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New sod resistant to chinch bugs
BAY AREA (Bay News 9) -- Chinch bugs are huge problem in the Bay area, and a new type of sod could be the solution.
SMR Farms in Bradenton is now harvesting a sod called captiva. The grass is similar to other St. Augustine varieties except for some reason chinch bugs don't like it.
The University of Florida developed the sod, and SMR Farms was involved in the experimental trials of the captiva sod.
Mac Carraway, president of SMR, says researchers discovered the chinch bug resistance by accident.
"They were looking for a heartier St. Augustine and chinch bug resistance was not something they were looking for at the time, although it is a desirable characteristic," Carraway said.
The sod also has other benefits. It requires less fertilizer and doesn't have to be mowed as much. It's also softer to the touch.
Captiva is a bit more expensive that other St. Augustine varieties.
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