Alabama Turf Times - Winter 2014

Winter 2014

Reducing the Hazards of Turfgrass Insecticides to Bees Pesticide Storage and Safety for the Pest-Management Professional ATA Member Spotlight on

Joe Touchton, Ph.D. Plus, Special Inside —

Highlights from ATA’s 2013 Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow

Winter 2014

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Top Features Upcoming Event — 9 ATA Sports Turf Field Day,

March 19, 2014 Regions Field, Birmingham

Recent Events — 10 2013 Mole Cricket Classic

and 2013 ATA Annual Conference & Tradeshow

ATA Member Spotlight — 14 Joe Touchton, Ph.D., Auburn University

Cover Story — 16 Reducing the Hazards of Turf Insecticides to Bees

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Special Feature —

Pesticide Storage

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and Safety for the PestManagement Professional

Departments

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www.AlaTurfgrass.org 4

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From the President’s Pen ATA Annual Sponsors News from ATA Meet Your 2013–2014 ATA Leaders

Welcome, New ATA Members!

News from ATRF Calendar of Events 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 ©2014 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 >>>

Take Advantage of Your ATA Membership!

John Carter

2014 ATA Sponsors Gold •B ayer Environmental Science • Beard Equipment Company • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Golf Ventures, Inc. • Harrell’s, Inc. • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Silver •A AT — Direct Solutions • Ewing • John Deere Landscapes • Syngenta T & O Products

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Bronze • • • • • • • •

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

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reetings from the Alabama Turfgrass Association! I am pleased to serve as your new president, and I look forward to a great year for our association. The ATA board of directors held its annual Strategic Planning Retreat back in December, and we have made plans to engage and serve our members with events and activities throughout 2014.

I would like to personally thank you for your membership and support of our organization. We are fortunate to have many segments of the industry in our association, and we strive to adhere to the needs of everyone. We offer training and educational opportunities for all segments of the industry, provide field days for our sod producers and sports turf managers, support turfgrass research, monitor legislative activity, provide scholarships and publish a quarterly magazine and an annual membership directory; plus, we represent our members at numerous meetings and programs.

I encourage you to take advantage of your membership in ATA this year.

You are part of a great organization with folks who are just like you… hardworking, nature-loving servants of the great outdoors! Our members have told us time and time again that the most important benefit of their membership in ATA is the networking. It’s a great feeling to walk into a room of turf managers and be able to relate, discuss issues and learn from each other. Get the most of your membership this year by attending meetings and getting to know your fellow colleagues. The ATA board members will be at every event and will be more than happy to introduce you around.

I also want to encourage you to invite a friend in the industry to join ATA. We are only as strong as our members, and everyone in the turf world needs an invitation to be a part of our great organization. If you need help in recruiting a member, please let me, one of our board members or Tricia Roberts (our executive director) know. We will be glad to contact that person and mail him or her a membership packet. We always have room for more friends of the turfgrass industry in the Alabama Turfgrass Association.

Thanks again for your support and membership in ATA. I look forward to seeing you at our next event!

John Carter 2014 ATA President, Carter Landscaping & Sod Farm

<<< News from ATA

Meet Your New ATA Leaders for 2014 On October 31 at the 2013 Annual ATA Conference, a new executive committee and three new board members (Kim Byram, Chad Lambert, Mark Langer and Tom Luchner) were elected to lead the Alabama Turfgrass Assn. for 2014. Below are your new leaders.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President John Carter Carter Sod Farm (334) 567-8101 cartersodfarm@ elmore.rr.com

Vice President Jeremy Sutton Montgomery Country Club (334) 834-0049 jsutton@montgomery countryclub.net

Treasurer

Industry

At Large

Chad Lambert (2 years) Sur-Line Turf (205) 333-1776 surline1@bellsouth.net

Kim Byram (2 years) University of Alabama (205) 544-6666 kbyram@tbs.net

Institution Paul Patterson (1 year) University of Alabama-Huntsville (256) 824-2553 paulpatterson@uah.edu

Lawn Care Tom Luchner (2 years) Turf Tenders, LLC (334) 347-5296 turftendersllc@gmail.com

Richard Bracken (1 year) Lawrence County Sod Farm (256) 685-2725 rbrackin@hiwaay.net Mark Langer (2 years) FarmLinks Golf Club (256) 249-7416 mlangner@farmlinks.org

Jason Cooper Richter Landscape Co. Park & Recreation (205) 942-1555 jason@richterlandscape.com Mark Irwin (1 year) City of Foley Past President (251) 943-5603 Glenn Hedden irtwin1@yahoo.com Town of Loxley Sod (251) 964-2153 Tresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wilkinson (2 years) heddengl@gmail.com South Dallas Turf (334) 872-6644 Board of Directors southdallasturf@yahoo.com

EX Officio/ Education Advisors

Golf

ATA Executive Director

Cole McInnis (1 year) Willow Point Golf & C.C. (256) 397-1007 cmcinnis@russelllands.com

Tricia Roberts (334) 821-3000 mailbox@alaturfgrass.org v

Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University (334) 844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. AL Coop. Extension System (205) 879-6964, ext. 19 jacobjc@auburn.edu

ATA Board of Directors Executive Committee, seated (left to right): John Carter (President); Jeremy Sutton (Vice President); Jason Cooper (Treasurer); Glenn Hedden (Past President).

Directors, standing (left to right): Chad Lambert (Director); Richard Brackin (Director); Dr. David Han (Education Advisor); Cole McInnis (Director); Mark Irwin (Director); Kim Byram (Director); Tres Wilkinson (Director); Paul Patterson (Director); Tom Luchner (Director); and Dr. Jim Jacobi (Education Advisor). Not shown: Mark Langner (Director).

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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

welcome new members >>>

Welcome,

New ATA Members!

Andrew Bice Blackjack Horticulture, Inc. Birmingham, AL

Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton

Pete Blackman Lawn Master, Inc. Pensacola, FL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President John Carter

Cory Blair, CGCS Stovall Marietta, GA

Vice President Jeremy Sutton

Derrick Bright City of Florence Park & Rec. Florence, AL

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Carter Sod Farm

Montgomery Country Club

Treasurer Jason Cooper

Gavin Howell Huguley Farms Coffee Springs, AL

Patrick Ponder Ponder Landscape Point Clear, AL

Hunter Howell Huguley Farms Coffee Springs, AL

Cynthia Price USDA-National Ag. Statistics Montgomery, AL

Scott Jackson Auburn University Opelika, AL Chris Joyner Classic Gardens & Landscape Birmingham, AL

Joshua Ray Outdoor Construction & Maintenance Auburn, AL Weston Rice Turf Kare Lawn Aeration Prattville, AL

Past President Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley

Ronnie Britt BWI Jackson, MS

Scott Mays ValleyCrest @ Musgrove C.C. Jasper, AL

Daniel Ruggiero Birmingham Barons Birmingham, AL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Kim Byram

Ricky Cambra Joe Wheeler State Park Rogersville, AL

Larry McCrory Russellville Parks & Rec. Russellville, AL

Joshua Slaven Troy University Troy, AL

Caleb Caperton Blackberry Trail Golf Course Cypress Inn, TN

Paul Merchant City of Fairhope Fairhope, AL

Will Smart Greenleaf Technologies Covington, LA

Tommy Minor Saughatchee C.C. Opelika, AL

Fred Swingle Lawn Master, Inc. Pensacola, FL

Jennifer Morgan City of Gulf Shores Gulf Shores, AL

Lance Uhlman City of Florence Parks & Recreation Florence, AL

Richter Landscape Co.

University of Alabama

Richard Brackin

Lawrence County Sod Farm

Mark Langer

FarmLinks Golf Club

Golf Cole McInnis

Willow Point Country Club

Industry Chad Lambert

Mike Chavers Jaks Lawn Care & Maint.

Summerdale, AL

Sure-Line Turf

Institution Paul Patterson

University of Alabama Huntsville

Lawncare Tom Luchner Turf Tenders

Parks & Recreation Mark Irwin

Cam Copley NuFarm Raleigh, NC James Crockett Valent Prof. Products Auburn, AL

Roger Myers Chattahoochee Turf Products Cobb, GA

City of Foley

Sod Tres’ Wilkinson

Ricky Hodo H & H Lawn Services Foley, AL

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

Jeff Hopkins City of Gulf Shores Gulf Shores, AL

South Dallas Turf

Auburn University

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Geoff Percival Geoff’s Landscape Maintenance Pike Road, AL

Rick Vittoz Sunbelt Golf - RTJ Trail Cambrian Ridge G.C. Greenville, AL

<<< upcoming event

to the

Ballpark

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

The

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Alabama Turfgrass Association will host its bi-annual Sports Turf Field Day in Birmingham, Alabama on March 19 at the Regions Field, the new home of the Birmingham Barons.

The full-day event will feature educational sessions on topics of interest to sports turf managers, a tradeshow show where vendors will display their latest products, technology and services and a lunch to offer networking opportunities.

Any vendor interested in exhibiting should please contact the ATA office.

If you manage a sports field (football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball or softball), we will offer you some valuable information, tips and practical techniques to make your job easier. Bring your entire crew for an economical training opportunity offered by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Make plans to attend this event, and learn how to hit a home run with your sports field. Register online at www.alturfgrass.org. v

Recent Events >>>

We Landed a Huge Success with the 2013 Mole Cricket Classic, ATA’s First-Ever Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

On

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Monday, August 12, sixtysix fishermen hit the open seas of the Gulf of Mexico in the first-ever ATA deep-sea fishing tournament — our newly reformatted Mole Cricket Classic (which, in the past, had always been a golf tournament).

Anglers boarded five boats at Zeke’s Landing Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, for an eight-hour, offshore expedition to raise funds for turfgrass research.

The day was hot, and fishing was hotter. Brian Collordeo of Pro Rain

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Irrigation won the biggest fish with a 27-pound amberjack. Randy Spruiell of Mighty Green Lawn Care placed second with a 9-pound triggerfish.

And our youngest angler, Drew Carter, caught a minnow that literally jumped into his hands for the smallest catch of the day.

Everyone had a great time, and plans are on the way for another fishing tournament this year. The ATA board of directors would like to thank all the participants and sponsors — we couldn’t have done it without your support!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

A HUGE thank you to our sponsors who made the event possible. Please be sure to support our sponsors!

AAT-Direct Solutions AGRI-AFC, LLC Aquatrols BASF FMC Harrell’s, Inc. Helena Golf Ventures Syngenta Valent v

<<< Recent Events

Above Left: Dave Doherty, with the International Sports Turf Research Center, presents his Wednesday morning address, “Physical Properties and What They Mean to Turf Managers.” • Above Right: Conference attendees packed the auditorium to hear Dr. Scott McElroy discuss weed control.

Above Left: Wednesday’s lunch featured an update on the Auburn University turfgrass team’s current turfgrass research. • Above Right: On Wednesday evening, the ATA Membership Dinner and Auction was held in the new Auburn Arena.

Joint Efforts Leads to

Conference Success

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

On

and Big Al. Everyone topped off the day with a Welcoming Reception held at Saughatchee Country Club.

The second day also proved exciting. First, we had some great educational sessions to kick off the morning.

The luncheon provided an opportunity to meet the new AU Agronomy Department Head, Dr. John Beasley, and to present Dr. Joe Touchton with the Lifetime Achievement Award as he steps down and retires. Researchers from Auburn also gave updates on projects they are currently conducting.

Leaving the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center, everyone moved to the Auburn Arena for an exciting tradeshow. The Auburn Arena proved to be a great venue for the tradeshow, offering much-needed space and an AU-some environment for our suppliers to display their wares.

The biggest surprise came that evening at the 11

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October 29–31, 2013, ATA members convened on the plains of Auburn University for the ATA’s Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow along with special guests, members of the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association.

The three-day event was packed with educational sessions, exhibits, food, a golf tournament, a sports fields tour, business meetings and lots of networking.

We also held a class to help prepare turf managers for the Alabama Pesticide Certification Examination on the first day of the conference. Those fortunate enough to play golf enjoyed the beautiful renovated greens at Saughatchee Country Club. And those who opted to take the Sports Turf walking tour were treated to a firsthand viewing of a flight by Auburn University’s bald eagle, “Spirit,” at Jordan-Hare Stadium. As luck would have it, other mascots were there, too, including Aubie

Recent Event >>> continued

Well over a dozen sports turf managers took part in the AU Sports Complex Walking Tour on Tuesday.

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As always, several former ATA past presidents attended the conference. Lower row (l-r): Jeff Oelmann, CGCS (2010), Jeff Cornelson (2001), James Bartley (2012), James Horton (2007), Lee McLemore, CGCS (2008), Brian Aaron, CGCS (2004), Tom Wolf (2011) and Ken Dillard (1978). Upper row (l–r): Mark Cleveland (2002), Glenn Hedden (2013), Wayne Bassett (1998–1999) and Randy Bodine (2006).

Membership Dinner and Auction. First, the AGCSA scholarship was renamed in honor of Franny McLemore and was presented to her sister, Shelton.

Then, ATA broke all records by raising over $18,000 at our live auction. (Thank you to EVERYONE who donated an item to the auction; we couldn’t have done it without you!) It was a great evening for all, especially the McLemore family, who were all present for this surprise.

The next morning was full of business meetings; the Alabama Turfgrass Association, the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation and the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association held their respective business meetings. From the funds raised by the Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament and the Mole Cricket Classic

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Shelton McLemore receives the 2013 AGCSA Fanny McLemore Legacy Scholarship (newly renamed in honor of her late sister), with her brother Lee Jeffrey, mother Amy and father Lee McLemore, CGCS, Director of Golf Course Operations at The Country Club of Birmingham and former ATA President.

Fishing Tournament, ATA presented ATRF with a check in the amount of $4,000 to continue research efforts.

The ATA slate of officers and directors was voted on by the members (you will find them listed on page 7). Twelve educational breakout sessions followed the business meetings that morning, providing CEUs and pesticide re-certification points for our members.

Please be sure to thank our exhibitors and sponsors for supporting our industry by purchasing their products.

You will find them listed on page 13. We have plans to make the 2014 Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow the best ever, and we will invite the members of AGCSA to join us again. So, make your plans to attend now — it will be held on October 28-30 in Auburn, AL. We’ll see you there!

Continued <<< Recent Event

This year’s tradeshow was held in the roomy, brand-new Auburn Arena.

Thank You to Our Exhibitors

Thank You to Our Auction Donors Thanks to Our Conference Sponsors Tradeshow Reception Sponsors • Harrell’s, Inc. • Syngenta Refreshment Breaks Sponsor • The Gowan Company Continental Breakfasts Sponsor • Greenleaf Technologies Research Luncheon Sponsor • Bayer Environmental Science Membership Dinner • Beard Equipment Company • Golf Ventures • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

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Golf Tournament Sponsors • AAT-Direct Solutions • Agromax • Beard Equipment Company • BWI • Ewing • Golf Ventures • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Harrell’s, Inc. • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation • John Deere Landscapes • Southeast Turf Maintenance • Syngenta

Advanced Mower AGRI-AFC Alabama Lawns Aquatrols Auburn University Auburn University Hotel BWI BASF Chris Francis Coosa Valley Turf Farm Dow AgroSciences Ewing FMC g2 turftools Golf Ventures Greenleaf Technologies Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Turf Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Keeling Company Mighty Green Lawn Care NG Turf & Sports Turf Company ProRain RTJ-Grand National Salzmann Farms Southern Lawns Stovall Valent Professional Products

AAT-Direct Solutions AGRI-AFC, LLC Agriguard Company, LLC Agromax Aquatrols Arysta Lifescience Alabama Turfgrass Association Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation Bayer Environmental Science BASF Beard Equipment Company Buckler Sand Products Capital Tractor Chattahoochee Turf Products Dow AgroScience Ewing FMC GCSAA Golf Ventures Greenleaf Technologies Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Farm Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Keeling Company & Stovall Nationwide Insurance Net Connection NuFarm PBI-Gordon Pennington Seed Rainwave Really Innovations Red River Specialties Regal Chemical Company Sod Solutions Southern States Sunbelt Rentals Sur-Line Turf Syngenta The Turfgrass Group TriEst Ag Group Valent Professional Products Weed Man v

Member Spotlight >>>

ATA Member Spotlight on

Joseph T. Touchton, Ph.D.,

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Auburn University

Dr. Joe Touchton (left) accepts ATA’ s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from ATA Pres ident Glenn Hedden at the 2013 ATA Annual Conference.

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By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

J

oseph Touchton, Ph.D., is no stranger to our organization. For years, he has been an active member of our organization as the department head for the Agronomy Department at Auburn University. Upon the announcement of his retirement at the end of 2013, the Alabama Turfgrass Association honored Joe at the recent Annual Turfgrass Conference with our highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joe is a native of Georgia. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia in Agronomy and Soil Fertility, respectively. Later, he earned his Ph.D. in soil fertility from the University of Illinois. Wanting to move back home, Joe’s first job was an assistant professor at the University of Georgia in 1977. He served there until 1980 when Auburn University offered him a job as an assistance professor. He accepted the job and was promoted to full professor in 1986 and then to department head just three years later. Joe had a wonderful career at Auburn until he retired at the end of 2013.

As department head, Joe touched the lives of more than 150 individuals annualy, directing 24 faculty, 30 professional staff, 45 graduate students and 60 undergraduates.

He successfully provided leadership for the department’s teaching, instruction, research and Extension services in Plant and Soil Science, and he ran the testing lab, a service we use a lot in this industry.

Joe has been a great advocate for our industry; he attended many conferences, golf tournaments and events that ATA has held over the years. He also helped secure research funding with Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation and assisted the ATRF in finding beneficial research projects to aid the industry.

We are honored to have had Joe in our industry, supporting our efforts for the turfgrass industry and being a friend to each of us. Dr. Touchton, thank you for your service and for many great years together.

We wish you the best in your retirement. v

Cover Story >>>

Reducing the Hazards of Turfgrass Insecticides to Bees

By Murphey Coy and David W. Held, Ph.D., Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University

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The

European honey bee, Apis mellifera, was introduced to the Americas by European settlers in the 1600s. Among insects, bees have adaptations, like pollen baskets and hairy bodies, that make them efficient and important pollinators of an estimated one-third of the food we eat.

Bees also feed their larvae pollen, so flower foraging is critical to the bee life cycle.

Apis mellifera and bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are the most common species in the commercial beekeeping industry. Commercial beekeeping has an economic impact valued in the billions of dollars and is critical to the

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stability of our food supply and economy. Many crops depend on bee pollination, and certain crops (like almonds) are solely dependent on bee pollination for producing yield.

After the winter of 2006, a drastic decline in honey bee populations occurred. Losses reported by beekeepers ranged from 30% to 90% of bee colonies and hives lost. Since then, the decline in honey bee populations has continued. This decline in bee populations has been characterized by the phrase Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Declines in bee populations are linked to a combination of many factors, including parasitic mites, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens,

poor nutrition, loss of habitat, genetics and pesticides with emphasis placed on neonicotinoids.

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that were introduced in the mid-1990s. These insecticides act similarly to nicotine, binding to sites so the neurotransmitter acetycholine cannot transmit the nerve impulse across the synapse. Neonicotinoid insecticides include imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, thiacloprid and nitenpyram. Neonicotinoids are used widely throughout the world in both agricultural and horticultural settings because they are effective, convenient and much less toxic to vertebrates

than older pesticide chemistries. In fact, imidacloprid was registered under the EPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conventional Reduced Risk Program.

Neonicotinoids are also systemic and have long residual activity in soils. The most common use of neonicotinoids in turfgrass is for white grubs preventative control, chinch bugs resistance management and mole cricket suppression. Unfortunately, there are also non-target lethal and sublethal effects of neonicotinoids, with the effects on bees getting the most attention.

Recently, the European Union banned the use of neonicotinoids for two years while it conducts more studies on nontarget effects. This summer in Oregon, neonicotinoids were widely discussed in the news after an applicator made an illegal, foliar spray application of Safari to blooming European lindens.

The application to trees in a shopping mall parking lot was targeting aphids but resulted in the non-target deaths of 50,000 bees.

Sublethal effects, those that may not outright kill, but reduce health and/or vigor, documented in bees in response to neonicotinoids include reduced colony vitality, foraging behavior and honey production, as well as delayed development, impaired navigational and memory skills and failure to produce new queens.

vides an alternative control for white grubs that does not impact bee health.

The risks that neonicotinoids pose to non-targets can be mitigated through proper usage. Applicators have a legal responsibility to read and understand pesticide labels and the new beehazard guidelines to ensure that their usage is judicious. With neonicotinoids in turfgrass, it is important to mow an area before treatment to remove flowering heads of weeds, especially for applications for surface-feeding insects like chinch bugs or armyworms. When applied for grubs or mole crickets, post-treatment irrigation is often recommended on labels to move the insecticide into the root zone. This simple practice will also reduce pesticide residues on the grass and associated flowering weeds. v

Common Neonicotiinoids Used on Turfgrass and Ornamentals Active Ingredient

Trade Names

Clothianidin

Arena, Aloft

Dinotefuran

Safari, Zylam

Imidacloprid

Allectus, Merit

Thiamethozam

Meridian

Key Points

for Mitigating Non-Target Hazards Follow the insecticide label (itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the law). ow the area prior to treatment to remove the M flowering heads of weeds (clover, dandelions, etc.)

I rrigate the area after treatment to move the treatment/residues into the soil.

Spray in calm wind conditions to prevent drift.

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So, how do applications of insecticides to turfgrass, including neonicotinoids, affect bees?

We have two studies to provide insight on this. In the early 2000s, Gels, Held and Potter evaluated the impact on bumble bees that foraged on white clover in turfgrass from applications of neonicotinoids, carbamates, organophosphate and pyrethroids. In that study, insecticides were applied as a foliar spray or granules, with or without post-treatment irrigation. When the treatments received post-treatment irrigation, no adverse impacts were observed on the bee colonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health.

Colonies exposed to non-irrigated turfgrass, however, had reduced foraging behavior, fewer live workers and larvae and reduced colony weight.

In 2012, another trial (Larson, Redmond, and Potter) evaluated the

impact of mowing to remove flowering heads of white clover in turfgrass stands before treatment with a neonicotinoid (clothianidin) or a diamide (chlorantraniliprole). Stands of grass with white clover were either left intact or mowed to remove flowers before treatment. Bees were then caged over plots and allowed to forage for a week before being transferred to another location with untreated flowers for the rest of the summer. The results showed that with the neonicotinoid application, it was important to mow the area prior to a treatment to remove flowers so that bees would not be exposed to the insecticide after treatment. The diamide application had no adverse impact on bees whether or not the treated area was mowed, and it pro-

Special Feature >>>

Pesticide Storage and Safety for the Pest-Management Professional

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By Sonja B. Thomas, Ph.D., Pesticide Applicator Training Coordinator, AL Cooperative Extension System

As

a pesticide-safety educator, I often receive questions about pesticide rules and regulations, personnel protective equipment and various restricted-use pesticides. On occasion, though, I receive questions from a pest-management professional (PMP) concerned about

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the proper way to store pesticides.

Explaining that the label is the law and to follow the directions printed on the label is the first advice I share.

Understanding that the label is the law, any deviation from the label (unless it is more restrictive) can result in citations and possible jail time.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, section 40 CFR 162.10, requires that each pesticide label list the appropriate storage and disposal information. There are simple and cost-effective solutions to comply with these laws, but building specifics (such as materials, site selec-

This disorganized, messy and very grimy mishmash of products is NOT a safe or effective way to store pesticides.

This is a big spill or damaging misapplication just waiting to happen.

tion and design) may not be as readily accessible.

When making the decision to organize or create a pesticide storage facility, you must carefully evaluate several key factors, including employee safety, public health and environmental protection. Each label lists the signal words that pertain to the pesticide toxicity levels. Use this information to help guide you during the building process.

Selecting the best location

Several key points should be considered when deciding on a location.

Select a site with minimal risk of flooding, thereby reducing potential contamination of surface and underground waters. Also, to reduce potential harm from product spills or product drift while mixing and loading, the structure should be located downhill, downwind and at least 100 feet away from houses, schools, ponds and any other sensitive areas.

Building your storage facility

Your goal is to construct a structure that is fire resistant, waterproof, properly ventilated and temperature controlled. Structures that are detached from main buildings and equipped with a drainage system are best. In the event of a fire or hidden leak, your employees would not be happy to know they were exposed to pesticides.

Building design

Shelving

Shelving should be carefully selected in accordance to the formulation of chemicals you use. The best shelving is painted metal with a lip to contain any spills from damaged containers.

Shelving should be spaced at least three feet apart and several feet from the entrance. I suggest adding heavyduty rollers to the base of your shelving for easy removal and cleanup after a spill.

Ventilation

Storage facilities should be equipped with a mechanical ventilation system and a secure window for access in the event of a fire or other issues. Ventilation reduces vaporization and damage caused to products and containers that are heat or cold sensitive. It also reduces odor buildup by pesticides, gases and fertilizers. There is nothing worse than having to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) just to access your pesticide-storage facility.

Security

Lighting should be fireproof, and exterior doors should be locked. Warning signage should be posted to designate the area as a pesticide-storage facility.

The building should always be locked when not in use, with adequate security fencing that is locked and surrounds the structure.

Employee safety

Commonly, you see personnel protective equipment (PPE) stored with or around pesticides. This is hazardous and should be avoided for many reasons: • Pesticides can contaminate your PPE. • In the event your storage facility is compromised, you will need your PPE to clean up any spills, damage or other issues. This is difficult if

you store your PPE in the same room that is compromised.

• Temperature variations can dry out PPE and render them ineffective.

PPE should be stored inside plastic bags and separate from pesticides, such as in cabinets, lockers (if unused), closets or drawers. This should be in a room separate from the pesticide storage, mixing and loading areas to avoid recontamination after cleaning. Used PPE should be either disposed of or cleaned according to manufacturer instructions.

Wash stations

In the event that a pesticide is inhaled or contacts the skin or eyes, an emergency wash station with clean, running water should be easily accessible.

This room should be equipped with a washing machine, dryer and deep sink that are used only for cleaning PPE. Liquid detergent or hand cleanser is essential in a storage area.

The wash station should also house a spill kit that contains an absorptive material such as kitty litter, sawdust, activated charcoal, etc., as well as a neutralizing chemical such as sodium hypochlorite (found in bleach). The kit should also contain a broom, shovel, dustpan and proper bags for transferring and disposing of chemicals. These products should be designated for the spill kit only.

Spill kits can be made or purchased from many retailers. Check the label for proper cleaning procedures. Some chemicals do not mix well and can increase the toxicity level of a pesticide.

Organizing pesticide containers Pesticides should be stored in their original containers, with labels facing outward for easy identification. To reduce exposure from continuous handling of containers, never store boxes or large containers in front of shelving with pesticides in rotation.

Treated baits (such as rodenticides and avicides) should not be stored near other pesticides because they can absorb offensive odors, rendering them useless.

Never store a pesticide in any container other than its original packaging. Never store food, drinks or tobacco products in a storage, mixing

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The building should provide adequate space for pesticide storage, safety provisions, application equipment and an area for mixing and loading. Constructing a building with only shelving in mind will leave much to be desired when mobility inside becomes an issue.

I can’t count the number of times I have visited storage facilities with pesticide equipment piled outside the structure. Considering that most PMPs use several chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, flammable chemicals, etc.) as part of their job description, it is critical that separate and ample storage areas be considered when designing your space.

Exterior walls should be concrete, masonry or some other material that is fireproof and waterproof. For easy

cleanup, flooring should be slab-ongrade, sloping towards an inside sump drain to minimize runoff leading outside of the structure. Another flooring option would be a room with a builtin curb to contain spills. The floors should be covered with a waterproof, nonskid sealant or any nonporous, impermeable finish.

Special Feature >>> continued

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or loading area. Seeds or any other agricultural products should not be stored with pesticides. Pesticides with “Danger” or “Danger Poison” labels should be stored separately from other pesticides to reduce excessive exposure.

Pesticide shelf life can vary from product to product and is difficult to predict. Some manufacturers will list the shelf life of the product but will not guarantee that product after it has been opened. Writing the purchase date on the outside of your container will help keep older containers in rotation and reduce waste. Avoid storing large quantities for long periods of time; instead, purchase only what you need.

I always say that one of the best ways to train a new employee or intern is to make him or her inventory the pesticide-storage room. This way your products are properly rotated and inspected for damaged containers, and since the employee is required to update your onsite labels and MSDS

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sheets, he will become familiar with the products that your company uses.

It is good practice to keep an extra inventory or log of your pesticides in a separate location. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, you will be able to claim your losses. This should be updated every quarter or as often as possible.

Disposal of pesticide containers Disposal of pesticides should be in accordance with the label and your local municipality. Never dump, bury or burn pesticide containers unless given previous approval. The best way to dispose of pesticides is to triple rinse or jet rinse the containers and dispose of them according to the label.

Drum-cleaning systems for large containers can be included in your building plans, making it easier to clean and dispose of larger containers.

Check for local Amnesty/Pesticide Cleanup Days in your area. Not only will this reduce clutter and free up

space in your storage facility, but also it will ensure that your pesticides are disposed in a legal and safe manner.

Final thoughts

Several companies are available to help take the guesswork out of building a pesticide-storage facility. Also, pesticide storage “pods” that are OSHA approved are available for purchase or rent. If you need to store only a minimal number of containers, however, the benefit may not outweigh the cost.

Whether you plan to build a new site or renovate an existing one, an evaluation of site specifics, costs and local, state and federal laws can save you a lot of money and trouble in the future. For more questions about the storage and disposal of pesticides, contact the Alabama Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program or the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Pesticide Division. v

<<< News from ATRF

help Fund Turfgrass Research with the Poa annua Classic

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

Since

injury; unfortunately, at such rates, goosegrass simply does not respond.

This research, conducted by Scott McElroy, Ph.D., at Auburn University, will be of great benefit to turf managers across the Southeast.

Although we look forward to the results of these research projects, they will come with a big price tag, and ATRF needs our support. If this research saves you one wasteful treatment, it will be worth a donation

to ATRF. Also, ATRF will send out a request for proposals this spring in an effort to identify additional research projects that would be beneficial to our members. So, please come out to Montgomery Country Club on April 7, and participate in the educational program and golf tournament. You may register on-line at www.alaturfgrass.org. Together, let’s raise funds for the advancement of turfgrass research! v

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1997, the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) has been funding research that is instrumental to the turf industry. ATRF is a 501 (c) (3) organization, which means it relies strictly on donations. The Alabama Turfgrass Association is committed to donating funds to ATRF for research through our annual Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament. We need your support of this program to make our contribution effective. Come out and participate in this popular event at Montgomery Country Club in Montgomery, AL, on Monday, April 7.

ATRF recently committed to fund two projects that will also be of great interest to everyone in the turf industry.

One is an evaluation of the new fertilizers on the market and their effects on a variety of turfgrass cultivars, to be conducted by Beth Guertal, Ph.D., at Auburn University. These new products are not resin-coated or methylene urea products, but they do have a type of nitrification inhibitor or other amendment designed to “stabilize” the nitrogen and increase the longevity of the turfgrass response. Although marketed heavily, many of these products have not been tested in the field, so this study is of great importance.

ATRF’s second commitment is discovering effective management practices for goosegrass (Eleusine indica), a difficult-to-control weed, and herbicide resistance in goosegrass populations.

Few herbicides are available to control goosegrass, and the existing herbicides often must be sprayed at reduced rates to prevent potential turfgrass

Calendar of Events >>>

February 24–28

TPI Mid-Winter Conference (Turf Producers Intl.)

Orlando, FL

March 19

ATA Sports Turf Field Day Regions Field Birmingham, AL

April 7

Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament Montgomery Country Club Montgomery, AL

June 18

Gulf Coast Turfgrass Field Day West Florida Research and Education Center Jay, FL

Index of Advertisers >>>

June TBD

ATA Mole Cricket Classic Fishing Tournament Orange Beach, AL

July 29 – August 1

TPI Summer Convention & Field Days (Turf Producers Intl.)

Philadelphia, PA

October 28–30

ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center Auburn, AL

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