Golfdom, April 2016

TIMELY TURF ADVICE by Clark Throssell Ph D Clark Talks Turf Nimitz Pro G A New Nematicide for Turf Marie Knox is a nematologist and technical manager for Control Solutions Inc She has extensive research experience in developing new products for pest management including turf Marie can be reached at mknox@ controlsolutionsinc com for more information Q Tell me a little about fluensulfone the active ingredient in Nimitz Pro G Fluensulfone was discovered in Japan and has been in thousands of agricultureuse studies in 23 countries It has been studied for use in turf since 2008 From these studies we have learned that the granular formulation provides the best safety for turf combined with the best efficacy Nimitz Pro G will be sold by Quali Pro Q What nematode species are controlled by fluensulfone and what is the mode of action Sting lance lesion and root knot nematodes are all controlled by fluensulfone The specific mode of action is still being determined but we do know that nematodes that feed on treated turf become paralyzed and have impaired mobility within 24 to 48 hours of feeding This condition is irreversible making Nimitz Pro G a true nematicide In addition fluensulfone disrupts the development of eggs in females In some cases no viable eggs will be produced and if eggs are produced they may not hatch or if they do hatch the juveniles will be impaired Q What application strategy is recommended for controlling nematodes The most effective control strategy our research has developed is to apply 80 pounds of product per acre once a month for three consecutive months The yearly maximum amount of Nimitz Pro G that can be applied in a year is 240 pounds of product per acre We also suggest grooming or aerifying a green 10 days prior to product application to improve control The product should be applied only after the soil temperature has consistently reached 55 degrees F or greater so the nematodes are active when the first application is made The month of year the first application is made varies by location and site history of damage by nematodes Nimitz Pro G can be applied either preventively or curatively In either case the best application strategy is to apply the product at 80 pounds per acre once a month for three consecutive months NIMITZ PRO G SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN MAY 2016 WE HAVE SEEN POSITIVE PLANT HEALTH BENEFITS FOLLOWING APPLICATION INCLUDING INCREASED COVERAGE OF GREEN TURF INCREASED ROOT LENGTH AND DENSITY AND AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN PLANT HEALTH To date no enhanced microbial degradation or nematode resistance to the product has been observed in research experiments or by end users in agriculture crop use Q Are there any environmental concerns our readers should be aware of The pending label carries a Caution signal word No setbacks or buffers around water are required and there is no impact on honey bees There is no reentry restriction The product has a favorable ecological toxicity profile The personal protective equipment for applicators is long pants long sleeved shirt socks shoes and gloves The product is applied using a drop or rotary spreader and watered in after application After watering in has been completed golfers can play on the treated areas Q Anything else you would like to add Nimitz Pro G should be available in May 2016 pending final approval by federal and state agencies We have seen positive plant health benefits following application including increased coverage of green turf increased root length and density and an overall improvement in plant health Clark Throssell Ph D loves to talk turf Contact him at clarkthrossell@ bresnan net April 2016 Golfdom 35 Golfdom com