Glen Sampson

A Change in AttitudePrevention is the keyTreating the cause rather than the symptomspesticides are no longer the only way to goWe cannot only be concerned about the specific

site we are dealing with but adjacent areas as well

Total site management not just pest managementWe must be more knowledgeable about what is

going on in a turf

Growing Turf Without “Pesticides”The philosophy of growing turf (or anything

else) without pesticides is simply that a healthy soil grows healthy plants

When you feed the beneficial life in the soil, those growing populations of microorganisms begin to accomplish many jobs that now consume great amounts of your time, money, and energy.

Key DefinitionsPlant Health Care (PHC) – A comprehensive system

for managing the appearance, structure, and vitality of ornamental landscapes and sports turf within client expectations

Site evaluation and preparation Plant selection, establishment, and cultivation Pest management Plant removal and utilization

Integrated Pest Mgt. (IPM) – A method for managing pests that combines cultural, biological, and chemical control tactics into a single management strategy

IPM is an essential component of the PHC management system!

Key DefinitionsPest – any organism that

threatens the health, structure, appearance, or value of desirable plants

Competes with desirable plants for resources

Diminishes personal enjoyment, comfort, or safety in the landscape

Most organisms in the landscape are not pestsMany organisms make positive

contributions to the landscapeA “pest” is not always a pestNot all pests require control

Categorizing the siteClass A

High level of service: fine ornamental lawns, golf and lawn bowling greens, irrigated sports fields.

Class BModerate level of service: general park areas,

residential and commercial lawns, boulevards, recreational fields, golf fairways.

Class CLow level of service: meadows, picnic areas, rough

grass, undeveloped and naturalized areas.

IPM is:A pest management philosophy that utilizes

all suitable pest management techniques and methods to keep pest populations below economically injurious levels or below what causes damage that is aesthetically unacceptable.

Prevention is the key

Each pest management technique must be environmentally sound and compatible with turf/landscape manager’s objectives.

A changing perspective on IPM and its implementationan increasingly competitive markethigher expectationscontinued societal concerns over pesticidesincreasing regulations in many areasnewer, less-toxic productsTreating problems rather than symptoms

Societal and industry concernsEnvironmental concerns

Pesticide contamination of urban creeks, estuaries, and other waterways is an increasing concern

Health concernsChronic health concerns, environmental

sensitivitiesPesticide resistancePest resurgence Pest replacement

Glyphosate Resistant Buckthorn Plantain

Rates:

L/ha

0

2

4

6

8

10 Glyphosate resistant Susceptible

Sustainable Landscape PracticesBest Management Practices

Emphasize plant health and longevitycreating outdoor spaces that utilize fewer

inputsare environmentally friendly are self-perpetuating over a period of time.

Improve the environment by conserving resources, reducing chemical inputs and reduce labour inputs

Manage pestsMost problems in lawns are not caused by

pests, such as weeds, insects or disease-causing pathogens.

Damage is more likely the result of poor turfgrass selection or improper maintenance practices.

Providing proper care and using an appropriate turfgrass species can prevent the majority of lawn problems.

Does IPM work?“If our team invested time monitoring the turf

conditions and paid attention to what were the stressors on a specific area such as a sports field, we knew we could keep the area very healthy with good plant cultural practices,” -Karen Richter, Organizational Leader of Parks Maintenance at the City of Waterloo.

With the consistent application of sound horticultural practices, Waterloo decreased its use of pesticides at a steady pace throughout the 1980s. By the mid-1980s, the city had eliminated blanket spraying. By 1990, Waterloo spot sprayed less than 10 per cent of its green space.

Basic Principles of IPMA dense, vigorously growing, healthy plant

population will resist invasion by pests

Pests must be kept below levels that are incompatible with the purpose of the desirable species

A Good Pest Management StrategyA good pest management strategy

incorporates some or all methods available to manage a given pest.

The goalto reduce pest populations and damage to

economically and aesthetically tolerable levels. Complete eradication may not be possible, practical, or desirable.

A Good Pest Management StrategyPrevention

Prevention the introduction and/or spread of a pest Into or away from a site

Exclusion One of the safest and most effective ways to manage pests in the home environment is to deny them access - pest-proofingExclusion by RegulationMechanical Exclusion

Tom Voigt and Tom Fermanian - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Establishing new turfRapid establishment of turf is desirable

Reduces erosionSuppresses weed seed germination and weed

growthOptimum seeding rates (1.5-2.5 kg 100m2)Healthy turf to enter winter

Pre-plant weed control Cultivation

Irrigate to allow germination of weeds in planting bed. Follow up with a shallow (less than 1 inch) cultivation after weeds have

emerged but before they get too big (usually before they have 4 leaves). Repeat the irrigation and cultivation cycle two or three times for best

results.

Summer cultivation for perennials For perennial weeds, it is ideal to repeatedly cultivate soil in summer,

keeping it completely dry for extended periods to dehydrate propagules (stems, rhizomes, or tubers).

Herbicide application Irrigate to allow germination of weed seeds in planting bed. Apply non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate. Repeat the irrigation and herbicide cycle if necessary.

Solarization Solarization is very effective during the hottest part of the year. Six weeks

are required for best results

Role of soil microorganismsFertilize by fixing nitrogen from the air,

mineralizing soil organic nutrient, generating carbon dioxide, and dissolving mineral nutrient from rock

De-thatch by composing thatch and other organic matter into valuable nutrients and humus, which in turn increase the water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil

Aerate the soilControl many insect and disease problems by

competition and predation

Soil amendments and fertilizersFertilizers vs. soil amendments

Fertilizers improve the supply of nutrients in the soil, directly affecting plant growth. Soil amendments improve a soil's physical condition (e.g. soil structure, water infiltration), indirectly affecting plant growth.

TopsoilTopsoil may be added to raise the soil level to a

minimum depth of 6 to 8 inches. The topsoil should be mixed into the existing soil.

Soil pHThe ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 - 7.0. Grass loses it comprtitive ability at lower pH

Soil amendmentsOrganic (material) amendments

Organic material improves soil structure. Organic material can be added to sandy soils to

increase nutrient and moisture retention. Clay soils can also be amended with organic

material to help loosen the soil and provide better aeration and drainage.

Compost is the easiest organic material to use. A rotary tiller works best to incorporate the organic

material to your soil. A layer of 1 - 2 inches spread over your site should

be tilled to a depth of 3 - 6 inches.

Choose and identify your turf speciesSuccessful selection of a turf grass requires

knowing how the turf will be used, where it will be grown and what level of quality is desired

Failure to properly identify a turf grass species can lead to mistakes in maintenance.not all turf grass species tolerate the same mowing

height or frequency. Irrigation frequency and the amount of water needed

vary among species as do the frequency and amount of fertilizer.

Turf grasses also differ in how they adapt to sun, shade, and temperature.

Most lawns are mixtures of various turf grass species.

Endophytic grassesEndophyte is a naturally occurring fungus that grows

symbiotically in the grass plant. It produces compounds that prevent insects from

feeding on the leaves and stems of the plant.Improved performance under low maintenance

situations makes some of the endophytic forms good candidates for low maintenance uses such as on roadside right of ways and in parks.

The presence of the fungus improves plant vigour and helps with resistance to some environmental stresses.

Avanex™ - endophyte tall fescue for airports – research has shown that it reduces bird populations by 87%

Concerns with endophytic grassesAnimal toxicity – alkaloids -ErgovalineReduced biodiversityInvasive speciesStorage issues that affect the viability of the

endophytes – therefore, variety may not perform as expected

Lawn care for established lawnsNo two lawns are exactly alike. Lawns may differ by

turf species, soil type, climate, location, how they are used, and how they are maintained. Tailor a program with the specifics of your situation in mind.

A good maintenance program includesMowingIrrigatingFertilizingDethatchingAerating

A well-planned and executed maintenance program will produce good-looking, green turf grass that will quickly recover from wear, pest damage, or mechanical injury

Lawn renovation Some causes of lawns deterioration

from poor maintenance,

inadequate drainage

heavy traffic

pest problems,

weed invasions,

simply because the wrong grass species was planted.

Lawn RenovationNeglected lawns

Take better care of your lawn and bring it back to life with regular maintenance.

Localized problems - Partially renovate your lawn by patching.

Problem areas spread throughout the lawn

Overseed your lawn.

Severe problems encompassing more than 40% of the lawn

Completely renovate your lawn by killing it and starting over from scratch.

Don't repeat mistakes! Find the cause of your problems before you renovate

Species Condition

Annual bluegrass low fertility, compact soil, mowing too short,

excessive moisture

Buttercup Excessive moisture

Chickweed thin grass, excessive moisture

Clover low nitrogen, drought, compaction

Crabgrass thin grass, low fertility, compaction

Dandelion thin grass, low fertility, mowing too short

Hawkweed low pH

Species Condition

Sheep sorrel low pH

Moss heavy shade, low fertility, low pH

Plantain low fertility, mowing too short

Dock excessive moisture

Creeping charlie excessive shade

Overseeding a lawnWhen should you overseed?

Your lawn appears to be in good condition, but just a little thin

Thinning lawn following winterHigh traffic areas

Always determine and solve the cause of your current problem before beginning repairs, and plan to seed at a time of year appropriate to the planted turf species.

What should you overseed with?If your lawn is in relatively good condition in most

areas, choose the seed mix you used in the past or turf recommended for overseeding

Overseeding your lawnClosely mow the turf and rake up the debrisDethatch and aerateSeed, fertilize, and irrigateMaintenance

Patching the lawn with seed, sod, sprigs, plugs, stolonsDig out the affected areaWork the soilReplant with seed, sod, stolons, sprigs, plugs

Complete renovationKill the existing turf and weedsRemove the remaining turfRethink your irrigation systemPrepare the soil

What are the abiotic stress factorsCompaction

Examples of poor design that can lead to problems

Abiotic factorsDog Urine

Abiotic factorsFertilizer burn

Abiotic factorsNitrogen deficiency

Abiotic factorsUneven fertilizer application

Abiotic factorsOverwatering

Abiotic factorsGlyphosate (Roundup damage)

Abiotic factorsItems left on lawn

Abiotic factorsScalping

Abiotic factorsShade

Abiotic factorsDull mower blades

Fertility management

Mowing practicesWater managementTraffic management Weed managementDisease and insect

management

Components of a Sustainable Urban Landscape/Golf Course Program

=Integrated pest (turf) management

“A pest management philosophy”

Recognizes there is no “cure-all” in pest control. Dependence on any one pest management method will

have undesirable effects.

Determine and correct the cause of the pest problem. Understanding Pest biology and ecology is essential. Manipulate the environment to the crop’s advantage

and to the detriment of the pest.

Recognizes that eradication of a pest is seldom necessary or even desirable, and generally not possible. Some damage is unavoidable and acceptable

Effective pest management plansare comprehensive in scopeintegrate agronomic and biological principles integrates cultural, biological and chemical pest

control practices.

They provide proven, science-driven and reliable methods for resolving the sometimes conflicting goals that golf course superintendents face producing consistently high quality, high playability

turf at the same time reducing environmental impacts

and keeping within budget constraints.

Life Cycle BehaviourSeasonal Cycle

Populationdynamics

Interaction

Proper Pest IdentificationPest Monitoring Methods

Environmental Monitoring

Use of Degree DaysModels economic injury

Action thresholds

Biological ControlsCultural Controls

Mechanical ControlsChemical Controls

Schematic of IPM Concept

Toolbox of management tactics:

Decision-making aids:

Knowledge of pest/host/ecosystem biology:

Approaches for Turf Protection using IPMRegulation using certified seed, sod, sprigsGenetic selection of the best adapted

species/cultivars for the locationCultural – a healthy grass means fewer problemsPhysical – isolating areas where pests are a

problemBiological – favouring natural competitionChemical

The ability to identify, understand the biology and stay abreast of control strategies for golf course pests – including weeds, diseases, insects and other arthropods and nematodes – is essential for development and implementation of IPM plans.

“Each Pest Control Technique Must be Environmentally Sound”

Risk vs. Benefits

And

“Compatible with With Producers Objectives”

Pest IdentificationWhat are the key pests to be managed in

the system, what are their life cycles, how do they reproduce and how do they disperse.Text booksFact sheetsSpecialistsExpert pest id systems

Monitoring - What’s Needed

Site DescriptionsPast history, soil factors, fertility level, drainage,

management

Develop a descriptive and predictive modelsWhat pests are most likely to occur, ways in which they

can be introduced and seriousness of the problem Identify and fill in knowledge gaps Life cycles, reproductive strategy Biology, ecology

MONITORINGBased on visual inspections (rough

estimations) and on pest counts, presence It is important to keep written records of

all counts, as well as notes from visual inspections for future reference.

Photographs are useful as a record.

Diagnosing your problemLawn problems are difficult to diagnose, and

the diagnosis process can be quite complex. Remember that most turf grass problems are

caused by improper management practices, not by insects or diseases.

Before you begin the diagnostic process, take a look at how you manage your lawn. You may be able to solve your problem by simply changing your cultural practices.

Diagnostic tipsKnow the history of your lawnKnow your predominant turf speciesIdentify the problem when you first see

symptomsCheck for symptoms in the early morningCollect entire grass plant samplesPerform a drench testGet help

Drench test

Winter dessication

Pink Snow MoldMichrodochium nivale

Gray Snow moldTyphula spp.

anthracnoseColletotrichum graminicola

Colletotrichum graminicola

Dollar spotSclerotinia homoeocarpa

Fairy ring

Crane flies

White grubs

Japanese Beetle

European Chafer

Chafer Damage

June Bug

Black Turfgrass Ataenius

Black Turfgrass Ataenius damage

White GrubsEuropean Chafer

Japanese Beetle

June Beetle

Chinch bug

Action ThresholdPest Population at which a grower must take

action to prevent a pest populations from reaching the economic injury level

Economic threshold is slightly below the economic injury level

Pest populations must be increasing

Time

PestDensity

Economic Injury Level (Aesthetic)

Action Threshold

Pest Population

Action thresholdsIn turf, it is difficult to put a dollar value

Therefore it is dictated by the individuals tolerance for pest damage -aesthetic

Aesthetic threshold – similar to economic threshold except based on what is visually unacceptable

Most lawns can withstand some loss of foliage without quality and growth being affected

May need to adjust aesthetic sensitivities to allow for a little more damage

“To Keep Pests Below the Economic Injury Level”Economic Injury Level:

Cost of control = $ amount of damage caused by the pest Includes amount of pest damage Cost of each control practice

Are determined through extensive research

Economic Injury Level is the information that is necessary to develop an Economic Threshold, which is used by crop advisors

Action thresholds of some common pests

Pest Number per sq. ft.

Monitoring method

Army worms 3-4 Visual, soap flush

Chinch bugs 20 adults Flotation, soap flush

Cutworms 1 Visual, soap flush

White grubs 3-4 Visual

Average # larvae per sq.

ft

Decision

0- 25 Do nothing; fertilize appropriately. May need to treat if turf is young, not well established and with poor root structure

25 - 50 If your lawn is vigorous and healthy, do nothing. Decisions are based on the health of the turf, your personal tolerance, location and use of the turf

50-80 Treat crane fly problem. Look towards long-term solutions, such as replacing problem areas with a turf alternative species.

Insect traps for monitoringVisual cues – color traps

•omnidirectional shape•smooth poly surface•scientifically tapered cone •attractive, permanent yellow color

Growing degree daysDaily high + daily low/2 – base development

temperature of the insect=daily degree days

Below the base development temperature the insect will not develop. Insects vary in their base development temperature. The base development temperature of European corn borer is 7oC

ExampleCan use a max-min

thermometerMax = 25oCMin = 10oCAverage = 17.5oCSubtract base temperature

7oCTotal degree days = 10.5

Cumulative total

Hairy Chinch BugBlissus leucopterus hirtus Immature nymphs - bright red in colour when

they first hatch, and begin to darken from brick red to grey/brown when they are nearly mature

Characteristic white band across their abdomen which is eventually covered by the enlarging wings as the insects become larger and mature.

obtain a large can which has a circular area of approximately 200 centimetres

cut out the bottom and the top to form a cylinder and force this into the turf

fill the cylinder with water, the chinch bugs will soon float to the surface where they can be seen

Growing degree days – Chinch bug max temperature – min temperature – base temperature 2

427 and 877 degree-days (7ºC base, air temperature)

numbers of second and third instar nymphs peak between mid-July and mid-August.

Threshold -100 nymphs per sq ft.Based on growing degree-days for normal years - monitor for chinch bugs from July 1 to mid-August.

Annual bluegrassBIOLOGY

a winter annual, cool-season grass. The leaf tips are boat-shaped like the bow of a

boat. Poa has a prominent membranous ligule and a

shallow, fibrous root system. The plant oftentimes is lighter green than

perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and creeping bentgrass.

Annual Bluegrass

Annual Bluegrass is a lighter green colour than Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue and therefore causes discoloration throughout the lawn

It has a tendency to thin out and die during summer drought conditions. This can cause areas of patching which weeds and insects will take advantage of.

its seed head production is higher than Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue, which causes the lawn to appear overrun and not well maintained and gives it an unsightly look.

Control of Annual Bluegrass

Use certified seed and cut out and re-seed bare areas or overseed later in season

Aerating your lawn once a yearWater deeply and infrequently to encourage good root

development in your Fescue and Bluegrass lawns.Mow at 2 1/2 to 3 inches to discourage development

of seed heads.UUnless a soil test recommends otherwise, cut back on

applying high phosphorus fertilizersSlow release N fertilizers and spread over the summer

ControlInsecticidescultural and mowing practices that minimize

thatch accumulationWATCH FOR Chinch bugs when weather

turns hot and dryWeekly deep waterings

Should Pesticides be used in an IPM Program?Pesticides used only as a last resort and in a

manner that is legal.Pesticides are to be used when there is no risk

of environmental damage or when benefits outweigh the risks. Use pesticides only when other control practices aren’t available, economical or practical.

Must monitor pest populations in the field.

Identify the pest

Compare pest population and the economic threshold

Life stage susceptible to pesticide?

Crop stage and preventable loss.

What is “Cultural Control”Agronomic practices that are designed to:

Optimize growing conditions for the desirable plants. Anything that increases a plant’s competitive edge will result in increased tolerance to pests often resulting in reduced pesticide use.

Create unfavorable conditions for the pestE.g. fertility management, irrigation

scheduling, mowing heights

What is Mechanical Control?Uses machinery and/or other tools to control

pestsMowingPhysical barriers

Mulches Floating mulch Greens covers

What is Sanitary Control?Methods to avoid introducing a pest into a

siteCleaning equipment –mowers, golf carts,

fertilizer applicators

Planting certified seed

Quarantines

What is Natural Control?Enhancement of naturally occurring pest

management methods Beneficial insects Beneficial diseases

What is Biological Control?Manipulation of biological organism to

control pestsRelease of predators/parasites/disease of an

insect or weedCan be time consuming, expensive and difficultE.g. cinnabar moth,

Registered Bioherbicides

1992 - “Biomal” for roundleaf mallow control

2003 – “Chontrol” for woody shrubs along rights of way

2007 – “Sarritor” limited use of Sclerotinia minor on dandelion

Dandelion

Dandelion control

Biological PesticidesHerbicides Fungicides Insecticides

Sarritor™Biomal™Chontrol™

Nivalis™Mycostop™Rootshield™Serenade™ (Bacillus Subtilis)Rhapsody™

BTK – Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) Beauveria bassiana

Constraints for use of biological pesticidesEnvironmental

Specific temperature and moisture requirements

FormulationShelf lifeSpecificity

Natural ProductsHerbicides Fungicides InsecticidesAcetic acid (vinegar)Citric AcidOrganosol™ (Lactic acid/citric acid)Fiesta™ (FeHDTA)

Elemental SulphurGarlic powder

BoraxGarlic oil

What is Host Plant Resistance?Manipulating the plant to withstand or

tolerate pestsNatural breeding methodGenetically modified plantsNot a permanent method of controlExamples: resistant varieties, endophyte

grasses

Barriers to adaptation of IPMThere is a large gap between the general IPM

principles found in textbooks and the development of site-specific strategies that address issues of climate and weather, turf varieties, soil and water quality, specific pest complexes, client/golfer expectations and varying budgets.

There are currently few tools available to landscapers/superintendents that bridge this gap, and as a result, IPM programs are rarely realized to their full potential.

Barriers to adaptation of IPMOnce IPM plans are developed, they cannot

remain static. Shifts in pest populationsChanges in client/golf course expectations and

budgets The introduction of new products, technologies

and scientific information

Require methods of evaluating new advances as well as procedures for periodic updating of IPM plans.

Barriers to adaptation of IPMMonitoring (for pests, weather, equipment

operation/calibration and for the quality of water, soil and turf) and record keeping are the backbone of any successful IPM program

Information on monitoring and record keeping tools and procedures needs to be centralized and presented in a form that is easily accessible to landscapers/golf course superintendents.

Barriers to adaptation of IPMObjective evaluation of the success (or failure) of

newly introduced practices in meeting turf maintenance goals.

Without tools for assessing the effectiveness of new techniques, the landscapers/superintendent’s ability to justify and promote their management decisions can be compromised.

Barriers to adaptation of IPMSuperintendents vary widely in their technical

backgrounds, computer literacy access to information. And golf courses vary widely in their interest in IPM

principles and the budgets available to implement them.

Yet the ability to incorporate IPM into turf management programs should be feasible for all interested superintendents and golf courses

Rather than assuming a “one size fits all” approach to IPM, successful plans need to be flexible enough to take these differences into account and to make it possible for superintendents at levels to participate.

IPMgolfpro™ SPRAY & SCOUT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

IPM golfpro™ is a web based software specifically designed for golf course Superintendents to track and manage their Spray and Scout activities.

IPM golfpro™ offers the following: Easy to use and understand Plan, execute, track and document your pest management strategies Generate reports required by the IPM regulatory legislation Track your Fertilizer and Pesticide usage Calibrate your Sprayers Track your staff Training history

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