Name some of the factors turfgrass managers must consider when setting pest
management priorities. Answer- Turfgrass management professionals must consider
human safety, environmental safety, turf use(s), efficacy, and economics.
Why do pest management thresholds in turf vary? Answer- Pest thresholds vary from
site to site because they depend on site characteristics and uses. For example, there
may be zero tolerance for pests of any sort on a gold green. On the other hand, there
may be no great need to control pests in the grassy areas of an industrial site. However,
setting thresholds in some sites – like a school athletic field or playground – may not be
simple and clear-cut. A thick, uniform surface is ideal for play areas, for optimum utility
and safety. This, in turn, means the tolerance for pests is low. However reliance on
pesticide use may not be acceptable for some recreational sites, especially if the
primary users of that site are children.
What is the first, most basic step to take to manage pest problems? Explain your
answer. Answer- Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) for initial design,
installation, and maintenance programs. Begin by selecting high quality, disease- and
insect-free turfgrass. When possible, plant or install resistant varieties. Choosing the
right variety for the site and use(s) is essential. Next, good cultural practices provide the
best conditions for plant health.
Why should you focus your attention on key pests, key varieties, or key locations?
Answer- They are most likely to cause problems. Key pests, varieties, and locations
require special monitoring and care.
What is a “key pest”? Answer- A key pest is one that often reaches population
densities that justify management, and/or is capable of causing unacceptable damage
at relatively low densities, and/or attacks and damages turfgrass(es) in conspicuous or
valuable areas.
What is a “key variety”? Answer- A “key variety” has a special “high profile” use. A
variety that sustains damage from pests on a regular basis, or has a particular pest that
can kill or disfigure it in low densities, would also be considered a “key variety.”
Describe a site that would be considered a key location. Answer- Key locations are
heavily used or are significant in some way. Areas where turfgrasses have chronic
problems with pests, and/or areas that are near something or someone requiring special
protection are “key locations.”
Name several things you need to make an accurate diagnosis of a pest problem.
Answer- Description of the type and extent of plant damage, identification of the pest,
familiarity with the life cycle of the pest, a good estimation of the size and distribution of
the pest population, and an assessment of whether it is increasing or decreasing.
Define the term “Integrated Pest Management.” List IPM tactics used in turfgrass pest
control. Answer- Integrated Pest Management refers to the use of a combination of
pest control tactics. IPM programs use many types of techniques in a single plan or
strategy to reduce pests and keep their damage to an acceptable level. IPM tactics
include monitoring and early detection, sanitation, and cultural, mechanical (physical),
biological, and chemical control methods.
What is biological control? Give one example. Answer- Biological control involves
using some aspect of the pest’s biology to control it. One example is the uyse of natural
enemies, biological agents that control a pest. Turfgrass managers can preserve or
encourage natural enemies already present in the system. Alternatively, they can
introduce commercially produced biological organisms. Biological control also includes
the use of pheromones or juvenile hormones to control insects.
What are some factors that influence the success of biological controls? AnswerBiological control agents usually target specific pests. Biological control agents must be
able to move to – or be placed in contact with – the target pest. For that reason,
application techniques influence success. Adoption of biological control measures
usually takes careful planning and timing. Finally, biological control organisms must be
able to tolerate conditions at the site. To be sustainable, they must persist from season
to season.
What is cultural control? List several cultural control tactics used in turf. AnswerCultural control measures disrupt the normal relationship between pest and host in
order to prevent or suppress an infestation. Cultural controls make the pest less likely to
survive, grow, or reproduce. They can involve changing the turf grass environment or its
physical condition. Cultural control measures may also change the behavior of a pest. In
turf, variety selection and proper establishment are basic cultural control measures.
Other practices employed in turf include thatch management and proper mowing,
watering, and fertilization regimes. Aerating soil and cultivation practices that improve
water infiltration (spiking, vertical mowing, or coring) can help.
What is mechanical control? Answer- Mechanical controls use some mechanical
device such as a trap or barrier to control pests.
What is sanitation? Give two examples. Answer- Sanitation is general cleanliness.
Sanitation reduces the levels of pathogens and other pests in the turf grass
environment. Using pest-free seed, sprigs, or sod is a sanitation strategy. Careful
disposal of diseased clippings is another. So are cleaning and disinfecting tools and
equipment, and taking care to avoid spreading disease by foot traffic