Plant-parasitic nematodes have become an important constraint to turfgrass quality on golf courses in Korea, particularly with the recent increase of the needle nematode Paralongidorus koreanensis in Zoysia (Zoysia japonica) fairways. However, informa...
Plant-parasitic nematodes have become an important constraint to turfgrass quality on golf courses in Korea, particularly with the recent increase of the needle nematode Paralongidorus koreanensis in Zoysia (Zoysia japonica) fairways. However, information on effective nematicide management for turfgrass nematodes, including application methods and environmental influences, remains limited.
This study evaluated the nematicidal activity of selected non-fumigant nematicides against turfgrass-associated nematodes, with emphasis on P. koreanensis, through laboratory bioassays and field trials. Laboratory assays demonstrated clear dose-dependent responses among tested nematicides, with cyclobutrifluram exhibiting consistently high activity. Field experiments conducted at multiple golf courses in 2023 revealed that nematicide efficacy varied according to formulation type and soil depth, and was strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation patterns.
To further clarify the role of soil moisture, an additional field trial was conducted in 2025 with direct soil moisture measurements and different application volumes. Nematicide performance differed markedly between sites with contrasting soil moisture conditions, indicating that soil water status plays a critical role in nematicide movement, root-zone contact, and control efficacy.
Overall, these results demonstrate that successful management of turfgrass nematodes requires integration of nematicide formulation, application strategy, and soil moisture conditions. This study provides practical insights for improving nematode management in golf course turfgrass systems in Korea.