PMSP for Turfgrass in NC and VA

Priorities

Category Rank Pest Type Pest Crop Stage Priority
Extension/Outreach 1 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Create an alert system for pest degree-day models.
Extension/Outreach 2 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Increase awareness of the online irrigation model, which provides real-time data (one day behind).
Extension/Outreach 3 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Disseminate information on organics and cultural practices, especially targeting the average consumer.
Extension/Outreach 4 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Implement more school programs and improve information in textbooks.
Extension/Outreach 5 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Develop bilingual educational tools.
Extension/Outreach 6 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Publish nutrient management guides for different sectors because consumers are buying and misapplying fertilizer.
Extension/Outreach 7 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Develop a certification program for urban nutrient management.
Extension/Outreach 8 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Address crop seed (= turf weeds) designation in grass seed.
Extension/Outreach 9 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Develop Extension tools covering organic control methods.
Extension/Outreach 10 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Provide most current pest management information via an easily accessed and frequently updated database.
Regulatory 1 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Once the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) takes control, eradication efforts are too late.
Regulatory 2 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Loosen restrictions on reusing wastewater.
Regulatory 3 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Bilingual labeling – need universal compliance.
Regulatory 4 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Get involved with organizations (e.g. RISE) that fight to keep chemicals labeled.
Regulatory 5 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Address crop seed (e.g., annual rye, Bermuda, and orchardgrass) designation in grass seed because often weeds are considered crops on the label.
Regulatory 6 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Enforce regulatory measures fairly and ensure homeowners are doing their part to apply chemicals safely. Currently, average consumers are allowed to buy chemicals and apply them indiscriminately.
Regulatory 7 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Overhaul EPA risk assessments because their assumptions are often unreasonable.
Research 1 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Examine drought resistance of various turfgrass species.
Research 2 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Gather more data on plant physiology – fertilizer costs have increased so must increase efficiency. Also must understand how different products work within the plant and what reactions take place in the soil.
Research 3 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Continue research efforts on fire ants.
Research 4 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Develop degree-day models for various pests and generate state-specific data.
Research 5 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Examine the use of organics (fertilizers and chemicals) and cultural practices to control pests.
Research 6 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Conduct additional research on dallisgrass.
Research 7 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Study biorationals, specifically their cost-effectiveness and efficacy.
Research 8 All 6- to 12-Inch Shoot Determine the fate and efficacy of nitrogen from an economic standpoint, create a ranking system for organics vs. nonorganics, and develop a quantitative way to measure.