In Wisconsin, black turfgrass ataenius, Ataenius spretulus (Haldeman), and the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), cause considerable damage to golf course putting greens. Black turfgrass ataenius larval damage can cause large dead spots in turf as well as attract animals, which forage through the loose turf. Black cutworm larvae are considered a major pest of creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Hudson, causing dead patches or sunken spots. Little is known about altering cultural practices, such as fertilization, for suppressing increased pest populations in regards for black turfgrass ataenius larvae and adults as well as black cutworm larvae.
The objective of this research was to investigate different fertilizers and their effects on pest populations. The first study examined black turfgrass ataenius habitats and why the larvae destroy some areas and not others. Five different fertilizers were examined to determine if there was any attraction by the adult beetles for oviposition. Urea, Milorganite (at two rates), Pro-gro, and Chicken Manure were applied to six greens and six fairways. Both adults and larvae were sampled and counted to determine distribution of population.
The second study determined the survivorship and growth rate of black cutworm larvae on creeping bentgrass fertilized with synthetic versus organic fertilizers. Urea, a synthetic fertilizer, and Milorganite, an organic fertilizer made of processed sewage sludge, were used to fertilize creeping bentgrass at three different rates representing normal ranges for fertilizer applications. Neonate larvae were fed grass clippings and were kept in growth chambers at 24°C. Survivorship and growth rates of the black cutworm larvae were measured.
Species 1: Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Ataenius spretulus (black turfgrass ataenius)
Species 2: Lepidoptera Noctuidae Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm)
Keywords: Fertilizer, Turfgrass
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA