Nematode Reduction Program
Nematodes feed on turf root systems causing stunting and lesions which provide an easy entrance point for bacteria and fungi. Nematode damage can cause yellowing symptoms and reduce growth and vigor of turf grasses.
The BioSafe Systems program for nematode/disease reduction is a tank mix of ZeroTol® 2.0 and AzaGuard®. ZeroTol 2.0 is a broad spectrum bactericide/fungicide with proven efficacy against Pythium and Phytophthora. AzaGuard is a multi-mode of action nematicide that stops feeding, egg laying, and is effective as an insect growth regulator. Together, the two chemistries have been proven to be an effective tank mix drench application. Existing conditions require 3 applications repeated every 7–21 days. Once nematodes are suppressed a monthly maintenance program can be initiated.
In 2013 BioSafe Systems conducted trials at two separate golf courses in central and
southwestern Florida. These trials tested the reduction of nematodes on a total of 6 test plots;
each test plot is one green.
Golf Course 1 treated 3 greens and applied 3 applications, 21 days apart. Golf Course 1 applied
2 gallons of ZeroTol 2.0 per acre and 19 oz. of AzaGuard per acre.* Before using the BioSafe
Systems Nematode Reduction Program, the greens were receding at a fast rate and after the
second application the receding had stopped. By the third application the greens started to
come back. Before the program these greens also had Pythium issues and now
do not.