Fungicide

A substance which can control the growth or prevent (temporarily depending upon the application made) the development of a fungal disease. There are typically two approaches for the use of fungicides: curative or preventative treatments. A curative fungicide is used where a disease is already present and needs to be controlled, with the need being to typically control it relatively rapidly, or as a preventative fungicide which can help to ‘strengthen’ a plant so it better able to limit the effects and extent of a disease when environmental conditions become suitable for a disease outbreak.

  Growth Regulator

A substance used to control plant growth. See Plant Growth Regulator.

  Growth Retardant

A chemical used to limit, slow and restrict plant growth on a temporary basis. Growth retardants were used in the 1980s and 90s primarily on difficult to mow areas, such as embankments, cemeteries where some discolouration following application might have occurred and subsequent weed growth became more pronounced, as weeds were less affected by the applied chemical. Turf cut at 25mm or below was not typically recommended for treatment with a growth retardant, with an example being Maleic Hydrazide. However, during the 2000s more improved substances became available which acted as a Growth Regu

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  Herbicide

A chemical substance, that is more commonly called a Weed killer, which is used for controlling unwanted plants. Herbicides can be grouped into two categories: Selective and Non-selective, although there are several ways in which they can be categorised.

  Insecticide

A substance which can kill or control the spread of insects. Some common insect pests of turf are Leatherjackets and Chafer Grubs.

  Molluscicides

A substance used for the control of snails and slugs.

  Non-Residual Herbicide

A herbicide which is used to kill off green vegetation in a relatively short period of time and only being active over a short time span. Where new growth occurs at a later date then a further application might be needed, if required, because the herbicide does not have a residual effect. An example of this type of herbicide is Glyphosate.

  Pesticide

A chemical, which is used to control, typically by killing, undesirable organisms. These may be weeds, animal pests, diseases and the like. A pesticide is defined in the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) as "any substance, preparation or organism prepared or used, among other uses, to protect plants or wood or other plant products from harmful organisms; to regulate the growth of plants; to give protection against harmful creatures; or to render such creatures harmless."

  Pesticide Formulation

The combination of a pesticidal active ingredient with other materials to improve features such as the application, storage, safety or effectiveness of the pesticide. Formulations can typically be categorised, but not exclusively, as being used for • dry application, in the form of granules, microgranules or dispersible powder, • or formulated for mixing with water for spray applications, including wettable powder, soluble powder, emulsifiable concentrate, suspension concentrate, soluble liquid, or water dispersible granules. There are many types of formulations, each with a separate formulation code.

  Pesticides, Contamination from

Humans and animals, including insects, can be contaminated by pesticides through either absorption (through the skin), ingestion (through the mouth, or inhalation (through the nose). Avoiding and reducing contamination can be achieved in numerous ways, including: by firstly not using pesticides and choosing a different control method; by ensuring a relatively stress free and healthy turf is maintained at all times; an effective COSHH assessment has been carried out; ensuring the operator is trained and certificated, but also still competence in the use of a sprayer; a pesticide is used whi

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