Rare plant disease back in South Florida

If your lawn is looking brown or yellow, it could be because of a rare plant disease that disappeared nearly four decades ago called sugar-cane mosaic virus.

Bill Schall, who works with the University of Florida's Horticulture extension office in Palm Beach County, said the disease can't be treated by pesticides.

"The biggest problem with it is the grass gets pretty unhealthy looking and it'll turn off-color. You'll get dead grass in there and the grass can actually die too," said Schall.

Schall said the virus gets its name from the mosaic design it leaves on the grass blades. He said it first showed up back in the 60s in sugar-cane growing near cane fields in western Palm Beach County.

It virtually disappeared but was tracked by University of Florida scientists when it showed up again just a few years ago in the St. Petersburg area, and it is now back in Palm Beach County.

"And the first ones down here that we became aware of were confirmed by lab test about three weeks ago in West Boynton Beach but we think its a lot more widespread than just West Boynton Beach," said Schall.

Experts suggest those who are concerned should wash their lawn equipment with disinfectant so the virus doesn't spread, remove or replace your sod with a more resilient variety and keep your grass healthy.

If anyone suspects their grass is infected they should take a sample to the Palm Beach County extension facility at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

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Rare plant disease back in South Florida