If a field has been in sod, for instance, you can expect grubs. When sod is killed, root-feeding grubs remain. These grubs will feed on the roots of liners planted into the field unless control measures are taken. In the case of certain nematode-sensitive crops like American boxwood, testing a field for presence of harmful nematodes is a good idea. Contact your county Cooperative Extension Agent for assistance in taking a proper sample for nematode assay.
Pest management is a primary cultural consideration in designing the layout of a field nursery.
Plant locations and potential pesticide programs are easily changed during planning but are expensive to alter once the field has been planted. In addition to proper field nursery design, any practice that will reduce stress on the plant while promoting healthy, vigorous growth will reduce pest problems. Give careful consideration to crop rotation practices where allelopathic relationships may affect the growth of the next crop planted. Some crops leave residues that suppress or prevent other crops from growing. The most familiar example of allelopathy is suppression of many plants within the root zone areas of black walnut trees.