Technical
Chafer Grubs on the surface Professional application
So, how does a considered approach translate into application within the context of turf management? Kingston Golf Course have taken an
enlightened approach by consulting with the National Trust to ensure that the method they are considering satisfies the environmental concerns that they may have operating in an upland area. Areas of concern were highlighted and the following approach was adopted:
- Areas that historically have been a problem were identified
- Areas of high value, such as greens, banking around the greens, bunker surrounds and tees were identified as a priority area to be monitored
- Monitoring of populations of both invertebrates and identifying ‘trigger points’, at which time specified action would take place
- Targeting specific areas to remove and reduce thatch, the foodstuff of both invertebrates
- Preventative applications of nematodes to specific locations of high concern to obtain control, i.e. greens for leatherjacket control, banks for chafer grub and leatherjacket control
By monitoring populations, a background rate of infestation can be observed to help define trigger points. In time, particular fairways may be highlighted for preventative control as trigger points are exceeded. Areas of the rough and areas out of play may be deliberately ‘sacrificed’ to maintain playing surfaces. Biological control will become mainstream; in
many forms of food production, this is already the case. Alternative products that are not registered for the purpose of controlling pest populations will appear, particularly at this point in time where there are no chemical alternatives and the mind-set of the industry is to apply a product once a problem is apparent. This has led to a reliance on chemical controls and a lazy approach to cultural control. Ultimately, the industry will either be
dragged kicking and screaming into an era where it will confront its responsibilities and deal with them in a professional manner, or
Leatherjacket damage PC JUNE/JULY 2016 I 121
individuals will pretend that they have no responsibility and continue to use products that are potentially damaging or even dangerous.
Conclusion
Lack of experience leads to uncertainty and concern about the efficacy of alternative methods and new technologies. Familiarity breeds contempt; in hindsight, we may look back at a time where pesticides were liberally applied as a time when professionals could flourish without knowledge that we may come to appreciate as intrinsic to the proper function of their role. Undoubtedly, control of both of these major
turf problems will cause concern over the next year but, by developing your knowledge of both pest and predator, the more flexible and better prepared turf managers will be able to understand how to use new technologies and provide the best managers with an opportunity to distinguish themselves. Isn’t it time that we grasped the nettle and did the job properly?
The industry will either be dragged kicking and
screaming into an era where it will confront its
”
responsibilities and deal with them in a professional manner, or individuals will pretend that they have no
responsibility and continue to use products that are potentially damaging or even dangerous
Leatherjacket
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