Tackling Leatherjackets with Merit® Turf
Over the past few years there has been an increasing problem with high infestations of Chafer grubs (Phyllopertha
spp.) and Leatherjackets (Tipula spp ) which has resulted in severe damage to lawns and amenity turf.
Chafer grubs are the larvae of Chafer beetles and
Leatherjackets are the larvae of Crane fly (commonly called
Daddy longlegs).
These small but very destructive larvae can cause severe
damage to the root system of turfgrass, whether on golf
courses, football
or racecourses.
Larvaepitches
of the common
Cockchafer Playing surfaces can
(Melolontha
melolontha)
become unplayable
or even
dangerous as the turfgrasses
influence on surface stability is compromised. Secondary
damage is then caused by birds, badgers and foxes lifting the
turf to feed on the grubs.
Larvae of the Crane fly
(Tipula spp)
Leatherjacket damage occurs from the autumn to spring but is
most severe in the spring when the larvae are reaching
maturity.
Larvae of the Crane fly
(Tipula spp)
Efficacy of Merit® Turf on Leatherjackets
Merit® Turf can be used as an insecticide for the control of Chafer grubs and to reduce the population of
Leatherjackets on golf courses, bowling greens, athletic fields, commercial and residential lawns and other
managed amenity turf situations. Merit® Turf works by contact action with the grub as well as systemically in the
grass plant, where the insecticide is ingested when the grubs feed on the roots of treated grass plants.
In a series of product trials Merit® Turf achieved over 90% control of Leatherjackets as shown in the graph below.
Control [%]
Efficacy of Merit® Turf
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Merit® Turf
Standard
Insecticide
Grub
Leatherjacket
The data is taken by a number of trials conducted across Europe
May 2014
Merit Turf contains 5g/Kg imidacloprid (MAPP 12415) (PCS 02896). Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and
product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label.
Life cycle of Leatherjackets
Adults start to hatch from pupae in late July / August and may be seen flying until September. After hatching they
mate and the females lay eggs in the ground, a process which they accomplish in 24 hours. Eggs hatch in about 10
days and the new larvae start to feed on grass roots. During mild winters feeding can continue through the winter
and into the following spring. Larvae stop feeding in May / June after which they will pupate close to the surface of
the soil. Leatherjackets have one generation a year.
Application of Merit® Turf
Chafer grubs:
Apply either as a preventative treatment prior to anticipated Chafer grub infestation (e.g. when you see the adult
beetles) or as an early curative treatment up to the 2 nd instar growth stage.
Ideal application time: May to July.
Leatherjackets:
Applications should be made prior to the eggs hatching when the adult crane flies
Ideal application time: August to October.
are visible.
Months given are approximate, weather dependent +/- month
For effective control, Merit® Turf requires accurate application and calibrated equipment. The product should be
applied uniformly over the area that is to be treated with a hand-held, drop type or rotary type spreader.
Adequate water needs to be applied immediately after application to move the granule through the thatch, to the
region of the soil where the grass plants roots can take-up Merit turf and where chafer grubs hatch and come in
direct contact with Merit Turf. Moving the product through also prevents degradation by sunlight.
Merit® Turf should not be bulked up with fertiliser or sand at application as this will prevent an even spread due to
the different densities of these materials. DO NOT APPLY MERIT ® TURF when it is raining or in windy conditions.
Merit® Turf is light sensitive, thus application is suggested to take place at the end of the day.
May 2014
Merit Turf contains 5g/Kg imidacloprid (MAPP 12415) (PCS 02896). Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and
product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label.