Current and potential use of pathogens in the management of turfgrass insects as affected by new pesticide regulations in North America

New legislation by governments and municipal authorities for the application of synthetic pesticides, including insecticides on turfgrass is currently changing the management of insect pests. Since the late 1990s, societal concerns over perceived health risks and environmental hazards of pesticides have led to tighter restrictions on insecticide use. In Canada, two provinces have banned the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes and more than 152 municipalities have adopted some form of bylaw restricting or banning the use of landscape pesticides. Turfgrass managers are facing increasing constraints regarding the use of synthetic pesticides and only a few effective biological control agents are currently available on the markets to control turfgrass insects. Here we review the different pathogens that show potential for control and commercial use against turfgrass insect pests in North America. Even though numerous studies have shown the virulence of various pathogens against turfgrass insect pests, few of these pathogens are widely used. Limiting factors for their adoption include a narrow host range and, compared to synthetic insecticides, lower consistency, higher costs, and/or shorter shelf-life. However, new pesticide regulations, particularly in Canada, should lead to better opportunities for the biological control industry in turfgrass markets.