Alabama Turf Times - Winter 2015

Winter 2015

Preventing and Managing

Herbicide-Resistant

Weeds

Highlights from the

ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow

Plus, a Sneak Peak —

AU Turfgrass Field Day and Poa annua Classic, April 1, 2015

Winter 2015

10

Top Features Upcoming Events — 10 AU Turfgrass Field Day

and ATA Poa annua Classic

Upcoming Event — 12 Deep South Turf Expo Q&A ATA Member Spotlight — 14 Herbie Fricke, AGRI-AFC, LLC

Cover Story —

Preventing

16

16

and Managing Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

Recent Event —

Mole Cricket

20

Classic Fishing Tournament Recent Event —

22 2014 ATA Annual Turfgrass

Conference & Tradeshow

Professional Development—

26 Battle Burnout

Departments

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

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www.AlTurfgrass.org 4

6 6 8 29 29 30 30

From the President’s Pen ATA Annual Sponsors News from ATA ATA Membership/Sponsorship Application Welcome, New ATA Members!

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 ©2015 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 >>>

Thank You for Supporting ATA and Auburn University!

Jeremy Sutton

2015 ATA Annual Sponsors Gold • • • • • •

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

Silver • • • •

Ewing John Deere Landscapes Residex Syngenta

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Bronze • • • • • • • • •

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

I

would like to start my president’s message with a sincere expression of appreciation to all our members who support our association. We have a wealth of members who attend our meetings, participate in our events, read our magazine and support our scholarship and research funding. We positively could not do it without you. Everyone in this industry — including lawn care operators, sod producers, golf course superintendents, sports field managers and industry suppliers — plays a major role in our organization, and we need and appreciate each of you!

Thank you also for supporting our Annual Conference and Tradeshow over the years. This event is an opportunity to attend a variety of educational sessions, visit with our suppliers, network with your peers and make new friends. We announced at the conference this year that ATA will be joining with other turf organizations to start the Deep South Turf Expo in 2015 in Biloxi, MS. This will be everything that our conference has been for years… just bigger and better! I encourage you to support this effort and help us make this the premier turf expo in the Southeast!

And for everyone who loves an excuse to come to Auburn (myself included), mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 1. The Auburn University turfgrass management team will host a Turfgrass Field Day where we can view firsthand the research that will affect our turf-management programs in the near future. We will also host our Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament that afternoon. Plan to make a day supporting turfgrass research on April Fools’ Day. I hope to see you all there!

This message is reaching you during the middle of our annual RoadShow Seminars. These one-day seminars allow ATA members to get quality education and earn CEUs and pesticide points during the slow time of the year. Thank you to everyone who has supported these events. We still have a few seminars left (see the Calendar of Events on page 30), and I encourage you to attend them if you are able.

We have some additional changes to our calendar of events this year.

Due to the Deep South Turf Expo, we are encouraging our sod-related manufacturing companies to exhibit there instead of at our bi-annual Sod Producers Field Day. We believe the Deep South Turf Expo will be more beneficial to those companies since a larger representation of sod producers will be in attendance. Also, we are adding a dove hunt to our calendar of events. Pencil in Monday, December 7 on your calendar for our inaugural dove hunt. It will be perfect timing... between deer season and football bowl games.

Most importantly, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president.

I look forward to this opportunity and challenge. My door is always open, and I welcome you to contact me personally or Tricia Roberts in the office if we can be of assistance to you.

Keeping it green,

Jeremy Sutton 2014–2015 ATA President 6

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.alturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Jeremy Sutton Montgomery Country Club

Vice President Jason Cooper

Richter Landscape Co.

Treasurer Paul Patterson

Univ. of Alabama Huntsville

Past President John Carter

Carter Sod Farm

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Kim Byram University of Alabama

David Isbell

Twelve Oaks Landscaping

Mickey Pitts

Beard Equipment Co.

Golf Mark Langner

FarmLinks Golf Club

Industry Chad Lambert Sur-Line Turf

Institution Joshua Slaven Troy University

Lawn Care Tom Luchner

Turf Tenders, LLC

City of Prattville

Sod Tres’ Wilkinson South Dallas Turf

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

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.

Alabama Coop. Extension System 7

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Parks & Recreation Deven Peek

News from ATA >>>

Meet Your New

ATA Leaders for 2015 On

October 29 at the 2014 Annual ATA Conference, a new executive committee and four new board members (David Isbell, Deven Peek, Mickey Pitts and Joshua Slaven) were elected to lead the Alabama Turfgrass Association for 2015. Richard Brackin, Glenn Hedden (former president), Mark Irwin and Cole McInnis were recognized and thanked for their service on the board. Below are your new leaders.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Jeremy Sutton Montgomery Country Club (334) 834-0049 suttonjs74@gmail.com

Vice President Jason Cooper Richter Landscape Co. (205) 942-1555 jason@richterlandscape.com

Treasurer Paul Patterson Univ. of Alabama Huntsville (256) 824-2553 paulpatterson@uah.edu

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

2015 ATA Board of Directors

Front row, left to right: Jeremy Sutton (President), John Carter (Past President), Jason Cooper (Vice President), Paul Patterson (Treasurer), David Isbell (Director), Josh Slaven (Director) and Dr. Jim Jacobi (Education Advisor).

Back row, left to right: Tres’ Wilkinson (Director), Tom Luchner (Director), Kim Byram (Director), David Peek (Director), Dr. David Han (Education Advisor) and Chad Lambert (Director). Not shown: Mark Langner (Director) and Mickey Pitts (Director).

Institution Joshua Slaven (2 years) Troy University (334) 670-3097 joshslaven@troy.edu

Lawn Care Tom Luchner (1 year) Turf Tenders, LLC (334) 347-5296 turftendersllc@gmail.com

Park & Recreation Deven Peek (2 years) City of Prattville (334) 850-1357 deven.peek@prattville.al.gov

Sod Tres’ Wilkinson (1 year) South Dallas Turf (334) 872-6644 southdallasturf@yahoo.com

At Large

Board of Directors

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Golf Mark Langner (2 years) FarmLinks Golf Club (256) 249-7416 mlangner@farmlinks.com

Industry Chad Lambert (1 year) Sur-Line Turf (205) 333-1776 surline1@gmail.com

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Kim Byram (1 year) University of Alabama (205) 697-5487 kbyram@tbs.net David Isbell (2 years) Twelve Oaks Landscaping (256) 997-9005 david@twelveoakslandscape.com Mickey Pitts (2 years) Beard Equipment Co. (334) 657-8277 mtpitts@hotmail.com

Outgoing ATA President John Carter (left) was presented with a gavel in recognition of his service from incoming ATA President Jeremy Sutton.

Ex Officio/ Education Advisors 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 executive Director Tricia Roberts (334) 821-3000 mailbox@alaturfgrass.org v

Upcoming Events >>>

Don’t Be a Fool…

Support Turfgrass Research

April Fools’ Fools’ Day Day April Schedule of of Events Events Schedule

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

M

ark your calendar, and make your plans to be in Auburn on Wednesday, April 1, for the Auburn University Turfgrass Field Day and the Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament. It’s not a joke — this is definitely where you will want to be on April Fools’ Day! Auburn University researchers will welcome the turfgrass industry to their research plots at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit on the Auburn University campus. Research plots will be marked, labeled and discussed during tours throughout the day. Come view firsthand the science behind their research; learn what it means to you as a turfgrass manager and how it will affect your management program in the near future.

For our golfers, we will also host the Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament that afternoon, immediately after the Field Day, at the Auburn University Club. It’s a quick drive to the golf course from the AU Turf Research Unit. We’ll give everyone ample time to get over to the course and tee off by 1:30 p.m. Your afternoon will be spent with your friends in the industry on the beautiful greens at the AU Club. Immediately after play, we will announce the tournament winners during the reception.

Come out, and support turfgrass research! All proceeds from these events will benefit future turfgrass research projects through the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. Participants can register online at www.alturfgrass.org. Registration for the Field Day includes the research plot tours, lunch and CEUs. The golf tournament registration will be an add-on feature that will include your tournament fees, prizes and reception. We look forward to seeing you on April Fools’ Day! v

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7 a.m. – 8 a.m Registration @ AU Turf Unit 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. AU Turfgrass Field Day (tour plots, presentations, etc)

12 p.m. Lunch & CEU sign-ups @ AU Turf Unit (golfers allowed to eat first)

1:30 p.m. Poa annua Classic Tee-Off @ AU Club

5 p.m. Reception and Awards @ AU Club

Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 4

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Upcoming Event >>>

Deep South

Turf Expo October 13–15, 2015

Questions & Answers Q. What organizations are involved with the Deep South Turf Expo?

A. The Alabama Turfgrass Association, Mississippi Turfgrass

Association, Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association, Gulf Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Louisiana-Mississippi Golf Course Superintendents Association.

We welcome participation from all over the Southeast, but these are the five founding organizations.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

Q. Why is the Deep South Turf Expo forming?

A. Every organization has been feeling the struggles of the

economy, and we are no different. Everyone wants more bang for their buck; that includes our exhibitors, sponsors and members! With a regional turf conference, we can bring in the top educators to provide the highest-quality educational program for all turf managers. Exhibitors can reduce their travel costs and man-hours while reaching more customers. Sponsors can also market to a larger customer base with a regional show.

Everyone wins; plus, the more successful the show, the more each founding organization will benefit financially.

Another reason, and probably the most important, are the networking opportunities that will span over a four-state region… not just in your own state and/or organization. You will be able to reunite with college buddies, share success stories with peers outside your “competition zone” and make new friends and business contacts!

Q. How is the Deep South Turf Expo organized?

A. The Deep South Turf Expo is a new non-profit organization.

It has its own board, bylaws, articles of incorporation, bank account and tax filing requirements.

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Q. Who is on the board of the Deep South Turf Expo?

A. The board consists of the following:

President: S tephen Miles, CGCS, The Preserve Golf Club (LMGCSA) Vice President: Ken Edwards, CSFM, City of Gulfport (MTA) Secretary-Treasurer: Glenn Hedden, Town of Loxley (ATA) Directors: Jeremy Sutton, Montgomery Country Club (ATA) Tom Luchner, Turf Tenders Lawn Care (ATA) Tres’ Wilkinson, South Dallas Turf (ATA) Wayne Bassett, Beck’s Turf (ATA) Josh Quinn, Perfect Turf Lawn Solutions (MTA) Jeremy Stevens, The Preserve Golf Club (MTA) Chris Hussey, Hussey Sod (MTA) Simon Parkin, CGCS, Lakewood Golf Club (GCGCSA) Mark Langner, CGCS, FarmLinks Golf Club (AGCSA)

Q. How will proceeds from this event be used?

A. Since this event will be taking the place of the Annual Conferences for ATA and MTA (which are major funding sources for these organizations) and replacing Annual Meetings of the AGCSA, GCGCSA and LMGCSA (which are profitable but not the major funding source for these groups), the board decided to make sure all the income from these events was secured. ATA and MTA will each receive the equivalent of a five-year-average income from their respective Conferences, and then an even split of 20% for all organizations will be paid after ATA and MTA’s financial obligations are met.

Q. What will be offered?

A. The Deep South Turf Expo will feature a large indoor tradeshow where all industry suppliers are welcome to display their goods and services. We have plenty of room for greens mowers to sod harvesters! We will offer two days of specific turf-management educational sessions that will include breakout sessions for golf course superintendents, lawn care operators, sports turf managers, sod producers and landscapers. You will be able to earn pesticide certification points (from all southeastern states), GCSAA education points, STMA education points and Certified Crop Advisor points. We will host the annual business meetings for all hosting organizations and the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. We’ll have a silent auction in the tradeshow where you can score great deals on trips, sporting equipment and turf products.

We’ll offer networking opportunities like a golf tournament, sporting clay tournament, schooner cruise, tour of sports complexes and a Surf ‘n Turf dinner. Bring your family — the Beau Rivage has a remarkable pool and spa, and the beaches offer all sorts of fun adventures like jet skis, parasailing and more!

Q. What is the conference schedule?

A. Tuesday, October 13

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

Q. Why are we going to Biloxi, MS? A. When choosing a location, the Deep South Turf Expo board

considered several factors: adequate space for a tradeshow, educational meeting rooms, hotel sleeping rooms and a destination that attendees would want to visit. The selection committee looked at the four member states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi). Biloxi had everything! The Mississippi Coast Convention Center has more meeting and tradeshow space than we will ever need (no growing pains); the Beau Rivage has beautiful guest rooms and offered us a $99 room rate; and Biloxi has beautiful beaches (October is a wonderful time of the year to be at the beach), as well as casinos for our high rollers and other venues that we plan to use (golf courses, schooner cruises, sports complexes, etc.).

Q. Is Biloxi the permanent home for the Deep South Turf Expo?

A. We are not sure at this time, but it will be our home for 2015 and 2016.

Destin, FL 3 hours Jackson, MS 3 hours Birmingham, AL 5 hours Huntsville, AL 6 hours Shreveport, LA 6 hours Memphis, TN 6 hours Also, the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is served by American, Delta, United, US Airway and Sun Country airlines.

Wednesday, October 14 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Expo Open 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions

12 p.m. Lunch in Expo 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Annual Business Meetings

5 p.m. Silent Auction Closes

6 p.m. Surf ‘n Turf Dinner @ Beau Rivage Thursday, October 15 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions 8 am – 12 p.m. Exhibitor Move-Out

12 p.m. Conference Adjournment & CEU Sign-Ups

Q. What dates have been secured?

A. October 13-15, 2015, and October 11-13, 2016. Don’t worry

— we planned around the Green Industry Expo and the Sunbelt Expo in October. For our sports turf managers and golf course superintendents, this is a perfect opportunity to attend a regional show, especially when your national shows are on the West Coast and travel budgets are limited!

Q. How can I register?

A. Exhibitor contracts have been mailed already. The con-

ference brochures will be mailed in early summer. In the meantime, check out our website at www.DeepSouthTurf Expo.org for updates and online registration opportunities.

Go ahead and book your hotel room at The Beau Rivage by calling 1-888-567-6667, and tell them you are with the Deep South Turf Expo to get the $99 room rate. v

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Q. How far is Biloxi?

A. Drive time to Biloxi from the following cities:

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Exhibitor Move-In

12 p.m. Golf Tournament, Schooner Cruise, Sporting Clay Tournament, Sports Field Tour

6 p.m. Expo Grand Opening Reception

ATA Member Spotlight >>>

ATA Member Spotlight on...

Herbie Fricke, AGRI-AFC, LLC Herbie Fricke, with his ATA Lifetime Achievement Award.

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

You

can’t think of Herbie Fricke and not smile!

He is always telling a funny story or making fun out of an ordinary situation. And if his humor doesn’t make you smile, his quirky laugh will! He is simply a pleasure to be around, and his enjoyment for life is contagious.

Herbie has been in the green industry his entire life. He grew up on a nursery in Cullman, AL. He took a sales position with Terra, where he stayed until he retired last summer. Although Herbie never left his job in sales, his paycheck had a different company name on it from time to time. The company was sold frequently throughout Herbie’s tenure: from Terra, to Pro Source One, to Moore-Ag, to Agriliance-AFC, LLC, to currently AGRI-AFC, LLC. Herbie has spent his entire career helping turf managers all over this state.

He is a wealth of knowledge and has always been willing to help his customers. He has hosted many dinners and

14

crawfish boils for his customers, entertaining them all with his charm and humor. It’s no secret how he succeeded in sales!

He has been a huge supporter of our association, always in attendance at our events, encouraging others to attend, recruiting members and serving. Matter of fact, he served on the ATA board of directors twice during his career. Not many can say that! And not many are brave enough to do it twice! For his dedication and service to ATA, we honored him with our highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award at our Conference back in October.

He’s been teasing us for years, saying how he was going to retire. Well, he surprised us all last summer by actually doing it! Herbie and his wife Charlotte are leaving their home in Montgomery and moving to the beach to enjoy their golden years. Herbie, you are one of a kind, and you will be missed. Come back to see us as often as you can, and enjoy your retirement, friend! v

Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 4

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Cover Story >>> Get the Edge

Preventing and Managing

Herbicide-Resistant

WEEDS

By Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University; Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Professor, Auburn University; and John Byrd Jr., Ph.D., Professor, Mississippi State University

H

erbicide-resistant weeds are among the most troublesome issues facing the turfgrass industry. The loss of effective and economically viable herbicides results in lower-quality turf and increases weed-management budgets. Preventing and managing herbicide resistance is crucial to preserving the key chemistries that turfgrass managers use to provide a playable and aesthetically pleasing turf surface.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

Herbicide resistance

Herbicide resistance is the inherited ability of a plant population to survive and reproduce after being treated with a normally lethal dose of herbicide.

This is not a new issue. Simazine- and atrazine-resistant groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) was reported as early as 1970.

Simazine-resistant annual bluegrass (Poa annua) has plagued golf courses, sports fields, industrial turf and sod 16

producers in the Southeast for more than two decades.

As of 2014, more than 420 unique cases of herbicide-resistant weeds have been reported globally. This equates to 232 species having evolved resistance to 22 of 25 known herbicide sites of action and to 152 different herbicides. Table 1 lists the herbicide-resistant turfgrass weeds of Mississippi as of 2014.

Mode of action (MOA)

Herbicides are active at one or more target site(s) within plants. Target sites are often enzymes that play a critical role in plant metabolism. The term “site of action� is used interchangeably with MOA; however, the terms have somewhat different connotations. The MOA is how a herbicide kills a plant.

For instance, atrazine inhibits photosystem II, subsequently leading to a buildup of oxidative free radicals and a decrease in photosynthesis. Site of

action is where the herbicide binds in order to kill a plant. Atrazine inhibits photosystem II by binding to a specific site of action, the Quinone B binding niche on the D1 protein.

Table 2 lists common turfgrass MOAs and example trade names. The fundamental principle for managing herbicide resistance is this: repeatedly relying upon a single MOA selects for populations that are resistant. Herbicides do not cause a mutation; they merely select for populations that tolerate a dose of herbicide. Subsequently, those populations expand in number.

Preventing herbicide resistance requires rotating herbicide MOAs in order to avoid the expansion of resistant populations. Classification systems have been developed to help herbicide applicators alternate MOAs. The most common are those developed by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA, http://wssa.net) and the Herbicide

Continued <<< Cover Story

Table 1

Herbicide-resistant turfgrass weeds of Mississippi, reported by the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds. Readers should note that there are likely instances of resistance not yet reported.

Resistant Weed

Mode of Action

Active Ingredient

Trade Name

State

Goosegrass

Mitotic Inhibition

pendimethalin, trifluralin

Pendulum, Treflan

MS

Goosegrass

EPSP synthase Inhibition

glyphosate

Roundup

MS

Poa Annua

Photosystem II Inhibition

atrazine, simazine

AAtrex, Princep

MS

Table 2

Modes of action of herbicides commonly used by turfgrass managers, listed with active ingredients and trade names for reference.

Mode of Action

Resistance development

From a biochemical standpoint, plants develop resistance either through targetsite or non-target-site-based resistance.

Target-site resistance is a change in the biochemical target of a plant that prevents the herbicide from binding to the site of action or acting as it would

HRAC

Active Ingredient

Trade Name

Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACCase) Inhibition

1

A

diclofop clethodim

Illoxan Envoy

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS or AHAS) Inhibition

2

B

bispyribac-sodium foramsulfuron

Velocity Revolver

Photosystem (PS) II Inhibition

5

C1

simazine

Princep

Photosystem (PS) I Inhibition

22

D

diquat

Reward

Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (Protox) Inhibition

14

E

oxidiazon sulfentrazone

Ronstar Dismiss

Carotenoid Biosynthesis Inhibition

28

F2

mesotrione topramezone

Tenacity Pylex

Enolpyruvyl Shikimate-3-Phosphate (EPSP) Synthase Inhibition

9

G

glyphosate

Roundup

Glutamine Synthase Inhibition

10

H

glufosinate

Finale

Mitotic Inhibition

3

K1

prodiamine

Barricade

Cellulose Synthesis Inhibition

29

L

indaziflam

Specticle

Fatty Acid and Lipid Biosynthesis Inhibition

16

N

ethofumesate

Prograss

Synthetic Auxins

4

O

dicamba

Banvel

normally. Many herbicides are very specific in their activity; for example, acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides, such as Revolver, bind to the enzyme acetolactate synthase (ALS), thus preventing the production of branchedchain amino acids. Enzymes such as ALS are several-hundred amino acids long. A change in just one amino acid may prevent the herbicide from binding.

Non-target-site herbicide resistance is a change in the ability of the herbicide to be absorbed, translocate throughout the plant or be metabolized by the plant. To change absorption, the plant may develop a thicker epicuticular wax layer or change the cutin amount in the cuticle. Glyphosate resistance in horseweed (Conyza canadensis) occurs due to reduced translocation of the herbicide.

Steps to prevent and manage herbicide resistance

Herbicide resistance is real, but steps

can be taken to prevent resistance and control already resistant populations.

The WSSA and HRAC classification systems are tools for the development of resistance-management strategies, but they should not be relied upon solely. Principally, proper cultural management enhances turfgrass vigor and reduces the reliance upon chemical weed control. Mechanical weed removal and application of non-selective herbicides via spot-spraying are also crucial elements of resistance prevention and management.

Rotate modes of action.

Repeat applications of the same MOA will select for resistant plants within a population. The more frequently a turf managers uses herbicides with the same MOA, the more quickly that resistant weed populations will develop.

Rotation from Brand A to Brand B does not slow resistance development if 17

A l ab ama Tu rf T im es >> > Wint er 201 5

Resistance Action Committee (HRAC, www.hracglobal.com).

The WSSA system assigns each herbicide a number based upon the MOA. The HRAC system assigns a letter based upon an alphabetized list of herbicide MOAs; hence, the inhibition of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) is assigned the HRAC grouping of A. HRAC further amends herbicide groupings with a subscript numbering system that indicates different binding behaviors. In the case of photosystem II-inhibiting herbicides, subclasses C1, C2 and C3 indicate different behaviors with a key binding protein.

WSSA

Cover Story >>> Continued

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

Table 3

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Mode of action and classification of common turfgrass herbicide site of action according to the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC).

Timing

Mode of Action

WSSA

HRAC

Active Ingredient

Trade Name

Pre

Mitotic Inhibition

3

K1

dithiopyr

Dimension

Pre

Mitotic Inhibition

3

K1

pendimethalin

Pendulum

Pre

Mitotic Inhibition

3

K1

prodiamine

Barricade

Pre

Lipid Biosynthesis Inhibition

8

N

bensulide

Bensumec

Pre

Photosystem II Inhibition

7

C2

siduron

Tupersan

Pre

Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (PPO) Inhibition

14

E

oxadiazon

Ronstar

Pre/Post

Mitotic Inhibition

15

K3

dimethenamid

Tower

Pre/Post

Mitotic Inhibition

3

K1

pronamide

Kerb

Pre/Post

Mitotic Inhibition

15

K3

metolachlor

Pennant Magnum

Pre/Post

Photosystem II Inhibition

5

C1

amicarbazone

Xonerate

Pre/Post

Photosystem II Inhibition

5

C1

atrazine

AAtrex

Pre/Post

Photosystem II Inhibition

5

C1

metribuzin

Sencor

Pre/Post

Photosystem II Inhibition

5

C1

simazine

Princep

Pre/Post

Cellulose Synthesis Inhibition

29

L

indaziflam

Specticle

Pre/Post

Lipid Biosynthesis Inhibition

16

N

ethofumesate

Prograss

Pre/Post

Carotenoid Biosynthesis Inhibition

28

F2

mesotrione

Tenacity

Pre/Post

Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (PPO) Inhibition

14

E

flumioxazin

SureGuard

Post

Synthetic Auxin

4

O

2,4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;D

multiple

Post

Synthetic Auxin

4

O

dicamba

Banvel

Post

Synthetic Auxin Inhibition of Cell Wall Synthesis

4 27

O L

quinclorac

Drive

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

bispyribac-sodium

Velocity

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

foramsulfuron

Revolver

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

imazaquin

Image

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

metsulfuron

Manor

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

rimsulfuron

TranXit

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

sulfosulfuron

Certainty

Post

Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) Inhibition

2

B

trifloxysulfuron

Monument

Post

Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACCase) Inhibition

1

A

diclofop

Illoxan

Post

Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACCase) Inhibition

1

A

clethodim

Select

Post

Enolpyruvyl Shikimate-3-Phosphate (EPSP) Synthase Inhibition

9

G

glyphosate

Roundup

Post

Glutamine Synthase Inhibition

10

H

glufosinate

Finale

Post

Photosystem II Inhibition

6

C3

bentazon

Basagran

Post

Photosystem I Inhibition

22

D

diquat

Reward

Post

Photosystem I Inhibition

22

D

paraquat

Gramoxone

Continued <<< Cover Story

both herbicides have the same MOA. Not only must managers rotate different herbicides, but they also must use different MOAs. For instance, using atrazine in rotation with simazine is a futile approach, as both are photosystem II inhibitors (Group 5 herbicides). See Table 3 for a more complete list of WSSA and HRAC classifications.

Use tank mixtures.

By utilizing herbicide tank mixtures with different MOAs that are active on the same species, the weedy population would need to have tolerance to two different MOAs at the same time in order to survive. This may decrease the potential for resistance, although differences of opinion surround the issue. It is, however, likely that multiple MOAs improve the spectrum of weeds controlled, simultaneously reducing plants that need follow-up applications.

Use both pre- and postemergence herbicides.

Integrating both pre- and postemergence herbicides into a weedmanagement plan will diversify MOAs and eliminate weeds before they mature and develop seed. In such a plan, it would also be necessary to rotate both the pre- and post-emergence MOAs used each year. Atrazine followed by simazine would again be futile, because they possess the same MOA. For more information, see publication 1532 for Weed Control Guidelines for Mississippi, available online at http://msucares. com/pubs/publications/p1532.pdf.

Image 1. Many agro-chemical companies have adopted a strategy of clearly labeling modes-of-action on the product label. Quinclorac (Drive) is a WSSA classified group 4 herbicide, which means it is a synthetic auxin.

In summary

Herbicide-resistant weeds are an increasing problem. An effective cultural- and chemical-management plan is required to achieve maximum weed control in turfgrass systems; however, emphasis should be placed upon rotating herbicide modes of

action and eliminating escaped weeds after herbicidal treatments have been applied. The Weed Science Society of America has developed a five-part training module on herbicideresistance awareness and education.

Those modules can be accessed online at http://wssa.net/weed/resistance/. v

Maximize control, and minimize escapes.

It is important that herbicide applicators use the maximum-labeled application rates in order to maximize control.

Plants that escape control should be removed manually or may be removed chemically using a high rate or nonselective spot-spray application, according to label recommendations.

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Optimize the environment for turf plants.

As always, the most important approach for weed management is to simply optimize the environment for the desired turf species. Doing this will decrease the number of weeds that are actually treated by herbicides, thus decreasing the potential for resistance development.

Recent Event >>>

You Never Know What You Will Catch!

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

The

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

Mole Cricket Classic was a huge success last September. We had five boats full of eager fishermen and women determined to catch the big one. And what a big one it was!

The big fish was an 84.5-pound shark caught by our president, John Carter.

Not everyone brought in sharks, but there were plenty of wahoo, king mackerels, groupers and b-liners. Everyone went home with a catch! We fished out of the Orange Beach Marina, home of our committee chairman, Paul Salzmann.

Big thanks to Paul for all of his help in organizing the tournament. It’s great to have a member in our organization who has a love of fishing to help us out!

A big thanks to our tournament sponsors whose support allowed us to enjoy a great dinner the evening before the tournament. Everyone gathered at Fisher’s Restaurant at the Orange Beach Marina for a casual feast before the tournament. Please be sure to thank our sponsors for their commitment to this longtime fundraiser, the Mole Cricket Classic.

The Mole Cricket Classic will return to the Gulf of Mexico again this year on September 13–14. We’ll have a dinner on Sunday night, followed by the fishing tournament on Monday. Keep looking on our website for updates and also your mailbox for a registration form.

We hope you will join us and reel in the big one for turfgrass research! v

Thanks to Our Feast Sponsors!

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AGRI-AFC, LLC Beard Equipment Co. Harrell’s, Inc. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Nufarm Americas Syngenta

Congratulations to John Carter for hauling in this 84.5-pound shark!

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Recent Events >>>

Farewell, Auburn…

Hello, Biloxi!

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

T

his past October, the 53rd ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference and Tradeshow wrapped up in Auburn with a grand farewell! With the majority of our 53 Conferences being held in Auburn, we said a sad good-bye to The Plains this past fall. Why, you might ask? We’re moving on to bigger and better venues with friends from all over the South. Next year (and for at least the next three years), we will be part of a new event — the Deep South Turf Expo. The first Expo will be held next year in Biloxi, MS, on October 13–15, 2015. Please take a look at our Deep South Turf Expo Q&A section on page 12 for more details on this event.

Because it was our last conference in Auburn, we went out with a bang!

We had more than 220 attendees and 45 exhibitors, one of our largest conferences to date. We are proud of our membership for coming out and supporting this last conference in Auburn.

Auburn has served as a homecoming to many of our members, and we take pride in that tradition. For those diehard Auburn members, rest assured that we will still have events in Auburn. See the details on the Auburn University Turfgrass Field Day and Poa annua Classic scheduled for April 1 on page 10.

Hosting a conference is a big undertaking with logistics, planning, staffing

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

On Wednesday afternoon, conference attendees were treated to a tour of Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium (below), Plainsman Park and the indoor practice facility.

22

and finances. Even though we’ve had growing pains with our facilities in Auburn, we’ve tried to make the most with what we had to work with over the years, sometimes with a big financial hit. Fortunately, we’ve been able to keep the cost to a minimum for our attendees, thanks in most part to our sponsors and exhibitors. We can’t thank them enough for all their help.

Please, please, please thank them every chance you get, and make it a priority to support them, too!

Some of the highlights that we want to acknowledge include our biggest donation to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation in more than 10 years. ATA presented ATRF with a check in the amount of $5,012.16 from the proceeds of the 2104 Poa annua Classic Golf Tournament and the Mole Cricket

The auditorium was packed for Wednesday’s presentation on “Review of New Formulas, Labels and Chemicals for Turf Management.”

The ATA Annual Business Meeting was conducted during lunch on Wednesday.

Dr. Mark Windham, from the University of Tennessee, presented this year’s Keynote Address, with an entertaining look at the history of the SEC. Herbie Fricke (left) received the 2014 ATA Lifetime Achievement Award from 2014 ATA president John Carter.

Some of the former ATA presidents in attendance included (left to right): Glenn Hedden (2013), Randy Bodine (2006), Brian Aaron, CGCS (2004), Wayne Bassett (1999), and James Barkley (2012).

Recent Event >>> Continued

Classic Fishing Tournament. We know these funds will be put to good use and benefit us all! We also announced that our scholarship recipient was Matt Golson, a well-deserving Turfgrass Management senior at Auburn University.

And our highest honor of the association — the Lifetime Achievement Award — was presented to Mr. Herbie Fricke, who retired last summer from AGRI-AFC,

LLC. Herbie has been a huge asset to our association throughout his career, and we will miss him dearly. For more details on our friend Herbie, see page 14.

We also voted on our new board members and leadership for ATA. These men are dedicated to our association and are eager to serve you, the membership, in this capacity. You will find them listed on page 8.

Go ahead and mark your calendar for October 13-15, 2015, and plan to be in Biloxi for the inaugural Deep South Turf Expo. We need YOU and every member of ATA to support this endeavor. We are planning a great educational program, fun networking opportunities, a huge indoor tradeshow and plenty of CEUs and pesticide certification points. The Deep South Turf Expo is sure to be a winner!

Thank You To Our Conference Sponsors!

Golf Tournament Tee Signs • AGRI-AFC, LLC • Bayer Environmental Science • Beard Equipment Company • Chattahoochee Turf Products • Ewing • Golf Ventures, Inc.

• • • • • • •

Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Nufarm Americas Southern States Syngenta

Research Breakfast • Nufarm Americas

Conference Refreshments

Tradeshow Reception

• The Gowan Company

• Harrell’s, Inc. • Syngenta

Membership Luncheon

Membership Dinner

• Bayer Environmental Science

Continental Breakfast • Quali-Pro

• • • •

Beard Equipment Company Golf Ventures, Inc. Greenville Turf & Tractor Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Thank You To Our Auction Donors Thanks to the generosity of our auction donors, we raised more than $12,000 this year!

• • • •

AGRI-AFC, LLC Aquatrols Auburn Horticulture Dept.

Auburn Hotel & Conference Center • Auburn Turfgrass Program • Auburn University • BASF

• Beau Rivage • Chattahoochee Turf Products • Coosa Valley Turf Farm • Dow AgroSciences • Ewing • FMC • Goose Pond Colony

• • • • • • • •

Graham Spray Equipment Grand National Golf Course Greenville Turf & Tractor Humphries Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes Joe Wheeler State Park Nufarm Americas

• • • • • •

PBI-Gordon ProRain & g2 turftools Quali-Pro Southern States Stovall Syngenta

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

Thank You To Our Tradeshow Exhibitors • • • • • • • • • •

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AGRI-AFC, LLC AGRIGUARD Company Agromax, LLC Alabama Ag. Credit Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation Aquatrols BASF Bayer Environmental Science Beard Equipment Company Biotic Environmental

• • • • • • • • • • •

Solutions Buckler Sand Company BWI CCP Industries Chattahoochee Turf Products Dow AgroSciences Ewing Irrigation FMC g2 turftools Golf Ventures Graham Spray Equipment Greenleaf Technologies

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Greenville Turf & Tractor Harco Fittings Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscape Keeling Nufarm Americas PBI-Gordon Pennington Seed, Inc. Red River Specialties, Inc. Regal Chemical Company

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Residex, LLC SePRO Corporation Sod Solutions Southern Athletic Fields Southern States Turf Division Stovall Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. SUR-LINE Turf, Inc. Syngenta The Turfgrass Group, Inc. TRIEST Ag Group, Inc. Weed Man

A l ab ama Tu rf T im es >> > Wint er 201 5

25

Professional Development >>>

By Erick Lauber, Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania

R

oger wasn’t happy at work. It wasn’t that he hated his job or anything like that. His co-workers were fine, and he didn’t mind the type of work he did.

In fact, he thought he did it pretty well. Of course, he wanted more money, but who didn’t? No, something else was bothering him. At some basic level, he simply didn’t enjoy coming to work. Whatever excitement or sense of accomplishment he used to get had been replaced by a lack of motivation.

Roger’s issue was a common one. Employees around the world sometimes lose sight of what makes their work worthwhile. They get run-down, burnt out and de-motivated. At times like these, it can be difficult for anyone to enjoy work and find the old levels of motivation and energy.

To help Roger and the millions like him, it is necessary to look at the underlying causes. Why do any of us enjoy work? And can we re-ignite those causes in our own work environment? The answer is yes! Other than the financial compensation, there are at least six different reasons why we enjoy work.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Wi nter 201 5

Inner accomplishment

The remarkable time and energy that some people put into their work can only be understood as an “inner drive” — they simply want to achieve that goal. Seeking a personal sense of accomplishment is natural and can be harnessed every day. It can be described as “taking pride in one’s work” or a sense of “This is what I was meant to do.” Whether the objectives are short term or long term, making progress toward a goal makes all of us feel good.

The greater good

Many of us are also motivated by a sense of community, the feeling that we are part of something larger and that life isn’t just about our own individual needs and 26

wants. This particular joy and peace is experienced by millions as they volunteer for church or service-club tasks, but it can also be encouraged in the workplace. For example, it is claimed that many Asian/Eastern companies reinforce this message. Clearly, many Americans are also motivated by community considerations. Perhaps Roger could be encouraged to reframe his circumstances and see how he is contributing to the greater good.

Personal relationships

Many get enjoyment from the individual relationships they experience at work. It helps them look forward to each day. The laughter, the camaraderie, the forgiveness and even the occasional stress are all something they enjoy and know they wouldn’t want to live without.

But not everyone is the same, and certainly we’re not all our best self every single day. Enlightened managers respect this basic human need to connect with others and allow it, if not encourage it, in their workplace. Has Roger’s manager given him the opportunity to connect with others? Has he diagnosed that this is something important to him?

Sense of team

Similarly, some people enjoy a special sense of completeness and wholeness by experiencing team. In the workplace, many employers work hard to encourage this shared identity by conducting internal PR and messaging campaigns. For quieter teammates, a sense of camaraderie might provide an extremely important opportunity to connect and feel like they belong. Does Roger feel that he’s part of a team? How much team spirit has his boss created?

Physical exertion

For some, a special sense of joy comes from physical exertion, and the absence of it makes any job less

appealing. It just doesn’t feel like work if they aren’t breaking a sweat or doing battle with the weather.

This is partly a product of socialization and might be tied up with what “work” means to them. Modern day psychology re-affirms the benefits from physical labor.

We all know how endorphins can give us a slight high.

And everyone knows about the stress-management benefits from working out? Is getting physical a way for Roger to battle his “lack of motivation? If his job is sedentary, does his employer even offer a “get in shape” program?

Mental challenges

Finally, a great many of us enjoy the special mental feeling that comes from exercising our creativity or satisfying our curiosity. The small euphoria that comes from developing something new or conquering a complex problem can be a big part of enjoying work for some.

Does Roger’s boss know whether he’s incredibly bored or frustrated by his tasks? Is it time for a promotion or perhaps a little job engineering to offer a chance at being creative?

“Why” is the answer to “How?”

So, what can be done more generally to help employees

enjoy their work? Or what can Roger or any employee do themselves? The answer is simple: treat the cause, not the symptoms. Instead of worrying about symptoms like aggressive behavior or poor attitude, employees and employers can create a more enjoyable work environment by directly addressing one or more of these common denominators. Why not casually interview Roger about whether he feels connected to his fellow co-workers?

Does he have any friends at work? Why not ask, “Is this job challenging enough?” or “Would you like the opportunity to be more creative?” Stepping back and reflecting on each of these six motivators can guide any manager or employee toward a more enjoyable work place. There is hope for Roger in the application of modern-day psychology to the workplace.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erick Lauber, Ph.D., is an applied psychologist and faculty at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He speaks and consults on leadership, personal growth and development, and taking charge of our own life stories. He has won 19 educational TV/film awards and has been published in numerous psychology journals and book chapters. Contact www.ericklauber.com, or call 724-464-7460. v

A l ab ama Tu rf T im es >> > Wint er 201 5

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ATA Membership & Sponsorship Application Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:___________________________________________________ State:__________________________Zip:___________________________ Phone:___________________________________Cell:___________________________________Fax:_________________________________ Website:_______________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________ Industry Category: q Golf Course Superintendent q Industry/Supplier Representative q Institution (Corporate/University) q Landscape Services

q Lawn Care Specialist q Parks & Recreation/Municipality q Sod Producer q Sports Turf Manager

q Student, Name of School: ____________________________ q Other

Dues: $ 100 – Individual Membership Dues $25 – Individual Student/Educator Dues $50 – Additional Members From Same Company All Annual Sponsors will receive recognition at all ATA events, publications and signage, plus discounts on advertising and tradeshow booths. Please be sure to include the name and address of each company representative that should receive ATA memberships included in your sponsorship. q Gold Sponsorship—$2,500 q Silver Sponsorship—$1,500 q Bronze Sponsorship—$800 includes 5 memberships, tee includes 3 memberships, tee includes 2 memberships, one signs at golf tournaments, one signs at golf tournaments, one comp registration at educational comp registration at educational comp registration at educational seminars and 15% off advertising seminars and 25% off advertising seminars and 20% off advertising Please make checks payable to ATA and remit it with your application to the address below: Alabama Turfgrass Association Post Office Box 70 • Auburn, AL 36831 • Phone: 334-821-3000 • Fax: 334-821-3800

Welcome, New ATA Members!

Griffin Binder Independent Contractor Vestavia, AL Derrick Bright City of Florence Florence, AL

Murray Channell Tuscaloosa Lawn Care Tuscaloosa, AL Patrick Conard Waynes Environmental Services Opelika, AL

Caleb Coperton City of Florence Florence, AL

Scott Hendricks TriEst Ag Group, Inc. Troy, AL

Brian McCaffrey SePRO Corporation Trinity, Florida

Santo Cousart Huntsville Country Club Huntsville, AL

Ron Hovey Saugahatchee C.C. Auburn, AL

Jordan Mosley Auburn University Auburn, AL

Jay Jackson Florence Parks and Recreation Florence, AL

Richard Royal Turf Masters Lawn Care Roswell, Georgia

Alan Kohn CCP Industries Cleveland, OH

Glenn Sansing Deerfield Golf Club Chatom, AL

Scott May Valleycrest at Musgrove C.C. Jasper, AL

Jerry Schuman Pennington Seed, Inc. Madison, GA

Scott English Moore’s Mill Club Auburn, AL Arnold Frantz Saugahatchee C.C. Auburn, AL Robert (Bobby) Graham Timber Ridge Golf, Inc. Talladega, AL Andrew Harp Alabama Ag Credit Auburn, AL

Sid Sexton Sexton Lawn & Landscape Daphne, AL Jermaine Stallworth City of Brewton Dogwood Hills G.C. Brewton, AL Brenton Truitt Pro Lawns Auburn, AL Justin Watts Select Source, LLC Gilbert, SC

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A l ab ama Tu rf T im es >> > Wint er 201 5

Caleb Carroll Pro Southern Landscapes Cullman, AL

welcome new members >>>

Calendar of Events >>>

January 21

ATA Roadshow Seminar Birmingham, AL

January 28

ATA Roadshow Seminar Montgomery, AL

February 4

ATA Roadshow Seminar Dothan, AL

February 11

ATA Roadshow Seminar Huntsville, AL

Index of Advertisers >>>

February 21–26

Golf Industry Show Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

April 1

Auburn University Turfgrass Research Field Day and Poa annua Classic Auburn, AL

September 13–14 Mole Cricket Classic Orange Beach, AL

October 13–15

AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com............................................3 Ewing Irrigation www.ewing1.com............................................ 28

Deep South Turf Expo Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center Biloxi, MS

Jacobsen www.jacobsen.com...............................................21

December 7

Gulfcoast Organic www.gcogrows.com................................................. 5

ATA Dove Hunt Montgomery, AL

Greenville Turf & Tractor www.greenvilleturf.com..... Inside Back Cover

Humphries Turf Supply www.humphriesturf.com............................14 Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com........................................27 JRM, Inc. www.jrmonline.com.......................................15 Lebanon Turf.................... Inside Front Cover www.countryclubmd.com RD Murphy, LLC www.rdmurphy.com............................................ 30 Riebeling Farms, Inc....................................... 7 Smith Seed www.titanfescue.com..................................30 Southern Specialty Equipment www.ssequip.net............................................30 Southern State Turf www.ssturf.net...............................................30 Southern States Cooperative www.southernstates.com.............................11 Sur-Line Turf Inc. www.surlineturf.com................................... 25 The Turfgrass Group www.theturfgrassgroup.com....9, Back Cover TriEst Ag Group, Inc. www.triestag.com..........................................19 Turf Pride, LLC www.turfprideusa.com...................................7

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