What is a key symptom of insect damage in turfgrass?

Wilting or discoloration of grass blades is a definitive symptom of insect damage in turfgrass because insects can feed on the plant tissue, disrupting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently. This feeding can lead to stress and result in visible signs such as yellowing or browning of the grass blades, which is indicative of unhealthy grass. Grass may also wilt due to water loss caused by the feeding activity of the insects, as they can create wounds that affect the turf's water retention.

In contrast, the presence of fungicides is not an indicator of insect damage but rather relates to fungal diseases. Thickening of grass roots is often a response to healthy growth conditions or sufficient nutrient uptake rather than insect activity. Increased leaf shine can be a result of healthy growth or treatment with certain products but does not directly indicate insect damage.