Insecticide for chafer grubs is allowed

By Alistair June 26, 2022 10:39

An Emergency Authorisation (EA) for the use of the insecticide Acelepryn to target chafer grubs has been granted until August 2022. The new EA now includes first-class cricket outfields, as well as specific areas of golf courses, racecourses and airfields.

The chafer grub authorisation permits use of Acelepryn up to 28 August 2022 – to cover key periods of adult chafer egg laying and target early larval activity in the soil.

Chafer grubs cause damage to turf through extensive feeding on roots, which can be severe in localised patches. Furthermore, extreme damage can occur in all turf surfaces when badgers, birds and other foragers root through turf in search of the grubs. The EA permits application in situations where there is an acknowledged instance of economic damage, or risk of bird strike on airfields, and where the product has been recommended by a BASIS qualified agronomist.

Subject to specific conditions, areas permitted for Acelepryn use cover affected areas of golf course greens, tees and fairways, horse racecourses and gallops, airfields and first-class cricket outfields under exceptional circumstances. The EA was applied for and held by ICL.

Greenkeepers using Acelepryn will be required to submit online stewardship records of areas treated, linked to the ICL website.

“Over recent seasons the damage by soil pests has been of increasing concern,” reported Syngenta technical manager, Sean Loakes.

“Obtaining this EA enables turf managers to develop an integrated turf management programme to tackle the severe effects of these pests.”

Further trials are underway on golf courses and fine turf surfaces to refine the application timing, along with aeration practices and the potential to use Acelepryn in conjunction with effectively targeted nematode treatments.

A further EA has also been submitted by ICL on behalf of the turf industry for the treatment of leatherjacket infestations later in the season.