Grubs and leatherjackets are common pests on golf courses, sports fields and lawns. White grubs , the larvae of a group of leaf beetles, eat the roots of the grass. As a result, the grass does not have sufficient water supply, which causes damage spots. Leatherjackets can also cause damage to the turf; unlike grubs, they do not eat the roots but the young blades of grass. In addition, birds, badgers and moles can also severely damage the field in their search for these larvae.
ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF SPORTS FIELDS
State Secretary of the House Representatives informed that at the end of 2019 about the measures for crop protection products that apply to sports fields, among other things. It has decided that after 2022 crop protection products will be completely prohibited on sports fields, in order to achieve chemical-free management. Until then, there will be a certain reduction in chemical control, as a result of which more and more greenkeepers and field managers are immersing themselves in ecological management.
NEMATODES: THE NATURAL ENEMY
Nematodes, more commonly known as nematodes, expel leatherjackets and grubs naturally. These nematodes are naturally occurring soil organisms and a natural enemy of insect larvae. The nematodes are poured into the damaged areas in the grass using a natural carrier. Then the nematodes search for the relevant larvae and push themselves in, with the bacteria they secrete the larvae will die.
The expulsion of grubs and leatherjackets is tailor-made, each species of larvae has a specific strategy. For example, the cockchafer of the cockchafer requires a different type of nematode than the other group of leaf beetles . There are also specific nematodes against leatherjackets that serve as a natural enemy. The nematodes are harmless to the environment and beneficial insects, when no more larvae are present, the nematodes die.
ORGANIC MEANS
The new technology creates an organic fertilizers and plant extracts to expels grubs and leatherjackets in a natural way. The plant extracts in the organic fertilizers give the grass a certain herbal scent , which is avoided by grubs and leatherjackets. The larvae thus crawl deeper into the ground, under the rooted zone and go into hibernation in the absence of suitable food. An additional advantage is that birds, badgers and moles no longer search the lawn for grubs and leatherjackets.
The organic fertilizers stimulate the recovery of the affected area, allowing the green or sports field to recover. By using organic fertilizers does not cause burning of the turf. Another option is to use a natural pesticide or seek assistance from experts in managing pests that can damage a sports field, such as ‘Beaverton pest control,’ which can help to reduce the number of pests in the household, field, or anywhere else that unwanted pests can be found.