It is really hard to diagnose these things. I appreciate all the help and links that have been extremely helpful. I may post some pictures tonight. I don't think my thatch is as bad as I thought but I have been reading that a dethatch may help. they are definitely white webs in and under the thatch but I have not seen a single worm or grub or anything. I have seen a flurry of moths at one point as I mentioned early. I am partly wondering if the grass is drying out and fighting dormancy. The backyard looks a lot better more green. The thing that gets me is that there is no spots it's a noticeable discoloration and dryness in. the entire lawn. After my last application I was expecting a nice green up. I refuse to put down an insecticide if I don't need it. I've read multiple sites stating that BT is a viable option for the webworm.

"they seldom do really great harm...." Unless of course, their damage removes so much chlorophyll that the leaves CAN'T do what they are supposed to do. A large population of these insects can also result in the loss of other plant juices in large quantities. I've seen this occur on azaleas, pyracantha, and lantana, just to mention three of the common hosts of lacebugs. Such damage is common and not in the best interest of the plant to ignore. OF COURSE, measures should be taken to restore the plant to a healthier status by controlling the pest. There can be up to 5 generations per year in a warm climate!! But I agree with Jean, the images don't really indicate lacebug damage, though that stippling could make one think so. Here's a question: what does the UNDERside of those affected leaves look like? The bottom of lacebug infested leaves will always be covered with dark fecal matter and the tar-like spots which cover their egg clusters. Very dirty. Is that what you see? Here is a link that might be useful:

Thanks guys, I just found some "tomato dust" out in the barn, a copper based product that maybe I can use until I get into town again. Not too many tears are going to be shed over losing a couple of P.O.s, I think I have 11 of them planted, and maybe I can head this off at the pass for the other varieties with some copper spray. Any recommendations on the brand? Also, should I pull these plants or leave them to die a slow natural death? I was expecting a fairly high mortality rate being my first year growing so if I pull these, I will have approx 70 tomato plants left. LOL, hopefully, knowing my weakness can become my greatest strength (in the garden, anyhow)!

Carolyn, anyone tell you your nuts? :) **** Actually no, no one has although I've been called several other things besides my name, which is Carolyn, not Dr. Carolyn.( wink) So to reward you with being the first to call me nuts I'd be pleased to send you two of my newest varieties not yet in circulation commercially, Anna Maria's Heart and Danko. The first is a lovely pink heart and the second is a medium red heart, both with wonderful taste, at least to my taste buds as well as the person who grew the plants for me ( and kept some at home) and the person who does my seed production for me now that I can't do that stuff anymore. Just send me your home address and the seeds are yours. ( smile) I spent some time looking at your photos and I'm beginning to think that the black dots are where the leaf hairs grow out of and if you look at the fringes of the leaves you'll see what you're calling crystals are really small white globes and they appear on the ends of the hairs that are forming. At least that's what I see. I'm not accustomed to being so up and close and personal with the enlarged leaf surface so it took some time to try and figure it out. The magnification is so large that I never would have seen such microstructure on my own with the unaided eye. Summary: I don't see a problem. Carolyn Carolyn