IPM For Public Grounds David J. Shetlar, Ph.D. The BugDoc Landscape Entomologist The Ohio State University

IPM is a process where the selection, integration, and implementation of pest control (biological, chemical or cultural) is based on predicted economic, ecological, and sociological consequences. A Definition Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM Core Concepts No single pest control method will be successful. Monitoring (sampling) of the pest is constantly needed. Mere presence of a pest is no reason to justify action. IPM Principles and Concepts

IPM is NOT: a biological control program an organic program a pesticide free program the most expensive approach the least expensive approach IPM Principles and Concepts

IPM is: a decision making process that is based on ecological, economic and sociological values/restrictions, uses pest monitoring and sampling, and considers all of the control options. IPM Principles and Concepts

Traditional Approaches (based on crops) sample pest populations on a regular basis. develop pest economic injury levels. determine economic threshold levels (action thresholds) for each crop and pest. IPM Principles and Concepts

Problems Applying Field Crop Concepts to Public Grounds lawns are aesthetic “crops” general public fear of “chemicals” turf is a perennial that changes over time plant stress is caused by turf usage IPM Principles and Concepts

Urban Approaches (for landscapes) Key Plants - plants prone to damaging pest problems. Key Pests - pests that can cause serious damage or plant loss. IPM Principles and Concepts

Do you use IPM and not realize it?? Use targeted applications? Look before you spray? Select least toxic pesticides? (soaps, oils, Bt) Keep records of pest activity? Practice turf health care?

The IPM Process Ask, “What is the cause of the pest problem?” Can the cause be eliminated? Will “Turf Health Care” reduce or eliminate the pest? Are cultural or biological controls available and effective? What is the least toxic pesticide or pesticide usage strategy?

An Example - Turf AVOID “Contractor’s Blend”!!!! Use blend of CULTIVARS of SAME species, not several species! Turf-Type (dwarf) tall fescues are well adapted to Ohio grounds, especially lower maintenance ones! Ryegrasses establish fast, but are disease and drought prone! Kentucky bluegrass establishes slow, requires extensive fertilizer & water!

Fertilizing in the IPM Process Use fertilizers to increase root depth and density and increase stem density. Return clippings to turf to recycle nutrients. Use slow release, balanced fertilizers and/or urban composts. Concentrate fertilizer applications for periods of root growth - late April to mid-May and again in October into November.

Weed Control Approach (BASIC STRATEGY - dense, tall turf tends to reduce weed invasion) Mow high, 2 inches MINIMUM. Promote root growth – fertilize in early spring and/or fall. Reduce wear traffic – rotate goals for athletic fields, encourage foot traffic away from turf; core aerify twice per year. Overseed or slit-seed when needed. Use herbicides only when necessary.

Turf Weeds Standard Control Cover Spray Preemergent Broadleaf Early Summer Fall (?) IPM Management Monitor + Records Area Spray Preemergent Broadleaf Spot Spray Broadleaf Determine Treatment(s) Monitor & Record

Are there herbicide alternatives? Corn gluten meal has demonstrated preemergent herbicide activity. Rather expensive and a weak herbicide. Most of action is likely nutrient value from decomposition of meal - added fertility thickens turf and reduces weed invasion!

Insect Control Approach (BASIC STRATEGY - use resistant turf species and create deep root systems) Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass w/o endophyte & fine fescues w/o endophytes are most susceptible to surface insects. Ryegrasses and fescues with endophytes are resistant to surface insects. Fertilize in spring & fall, reduce irrigation in summer to discourage grubs. Use insecticides only when necessary.

Turf Insects IPM Management Monitor + Risk (records) Area Treat Chinch Bugs Billbugs Sod Webworms White Grubs Determine Treatment(s) Monitor & Record Standard Control Cover Spray Surface Insecticide Grub Insecticide Preventive (sold) Rescue (not sold) Chinch bugs Billbugs Sod webworms

Turf Insecticide LD 50 s Acephate (Orthene) Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) Diazinon Ethoprop (Mocap) Fonofos (Crusade) Isofenphos (Oftanol) Isazofos (Triumph) Malathion Trichlorfon (Dylox/Proxol) Organophosphates (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors)

Bendiocarb (Turcam) Carbaryl (Sevin) Bifenthrin (Talstar) Cyfluthrin (Tempo) Fluvalinate (Mavrik) L-cyhalothrin (Scimitar) Permethrin (Astro) Pyrethroids (disrupt nerve sodium pump) Carbamates (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) Turf Insecticide LD 50 s

Imidacloprid (Merit) Spinosads (Conserve) Halofenozide (MACH2) Insecticidal Soaps B. thuringiensis ,900 >5000 Chloronicotinyl (post-synaptic block of nicotinic ACH sites) Diacylhydrazine (molt accelerating compound, induces molt) Spinosad (synaptic block of nicotinic ACH sites) Fatty Acid Salts (membrane disruption) BT delta-endotoxins (insect gut lining disruption) Turf Insecticide LD 50 s

Are there alternatives to insecticides? Insect parasitic nematodes are effective, but expensive and inconsistent. Milky disease of Japanese beetles does not affect other species of grubs. In Ohio, the disease is a weak pathogen that will eventually occur “naturally.” Very expensive to apply. Endophytes provide long term, consistent control (of surface insects).

Simple slit seeding of endophytic ryegrass into KBG resulted in a 30 to 50% stand of endophyte - enough to control surface insects!

Most common problems with Implementing IPM in Grounds “Manager” has little or no turf maintenance training and insufficient time and personnel to maintain the turf. Poor turf varieties on native soils. Soil compaction, poor drainage, low fertility, improper mowing. Record Keeping - Who will keep the records?

An Example - Ornamentals AVOID “Pest Prone” trees & shrubs!!!! Match tree & shrub “needs” to site characteristics – soil, water, sun, surrounding habitat, traffic, etc. Increase diversity of plant material – avoid large monocultures! Establish new plantings using smaller material! Obtain stock from nearby sources!

Resist “Wildlife Areas” Non-maintained areas provide habitat for rodents and other animals which increase tick problem. Weedy areas provide habitat for mosquito adults. Avoid trees & shrubs with fruit or berries that attract vermin. Avoid using bird feeders. Wildlife areas should be in parks, etc.

Final Recommendations Have governing district/agency develop a general management plan for grounds (play areas, lawns and ornamental plants) and athletic fields (general use and varsity sports). Emphasize improving turf and ornamentals cultivars, define fertilizer rates, and identify what pesticides are acceptable and when. Provide funding and time for maintenance personnel to receive training on turf and ornamental plant care.

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