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TECHNICAL SESSION: Management of soilborne pathogens

Improving Sting Nematode Management in North Carolina By Investigation Nematicide Application Timing
Glenn Galle - North Carolina State University. James Kerns- North Carolina State University

Management of sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) on putting green turf was centered around a single nematicide until 2011. Nemacur was a highly efficacious nematicide until its voluntary removal from the market, and its loss presented a major challenge for nematode management on golf courses. Very few products were available for use, and those that were did not reduce sting nematode populations. Two new products were released, but little was known about the best timing for application in order to maximize sting nematode management. The objective of this study was to investigate application timing for abamectin (Avid or Divanem) and fluopyram (Indemnify) on reducing sting nematode populations and improving turfgrass quality. The study was conducted from 2014-2018 at a golf course in Raleigh, NC on a putting green that was severely infested with sting nematodes. Up to 4 Avid applications were applied from March to August, and there were no differences in the timings in relation to turf quality or nematode populations. Indemnify was studied starting upon its release in 2016. Applications were made from April to July, and all application timings reduced nematode populations. However, fluopyram applications in May were most effective at reducing nematode populations below 5 nematodes per 500 cc soil in August indicating summer long population reduction can best be achieved with this application timing.