A SUBSURFACE POINT INJECTOR APPLICATOR FOR TURFGRASS INSECTICIDES

Abstract

Broadcasting insecticides on turfgrass for control of many subsurface grubs can result in potential hazards to people, pets, and other animals exposed to the insecticides. To reduce this danger, a system was assembled with a modified rolling point fertilizer injector and used to inject insecticides below the turf surface and into the main zone of activity of the grubs. The results indicate that insecticides can be successfully injected with little damage to the turf. However, analyses of residues after injection of a common turfgrass insecticide, chlorpyrifos (Dursban 4E), showed little dispersion from the point of injection in the soil at one and seven days after application. Limited movement of chlorpyrifos from the injection point along with short travel distances of many turfgrass grubs, indicate a low probability of achieving efficient and effective control. However, the point injector applicator may perform satisfactorily for applications of other materials such as fertilizers.