Forage Grasses

J. Vendramini, B. Sellers, L. E. Sollenberger, and M. Silveira

João Vendramini, João Vendramini, Ann Blount, andJosé Dubeux

SS-AGR-59 describes this robust, warm-season perennial grass native from Africa, useful in southern Florida for fall and winter grazing — establishment, management of established stands, and pests. Includes references.

L. E. Sollenberger

J. M. B. Vendramini, J. C. B. Dubeux Jr., and L. E. Sollenberger

J. Vendramini, P. Moriel, and L. Wiggins

João Vendramini, João Vendramini, José Dubeux, andEileen A. Buss

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.

Hui-Ling Liao, Haihua Wang, Kaile Zhang, Benjamin Reimer, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Joseph H. Walter, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Vijay Verma, Ann Blount, andCheryl Mackowiak

Rust is a common disease on warm-season grasses that can affect pasture health and potentially serve as an allergen for animals grazing on it. Despite its significance, rust disease in warm-season grass is often overlooked. This publication reports on rust disease observed in Florida pastures and offers practical, non-technical knowledge and general management suggestions to mitigate the threat of rust disease. It is aimed at producers, landowners, and the public.

Brent Sellers, Pratap Devkota, and Jason A. Ferrell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Hui-Ling Liao, Kaile Zhang, Kaile Zhang, Vijay Verma, Haihua Wang, Brittany Justesen, Justesen,Brittany L., Joseph Walter, Joseph H. Walter, Valerie Mendez Stansly, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Marcelo Wallau, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Ed Jennings, J. K. Yarborough, Doug Mayo, Ray Bodrey, andAaron Stam

The toxicity of grasses caused by mycotoxins has led to economic losses in the United States due to the health impact on livestock feeding on it. Florida's warm and humid weather is favorable for the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi on grasses. The JECFA has provided evaluations and risk management for some high-risk mycotoxins; however, more research is needed in Florida to determine the maximum levels of these mycotoxins, how different environmental conditions affect these levels, and the specialized risk management to prevent animals from getting sick. Our Extension agents were able to collect and examine 195 grass samples from 13 ranchers across dry and wet seasons in Florida. In this publication, we summarized the results for our ranchers to learn more about (1) what (dominant) mycotoxins are generally present in Florida’s pastures, (2) what grass species could harbor more of these mycotoxins, and (3) what seasons or locations may favor these dominant mycotoxins.

Joao Vendramini, Lynn E. Sollenberger, and Ken Quesenberry, Marcelo Wallau, and Jose C.B. Dubeux Jr.

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).