Prospects for managing turfgrass pests with reduced chemical inputs

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Horticultural Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Turfgrass culture is a significant industry in the US, facing challenges in integrated pest management (IPM).
• Current insect control on turf relies heavily on insecticides due to aesthetic demands, business models, and risk management.
• Predicting pest outbreaks and implementing sustainable practices are hindered by existing approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the reasons behind the insecticide-driven approach to insect control in turfgrass.
• To investigate how entomological research and extension can support sustainable lawn care and environmental golf initiatives.
• To identify pathways for transitioning towards more holistic integrated pest management strategies in turfgrass.

Main Methods:

• Review of current challenges in turfgrass IPM.
• Analysis of factors influencing pest control decisions (aesthetics, business models, risk).
• Examination of recent advancements in entomological research and pest control methodologies.

Main Results:

• High aesthetic and playability standards, business models, and risk aversion drive the use of preventive insecticides.
• New insights into pest biology, sampling, microbial insecticides, plant resistance, and biological control are emerging.
• Innovations in reduced-risk insecticides are becoming available.

Conclusions:

• Holistic management plans for turfgrass pests are feasible with current scientific advancements.
• Public engagement in wildlife habitat preservation can influence aesthetic perceptions and support IPM adoption.
• Shifting aesthetic perceptions is crucial for implementing sustainable integrated pest management practices in turfgrass settings.