St. Augustine Decline

The initial signs of St. Augustine Decline appear as chlorotic mottling or stippling (light discoloration spots in leaves). These symptoms can resemble iron or zinc deficiencies, mite damage or downy mildew infection. As the lawn disease continues to run its course, chlorosis (loss of normal green color) becomes uniform over the infected area, the grass becomes less vigorous and stolon growth slows dramatically. The longer the grass is infected, the more severe the symptoms become. Roughly three years after initial symptoms are observed—and with additional stresses—the entire infected area can be killed. There is no chemical prevention for St. Augustine Decline —the only form of control for this virus is planting grass types that are resistant. The Texas common variety of St. Augustinegrass is very susceptible, while the Floratam, Bitterblue and Raleigh varieties are resistant to this lawn disease.