November 19, 2020 1-3:00 pm
Ben A. McGraw, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania
The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) remains the single most destructive insect pest in most regions in eastern North America. Though once a pest solely in the New York City metropolitan area, the weevil has slowly expanded its range to more southern, western, and northern regions. First reports of ABW damage have been documented in Kentucky, Arkansas, and Wisconsin in the last three years. Meanwhile, superintendents that have dealt with the insect for three or more decades are now experiencing difficulty in controlling the insect due to insecticide resistance and extreme weather events.
The seminar will present an overview of ABW management, with a focus on the biology of the insect as it relates to management, scouting techniques, and control options. Chemical controls, though limited, will be discussed in depth so that attendees can confidently develop a successful management plan. The latest research that is being conducted at Penn State University will be discussed. The talk will cover the impacts of climate on insecticide efficacy, emphasize the use of management practices that may lessen chemical insecticide use (cultural controls) and frequency, and discuss future threats.
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| GCSAA Credits: .20 | BIGGA Credits: 2 | Pesticide Credits for these states: |
| AL: 2, CO: 2, CT: 2, DE: 2, FL: 2, GA: 2, HI: 2, MA: 2, MD: 4, NC: 2, NJ: 4, NY: 1.75, OH: 2, SC: 2, TN: 2, VA: ✔, DC: 2, CANADA IPM Pts: 1.25 | ||
| ✔ Must Take (2) Seminars See chart for details |
Dr. Ben McGraw is an Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, specializing in insect pest management. He obtained his M.S. in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Ph.D. in Entomology from Rutgers University. Dr. McGraw’s research focuses on understanding insect ecology and behavior to develop sustainable turf pest management practices. Current projects in the McGraw lab combine basic and applied approaches to better understand population dynamics and outbreaks to improve cultural and chemical controls, and to develop alternative control strategies.
