Members Club - Nematode Report

     Through the spring we've had some turf quality issues with Cate #1 and Cate #9 at the Members Club. Early on we attributed it to slow winter recovery. However, as temperatures rose and the days became longer we did not see the turf vigor that we anticipated. We took soil samples, fertilized and verticut these areas in hopes to stimulate a turf response. We did not see any such response. Our next step was to test for nematodes.
      Nematodes are a parasitic insect that feeds on turf roots. They are microscopic insects that are not visible to the naked eye. Detection can only be observed through sample collection and laboratory testing. Here are a couple links explaining nematodes in more detail, link 1, link 2.
      We submitted our samples to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture on June 5th. Our results were returned on June 7th. The results include our Assay Report, along with instructions and recommendations. Here is a sample of that form. Included on the results are, crop type, action codes, hazard index, and nematode type and counts.
      The results of our samples from the Department of Agriculture came back with a high count of nematodes. Below is our "actual" report that we received.

      You can see in the report that our nematode counts are extremely high (>500cc soil). On the left side of the report is our site recommendations. The nematologist recommended action code C. This states that populations are high enough to provide substantial crop damage and chemical treatment is necessary. In the center of the report is the hazard index. This number is out of 100. Our index on Cate #1 and Cate #9 are between 70 and 100. These results put us on the higher end of the hazard index. This further verifies that treatment is necessary.
      Moving forward we will make the proper treatments to control the nematode populations. Complete eradication of nematodes is almost impossible. Suppression is the best control option available for nematodes. However, methods of quality suppression are becoming sparser by the year. Most effective chemical controls have been removed from the market for EPA concerns. This leaves us with limited ammunition in the battle against nematodes. As time passes, newer, safer products are becoming available.
      With that said, we will continue to educate ourselves on the newest products available. Through sales representatives, university studies and local golf course superintendents we will constantly be searching for the most effective, cost conscious products that enter the market for the conrol of nematodes.