Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) is a plant virus first identified in sugarcane-producing areas of Florida in the 1960s. SCMV primarily affects grass species, including sugarcane, corn, sorghum, and various ornamental and weedy grasses. However, its most significant impact in Florida has been on St. Augustine grass, where outbreaks have caused extensive damage in some areas. While the virus is common in sugarcane-growing regions, its effects on sugarcane are not currently a major concern. Over time, the virus has shown the ability to adapt, overcoming resistance in previously resilient grass varieties.
Symptoms and Effects of SCMV
SCMV shows up as noticeable patterns on plants, often with uneven patches or streaks of yellow and green across the leaves. For St. Augustine grass, infected blades may display broken yellow lines running between the veins on otherwise green areas. How severe these signs are can depend on the type of grass, the environment, and how far along the infection is. In mild cases, the symptoms might be easy to miss, but in worse scenarios, the grass can start to die off in patches. For example, back in 2013, there was a major outbreak in Florida that caused widespread damage to lawns in Palm Beach counties. Affected lawns began showing signs in the fall, and by spring, many had serious die-off. These symptoms are a lot like those caused by St. Augustine grass Decline (SAD), but testing confirmed SCMV was the problem. This virus has been a long-lasting challenge for vulnerable grass types. In advanced stages, the grass can turn noticeably yellow, develop dead spots, and eventually suffer major die-off, which takes a toll on both the look and health of the lawn. How quickly this happens often depends on environmental factors and how prone the grass is, with some lawns declining rapidly during peak infection times.
Management and Prevention of SCMV
At East Coast Sprayers, Our technicians have observed an increasing number of cases in the area and are closely monitoring the rise of SCMV. The virus spreads through infected sod, mechanical means like lawn mowers, and possibly insect vectors such as aphids. If you notice unusual yellow or green streaks on your grass or suspect an issue, don’t hesitate to contact us for an evaluation. One of our technicians will come to your property and ensure correct treatment is given. While there is no cure, early detection and proper lawn management can help mitigate damage.
