Root knot nematode symptoms in a ryegrass sand-b
based rugby pitch, Shawsbridge, Belfast
Coping with NEMATODES
training, consequently increasing the wear on these pitches. The turf tears very easily from rugby boot studs, especially in wet surface conditions. The grass roots are not deep enough or fibrous enough to resist the physical damage during normal play and there is little or no recovery of grass in worn areas. The soil-based pitches seem to have more resistance to die-back.
Seamus Peters Case Study
Shawsbridge Sports Association, Belfast: Head Groundsman, Seamus Peters
At Shawsbridge there are four rugby pitches, two sand-based and two soil- based. Three of the rugby pitches make up the outfields for cricket wickets in the summer months.
Current problems
• There are high numbers of problem nematodes on all playing surfaces. In particular, high levels of the root knot nematodes Meloidogyne minor and Meloidogyne naasi are seriously affecting ryegrass rooting and turf density in the sand-based pitches.
• One of the major management problems is overplay. Two of the rugby fields (one sand-based and one soil- based) have floodlights for night-time
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• Significant levels of damage occur in the spring as soil temperatures rise and moisture levels are high. This shows first on sand-based pitches followed by the soil-based pitches a few days later (weather depending). The damage seems to coincide with the spring hatch of root knot nematodes.
• Turf exhibits poor growth and vigour even after fertilisers are applied (except when high levels of nitrogen are applied). The poor colour of grass can be an aesthetic problem, as TV cameras regularly record highlights of rugby matches played at the grounds.
• Grass die back and browning of leaves occur within a few days of warm dry conditions. As there is no efficient system for watering the turf, the grass shows drought stress symptoms very quickly.
• When reducing the height of grass on the rugby fields to that required for the cricket outfield, the grass growth becomes stunted and die-back occurs, even when height is reduced in steps over a number of weeks.
• The cricket wickets themselves tend to perform badly, and only two matches can be played on each wicket before a new one is needed. There is not enough strong root growth to bind the
clay correctly and grass recovery is poor after matches.
Maintenance programmes aimed at nematodes
Currently, a high level of spiking and aeration is implemented across all areas. Soil testing for nutrient deficiency is performed once a year with fertilisers applied as necessary. The use of a seaweed based liquid fertiliser has shown to have an positive impact on nematode attack and reduces the visible surface damage on the turf. This approach has a limited use in the winter when grass growth is poor. Biostimulants have been used on one full pitch and this has been shown to reduce visible damage, although full assessment of this trial is not yet complete.
Future plans
During 2008 I have tested a range of different products at Shawsbridge. These have included soil amendments to reduce nematode levels and biostimulants to lower turf stress. The most effective of these will be used in full field trials during 2009. The rest of the sports areas will be treated with seaweed based liquid iron and higher levels of nitrogen in slow release fertilisers. A combination of sand-based rootzones and changes in climate appear to have created the perfect home for plant parasitic nematodes in our sports fields. There is currently no simple solution to controlling these pests, so a range of management techniques must be used to minimise their impact on the sportsturf. Sadly, until a more effective method to control them is found, we must add nematodes to the long list of pests and diseases we have to deal with.
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