CGSA | IPM

Cultural practices - creating growing conditions for turfgrass to minimize its susceptibility to all pests.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – decision-making process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests effectively, economically and in an environmentally sound manner to sustain healthy landscapes with the goal of respecting genetic diversity and reducing risks to human health and environment.

Pesticide – federally-approved products (with current Pest Control Products Act registration number) designed to control pests (insects, diseases, weeds) on turf.

Buffer zone – untreated vegetative strip separating treated area and water body or other sensitive areas.

Focus their operations on the implementation of cultural practices such as using optimum soil depth and quality, suitable turf varieties, topdressing, over-seeding, proper mowing heights, watering, fertilizing, aerating and de-thatching of fine turf areas as components for maintaining healthy turfgrass and preventing pest problems.
Encourage, educate and solicit the assistance of golfers and golf course management in ensuring that optimum cultural practices are followed.
Monitor property for pest infestation at regular intervals and maintain a log of observations.
Document pesticide use (rate of product/100 sq.m.) and pesticide alternative strategies through IPM and keep records for audit purposes.
Use pesticides only after rigorous examination and diagnosis and all other alternative products and cultural practices have been exhausted.
Apply treatments that are properly timed to maximize effectiveness. Preventative treatments are discouraged and will only be used based on pest history as locally monitored.
Utilize spot treatments for the control of weeds, insects and diseases. Blanket applications are only used if warranted.
Implement effective staff IPM training.
Establish and implement buffer zones when making applications adjacent to sensitive sites.

Integrated Pest Management

IPM CODE OF PRACTICE FOR GOLF