An Emergency Authorisation has been granted for the use of the
Syngenta insecticide, Acelepryn, for the control of Chafer grubs and
leatherjacket on golf course greens and tees, horse racing courses and
airfields.
The approval was applied for by STRI, on behalf of and with
support from the amenity industry.
Chafer Grubs and leatherjackets cause damage to turf through
extensive feeding on roots, which can be severe in localised patches.
Furthermore, extreme damage can occur when badgers, birds and other foragers
root through turf in search of the grubs.
The Emergency Authorisation permits Acelepryn use in situations
where there is an acknowledged instance of economic damage and where the
product has been recommended by a BASIS qualified advisor.
With the loss of available control options independent advisors,
ADAS, has calculated the economic cost of Chafer Grubs alone at up to £85
million a year for golf courses in the UK, from lost income and damage repair.
The report also highlighted that on the 40% of racecourses affected by the
pest’s damage, lost income could amount to up to £605,000 per course.
‘”Since the withdrawal of effective insecticides, economic damage
from chafer grubs and leatherjackets has been of major concern to many of us,”
reported STRI Head of Research, Dr Ruth Mann. “Obtaining this Emergency
Authorisation of Acelepryn enables us to manage the most damaging effects of
these soil pests as part of an integrated turf management programme.”
The UK Emergency Authorisation for Acelepryn has been granted from
7 June to 30 September 2018, to cover the key Chafer Grub and leatherjacket
treatment timing.
The Emergency Authorisation covers golf greens and tees, horse
racing courses and airfields, specifically where there has been a history of
pest damage or a recognised risk of damage. In all instances the use of
Acelepryn must be recommended by a BASIS qualified agronomist.
The authorised label permits application at the rate of 0.6
litres per hectare, applied in 500-1000 l/ha water. Ideally Acelepryn should
irrigated in after application. One application per year is permitted, with the
latest time of treatment being 30 September.
Turf managers or owners who believe they have suffered
economically damaging effects of Chafer grubs and leatherjackets are advised to
contact their BASIS agronomist or ICL Area Manager in the first instance.
