GCSAA approves IPM grant to PACE, North Carolina and Arizona researchers

April 25, 2006

The GCSAA announced in March, 2006 its approval of the two-year grant, “Producing an integrated pest management (IPM) template to assist golf course superintendents in developing written IPM plans for golf courses.” Full text of proposal

Executive Summary: The production of a set of templates will guide golf course superintendents in developing, documenting, implementing, assessing the effectiveness and periodically improving IPM plans. By learning and knowing the identity and lifecycles of weed, disease, and insect pests, and by integrating this information with site-specific agronomic (soil, water and weather data) and financial data, superintendents can generate proactive IPM plans that document progress towards goals, and that aid in communication with co-workers and management. The adoption of IPM-based decision making will enhance not only turf performance, but also superintendent professionalism. In addition, it will reduce the potential for harm to human health, wildlife, and the environment by optimizing and/or reducing unnecessary pesticide applications.