Biotic Stressor

Detrimental plant effects arising from pathogen infection, including bacterial, fungal, viral, and pests. There is a wide range of fungal diseases which affect turfgrasses, so understanding the conditions in which they are more prevalent can help to adapt maintenance practices which reduce their likelihood. For pests, this can be more problematic as in many cases it can be very difficult preventing them from gaining access to a sward, for example, chafer grubs, leatherjackets, earthworms, and nematodes. Understanding their life cycle can help to adapt and target maintenance practices to minimise damage caused from the presence of pests. Mammals (especially rabbits, foxes and badgers) and birds are also biotic stressors.