Winter 2019
The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine
Growing Degree-Day Based PGR Application on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens Plus, What You Need to Know About Winter Kill
Turfgrasses for the 21st Century
Our goal is to produce the highest quality, innovative turfgrass on the market today while providing the best customer service. Our affiliation with several research and development professionals gives us access to some of the best varieties of turf available for difficult applications. We are also a grower of Tennessee Crop Improvement Association Certified Turfgrass.
www.WinsteadTurfFarms.com
901.867.8116 • 1.800.624.TURF (8873) 22860 Highway 196 • Arlington, TN 38002
Winter 2019
Contents • The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine Features
9 Upcoming Event —
MTA Hospitality Night February 6, 2019
10 Cover Story —
Growing Degree-Based PGR Application on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens
14 Turf Tips —
What You Need to Know About Winter Kill
14
16 Recent Event — Deep South Turf Expo Departments
6 From the MTA President
7 Calendar of Events
7 Index of Advertisers
8 Meet Your 2018 – 2019 Officers and Directors
Mississippi Turfgrass is the Mississippi Turfgrass Association magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTA members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, Mississippi Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTA members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of Mississippi Turfgrass. Copyright ©2019 by the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. Mississippi Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of MTA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTA allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTA. 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 insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
4 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
16
OFTEN IMITATED NEVER DUPLICATED We’ve Got You Covered. POLYON® Controlled-Release Fertilizer. Feeding YOUR Success. POLYON® is a radically different fertilizer concept – one that can deliver radically better growing results for you. The key to the consistent, predictable release of POLYON® fertilizer is all in the exclusive, durable polymer membrane that coats each granule (our proprietary reactive-layer coating, or RLC). During the coating phase of the manufacturing process, a bond is formed with the substrate ensuring consistency and durability in every particle. Choose POLYON® and you will get guaranteed results backed by our POLYGRAPH® Guarantee. For more information, visit www.harrells.com/polyon or contact your sales representative today! STEVE KUYRKENDALL Golf- Mississippi skuyrkendall@harrells.com (601) 953-1847
www.harrells.com | 800.282.8007
JAMES BARTLEY Turf & Landscape- Mississippi jbartley@harrells.com (334) 707-5134
BRETT DRINKWINE Golf- Gulf Coast bdrinkwine@harrells.com (251) 689-3288
From the mta president
Supporting the Industry Through MTA
Al Osteen
H
ere we go! 2019 is here already. I look forward to serving as President of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association for the upcoming year. It is my hope that our organization can continue to grow its membership as we reach out to all turfgrass management professionals and help them to realize all the benefits associated with being an MTA member. Our goal as an organization is: to continually educate and support those managing turfgrass with current and innovative information and strategies, to raise funds for supporting research,
as well as to provide scholarship opportunities for students pursuing a career in turfgrass management. MTA has been building up a research fund in hopes of being able to fund a project that will study a yet to be determined area of interest to our industry – one that will help those in our profession make more informed management decisions related to a persistent and challenging topic of concern. MTA has several events on the calendar every year. It is my hope that members will be able to attend as many
Big Roll TuRf TuBes RD MuRphy LLC Office: (256) 766-6031 Sales: (256) 762-3564 info@rdmurphy.com www.rdmurphy.com
heavy Duty papeR tubeS
100% Recycled paper
Riebeling Farms, Inc. Palmetto St. Augustine • Empire Zoysia Centipede Sod • Delivery Available
251-943-6012
20732 Hadley Rd. • Foley, AL. 36535
6 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
as possible, and join in the education, fund raising, and fellowship. Our participation as one of the Deep South Turf Expo partners has been a tremendous success, as attendance continues to grow every year. As this organization continues to grow we must all reach out to those in sports turf, golf course, sod production, lawn care and all turf-related industries to encourage them to join MTA and promote the value and benefits of belonging to a group dedicated to this challenging profession. Thanks to Dr. Jay McCurdy, Dr. Barry Stewart, and a long list of vendors – without their help, we could not be successful. Most importantly, thanks to Mrs. Linda Wells and Dr. Wayne Wells. Linda is the glue that holds our organization together, and I speak for all of us when I say “Thank You for your dedication and all you do to make the MTA family what it is today!” One of our anchor members, Wayne Philly, is retiring. He has been an incredible asset to MTA, and his leadership will be irreplaceable. Thank you, Wayne, and enjoy your retirement! We are also sad to see Dr. Eric Reasor moving from MSU to industry, where he will be working on product development for PBI-Gordon. We wish him well and hope to see him around. These positions at MSU are fundamental to our state’s (and region’s) turf industry. I hope you’ll join in efforts to support their replacement. All the best,
Al Osteen
Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Fax: (662) 325-2705 www.msturfassociation.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Office: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com Mississippi Turfgrass Editor James D. McCurdy, Ph.D.
MTA OFFICERS President Al Osteen (601) 214-9907 Vice President Jeremy Tate (662) 209-0023 Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Philley Mississippi State University (662) 325-2728 Past President David Leon Turf & Aquatic Specialties, LLC (601) 529-2458 Administrative Secretary Linda Wells Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Cell: (662) 769-7558 lmw218@pss.msstate.edu
Directors
Paul Battle Battle Sod Farm (662) 661-2040 Keair Edwards City of Gulfport (228) 861-5641 David Jumper Ole Miss Golf Course (662) 915-5181 Justin Lanford Starkville Country Club (662) 822-5806
Upcoming Events
February 6, 2019
Hospitality Night GCSAA Conference & GIS San Diego, CA
August 20, 2019
MSU Turf Field Day Starkville, Mississippi
October 1 – 3, 2019 Deep South Turf Expo Biloxi, Mississippi
Advertiser Index Agra Turf, Inc................................................13 www.agrainc.com
JNT Turf Solutions LLC.....................................7 KWMI / K & W Products, Inc............................3 www.KWMIequipment.com
Bayou Bend Turfgrass...................................13 www.bayoubendturfgrass.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.....................8 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Color-Flex Distance Markers........................13 www.color-flex.com
RD Murphy, LLC...............................................6 www.rdmurphy.com
CoverSports USA...........................................12 www.coversports.com
Riebeling Farms, Inc.......................................6
Donkey Forklift.............................. Back Cover www.donkeyforklift.com
Southeast Turf Maintenance.........................13 www.southeastturf.com
Harrell’s LLC....................................................5 www.harrells.com
Sur-Line Turf, Inc..........................................18 www.surlineturf.com
Humphries Turf Supply....................................9 www.humphriesturf.com
The Turfgrass Group............ Inside Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation...........................17 www.jerrypate.com
Winstead Turf......................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com
Exclusive
Distributor for Mississippi
JNT Turf Solutions provides aeration service using the Air2G2 process as well as providing sales and service of the Air2G2 Machines Immediately relieves soil compaction No downtime or turf disruption — lawns, sports fields and golf courses are ready to use right after treatment No post-application cleanup necessary! Instantly breaks through compacted soil, brings air to suffocating roots Quickly improves water drainage Encourages deeper root growth
Ask for details on how to put this fast and effective tool to work for you and your clients!
Robb Webb GreenPoint Ag (601) 594-5798 Reuben Wedgeworth Agri-AFC (601) 498-0750
P.O. Box 9270 • Monroe, LA 71211-9270 Cell: (817) 688-0833 • Email: nick@jntturfsolutions.com
The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 7
News from MTA
Meet Your New Leaders for 2019 On November 28, 2018, during the MTA Annual Business Meeting at the Deep South Turf Expo in Biloxi, MS, the following officers and directors were elected to lead the association in 2019.
President Al Osteen Turf Consultant 104 East Hill Drive Madison, MS 39110 (601) 214-9907 osteenal@gmail.com
Vice-President Jeremy Tate Tate’s Turf LLC 6477 Morgan Town Rd Sturgis, MS 39769 (662) 209-0023 tatesturfllc@hotmail.com
Immediate Past President David Leon Turf & Aquatic Specialties, LLC P. O. Box 1797 Ridgeland, MS 39158 (601) 529-2458 turfaquatic@gmail.com
Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Philley Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-2728 Cell: (662) 312-5701 wphilley@pss.msstate.edu
Administrative Secretary Linda Wells Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Cell: (662) 769-7558 lmw218@pss.msstate.edu
Ex-Officio Dr. Jay McCurdy / Faculty Advisor, MSU Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 (662) 325-2331 (731) 514-1514 JMcCurdy@pss.msstate.edu
Dr. Barry Stewart / Faculty Advisor, MSU Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 (662) 325-2725 (662) 312-9335 bastewar@pss.msstate.edu
Directors David Jumper / Golf Ole Miss Golf Course 147 Golf Club Rd. Oxford, MS 38865 (662) 915-5181 wdjumper@olemiss.edu
Keair Edwards / South City of Gulfport 114 Reservation Drive Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 861-5641 kedwards@gulfport-ms.gov
Rob Webb / Central GreenPoint Ag 252 Country Club Rd. Canton, MS 39046 (601) 594-5798 Rob.webb@greenpointag.com
Paul Battle / Sod Battle Sod Farm 5475 Hwy 4 Tunica, MS 38676 (662) 621-2040 paulbattleiv@hotmail.com
Justin Lanford / North Starkville Country Club 93 King Edward Drive Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 822-5806 Jlanford33@gmail.com
Reuben Wedgeworth / Industry Agri-AFC 203 Wisteria Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 498-0750 reubew@agri-afc.com
8 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
“Hospitality Night ”
GCSAA Conference & GIS
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 • 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. The Knotty Barrel • 844 Market St. • San Diego, California
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter across from the Convention Center Knotty Barrel – we will have exclusive use of their new Backyard Patio!
Catch up with all your peers and classmates! Hosted By MSU ALUMNI • LMGCSA • AGCSA • GCGCSA Appetizers & Cash Bar • RSVP by January 18, 2019 Name:_________________________________________________________________ Company:_______________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________ City:_ ________________________________State:_ _______ Zip:_ _________________ Individual:...................................................................................................................................... $25 Couple:........................................................................................................................................... $45 Total Enclosed:.................................................................................................. $_______________
Payment Method (Pre-Payment is Suggested): Check* Visa MasterCard American Express * Make check payable to MTA ** Please note – we can use our credit cards at the bar Card #_________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date:_ _________________________________________________________ Signature:_ _____________________________________________________________
Questions? Call Linda Wells — (662) 769-7558 or lmw218@pss.msstate.edu Send Registration Form to: Linda Wells • MTA • Box 9555 • Mississippi State, MS 39762 Fax to: (662) 325-2705
The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 9
Cover Story
Growing Degree-Day Based Plant Growth Regulator Application on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens By Kate Parkes and Eric Reasor, Ph.D.
Introduction
Plant growth regulator (PGR) programs are routinely implemented on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens to decrease mowing requirements and increase putting green playability. Current PGR programs are based on regular calendar application frequencies (i.e., weekly or biweekly) that are relatively unchanged by climate and environmental factors. PGR applications at the aforementioned frequencies have the potential for an overaccumulation of the PGR within the turfgrass plant that can lead to decreased traffic tolerance, increased disease severity, and increased weed presence. To combat the problem of PGR overaccumulation, the concept of using a growing degree-day (GDD) model to predict PGR reapplications has been researched (Kreuser and Soldat, 2011; Reasor et al., 2018). The GDD model determines when to reapply by using heat accumulation to estimate the amount of PGR remaining in the turfgrass. Temperature has been shown to be a driver for the rate at which PGRs are metabolized in turfgrasses. As a result, if weather is ever-fluctuating on a daily and certainly weekly basis, shouldn’t it be taken into consideration when reapplying a PGR? What are the benefits of reapplying PGRs using a GDD model and how does this method compare to weekly or biweekly reapplication frequencies? Research at Mississippi State University (MSU), University of Tennessee, and North Carolina State University was conducted in 2018 to answer some of these questions. 10 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
GDD Research
Three PGR programs were implemented on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens from May to November 2018. The PGR programs consisted of trinexapac-ethyl (Primo MAXX, Syngenta) applied at 4 fl oz per acre every week, 2 fl oz per acre twice weekly, and 4 fl oz per acre every 220 GDD10C. The weekly applications were made every Monday and twice weekly applications every Monday and Thursday. A non-treated check with no PGR was also included. Trinexapac-ethyl was applied using a CO2 pressurized backpack sprayer with 11004VS
nozzles (TeeJet) calibrated to deliver 40 gallons per acre. The experiment was conducted on ‘MiniVerde’ in Starkville, MS, ‘TifEagle’ in Knoxville, TN, and ‘Champion’ in Durham, NC. Plots were mowed five times per week at 0.125" and maintained with 0.1 lb N/ 1000ft2 of urea (46-0-0) applied every 14 days. Onsite weather stations at each location measured daily air temperatures that were used to calculate cumulative GDD. First, the daily mean air temperature was calculated from the maximum and minimum daily air temperature. Next, the base temperature
Figure 1
Visual turfgrass quality of ‘MiniVerde’ ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass putting green in Starkville, MS from 1 June to 29 October treated with 4 fl oz per acre per week, 2 fl oz per acre twice weekly, or 4 fl oz per acre every 220 GDD10C. A non-treated check was included for comparison.
(10°C; 50°F) was subtracted from the daily mean air temperature, and the difference was the daily GDD value. Consecutive daily GDD values were then added to calculate cumulative GDD. The base temperature of 10°C was selected as that is the temperature where photosynthesis becomes minimal for C4 plants. In contrast, the GDD reapplication interval for creeping bentgrass utilizes a base temperature of 0°C (32°F) (Kreuser and Soldat, 2011). The 220 GDD10C was utilized in this research based on previous research conducted in the summer of 2017. Previous research indicated that peak growth regulation occurred at 166 to 177 GDD10C (Reasor et al., 2018) and Kreuser and Soldat (2011) suggested PGR reapplication at 1.3 times the GDD at peak suppression to maximize plant health and putting green playability (i.e., reapplication on ultradwarf every 216 to 230 GDD10C). The reapplication target was 220 GDD10C; however, based on weather, scheduling, and other factors, applications were generally made between 210 and 230 GDD10C. The reapplication timing of Kreuser and Soldat (2011) was based on creeping bentgrass putting greens with an observed “rebound effect” or growth above the normal rate. No rebound growth was observed on ultradwarf bermudagrass cultivars (Reasor et al., 2018); therefore, the reapplication interval could likely be expanded beyond 230 GDD10C. Visual turfgrass quality was assessed weekly from 1 June to 1 November on a scale of 1 to 9. Golf ball roll distance using a USGA Stimpmeter was measured three times per day, twice a week. Morning ball roll distance was measured from 7 to 9 AM, mid-day 10 AM to 1 PM, and afternoon from 2 to 5 PM.
Results Turf Quality Throughout the summer, mean turfgrass quality of plots receiving trinexapacethyl on a weekly basis and on GDD interval was significantly greater than
Image 1
‘MiniVerde’ ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass in Starkville, MS on 1 October 2018 treated with 4 fl oz per acre per week, 2 fl oz per acre twice weekly, or 4 fl oz per acre every 220 GDD10C. A non-treated check was included for comparison. Figure 2
Golf ball roll distance (feet) using a USGA Stimpmeter on ‘MiniVerde’ ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass putting green in Starkville, MS from 1 June to 4 October treated with 4 fl oz per acre per week, 2 fl oz per acre twice weekly, or 4 fl oz per acre every 220 GDD10C. A non-treated check was included for comparison.
the non-treated check and twice weekly treatments (Fig. 1). Weekly and GDD treatments were not statistically differ-
ent; however, there was a trend of the GDD interval having greater turfgrass quality. The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 11
Cover Story • Continued Figure 3
Ball Roll Distance
Golf ball roll distance (feet) using a USGA Stimpmeter on ‘MiniVerde’ ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass putting green in Starkville, MS from 1 June to 4 October in the morning (7 to 9 AM), mid-day (10 to 1 PM), and afternoon (2 to 5 PM).
Golf ball roll distance of the four treatments are presented in Fig. 2. As expected, the non-treated had significantly less ball roll distance throughout the growing season than the three trinexapac-ethyl treatments. Among the three trinexapac-ethyl treatments, the GDD interval treatment had significantly greater ball roll distances early in the summer, but then was significantly lower in the latter part of the season. The ball roll distance might have been statistically lower; however, the difference between it and the weekly and twice weekly applications was only six inches. According to Karcher et al. (2001) the average golfer cannot detect ball roll distance differences of six inches or less. Different golf ball roll distances were measured in the morning, midday, and afternoon (Fig. 3). The morning distances were consistently faster
Get ahead of the game in the cold months with FieldSaver® Winter Turf Blankets/Growth Covers. Custom sizes available. We are the manufacturer! Standard sizes ship fast, from Philadelphia!
Actual sequence in same location November: Season ended with less than 10% of turf cover.
December: After seeding and fertilizing, active turf growth even with temperatures below freezing.
• Protect turf from harsh winter conditions! • Promote faster spring growth and green-up! • 8 Year Limited Warranty
• Heavy 100% woven polypro fabric • Reinforced hems and grommets all edges • Stakes stay in place & won’t rip fabric
For price quotes, sizes, fabric specs and samples, visit www.CoverSports.com sales@coversports.com • 800-445-6680 We make covers for all athletic surfaces: Rain Covers, Sideline Tarps, Track Protectors
12 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
Spring: Covers have been removed. (Uncovered turf still dormant) Stakes keep covers in place in brass grommets at 5' intervals.
than those in the mid-day and afternoon. However, mid-day and afternoon were similar throughout the growing season. These ball roll distances among times-of-day did not change with the different trinexapac-ethyl treatments. Regardless of weekly, twice weekly, or GDD reapplications, mid-day and afternoon ball roll distances were similar.
Located near Bastrop in northeast Louisiana, Bayou Bend turf Grass is a grower of certified, quality tifeagle, tifdwarf, tifGreen and MiniVerde grasses. ®
(318) 283-2279
Conclusions
Implementing a GDD model for trinexapac-ethyl reapplications could be beneficial to turf managers. GDD based reapplications provided increased plant health and visual turfgrass quality, while still maintaining desired golf ball roll distances. The GDD based reapplications also led to fewer trinexapac-ethyl applications. Trinexapac-ethyl applications were made 44 times for the twice weekly treatment, 22 times for the weekly treatment, and 11 times for the GDD treatment. Since weather is an uncontrolled variable, and an over accumulation of PGR in turfgrass is an issue, the implementation of GDD based trinexapac-ethyl applications has the potential to increase overall quality and performance of ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. v
www.BayouBendturf.com
Specialty Distribution
Butch Pugh PO Box 9168 Searcy, AR 72145
Cell: 662-545-5664
www.agrainc.com
Fax: 501 268-0606
Email: butchpugh@gmail.com
Southeast Turf utilizes the best deep aerification equipment available today to address any type of turf aerification need, including Deep Drill and Drill & Fill.
References
Karcher, D. T. Nikolai, and R. Calhoun. 2001. Golfers’ perceptions of greens speeds vary. Golf Course Mgt. 69(3):57-60. Kreuser, W.C., and D.J. Soldat. 2011. A growing degree day model to schedule trinexapac-ethyl applications on Agrostis stolonifera golf putting greens. Crop Sci. 51:22282236. doi:10.2135/cropsci2011. 01.0034 Reasor, E.H., J.T. Brosnan, J.P. Kerns, W.J. Hutchens, D.R. Taylor, J.D. McCurdy, D.J. Soldat, and W.C. Kreuser. 2018. Growing degree day models for plant growth regulator applications on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. Crop Sci. 58: 1801-1807. doi:10.2135/cropsci 2018.01.0077
Randy Emens 256-255-5231 • SouthEastTurf.com • seturfmaint@gmail.com 211 Skyline Road • Madison, AL 35758
color-flex
™
Distance Markers
Highly visible yet not intrusive Easy installation Safe for crosscut or diagonal mowing Highly resistant, permanent colored flexible material resistant to extreme temperature changes Six-month warranty www.color-flex.com
877-453-3539
The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 13
Turf Talk
What You Need to Know about Winter Kill By Jay McCurdy, PhD, Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist
C
ontrary to popular belief, there are things that can be done proactively, and from hence forth, to reduce potential problems with winter kill. “Winter Kill” is a common phrase used to describe the effects of harsh winter conditions upon warm- and cool-season turfgrasses alike. Warmseason species in Mississippi and the rest of the southeast include bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, bahia, and carpet grasses. All are susceptible to freeze damage. But damage is not solely linked to cold weather. For instance, not all properties are equally affected. It is not atypical to see a dead lawn adjacent to a lawn that greens up well in the spring. Similarly, certain species seem to suffer more at different latitudes and due to sometimes small differences in growing conditions. There’s not much that can be done to stop the effects of cold weather, but there are some proactive strategies that help decrease the chances of winter damage.
Pro-Tips 1) Pre-season cultural practices.
The condition of grass in the spring is determined by how healthy the grass Figure 1
14 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
was going into winter. Proper conditions during the growing season allow turf to grow roots and store up carbohydrates needed during the winter/ spring. If turf is unhealthy due to improper cultural practices or conditions, the grass will be more susceptible to winter-injury. Mowing height. This is possibly the most important yet overlooked cultural practice. Superintendents know intuitively to raise mowing heights in the fall to allow greens to recover. That means slower ball roll, but that is cheaper than replacing greens during May and June the following season. Likewise, homeowners and other professional turf managers should increase mowing heights before cooler fall temperatures. Some possible exceptions are 1) in overseeded scenarios or 2) on high-end sports fields where athlete performance is a consideration. Perform aerification and sand-topdressing. Root health depends upon adequate soil drainage and gas exchange. There are many lawns, if not most, that would benefit from aerification to relieve compaction and promote root growth. Most golf courses try to core-aerify greens at least once per year and perform other small-tine or solidtine practices several other times per Figure 2
year. This is almost always combined with frequent and light sand topdressing. Sports field managers should at the very least be aerifying and topdressing high traffic areas, such as between the hash marks on American football fields and at goal mouths of soccer pitches. Aerification of lawns is a less common practice unless they are highly compacted. I argue that most homeowner rented aerification tools are probably inadequate to perform the type of soil disruption necessary to decrease soil bulk density and increase turf health. Timing of aerification is also critical – too early, and turf is slow to emerge from dormancy; too late, and turf health will be compromised prior to winter. Ideal aerification timing for warm season grasses is approximately May to July. This doesn’t mean you can’t vent or solid tine greens, but it does mean you need to think critically about why you’re doing these practices and whether grass can recover from the stress. Regardless of aerification, there is no substitution for proper construction of the soil medium. This means proper drainage and nutrient holding capacity. Shoddy soil construction is all too frequent in modern suburban lots and on school playing fields. Even the best Figure 3
turf professionals cannot solve this problem without heavy equipment. Reduce tree root competition. Trees are an important part of our landscapes, but the turf under them often suffers from drought and limited nutrients due to competition from trees. Root pruning or tree trimming are sometimes the best option to increase turf cover under trees. Irrigate correctly during the growing season. Over watering is a common mistake. Proper soil moisture management means irrigation cycles should only occur when needed. Irrigation can be a double edged sword. In some instances, irrigation mitigates drought stress, but in excess, it causes disease, shallow roots, and scalping. Excluding golf greens, typical irrigation of native soils should be approximately one inch of water applied once per week (not every day) in lieu of natural precipitation (a rain gauge or coffee can works fine for measuring amount applied).
2) Let the grass go dormant.
Dormancy is an avoidance mechanism for tough winter months (when plants can suffer from cold damage, saturated soil conditions, and even desiccation due to dry winds). Fall nitrogen fertilization to enhance or prolong green color is a risky decision. Fall applications of potassium are frequently suggested. In general, if soil test results suggest that a soil contains “medium” or less potassium, then it’s safe to Figure 4
assume potassium applications could be beneficial. There is no substitute for a soil test! Period. Keep in mind that potassium uptake is minimal when soil nitrogen is limiting, so an allaround well balanced fertility program (throughout the year) is necessary. Likewise, don’t rush spring emergence. Fertility applications to lawns and fairways prior to the historic last frost date are risky.
3) Don’t go overboard with herbicide treatments during fall and spring transition!
Herbicides applied in fall and spring can affect rooting of turf, especially when weakened by environmental factors listed previously. Many herbicides affect plant roots of weeds AND desired turf alike. In isolated incidences, weakened roots may be more susceptible to herbicide injury than normal. I have seen several bermudagrass lawns injured by inopportune fall and spring applications of 2,4-D containing products, especially when applied in conjunction with preemergence herbicides.
What to Do Now?
Let me reiterate: Do not rush spring time applications of herbicides following a harsh winter. Even if grass is 100% dormant, use caution and rationale when applying non-selective herbicides (like glyphosate or diquat). The same is true of selective herbicides. Avoid application of selective Figure 5
herbicides during transition from dormancy to green cover. For instance, auxin-mimicking herbicides, such as 2,4-D and mecoprop, are labelled for use on bermuda and zoysia. Simazine is a common “go-to herbicide” for centipede and St. Augustine during winter months. But for some reason, even these “safe” and “labelled” herbicides can delay spring green up when applied at improper timings when turf is weakened by winter. When possible, avoid auxin-mimicking herbicide applications on St. Augustine and centipede grasses during fall and spring transition. Even if you think these two grasses are dormant, they are not! Avoid high rates of preemergence herbicides. This is a tricky decision. Our spring crabgrass/goosegrass control programs depend upon preemergence applications at proper timings. That initial preemergence timing is roughly late February through midMarch for most of the mid-South. Follow label directions and use conservative rates when appropriate.
To Conclude
There are many factors that contribute to winter kill. Attention to proper cultural practices remains key to managing turfgrass. v A previous version of this article appears as “Proactive steps to prevent winterkill on turfgrass” in the GCM online magazine: https://www.gcmonline. com/course/maintenance/news/prevent-winterkill
Figure 1: Winter kill injury of Ultradwarf bermudagrass greens manifests itself differently depending upon a number of environmental conditions. Here, thin spots are weakened and lack full turf canopy. If not quickly nursed back to health, these areas become open sores that won’t heal without sodding. Figure 2: Trees are a fundamental part of urban infrastructure and design, but they exacerbate winter kill, especially on golf course putting greens. Figure 3: Traffic, such as from carts or sports competitions, also exacerbates winter injury. Figure 4: Bermudagrass regrowth depends upon carbohydrate and nutrient reserves laid as a foundation in the fall and early winter. Figure 5: Water confluence areas that stay saturated throughout dormancy tend to be slowest to recover. The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 15
Recent Event
The Deep South Turf Expo, Held November 26–29, 2018
Another Big Success! Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
Outstanding Turf Professional
Dr. Jay McCurdy
Skeet and Trap Tournament Winner
Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award
Jay Coalter
2018 Scholarship Recipients
Caleb Paullus (left) and Connor Carlisle (right) Mississippi State University
Levi Jumper
with his instructors Will Arnett (left) and Danny Smith (right) East Mississippi Community College
Wayne Philley was recognized for his service to the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. Wayne has faithfully served MTA as Sec/Treasurer for many years, been a faithful supporter of the Association by participating in workshops and seminars as a speaker and advocating the importance of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association and the Turf industry. He will retire June 30, 2019. MTA presented him gifts of appreciation. 16 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
Randy Mangum
shown with Tournament Sponsor Kaelyn Knoche – Corteva
Changing of the Guard
Incoming president Al Osteen (right) presents 2018 president David Leon with his President’s plaque.
Recent Event • Continued
Thank You to Our 2018 Sponsors! Agri-AFC Ameriturf Amp Agronomy Aqua-Aid Aquatrols Bayer Crop Sciences Beard Equipment Co. Corteva Donkey Forklift FMC Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s Jacobsen John Deere Golf Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Net Connection PBI-Gordon Redox Regal Chemical Company Simplot Southern States Syngenta Trebro Woerner Farms Yara 18 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2019
Use
less
Enjoy
MorE
Saving you water, saving you money, saving the environment.
The Turfgrass Group, Inc. (770) 207-1500 or (770) 710-8139 www.TifTufBermuda.com
