Entomopathogenic nematodes in turfgrass: Ecology and management of important insect pests in North America

Several genera of grasses are capable of forming a mat of intertwined plants to form a solid ground cover with an extensive root mass. They can also regenerate from the crown after defoliation. The about 50 grass species amenable to use in turfgrass systems are further on able to form a high shoot density under the continuous mowing regimes characteristic for turfgrass systems (Christians, 1998). These properties allow turfgrasses to provide a hard–wearing permanent or semi–permanent ground cover that can be used for various recreational spaces in urban and suburban environments including lawns, parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. Other areas in which turfgrasses are grown include cemeteries, roadsides and sod farms. In the USA, turfgrass areas cover about 20 million ha and the size of the turfgrass industry is estimated at $40,000 million per year (National Turfgrass Federation, 2009). Besides their recreational uses, turfgrasses control soil erosion, capture and clean run–off water from urban areas, provide soil improvement and restoration, moderate temperature, reduce glare and noise, reduce pests, pollen and human disease exposure, create good wildlife habitats, and improve physical and mental health of urban populations (Beard & Green, 1994).