UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
It is the responsibility of the University of Southern Maine to implement pest management plans that include the least amount possible of pesticide application due to the risks pesticide exposure poses to human health. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based strategy focused on long term prevention of pests and their damage through the sustainable use of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a manner that minimizes economic, health, and environmental impacts and risks. IPM is defined in the State of Maine’s IPM statute (Title 7 Chapter 413) as “ the selection, integration, and implementation of pest damage prevention and control based on predicted socioeconomic and ecological consequences, including: A: Understanding the system in which the pest exists; B: Establishing dynamic economic or aesthetic injury thresholds and determining whether the organism or organism complex warrants control; C: Monitoring pests and natural enemies; D: When needed, selecting the appropriate system of cultural, mechanical, genetic, including resistant cultivars, biological or chemical prevention techniques or control for desired suppression; and E: Systematically evaluating the pest management approaches utilized.”
Other than being an outlet for the protection of human health, IPM’s potential for reduced reliance on chemical control of pests holds many benefits for the natural environment by reducing associated air, groundwater and soil pollution as well as reducing the introduction of chemical toxins into the systems of area flora and fauna (NRAES, 2002; ME Dept. of Agriculture, 2000; MA IPM Council, 2000). IPM is not limited solely to cultural control; if deemed absolutely necessary to keep pests below threshold levels, chemical control in the form of judicious pesticide application may also be used. Understanding the life cycles of pests, as well as their basic needs and interactions with their environment, is crucial to effective IPM implementation. Often, pest populations can be controlled or prevented by creating inhospitable environments through blocking access to basic elements needed for survival, such as air, moisture, food and water. Cultural or mechanical control methods that do not rely on the use of pesticides also hold economic benefits by generally being less expensive in the long run than periodic pesticide applications (NRAES, 2002). Most important in the implementation of IPM is the acute understanding of the nature of a target pest in order to adequately select least-risk management options grounded in economics, ecology, and human health.
POLICY STATEMENT
In order to align with the University of Southern Maine’s duty to protect the health of and serve as an example for students, faculty, and community, it was deemed necessary to limit pesticide use and create an Integrated Pest Management Plan for the University’s Gorham campus. Therefore, it is hereby the policy of the University of Southern Maine to only use pesticides when pests have been identified and, despite exhaustive cultural control efforts, their presence remains beyond threshold levels established by the University IPM Coordinator or Maine Bureau of Health. Selection of treatment or prevention actions will give priority to least-risk management options. When it is determined that pesticides are needed for pest management, only products registered for use in the State of Maine will be applied, and strict label compliance will be adhered to. Applications will be undertaken only by individuals licensed by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control except in emergency management situations to control stinging insects that pose an imminent threat to human health on University grounds. Students, faculty, and staff will be educated about IPM in order to aid implementation through participation. Students, faculty, and staff will be notified prior to pest management activities (including posted notification 48 hours in advance of any and all pesticide applications except emergency control of stinging insects per the University IPM Coordinator). In addition, a log will be kept of all pest sightings and management activities and will be available to the public upon request. The University IPM Coordinator and the IPM Advisory Committee will review this plan and all management actions connected with it every year. After this review, revisions may be necessary in order to better implement IPM practices.
PEST MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
v Maintain a safe and sustainable University environment
v Protect the health of students, faculty, staff and community members by controlling or eliminating pests that pose an imminent threat to public health and safety
v Reduce or eliminate human exposure to pesticides through use of least-risk management practices
v Reduce or prevent pest damage to University property
v Reduce environmental pollution and degradation
v Maintain economically sound practices
v Enhance the overall quality of life for those who work at, live in, or visit the University
APPOINTMENT OF UNIVERSITY IPM COORDINATOR
The University will appoint an IPM Coordinator responsible for policy implementation and site plan review. In detail, the Coordinator’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
v Keeping accurate records of all reported pest sightings in a log book
v Keeping accurate records of all management activities, including pesticide use in a log book
v Coordination of all management activities with pest control staff or contractors
v Approval of contracts for pest management and oversight of contracted pest management services to ensure adherence to University IPM policies by contractors
v Approving appropriate pesticide applications through monitoring of applicator methods, materials, timing and location
v Posting and notification (no less than 48 hours before, and to remain for length of non-entry period) of pesticide applications
v Evaluating the University’s progress in adherence to the IPM plan and reporting said evaluations to the University IPM Advisory Committee
v Review of site treatment plans and revision when deemed necessary
v Coordination of outreach programs to educate students, faculty, staff and community members on IPM practices and methodology
CREATION OF A UNIVERSITY IPM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
An IPM Advisory Committee consisting of members representative of the USM community will be created. The Committee’s duties may include but are not limited to the following:
v Development of long-term site treatment plans for various University locations of concern
v Evaluation of the University’s progress in adherence to the IPM plan
v Facilitation of communication between departments and other University entities
v Resolution of pest management issues, pesticide issues, and pest concerns
v Development of acceptable pest thresholds
v Consultation with public relations personnel and local news media on pertinent issues
RECORDKEEPING
A logbook of all pest sightings (through scouting and through chance) and pest management activities will be kept in the Facilities Management office in Anderson Hall of the USM Gorham campus. This log will be kept current by the University IPM coordinator and will be available for public viewing upon request. Additionally, any time a pesticide is used for pest management, a copy of the pesticide label, as well as the pesticide’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will be kept on record in an easily accessible location as a reference for applicators on proper use, storage, and safety.
EDUCATION AND LICENSING OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT STAFF
In an effort to comply with the mandates of the Maine Board of Pesticides Control, educational outreach to Facilities Management staff will be an essential part of IPM implementation. Any applications of pesticides on University property must be undertaken by a licensed pesticide applicator. If pesticide applications are not undertaken by an outside contractor, those employees of Facilities Management responsible for any pesticide application prescribed by either the University IPM Coordinator or the University IPM Advisory Committee must be licensed by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. All other employees of Facilities Management involved with IPM but not responsible for pesticide application must attend all educational seminars hosted by Facilities Management or the Maine Board of Pesticides Control as mandated by the University IPM Coordinator or Advisory Committee.
PEST IDENTIFICATION, THRESHOLD ESTABLISHMENT, AND NECESSARY TREATMENT METHODS
The following are informational abstracts on potential pests specified by typical location (indoors or outdoors). The abstracts include physical characteristics, life cycles, desired habitats, and necessary IPM treatment methods for controlling or eradicating the target populations.
OUTDOOR PESTS
JAPANESE BEETLES (Popillia japonica)
Life cycle:
v 1 year life cycle: egg-larva-pupa-adult
v Metallic green and copper colored adults mate in July-August
v Young larvae are c-shaped and white and are active from August-September and April-June
v With autumn and cooler temperatures, larvae burrow underground 4-8 inches to over winter
v With spring and warming of soil (60°F), larvae return to the root zone and begin feeding
v Larvae mature, pupate in June, and emerge from the ground in early July
v Adults will travel up to two miles in search of sunny, well irrigated turf for egg laying; eggs are laid in late July and August
v Preferred host species for adult beetles include cherries (wild and cultivated), apples and crabapples, lindens, Norway maples, hawthorns, roses, and lilacs
Japanese beetle egg mass Japanese beetle larva
Japanese beetle pupa Japanese beetle adult
Symptoms of Infestation:
v Heavily infested turf will appear to be under drought stress, will be off color (gray-green) and will wilt rapidly
v Irregularly shaped patches of damage will be most readily noticed in sunny, dry areas
v Turf may feel spongy underfoot and may be rolled up like sod due to lack of roots
v Scavengers (such as raccoons, skunks and crows) may tear up large areas of turf in search of grubs
Damage Thresholds:
v General damage threshold requiring action is 8-12 grubs per square foot on non irrigated turf; 20-30 grubs on daily irrigated turf
v For adults, general damage threshold is 2 of 4 sampled branches containing 4 or more beetles per leaf (Sadof and Moser, 1997)
Scouting Method:
v Scout turf from May 15th to June 15th , and July 15th to October 1st
v To choose locations for grub monitoring, look for evidence of animal or bird feeding activity, and/or thick dark green turf areas exposed to full sun
v Remove a square foot of turf and search the top 1-2 inches of soil for grubs
v Record grub count at each location, noting any areas with counts above the established threshold (8-12 grubs per square foot for unirrigated turf; 20-30 grubs per square foot if well irrigated)
Management:
v Avoid planting tree or shrub species known to be desirable as food sources for adults (such as lindens, cherries, apples and crabapples, Norway maple, etc.)
v Map locations of susceptible ornamental plantings and turf
v Hand pick and destroy (by crushing) adults; in heavy infestation periods, this may have to be done several times daily
v Promote bird species known to be predators of Japanese beetles, such as chickadees, robins and blue jays
v Consider the use of biological pesticidal controls (such as parasitic nematodes, especially Steinernema glaseri and Heterorhabditis bacteroiphora). Applications of nematodes should be watered in carefully in late afternoon or early evening to avoid desiccation.
v Map and monitor locations above threshold levels for spot treatments with insecticides if abovementioned cultural controls are not effective. Insecticides useful in Japanese beetle grub control include imidacloprid (trade name: Merit) or halofenozide (Mach 2)
v Timing is essential with insecticide application to eradicate Japanese beetle grubs. Grubs are most susceptible to chemical control immediately after they hatch (generally in August). As a general rule, rapidly acting insecticides should be used later in the treatment periods (late August or early May), where slower acting materials should be applied early in the treatment period (early August or late April). If soil moisture is unusually low at time of treatment, the treatment area should be irrigated a day or two before application to draw grubs into the upper root zone, and the treatment should be watered in. Be sure to verify the reentry period for the chosen insecticide, and post the treatment area.
EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR (Malacosoma americanum Fabricius)
Life cycle:
v 1 year life cycle: egg-larva-pupa-adult; one generation per year
v Outbreaks frequently occur at eight to ten year intervals
v Reddish brown adults with oblique white bands on their forewing mate in July, leaving on small twigs a collar shaped, glassy, dark egg mass approximately 1 inch in length. Each egg mass contains 150-300 eggs
v Masses remain on trees until early spring when tree buds swell and begin to open; hatchling larvae feed on tree buds and begin to construct tent-like silken masses in branch crotches of preferred trees (including wild cherries, apples and crabapples)
v Larvae are black with blue markings and a solid white stripe down the back, and are covered with tan hairs. Full grown larvae are 2-2.5 inches in length
v Larvae feed for a period of six to eight weeks; full grown larvae have a habit of migrating to protected areas on other trees, buildings, fences and other structures to spin cocoons for pupation
v Pupal stage lasts three weeks; cocoons are yellow and silky
v Adults emerge around the first or second week of July and live just long enough to mate (less than a week)
E. tent caterpillar egg mass E. tent caterpillar larva Silken web of E. tent caterpillar
Symptoms of Infestation:
v Glossy black egg masses approximately 1 inch in length are found on trees between late July and April of the following year
v Silken tent-like webs are found in branch crotches between April and May
Damage Thresholds:
v General threshold requiring action is extensive defoliation within or any exfoliation beyond 3 feet of a larval web. However, Eastern tent caterpillar is purely an aesthetic nuisance unless on a new transplant, so any treatment should be undertaken judiciously
Scouting method:
v Begin looking for egg masses on susceptible trees (cherries, apples and crabapples) in the fall after leaves have dropped; record where found and how many
v Look for webs in susceptible trees when buds begin to show (late March-early April)
Management:
v Natural enemies of the eastern tent caterpillar include certain species of birds (chickadees, robins, and blue jays), parasitic wasps, and toads. Promotion of these species (using care with wasp promotion) often is an effective control on eastern tent caterpillar populations.
v From July until early spring, twigs containing egg masses can be pruned off and destroyed through first crushing and then coating with a mix of dish detergent and water (one cup detergent to one gallon water. The egg masses themselves may also be removed from the twigs if done carefully so as not to leave any remaining eggs; again, apply the detergent mix to the area where the egg mass was, and to the crushed egg mass itself
v Mechanical removal of webs when they appear in early spring is an effective method of cultural control. Removal should be done in the evening when larvae have returned to the web. Gloves should be worn to avoid skin irritation; once the web is carefully and entirely removed, it should be either completely crushed on pavement or dropped into a pan of soapy water (one cup to one gallon detergent/water mix) to kill all larvae
v Since Eastern tent caterpillars are purely an aesthetic nuisance, use of biological or chemical pesticidal controls are unwarranted and will not be employed
GYPSY MOTH (Lymantria dispar Linnaeus)
Life Cycle:
v 1 year life cycle: egg-larva-pupa-adult
v Infestations are cyclical (2-4 years light, 2-4 years heavy)
v Preferred host trees include oak, elm, speckled alder, linden, birch, willow, and hawthorn
v Adults mate in late July-August, leaving buff to white colored egg masses on tree branches and trunks and in other sheltered locations
v Egg hatching coincides with budding of hardwood trees in the spring; larvae emerge from April to mid-May and are dispersed in two ways: either they hang from host trees by silky threads and are dispersed by wind, or are dispersed by contact with traveling entities, such as other animals, vehicles, firewood, household goods, etc.
v Male larvae go through a succession of five molts or instars (females go through six); with each, size increases until the pupal stage is reached. Older larvae have five pairs of raised blue spots and six pairs of raised red spots along their backs. With the first three instars, larvae remain in the crowns of host trees. Small holes chewed in leaves are indicative of the first instar; chewing from the leaf edge to the center is indicative of second and third instar. Larvae in the fourth, fifth and sixth instars climb to the tops of host trees and feed at night; during the day, they rest and seek shelter nearer the tree’s base in bark crevices or in dense population situations in leaf litter.
v Pupation begins in late June, lasts 7-14 days and occurs in former larval resting places. Male adult moths emerge first, followed by egg-laden females.
v Males fly in zigzag patterns in search of females who emit pheromones to attract their mates; the female then lays her eggs near the pupation spot, and both adults die within a few days
Larval egg mass of gypsy moth Gypsy moth larvae (5th instar) Gypsy moth pupae
Adult female gypsy moth Adult male gypsy moth
(with egg mass)
Scouting:
v After hardwood trees drop their leaves in autumn, scout for buff colored egg masses on trunks and branches; record number and location of any found
Management:
v Encourage bird species such as chickadees, blue jays, nuthatches, and robins, as well as mammals such as shrews, chipmunks and squirrels. Each of these species are natural predators of gypsy moth larvae
v Remove objects around campus that may provide shelter to larvae and pupae (such as branch piles, flaps of bark, dead trees, etc)
v Increase tree diversity on campus by planting tree species not preferred as hosts by gypsy moths, such as tuliptree, honeylocust, ash, hickory, dogwood, mountain ash, and most conifers
v Destroy any egg masses found during scouting or at other times by scraping off and depositing in a mix of dish detergent and water (one cup/one gallon). Be sure to wear gloves when handling egg masses; the hairs that coat them may trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
v Place burlap around the trunks of preferred trees (especially oaks) to provide shade and shelter for older fourth or fifth instar larvae. Doing this gives an opportunity to assess how severe the infestation is. If infestations are sparse to moderate, larvae and pupae found beneath the burlap can be manually destroyed by crushing
v Use barrier bands, consisting of double sided tape or petroleum jelly on susceptible trees to prevent larvae from climbing the trunks. Products should be applied on an impermeable surface, such as duct tape or tar paper; applying petroleum based products directly to the tree trunk can cause injury to thin barked trees
v Biological pesticidal control in the form of Bt is also an effective form of control—apply to foliage of preferred trees after larvae first hatch (April- mid May)
v If pesticides must be used in heavy infestation years, carefully apply Orthene (acephate) to crown foliage early in larval development (1st or 2nd instars in April –early May)
Wasps, Hornets, and Bees (various species)
In general, the abovementioned insects prove to be more beneficial to humans and wildlife than detrimental. Without the pollination that bees provide, most plant life (including agricultural crops) would cease to exist. Wasps and hornets are important predators to many plant pests; without the natural control they provide, many insects that are currently minor annoyances would become a serious pest problem. However, for sensitive individuals, an insect sting could be serious or even fatal. For this reason, it is important to exercise some form of control of stinging insects in areas where humans congregate, such as door entryways and picnic or luncheon areas. Below are descriptions of the life cycles of the stinging insects, as well as preventative measures that can be taken to adequately control them.
Honey Bees (Apis mellifera most common)
Life Cycle:
v Social insects; live in large colonies ranging from 20,000 to 80,000 bees
v Construct a hive which is often used for years; collect nectar and pollen to feed larvae, and store honey in wax honeycombs
v Bees gain all of their dietary needs from flowers
v Colonies consist of 3 different groups: the queen (sole fertile female), workers (infertile females), and males
v Males develop from unfertilized eggs, lack a stinger, cannot collect nectar or pollen and cannot feed themselves. Their sole function is to mate with the queen, after which they perish
v Bad weather (windy, cloudy days) seems to affect the bee’s temperament, due to the fact that workers cannot forage for honey or nectar. On these days, bees are more irritable and may attempt to drive humans and other perceived threats away from the hive
v Generally, if left alone, honeybees will not sting
Management:
v Honeybees are generally mild-mannered. Due to this, and their importance as pollinators, control in any form is not advisable. Occasionally, bees may swarm in search of a new site to colonize. If this occurs on University grounds, a professional beekeeper should be contracted to install the bees into a nest box for relocation.
Wasps and Hornets (various species)
Life cycle:
v Mated queens over winter in tree hollows, attics, walls, and crawl spaces. In early spring, they emerge from hibernation to seek food (nectar) and water. After gaining strength, they seek a nest site in the ground, in a hollow tree, or attached to elevated structures (such as buildings or trees)
v Nests are constructed from carton, a paper-like material derived from digested plant material and saliva
v Once nests are constructed, eggs are laid
v Eggs hatch within a few weeks into larvae (entirely female) resembling maggots
v Adults search for protein and carbohydrate sources (such as caterpillars, insects, dead animals, and garbage) to feed to larvae
v As the all female larvae become adults (and workers), nest and colony size increases
v With the arrival of autumn, mating occurs again; however, this brood contains male and female larvae
v Male adults do not possess stingers—they perish quickly after mating
v Young queens scatter and hide for the winter; the old (previous year’s) queen and workers die around the first frost
v Nests are usually abandoned by November
v Many wasps and yellowjackets are aggressive stingers (an exception is the umbrella wasp); any encounters with the insects should be undertaken with caution. It is essential to remain calm when faced with a wasp or yellowjacket, as quick or excited movement will be interpreted as an act of aggression
Scouting:
v Look for wasps and yellowjackets entering and exiting from possible nest locations (such as wall voids in buildings, hollow trees, pipes, eaves, tree or shrub branches, exposed soil which might be a ground nest, etc.) and record location
v Ground nests often are surrounded by exposed or bare soil, or are housed in downed logs or landscaping timbers
Management:
v Much like ants, management of wasps and yellowjackets depends largely on prevention through sanitation. Any outdoor food sources, such as trashcans, dumpsters, luncheon or picnic areas must be cleaned as frequently as possible to avoid attraction of the insects
v Yellowjacket traps are commercially available and effective for control. Place traps near suspected nest sites and empty when full by placing in a freezer for a day to kill trapped pests, emptying traps and washing with soapy water. Refresh bait in traps after cleaning and reset near nest sites. Do not place traps in areas where humans congregate
v Seal openings in walls, fences, and pipes to prevent nest construction
v If nests are in a location distant from human activity, avoid any treatment. If nests are located in areas where disturbance is inevitable (such as athletic fields or in the vicinity of outdoor food areas), they must be removed or treated promptly
v Remove nests in dormant season (typically November-March) to avoid reoccupation
v In the event that all cultural methods have been exhausted and wasps remain a threat to human health, nests may be treated with an aerosol insecticide designed to shoot a freezing spray from a distance. Apply insecticide when it is least likely to drift (generally on clear, windless late afternoons or evenings)
v In the event that all cultural control methods have been exhausted and yellowjackets remain a threat to human health, nest locations should be flagged at a distance. Personnel should wear full protective gear, and at night (when yellowjackets are least active) dump a dust pesticide (such as Sevin) in the nest entry hole and water in.
APHIDS (VARIOUS SPECIES)
The many different varieties of aphids are numerous, so a general approach to management must be taken for control. Below is a general description of appearance, lifestyle, and habit along with management recommendations.
Life Cycle and Characteristics:
v Aphids are soft-bodied insects that use sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap
v Generally, they occur in colonies on the underside of terminal plant growth
v Infestations generally result from small numbers of winged aphids who light on a host plant (preferred host depends on variety of aphid and varies from pine to fruit trees)
v Mature aphids deposit several wingless young on the tender plant tissue before moving on to find a new plant. The immature aphids or nymphs that are left behind feed on plant sap and increase gradually in size
v Aphid nymphs mature in 7 to 10 days and then are ready to produce live young. Usually, all of them are females and each is capable of producing 40 to 60 offspring
v The process is repeated several times, resulting in a tremendous population explosion. Less than a dozen aphid "colonizers" can produce hundreds to thousands of aphids on a plant in a few weeks. Aphid numbers can build until conditions are so crowded, or the plant is so stressed, that winged forms are produced. These winged forms fly off in search of new hosts and the process is repeated
Aphid colony on the underside of a leaf Sooty mold due to honeydew deposits
v Aphids produce large amounts of a sugary liquid waste called "honeydew". The honeydew that drops from these insects typically spots the windows and finish of cars parked under infested trees
v A fungus called sooty mold can grow on honeydew deposits that accumulate on leaves and branches, turning them black. The appearance of sooty mold on plants may be the first time that an aphid infestation is noticed; additionally, the presence of ants (who feed on the honeydew) may serve as an indicator. The drops can attract other insects such as ants that will feed on the sticky deposits.
Damage Threshold:
v If aphid colonies are found on about 5% or more of foliage tips of a plant or planting, then a cultural control measure should be considered. However, unless aphids are suspected of transmitting disease, their damage is purely aesthetic. Control is only warranted on severely stressed or newly transplanted plants
Scouting/Management:
v Early detection is the key to reducing aphid infestations. The flight of winged colonizers cannot be predicted, so weekly examination of plants will help to determine the need for control. Examine the bud area and undersides of the new leaves for clusters or colonies of small aphids. The presence of these colonies indicates that the aphids are established on the plants and their numbers will begin to increase rapidly
v Aphid control is most valuable for new plantings, where excessive sap removal is more likely to affect general plant vigor. Established and otherwise healthy plants can tolerate moderate to heavy aphid infestations, although affected leaves may wilt and turn yellow and there may be some premature drop
v Good cultural practices, such as watering and fertilization, will help to reduce stress caused by these insects
v Problems with honeydew and sooty mold may develop but tend to be temporary and disappear after the aphids are gone
v Small numbers of individual colonies on small plants can be crushed by hand or removed by pruning as they are found
v Often a rapid flow of water from a garden hose directed at aphid colonies will also provide adequate cultural control
v Encourage natural predators, such as ladybird beetles
v Control of sucking insects with insecticides is often difficult because of the insects' capacity to reproduce rapidly. Also, they may develop resistance to the chemicals. If cultural methods are exhausted and chemical control is deemed absolutely necessary for severely stressed or newly transplanted trees, acephate (Orthene) or imidacloprid (Merit) can be used to control aphids
TURF ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Properly established turf is an important preventative measure in successful integrated pest management. Quality turf is inexpensive to maintain, warrants less frequent irrigation, and minimizes unwanted pest establishment. Below are suggestions for establishing turf either by sod or by seed; both methods require the same soil preparation and each can be managed in the same manner once established. Also included are management recommendations for successful maintenance of turf.
Soil Preparation:
v Test area soil (for information on soil testing in Maine, please contact Dr. Samantha Langley-Turnbaugh at 207-780-5361)
v Lime to adjust pH based on soil test
v Apply starter fertilizer at the rate of 1.0 lb. Phosphorous / 1000 square feet (M)
v Roto-till amendments into the top 4" of the soil mix
v Finish grade
v Firm soil and finish rake
v Seed or sod
Sod Establishment:
v Select top quality sod from a reputable sod grower
v When root mix is sandy material, request sod grown on sandy soil; if not
available, purchase washed sod
v Sod should be laid quickly, rolled and then irrigated with sufficient water
to wet the soil beneath
v Maintain moist soil beneath the sod by irrigating on a daily basis or as
needed for the first three weeks
v Restrict use until sod is well established (minimum of 4 - 6 weeks)
Seed Establishment:
v Select top quality seed varieties from a reputable seed dealer
v Seed at half rate in one direction and at half rate in a perpendicular direction
v Seed in August - September or May - June
v Lightly rake seed into the top 1/8 - 1/4" of the soil
v Roll to firm seed in contact with soil
v Mulch
v Irrigate lightly and frequently (maintain moist seedbed) until seed
germinates
v As turf develops, increase amount of irrigation and interval between
irrigation
v Irrigation will be critical to proper establishment over the first two
months
v Restrict use until turf is well established, usually 2 - 4 months
v Athletic fields require a full year to mature before use
Grass species well adapted for use in Maine as athletic fields or general lawns include Kentucky Bluegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Hard Fescue, and
Perennial Ryegrass. Following are delineations of species selection based on the type of turf usage:
v Mixtures including Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are best.
v Level A athletic fields: 80% Kentucky Bluegrass (2-3 varieties),
20% Perennial Ryegrass (2 varieties)
v Level B athletic fields: 60% Kentucky Bluegrass (2-3 varieties),
20% Red Fescue, 20% Perennial Ryegrass
v General Lawns: 40% Kentucky Bluegrass (2 varieties), 20% Chewings Fescue, 20% Hard Fescue, 20% Perennial Ryegrass
v Certain varieties of fescue and perennial ryegrass have Endophytes, a beneficial fungi, that controls surface feeding insects. Choose to use these if available.
v Improved varieties of each species exist and should be considered for use. The following have good, general characteristics based on The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (http://www.ntep.org/):
v Kentucky Bluegrass: Liberator, Award, Midnight, Nuglade, North Star, Baronie, Odyssey
v Perennial Ryegrass: Citation III, Linn, Stardance, Pennfine, Advantage, Palmer III, Secretariat, Brightstar II, Calypso, Premier II, Pennant II
v Chewings Fescue: Shadow II, Banner III, Brittany, Tiffany, Bridgeport
v Hard Fescue: Discovery, Reliant II, SR 3100, Osprey, Defiant, Nordic
v Red Fescue: Florentine, Shademaster II, Jasper
Athletic Fields require different levels of maintenance and performance according to the amount and type of use they get. Schools generally have two kinds of athletic fields. Level A fields are game fields where a higher level of maintenance and performance is required, and Level B fields are practice and recreation fields requiring a lower level of maintenance and performance. Below are guidelines for managing each type of field:
Level A Fields:
v Irrigate to supplement rainfall. Provide 1.0 inch of moisture per week with
early morning applications
v Mow at 2.0 - 3.0 inches, frequently enough to remove 1/3 of the leaf blade or
less. This also eliminates clipping build up
v Mow with sharp mowers, when turf is dry and soil is not excessively moist.
v Soil Test, and adjust pH as needed
v Fertilize with 50% - 100% water insoluble (WIN) material. Use rate of 0.75 lb. Nitrogen / 1000 square feet (M) around May 15, June 15, Sept. 1, and Nov. 1
v Phosphorus and potassium fertilization amounts should be based on a soil test
v Aerate once or twice per year either in the spring or fall
v Overseed thin areas of field in May - June or September
v Limit games or practices when field is wet; particularly when soil is moist--
traffic on wet turf or excessively wet soil is particularly damaging
v Scout for weed, insect or disease problems
Level B Fields:
v Irrigate, in late summer, if turf is dormant and field will be used for fall
sports
v Mow at 2.5 - 3.0 inches, frequently enough to remove 1/3 of the leaf blade or
less. This also eliminates clipping build up
v Mow with sharp mowers, when turf is dry and soil is not excessively moist.
v Soil Test and adjust pH as needed
v Fertilize with 50% - 100% water insoluble (WIN) material. Use rate of 1.0 lb. Nitrogen / 1000 square feet (M) around May
15, and Sept. 1
v Phosphorus and potassium fertilization amounts should be based on a soil test.
v Aerify once per year either in the spring or fall
v Overseed thin areas of field in May - June or September
v Limit games or practices when field is wet; particularly when soil is moist--
traffic on wet turf or excessively wet soil is particularly damaging
v Scout for weed, insect or disease problems
The amount of water needed for healthy and productive turf varies according to the amount and type of field use. High-use athletic fields need 1.0" of water per week during the growing season from either rainfall or irrigation. Less water is needed in spring and fall and sometimes slightly more is needed in summer, depending on turf condition and use. Below are some irrigation guidelines:
v All athletic fields used for fall sports benefit from late summer irrigation during a drought period. This irrigation reduces the need for chemical inputs
v Kentucky Bluegrass needs more water than Fescues
v Clay soils hold more moisture and hold it longer than sandy soils
v Turf with southern exposure uses more water than that with a northern exposure
v Areas with full sun use more water than areas with partial shade conditions
v Low humidity, high temperatures and sunshine lead to greater water use
Why to avoid excess irrigation:
v Wet turf is weaker and more easily damaged by traffic or play
v Wet soil compacts and reduces potential for optimum growth
v Water and air must be balanced in the soil; excess water suffocates roots
v Excess water leaches nutrients out of the root zone and contaminates groundwater