MP481

Controlling Nematodes on Golf Courses

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION University of Arkansas System

University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating Authors

TERRY KIRKPATRICK, Ph.D., is professor - nematologist and RONNIE BATEMAN is program a ssociate - pest management at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope. TERRY SPURLOCK, Ph.D., is assistant professor - plant pathologist at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Monticello. DAVID MOSELEY is a program technician in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. They are faculty of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. AARON PATTON, Ph.D., is an associate professor - agronomy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Controlling Nematodes on Golf Courses

Nematodes are important months for warm- season grasses). (Meloidogyne spp.) nematodes, all economic pests of golf courses in In addition to direct damage, damaging turf nematodes, belong Arkansas. These pests are particu­ nematodes may also enhance turf to this class. larly problematic in golf course damage by fungal pathogens and putting greens. Nematodes are increase the level of damage that A second class of parasitic microscopic, unsegmented is caused. Soil fungal pathogens nematodes has an odontostyle roundworms, 1/300 to 1/3 inch that are known to form disease rather than a stomatostyle type in length (10) (Figure 1), which complexes with nematodes stylet (Figure 3). The odontostyle live in the soil and can parasitize include Fusarium and Rhizoctonia stylet has flanges at the base many crops including turfgrasses. and oomycetes in the genus rather than knobs and a larger Pythium. Control methods for lumen (opening). Needle and Although most nematodes are nematodes, including preventa­ dagger nematodes belong to this actually beneficial and feed on tive and curative measures, are class. This larger lumen is signifi­ fungi, bacteria and insects or help discussed later in this publication. cant because it is large enough in breaking down organic matter, Diseases caused by fungi and to allow viruses such as the there are a few species that oomycetes may be managed with St. Augustine Decline virus to be parasitize turfgrasses and cause fungicide applications. ingested by the nematode and damage, especially in sandy soils. transmitted from infected plants All plant-parasitic nematodes There are two general classes to healthy plants. have a stylet (Figure 1), which is of nematodes differentiated a protruding, needle-like mouth- primarily by the shape of their part used to feed on plant cells. stylets. The most common class Nematodes feed on turfgrass has a stomatostyle, which is a roots and are most abundant hollow spear with distinct knobs when the turfgrass is actively at the base (Figure 2). Sting growing (spring and fall for cool- (Belonolaimus spp.), lesion season grasses and the summer (Pratylenchus spp.) and root-knot Figure 2. Stomatostyle type stylet of a lesion nematode. Photo by C. Högger, Nemapix Vol. 2

Figure 3. Odontostyle type stylet Figure 1. Schematic drawing of a plant-parasitic nematode. of a dagger nematode. Adapted from N. A. Cobb, Nemapix Vol. 2 Photo by T. Vrain, Nemapix Vol. 2

3 Life Cycle Sting nematodes are large and life cycle. Root-knot nematodes have a long, slender stylet. Feed­ (Meloidogyne spp.) are sedentary There are six stages in the ing by only a few sting nematodes endoparasites. Lance nematodes nematode life cycle including can result in root systems that (Hoplolaimus spp.) are semi­ an egg stage, four immature have a stubby appearance and in endoparasitic in turf (Figure 4). (juvenile) stages and the adult. the absence of root hairs. With The four juvenile stages allow the severe infestations, plants may nematode to increase in size (in show little or no new root devel­ some species to change shape) opment during spring and sum­ and are similar to the larval mer. Because sting nematodes stages found in insects. Nema­ require soil with an 80 percent or todes are aquatic animals and greater sand content, putting require water to survive. They greens, particularly those estab­ live and move in the soil water lished according to USGA specifi­ film that surrounds soil particles. cations, are ideal environments Soil type, particularly sand for nematode damage. Figure 4. Semi-endoparasitic lance nematode feeding on a plant root. content, has a major impact on Endoparasites actually enter Photo by U. Zunke, Nemapix Vol. 2 the ability of nematodes to move, roots to feed and reproduce. infect roots and reproduce. For There are two types of endo­ most nematodes that are a parasitic nematodes – migratory Symptoms problem in turf, well-drained and sedentary. Migratory and Signs sandy soils with soil moisture at endoparasitic nematodes, such as or near field capacity are opti­ the lesion nematode Pratylenchus In turfgrasses, there are few mum for nematodes to flourish. spp., can enter and move through definitive symptoms or signs For this reason, nematodes are roots, feeding as they go, and for consistent diagnosis of a most problematic on highly can leave and reenter the root at nematode problem. Generally, maintained putting greens and will. Sedentary endoparasitic symptoms of nematode damage sand-capped tees and fairways. nematodes enter the root either are similar to those of other pest partially (semi-endoparasitic) problems, nutritional deficiencies Feeding Habits or fully as juveniles and create or environmental stresses a permanent feeding site, where (Figures 5 and 6). However, Nematodes feed as either they remain for the rest of their greens or fairways where there ectoparasites or endoparasites. Ectoparasitic nematodes spend their entire life cycle outside the host roots, feeding and reproduc­ ing in the soil surrounding the root system. Many ectoparasites cause only limited damage to roots by their feeding, thus a relatively high population density of these nematodes is required to cause appreciable turf damage. An exception, however, is the sting nematode (Belonolaimus), which is the most economically damaging Figure 5. Typical nematode damage: irregular-shaped areas without nematode pest of turf. distinct border including yellow, stunted turf that is thin and not responsive to fertilizer or irrigation. Photo courtesy of N. Walker

4 Important Nematodes in Turfgrass Sting Nematodes Sting nematodes are more damaging to turfgrass than any other nematode species (6). Sting nematodes can grow to 3 milli­ meters long and can complete Figure 6. Mild symptoms from nematode infection can appear similar their life cycle in 18 to 24 days. to many other plant stresses including drought, nutrient deficiencies, In Arkansas, sting nematodes are pH problems and other common symptoms seen in damaged turf. found in golf courses, particularly in putting greens and sand- are irregular areas in the turf insecticides and fertilizers. capped tees or fairways. Sting without distinct borders, areas Aboveground symptoms do not nematodes generally feed at the of yellow, stunted plants, areas of typically occur until injury to the root tip causing roots to cease wilting and thin, weedy turf turfgrass root system is well growing and the turf to exhibit could indicate a nematode advanced (10), and since the root symptoms of nutrient and water problem. Actual signs of nema­ system is damaged by nematode deficiencies. As a result, these tode infection such as root galls feeding causing a reduction in areas could be overirrigated and due to root-knot nematodes or root hairs, turfgrasses may not overfertilized in an attempt to get the presence of cysts attached to readily respond to applications of a response from the turf (11, 13). roots may sometimes be evident, fertilizer or irrigation. Addition­ Symptoms of sting nematode but a soil sample assayed by a ally, turf may be unresponsive to damage can include wilt, stunted nematology laboratory will gen­ applications of fungicides and growth, nutrient deficiency, irreg­ erally be required for an accurate insecticides since these products ular patches and added growth diagnosis of a nematode problem. will not control nematodes. Once of weeds such as prostrate spurge nematode populations reach a (Figure 8). Turf areas with heavy An additional symptom of critical threshold, turfgrass death sting nematode infestations can nematode damage is a lack of can occur (Figure 7). response to irrigation, fungicides, be completely killed.

~- . .-,' ... e -:-·

Figure 7. Once nematode populations reach a critical Figure 8. TifEagle putting green showing symptoms of threshold, turfgrass death can occur, as seen in this sting nematode damage. zoysiagrass lawn.

5 Lance Nematodes yellowing, dying and poorly important nematode in many Lance nematodes are rooted turf (Figures 10 and 11). agronomic and horticultural migratory semi-endoparasites It is difficult to diagnose lance crops. Several species of root- (Figure 9). Adults can grow to nematode damage by observing knot nematodes are damaging to 1 mm long. Lance nematodes are symptoms since the symptoms turfgrass. A sign of root-knot the most common nematode are similar to other stresses, nematodes is root gall formation problem nationwide because including insect damage, disease, in response to their infection they are adapted to many soil drought and nutrient deficiency. (Figure 12). Although galls can be environments. Generally, damage easily observed on the roots of thresholds are higher than for most crops, they can be difficult sting nematodes, but since lance to see on turfgrass roots. Roots nematodes can feed and repro­ may look normal on the outside, duce on a wider variety of soil but galls can be seen if the root is types, damage can be found dissected longitudinally. Symp­ extensively in native soil fair­ toms of root-knot nematodes can ways and tees in addition to include darkened, rotted roots, older putting greens with higher chlorotic areas of turf and limited organic matter. Lance nematodes response to fertilizer, fungicide generally affect warm-season or irrigation. Figure 9. Female lance nematode grasses. Since they are semi­ (Hoplolaimus spp.). endoparasitic, lance nematodes Photo by J. D. Eisenbac, Nemapix Vol. 2 are harder to control with chemi­ cal nematicides (5). Since they Root-Knot Nematodes feed inside the root, damage throughout the root system may Root-knot nematodes are occur. Root tips can also appear sedentary endoparasites. They dead, and small feeder roots penetrate the root with their may be limited. entire body and then form a permanent feeding site where Figure 12. Root-knot nematode, Aboveground symptoms of they remain for life. Root-knot Meloidogyne spp., feeding on barley. lance nematode damage to nematodes are the most well Photo by G. Caubel, Nemapix Vol. 2 turfgrasses include patches of known and most economically

Figure 10. Lance nematode damage to bermudagrass Figure 11. Decrease in bermudagrass rooting (right) rough. caused by lance nematodes. Photo courtesy of N. Walker Photo courtesy of N. Walker

6 Other Ectoparasites in their damage potential. and dropped off into the soil. Fortunately, awl nematodes are Cyst nematodes are very resilient Other ectoparasites known to rarely found in Arkansas. because eggs can remain viable parasitize turfgrasses in Arkansas inside the cyst for years, if neces­ include spiral (Helicotylenchus Ring and Stubby-Root sary, until a suitable host is near. spp.), stunt (Tylenchorhynchus Nematodes – Both ring and In addition, the cyst provides spp.), pin (Paratylenchus spp.), stubby-root nematodes can cause partial protection to the eggs dagger (Xiphinema spp.), awl significant damage to turf if and/or juveniles when nemati­ (Dolichodorus spp.), ring population densities are high. cides are applied (7). Fortunately, (Criconemoides spp.), sheath With both nematode species, cyst nematodes are not known (Hemicycliophora spp.) and feeding results in tiny lesions on to cause major damage in stubby-root (Trichodorus and the roots, and under high nema­ Arkansas turfgrasses. Paratrichodorus). tode pressure, roots can become discolored and stubby. Centi­ Spiral, Stunt, Sheath and Pin pedegrass is highly susceptible to Diagnosing Nematodes – Feeding by spiral, ring nematodes, while bermuda­ stunt, sheath and pin nematodes Nematode grass, bentgrass and St. Augus­ causes roots to appear shriveled, tinegrass are less susceptible. which results in a short, poor Problems root system. Spiral nematodes, Two species of stubby-root Nematode problems in turf named for the shape of the nematodes, Paratrichodorus minor are often misdiagnosed as being inactive nematodes, are not eco­ and Trichodoridae obtusus, are the result of poor cultural prac­ nomically damaging on most known to damage turfgrasses. tices, diseases, insect damage, turfgrasses in the southeast, Although both species can be soil compaction, nutrient defi­ with the exception of seashore damaging to a number of ciencies, poor drainage, drought paspalum, which can be severely turfgrasses, T. obtusus causes or other environmental stresses. damaged (7). At high population more damage to bermudagrass To diagnose a nematode problem densities or in situations where and St. Augustinegrass (7). accurately, a soil sample must be turf is already stressed from collected from the affected area other causes, sheath, stunt and Other Endoparasites and be assayed by a nematology pin nematodes can be damaging laboratory where trained profes­ Other endoparasites known to several turfgrass species. sionals can determine if there are to parasitize turfgrasses are parasitic nematodes present at Dagger and Awl Nematodes – lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) and levels that could cause the Dagger nematodes may damage cyst (Heterodera leuceilyma) observed damage. roots of many turf species. nematodes. Lesion nematodes Symptoms include sparse, discol­ can cause roots to have black The process of taking a soil ored roots systems that lack spots (lesions) or even severe root sample for nematode assay feeder roots. Dagger nematodes rot. Although not well studied, includes collecting random sub­ also belong to the class of nema­ lesion nematodes are not thought samples in a zigzag pattern todes that are known vectors of to be very damaging (9). (Figure 13) from the area in ques­ plant viruses, although viruses in tion, similar to the procedure that turfgrasses in Arkansas are not a As with root-knot, cyst would be used for a soil sample significant problem. Generally, nematodes form a permanent for nutrient analysis. Soil sam­ dagger nematodes are not consid­ feeding site. These nematodes are ples for nematode analysis ered a significant threat to golf semi-endoparasitic, with the should be taken to a depth of course turf in Arkansas. females partially embedded in 4 inches – since this is where the the root. The eggs are formed majority of the roots are located – Awl nematodes can cause inside the body of the mature with several subsamples making severe damage to turfgrasses and female (the cyst), where they up a representative sample of are similar to sting nematodes remain even after she has died the area. It is important to submit

7 separate samples of both healthy soil moisture and kept out of Agriculture Cooperative and unhealthy turf to reflect the direct sunlight – placing samples Extension Service website population density of the area into a small, insulated cooler (https://www.uaex.uada.edu accurately. Never sample only (without ice) is a safe and con­ /farm-ranch/pest-management/ dead or severely damaged areas venient method for protecting the plant-disease/nematodes.aspx). (dead turf), as these samples may sample until it can be sent to the not contain many nematodes nematology laboratory. Label since there are few roots available each sample on the outside of the Interpreting for nematode feeding. Collect plastic bag with your name, the Results samples in areas bordering the address, putting green number damaged area and from healthy- (or other short sample identifier) Once assay results are looking areas as well as from and county. Ziploc® storage bags complete, the next step is to inter­ severely affected areas. Sample are ideal for this use because they pret the results. The assay report putting greens or fairways generally have a labeling space will include information on the separately, because it is impor­ on the outside. individuals who collected and tant to know specifically where submitted the sample, the sample nematode infestations are and Deliver the sample to your identifiers and tabular results of where they are not. This informa­ county Extension agent as soon all plant-parasitic nematodes tion will help in implementing after it is collected as possible. If that were found. Note that the sanitary maintenance practices samples must be stored for a few results are reported in a stan­ as well as the control options that days (up to one week), keep them dardized fashion as nematodes are discussed further in the in an insulated cooler at cool (air­ per 100 cm3 (cubic centimeters) “Control” sections. conditioned) room temperature. of soil. Table 1 lists the most NEVER store the samples in the common parasitic nematodes for refrigerator or store them on ice turfgrass and their estimated in an insulated cooler. The county threshold levels needed to cause agent will help you submit your moderate or high levels of samples online through the damage. While these threshold DDDI sample submission values may be used as a general system. A $10 cost-recovery fee is guide, it is important to charged for each sample that is remember that damage due to assayed. The samples should be nematodes is strongly related to mailed first class or shipped by overall turf health and turf courier to: species (Table 2). Arkansas Nematode Diagnostic Healthy turf can withstand Figure 13. Sampling pattern for Laboratory, University of Arkansas higher nematode levels than turfgrass area with suspected Southwest Research and nematode problems. In a similar stressed turf. Control methods pattern, also collect a sample from Extension Center a healthy-looking area. 362 Highway 174 North may be warranted if any one Hope, AR 71801 nematode species surpasses the Combine the subsamples for Phone: 870-777-9702 medium threshold limit. If a particular sample as they are multiple nematode species are collected. A convenient method is Results are generally available present at levels less than the to use a small bucket or other within a few days of receipt by medium threshold limit, it is container that is easy to carry. the laboratory. Results can be more difficult to determine if When 8 to 12 subsamples are sent by e-mail, fax or U.S. postal control is warranted. The nema­ collected, mix the soil thoroughly service. More information about tode and turf species, overall turf and place approximately 1 pint nematodes and the diagnostic lab health, site history and other into a quart-sized plastic bag. can be found at the University of factors must be considered. Bags should be sealed to retain Arkansas System Division of Although nematode damage is

8 TABLE 1. Nematode common name and genus, threshold level, damage potential, feeding habit and root symptoms. Modified from Tables 1 and 2 from Anonymous (1), Table 1 from Crow (3) and from Davis et al. (8).

Thresholda

Common Name Damage Feeding (Genus Name) Medium High Potentialb Habit Root Symptoms - - Number/100 cm3 - - Sting 10 (25c) 25 (50c) 1 Ectoparasite Cropped, stubby roots. Large lesions. (Belonolaimus) Lance 40 120 1 Endoparasite Roots sloughing away. Slight (Hoplolaimus) (migratory) swellings and brown lesions. Root-knot 80 300 1 Endoparasite General swellings and galls. No (Meloidogyne) (sedentary) reaction to applications of irrigation, fertilizer or pesticides. Spiral 700 1500 2 Ectoparasite Roots wilted, cropped off, discolored. (Helicotylenchus) (Peltamigratus) 150 300 2 Ectoparasite Roots wilted, cropped off, discolored. Stunt 100+ 2 Ectoparasite Roots wilted, cropped off, discolored. (Tylenchorhynchus) Dagger 51+ 2 Ectoparasite Roots wilted, cropped off, discolored. (Xiphinema) Stubby-root 150 300 2 Ectoparasite Stubby roots, attacks root tips, (Paratrichodorus) lesions may be present. (Trichodorus) 40c,d 120c,d 2 Ectoparasite Stubby roots, attacks root tips, lesions may be present. Lesion 51+ 2 Endoparasite Black spots, root rot. (Pratylenchus) (migratory) Sheath 200 400 2 Ectoparasite Stubby roots, attacks root tips, (Hemicycliophora) lesions may be present. Cyst 10c 40c 2 Endoparasite Swollen, white females or brown (Punctodera heterodera) cyst on roots. Ring 500 (150e) 1000 3 Ectoparasite Discolored roots, tiny lesions. (Mesocriconema) (300e) Pin 500+ 3 Ectoparasite Roots wilted, thin. (Paratylenchus) aThese thresholds were developed based on observations in other states and may be adjusted occasionally as more data is collected in Arkansas on nematode pathogenicity to turfgrasses. If nematode assays indicate that you have more than the medium threshold for a given nematode species, damage may become evident if turf incurs additional environmental stress. If nematode assays indicate that you have more than the high threshold for a given nematode species, root systems are likely damaged and turf quality is likely declining. Threshold levels are determined under otherwise normal conditions. It should be noted that in the presence of other stresses (drought, disease, insects), the threshold is effectively lowered. bDamage potential: 1 = very damaging or moderately damaging to turf and very common or common occurrence in Arkansas 2 = moderately damaging to turf and uncommon in Arkansas 3 = damaging to turf only at high populations and uncommon or rare in Arkansas cIndicates threshold numbers for St. Augustinegrass. dIndicates numbers for genus Trichodorus. eIndicates threshold level for ring nematode in centipedegrass. +Indicates baseline threshold number based on counts per 100 cm3 soil.

9 not absolutely additive, control control may be warranted. On species (7). Bermudagrass is measures may be warranted if the other hand, if several nema- typically more tolerant to nematode counts are slightly todes are found at 30 percent of nematode feeding than zoysia- below the threshold limit for the medium threshold, a com- grass because of the deeper root multiple nematode species. bined total of 100 percent likely system of bermudagrass In these situations, it is highly will not require chemical (Figure 14). Susceptibility is recommended that a nematolo- control (8). As indicated, the known to differ among cultivars gist or turf specialist be consulted overall health of the turf, the within certain species, but there concerning a control strategy. environment, past experience are few definitive reports on and other factors will influence these differences. For example, let’s say you control decisions. The assistance have 30 lance nematodes of a nematologist or turf specialist Nematodes are often found (75 percent of the medium is strongly recommended. as problems in established turf. threshold) and 60 root-knot In some situations, nematodes nematodes (75 percent of the may already be present in the medium threshold). Both nema- Control Options native soil at the time greens or tode species are present at popu- tees are established, while in lation densities less than the Before Planting some cases, the nematodes are threshold, but combined they Very little nematode resistance transported to the site in the sand total 150 percent of the medium or tolerance is known in turf- or soil used in forming the greens damage threshold. Nematode grasses, but there are key differ- or in sod. In either case, it is best damage is not absolutely addi- ences between species in their to avoid or eliminate the problem tive, so you cannot simply add susceptibility to certain nema- during golf course construction up the relative percentages for all todes (Table 2). Notably, cyst or renovation. There are two species that are present (8), but if nematode only parasitizes proactive approaches to help two or more nematode species St. Augustinegrass, and bahia- avoid nematode problems: each reached 90 percent of the grass is generally more tolerant fumigation and sanitation. medium threshold, chemical to nematodes than other turf

TABLE 2. Nematodes and the turfgrasses most affected by each (9, 12).

Turfgrass Sting Lance Root-knot Spiral Stunt Dagger Stubby-root Lesion Cyst Ring Pin

Warm-season grasses Bahiagrass X X X Centipedegrass X X X X St. Augustinegrass X X X X X X X Bermudagrass X X X X X Zoysiagrass X X X X Seashore paspalum X X X X X

Cool-season grasses Creeping bentgrass X X X X X X X X X Kentucky bluegrass X X X Perennial ryegrass X X X Tall fescue X X X

10 Soil fumigants should only be applied by experienced profes- sionals according to product label specifications. — — — Sanitation Sanitation practices are extremely important in prevent- ing the spread of nematodes, and it is of utmost importance that an accurate and current picture of where nematodes occur through- out the course is maintained. Nematodes are limited in the Figure 14. A large patch of bermudagrass appears (right of mailbox distance they can travel through next to curb) symptom free in this Meyer zoysiagrass lawn weakened by nematodes. the soil on their own, but they can be easily introduced into new sites or spread with contami- Soil Fumigation Areas treated with metam-sodium nated equipment, new sod, sand should be either covered with Pre-plant soil fumigation can or soil. For example, when plastic for several days after be helpful in preventing infesta- building a tee box or a putting application or sealed into the soil tions on new putting greens and green, the new sod or soil should by irrigation. Because of the risk tees. Soil fumigants are products be tested for nematodes prior to of phytotoxicity, treated areas that volatilize in the soil and planting. Similarly, when repair- should not be planted for 21 days control a wide range of soil-borne ing weak or dead areas of turf by after application. pests including nematodes. Two bringing sod or plugs from one compounds are available for soil Dazomet, sold under the area of the golf course to another, fumigation – metam-sodium trade name Basamid®, is a granu- do not to transplant nematode- and dazomet (Table 3). Methyl lar formulation that must be infested turf into areas without bromide, which was historically applied accurately (see Table 3) nematodes. used quite often for pre-plant and uniformly and then incorpo- Another potential problem fumigation, is no longer manufac- rated into the soil by tilling. may occur when changing cups tured or legal to use. Curfew, An alternative option is to apply on putting greens. Do not spread 1,3-dichloropropene, is another dazomet to a scalped area (sod nematodes from one green to fumigant no longer labeled for removed) and aerify or verticut another. Keep cultivation equip- use in turf in the state of followed by irrigation of no more ment clean since nematodes can Arkansas. than 1/8 inch of water. Depend- be spread by any equipment that ing on soil temperature, areas Metam-sodium, sold under can transport even a small should be ready to replant within several trade names including amount of infested soil. For one to two weeks following Metam-Sodium®, Vapam® and example, aerifying, spiking or application. The effectiveness of Turfcure®, is a liquid that breaks verticutting should be done first dazomet is very similar to down to form the highly toxic in areas without a nematode metam-sodium. and volatile chemical methyl problem and last on areas that isothiocyanate upon contact with — — — have or are suspected to have moist soil. Metam-sodium should NOTE: Federal and state nematodes. Wash equipment be applied to moist soil when regulations and restrictions on thoroughly after use in temperature exceeds 60 degrees F. the use of soil fumigants are nematode-infested areas. extensive and restrictive. 11 TABLE 3. Pre- and post-planting chemical control options. Chemical Rate per 1,000 square feet Comments Pre-plant fumigants Vapam HL 0.86 to 1.7 gallon For best results, Vapam should be applied to (42 percent metam-sodium) (37.5 to 75 gallons per acre) moist soil with a temperature between 60 and 90 degrees F. and the area covered with plastic after application. The treated area may be planted 21 days after application. Basamid 5 to 12 pounds Basamid is applied as a granular formulation. (Dazomet) (220 to 530 pounds per acre) Basamid is typically incorporated into the soil by tilling. An alternative option is to surface apply Basamid to a scalped area (or sod removed) and aerified and/or verticut followed by 1/8 inch or less of irrigation. Depending on soil temperature, areas typically should be ready to replant within 1 to 2 weeks following application. Basamid is typically applied by custom applicators. Post-plant nematicides Multiguard Protect 0.126 to 0.184 gallons Apply up to 6 applications per year at 14- to (Furfural) (5.5 to 8.0 gallons per acre) 28-day intervals. Irrigate into the soil to a depth of 6 inches using overhead sprinklers. Labeled to control root-infesting, plant-parasitic nematodes. Indemnify 0.195 to 0.39 fluid ounces Do not apply more than 17.1 fluid ounces per (Fluopyram) (8.49 to 16.98 ounces per acre) acre per year. Irrigate to depth of the root zone. Minimum time between applications is 14 days. Labeled to control cyst, dagger, pin, root-knot, sheath, sting, stubby-root and stunt plant-parasitic nematodes. Nimitz Pro G 60 to 120 pounds per acre Do not apply more than 240 pounds of product (Fluensulfone) per acre per calendar year. Labeled to control lance, lesion, root-knot and sting plant-parasitic nematodes. Control Options little noticeable damage. Gener- leaf blades and not the soil ally, cultural practices that pro- surface – to promote deep in Established mote root health and vigorous rooting. This practice may help Turf growth will aid in damage by encouraging the nematodes to prevention. A few notable cultu- move deeper into the soil in ral practices include increasing Cultural Practices search of moisture and away the mowing height, use of light- from the majority of the root Cultural practices are weight mowing and rolling system (9). If nematode popula- fundamental in the prevention equipment to minimize compac- tion densities are high and the of severe nematode damage, tion, proper balance in fertility turf root system is severely and appropriate cultural prac- and pest management practices damaged, foliar applications of tices are vital since chemical and core or deep tine aerification. nitrogen will be more readily control options are limited. available to the plant than Irrigate deeply and less Well-managed turf can withstand granular applications. Avoid frequently in combination with some nematode infection with applying more than 1.0 pound afternoon syringing – wetting the

12 nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in DiTera, mustard seed meal and sanitation and cultural manage- any one application, as this will mustard bran. Mustard bran, as ment and, in some cases, applica- promote shoot growth while well as extracts from Euphorbia tion of nematicides. Nematode promoting little root growth. spp., has been reported to work management strategies can only Under- fertilization should also be in the laboratory. However, be devised, however, if the infes- avoided since damaged plants acceptable levels of control in the tation level and types of nema- need some fertility to encourage field have not been consistently todes present are monitored on a recovery and new root growth (4). demonstrated. regular basis, particularly on When granular fertilizers are greens. Greens should be applied, there is limited research Chemical Control sampled for nematodes at least suggesting that organic fertilizers every third year, more frequently In some situations, nematode may help reduce nematode if symptoms are present. As severity is sufficiently high that population densities in sandy indicated earlier, nematodes chemical control is the only effec- areas by increasing soil organic generally do not move more than tive option (Table 3). Recently matter, which may encourage a few feet during their entire life, labeled products such as Multi- nematode-antagonistic microor- but they can be moved long Guard Protect®, Nimitz Pro G® ganisms. Although deep and distances on equipment, turf or and Indemnify® have shown infrequent irrigation is ideal for soil. Consequently, sanitation promise in field testing for control enhancing root growth, light and practices are vital to ensuring of important plant- pathogenic frequent irrigations applied to nematode-free turf. nematodes. These products can the depth of rooting may be be applied in broadcast applica- Cultural practices are also necessary on nematode-infested tions and offer flexibility in appli- extremely important in control- putting greens to keep these cation timing due to relatively ling nematodes and the damage areas from wilting. low human toxicity. In situations they cause. Preventing other turf Biological Control of severe nematode pressure stresses through good manage- and turfgrass damage, these ment practices for fertility, irriga- Certain biological and organic products may require repeated tion and pest management will products can help minimize applications during the season, a promote turf health in general. nematode damage, but limited significant annual expense. Additionally, it is beneficial to efficacy is generally reported monitor nematode populations in under severe infestations (2). Conclusions putting greens, tees and fairways Many of these products are to anticipate potential problems. known nematode, bacterial and Managing nematodes on golf If nematodes become severe, it fungal antagonists or naturally courses effectively and economi- may be necessary to utilize occurring plant compounds that cally requires an integrated chemical nematicides to maintain are nematicidal. A few examples approach that includes proper turf health. include Clandosan, Neo-Tec,

Additional Information • Additional publications are available at http://www.uaex.uada.edu/. • Additional information about turfgrass management is available at http://turf.uark.edu/. • Additional information about nematodes is available at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/pest-management/plant-disease/nematodes.aspx.

13 References

1 Anonymous. 2000. Report on 6 Crow, W. T., and A. Brammer. 10 Hagan, A. 1997. Nematode plant disease: Nematode 2001. Sting nematode, Pests of Turf: Their identifica- -parasites of turfgrass. -Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau -tion and control. Alabama Department of Crop Sciences, (Nematoda: Secernentea: Cooperative Extension System. University of Illinois, Urbana- Tylenchida: Tylenchina: ANR-523. Belonolaimidae: Belonlaiminae). Champaign. RPD No. 1108. 11 Luc, J. E., W. T. Crow, Entomology and Nematology 2 J. L. Stimac, J. B. Sartain and Crow, W. T. 2005. Biologically Department, University of R. M. Giblin-Davis. Effects of derived alternatives to Florida, Gainesville. EENY-239. - -Nemacur. Golf Course Belonolaimus longicaudatus Management 73(1):147-150. 7 Crow, W. T. 2008. management and nitrogen Understanding and managing fertility on turf quality of 3 Crow, W. T. 2007. Nematode -plant-parasitic nematodes on golf course fairways. J. of management in residential turfgrasses. In M. Pessarakli Nematology 39(1):62-66. -lawns. The University of (ed.), Turfgrass Management and Florida, Institute of Food Physiology, Taylor & Francis 12 Martin, B. 2009. Nematode and Agricultural Sciences. Group, Boca Raton, FL. Control. In L.B. McCarty (ed.), ENY-006. -2009 Pest control guidelines for 8 Davis, R. F., P. Bertrand, J. D. professional turfgrass 4 Crow, W. T. 2008. Nematode Gay, R. E. Baird, G. B. Padgett, managers. South Carolina management for golf courses in -E. A. Brown et al. 2009. Guide Cooperative Extension Service, Florida. The University of - for interpreting nematode assay Clemson University. EC699. Florida, Institute of Food results. University of Georgia and Agricultural Sciences. College of Agricultural and 13 Trenholm, L. E., W. T. Crow and ENY-008. Environmental Sciences. D. Lickfeldt. 2005. Use of Circular 834. -1,3–Dichloropropene to Reduce Crow, W. T., and A. Brammer. 5 Irrigation Requirements of 2001. Lance nematode. 9 Dernoeden, P. H. 2002. Creeping Sting Nematode-Infested Entomology and Nematology - bentgrass management: Summer Bermudagrass. HortScience Department, University of stresses, weeds and selected - 40(5):1543-1548. Florida, Gainesville. EENY-234. maladies. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ.

14

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to products and turfgrass cultivars is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended nor endorsement by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Printed by University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Printing Services.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. MP481-PD-6-2017RV