‘Grass is a wonderful thing’

Grimsby Lincoln News

VINELAND The grass is always greener on the other side.

In this case, the other side is the aftermath of Ontarios pesticide ban. While lawns have suffered greatly since the government banned the use of cosmetic pesticides for home use, they will be greener due in part to research taking place at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. The centre has been studying alternatives to pesticides since before the legislation came into place on Earth Day of that year. More specifically, the centre has been working with two types of predatory organisms to control insects and weeds as well as testing new breeds of grass in partnership with commercial breeders.

Historically, chemicals have been the easy way out, said Michael Brownbridge, who heads up the department handling the turf research program. There was never a level of interest in biologicals as pest control.

Until the use of pesticides was banned in Ontario.

The research team has had success with nematodes a parasitic worm specific to certain insects and a type of fungi.

We are looking to the natural environment for control, said Brownbridge, who was recently recognize amongst his peers as a leader in the industry. At Vineland, we are taking an integrated approach.

Brownbridge said relying on one method of control has been a problem in the past. He sees more changes to legislation further preventing the use of chemical maintenance products. More specifically, Brownbridge predicts a ban on fertilizer products, which is why the research happening at the centre is significant.

In agriculture in general, weve historically relied on one type of control, said Brownbridge, and that has been spraying with pesticides.

And while pesticides do have a place in the agriculture industry, Brownbridge said it is best to take an integrated approach.

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‘Grass is a wonderful thing’