Unit 4: Turfgrass Cultural Practices

Lesson 5: Integrated Pest Management

overview

Cultural practices incorporate all of the methods that can be applied to sustain healthy turfgrass. Proper use of cultural practices promotes overall health of turfgrass so plants can better withstand pest pressure and environmental stresses. Weeds, insects, and diseases are often present in maintained turfgrass and may become detrimental once populations exceed the threshold. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a responsible method that combines cultural, biological, and chemical controls to manage pest populations and keep turfgrass areas healthy and safe.

objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  • Properly identify turfgrass weeds
  • Properly identify turfgrass insects and the damage they cause
  • Understand the correlation between the insect lifecycle and damage to turfgrass plants
  • Describe the factors necessary for turfgrass disease development
  • Properly identify turfgrass diseases
  • Define Integrate Pest Management (IPM)
  • Analyze the steps associated with implementation of a successful IPM program
  • Identify cultural, biological, and chemical control options for weeds, insects, and diseases
  • Correctly read a pesticide label and interpret the directions and regulations
  • Define Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and recognize related equipment

objectives

Turgeon, A. J. (2007). Turfgrass Management. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Simon & Schuster.

Puhalla, J., Krans, J., Goatley, M. (1999). Sports Fields. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Uva, R.H., Neal, J. C., DiTomaso, J. M. (1997). Weeds of the Northeast. Ithaca, NY: Comstock Pub. Associates.

Michigan State University - Lawn Weed Identification & Research Resource

North Carolina State University’s Turffiles

Penn State Online Plant ID Resource

Weed Management in Turf – Penn State University

Bradenburg, R. L., & Villani, M. G. (1995). Handbook of Turfgrass Insect Pests. Lanham, MD: Entomological Society of America.

Landschoot, P. (2010). Managing Turfgrass Diseases. University Park, PA: Penn State University.

MSU Turf Diseases.net

NC State University Turfgrass Disease Identification

Landschoot, P. (1993). Developing an Integrated Turfgrass Pest Management Program

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles - Environmental Protection Agency

Pesticide Applicator’s License Information

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