Abstract
Use of microbial control agents (MCAs) in turfgrass is very limited due to high turf quality standards and competition from synthetic insecticides. The entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium spp. and Beauveria bassiana are available for the control of surface feeding insects (but little efficacy data is available) and white grubs (performance is variable and often unsatisfactory). The use of scarab-active Bacillus thuringiensis strains has been limited by significant differences in performance against different important white grub species. Paenibacillus popilliae use against Japanese beetle larvae is limited by availability and inconsistent performance. In New Zealand, Serratia entomophila is used commercially against Costelytra zealandica in pastures. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have shown good control of caterpillars, billbugs, mole crickets, and many white grub species. However, poor shelf life and poor ease-of-use impinge on the wider use of EPN products. The use of MCAs could be increased by more systematically exploiting their ability to recycle and provide long-term pest suppression. Significant increases in MCA use will likely happen only through education and legislation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
