Pest Control Reseeded swards are particularly vulnerable to damage from pests during early establishment. Careful monitoring of swards is necessary with appropriate action taken where necessary. Slugs • • • •
Can be a problem in wet areas or wet years. High levels of trash will increase risk of attack. Using bait points will help indicate potential problems. If damage is visible slug pellets should be applied.
Leatherjackets •
Can cause problems particularly in spring sown swards following grass.
• •
More active in wetter/heavier soils. Seedlings are severed at ground level, dead plants are found on the soil surface.
Frit Fly •
Most common pest of reseeded swards in late summer and autumn.
•
Larvae from adult flies kill the growing point by burrowing into the grass shoot.
•
Turning the seeding plant yellow.
12
Mastercrop Grass and Forage Seed Brochure 2020
