Management of Spittlebugs in Pasture

The twolined spittlebug causes considerable damage to 'Floralta' limpograss pastures in south Florida during the summer season. Both adults and immatures or nymphs damage grasses by inserting their needle-like mouthparts and sucking plant juices. The adults also inject toxic saliva into leaf tissue while feeding, which causes streaking on the leaves. Tips of infested grass turn yellow, followed by browning and curling. Heavily infested pasture turns brown, becomes unproductive and may die back in large patches.