University of Guelph intern Brad Young looks over Roger Federer's shoulder as he celebrates his record setting victory at Wimbledon.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Advisory Report
OMAFRA Turfgrass Management Report
OMAFRA Nursery & Landscape Report
Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Update
Public response to the Ontario Cosmetic Pesticide ban so far seems relatively muted. Perhaps tempered by the cooler, wet weather which is keeping everything green and suppressing evidence of insect activity, there has been little comment in the media regarding the impact of the ban. I imagine it is a different story as lawn care companies try to provide effective and economically sustainable options to many of their long time customers. It does provide an opportunity to educate consumers about optimizing cultural management practices.
An interesting case has developed in the Ottawa area where a couple who have been trying to establish a native pollinator garden on their property have been ordered by the municipality to mow it down. You can read the full article here. It has stimulated a lively discussion in the media about personal property rights and what constitutes a lawn among other topics.
On larger suburban and rural properties,noxious weeds can become a problem and difficult to control, particularly in areas that are unmown or difficult to reach with mowing equipment. As I read it, the current ban only permits the use of non-selective herbicides to control weeds that are poisonous to the touch. The agricultural community has a broader definition of noxious weeds and may be facing infestation from adjacent residential properties but at no real fault of the homeowner.
If you have any stories to share about the impact of the Cosmetic Pesticide Ban in your community, please let me know.
Ontario Golf Course IPM Accreditation Program Update
The IPM program for Ontario golf courses is taking shape. The Ontario Cosmetic Pesticide Ban provided an exemption for golf courses provided they met additional criteria, specifically the need to be IPM accredited and provide annual public updates on their pesticide use practices. The IPM-PHC Council of Canada has applied to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to be the accrediting body. All Ontario golf courses must be accredited by April 22, 2012. The GTI is working with the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association and the OMAFRA Turf Specialist to develop educational materials and programs to assist golf courses in acquiring and maintaining their accreditation.
For more details on the program, consult the following pdf documents:
Detailed Update
Golf Registration Form
IPM Agent Registration Form
Industry Calendar
Coming Events:
July 21 – GBGSA July Meeting – The Rock GC
July 22 - WOGSA July Meeting – Sparrow Lakes GC
July 23 – GLAGS July Meeting – Mount Elgin GC
July 26 to August 1 – International Turfgrass Research Conference, Santiago, Chile
Check out the calendar link above for more details on these events.