This is how to deal with the second leatherjacket season

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Alan Abel from Complete Weed Control gives turf managers his view ahead of the autumn fertiliser treatment window and how to deal with the second leatherjacket season:

‘Summer has been somewhat of a wash out for many of us. We have all had our fair share of wet weather as well as good warm and sunny days. This has led to a jungle like scenario, especially on hard surfaces, where only spot treatment of glyphosate is permitted. A weed can germinate the day after an application and become up to ten inches high in just a fortnight.

‘This gives the impression that no one is applying herbicide to these areas, which is far from the truth.

‘We are also entering our second leatherjacket season without anything no longer powerful enough on the market to control the damaging larvae. Following the recent announcement regarding Carbendazim, turf managers are in for a very hard time in the next few years, trying to protect their hallowed surfaces from the ravages of insects and other creatures.

‘With regards to beneficial nematodes, these are available and can be applied by sprayers.

‘However, many factors need to be kept in mind when applications are required. ‘This is also due to the cost of these applications, which don’t come cheap.

You must pay attention to the soil temperature, keep the nematodes refridgerated on delivery, use a large water volume when applying, use a wetter, and irrigate after application. Spiking would also be beneficial prior to the application.

‘NEMASYS J are for leatherjacket control.

‘NEMASYS G are for chafer grub control.

If you are unfortunate to have both, then you need to use both products. This is an even pricier affair. It will be prohibitive to spray golf fairways, so it will be necessary to keep a close eye on suspect areas and then treat with a more localised and targeted approach.’