Table of Contents >>>
Winter 2009
10 11
11 12 16 18
12
20 21
20
6 7 8 8 22 22
Upcoming Event —
2009 ATA Turfgrass RoadShow Seminars Upcoming Event —
Sod Producers Field Day, February 14 Recent Event —
ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow Recap ATA Member Spotlight —
William “Bill” Norrie Jr., CGCS Applied Research —
ST-5: A New Shade-Tolerant Bermudagrass Developed by Wayne Hanna, Ph.D. Pest Profile —
A New Grub in the South… Asiatic Garden Beetle Feature Topic —
Ongoing Drought News… Understanding Water Rights
From the President’s Pen ATA Annual Sponsors News from ATA Meet Your 2009 ATA Leaders Welcome, ATA New Members Calendar of Events Advertiser Index
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
Cover photo by Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
www.AlaTurfgrass.org
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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 © 2009 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Alabama Turfgrass Association, Post Office Box 70, Auburn, Al. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Auburn, AL. 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 >>> Pat White
NEW OPPORTUNITIES for the
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
“C
New Year
hange, Change, Change…” was the recurring theme this year in the political race for the presidency of our great nation. In times of such uncertainty and desired change, our organization remains strong and positive. At this year’s annual conference, over 300 professionals attended (more than ever before) and helped to raise over $9,000 for turfgrass research and Ag Heritage Park. We made some changes to the annual conference this year with the format and the addition of more educational opportunities. I hope everyone found the conference beneficial and enjoyable. There are so many people I would like to thank for the success of the conference, starting with the ATA board members for their dedication to improve the conference, and the ATA as an organization. A special thank you to our 2008 president, Lee McLemore, for his tremendous leadership. The ATA board of directors is compiled of many professionals from around the state with many different personalities and opinions. Lee pulled us all together and kept us on track to meet our goals. Also, there is little doubt that the ATA’s success is due, in large part, to the diligent work of our executive secretary, Tricia Roberts. The ATA is very blessed to have such a special person to oversee every little detail of our organization. Thank you, Tricia! Most importantly, thank you to our sponsors for their continued support that makes our events so enjoyable. As a turfgrass professional going into my 20th year (whoa!), I have witnessed much change in the turfgrass industry and the ATA. My career has been positively influenced by the ATA for so many years, not
6
with just the educational opportunities, but also with the opportunity to network with turfgrass professionals and professors. These contacts have proven invaluable to a successful career in our everchanging industry. As we begin the new year, I would encourage all of our members to check the schedule of events for 2009 and plan to attend our Traveling RoadShow events as we build on the huge success of this past year’s RoadShows. These events are designed to bring professional knowledge and education to a location near you for your convenience. I would also like to invite everyone to get involved with our inaugural project to give of ourselves to those in need. “New Beginnings” is a new challenge for the ATA to pull together resources from our industry to help a worthy cause. This year, we have chosen to build a multi-purpose sports field with donated materials and labor at a facility in Baldwin County called Youth Reach. This brand new facility will house troubled young men as an alternative to juvenile detention halls. Any involvement in this project is welcomed and appreciated. For more information about Youth Reach, you can visit www.youth-reach.org. For more information about the ATA and our upcoming events for 2009, please visit our website at www.alaturfgrass.org. I wish everyone continued growth and many blessings. Enthusiastically, Pat White 2009 ATA President
<<< ATA Annual Sponsors
Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Toll-free: 1 (866) 246-4203 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alaturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com
2009 ATA
Annual Sponsors The companies listed here support the ATA and its members. Please keep them in mind when making your purchasing decisions.
Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2009 Executive Committee
GOLD Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial Georgia Turf & Tractor Kilpatrick Turf Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
SILVER Agrium Advanced Technologies DuPont Professional Products E-Z-Go Textron NaturChem (new for 2009!) John Deere Landscapes Syngenta T&O Products
BRONZE Bayer Environmental Science Harrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply
President Pat White SouthernTurfCare, Inc.
Vice President Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course
Treasurer Tom Wolf Coosa Valley Turf Farms
Past President Lee McLemore, CGCS The Country Club of Birmingham
2009 Board of Directors Amy Bailey Humphries Turf Supply
James Bartley Southern Lawns
Jay Brooks Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
John Chapman Craft Turf Farms
Steven Edwards City of Calera
Dave Han, Ph.D. Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley
David Hubbard Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Jeff Lee, CGCS Valley Hill Country Club
Richard Murphy Murphy Turf & Ornamental
Paul Paterson University of Alabama at Huntsville
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Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2009
Auburn University
News from ATA >>>
Meet Your ATA LEADERS FOR 2009!
On
October 29 at the 2008 Annual ATA Conference, a new executive committee and several new board members (listed below) were elected to lead the Alabama Turfgrass Association for 2009.
2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President: Pat White SouthernTurfCare, Inc.
ATA’s 2009 Executive Committee (left to right): Tom Wolf, Treasurer; Pat White, President; and Jeff Oelmann, Vice President. (Not pictured: Lee McLemore, Past President).
Vice President: Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course
James Bartley Southern Lawns
Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley
Treasurer: Tom Wolf Coosa Valley Turf Farms
Jay Brooks Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Past President: Lee McLemore, CGCS The Country Club of Birmingham
David Hubbard Alabama Cooperative Extension System
John Chapman Craft Turf Farms
Jeff Lee, CGCS Valley Hill Country Club
2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steven Edwards City of Calera
Richard Murphy Murphy Turf & Ornamental
Amy Bailey Humphries Turf Supply
Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University
Paul Paterson University of Alabama-Huntsville
ATA New Members >>>
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
Welcome, ATA NEW MEMBERS!
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Allen Reynolds City of Columbiana Columbiana, AL Lee Simmons, Ph.D. Auburn University Auburn, AL
Murray Channell TLC Tuscaloosa, AL
Logan Green Vestavia Country Club Birmingham, AL
Matt McCaslin Mt. Brook Schools Mt. Brook, AL
Ryne Craig FarmLinks Golf Club Sylacauga. AL
Jeremy Harvey Innovative Turf Supply LaGrange, GA
Daniel O’Brien Homewood City Schools Birmingham, AL
Wayne Ducote BASF Lafayette, LA
Kenneth Haupt Scotts Lawn Service Montgomery, AL
Shannon Otwell Southern USA Turf Miramar Beach, FL
Josh Dyer Ross Bridge Golf Course Hoover, AL
Mac Higginbotham AL Farmers Federation Montgomery, AL
David Ozment Fimco Industries, Inc. Dyersburg, TN
Brian Ellard Mt. Brook Schools Mt. Brook, AL
Toby Hughes Auburn Grounds, Inc. Auburn, AL
Simon Parkin Lakewood Golf Club Pt. Clear, AL
David Garrison DJC Lawn Care Cullman, AL
Paul Kerger City of Auburn Auburn, AL
Larry Perryman City of Columbiana Columbiana, AL
Jeff Waters Stillwater Leasing Company Billings, MT
Zack Gradwell City of Troy Troy, AL
Brad Lacey Willow Point Golf & C.C. Alexander City, AL
Gordon Redd Redd Pest Solutions Gulfport, MS
Mark Welterlen PBI-Gordon Kansas City, MO
Andrew Slovensky Craft Farms Golf Gulf Shores, AL Andrew Terrell Claybank Creek T & O Services Ozark, AL Brian Thompson BASF Chelsea, AL Scott Wanzor PBI-Gordon Duluth, GA
Upcoming Events >>>
2009 ATA Turfgrass
ROADSHOW SEMINARS
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
The
Alabama Turfgrass Association will host its popular RoadShow Seminars across Alabama again this winter, with seminars in Birmingham, Dothan, Fairhope, Huntsville and Montgomery — so there’s sure to be one nearby for you to attend. Conducted by experts from Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and industry leaders, these seminars offer a great review of turfgrassmanagement practices. The RoadShow seminars also give ATA members with Turf & Ornamental Pesticide licenses an opportunity to earn re-certification points. As an added benefit to our members with Spanish-speaking employees, ATA will offer a break-out session at our Birmingham seminar designed for these employees. Topics that will be discussed during this session include Turf and Landscape Maintenance Practices, Turf & Landscape Safety and Cultural Questions & Answers. This breakout session will be available only at the Birmingham seminar on January 28th. While the weather allows, we encourage you to bring your crew for a full day of education on the
most common turfgrass topics — the best deal is a $5 discount on five or more attendees from the same company. We look forward to seeing you on the Road!
MONTGOMERY – JANUARY 21
AL Dept. of Ag & Industries Richard Beard Building Auditorium (334) 240-7171
BIRMINGHAM – JANUARY 28
2009 ROADSHOW SCHEDULE 8:00 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Plants Out of Place: An Overview of Common Weeds & Control Practices 9:30 a.m. Pesticide Safety: Here's Your Sign! 10:30 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. Turf Math: Common Calculations
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (205) 414-3950
11:45 a.m. Lunch included with registration
DOTHAN – FEBRUARY 4
12:30 p.m. Environmental Check-Up: How Green are You?
Troy University Dothan Sony Auditorium (334) 983-6556
FAIRHOPE – FEBRUARY 11
Marriott Grand Hotel Lagoon Meeting Room (251) 928-9201
HUNTSVILLE – FEBRUARY 18 Jaycees Building (256) 883-3728
1:30 p.m. Turfgrass Troubleshooting: Identifying Common Problems & Diseases 2:30 p.m. Break 2:45 p.m. Controlling Critters: An Overview of Common Turfgrass Bugs & Grubs 3:45 p.m. Adjournment & Pesticide/CEUs sign-ups
REGISTER TODAY by completing the registration form at the top of the next page! 10
TURFGRASS ROADSHOW | Registration Form Seminar Attending: Montgomery, January 21
Birmingham, January 28
Dothan, February 4
Fairhope, February 11
Huntsville, February 18
Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ City________________________________ State _________ Zip _________ Phone _____________ Email ____________________________ ____ (number of) ATA Members x $40 = . . . . . . . ____ (number of) ATA Non-Members x $50 = . . . ____ Group Discount ($5 per attendee for 5 or . more employees from the same company) ____ Seminar Sponsorship = $150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . (includes exhibit table and registration) ____ Donation to the Alabama Turfgrass . . . . . . Research Foundation
. . . $_______ . . . $_______ . . . $_______
Payment Method:
. . . $_______
Card# _____________________________________________________
. . . $_______
Expiration Date ____________________________________________
TOTAL ENCLOSED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $_______
Check | Money Order | Visa | MasterCard
Signature__________________________________________________
An additional $10 will be charged for on-site registration, please pre-register! QUESTIONS? Call the Alabama Turfgrass Association at (866) 246-4203 (toll free), (334) 821-3000 or visit our website at www.alaturfgrass.org SEND REGISTRATION FORM TO: Alabama Turfgrass Association, Post Office Box 70, Auburn, AL 36831
SOD PRODUCERS FIELD DAY, February 14
The
Midwinter Meeting. TPI and ATA are working together to host two wonderful events in our beautiful state. Attendees and exhibitors can register for ATA’s Field Day and/or the TPI Midwinter Meeting through TPI’s website at www.TurfgrassSod.org. Questions may be directed to ATA at (866) 246-4203 (toll free).
Field Day Schedule of Events Friday, February 13 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Vendor Move-in at Woerner Turf Farm in Bon Secour Saturday, February 14 8:00 a.m. Attendee Registration at Woerner Turf Farm in Bon Secour 9:00 a.m. Field Day Opens
12:00 p.m. Lunch and Presentation Eptam (EPTC) 7 EC: Pre-Plant Application for Warm-Season Sod Production for Weed Control Dr. Harold Walker, Auburn University Dr. Berry Brecke, University of Florida 3:00 p.m. Field Day Closes and Vendor Move-0ut 7:00 p.m. While in town, attend the first Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Fairhope. 11
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 200 9
ATA will host its fourth sod equipment field day at Woerner Turf Farm in Bon Secour, Alabama, on Saturday, February 14 (immediately following the Turfgrass Producers International Midwinter meeting at The Grand Hotel in Pt. Clear, Alabama). Woerner Turf Farm is conveniently located on Highway 12, just minutes from The Grand Hotel and Highway 59 in Baldwin County. Come see the newest sodproduction technology in action! All turf-production companies are encouraged to participate as exhibitors. This is the only event that ATA hosts where demonstrations are conducted on an operating sod farm. Each vendor will be assigned a 50’ x 100’ area for demonstrations. Over-seeded booths are available for harvesters and mower companies. ATA also encourages all sod producer members to show their support for TPI by attending its
Recent Event >>>
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
Wow! According to attendees, ATA’s 2009 Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow was one of the best ever. The educational sessions were informative, timely and beneficial to the members. We also had more exhibitors on hand to share the latest turf products on the market. And the social functions were fun and entertaining. The first day was full of activity. From touring the turfgrass research plots at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Center to touring Jordan-Hare stadium and other athletic fields on campus, members were able to see first-hand the conditions of turfgrass in Auburn. Golfers enjoyed a tournament at Saugahatchee Country Club hosted by the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association (thank you, AGCSA!). Members of the winning team included Scott Crosswhite (TruGreen), Steve Greer (TruGreen), Lee Peacock (Heritage Turf Farms) and Ryne Craig (FarmLinks).
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By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director Congratulations to Skip Lambert, winner of the Sporting Clay Tournament held at White Oak Plantation that afternoon. The windy day ended with the first-ever Welcoming Reception at Saugahatchee Country Club, where members socialized and tournament prizes were awarded. Wednesday was also a busy day at the conference. Starting with the breakfast, attendees heard from all the Auburn University turfgrass researchers on their current projects. ATA held its Business Meeting, voted on the new board of directors and awarded several members with awards. Bill Norrie Jr., CGCS, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. See page 16 for more details on Mr. Norrie. Our President’s Award of Excellence was awarded to two deserving members: Tommy Akridge was awarded the Sports Complex of the Year for his field at Alma Bryant High School, and Randy Spruiell was awarded the Landscape of the Year for his company’s
(Mighty Green Lawn Care) management of Cahaba Center at Grandview’s landscape. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Richard McNider, gave an overview of Alabama’s water resources. That afternoon, attendees visited our exhibitors and heard our Tradeshow Tent Topic presentations. The evening dinner honored our past presidents and wrapped up with a live auction that raised over $9,000 for the Turfgrass Research Center and Ag Heritage Park. The last day was also exciting with 16 educational sessions in 4 different breakouts conducted by experts from all over the Southeast. These sessions proved beneficial, informative and entertaining for all the attendees. We appreciate everyone’s attendance and participation in making this year’s conference a success. Plans are already underway to improve the event for 2009. Be sure to make your plans to attend, October 20–22.
Continued <<< Recent Event
Lee McLemore presents the 2008 Sports Complex of the Year Award to Tommy Akridge (Alma Bryant High School).
Lee McLemore presents the ATA Scholarship Award to Joel Beason, a senior in Auburn University’s turfgrass program.
Lee McLemore presents the ATA’s 2008 donation to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation to Wayne Bassett (ATRF Chairman).
Lee McLemore presents ATA’s 2008 donation to the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Center to Richard Gutherie, Ph.D. (AU’s College of Agriculture Dean).
Lee McLemore acknowledges ATA’s Gold Level Sponsors (left to right): Heath Corwin (Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial), John Roper (Georgia Turf & Tractor), Garry Callahan (Kilpatrick Turf) and Jay Brooks (Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation).
Golf Tournament winners (left to right): Scott Crosswhite, Lee Peacock, Steve Greer and Ryne Craig.
James Bartley (far left) presents prizes to the Sporting Clay Winners (left to right): Bill Carraway and Keith Walker (not pictured: Skip Lambert and David Thurman). 13
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 200 9
Lee McLemore (2008 ATA President) presents the 2008 Landscape of the Year Award to Randy Spruiell (Mighty Green Lawn Care).
Recent Event >>> Continued
THANK YOU to Our
Tradeshow Exhibitors!
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
Agri-AFC, LLC Bayer Environmental Science Bel-Air Turf Products, LLC BWI Companies Champion Turf Cleary Chemical Double C Services Dow AgroSciences DuPont Professional Products Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial FMC
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g2 turftools Georgia Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Keeling Company Kilpatrick Turf Monsanto Organic Growing Systems Pennington Seed Regal Chemical Company
Rhyne’s Select Turf Sod Solutions Southern States Turf Sports Transportation, LLC Stillwater Leasing Company, Inc. Stovall & Company, Inc. Sur-Line Turf Syngenta Terra Nova Turf Products The Turfgrass Group, Inc. Trimax Mowing Systems Valent USA
Continued <<< Recent Event
THANK YOU to Our
Conference Sponsors! Membership Appreciation Dinner
Kilpatrick Turf Welcoming Reception
Beard Equipment Company Georgia Turf & Tractor Research Breakfast
Agrium Advanced Technologies Tradeshow Luncheon
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Breaks
Bayer Environmental Science The Gowan Company Sporting Clay Tournament
Bayer Environmental Science DuPont Professional Products Syngenta Golf Tournament
15
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2009
Agri-AFC, LLC Agrium Advanced Technologies Bayer Environmental Science Bel-Air Turf Products, LLC DuPont Professional Products Ewing Irrigation, Golf & Industrial E-Z-Go Textron FMC Harrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Inc. Hendrix & Dail Humphries Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Jesco Products-Pinhigh Compound John Deere Landscapes Kilpatrick Turf NaturChem Organic Growing Systems Southeast Turf Maintenance Stillwater Leasing Company Syngenta
ATA Member Spotlight >>>
By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
Not
many organizations over 40+ years old have founding members still involved with their association. That is not the case with the Alabama Turfgrass Association. William “Bill” Norrie Jr., CGCS, is still among our members and vividly remembers his days of forming our association. Bill and several other turfgrass managers were pioneers in the late 1950s. Realizing the need for turfgrass managers to further their education on turfgrassmanagement practices, they had a vision to form an organization to achieve this goal and, in turn, unite the turf managers and industry as a whole. Those were the reasons and goals when the Alabama Turfgrass Association was formed in 1960. At the time, Bill was working as the golf course superintendent at Scenic Hills Golf Course in Pensacola, FL. In 1962, Bill served as ATA’s third president. While at Scenic Hills, Bill also led the way to earning a Certified Golf Course Superintendents designation. This was a new program with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and Bill was certified just two years after the program was established. Today, this designation is highly coveted, as it proves a superintendent’s knowledge, ability and marketability. Bill eventually left the Sunshine State for Alabama the Beautiful. Moving to Fairhope, he took the position of golf course superintendent and head grounds manager for Lakewood Golf Course at The Grand Hotel in Pt. Clear. As many ATA members know, this is an amazing job in itself. This golf course features 36 of the most amazing golf holes, and the hotel grounds are a horticulturist’s dream, complete with ponds, manicured lawns, a cemetery and the biggest live oaks in Alabama. At home at this course, Bill stayed there for twenty years until he retired in 1998. But Bill wasn’t completely ready to retire. He immediately formed Nor-Care, Inc., a lawncare company, to stay active in the industry he loved so much. He eventually retired permanently in 2004. Bill, who is now 71 years young, still lives in Fairhope with his wife, Susan. The Alabama Turfgrass Association recently honored Bill with its highest award, the ATA Lifetime Achievement Award, at the 2008 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow. We can’t imagine anyone more deserving than Bill for this prestigious award. All ATA members owe him their gratitude for his vision and commitment to our great industry and association. Thank you, Bill!
Left: Bill Norrie (far right) with friends at The Grand Hotel marina in Pt. Clear, AL (several decades ago!).
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Applied Research >>>
By Wayne Hanna, Ph.D., and Kris Braman, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
A
cosmopolitan grass, bermudagrass will grow in many different environments around the world. It tolerates broad ranges in soil fertility, soil pH, soil texture, temperatures, etc. However, one weakness is that it does not usually thrive in shade. Bermudagrass likes light — at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day — to produce healthy turf. The quality of sunlight that a plant receives can be affected by a number of factors, such as age and species of trees, direction(s) of the shade, time(s) of day of the shade, clouds, etc. For a number of years, we have been identifying shade-tolerant bermudagrasses. By “shade tolerant,” we mean that we have found grasses that require less light to produce a desirable or acceptable turf than most bermudagrasses. The grasses we have selected performed well when they received only 40% of the light needed for plant growth, compared with plants requiring full sunlight. We have three of the best shade (60% continuous) resistant hybrids in replicated advanced tests since 2003. One hybrid, ST-5 (originally tested as Tift #4), has performed well under shade (Table 1) and non-
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shade conditions in our plots at Tifton, GA, and at 22 locations (Table 2) across the southern half of the U.S. in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Trials (NTEP) since 2003 (non-shade). ST-5 is a darkgreen and dense triploid hybrid that was originally selected for its high tolerance to tawny mole cricket damage. However, we found that ST-5 also performs well under lower light conditions. In replicated plots under a shade regime, ST-5 continues to perform well today. In the 0.5"-0.65" mowed height non-shade tests of the NTEP trials (mean of 11 states), ST-5 rated 6.8, behind Tifway (7.1) and TifSport (7.0), with an LSD=0.2 (needs to be at least this much difference between cultivars to be significant). In the 0.75"-1.0" mowed height nonshade NTEP trials (11 states), ST-5 rated 6.1 behind TifSport (6.4), Tifway (6.3) and Patriot (6.2), with an LSD=0.3. Table 2 shows the performance of ST-5 by regions. It has performed well in all areas of the U.S. where it was tested and was in the top 25% of the entries 65% of the time. ST-5 has performed well in a shaded lawn in Roswell and Augusta, GA, since 2003 where it is
mowed at 1.5" height weekly (with clippings removed) and receives 3 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. yearly. It has not needed dethatching, and it produces only a few seed heads under these shade conditions (as well as in our shade tests at Tifton). This hybrid tends to produce more-than-desirable seed-head numbers in June under non-shade conditions. ST-5 has been planted in low-light areas on golf courses in GA, AL and NC. We have received positive reports from golf course locations where ST-5 has been growing. Why is ST-5 shade resistant? It appears that its dark green color and its density allow it to produce an acceptable turf under lower light conditions. If low-light conditions thin traditional cultivars, ST-5 will produce a desirable turf. If low light completely kills the traditional cultivars, ST-5 will probably produce a thinner, yet acceptable turf. The fact that ST-5 is able to maintain a stand of grass (even though thinner) under very heavy shade is an advantage, in that it stabilizes the soil and reduces erosion. ST-5 has applications where traditional bermudagrass cultivars
Continued <<< Applied Research
After 5 years in shade on lawn in Roswell, GA
are used, yet where light is limiting. We tentatively plan for ST-5 to be available in 2010 (some may be available at the end of 2009). It will only be available as certified grass. For more information, contact Wayne Hanna at whanna@uga.edu. Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Parts of this article have been previously published in other trade magazines.
After 4 years in shade on rough at the Country Club of Mobile
Table 1. Turf quality ratings (9 = best) on shade-resistant (ST) bermudagrasses after two years of 60% continuous shade at Tifton, GA.
ENTRY
TEST 2
TEST 3
TEST 4
ST-3
7.3
7.5
8.1
ST-5 (Tift No. 4)
7.8
7.3
8.6
ST-7
7.5
6.5
8.1
Tifway
5.3
4.1
4.8
TifSport
6.0
3.6
5.0
LSD-5%
1.1
1.1
1.0
Table 2. Rank[Rating(9=best)] for Turf Quality in NTEP Trials (2005)
TZ (9)
SE (8)
SW (5)
OVERALL
% TIME IN TOP 25%
TifSport
2 (6.7)
1 (6.9)
1 (6.4)
1 (6.7)
91%
Tifway
2 (6.7)
1 (6.9)
2 (6.3)
2 (6.6)
78%
Patriot
1 (6.8)
4 (6.2)
5 (5.7)
4 (6.3)
56%
ST-5 (Tift No. 4)
4 (6.4)
2 (6.8)
3 (6.1)
3 (6.5)
65%
Lowest Rated
13 (5.0)
13 (5.7)
13 (5.6)
13 (5.4)
13%
LSD-5%
(0.3)
(0.3)
(0.3)
(0.2) 19
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 200 9
Renowned turfgrass scientist Wayne Hanna, Ph.D., from the University of Georgia, presented an update on his research to identify shade-tolerant bermudagrass at the 2008 ATA Annual Conference.
ENTRY
Pest Profile >>>
A New Grub in the South…
ASIATIC GARDEN BEETLE By David W. Held, Assistant Professor of Entomology, Auburn University
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
Photo 1. The AGB grub has a distinctive raster pattern.
Photo 2. AGB grubs also have enlarged bulbous stipes on the maxillae. 20
W
hite grubs are among the most important group of pests attacking grasses in landscapes and pastures. In southeastern states, grubs of Phyllophaga, masked chafers, green June beetles and Japanese beetles are traditionally associated with damaged turfgrass. Introduced and native species may be expanding their range into or throughout the Southeast, potentially explaining why some suggest that grubs are on the rise in the South. This was certainly going through my mind when I found grubs of the Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera castanea), an exotic species, in damaged turfgrass in Auburn in October. Asiatic garden beetles (AGB), native to China and Japan, were first detected in New Jersey in 1921. They have since spread to most of the northeastern states, west to Indiana and to isolated parts of North and South Carolina. All known biological information presented here is based on only a few reports of AGB in the northeastern states. Adults are nocturnal, emerging when night temperatures are 65°F – 70°F and actively flying when temperatures are above 70°F. Adult flight begins in late June and can last into the fall. At night, adults are attracted to lights, and light traps are the suggested means of trapping them. Adult AGB feed on the foliage or flowers of 100 or more landscape hosts and sparingly on grass blades. Damage by adults to ornamental plants can be misdiagnosed, since the damage appears overnight and adults are rarely observed. Damage to foliage begins from the edges, progressing inward until only the midvein remains. Adults seem to prefer the flowers of roses, chrysanthemums, dahlia, sunflower, strawflowers and zinnias. Even though adult damage can be extensive when present, adults are considered only minor pests of ornamentals in the Northeast.
In daylight hours, adults are in the soil near host plants or in turf adjacent to these host plants. Beginning in July, females lay eggs in clusters in the soil and seem to prefer weedy patches of turf that are well irrigated. The eggs absorb moisture from the soil, swell and then hatch similarly to other white grubs. Newly emerged grubs are 1/16” long and develop to 3/4” when mature in mid-October. Grubs are distinguished from other scarabs by a distinctive raster pattern (see Photo 1) and enlarged bulbous stipes (Photo 2) on the maxillae. In the Northeast, there is one generation per year.
New to Alabama This is the southernmost report of Asiatic garden beetle in the United States. Recent beetle-trapping studies in Alabama and Florida did not detect AGB. The Alabama study was conducted within 30 miles of the site where I found the AGB grubs in Auburn. Infested nursery stock or turfgrass is the most likely means to transport AGB grubs. Grubs may not have been previously detected because they typically occur deeper in the soil than other pest grubs.
What does it mean to you? Only time and further research will tell if AGB will be important pests of turf and ornamentals in the South. It is likely that AGB will have two generations in the South. In Auburn, there are more than 200 nights a year when AGB adults could fly. In the Northeast, Merit (imidacloprid), Allectus (imidacloprid and bifenthrin) applied at high label rates, Aloft (clothianidin) and Acelypryn (chlorantraniprole) provide 90100% control of AGB grubs when applied between June and August. Grubs of AGB are insensitive to halofenozide (Mach2). Fortunately, most grubicides will be effective if AGB becomes a problem in the south.
<<< Feature Topic
Understanding
WATER RIGHTS By James E. Horton Jr., Birmingham Botanical Gardens
It
to land ownership and can be sold or mortgaged like property. The first person to use a quantity of water from a water source for a beneficial use (i.e., agricultural, industrial or household) has the right to continue to use that quantity of water for that purpose. The federal government spent billions of dollars on western water projects for agriculture. In addition, transportation via rivers and highways was made possible through dams and interstates built, in large part, by the federal government. The end result of these western irrigated agriculture and transportation improvements was a substantial decrease in agricultural output in the eastern U.S. from 1950-1990. Alabama’s agricultural decline since 1950 mirrors the agricultural increase of western states as their water projects came on line. Western agriculture dominated. The next 50 years, however, may be much different than the last 50 years. New pressures are now forcing a cost accounting for western irrigated agriculture. In the long term, many observers feel this desert agriculture is not sustainable. During the 20th century, we saw water move to agriculture; during the 21st century, many believe it’s time to move agriculture back to water. 21
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2009
is clear that the Alabama Turfgrass Association needs to remain committed to the current Water Policy and Management proceedings in Montgomery. When attending these meetings, you hear statements such as “Water is energy,” “Water is the oil of the 21st century,” “Water is power” and “Water is life.” Each statement can be interpreted in different ways, but the bottom line is that everyone’s life and career have a direct, daily connection to water, and ATA members are no exception. Water is the life of our businesses, literally; without adequate water supplies, our jobs would be seriously affected or cease to exist. Understanding water issues in today’s United States begins with understanding water rights. In the eastern U.S., Riparian Water Rights exist. Under the riparian principle, all landowners whose property is adjacent to a body of water have the right to make reasonable use of it. If there is not enough water to satisfy all users, allotments are generally fixed in proportion to frontage on the water source. These rights cannot be sold or transferred out of the watershed. In the western U.S., water rights are generally allocated under Prior Appropriation Water Rights. The general principle of prior appropriation is that water rights are unconnected
Calendar of Events >>>
January 13–17
February 9–14
March 30
20th Annual STMA Conference & Exposition (Sports Turf Managers Assn.) San José, CA
TPI Midwinter Conference (Turfgrass Producers Intl.) Point Clear, AL
Mole Cricket Classic Lakewood Golf Course Pt. Clear, AL
February 11
April 20
ATA RoadShow Seminar The Grand Hotel Fair Hope, AL
Poa Annua Classic FarmLinks Golf Club Sylacauga, AL
January 28
February 14
Late Spring / TBA
ATA RoadShow Seminar Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham, AL
Alabama Sod Field Day (immediately after the TPI Midwinter Conference) Woerner Turf Farms Bon Secour, AL
New Beginnings — Sports Field Renovation Summerdale, AL
January 21 ATA RoadShow Seminar AL Dept. of Ag., Richard Beard Bldg. Montgomery, AL
February 2–7 GCSAA Education Conference & Golf Industry Show New Orleans, LA
February 4 ATA RoadShow Seminar Troy University at Dothan Dothan, AL
February 18 ATA RoadShow Seminar Jaycees Community Building Huntsville, AL
October 20–22 2009 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
Index of Advertisers >>> AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com . . Inside Front Cover Bel-Air Turf www.belairturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dupont Professional Products www2.dupont.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ewing Irrigation www.ewing1.com . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Hendrix & Dail www.hendrixanddail.com . . . . . . . . . . 22 Humphries Farm Turf Supply www.humphriesturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Huntsville Tractor & Equipment www.huntsvilletractor.com . . . . . . . . . . 5 Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com . Inside Back Cover
Alabama Turf Times >>> Wi n t e r 2 009
The Kilpatrick Company www.kilpatrickco.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Peerless Manufacturing Company www.peerlessmfg.cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sur-Line Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Trebro Manufacturing www.trebro.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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