Pest control in sports turf Andrew Wight

Two main types of pest A) Invertebrate pests B) Vertebrate pests

A) Invertebrate pests Pests without a backbone Mainly cause damage to roots of turf Symptoms -Sward will lack vigor, wilt then become discolored also birds pulling at turf

Examples of invertebrate Pests 1) Earthworm casts 2) Chafer grubs 3) Leatherjackets 4) Frit fly

1) Earthworm identification

Earthworms Ideal conditions; Mild, moist weather Heavier soils High pH Cultural controls; Improve drainage Acidic fertilisers Switch worm casts Reduce thatch

Earthworms Advantages Aeration Breakdown thatch Improves soil structure Disadvantages Worm-casts are unsightly and affect play Casts smear and encourage weeds Casts damage mowers

Earthworm life cycle

2) Chafer Grubs identification Larvae C shaped with 3 front legs - 30mm Adult beetle flies in June/July Adult lays eggs close to where it came from Larvae hatch 5-6 weeks later Larvae feed on roots

Chafer grubs life cycle

3) Leatherjackets Grey-brown, legless 30mm long Adult Crane fly emerges in August Adult lays eggs close to where came from Larvae hatch in 10 days Larvae feed on roots from Aug to following Spring

Life cycle of crane fly

4) Frit Fly Larvae like small white maggots (2mm) Feed inside grass stem Pupate and form red/brown pupae Infected plants wither and die

Life cycle of Frit Fly

Vertebrate Pests 1) Moles 2) Rabbits 3) Foxes 4) Grey squirrel 5) Birds

B) Vertebrate pests Pests that have a backbone Control measures include trapping and removal, gassing, shooting (must be legal)

1) Moles Feed on earthworms Molehills are unsightly, interfere with play and damage mowers Controls Trapping and gassing

2) Rabbits Scrapings cause damage Droppings and urine unsightly, and can affect play Repellants applied to turf Control Shooting, trapping, gassing and fencing areas off.

Badgers Badgers damage turf by digging fro grubs. Control- Badgers are protected so the best answer is to control the grubs.

5) Bird damage Crows, rooks, seagulls etc. Damage – the birds rip up turf to find grubs such a chafer grubs and leather jackets Control Control the grubs to stop birds attacking turf.