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Question:
Since there seems to be no remedy to eliminate nematodes on Floratam sod, what types of grasses might be planted in plugs or seed among the Floratam to restructure my lawn?
Answer:
It seems as this is yet another "problem" involved in living in the sandy environment of Wilson County! These responses have been received from turfgrass specialists in Dallas:
From Dr. Jim McAfee: "I don't know of any turfgrasses that won't potentially have a problem with nematodes. In my experience, it seems bermudagrass has more problems with nematodes than say St. Augustinegrass or Centipedegrass. I have seen nematodes in zoysiagrass, but don't know how big an issue it is in zoysia.
Generally, we don't see that much of a problem with nematodes in Texas, because the majority of our soils are heavy clay and nematodes are most active in the sandy soils."
And from Dr. Kevin Ong: "The word is that there are no turfgrasses that are resistant to all kinds of nematodes. However, various lines of turf seemed to do better than others in being tolerant of nematodes - ie. Less nematode problems are noticed on newer St. Augustine releases than on older ones. Best bet is to maintain practices that keep the lawn healthy and have vigorous root growth to overcome/tolerate nematode infestation."
I recommend you overseed this St. Augustine with cereal rye (Elbon) which is a trap crop for nematodes. We usually don't recommend overseeding St. Augustine but I don't think you have anything to lose--especially in the bare spots. After the rye sprouts and begins to grow, mow it every two or three weeks. See also http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/PLANTanswers/earthkind/ekgarden26.html
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