

The latest video offering by Pace Turf entitled
, explores why damage from nematodes can be worse in fresh sod even when sampling shows that the microscopic pests dont occur in large numbers.
In the video, Stowell refers to nematode damage in fresh A4 creeping bentgrass sod at Hacienda Country Club in La Habra Heights, Calif.
After studying nematode counts and damage on the new sod, both at the golf course and while still at the supplier, Stowell determined that damage in new sod was pronounced even when root knot nematode counts were not severed because of the shorter roots in new sod.
"Here's what I think happened, and this is important because a lot of superintendents are resurfacing greens using sod, and there is s risk of problems if existing nematode numbers are elevated, and they dont even need to be excessively high," Stowell said in the video.
Shorter roots associated with new, immature sod are more likely to be attacked and infested with nematodes, Stowell said.
"The observation that existing moderate nematode populations can cause establishment problems is important as more courses want to take advantage of newer bentgrass varieties."
Stowell suggests fumigating the area first before regressing.
Even in the face of limited availability of methyl bromide, there are realistic fumigation options, such as Basimid G, that can wipe out insect, weed and disease pests, Stowell said.
Pace Turf, the turf management consulting firm in San Diego, now offers nearly 60 videos on its YouTube page. All are designed for superintendents to share with managers, green chairman or at committee meetings. Viewers also can link to them the blog page or club homepage.
- Read more...
- 4,438 views