Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Lastly, pesticides must always be used as directed on the label, as required by state and federal law.

Best Management Practices

• Train employees in proper pest identification and pesticide selection techniques. • Choose the product most appropriate for the problem or pest. • Mix only the quantity of pesticide needed in order to avoid disposal problems, protect non-target organisms, and save money. • Spot-treat pests whenever appropriate. • Make note of any environmental hazards and groundwater advisories included on the label. • Rotate pesticide modes-of-action to reduce the likelihood of resistance. • Follow guidelines and advice provided by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) , Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) , and Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) .

Record Keeping and Evaluation

It is essential to record the results of scouting in order to develop historical information, document patterns of pest activity, and track successes and failures. Records of pesticide use are required by Maryland regulations, but for IPM purposes should include additional information, such as monitoring records, weather records, cultural management logs, and pest response.

Best Management Practices

• Determine whether the corrective actions reduced or prevented pest populations, were economical, and minimized risks. Record and use this information when making similar decisions in the future. • Observe and document turf conditions regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the pest), noting which pests are present, so that informed decisions can be made regarding the damage they are causing and what control strategies are necessary.

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