Alabama Turf Times - Summer 2017

Summer 2017

Best Management Practices for

Three Increasingly Problematic Weeds in Turf

pollinators

Plus, Come Play on Our Turf: Deep South Turf Expo, November 7–9, 2017

Turf Insecticides and

Summer 2017

Top Features Upcoming Event — 8 Come Play on Our Turf:

8

Deep South Turf Expo, November 7–9, 2017

Cover Story — 12 Best Management Practices for

Turf Insecticides and Pollinators

ATA Scholarship Spotlights — 15 Trigg Langner and

Annelise Saltzman

Turf Tips — 16 Three Increasingly Problematic 12

Weeds in Turf

Recent Events — 19 Lawn & Landscape Workshop,

and the Auburn University Turfgrass Research & Education Day

Departments 6 6 7 21 21 22

From the President’s Pen ATA Annual Sponsors Welcome, New ATA Members Calendar of Events Advertiser Index Auburn University Turf Team

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

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www.AlTurfgrass.org 4

The Alabama Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation.

The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Alabama Turf Times, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Alabama Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2017 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertion please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

From the President’s Pen >>>

Summertime

in Alabama Once Again

S

ummer is here once more. Another school year is done, the hectic pace of our campus slows, and the talk in our shop invariably turns to what the weather will be like for the summer. Will we have 100-degree days, high humidity and drought, or will it rain so much we can’t keep the grass cut?

Who knows? Much of the time, even the National Weather Service office on campus can’t say. As I’ve often heard, “This is Alabama. If you don’t like the weather today, stick around — it will change tomorrow.” That’s true much of the time.

Speaking of weather, and fishing, a friend once said to me, “It’s never too hot or too cold to fish. It may be too hot or cold to get a bite, but it’s never too hot or cold to go.” With the Mole Cricket Deep Sea Fishing Tournament in full swing, if you like to fish, it’s a great time to get down to the Gulf, have some fun, and do some fishing. You might just reel in the winning catch!

So, whatever weather may come your way, if you fish or if you don’t, enjoy your summer. See you at the beach!

Paul Patterson 2017 ATA President

Paul Patterson

2017 ATA Annual Sponsors Gold • • • • • •

ayer Environmental Science B Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Jacobsen Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Silver • • • • •

BWI Companies Ewing Residex SiteOne Landscape Supply Syngenta

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

Bronze • • • • • • • • •

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AGRI-AFC, LLC Agromax Aquatrols BASF Dow AgroSciences Humphries Turf Supply PBI-Gordon Southern States Turf Sur-Line Turf

Alabama Turf Times is the <<< Upcoming Event official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Paul Patterson

University of Alabama Huntsville

Vice President Tres’ Wilkinson South Dallas Turf

Treasurer Kim Byram

University of Alabama

Past President Jason Cooper

<<< WELCOME, NEW ATA MEMBERS!

Welcome,

New ATA Members!

Don Bartholomew Gulf Coast Ground Control Orange Beach, AL Michael Bean Greenscape Contractors Sod Farm Huntsville, AL David Collier FireFly Equipment North Salt Lake, UT Andrew MacBean Marion Military Institute Marion, AL Scott Poynot Aquatrols Broussard, LA

Some of the Benefits of

ATA Membership

• E ducational opportunities through six RoadShow seminars conducted across the state each year, plus field days that are industry specific and provide all ATA members the opportunity to earn Pesticide Recertification points and other industry CEUs. • F ree subscription to ATA’s quarterly magazine, Alabama Turf Times, and to ATA’s monthly enewsletters, as well as a free listing in ATA’s annual membership directory.

• S cholarships for turfgrass students at Auburn University and a Legacy Scholarship for our members’ children and grandchildren.

• Lobbying efforts for industry concerns.

•D iscounts on everything from registration fees for various events to ATA clothing and merchandise.

•T urfgrass research support through two major fundraisers: the Poa annua Golf Tournament and the Mole Cricket Classic Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament.

Sweetspire Gardens

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Randy McQueen TruGreen

Daniel Strickland

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Golf Glen Junkin

True Point Yahct and Country Club

Industry Buddy Williams BWI Companies

Institution Joe Collins

Samford University

Lawn Care Andrew Bice

Blackjack Horticulture

Parks & Recreation Deven Peek City of Prattville

Salzmann Farms

EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.

Alabama Coop. Extension System

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Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2017

Sod Paul Salzmann

Upcoming Event >>>

Come Play on Our Turf: Deep South Turf Expo November 7–9, 2017

By Melanie Bonds, Prologue Association Management

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

The

Deep South Turf Expo is leveling all playing fields during its third year! The golf, lawn care, sports turf, sod production and landscape education repertoires coming this November are greening up. A review of the schedule posted below indicates the strength of our program. The core breakouts for the education sessions are being presented by some of the top names in turf in the Southeast, including Drs. Beth Guertal, David Han, Jason Kruse, Scott McElroy, Jay McCurdy, Maria TomasoPeterson, Casey Reynolds and Bryan Unruh. The DSTE is excited to add Dr. Eric Reasor to our program in November. Dr. Reasor joined the Mississippi State turfgrass team just this year.

Bruce Williams, CGCS (Turf Republic), and Dr. Shawn Askew (Virginia Tech) will deliver keynote addresses. Williams’ presentation, entitled “Leading Your Way to Success,” is a blueprint for those in the turf industry on how to succeed!

Mr. Williams emphasizes that successful managers must “shift the mindset from managing people to leadership. The key is to focus on leading a team, rather than managing staff.”

His talk discusses effective ways to lead teams and achieve success in your position. Dr. Shawn Askew complements this theme with his presentation on “Thinking Outside the Box — Unusual Approaches to Unique Challenges.”

Plans for the tradeshow are also underway, and registration is now open. Changes in scheduling have been made this year to give our exhibitors “Bang for the Buck!” The Tradeshow opens on Wednesday, November 8, following lunch and the general sessions. Some exciting putting contests are planned, as well as a 36-Hole Challenge, giving visitors an opportunity to win great prizes. Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation will again host our Opening Reception. Following the reception, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the silent auction and the business meetings of our hosting associations.

The highly popular golf tournament returns to The Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave, Mississippi, to open the Expo.

Challengers to last year’s winning teams are already pairing up. A special thanks to Stephen Miles, CGCS, and Jeremy Stephens for hosting the tournament again this year. A Skeet and Trap Tournament for our marksmen at Coastal Rifle and Pistol Club in Biloxi will also be held on Tuesday, along with the popular Sports Field Tour with Mr. Keair Edwards that features Gulfport SportsPlex, Goldin Sports Complex and the Biloxi Shuckers Stadium. Congratulations to the Gulfport SportsPlex, which recently achieved STMA environmental 8

certification and won STMA’s 2016 National Softball Field of the Year award.

This year, our Softball Tournament and Dinner will be held on Tuesday night. This event was so much fun last year that we are duplicating all the winning components again this year, including the softball tournament sponsored by AQUA-AID and Regal Chemical. Take an opportunity to play on the gorgeous baseball field at Shucker’s Stadium, or watch your colleagues from the stands. A band will also be on hand, as well as outstanding food sponsored by Bayer and Harrell’s.

It’s a perfect way to relax after a full day of opening events and exhibitor move-in.

Be sure to register early and make your hotel reservations at our host hotel, the Beau Rivage, a five-diamond resort overlooking the Mississippi Sound. A link to the hotel’s online reservation service can be found on our website (www.deepsouthturf expo.org). Come play on our turf. Be part of this invaluable event exclusively for turfgrass managers across the southeast! v

2017 DSTE Schedule of Events TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Open

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Heavy Equipment Move-In 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Move-In

9:00 a.m.

Yoga at The Preserve Golf Club Sponsored by Syngenta.

10:00 a.m. Skeet and Trap Tournament at Costal Rifle and Pistol Club • Sponsored by Dow AgroScience.

11:00 a.m. Golf Tournament at The Preserve Golf Club Sponsored by Ameri-Turf, Aquatrols and Redox.

11:00 a.m.

Sports Field Tour — meet in lobby of Beau Rivage.

6:00 p.m. Past President’s Reception (invitation only at Beau Rivage) Sponsored by Greenville Turf & Tractor and Beard Equipment Co. 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Softball Game & Dinner at MGM Park (Home of the Biloxi Shuckers) Dinner Sponsored by Harrells & Bayer.

Game Sponsored by Aqua-Aid & Regal.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration Open 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-In 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions (see below).

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

PEST MANAGEMENT SESSION

SOIL & WATER MANAGEMENT

New Herbicide Chemistries Dr. Scott McElroy, Auburn University There are lots of new herbicides on the market. How do the new products compare to the old?

Drought Tolerance of WarmSeason Grasses Tested on the Linear Gradient Irrigation System Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida Drought responses of the turfgrasses commonly grown in the Southeast will be discussed.

Turfgrass Breeding at the University of Florida Dr. Kevin Kenworthy, University of Florida Key objectives of the UF Turfgrass Breeding Program will be discussed.

Interpreting Pesticide Labels Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International The label is the law. Learn to interpret the label to remain in compliance.

Estimating Turfgrass Water Requirements: Dialing in Your Irrigation Dr. Jason Kruse, University of Florida Not all turfgrasses have the same irrigation requirements. Learn how the common grasses differ.

Turfgrass Breeding at the University of Georgia Dr. Brian Schwartz, University of Georgia Key objectives of the UGA Breeding Program will be discussed.

Proper Personal Protection Equipment Dr. Dave Han, Auburn University Pesticide applicators must be vigilant in protecting their health. Proper PPE selection, use and care will be discussed.

Conducting Irrigation Audits: Essential and Easy to Do Mr. Phil Moon, University of Florida Poor irrigation system design, installation and maintenance lead to non-uniform application.

Learn practical steps on how to conduct an irrigation audit and how to take corrective actions.

Fertilization of Zoysiagrass: How Much is Too Much?

Dr. Beth Guertal, Auburn University Fertility requirements of zoysiagrass are unique and specific. Attendees will gain new insights on proper management.

Pesticide Selection BMPs Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida Selecting the best pesticide encompasses more than just efficacy. Other important selection criteria will be discussed.

Soil Testing and Fertilization: Is the Minimum Sufficient?

Dr. Barry Stewart, Mississippi State University Soil testing and fertilization.

Making sense out of all the numbers.

Shade and Implications for Turfgrass Health Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International Shade is one of the key stressors of turf. Learn how turfgrass growth and development are influenced by shade and low light conditions.

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The Science behind Fungicides: How They Work Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Mississippi State University A review of fungicide classes, phytomobility, mode of action, and application strategies to ensure optimal fungicide efficacy.

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. GENERAL SESSION 12:00 p.m.

TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT

PESTICIDE TRAINING & REVIEW

“Leading Your Way to Success,” Mr. Bruce Williams, CGCS, Bruce Williams Golf Consulting “Thinking Outside the Box — Unusual Approaches to Unique Challenges,” Dr. Shawn Askew, Virginia Tech

Luncheon & Tradeshow Opening • Sponsored by Ladds and Ventrac.

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tradeshow Open • Tradeshow bags sponsored by Sod Solutions.

12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Silent Auction 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Putting Contest • Sponsored by Woerner Farms.

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Annual Business Meetings 5:00 p.m.

Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation & Mississippi Turfgrass Association

5:30 p.m.

Alabama Turfgrass Association & Louisiana-Mississippi Golf Course Superintendents Association

6:00 p.m.

Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association & Gulf Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association

5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Exhibitor Break-Down Dinner on your own (open night) 9

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4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tradeshow Reception • Sponsored by Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.

Attendees turn in scorecards from 36-Hole Challenge sponsors for beverages.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 7:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast (in hallway).

Sponsored by Syngenta

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions (see below).

Golf

LAwn care

Athletic Field Establishment: How Long Before You Can Play?

Dr. Beth Guertal, Auburn University Demand for new and renovated fields is high. Often, fields aren’t given sufficient time to establish before play begins. Learn what is needed to ensure long-term success.

Trends in Weed Management in Urban Lawns Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University For many reasons, weed management in lawns can be particularly challenging.

Learn how to best adjust your programs to fit some of these challenges.

The Use of Colorants in Golf Course Management Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International Turf colorants are becoming some of the most widely used products in turf management. Learn the pros and cons of using such tools.

Managing Soil Compaction in Athletic Fields Dr. Jason Kruse, University of Florida Soil compaction limits healthy turf growth and development. Learn important management practices necessary to mitigate soil compaction.

Avoiding Nutrient Pollution: Fertilization Strategies for Damaged Turf Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida Fertilizers applied to healthy, dense turf are effectively used by the plant and do not lead to nutrient pollution. However, fertilizer applied to damaged turf can cause environmental problems. Learn management strategies to reduce the impact.

Managing Change Mr. Bruce Williams, CGCS, Bruce Williams Golf Consulting The last several decades have seen a huge amount of change in our industry.

This presentation will help attendees to understand past and future changes, along with developing a plan to manage changes as they come.

Standards for Sports Turf Management and Material Specifications Dr. Barry Stewart, Mississippi State University There are many “Standards” for athletic field management. Some give us guidance in what constitutes a safe playing field, while others specify materials, techniques and how do use them. This talk will give the attendee exposure to standards and specifications used in the construction and maintenance of safe playing fields.

Look-Alike Problems: Diagnosing Problems with Symptoms Similar to Each Other Dr. Dave Han, Auburn University Dead patches. Brown spots. Stripes and patterns. Not all problems are what they appear. Learn how to diagnose turf problems.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Divot Recovery of Bermudagrass Cultivars Dr. Jason Kruse, University of Florida Recovery of damage from divoting is key to maintaining quality playing surfaces. Research on this subject will be discussed.

Herbicide Programs in Warm in Warm-Season Turfgrass Dr. Shawn Askew, Virginia Tech The warm and humid South provides ample opportunity for weeds to thrive.

Learn important management strategies.

Trends in Disease Management in Lawns Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Mississippi State University Turf diseases are commonplace in the deep South. Learn the trends that are impacting turf management.

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Advances in Turf Nutrition: Moving Beyond the Norm Dr. J. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida In an era of reduced inputs and sustainability, current nutrition recommendations are changing. Learn about some of these new strategies and how they may work.

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Integrated Off-Type Management in Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens Dr. Eric Reasor, Mississippi State University Pure stands of turf on putting greens are increasingly difficult to obtain. Learn practical strategies to mitigate off-type contamination.

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Plant Growth Regulator Management on Putting Greens Mr. Austin Brown and Mr. Jim Harris, Auburn University Plant growth regulator use on putting greens is commonplace. Learn the latest on using these effective tools.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

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Sports Turf

Conference Adjournment & CEU sign-ups

Sod The Future of Sod Production Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International Come hear from TPIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new executive director about the state of the industry and the visions for the future.

Worker Protection Standards for Ag Workers: Things a Sod Grower Needs to Know Dr. Sonja Thomas, Auburn University Laws are constantly changing. This is especially true of worker protection standards. Learn what lies ahead in 2018 as the new WPS laws go into effect.

Grow-In, Sod Strength and Harvestability Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University Managing warm-season turf versus producing warm-season turf are very different. Learn about practices to enhance sod production.

Roundtable Discussion with Growers and Turf Breeders Dr. Kenworthy, University of Florida; Dr. Brian Schwartz, University of Georgia; and Dr. Wayne Philley, Mississippi State University. Moderated by Dr. Eric Reasor, Mississippi State University Warm-season turfgrass breeding is big business in the deep South. Learn from the key researchers about the future of warm-season turf breeding.

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Cover Story >>>

Best Management Practices for Turf

Insecticides and

Pollinators

By Jonathan Larson, Ph.D., Extension Entomologist, University of Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Lincoln; David Held, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Entomology, Auburn University; and R. Chris Williamson, Ph.D., Professor, Extension Specialist, Turfgrass and Ornamentals, University of Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Madison

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

P

ollinating insects are valuable organisms that we rely on for pollination services for crops, backyard vegetable gardens and certain ornamental plants. In the last decade, there has been concern about declining populations of bees and other pollinators. A general decline in pollinator numbers has been driven by the combined negative effects of habitat loss, diseases, parasites and misapplied insecticides. All of these issues must be addressed if we are to help pollinators recover and mitigate future impact.

In the turfgrass industry, managers must be aware of these issues and be proactive to ensure that their methods do not contribute to losses in pollinator

12

populations. To that end, researchers have developed rational, scientifically based recommendations for best management practices (BMPs) that promote healthy landscapes, while conserving and enhancing pollinator health.

Follow label precautions, and practice insecticide stewardship.

Turfgrass stands are rarely devoid of weeds. Flowering weeds, such as the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and white clover (Trifolium repens) among others, provide an important food source for pollinators, particularly as early-season forage for

bees that emerge in spring. Weeds in cool-season grass (bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass) lawns host 50 to 100 different species of bees, butterflies and flies.

This demonstrates the need for us to consider the hazards to these insects from insecticide applications in turf.

There are simple ways to reduce pollinatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exposure to insecticides.

First and foremost, read and follow the label instructions on the insecticide you have selected. The wording on many insecticide labels has changed recently relative to pollinator conservation.

The most common precaution is to avoid using insecticides on areas of turf with actively blooming weeds. This recommendation is the best way to min-

Continued <<< Cover Story

Pictured above: Coneflower. â&#x20AC;˘ Pictured Below: Bee Balm.

Pictured above: Black-eyed Susan.

imize hazard from liquid insecticide applications that would coat flowers and taint pollen and nectar with insecticides. This is particularly important if you have a weedy patch of turf that needs an insecticide application.

Habitat loss is one of the biggest contributors to pollinator decline. Bees need flowering plants for both food and spaces to nest. As natural habitats disappear, so do food and nesting resources. To help combat this problem, provide the best possible habitat for these important insects by planting a

plants are suitable for planting in your area. In addition, the Pollinator Partnership offers free planting guides tailored to specific parts of the country at www.pollinator.org/guides.

Finally, be sure to include resources for pollinators to use as nesting sites.

For bees, you can construct domiciles out of pieces of hollow bamboo, or purchase pre-made â&#x20AC;&#x153;bee housesâ&#x20AC;? to station in your gardens. Plans for building bee domiciles are available online.

To help out butterflies and moths, you will need to include larval food resources such as milkweed for monarchs or parsley for black swallowtails. You can learn more online about caterpillar food preferences.

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Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2017

Maximizing the surrounding landscape for pollinators.

diversity of flowering plants in your landscape. This ensures that pollinating insects with differing food preferences will have a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to choose from and that there will be plants in bloom throughout the growing season.

Past research has shown that plants like New England aster, bergamot, blackeyed Susan, purple coneflower, plains coreopsis, prairie coneflower and lanceleaf coreopsis can be quite attractive to a diverse array of pollinators.

If you want to learn more about how you can successfully create your own pollinator gardens, you can contact your local university Extension service to learn more about which flowering

Fast Facts

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

•P opulations of pollinating insects have been reduced by habitat loss, disease, parasitic mites and misapplications of insecticides. We can take proactive steps to conserve these beneficial insects.

• Avoid applying liquid insecticides to the blooming portion of flowering weeds like dandelions or clover. To accomplish this in turf, mow before application or use a granular product.

• You can provide foraging habitat and

14

nesting spots for pollinators by planting a diversity of blooming plants that provide flowers at different times in the growing season.

• If you are treating for belowground pests, consider using a granular — or spreadable — insecticide formulation.

Granular products ensure that the insecticide residues go into the soil rather than into the blooms of flowering weeds.

• If you must treat with a liquid insecticide formulation, mow the area you will be treating immediately before application. Mowing removes the majority of flowers, thereby reducing foraging pollinators. While some modern insecticides are systemic, current research for weeds in turf has demonstrated that any systemic transfer of insecticides into weeds poses no hazard to pollinators.

• Controlling flowering weeds prior to or post-bloom with an herbicide before the application of an insecticide will also reduce the chances of directly contaminating flowers with an insecticide.

Note to readers

This publication was originally developed during the National Pollinator Summit for the Development of Best Management Practices to Protect Pollinators in Turf (August 21–22, 2016, Sheboygan, Wisconsin). The authors, in collaboration with more than 60 university researchers, Extension specialists, industry stakeholders (including lawn care professionals, golf course superintendents, managers and consultants) and product manufacturers have summarized and synthesized research and recommended management practices that protect pollinators in turf systems.

This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Crop Protection and Pest Management Program through the North Central IPM Center (2014-70006-22486).

For more information about the development of this publication document, contact Susan T. Ratcliffe at sratclif@ illinois.edu or by phone at 217-333-9656.

To download an electronic version of this article, visit ncipmc.org/action/ fastfactsbmpturf.pdf. v

<<< ATA Scholarship Spotlights

2016 Scholarship Spotlights In

2016, the ATA board elected to start a new Legacy Scholarship after our scholarship endowment with Auburn University was paid in full.

We are proud to spotlight our first two recipients. We encourage all members to let their children and grandchildren know of this opportunity. Visit alturfgrass.org for more details.

Trigg Langner Trigg is the son of Mark and Brown Langner. Mark has been an ATA member for years and served on the ATA board in 2013–2015. Trigg is a sophomore at the University of West Alabama, majoring in Bio Medical.

Trigg is an avid soccer player and played in the 7A championship game while at Oak Mountain High School. He was named the Most Valuable Player during that game. He has taken his love of soccer to Livingston, AL, where he volunteers with various athletic associations and a local elementary school.

He is also extremely focused on his academic studies, as he maintains his Honors in college.

Trigg is no stranger to work either.

He has worked at FarmLinks Golf Course, as well as Greystone Golf Course, alongside his dad. We are honored to give Trigg the ATA Legacy Scholarship Award and wish him the best in his studies.

Annelise Salzmann Annelise Salzmann is the daughter of ATA board member, Paul Salzmann and his wife Kathy. Paul has been an active ATA member since 1984. We’re glad those membership dues finally paid off!

In all seriousness, Annelisa is extremely deserving of this scholarship.

She is a senior at Auburn University, with a 3.33 GPA in Biosystems Engineering. She serves as officers in several organizations including: • American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (AU student Branch, 2016–2107 President) • Alabama Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon, Theta Honor Society of Agricultural, Food and Biological Engineers (2016-2107 Secretary) • Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society (2016-2017, Senior Advisor)

We applaud Annelise for her early graduation this past December (she graduated in four years in a five-year program) and her recent marriage to Andrew Dodd. We are proud of you, Annelise, and wish you a great career and future. v

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2017

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Turf Tips >>>

Three increasingly

Problematic Weeds in turf

By Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, Auburn University

In

taking a walk on a golf course, or in any landscape for that matter, I enjoy observing the plant species around me.

In observing, I automatically assume that the plants I see have always been in that landscape, when in fact the plants that currently exist in almost any human-disturbed or human-managed landscape are most certainly not the species that occupied that space prior to human activity. Very simply put, when people manage and change a landscape, plants change and continue to do so.

Extending this idea further, I often assume that the weeds growing in a landscape or golf course are weeds that

Doveweed plant.

16

have been there as long as that landscape or golf course has been there. I unconsciously assume that the weeds I see were a problem before I ever noticed that they were a problem. But, with greater observation over a greater period of time (we are all getting older, after all), it is obvious that new species are increasing, and some species are decreasing. Three weed species that are currently on the increase are doveweed, chamberbitter and cock’s comb kyllinga.

Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora)

Fifteen years ago, doveweed was largely a coastal weed that was rarely seen north of Baldwin County, Mobile,

Doveweed flower.

or north of the panhandle of Florida.

Even in those rare instances that it was observed further north, these populations did not persist past one year. Now, doveweed is becoming a common weed throughout Birmingham and Atlanta in home lawns, golf courses and sod farms.

Doveweed is clump-forming, grasslike annual plant most notable for its succulent, hairless leaves. Doveweed produces small purple flowers with three petals, and each fruit produces three seed. Germination normally occurs beginning in June and continues throughout July. It dies off quickly when nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F to 55°F.

Doveweed seedhead.

Preemergence herbicides are typically ineffective for controlling doveweed.

Lack of preemergence control is partly due to later doveweed germination relative to preemergence herbicide applications and the lower effectiveness compared to annual grass control.

Specticle (indaziflam) can control doveweed preemergence, but applications must be made close to the time of doveweed germination.

Postemergence herbicides can be effective, but control can be inconsistent. Celsius, Dismiss South and even some traditional three-way broadleaf

Chamberweed plant.

herbicides can be utilized for doveweed control. In any case, the addition of MCPP or mecoprop seems to enhance control of doveweed.

Chamberbitter (Phyllanthus urinaria)

Chamberbitter, also known as leafflower or phyllanthus, has become an increasingly common summer annual broadleaf weed throughout the southern US. Chamberbitter is easily identified by its pinnately compound leaf that resembles that of a silktree (commonly referred to as mimosa) leaflet. Flowers are born

Chamberweed seedhead.

on the underside of the leaf, and seeds burst open soon after forming.

I remember learning to identify chamberbitter in undergraduate Weed Science in the late 1990s along with the similar species longstalk phyllanthus, which has stalked flowers born on the leaf underside. I also remember it then as more of a curiosity than a problematic weed. Today, however, chamberbitter is one of the most common weeds of home lawns, landscapes and ornamental beds throughout the southern US. Gallery (isoxaben) is typically more effective for preemergence chamber-

Cockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comb kyllinga plant.

17

Cock’s comb kyllinga seedhead.

bitter control than all other herbicides.

Gallery is a rarely used herbicide in turfgrass because it primarily targets broadleaf weeds rather than grasses.

Other herbicides such as Defendor (florasulam), Celsius, metsulfuron and mixtures containing fluroxypyr are effective for postemergence control. New germination of chamberbitter seed can confound the observed control, necessitating repeat applications for control.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

Cock’s comb kyllinga (Kyllinga squamulata)

Cock’s comb kyllinga is the most common sedge weed in turfgrass in Alabama. It has surpassed both yellow and purple nutsedge, as well as all rhizomatous perennial sedges (green and false-green kyllinga), all of which are seen as historically problematic in turfgrass. Cock’s comb kyllinga is a clump-forming, annual species (although it can possibly perenniate) that has the common aromatic fragrance possessed by other Kyllinga species. Seed have prominent, jagged edges for which the weed unusual name is derived.

Cock’s comb kyllinga is seemingly easy to control, although regrowth or new seedling germination can occur, confounding observed control and often necessitating repeat applications. Common herbicides that are effective for cock’s comb kyllinga include Monument (trifloxysulfuron), Katana (flazasulfuron), Certainty (sulfosulfuron), Dismiss (sulfentrazone) and Dismiss South (sulfentrazone plus imazethapyr).

Cock’s comb kyllinga is often present in green surrounds, which complicates applications since some herbicides can move off-target and damage sensitive greens. In these cases, Sedgehammer (halosulfuron) is a more appropriate herbicide for use, with the understanding that two applications may be needed for complete control. v

18

<<< Recent Events

Lawn & Landscape Workshop,

March 7, in Prattville

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

The

Alabama Turfgrass Association hosted its first Lawn and Landscape Workshop on Tuesday, March 7, at the Upper Kingston Park in Prattville, AL. A special thanks to our host and ATA Board member Deven Peek for organizing the event.

We had more than 35 attendees at the event who were treated to a great educational program that included talks on “Being on the Defense of Distracted Drivers,” “Over Heating: Danger and Prevention,” “Cleaning Up Hazardous Spills,” “City Ordinances — Are You in Compliance?” and “Useful Calculations for Turf Managers.”

It is the ATA board’s plan to host this event every other year. We encourage you to come out and bring your crew, as this is a great program for everyone in the turfgrass industry to hear and review.

Look for more details in 2019. v

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2017

19

Recent Events >>> Continued

Auburn University Turfgrass Research & Education Day, March 30, 2017

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

A

uburn University hosted its Turfgrass Research and Education Day on Thursday, March 30, at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit. More than 130 attendees from all over the state participated in the event to to see first-hand research that researchers are conducting to improve our turfgrassmanagement practices. The morning was full of research tours and concluded with a lunch under the big top in the middle of the research center.

To wrap up the day, twenty-eight golfers then hit the links at the Auburn University Club for the Poa annua Classic.

All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Auburn University turfgrass program.

Attendees viewed research plots and were educated on various topics including: “PGRs and Putting Green Research,” “Poa annua Control,” “On Toads and Bugs,” “Turfgrass Cultivars and Fertility Research,” “Control of Broadleaf and Other Miscellaneous Weeds” and “Identifying and Fixing Random Turfgrass Issues.”

A big thank you to the sponsors of the Turfgrass Research and Education Day. Their support is of great importance to the success of this event. Please be sure to thank them personally when you see them.

Plans are in the works to hold another Turfgrass Research and Education Day next summer. Be on the lookout for more details. v

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2017

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Agri-AFC AQUA-AID Bayer Dow AgroSciences Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Jerry Pat Turf & Irrigation PBI-Gordon Corp.

Regal Chemical Co. Syngenta Target Specialty Products The Gowan Company

Calendar of Events >>>

May – July

ATA Mole Cricket Classic Deep Sea Fishing Tournament Open Season

July 16–18

<<< Index of Advertisers

August 27–31

StormCon 2017 Conference The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Conference Meydenbauer Center Bellevue, WA

NALP Legislative Day on the Hill (National Association of Landscape Professionals) Washington, D.C.

September 26–28

July 19–22

October 18–20

TPI Summer Program (In conjunction with the 2017 International Turfgrass Research Conference) The Heldrich New Brunswick, NJ

July 23–28

Perennial Plant Symposium Denver, CO

July 29

ATA Mole Cricket Classic Deep Sea Fishing Tournament Awards Banquet Southern Tradition Fishing Lodge Elberta, AL

NRPA Congress and Expo (Nat. Rec. and Park Assn.)

New Orleans, LA LANDSCAPES 2017 (formerly the PLANET Green Industry Conference) Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

October 19–20

GIE+Expo — Green Industry Equipment Expo and School of Grounds Management Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

November 7–9 Deep South Turf Expo Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

Digital Marketplace

Agri-AFC, LLC..........................Inside Back Cover www.agri-afc.com BWI Companies................................................... 7 www.bwicompanies.com Color-Flex Distance Markers........................... 15 www.color-flex.com Coosa Valley Turf Farm.................................... 11 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com G2 Turftools, Inc............................................... 20 www.g2turftools.com Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc........................... Inside Front Cover www.greenvilleturf.com Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.............................. 3 www.jerrypate.com North Georgia Turf Company, Inc.................. 17 www.ngturf.com Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc.....................14 www.progressiveturfequip.com RD Murphy, LLC.................................................. 6 www.rdmurphy.com Riebeling Farms, Inc.......................................... 15 Shelby Sod.......................................................... 21 www.shelbysod.com Smith Seed Services.......................................... 21 www.smithseed.com South Dallas Turf...............................................19 www.southdallasturf.com Southeast Turf Maintenance...........................18 www.southeastturf.com Southern Specialty Equipment........................ 11 www.ssequip.net Sur-Line Turf, Inc...............................................18 www.surlineturf.com The Andersons Technologies, Inc...................22 www.andersonsgolfproducts.com The Turfgrass Group, Inc.............5, Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com TriEst Ag Group Inc...............Inside Back Cover www.triestag.com Weed Man.......................................................... 21 www.weedmanfranchise.com

Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

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Auburn Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turf Team >>>

Auburn Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turf John Beasley Jr., Ph.D. Department Head, Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences 204 Funchess Hall Auburn, AL 36849 P 334-844-3850 jpb0035@auburn.edu Fudd Graham, Ph.D. Researcher/Entomology 301 Funchess Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-2563 grahalc@auburn.edu

Al abama Tu rf Ti me s >>> Su mmer 201 7

Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D. Professor/Turfgrass Soil Fertility 263 Funchess Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-3999 guertea@auburn.edu

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Team

Austin Hagan, Ph.D. Extension Plant Pathologist 143 ALFA Building Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-5503 haganak@auburn.edu

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. Extension Plant Pathologist 2612 Lane Park Birmingham, AL 35223 P 205-879-6964, ext. 19 jacobjc@auburn.edu

Dave Han, Ph.D. Assoc. Professor/ Extension Specialist, Turfgrass Management 252 Funchess Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu

Scott McElroy, Ph.D. Assoc. Professor, Turfgrass Weed Science 233B Funchess Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-3992 jsm0010@auburn.edu

David Held, Ph.D. Asst. Professor/Entomology 301 Funchess Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-3818 dwhooo4@auburn.edu

Paul Patterson, Ph.D. Dean, College of Agriculture 107 Comer Hall Auburn University, AL 36849 P 334-844-3254 pmp0003@auburn.edu