Golf Environment Organization

Pest problems always have and always will be a concern on golf courses. The responsible, sensible and rational approach is to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a methodology for maximising turf health and making informed decisions for dealing with pest and disease problems.

Definitions of Integrated Pest Management:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. [National IPM Network]

IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. [US Environmental Protection Agency]

IPM is a system of controlling pests (weeds, diseases, insects or others) in which pests are identified, action thresholds are considered, all possible control options are evaluated and selected control(s) are implemented. Control options--which include biological, chemical, cultural, manual and mechanical methods--are used to prevent or remedy unacceptable pest activity or damage. Choice of control option(s) is based on effectiveness, environmental impact, site characteristics, worker/public health and safety and economics. The goal of an IPM system is to manage pests and the environment to balance benefits of control, costs, public health and environmental quality. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options. [Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment]

Approaches to an IPM Program

IPM is not a single pest control method but, rather, a series of pest management evaluations, decisions, and controls which takes the following approach:

Monitoring - of potential pest populations and the environment to determine if conditions are present which might result in a pest outbreak;
Determining - establishing treatment thresholds and determining if pest injury levels for treatment might be needed;
Decision making - developing and integrating all biological, cultural, and chemical control strategies;
Educating - personnel on all pest management strategies;
Timing and spot treatment - utilizing either the physical, biological , cultural or chemical control methods;
Evaluating – if the approach resulted in effective management of the pest.

Basic components of an IPM Programme

IPM programmes rely on six basic components for plant and environmental protection:

Genetic - selecting improved grasses which perform well in specific areas and show a resistance to environmental stress and pest problems.
Regulatory – where available, using certified seed and vegetative planting stock (sod, sprigs) to prevent unwanted weed contamination and guaranteeing true-to-type material of the best adapted turfgrass species and cultivars.
Cultural - following recommendations for proper cultural practices which will maintain the turf in the healthiest condition and influence its susceptibility and recovery from pest problems. Proper application of practices such as proper mowing techniques, good nutrient management, sound irrigation management, proper cultivation (aerification, vertical mowing, topdressing) should produce a high quality turf.
Physical - mechanical removal of pests (i.e. hand weeding in selected areas) and cleaning equipment to prevent spreading of diseases and weeds from infected areas.
Biological - for a limited number of pest problems at the golf course biological control can be used whereby natural enemies are favored or introduced to effectively compete with the pest; biological control can also include developing habitat to favor natural predation such as installing bird and bat houses thus favoring an increase in animal populations which feed on insects.
Chemical - pesticides are often a necessary part of the approach to dealing with turf pest problems.

BMP's for pesticide use:

Pesticide use can in many cases be restricted to curative rather then preventive applications, thus reducing environmental exposure.

Pesticide selection can be based on an ecological risk assessment approach that strives to use only pesticides that are based on effectiveness, are not toxic to non-target species, act quickly and degrade quickly, are not soluble and not persistent in the environment.

Few pesticide applications should be made on a regularly scheduled basis. Exceptions may include pre-emergent herbicides and fungicides used to control specific diseases which are predictable based on site history and prevailing environmental conditions.

Pesticides must be applied strictly in accordance with label instructions, at labeled rates, under appropriate environmental conditions (i.e., no spraying on windy days or when rain is forecast), with a low-volume sprayer equipped with a shroud to reduce the possibility of drift.

Pesticides will be rotated for specific uses including when possible changing chemical families. This will deter the development of resistant strains of pests which may require more frequent and/or higher rates of application.

 
Starting an IPM program:

• Define the role and responsibility of all people who will be involved in the IPM program. A well-trained and experienced golf course manager will scout, or designate someone who is qualified to scout, to detect symptoms of pest problems on a periodic basis.
• Train all personnel in the approaches and components of an IPM program.
• Determine pest management objectives for specific areas of the golf course.
• Record information on:
  • turf species used on different areas of the course
  • mowing heights and schedules
  • nutrient management
  • irrigation management
  • soil drainage
  • traffic patterns
  • shade and air circulation concerns
• Install weather monitoring equipment or have access to daily weather information including soil temperatures
• Establish aesthetic or action thresholds
• Establish a scouting schedule to include daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual items to be monitored.

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