Companies selling pesticide products spend millions of dollars on research and development. Extensive trials and a rigorous labeling process means that these products are thoroughly vetted before they ever see a golf course spray rig. We should be thankful for that. However, was all that testing and research done at your course? How do you know if a particular product you’re using is doing what the label says it should do?
A simple way to validate your pest control program is to include a check or control plot when you spray. This plot is basically a nontreated area within a treated area. Creating a check plot is easy, simply lay a piece of plywood down in the treated area before you apply the pesticide. It’s helpful to paint small dots on the turf at the corners of the plywood so you won’t lose track of where the check plot is. If the products you’re applying are working, there should be a distinct difference between the control plot and everything around it. If there is no difference, it may be time to reconsider your strategy.
Pesticides are expensive and it is in our best interests to know if we’re getting an appropriate amount of bang for our collective bucks. Establishing check plots at your course can be a great learning and communication tool.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, senior consulting agronomist – bwhitlark@usga.org
Cory Isom, agronomist – cisom@usga.org