November 6, 2020 1-3:00 pm
Paige E. Boyle, Ecology, Utah State University
Earthworms are generally considered beneficial organisms; on golf courses, however, earthworms can cause issues with turf growth and management. Earthworm control is difficult because earthworms remain one of the most poorly understood groups of soil macrofauna and no pesticides are currently labeled for earthworm management. Turf managers usually rely on cultural practices to mitigate casting, with limited or varied efficacy. This presentation will cover earthworm biology, ecology and various management options.
Information presented in this class will help attendees understand earthworm ecology and environmental conditions that favor casting, learn cultural management options for suppressing casts, and understand the effects that certain turfgrass pest management options may have on earthworms.
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| GCSAA Credits: .20 | BIGGA Credits: 2 | Pesticide Credits for these states: |
| DE: 2, FL: 2, GA: 2, HI: 2, MA: 2, MD: 4, NJ: 4, NY: 1.5, TN: 2, VA: ✔, DC: 2, CANADA IPM Pts: 1.25 | ||
| ✔ Must Take (2) Seminars See chart for details |

Paige Boyle is a Presidential Doctoral Research Fellow at Utah State University. She earned a B.S. in Environmental, Soil, and Water Sciences and M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas. As part of her doctoral dissertation research at Utah State, she is studying clover inclusion for value-added turf. Her research background includes stream restoration design, in-vessel compost processing, and earthworm management on golf course turf.


