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| Author(s): | Ehlers R.-U., Peters A., Raisdorf K. |
| Year: | 1998 |
| Title: | Control of grubs on sports turf |
| Citation: | Rasen-Turf-Gazon. 29:(3) 60-67. . |
Abstract:
The most common grub species on golf courses is the garden chafer, Phyllopertha horticola. The June beetle, Amphimallon solstitiale, and the dung beetle, Aphodius contaminatus, are important pests in certain places. Larvae of the European cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha, are rarely found. The biology and distinguishing characters of the different grub species are given as well as a description of the damage the grubs cause. Field experiments carried out in the past 4 years showed an excellent efficacy of the insect-pathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, against both the garden chafer and the dung beetle. Treatment of the dung beetle should be carried out in May to prevent damage in the following spring. The garden chafer should be treated with nematodes at the end of July. The field efficacy of nematodes against the June beetle is currently investigated. A nematode treatment against this pest can therefore not yet be recommended. Hence, a species identification is essential for a decision on treating infested turf. Aid is provided by the nematode distributors on this matter. The directions for use must be followed carefully. Insufficient soil moisture, for instance, can seriously reduce nematode efficacy. The long-lasting presence of the nematodes on the treated golf courses shows that the nematodes have multiplied successfully in the grubs. Due to the propagation and the winter persistence, a perennial protection of turf against grubs was recorded on the golf-course Aukrug in Germany |
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