Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Pollinators

Most flowering plants need pollination to reproduce and grow fruit. While some plants are pollinated by wind, many require assistance from insects, such as bees and butterflies, and animals, such as hummingbirds. In the absence of pollinators, many plant species, including the fruits and vegetables we eat, would fail to survive. Therefore, protecting bees and other pollinators is important to the sustainability of agriculture. The University of Maryland Extension provides information on the basics of pollinators .

Because pesticides are designed to control pests, their use can potentially impact non-target species. Therefore, pesticide applicators, including those on golf courses, need to be mindful of the impact that pesticides have on pollinator species and their habitat.

Regulatory Considerations

In 2016, Maryland became the first state to pass legislation through its General Assembly that restricts consumers from using neonicotinoids, which will go into effect in 2018. Under the Pollinator Protection Act, consumers will not be able to buy pesticides that contain neonicotinoids. Certified pesticide applicators, farmers and veterinarians will be still be allowed to use neonicotinoids. However, under the law, certified pesticide applicators on golf courses must follow pollinator-protection language on

Figure 39. Golf courses can provide habitat for native and domestic species of pollinators.

pesticide labels. Therefore, certified pesticide applicators must be aware of honey bee toxicity groups and able to understand precautionary statements. IPM principles recommend keeping records of all pest control activity for reference on past infestations or other problems to select the best course of action in the future.

Pest Management Practices to Protect Pollinators

It is important to minimize the impacts of pesticides on bees and other pollinators, as well as beneficial arthropods. Pesticide applicators must use appropriate tools to help manage pests while safeguarding pollinators, the environment, and humans. Using IPM to reduce pesticide usage and minimizing the potential of exposure when pesticides are needed are two important practices for protecting pollinators.

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