ABSTRACT
It is suggested that long-term application of fungicide to golf courses has reduced the abundance of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil. These fungi are abundant in nature and are beneficial to plants, as they increase growth and competitive ability by enhancing nutrient uptake. They also render plants more resistant to insect attack. It is shown that in one golf course the fungi were sporadic and that their occurrence may be related to insect distribution and the prevalence of desirable grasses. By re-introducing these fungi into turf, we could perhaps establish a natural pest protection system, and favour the growth of desirable grasses relative to weeds.
