #11, #12, #13), I found what I thought was cutworm damage. Small spots with turf trimmed right above the crown. A closer look with a knife revealed European Cranefly larvae.
Cranefly are usually not a huge problem in our area unless you have quite a high population. Also, Cranefly are usually found in the taller cut turf. They are not usually found on greens. As everyone knows, our trouble greens all have a similar issue with the lack of sun. Especially in the winter months when the sun is low in the sky. No matter if you are in Arizona or Washington, insects seem to have the same opinion about weak turfgrass. They love it! Ten green was by far the most affected by Cranefly.
Cranefly are commonly called "mosquito eaters". These guys look like a Shaq mosquito. Although harmless as an adult, the larvae which lasts most of the year (November-September), can become an issue. Depending on the spring weather we may take the opportunity to treat #10 green preventatively to avoid any extra stresses coming into the pythium winter.If you have any questions about cranefly or comment concerning the course feel free to contact me.
Justin Ruiz, CGCS
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