Full TGIF Record # 114456
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Web URL(s):https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol64-1988/pdf/sptri88064185.pdf#page=3
    Last checked: 08/30/2006
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Publication Type:
i
Report
Content Type:Q & A
Corporate Author(s):Sports Turf Research Institute
Title:Insect damage
Section:Enquiries and replies
Other records with the "Enquiries and replies" Section
Source:Journal of the Sports Turf Research Institute. Vol. 64, 1988, p. 187.
Publishing Information:Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK: The Sports Turf Research Institute
# of Pages:1
Question:"The enclosed insect grubs have recently been causing considerable damage on our fairways. In addition to the fact that swards are being damaged by the grubs apparently eating away the grass roots (extensive patches have turned brown as a result), further problems have been caused by crows and seagulls picking up and scattering pieces of turf in their search for grubs. Urgent action is obviously needed."
Answer/Response:"The grubs are those of a chafer beetle and differ from the more common leatherjacket in having six distinct legs. It is quite unusual for them to occur in sufficient numbers to cause significant turf damage but we have encountered more than one case this year. The grubs of five species of chafer beetle are pests of local importance in Britain. The species which is most widespread and the most troublesome in grassland is the garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola). The adult beetle is about 9 mm long with a metallic-green head and thorax and reddish-brown wing-cases. The grubs are white and about 18 mm long when fully grown. The life-cycle occupies one year. Adult beetles swarm during June and July, feeding on a variety of plants. Eggs are laid in the soil, usually in the same area where the beetles emerged. Thus, infested turf is regularly re-infested each summer, although the areas with obvious damage are often different each year. Grubs feed from the summer until late autumn. Damage appears in September and October and the severity depends on the numbers of chafer larvae in the soil. Generally more than 50 per m2 must be present before damage becomes obvious. Usually poorly growing patches become obvious and these turn brown in dry weather. The grubs can be found immediately below the surface. Soil in these areas is often fine in texture and 'fluffy'. This is due to the grubs actually ingesting soil as they feed on roots. Severely damaged areas are usually sharply defined, and because the roots are severed, the turf can be rolled up like a carpet. Frequently, as you say, birds make further damage to the turf as they rip up the grass whilst searching for the grubs. Two insecticides are fortunately effective, these being chlorpyrifos and gamma-HCH. Either should be used as soon as possible, carefully following the instructions and safety precautions on the label."
Keywords:TIC Keywords: Dynastinae; Grub control; Injuries by insects; Insect profile; Insecticide recommendations
Language:English
References:0
ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete):
Sports Turf Research Institute. 1988. Insect damage. J. Turfgrass Sports Surf. Sci. 64:p. 187.
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Web URL(s):
https://stri.lib.msu.edu/vol64-1988/pdf/sptri88064185.pdf#page=3
    Last checked: 08/30/2006
    Requires: PDF Reader
    Notes: Available to TGIF and STRI users
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MSU catalog number: SB 433 .A1 S63
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