Annual Blue Grass Weevil Management Solutions with Tetrino®
Annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) is a growing problem. As this pest continues to expand through Eastern Canada, Bayer ES is closely monitoring ABW populations and the impact on golf courses.
The Challenge
Annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) is a growing problem. As this pest continues to expand through Eastern Canada, Bayer ES is closely monitoring ABW populations and the impact on golf courses.
Each spring, adult weevils migrate from wooded or natural rough areas to feed, moving into low mown surfaces like fairway parameters, tees, collars and greens.
While the timing of this activity depends on weather and microenvironments on each golf course, we know that pest evidence will begin to appear in late-May, through to mid-June.
The ABW life cycle and resulting damage will continue for at least two generations throughout the summer. The cycle begins after the adult weevils move into the turf and lay eggs inside the stem of annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass plants.
Each adult can lay up to 90 eggs per generation. Depending on the weather, the eggs will hatch and larvae will feed on stem and crown tissue of the plant, causing structural damage. Adult weevils will repeat the life cycle, with the second generation larvae completing their cycles at increased speed.
Most ABW visual damage will occur when a secondary stress, like heat, drought or traffic is introduced to the turf system.
Our Solution
Using Tetrino, ABW can be controlled with only one application – a first for turf management. One application of Tetrino in late-May or early-June controls the first generation of ABW. For persistent problems or evidence of a second generation, a second application is recommended in mid-July.
Tetrino is a Group 28 insecticide. The insecticide can be applied at 11.6 – 23.2 mL per 100 m2, depending on the insect pest and history of pest pressure. Use the highest rate in areas with chronic infestations. Per label recommendations, allow a minimum of four weeks between applications. Learn more about Tetrino.
Looking for white grub control too? Some golf courses may not be battling ABW but can still take advantage of Tetrino insecticide to control white grubs. One application during adult flight (typically late-June through July) will provide season-long white grub control against Japanese beetle or European chafers.
Tetrino’s flexibility now offers a wider window of application for white grub control.
For more information, visit www.es.bayer.ca/golf-course
Visit our distributors to purchase Tetrino.