Trials on-going for chafer grub removal

Chafer Grubs trials at airbase golf club

By Editor

Like many courses which are based on sandy soils, Lakenheath has been increasingly beset with chafer grubs problems since the main chemical treatment was taken off the market, some five years ago.

In the late Autumn of 2002, Director of Golf, Derek Turner, approached Bayer Environmental Science for advice. The company is currently running trials on a new control for chafer grubs, and agreed with the club to replicate a treatment programme on a block of badly infected fairway.

The initial damage is caused by the grubs eating the roots of the turf which causes yellowing and a loosening of the turf. Birds and animals such as rooks and badgers then pull the loose turf up to feed on the grub, inflicting secondary damage.

The results of the trial treatment have been dramatic with 100% control of the grubs on the treated area and with the grass recovering well. "It was as if someone had repainted the fairway green on the treated section", Derek commented, "literally just one inch away the area still shows the devastation from the grubs."

The club has issued special instructions for playing a ball which lands on an area with chafer grub damage, and has placed a notice on the members board informing them that the club is working with Bayer Environmental Science to provide a solution to the problem.

For further information please contact John Hall on Tel: 01992 784261 or e-mail: John.Hall1@bayercropscience.com