Module 4:

4.2 What are they used for?

4.2.9 Other pesticides: fungicides; insecticides; bio-pesticides

1   If you are using any pesticide or plant protection product then the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed, so read and understand the label on each product.

In addition, the operator must be qualified to use these, and this must be evidenced by a Certificate of Competence in the safe use of pesticides.

2   Fungicides are chemicals used to control diseases of turfgrasses. Typically, the more intensively a pitch is maintained the more likely it is to potentially suffer from a disease attack. In practice, lower quality pitches will typically not need the application of a fungicide in many situations.

3   Insecticides are also chemicals, but this time for the control of insect grubs in turf, however, there may not be any, or very limited, chemical insecticides approved for use at the current time.

4   Bio-pesticides, which are biological control methods, are primarily used for the control of insect grubs in turf. The biological control are usually different species of nematodes which attack the eggs and larvae of the more common turf pests of chafers and leatherjackets. Infestation with grubs is typically more localised rather than widespread and control would usually only be warranted if significant numbers of these pests were observed because the control products can be very expensive.