In just seven years, TifTuf®’s installation of over 2 billion square feet has saved more than 48 billion gallons of water. It’s the only Bermudagrass to top National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials 93% of the time, far ahead of Tahoma at 73%. Recognized for its drought tolerance, TifTuf® is the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s standard for future university testing and has earned the #1 ranking in the USDA/NTEP ET-Based Water Deficit Research Trial.
TifTuf ®’s water efficiency has garnered numerous awards, including the Smart Approved Water Mark from Australia’s Water Services Association, the Georgia House and Senate’s Extraordinary Water Conservation award, and the
Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Water Wise Award. It’s also named the Turfgrass of Choice by Southern Living Inspired Communities.
TifTuf® is the most produced proprietary Bermudagrass globally, with more produced in the U.S. than all other varieties combined worldwide. It is the preferred choice for new golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial landscapes, and it’s the only Bermuda
sold through Home Depot and Lowe’s by Harmony Outdoor Brands.
While others check boxes, TifTuf® redefines them. Experience the exceptional quality and innovation of TifTuf® turfgrass.
The AHH… WINTER!!
winter months offer a unique opportunity for professionals in the turfgrass industry to focus on personal and professional growth. With the growing season slowing down, it’s an ideal time to engage in educational activities and expand your knowledge base. The Mississippi Turfgrass Association (MTA) provides a wealth of resources, including workshops and seminars that can help you stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices. By taking advantage of these resources, you can enhance your skills and be better prepared for the upcoming growing season.
Networking is another crucial aspect of professional development during the winter months. The MTA hosts various events that bring together turfgrass professionals from across the state and beyond. These events are excellent opportunities to meet peers, share experiences, and learn from each other. Building a strong network within the industry can lead to new job opportunities, collaborations, and the exchange of valuable insights. Engaging with fellow professionals can also provide support and motivation, helping you stay passionate about your work.
In addition to formal events, consider reaching out to peers for informal networking opportunities. This could include setting up virtual meetings, participating in online forums, or joining social media groups dedicated to turfgrass management. These interactions can help you stay connected with the community and keep abreast of new developments and innovations in the field. Moreover, discussing challenges and solutions with peers can provide fresh perspectives and ideas that you can implement in your own work.
Finally, use the winter months to reflect on your career goals and plan for the future. Assess your current skills and identify areas where you can improve. Set specific, achievable goals for the coming year and create a plan to reach them. Whether it’s gaining a new certification, learning about the latest turfgrass technologies, or expanding your professional network, the winter months provide the perfect opportunity to invest in your growth. By leveraging the resources and connections available through the Mississippi Turfgrass Association and your industry peers, you can position yourself for success in the turfgrass industry.
Start growing yourself today by reaching out to an MTA member or planning to attend the MTA Road Show Turfgrass Workshop on January 10, 2025, at the Lion Hills Center in Columbus, MS.
Scott D. Hampton Superintendent Laurel Country Club
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 Dr. Jay McCurdy MTA OFFICERS PRESIDENT Scott Hampton Laurel Country Club (601) 467-2718
VICE-PRESIDENT / PRESIDENT ELECT Zak Holloway Old Waverly Golf Club (662) 386-8042
SECRETARY-TREASURER Dr. Barry Stewart Mississippi State University Office: (662) 325-2725
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Levi Jumper Tupelo National Golf Club (662) 213-6804
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
Jimmy McPherson / Golf Rep MSU Golf Course (662) 610-3260
Josh Smith / Grounds & Lawn Maintenance City of Columbia, MS (601) 441-8029
Stephen Robertson / Central Region Rep Bay Pointe Golf Club (662) 418-7888
Toby Thornton / South Region Rep Beau Chene Country Club (601) 507-4254
Scott Kuhn / Industry Rep Simplot (601) 209-5605
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 Mississippi State, MS 39762 Office: 662-325-0517 Cell: 662-769-7558 Website: www.msturfassociation.org
The Mississippi Tur fgrass Association is a non-profit organization of individuals interested in promoting and expanding the tur f and landscape industr y in Mississippi and surrounding states
MTA’s objectives are to:
o ✔ Disseminate information and educational material on turf and landscape culture.
o ✔ Sponsor needed research, scholarships for deser ving students and conferences on timely topics
o ✔ Cooperate with other organizations in advancing educational opportunities in turf and landscape management.
Any individual interested in the advancement of turfgrass or landscape management is invited to join the organization This includes professionals in golf course and grounds maintenance, sod and seed producers, landscape contractors, landscape architects, horticulturists, agronomists, nurser ymen, educators, athletic field managers, park managers and representatives of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of tur f and landscape equipment, chemicals and supplies
Annual Dues:
o ✔ Promote quality turf and landscape management for individuals and single business representative membership
$100 for businesses requesting two to four individuals receiving the Mississippi Turfgrass magazine (attach names and addresses for additional newsletter mailings, business only) $150 for students $25
Membership year runs Januar y 1 through December 31
Name:
Firm or Club Name:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Telephone (Work):
Telephone (Cell):
Email:
JUST WHAT THE DOCTORS ORDERED
This year the Deep South Turf Expo would have celebrated its tenth anniversary, if a little thing called Covid hadn’t derailed our plans in 2020! In any event there was lots of celebration with folks catching up with old friends; making new friends; enjoying the Golf Scramble, always such a popular event, at The Preserve; and staying afterward for the tailgate celebration. The Trade Show was very productive, as was the education program on offer.
Our keynote speakers provided great insight and some a path to the future of turf. Derek Kaye of Whispr Innovations spoke on “Tesla, Robots, and Truly Green Equipment.” Tony Mancuso, Escondido Golf and Lake Club presented “Recruiting, Training, and Retaining a Qualified Workforce” This important topic is always timely. In addition, we were fortunate to have Nathan Crace, ASGCA,
PLA, of The Watermark Golf Companies talk about how “Golf and Sports Venues are Changing” as well as “Bunker Renovation.” Dr. Becky Bowling, University of Tennessee, spoke on “New Tools in the Poa Management Toolbox.” We heard from Amy Wilbur of Mississippi State University on “High Tech Meets Turfgrass Management: Trends to Watch For” and Dr. Pawel Petelwicz, University of Florida presented “Hasta La Vista, Weeds: Terminating Weed Control Issues with AI-Based Targeted Applications: Achievements, Aspirations, Anticipations (and Roadblocks Ahead).”
In all it was a great opening session on Wednesday, but Thursday’s presentations also excelled. A big shout-out to all the speakers who made the Expo a success, and our Education Committee who works tirelessly each year to find the best and brightest presenters in the field of turf. Thank you!
Dr. A.J. Lindsey and Dr. Pawel Petelwicz, University of Florida
Dr. Wayne Wells with Tony Mancuso
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to everyone who spent some time with our exhibitors at the Tradeshow. They work very hard every year to put on a great show. Without them, this event would not be possible! The Tradeshow is an educational opportunity, so take advantage of it! Our vendors appreciate the opportunity to provide you the latest updates in turfgrass technology and products. And to that end, we want to thank all our sponsors who are listed on the following pages for supporting the 2024 DSTE. Please take every opportunity to let them know how much you appreciate their support!
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
EXPO SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
DSTE GOLF SCRAMBLE WINNERS
1ST
2ND
3RD
Auburn (pictured above), Mississippi and East Mississippi Community College exhibit!
Place Team
Turf Grass Production Mowers Contour
DSTE TAILGATE SNAPSHOTS & MORE
Following Golf, we had a wonderful time at the Tailgate. It was a beautiful evening and everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather, the fellowship, the live music and the delicious food prepared by our sponsors. Tailgate Sponsors: FIS Outdoor, AquaAid, Ladds, BASF, Jerry Pate Turf, Beard, Simplot
Thanks
Deep South Turf Expo Exhibitors
Auburn University BASF
Beard Equipment Company BWI Comp
Capillary Flow
Chattahoochee Turf Products
Corteva Agriscience
East Mississippi Community College
Envu / Environmental Science US
Federation of Employers and Workers of America
FIS Outdoor
Fish Head Farms, Inc.
Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America
Greenpointag
GuruScapes
Haifa North America
Harrell's
Howard Fertilizer And Chemical
Huntsville Tractor & Equipment
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Ladd's
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Mississippi State University
Mississippi Turfgrass Association
Modern Turf, Inc.
Net Connection
Nufarm
PBI-Gordon
Professional Turfgrass Services Quali Pro
Redox Bio-Nutrients
Regal Chemical Company
Rhino Golf and Turf RightLine
Scotsman Turf Robotics Simplot
SiteOne Landscape Supply
Southern Ag Service
Standard Golf Company
STEC Equipment, Inc.
Sur-Line Turf, Inc.
Syngenta
The Aquatrols Company
Timewell Drainage Products
TRIYIELD
Turfwell Athletic Fields LLC
Vantage South
Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.
Watertronics
W MTA ANNUAL MEETING
elcoming everyone to the 2024 MTA Annual Business Meeting was President, Levi Jumper. Levi thanked them for their attendance and asked everyone to sit back and enjoy a slideshow presentation of 2024. Following the slideshow, he opened the business meeting.
Awards given were the Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award— Ken Edwards, the Outstanding Turf Professional Award—Cal Hill and Honorary Membership—David Jumper. Mississippi State University Scholarship winners were Samuel Arton and Justin Spencer. East Mississippi Community College Scholarship winners were Brandon Reynolds and Logan Anderson.
Election of Officers followed the Awards presentations. In accordance with the Mississippi Turfgrass Association By-Laws, the Vice-President/President Elect automatically moves up to President. Scott Hampton, Laurel Country Club is the 2025 President of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association.
The membership voted to increase annual dues from $75 to $100 for individual membership; Business membership from $100 to $150 (includes up to 4 newsletters), and student dues increased from $15 to $25. Dues increase becomes effective January 1, 2025. Membership year runs from January 1-December 31.
Officers elected were Vice-President/President Elect Zak Holloway, Old Waverly Golf Club and Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Barry Stewart, MSU.
Directors elected were Central Region Rep—Stephen Robertson, Baypointe Golf & Country Club; Golf Rep—Jimmy McPherson, MSU Golf Course and Industry Rep Scott Kuhn, Simplot.
Directors completing their second-year term are Chance MeredithWinstead Turf Farms, Sod Rep; Josh Smith-City of Columbia, Grounds & Landscape Rep, and Toby Thornton-Bayou DeChene Golf & Country Club, South Rep.
President Jumper thanked everyone for their attendance and support of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. He also expressed his enjoyment of having served as President and encouraged members to continue supporting MTA.
At this time, incoming President, Scott Hampton, presented Levi Jumper with the President’s Plaque. Scott then closed the 2024 Annual Business Meeting. •
Ken Edwards (right) receives the Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award from President Levi Jumper
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Flanked by Brandon Reynolds on his right and Logan Anderson on his left, is Faculty Advisor and Professor, Will Arnett. These gentlemen were the recipients of the 2024 East Mississippi Community College Scholarship awards.
MSU Scholarship recipient, Justin Spencer, is flanked by Dr. Barry Stewart (left) professor & Faculty Advisor and MTA President, Levi Jumper. Not pictured is MSU Scholarship recipient, Samuel Arton
Incoming President, Scott Hampton (right), presents outgoing President Levi Jumper with the President’s Plaque
President Levi Jumper presents David Jumper with the Honorary Membership Award
Cal Hill (right) is presented with the 2024 MTA Outstanding Turf Professional Award
New and Updated Herbicides for Turfgrass Weed Control
Jay McCurdy, Associate Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist, Mississippi State University
Amy Wilber, Extension Associate, Mississippi State University
There are a number of new and novel herbicides on the market. Here, we share our experiences and insights on their role in modern turfgrass management. At Mississippi State University, we conduct roughly 40 replicated trials per year, targeting a variety of turfgrass weeds in all major warm-season grasses. The more hands-on experience we get with new herbicides (especially during the early development phase), the better we can advise stakeholders on how to use them. That’s why we work with and advise industry colleagues on new products for our unique challenges here in the southeast.
Our research often focuses on controlling “driver” weed species—common weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass, doveweed, Virginia buttonweed, Poa annua, chickweed, nutsedges, Kyllinga species, and dallisgrass. These are the weeds that turf managers in any southern state must contend with.
Let’s discuss some of the newest herbicides introduced over the last couple of years. These products offer exciting advancements and opportunities to improve current weed management strategies.
New Herbicides for Turfgrass Management
Allstar (2,4-D, quinclorac, triclopyr, and sulfentrazone): This product is uniquely well positioned for crabgrass and broadleaf weed control in the cool-season market where it is labeled for use in most cool-season turfgrass species. It is also labeled for use in bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, though some injury to stressed turf should be expected. At the highest use rate of eight pints per acre, this product delivers the equivalent quinclorac rate of a full rate of Drive XLR8, which is normally sufficient to control young crabgrass.
Arkon and Vexis (pyrimisulfan): Both are products containing pyrimisulfan, an ALS-inhibiting herbicide. Arkon is a liquid formulation that is touted as being stable in water mixture for a longer period than most other ALS-inhibiting herbicides—a notable quality for LCOs who mix a backpack sprayer then spray over consecutive days; Vexis is the granular, which has been commercialized slightly longer. We’ve been working with this active ingredient since early-development. Arkon and Vexis both control sedges (including yellow and purple nutsedge and various
Kyllinga species) and certain broadleaf weed species. Pyrimisulfan has some pre- and early-post emergence activity on crabgrass but likely insufficient for standalone use. Like other ALS-inhibiting herbicides, its activity is slow to manifest (two to three weeks after application) and requires actively growing, immature weed species in order to be effective.
Pyrimisulfan has broad tolerance across most turfgrass species, but the labels for Vexis are slightly more restrictive. Tolerant species include established cool-season species like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass (only Arkon, including on tees and greens); and established warm-season turfgrasses like bermudagrass, bahiagrass, buffalograss, centipedegrass, kikuyugrass, seashore paspalum, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. Because of its slow activity, we’ve observed a few keys to its use:
• apply during periods of active growth, without growth limiters like drought and temperature stress
• root absorption appears to be required for Vexis, so we assume Arkon to be similar
• irrigate or apply when moderate rainfall can be expected
Aethon (pyrimisulfan and penoxsulam): Another pyrimisulfan product, but this time it is formulated with penoxsulam. Both have some unique capabilities. We’ve worked with penoxsulam before as Sapphire or on a granular carrier—penoxsulam-alone has a little residual activity and has often been included in homeowner mixtures because it is safe across a broad spectrum of grasses and controls things like white clover and English lawn daisy (driver weeds in many cool-season and west-coast markets). Aethon is for warm-season species only, including bermudagrass (common or hybrid), buffalograss, centipedegrass, kikuyugrass, seashore paspalum, and St. Augustinegrass. Its market share is uniquely on sedges with the added benefit of controlling certain broadleaf species. We’ve compared it with industry standards on yellow nutsedge, and it competes. Like Arkon, it has the benefit of being fairly tank-steady—that is, you can likely mix it and spray it over several days without decreased herbicide efficacy.
Celsius XTRA (thiencarbazone, iodosulfuron, halosulfuron): while not entirely new, it is new enough to mention. One of the industry standards for sedge control has long been halosulfuron. Celsius XTRA controls most sedge species equal to halosulfuron alone while controlling a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds. Thiencarbazone, one of the key active ingredients in Tribute Total, is uniquely fast acting (relatively speaking) compared with most other ALS-inhibitors, and iodosulfuron is analogous to metsulfuron, though it is active in much lower concentrations—hence added safety around young oak trees. Celsius XTRA controls most major warm-season broadleaf weeds (ex. dollarweed, doveweed, buttonweed). It still requires two applications to control anything but immature seedlings. Celsius XTRA is labelled for use in bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. Both it and the OG formulation will kill carpetgrass, so beware if you’re in coastal or low-lying areas of the southeast, and don’t simply assume that all you have is centipede or St. Augustine.
Crew (dithiopyr and isoxaben): this granular product has been around for about two years, but for various reasons has never had a big launch party—blame COVID? These two active ingredients are no strangers. Dithiopyr is a reliable preemergence herbicide that has both grass and some broadleaf activity. Isoxaben adds a broader spectrum of broadleaves controlled. Since it’s a granular, this is an especially attractive product for ornamental beds and adjacent lawns.
Prodoxaben 3.7 SC (prodiamine and isoxaben): seeing a trend yet? This combination revisits two older chemistries in a liquid formulation (Gemini 3.7 SC was a similar formulation several years back). Prodiamine is still our go-to for preemergence crabgrass control—it may lack the Poa annua and goosegrass control of the likes of oxadiazon, flumioxazin, and indaziflam, but it’s the standard for crabgrass. And isoxaben broadens the spectrum for broadleaf weeds.
StriCore (pethoxamid) is a new (to turf) active ingredient. Its mode of action is similar to other group 15 herbicides like dimethenamid and metolachlor in that it is thought to inhibit very long chain fatty acid synthesis. The product is labelled for preemergence application alone and in tank mixture with other preemergence herbicides across a wide variety of turfgrasses, including cool-season species like creeping-bentgrass, fine and tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass, and it is labelled for use on warm-season species like bahiagrass, bermudagrass, buffalograss, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, kikuyugrass, seashore paspalum, and zoysiagrass. It is labelled to control or suppress a range of annual weed species, with goosegrass being one it can hang its hat on. It really shines when tank mixed with other actives like indaziflam or prodiamine, particularly for the major annual grasses like Poa annua, crabgrass, and goosegrass. It has an 8-week seeding interval for those trying to integrate its use into overseeded scenarios.
Southpaw (sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron, dicamba): we’ve worked with Nufarm for at least five years on Southpaw. At one time, there were three individual companies pursuing a similar mixture of the same active ingredients. We know this three-way combination works—in fact, it has become one of our standards for buttonweed and yellow/purple nutsedge control. From what we understand, formulating ALS-inhibitors together or with auxin chemistry (like dicamba) is a major challenge. Certainty (sulfosulfuron) has always been an interesting sedge and broadleaf material. Applied alone, sulfosulfuron has slightly inferior nutsedge activity relative to halosulfuron; but sulfosulfuron has a little grass activity on the likes of young crabgrass and Poa annua, as well as bahiagrass suppression/control. Add in dicamba and metsulfuron, and it shines for broadleaf control. Southpaw is labelled for use on warm-season turfgrass only—bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. It will kill carpetgrass and maim bahiagrass (not sure anything really kills it), so again, use caution in mixed stands.
GameOn (fluroxypyr, halauxifen, 2,4-D) is an auxin mixture for nonresidential turf only. GameOn includes the choline formulation of 2,4-D, which has reduced volatility compared to traditional 2,4-D formulations and improves its safety around trees
and ornamentals. Like other auxin mixtures, weed injury appears within a few days. GameOn has also shown season-long broadleaf weed control in golf course native areas following application in mid-spring. GameOn is labelled for cool-season turfgrass species like bentgrass, fescues, and perennial ryegrass as well as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. GameOn should not be applied to turf maintained at less than half an inch.
Surepyc IQ (sulfentrazone and imazaquin): this is a novel combination of two established active ingredients. Imazaquin and sulfentrazone both control nutsedge and various Kyllinga species, but also control assorted broadleaf weeds, including doveweed.
SureGuard EZ (flumioxazin): this is a new formulation of the previous SureGuard SC. Like the previous version, use this in dormant bermudagrass for postemergence and late-preemergence Poa annua control. Apply in combination with your favorite nonselective herbicide (ex. glyphosate). Selectively apply around landscape ornamentals.
StayGuard (flumioxazin): the active ingredient flumioxazin has been around a while (notably as SureGuard in turf), but its formulation on a granular prill has long proven to be a white whale.
Surpyq IQ Doveweed
Stayguard Goosegrass
There’s Broadstar, which is the older Valent formulation on an inert granular carrier, but it was never labelled for use on managed turf—it’s widely used in ornamentals. Despite its previous
formulations, the injury potential on green turfgrass has been a concern. Flumioxazin is a PPO inhibitor, similar to oxadiazon. You may have heard, oxadiazon is subject to new restrictions,
Office: 205-333-1776
www.surlineturf.com • email: surline1@gmail.com
SPECIALIZING IN:
Athletic Field Construction and Renovation
Golf Course Construction and Renovation
Laser Grading • Super Topdressing
No-Till Planting • Sodding • Sprigging
On-Site Custom Built Turf Covers
Fertilizer • Seed • Turf Colorant
Sod Staples • Bunker Nails • Bunker Liners
Sod • Sprigs • Sand • Mixes
Infield Mix • Infield Conditioners
Warning Track Stone • Mound Clay
notably a maximum use rate of six pounds active ingredient per acre, per year. For some in the southeast, that’s barely enough for half the year, so along comes Harrell’s and their introduction of a granular formulation with flumioxazin coated onto a fertilizer carrier. In our first look trials on crabgrass and goosegrass, we’ve been pleasantly surprised. In both trials, StayGuard has preemergence crabgrass and goosegrass control equivalent to standard oxadiazon rates.
Recognition (trifloxysulfuron with metcamifen safener) is a new formulation of trifloxysulfuron that includes the safener, metcamifen. Metcamifen allows use in St. Augustinegrass and safens relatively high rates of tank-mixed Fusilade II (fluazifop) on both St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass. Where this technology really shines is when Recognition is added to the tank with 21 fluid ounces of Fusilade II. The mixture selectively kills bermudagrass while leaving zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass largely untouched. We have also had good success controlling dallisgrass and crabgrass in St. Augustine with this mixture. At least two applications are required. Mixtures with triclopyr enhance broadleaf control (dollarweed, dichondra, etc.). Recognition is labelled for use on warm-season turfgrass only—bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass, and kikuyugrass.
Velocity PM (bispyribac-sodium): this is a new liquid formulation, as opposed to the original SG formulation that was taken out of production in 2018. Velocity controls Poa annua seed head production in overseeded perennial ryegrass. Only apply when bermudagrass is dormant. Many Poa annua populations are resistant to this and other ALS-inhibitors, so mileage may vary.
Conclusions
We are excited to see so many new products introduced. This is just the beginning. New active ingredients and even some new modes of action are looking very promising for 2025. By staying informed and adaptable, turf managers can leverage these innovations to achieve sustainable and effective results. •
The Tools You Need for Success. EOP 2024
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Syngenta, Envu, Nufarm, BASF, FMC, Corteva, SePRO, and PBI Gordon
PLUS Harrell’s premium branded products –Harrell’sMAX®, Bio-MAX®, HydroMAX®, SprayMAX®, ProtectMAX®
