Fall 2010
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Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
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www.AlaTurfgrass.org
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Upcoming Event —
Program Preview of the 2010 Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow... “Growing Together” October 19–21, 2010 Turf Talk —
Help Prevent Cold-Weather Damage on Turf ATA Member Spotlight —
Tom Wolf, Coosa Valley Turf Farms Turf Tips—
Use Pesticides Correctly Recent Event—
Auburn University Turfgrass Field Day Applied Research—
Herbicide Pre-Mixes Simplify Weed Control News from AU—
Keeping Up with Turfgrass Management at AU
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From the President’s Pen
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ATA Annual Sponsors
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News from ATA
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ATRF Update
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Calendar of Events
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Advertiser Index
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 © 2010 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 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 >>> Jeff Oelmann, CGCS
HELP US GROW TOGETHER!
As
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
I write my last message as president, I am reflecting on the struggles that challenge our daily routines. As turfgrass managers, we have been forced to do more with less, while making it seem as though it’s business as usual. During my year as president, I visited several ATA members — at golf courses, sports fields and sod farms — and I am proud to say that I have been impressed with everyone’s accomplishments, considering our financial environment. In times like these, we realize how creative we can be with tight budgets, and our talents really start to surface. I am proud to also report that ATA has also operated on a slimmer budget. We have scaled down everywhere possible and were successful in hosting profitable events this year. We are thankful for our members who support our events, and we hope that everyone attends the Annual Conference & Tradeshow this year. This event funds close to 50% of our operating budget, so it is very important for it to be a success. We need YOU to keep us growing, and in return, we hope the educational sessions, contacts and networking opportunities at the conference help you to grow in your profession, hence the 2010 conference theme: Growing Together. We have planned an amazing conference this year, with interesting sessions and outstanding speakers. The biggest change this year is the location of the
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Membership Dinner and Auction, which will be held at the host hotel in an effort to encourage more attendance. We have a big goal of raising $10,000 with our auction so that we can increase our scholarship and purchase some much-needed equipment for the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit. The equipment and irrigation system at our state’s only research center is over 10 years old, and repairs are taking up valuable time. They need our help. Please donate and buy an item at the auction — you are guaranteed to get a deal! In closing, I would like to thank all of ATA’s directors for their support and encouragement this year. I couldn’t have done it without them. The ATA Board is a remarkable group of professionals who have dedicated their time and energy to making our association the best it can be. I am leaving the association in great hands, and I know the new leadership will continue to take ATA in an upward direction. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I am truly honored to have fulfilled this responsibility. I hope to see you all in Auburn at the 2010 conference.
Jeff Oelmann, CGCS 2010 ATA President
2010 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 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 Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2010 Executive Committee President Jeff Oelmann, CGCS
The companies listed here support the ATA and its members. Please keep them in mind when making your purchasing decisions.
GOLD
BRONZE
Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Golf Ventures West Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Agromax BASF Bayer Environmental Science DuPont Professional Products Harrell’s, Inc. Hugghins Sod Farms, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Southern States Valent Professional Products
SILVER Agrium Advanced Technologies Ewing John Deere Landscapes Syngenta T&O Products
Grand National Golf Course
Vice President Tom Wolf Coosa Valley Turf Farms
Treasurer James Bartley Southern Lawns
Past President Pat White SouthernTurfCare, Inc.
2010 Board of Directors Kim Byram Blackjack Horticulture
John Carter Carter Sod Farm
Jason Cooper Birmingham Southern College
Bobby Farley Golf Ventures West
Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley
Scott Herron Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Jeff Lee, CGCS Valley Hill Country Club Murphy Turf & Ornamental
Paul Patterson University of Alabama at Huntsville
2010 Education Advisors Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University
David Hubbard Alabama Cooperative Extension System 7
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 2010
Richard Murphy
News from ATA >>>
AUCTION
DONATIONS NEEDED to Help Support
TURFGRASS RESEARCH!
of the biggest highlights of ATA’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow is our live auction, this year to be held at the Membership Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, October 20th. In an effort to get more attendees at the auction, we are hosting the event at the host hotel, the Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center. To make this event another success, we encourage every member to donate an item. If you or your company doesn’t have anything to donate, ask a local business or vendor for an item. This auction allows ATA to support turfgrass research by donating equipment to the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit, and it also helps fund our annual scholarship. Please help us continue our tradition of supporting our industry — donate an item today! Popular items include hunting trips, golf packages, sports equipment, lawn equipment, tickets to sporting events, loads of sod and anything unique! Big or small — it will help us make our goal! You may send your item(s) to the ATA office, or bring it with you to the Annual Conference. If you have a big item that needs to be picked up, please let the ATA office know, and we will make those arrangements.
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Alabama Turfgrass Association
2011 SLATE OF OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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oting on the positions listed below will be held at the ATA Business Meeting during the Annual Conference, on Wednesday, October 20, at 9:00 a.m. (at the Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center). Please be sure to attend this important meeting to vote on your ATA leaders for next year.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
(1-year terms) President Tom Wolf, Coosa Valley Turf Farms Vice President James Bartley, Southern Lawns Treasurer Glenn Hedden, Town of Loxley
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Past President Jeff Oelmann, CGCS, Grand National Golf Course
Institution Jason Cooper, Birmingham Southern College (2 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lawn Care Kim Byram, Blackjack Horticulture (1 year)
At Large Jeff Hill, Cullman Golf Course (2 years) Craig Jones, Alabama Lawns (1 year) Scott Heron, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation (1 year) Golf Jeremy Sutton, Montgomery Country Club (2 years) Industry Bobby Farley, Golf Ventures West (1 year)
Park & Recreation Raymond Sexton, City of Troy (2 years) Sod John Carter, Carter Sod Farm (1 year) Ex Officio/Education Advisors Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University Jim Jacobi, PhD, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
Upcoming Event >>>
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CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS Tuesday, October 19 PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES Golf Tournament at Auburn University Club ATA is proud to host the conference golf tournament at the Auburn University Golf Club. The tournament will include a box lunch, two drink tickets, two mulligans and tournament prizes. Golfers should register at the course at 12:00 noon; tee off will be at 12:30 p.m. The registration fee for this event is $75. Auburn University Sports Field Tour If you’re not playing golf, join your fellow ATA members for a tour of the Auburn University sports fields. Eric Kleypas, Auburn’s sports-turf manager, will lead the tour, which will include Jordan Hare Stadium, Plainsman Park and the practice fields. There is no charge for this event, but you must register, as space is limited. For this exclusive tour, meet Eric at the front entrance of Jordan Hare Stadium at 2 p.m. Park at the AU Hotel or at Ham Wilson Arena, and walk to the corner of Donahue Drive and Roosevelt Drive (two blocks from either parking lot), since parking on campus is limited. Welcoming Reception ATA will host a welcoming reception for all attendees at the Auburn University Golf Course Clubhouse from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to meet and greet all the conference attendees. During the reception, the winners of the golf tournament will be announced. There is no cost for this event; however, you do need to register for it. After the reception, the evening is open for dinner on your own.
Wednesday, October 20
Membership Appreciation Dinner & Auction ATA is bringing back the Membership Appreciation Dinner and Auction at a new location — the host hotel, Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center. Although the venue is new, the fun will remain! Be sure to bring your checkbooks — the auction is sure to provide great deals on turfgrass products, trips, sports equipment, etc. Funds raised at the auction will benefit turfgrass research unit and our scholarship. We encourage everyone to please donate an item to the auction. Popular items include turfgrass products, trips, sporting equipment, lawn equipment, tickets to events and golf packages. There is a registration fee of $30 for this event.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Tuesday, October 19 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration at Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Vendor Move-in at Ham Wilson Arena. 12 p.m. Golf Tournament at Auburn University Golf Club. 2 p.m. Auburn University Sports Field Walking Tour at Jordan Hare Stadium. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Welcome Reception at the Auburn University Golf Club. Sponsored by Beard Equipment Company & Greenville Turf & Tractor. Dinner on your own.
Wednesday, October 20 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Auburn University Research Update Breakfast at AU Hotel & Conference Center. Moderator: Dave Han, Ph.D. Harold Walker, Ph.D. Scott McElroy, Ph.D. Edzard vanSanten, Ph.D. David Held, Ph.D. 9 a.m. ATA Business Meeting.
10 a.m. Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks by William Batchelor, Ph.D., Dean of Auburn University College of Agriculture. 10:15 a.m. Alabama Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Division Update from Tony Cofer, Division Director. 10:30 a.m. Keynote Presentation: “Carlton’s Court,” by Carlton Layne, Consultant. Carlton will put us on trial for allegations of unlawful actions against pesticide regulations and standards. View pesticide regulations from inside a courtroom in a comical manner. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tradeshow at Ham Wilson Arena. Turf ID Contest during tradeshow; winner will be awarded at dinner. 12:30 p.m. Lunch at Tradeshow in Ham Wilson Arena. Lunch sponsored by Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation. 1 p.m. Vendor Spotlight: Exhibitors will discuss new products. 2 p.m. Sprayer Calibration: Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University. 4 p.m. Vendor Move-Out at Ham Wilson Arena. 6 p.m. Membership Appreciation Dinner & Auction at Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center. Dinner sponsored by Golf Ventures West, drinks sponsored by Aquatrols.
Thursday, October 21 7 a.m. ATRF Business Meeting at AU Hotel & Conference Center. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Breakout Sessions at AU Hotel & Conference Center (45-minute sessions with 15-minute breaks).
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Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 2010
Turfgrass Product & Equipment Tradeshow The ATA Tradeshow will return to the Ham Wilson Arena from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Equipment vendors will be located in the field behind the Arena. The tradeshow will feature products and equipment specialized for turfgrass industry professionals. ATA will also have a $250 cash drawing for attendees who visit all the tradeshow exhibitors. A box lunch will be provided for attendees to eat a
casual meal in the arena. The tradeshow and lunch are included in attendees’ conference registration. If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact the ATA office at 334821-3000 for an exhibitor packet.
Upcoming Event >>> C o n f e r e n c e & T r a d e s h o w
Thursday Breakout Sessions at AU Hotel & Conference Center TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
8 a.m.
Winter Kill – How to Minimize Damage Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University This timely session will review management practices that will minimize damage to your turf this winter.
Bugs, Grubs & Mole Cricket Management David Held, Ph.D., Auburn University Learn the biology, characteristics and the latest effective control practices of these common pests.
Turfgrass & Water Management Grady Miller, Ph.D., NC State Univ. Attendees will become aware of water issues facing turfgrass managers and the importance of water-source selection, irrigation-system design, smart controller technology, irrigation-performance evaluation and water-conservation practices.
9 a.m.
Managing Turfgrass Traffic Grady Mlller, Ph.D., NC State Univ. Learn how-to minimize damage caused by traffic. This session will review turfgrass selection and traffic-avoidance ideas, as well as strategies to overcome the effects of traffic stress.
New & Improved Herbicides? Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University This session will discuss the new herbicides on the market, including pre-emergent herbicides and potential alternatives to replace atrazine and MSMA.
Top 10 Ways to Make Sure Your Sod Fails Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University Why does newly laid sod fail? Learn the top 10 reasons for this occurrence and how to prevent it.
What Happened Here? Photo Quiz of Turfgrass Problems and Detection John Mascaro, Turf-Tech 10 a.m. A fun, interactive live version of the Photo Quiz article found in Sports Turf Magazine and Golf Course Management, showing a turfgrass problem with the answer of what caused the problem.
Nematode Management Lee Simmons, Ph.D., Auburn University Learn the various types of nematodes affecting turf in Alabama, as well as how to diagnose a nematode problem and then effectively manage it.
Proper Pruning & Training of Trees & Shrubs Tony Glover, ACES Learn proper training of young trees to avoid maintenance headaches and to increase safety, including the critical questions of how much to cut (pruning dose) and how often should it be done (pruning cycle).
Virtual Turfgrass Tools Dana Sullivan, TurfScout Sensing technology is the new method in turf 11 a.m. management. Learn how this sensor-mapping technique will improve turf color, soil water content and turf density.
2010 Disease Problems & Prevention for 2011 Jim Jacobi, Ph.D., ACES Learn the biggest disease problems that turfgrass managers faced this year, plus techniques to prevent these diseases and control an outbreak next year.
The History of Aerification – The “Hole” Story John Mascaro, Turf-Tech The story of the aerifier and why aerification is one of the most important cultural practices you can conduct on turf.
12 p.m. Conference Adjournments & CEU sign-ups.
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PEST MANAGEMENT
C o n t i n u e d <<< Cover Story
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 2010
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Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
Turf Talk >>>
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By Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University winter of 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2010 was a memorable one for all the wrong reasons. Unusually cold weather led to a rash of cold damage throughout the state. Damage varied from the loss of a few exposed areas to, in some cases, entire lawns, putting greens or sports fields. While last winter was unusual, it was not unprecedented, and it highlighted the concerns that we all should keep in mind during the winter months. It can be tempting to ignore dormant turf, but even though warm-season grasses are dormant during the winter, they are still alive, and it is important to remember that they are still susceptible to injury from the environment or bad management practices.
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Conversely, a flooded area that is then subjected to freezing also produces very damaging circumstances for turf. Be sure not to over-water, and be aware that if wet weather is followed by a drastic drop in temperatures, problems are likely to follow. Putting traffic on frozen turf, or on turf atop frozen soil, is also a recipe for disaster. Be sure to allow turf to thaw fully before allowing any play or maintenance activities. In shady areas, this could take well into afternoon. Golf courses face special challenges (especially on bermudagrass putting greens) during cold weather. Investing in covers for greens will greatly increase their ability to withstand winter conditions undamaged. Many bermudagrass greens in the state were covered for 20 to 30 nights last winter. Covering dormant bermudagrass greens when the temperature drops into the 20s significantly improves their survival. Be sure to secure the covers well so that they do not blow off or flap in the wind. Also, be sure to remove the covers as soon as possible. Moisture accumulating under covers as the sun hits greens and warms them up can make for ideal conditions for a variety of fungal diseases. Researchers have studied the relationship between potassium fertilization and winter survival in turfgrass for many years. The bulk of this research has been done with cool-season grasses, especially bentgrass, bluegrass and ryegrass. The research definitely shows that grasses that are deficient in potassium have worse cold tolerance than grasses with sufficient
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Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 2010
By far, the worst damage occurred to turf that was under some other kind of stress. For example, the damage to bermudagrass putting greens on most golf courses was much worse than to bermudagrass fairways. It is a clichĂŠ in the turf industry that putting greens are under stress by definition, and this winter really showed the truth in that clichĂŠ. It is amazing what a difference of less than one inch in mowing height makes during a severe winter, especially for those golf courses without the ability to cover their greens during cold nights. Lawns afflicted with shade issues, compacted soil, areas with poor drainage or areas that are prone to drying out also suffered this winter. It is important to remember that a healthy turf is the first line of defense against winter damage, just as much as against weed or disease problems. Most winterkill issues in turf result not just from low temperatures, but from a combination of factors. Obviously, cold plays a major role, but the other major factor in winter damage is water. Even while they are dormant, warmseason grasses are susceptible to damage if they dry out excessively during the winter. Low humidity and cold, dry winter winds can damage turf even more than low temperatures. Although our southeastern winters usually provide enough rain and snow that this is not usually a major problem for us, in some years, irrigation will be needed to prevent excessive drying of the turf while it is dormant.
Turf Talk >>> C o n t i n u e d
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
levels of K. Of the warm-season turfgrasses, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass have been studied the most. Centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass are thought to behave similarly. However, there is little evidence that applying massive amounts of potassium beyond sufficiency does any additional good. Routine potash fertilization in the fall may not be needed if a balanced
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approach to fertilizer is taken all season long. The best way I know to tell whether K is sufficient is a soil test. Do this in the summer, when there is still time to apply potash before winter if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed. My standard recommendation for N fertilization is to not apply nitrogen to warm-season turf in the fall. For Alabama (except coastal areas), that
means no N after September. In the past few years, however, research has shown that bermudagrass fertilized in the late fall with small amounts of N (1/2 lb. N/1,000 square feet every three weeks) did not have worse cold tolerance than controls, and the extra N helped with fall color retention. So it may be that small amounts of N in the fall on bermudagrass are OK, but I still would not advise dumping large amounts of N onto warm-season turf in the fall. Turf that has been overseeded does not survive winter as well as healthy, dormant non-overseeded turf. Overseeding robs the underlying warm-season grass of sunlight and nutrients during the last month or two of the growing season and also delays spring green-up and recovery. While overseeding can have its benefits, it is a very situational management practice. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to maintain highquality turf in many situations without overseeding, and I generally recommend overseeding only in cases where there is a lot of traffic on the dormant turf (for example, on baseball, soccer and softball fields and some football fields). Even most golf course superintendents find that they can maintain a highquality putting surface with dormant bermudagrass greens in the winter. The cosmetic benefits of overseeding greens should be weighed carefully against the management headaches, to determine whether overseeding is really worth it. Many turf managers use nonselective herbicides such as Roundup or other products containing glyphosate to control winter weeds in dormant turf. This can be a cheap and effective way to deal with a wide variety of weeds. Be careful, though, when doing this. Remember that dormant-appearing grass isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always completely dormant, and any herbicide that falls onto green stems or other green tissue hidden beneath the canopy can and will be absorbed by the grass. Do not over-apply herbicides on dormant turf. One way to get in trouble quickly is to spot spray heavily. Spray only as much as is needed to wet weeds, in order to minimize runoff that can work down into the grass canopy.
Member Spotlight >>> T o m W o l f
By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
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nlike many Alabama farmers, Tom Wolf did not grow up here or even in the South. Born at the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, Michigan, Tom was raised on a farm in Roanoke, Indiana, where he first experienced working on a sod farm. In 1984, he moved with his wife Sandi to Atlanta, where they owned a landscaping business. Wanting to get back into sod farming, they bought a farm in Centre, Alabama, in 1986; after planting bermudagrass in spring 1987, they harvested their first crop later that fall. Twenty-three years later, Tom grows eight turfgrass varieties at Coosa Valley Turf Farms: ‘TifGrand’ bermudagrass, ‘TifSport’ bermudagrass, ‘TifWay’ bermudagrass, ‘TifBlair’ centipedegrass, ‘Zeon’ zoysiagrass, ‘Jamur’ zoysiagrass, bluegrass and fescue. His 700-acre farm includes 400 acres of sod and 300 acres of row crops. Married for 27 years, Tom and Sandi have two sons, Jacob (14) and Eli (12). Tom serves as a deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church and also works with the Carpenter’s for Christ mission. His favorite advice he was ever given is, “God, family, church, then everything else.” If you know Tom, you would know that he lives by this principle. Tom is very dedicated to his profession and the turf industry. He has been a member of ATA since 1988 and has served on the ATA board of directors for three years, now leading into the presidency in October. Tom also served as the chairman of the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation, where he continues to serve on their board of trustees. He is also an active member of the Turfgrass Producers International. Tom is a very humble man; when asked if he had anyone he would like to thank for his success, his response was his family (for all their sacrifices for the time he spends on the farm), his employees (because no one can do it all by themselves) and to his dad (who helped him get started and worked with him for the first 10 years). Tom, we are honored to have you as our incoming president. We know you will have the association’s best interest in every decision, and we know your family and employees will be very proud of you… just like the 489 members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association.
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<<< Turf Tips
By Tony L. Cofer, Division Director, Pesticide Management, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
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The label on a pesticide package or container and the accompanying instructions are a key part of pesticide regulation. The label provides critical information about how to handle and safely use the pesticide product and to avoid harm to human health and the environment. It has been said that, "The label is the law." This means that using a pesticide in a manner that is inconsistent with the use directions on the label is a violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and can result in enforcement actions. Any use not indicated on the label is prohibited, including using products on crops that are not listed on the label. The information found on the label has passed strict government requirements. The label itself, not just the pesticide product, must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the ADAI before it is used. EPA reviews and approves each statement that is on the label. The pesticide and the label are registered by EPA and ADAI only when the applicators, consumers and the environment will be protected. Getting a single pesticide ready for registration can take seven to nine years and usually costs the chemical company $20–$40 million dollars. Surely if it costs that much, the label is worth reading! The liability involved in the misapplication of pesticides can be costly. Regulatory penalties, damage or loss of your turf, lawsuits from homeowners or your own workers, and the loss of the reputation of your industry can be devastating to the livehood of an individual business or the industry as a whole. Using the right product on the right crop at the right rate helps protect you, your workers and your business.
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Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 2010
was the farm manager's worst nightmare. Upon inspecting a recently treated field, the sight of severely damaged turfgrass was unnerving. As he walked out of the field, all he could think was, “What could have possibly happened to this grass?” Returning to the farm's main shop, the manager pulled a copy of the pesticide's label out of the file and carefully reviewed it. Then, after talking with the employee who made the pesticide application, the answer was apparent. The pesticide was applied at the incorrect rate; in fact, it was applied at twice the rate suggested by the label. The employee explained that last season when he applied this same product, there was no injury. Why? In order to save money on the cost of shipping the product to retail agrichemical dealers, the pesticide's manufacturer had doubled the amount of active ingredient contained in the product's new formulation. If only the manager and employee had reviewed the content of the new label — most importantly, the Directions for Use section — there would likely have been no crop injury. Besides unacceptable crop injury or death, illegal residues can be created by misapplication of pesticides, and such misuses are subject to regulatory action because of off-label use. Unfortunately, these are common mistakes that occur with dramatic effects. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) regulates and enforces the sale and use of pesticides. ADAI regulates pesticides and pesticide use by certifying pesticide applicators, licensing companies and enforcing the pesticide-labeling requirements.
Recent Event >>>
April Fool’s Day is No Joke at the
Auburn Research Unit
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
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urfgrass managers and researchers from Alabama and across the Southeast gathered at the Auburn University’s Turfgrass Research Unit on April Fools Day. It was not a joke — just a great opportunity to see all the research that the university is conducting. Attendees viewed, first-hand, research conducted by Jason Belcher, Beth Guertal, Scott McElroy, Edzard van Santen and Harold Walker. Turfgrass research field days are important to our industry, as evident by the large number of superintendents, lawncare professionals, sod producers, landscapers and sports-field managers who were in attendance. Field days educate turfgrass managers on what products will be coming out in the near future and what their benefits are, and the events allow you to see how a product compares with other products. We greatly appreciate the research that Auburn University’s Turfgrass Management Team is doing. Don’t be foolish and miss this great opportunity next year! Make plans to attend the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Field Day on April 13, 2011.
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Applied Research >>>
HERBICIDE PRE-MIXES SIMPLIFY WEED CONTROL By Hunter Perry and Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
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ntil now, turfgrass managers have had few herbicide options that provide a broad spectrum of broadleaf and grass weed control while maintaining turf safety. Celsius速 herbicide is a new three-way mixture of thiencarbazone-methyl, iodosulfuron and dicamba for postemergent control of broadleaves and some grasses. Approximately 150 broadleaf and grassy weeds are reportedly controlled with this product. Dicamba is commonly found in many existing premixtures, such as Trimec速, Speedzone速 and their many varieties. However, thiencarbazone and iodosulfuron are both new active ingredients to the turfgrass arena. Iodosulfuron has previously been utilized in rice and cereal crops for broadleaf control, while thiencarbazone has provided a broad spectrum of broadleaf and grass control in corn. These two new actives provide turfgrass managers a new tool for managing resistance to some post-emergent herbicides. Celsius typically promotes symptom expression and death to weeds in one to four weeks, which is slightly slower than many 2,4-D containing products. Golf course superintendents are not the only beneficiaries of this new product. The excellent safety to St. Augustine, centipede, bermuda and zoysia will allow lawncare operators to apply Celsius to mixed stands of turf without fear of phytotoxicity. Use rates range from 2.5 to 5.0 oz./acre, depending on the intended use. Other niches of Celsius include activity on Virginia buttonweed, dallisgrass and crabgrass. The higher use rate (5.0 oz./acre) is recommended for these species. The Celsius label recommends a tank-mix with Revolver速 in late-summer to early fall for enhanced dallisgrass activity. As with many existing herbicides, repeat applications may be necessary for complete control of dallisgrass and Virginia buttonweed. Crabgrass control is another perk, but better control is achieved when applied to earlier life stages. Celsius also provides a window of extended weed control due to the pre-emergent nature of the active ingredients. Soil activity extends to approximately 60 days following application. One study at Auburn University evaluated pre- and early post-emergent control of crabgrass with Celsius. The greatest control was achieved with repeat applications of Celsius at 3.7 oz./acre (one application PRE and the other early POST). Crabgrass control was 85% 17 weeks after initial application (WAIA). Other studies at Auburn University have evaluated Celsius at various rates to determine how it compares with industry standards for broadleaf weed control. The first study was conducted on a mixed stand of bermudagrass and centipede to evaluate common lespedeza
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control (common lespedeza, or Japanese clover, is a mat-forming, broadleaf weed that is commonly confused with black medic). Trimec Classic and atrazine provided the quickest control, but Celsius at 5.0 oz./acre controlled the lespedeza 100% at 4 WAIA (see Figure 1). The 3.7 oz./A rate of Celsius controlled lespedeza 63% 4 WAIA, but 86% control resulted following the sequential application. These results indicate that the higher rate of Celsius may be needed for complete control of common lespedeza. No injury was observed on either turfgrass species following Celsius application. Another study evaluated Celsius for the control of henbit and wild violet. Atrazine (1 qt./A) again provided the quickest control for both weed species; however, Celsius was comparable at 10 WAIA. All herbicides controlled henbit 100%. Celsius applied sequentially at 3.7 oz./A provided 100% wild violet control. The broad spectrum of weeds controlled, coupled with turfgrass safety, makes Celsius a beneficial herbicide. Also, the weed control window provided by the POST and PRE activity may allow turfgrass managers to make fewer herbicide applications. Celsius is a new herbicide, however, and we are just beginning to understand how to most effectively use it. Is it truly better and more cost effective than standard products like Trimec or atrazine? Only time will tell.
<<< News from AU
KEEP UP W ITH
Turfgrass M anagement at AUBUR N UNIVERS ITY on your fan cy new
computing non-wired t or elephone ta lky device. >>> Follow u s on Twitte r: auburntu rf >>> Faceboo k: Auburn University turfgrass m anagement >>> Blog: htt p://auburntu rf.blogspot. com >>> Or, the o ld-fashione d way: http ://auburntu rf.com
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 2010
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ATRF Update >>>
ATRF… a Foundation at Work Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) would like to extend a thank you to the Alabama Turfgrass Association for its financial support over the years. Your support is hard at work, as we are currently funding three projects, totaling over $16,000 of research. One project, “Nitrogen Rates and Timing for Hybrid Bermudagrasses,” is a two-year project conducted by Beth Guertal, Ph.D (Auburn University), and the plots have already been installed at the Ag Heritage Park on the university campus and will be available to view at the Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow in October. Another two-year project that ATRF is funding is “Taking the Auburn Bentgrass Experimental Cultivars to the Next Level.” Auburn’s turfgrass breeder, Edzard van Santen, Ph.D., is currently looking for golf courses where he can install plots; if you are interested, please contact him at 334-8443975. The third project that ATRF is funding is “The Dietary Preferences of Tawny and Southern Mole Crickets and the Potential Role in Turf Damage,” researched by David Held, Ph.D., also of Auburn University.
The
As always, ATRF has relied on annual commitments from individuals and organizations like ATA for the majority of our funding. Last year, ATRF was successful in raising money through a raffle. So the ATRF board has agreed to hold another fundraiser this year — the ATRF Staycation Give-Away — which will include trips throughout Alabama that should appeal to everyone with unique venues and activities such as golf, fishing and hunting. Since the trip will remain within Alabama, tickets will be offered at at a more costeffective price point: one ticket for a $10 donation, six tickets for a $50 donation and 12 tickets for a $100 donation. Please take advantage of this opportunity to experience a wonderful trip within Alabama and support the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation in the process. Tickets will go on sale at ATA’s Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow in October through April 2011, where the winning ticket will be drawn at Poa Annua Classic. Again, thanks to every member of the Alabama Turfgrass Association for supporting ATRF. The Foundation’s work benefits everyone in the turf industry, and Foundation members are proud of the partnership in this effort.
Calendar of Events >>>
Index of Advertisers >>> AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com . . . . Inside Front Cover
Turf Events October 19–21 2010 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
March 8
Mole Cricket Classic Peninsula Golf Club, Gulf Shores, AL
April 13, 2011 October 26–30 NRPA Congress & Expo (National Recreation & Park Assn.) Minneapolis, MN
November 17
Green Industry Equipment Safety, Driving Safety and Drug Free Workplace Training Birmingham, AL
January 11–15
STMA Annual Conference (Sports Turf Managers Assn.) Hilton Austin Austin, TX
January 19
Turfgrass Road Show Loxley Civic Center, Loxley, AL
January 26
Turfgrass Road Show Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, AL
February 2
Turfgrass Road Show Troy University, Dothan, AL
February 16
Alabama Turf Times >>> Fa l l 20 10
Turfgrass Road Show Alabama Dept. of Agriculture Montgomery, AL
February 23
Turfgrass Road Show Jaycees Building, Huntsville, AL
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Auburn University Turfgrass Research Field Day Auburn, AL
April 25
Poa annua Classic FarmLinks Golf Course Sylacauga, AL
Barenburg USA www.barusa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Bayer www.bayerprocentral.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 21 Dupont Professional Products www.proproducts.dupont.com . . . . . . . . . 16 Greenville Turf & Tractor www.greenvilleturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hendrix & Dail www.hendrixanddail.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Humphries Turf Supply www.humphriesturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Quali-Pro www.quali-pro.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Riebeling Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Southern States Cooperative www.southernstates.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sur-Line Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
October 18–20, 2011
2011 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
Texas Sod Leasing www.texassod.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Turfgrass Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 17 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Trebro Manufacturing . . .Inside Back Cover www.trebro.com