BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Photo by B . Polimer
diversity of the plants required for survival , loss of habitat and exposure to pesticides . Because of the potential for nontarget effects of pesticide products sometimes used in landscape and sports field management , licensed pesticide applicators are trained on the impact that they may have on pollinator species and their habitat .
Incorporating IPM best management practices can reduce the need for pesticide applications often used to maintain healthy dense turfgrass playing surfaces , though pesticides may need to be applied when necessary and allowed . Sports field managers can utilize IPM best management practices that protect pollinators by following these simple steps :
Maintain landscape , right-of-way areas , woodland or natural areas that border sports fields and other grass areas to reduce pest damage to natural grass playing surfaces .
Scout for both pests and beneficial insects . Identify and confirm true pests , as well as understand the threshold number when unacceptable pest damage will occur .
Determine if higher pest thresholds are acceptable in non-play areas .
Monitor bee / pollinator activity to avoid applying pesticides during peak foraging times .
Mow to remove flowers that attract pollinators before applying a pesticide .
When pesticides are necessary to provide uniform and safe playing surfaces , being mindful of pollinators includes selecting products with the following types of characteristics : Lowest toxicity to all bees / pollinators . Short residual toxicity . Properties repellent to bees .
Pesticide labels include pollinator protection language that licensed pesticide applicators must follow . In addition , applicators should be aware of the behavior of honeybees , wild bees , and other pollinators , to avoid applying pesticides when and where these insects are present . Numerous documents that provide the basics of pollinator biology useful for pesticide applicators are available , including from the Xerces Society ( https :// xerces . org /) and university Extension offices .
In addition , the Pollinator Partnership has published visual depictions of honeybee , solitary bee , colony , and general pollinator life cycles that are useful as well ( visit https :// www . pollinator . org / learning-center / bee-issues ). Due to the potential for drift , caution should be exercised when applying any products near flowering plants , including flowering weeds , that might attract foraging pollinators into the nearby area . Where possible , applications should be delayed until after nearby plants have completed flowering . Applicators are also encouraged to utilize FieldWatch or similar regional databases , that provide information on any nearby apiaries or specialty crops before applying pesticides on ground properties .
COMMUNICATION Addressing any safety-related issues is the highest communication priority for the sports field manager . In addition , communicating the benefits of native areas , pollinator gardens , etc ., that add to the landscape provides opportunities for education along with recreation .
Finding opportunities to add signs increases the visibility of your efforts in the non-play areas and the benefits to the community . Articles in community newsletters and on community websites are additional efforts that may be undertaken . Lastly , partnering with birding , apiary and gardening groups can provide another layer of communication with the interested public . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com July 2023 | SportsField Management
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