Grass grub and porina damage showing

Region: Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Manawatū Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson Tasman, Marlborough, Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, Southland

Grass grub and porina damage will now be evident in most areas. Grass grub damage is indicated initially by loss of clover and subsequently by patches of pasture turning yellow. At this time of year, these patches become soft underfoot and are prone to pugging. Porina damage will show as bare areas of pasture often with only weed plant species present. At this stage of the year, conventional insecticide is the only control option likely to give control of either pest. By now production losses have already occurred but treatment may save the affected pastures.

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Porina damage from late flights may be apparent in lower North Island

Region: Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, ManawatÅ« Whanganui, Wairarapa, Wellington

Porina damage from caterpillars arising from late February/March flights may only now be becoming apparent. Careful consideration needs to be given to control options as spring growth may occur before damage becomes such that plants are lost from pastures.

Social tagging: AgPest > Grass grub > Pasture Damage > Porina