Factors in the success and failure of microbial control in turfgrass

摘要

Turfgrass is an important component of urban landscapes and turf associated products and services are valued at about dollar 45 billion in the US alone. Turf insecticide market is about dollar 500 million per year of which microbial insecticides constitute less than 0.1%. Major factors in the poor market penetration of microbial insecticides include low damage thresholds. narrow spectrum of activity, a definite pest monitoring requirement, shortage of quality products, and competition with the newly registered less-toxic chemical insectides. Enhancement of market share of microbial insecticides in turf will depend upon successful development of more appropriate application strategies, an increase in the availability of quality products, and the development of a systems approach in which microbial insecticides are used together with chemical insectidides in a more compatible manner. The long-term benefits derived from the use of microbial insectidides must be documented to enhance acceptance of microbial control.