![]() When considering a decision to use preventive control for white grubs, ask yourself the following questions:ĭo I need preventive control for grubs? Other than employing good fundamentals to grow healthy and stress-resistant turf, there are no specific cultural practices that reliably lessen injury from white grubs. Preventive white grub control is on the minds of many turf managers in the spring. Best management practices for reducing neonicotinoid contact with bees essentially parallel the guidelines for responsible IPM. The most fundamental aspects of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involve the reduction of pesticide use to the lowest possible level, and minimizing the impact of applied pesticides to non-target organisms and the greater environment. Regardless of any possible role of neonicotinoids in honeybee decline, every applicator has a continual obligation to apply all pesticides in a responsible, informed, and careful manner. ![]() Neonicotinoids are labeled for control of a range of insects, but the most common use pattern in turf care is as preventive materials for the control of white grubs (applications targeting grubs are typically made between mid-June and late July in the Northeast). Neonicotinoids at present are used widely throughout the world in both agricultural and horticultural settings because they are effective, convenient, and much less toxic to vertebrates than older materials. The current state of honeybee health has been detailed in a joint comprehensive report recently released by the USDA and EPA:Ĭoncerning the role of pesticides, neonicotionoid insecticides such as imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam have been implicated as a potential contributing factor to honeybee decline. Current theories on the honeybee decline phenomenon point to a factor or combination of factors among parasites, disease, low genetic diversity, poor nutrition, loss of habitat, management stress and pesticide use. It is important to note that commercial honeybee colonies are affected along with wild, native pollinator populations. Public and private interests are currently scrambling to identify the mechanics of this pressing issue, commonly referred to as honeybee decline or colony collapse disorder (CCD). Bees are responsible for the pollination of a wide range of agricultural crops each growing season crops valued in the billions of dollars that are critical to the stability of our food system. While most enjoy honey and are familiar with beekeeping as a hobby, it may be less well known that healthy honeybees along with various native bee species are an essential part of agricultural production. A disturbing trend observed the last several years is the rapid and dramatic decline of honeybee populations.
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