Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

weakened turf favors pest infestation, especially troublesome weeds that necessitate herbicide applications. Over time, turf in the affected areas thins out and, with severe infestations, may die. The roots of turfgrass under nematode attack may be very short, with few, if any, root hairs, or they may appear dark and rotten. Turfgrass usually begins showing signs of nematode injury during additional stresses, including drought, high temperatures, low temperatures, and wear. Cultural practices and nematicides can help control nematodes.

Best Management Practices

• When nematode activity is suspected, an assay of soil and turfgrass roots is recommended to determine the extent of the problem. • Divert traffic away from areas that are stressed by insects, nematodes, diseases, or weeds. • Increase mowing height to reduce plant stress. • Irrigate deeply but infrequently. • Use proper amounts of N, P, and K fertilizers at the appropriate times of year. • Reduce or eliminate other biotic and abiotic stresses when nematodes are compromising the root system and plant health.

Biological Controls

The biological component of IPM involves the release and/or conservation of natural predators, such as parasites and pathogens, and other beneficial organisms. A few biofungicides, or formulations of living organisms used to control the activity of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria, are commercially available. Natural enemies (including ladybird beetles, green lacewings, and mantids) may be purchased and released near pest infestations. Areas on the golf course can also be modified to better support natural predators and beneficial organisms.

Best Management Practices

• Identify areas on the golf course that can be modified to attract natural predators, provide habitat for them, and protect them from pesticide applications. • Install flowering plants that can provide parasitoids with nectar, or sucking insects (aphids, mealybugs, and soft scales) with a honeydew source. • Avoid applying pesticides to roughs, driving ranges, or other low-use areas to provide a refuge for beneficial organisms.

Conventional Pesticides

IPM does not preclude the use of pesticides. However, pesticides should be viewed as just one of the many tools used to minimize pest problems. A pest-control strategy using pesticides should be used only when the pest is causing or is expected to cause more damage than what can be reasonably and economically tolerated. Pesticides should be evaluated on effectiveness against the pest, mode of action, life stage of the pest, personnel hazards, non-target effects, potential off-site movement, and cost. A control strategy should be implemented that reduces the pest numbers to an acceptable level while minimizing harm to non-targeted organisms. In addition, the use of pesticides should be consistent with guidelines to reduce resistance in pest species.

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