MTC Turf News - Winter 2022

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 47th Annual MTC Winter Conference and Trade Show

PLUS RESEARCH UPDATES FROM UMD

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Fax (615) 794-4524.

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL

303 S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com

www.mdturfcouncil.org

MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by:

Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 Fax: 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2023 MTC OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Brandon

Three-Year Director Terms

Randy Finn Antietam Tree & Turf 405 N. Burhams Blvd Hagerstown, MD 21740 301-667-4208 (c 301-791-3500 (o JRF@AntietamTree.com

Brian Haga Scientific Plant Services P.O. Box 62 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-321-0970 (o 410-371-2325 (c Brianh@spsonline.com

Perry Whaley Newsom Seed P.O. Box 510 1788 Scaggsville Rd. Fulton, MD 20759 240-554-0359 (o 540-671-8226 (c Perry@NewsomSeed.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Two-Year Director Terms Catherine Abramavage Central Sod Farms 920 John Brown Rd. Centreville, MD 21617 410-827-5000 (o Catherine@CentralSodMD.com

SECRETARY

Fred Johnson MNCPPC – Dept. of Parks & Recreation 301 Watkins Park Drive 240-882-4539 (c 301-218-6833 (o Frederick.Johnson@pgParks.com

Stephen King McHale Landscape Design 6216 Leapley Rd 240-319-5689 (c stephenk@mchalelandscape.com

IMMEDIATE

One-Year Director Terms Matt Coates MNCPPC-Hyattsville 7721 Polk Street Hyattsville, MD 20785 301-918-4716 (o 202-579-6939 (c Matthew.Coates88@gmail.com Logan Freeman – Superintendent Mountain Branch Golf Club 1827 Mountain Road Joppa, MD 21085 208-866-6380 (c Lfreeman@mountainbranch.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amanda Stillwagon Calvert Co. Park & Safety Div. Chief 175 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-610-3959 (o 704-877-8810 (c Amanda.Stillwagon@ Calvertcountymd.gov

SPREAD THE WORD

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rick Boldissar

Turf & Seed Section

50 Harry S Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

Work: 410-841-5968 • Cell: 443-791-2896

Rick.boldissar@maryland.gov

Kelly Love

Pesticide Regulation

50 Harry S Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-841-5710 • kelly.love@maryland.gov

Judy McGowan

Urban Nutrient Management

50 Harry S Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5955 • judy.mcgowan@maryland.gov

ON

behalf of the MTC, we would like to thank everyone who attended our Annual Conference at Turf Valley this year. We would also like to thank our sponsors and vendors for their continued support. Without you all, it would not have been as successful as it was. Yes, we need to work out a few kinks, but this year we had a great turnout. This event will only get better moving forward.

I hope everyone is enjoying this mild winter, as of this writing at the end of January, I’m holding out hope for a mild February as well. This would put us all in good shape as move closer to the opening of our spring seasons.

This year we saw an increase in memberships with MTC. We encourage you to spread the word for others like you to join us in this ever-evolving industry. The more members we have, the stronger our industry will be. As I spoke about at the conference, there has been a real struggle for all of us to hire and find good employees these days within our industry, especially with the next generation coming into the workforce. If we join together as a team, I believe we can bring agriculture, landscaping, turf management, and lawn care back to the great industry this state has relied upon for hundreds of years.

As always, please look for more educational training, re-certification classes, field days, and any other opportunities for networking this upcoming year. I look forward to seeing you at some of these events.

Best regards, and let’s keep growing together.

Your President,

Brandon Sands

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Dr. Mark Carroll

Environmental & Pesticides 2132 Plant Science Bld. College Park, MD 20742

Campus: 301-405-1339 • Farm: 301-314-6303 mcarroll@umd.edu

Dr. Thomas Turner, Professor Emeritus

Turfgrass Nutrients / Extension 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721

Farm: 301-314-6302 • tturner@umd.edu

Dr. Peter Dernoeden Professor Emeritus

18086 White Oak Dr. Milton, DE 19968

301-314-6300 • pd@umd.edu

Dr. Fereshteh Shahoveisi

Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology 2110 Plant Science Bld.

4291 Fieldhouse Dr., College Park, MD 20742

301-405-4355 • fsh@umd.edu

David Funk

Turf Farm Manager 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721

301-314-6300 • dfunk@umd.edu

INSTITUTE OF APPLIED AGRICULTURE: Geoffrey Rinehart

Turfgrass Management

2113 Jull Hall

4196 Stadium Dr. College Park, MD 20742

301-405-4692 • rinehart@umd.edu

Dr. Kevin Mathias Professor Emeritus College Park, MD • jkm@umd.edu

MTC BOARD ADVISORS

GROWING TO SERVE YOU BETTER

Special THANKS to the more than 425 attendees, vendors, sponsors and speakers that made the 47th MTC Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show a major success. There was plenty of sharing of ideas, new technology, networking, new products, services, and good food.

We also had the opportunity to honor our Secretary of 46 years and Treasurer of 41 years, Cheryl Gaultney, to whom the entire Conference and Trade Show was dedicated. Anyone who ever attended any previous Conference, Field Day, Recertification or and other function of the MTC had the opportunity to meet and get to know this industry icon. Cheryl may have unexpectedly passed away last summer, but she will not soon be forgotten for her pleasant smile and helpful attitude. We were additionally honored to have Cheryl’s husband, daughter, grandchildren and other family members and friends join us for a dedication ceremony during lunch.

It’s time once again to renew your dues, in the last 11 years we have grown from 300 members to over 1200+ and it is still growing. If your entire crew are not members, sign them up. If you have competitors who would benefit from membership, ask them to join. If you have suppliers who are not members, ask them why they are not members supporting the MTC and the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs and Research. Forms are being mailed out but feel free to utilize the form found on page 11 in this magazine.

Upcoming events you will want to mark your calendar and plan to join us are:

Procrastinators Recertification Class by Zoom

JUNE 23, 2023

This is your last chance to get your CEU’s required for your MD Pesticide License, and we will also offer CEU’s toward your MD Fertilizer Applicator License and CEU’s from DC and surrounding States. This is free to MTC Members, but open to everyone else for a modest fee. Registration is required.

University of MD Turfgrass Field Day (END OF JULY OR EARLY AUGUST)

Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn of the latest research that is being done to make YOU a better Turfgrass Professional, and enjoy a great day, great people and great food. This is a special opportunity for MTC Members, but once again registration is required for accurate meal counts.

Early Bird Recertification Class Live in Easton AUGUST 16, 2023

This recertification class is your opportunity to attend a live class in the relaxed atmosphere of the Eastern Shore. If you are looking to get your recertification for both MD Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Licenses, as well as the surrounding states and obtain it all while staying on the Shore, plan to join us at the Talbot Agricultural and Educational Center right off Route 50. Again, this is free to MTC Members, but open to everyone else for a modest fee. Registration is required.

MTC 48th Annual Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show DECEMBER 12, 2023

Once again, we will be enjoying the hospitality, comforts and food that only Turf Valley Resort and Spa can offer. Dr. Fereshteh Shahoveisi is taking the lead with the MTC Educational Committee to develop a spectacular program. Anyone who knows a great speaker or has a particular topic you want to hear more about please contact Fereshteh at fsh@umd.edu or feel free to contact me at ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com or 410-745-9643. Registration is required and Members get a significant discount.

The MTC is growing to serve you better, please make sure you are part of it. Join or renew today.

Vernon Cooper MTC Executive Director

Membership in the MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL

that time again when your MTC Dues need to be renewed. Many members renewed their dues when they signed up for the MTC Annual Conference and Trade Show in December but if you didn’t renew your dues at that time, you can do it now.

The MTC Dues year runs from February 1 to January 31 the following year. So, your dues paid now are good until January 31, 2024. This allows you “member discounts” at all MTC events including the 2023 MTC Annual Winter Conference on December 12, 2023 at Turf Valley Resort.

Membership numbers in the MTC have continually increased, with right now we have 1275+ members and are glad to have you and your crew as members.

The MTC, as an umbrella organization of all the Turfgrass Industries and Suppliers in Maryland and the surrounding area is open to any Turfgrass Professional or Supplier in the area.

One benefit of membership is our constantly monitoring legislation, both State and Local, that can greatly affect our industry and livelihood. It is so important when we go to testify before the legislature or other organizations to be able to say that we are here representing a large number of Turfgrass Professionals, including you. If you are aware of possible legislation or rule changes in your area, please notify us so we can join the fight.

Additionally, your dues help support the University of Maryland Turfgrass Research and other Turfgrass Programs including their students in both the 4-year and 2-year programs, as well as promoting quality turfgrass production and maintenance, making turf and playing surfaces safer for our children and improving the State’s waterway including the Chesapeake Bay.

Another way you can help support the University Turf Programs and promote Quality Turfgrass is by becoming a Turfgrass Education Sponsor There are several levels of support you can do from being a “Patron” all the way up to being an “Advocate” Supporter. Below you will find more explanations of what being a Turfgrass Education Sponsor means and the ways we are willing to show your generosity to the entire organization.

Lastly, for the past five years, our Treasurer Katy has designed and created a lap quilt using natural turf and plant patterned material. This year’s is still in process so we do not have a picture to show you, but Pam King at Middleton Manor Turf Farms in Waldorf was the lucky winner of the raffle last year. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20 and all proceeds are utilized for research. The drawing will be held during the Trade Show at the December Conference.

So please send in your dues today and encourage your crew, competitors, and suppliers all to become members. •

MTC “Turfgrass Education Sponsors Programs”

Since we are dealing with so many unknowns this year due to Covid-19 and Government Restrictions we are listing benefits for both “In Person” and “Virtual” functions – Thanks for bearing with us!!

Encouraged to Display at ALL MTC Functions, including Recertification Classes. For virtual functions list you as a sponsor

to be displayed

Encouraged to Display at ALL MTC Functions, including Recertification Classes

Your Company Name and Sponsorship will be shown on ALL our Letterhead

List your Company and have your Web Page linked from the MTC Web ‘Sponsors” Page

List your Company and have your Web Page linked from All the MTC E-Blasts

Quarterly we blast an advertisement of your choice, for your company to the MTC blast list

Single booth at Turfgrass 2023 is free of charge or Virtual Presentation between speakers

Your Company Name and Sponsorship will be shown on ALL our Letterhead

List your Company and have your Web Page linked from the MTC Web ‘Sponsors” Page

List your Company and have your Web Page linked from All the MTC E-Blasts

Yearly, we blast an advertisement of your choice for your company

To the MTC

Your Company Name and Sponsorship will be shown on ALL our Letterhead

Your Company Name and Sponsorship will be shown on ALL our Letterhead if space allows

Your Company Name and Sponsorship will be shown on ALL our Letterhead if space allows

you can help with.

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL’S 2023 Membership Dues and Turfgrass Education Sponsor Form

Do you prefer receiving notices and forms by E-Mail or U.S. Mail?

(Please list on back or attach a listing of additional members with addresses, e-mail, and phone numbers if different)*

Turfgrass Education

BACKER (Sponsor benefits are listed on page 10)

PATRON (whatever amount you can help with is greatly appreciated) $

QUILT FOR RESEARCH TICKETS ( $10 Each or 3 for $20 )

PAYMENT TYPE ( Dues and Sponsorships may be combined in a single payment )

Check made to MTC Credit Card (MC, Visa, Discover or AmEx) TOTAL PAYMENT |

Name as it appears on credit card (if different from above) |

Address where card is billed (if different from above) |

Card Number | Exp. Date | 3 or 4 digit code |

MAIL or EMAIL or FAX FORM TO: Vernon W. Cooper, Executive Director OR OR Maryland Turfgrass Council 303 S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com

Office: 410-745-9643

Fax: 410-745-8867

Cell: 443-742-6618

Terps” Earn 2nd Place Honors at Sports Field Managers Association Student Challenge

By Geoff Rinehart, Institute

Native grass & wildflower seed

ontinuing a tradition which began almost two decades ago, in January UMD students participated in the first of two annual intercollegiate competitions — the Sports Field Managers Association Student Challenge. The event is conducted annually during the SFMA Conference and Trade Show and allows the students to compete against other turfgrass programs nationally. This year the conference was held from January 16 – 19 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Because of the studying, academic dedication, and required after-class meeting time needed to prepare for these competitions, students participating in the turf competitions have the opportunity to enroll in a one-credit independent study class in the Fall semester. This year UMD was able to take two teams, one consisting of returning students and the other consisting of new students. After a 6th place finish in the 2-year program competiton in 2022 in Savannah, GA, the returning team consisting of students Brandon Carbary, Jarrett Maynor, Matthew Miller and Payton O’Connor were eager to use their experience to improve.

The SFMA competition includes turfgrass species, weed, insect, and disease identification; turfgrass soils questions, turfgrass-related math problems, and a hands-on practical section where students were required to read and answer questions about an irrigation blueprint. The returning “Turf Terps” were able earn second place honors in the 2-year program out of 8 teams and placed fifthout of 25 2- and 4-year teams.

In addition to the competition experience, students had the opportunity to attend the educational seminars, browse the tradeshow floor and speak with vendors and experience the Salt Lake region, travelling to the mountains one afternoon to visit Utah Olympic Park, where the Winter Olympics were held in 2002. Attending and competing in these national turfgrass competitions raises the national recognition for our IAA turfgrass program and provides students with an added academic rigor as they practice for the competitions and experience the industry on a broader, national level. We would like to extend a word of thanks to all of the UMD turf alumni for the ways they have supported the team over the years and everyone who has supported the Shields Memorial Fund, funds from which provide the means to bring student teams to these competitions. •

of Applied Agriculture

(Left to right) Matt Miller, Brandon Carbary, and Jarrett Maynor accept the plaque for 2nd place in the 2-year division of the Student Challenge.

“Turf

Shields Tournament Scheduled for Friday, May 12th

The

Shields Memorial Tournament will once again return to the University of Maryland Golf Course this spring on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the University of Maryland Golf Course. Thank you to all who have participated in the past and we look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition of supporting academic programs at the Institute of Applied Agriculture. The event will continue the “sixsome” format and will include contests and prizes followed by a bull roast at the nearby College Park American Legion.

Registration is $130 / person. More details and a link for registration are posted on the IAA website (iaa.umd.edu).

The IAA and, in particular, the turfgrass and golf course management programs, have been appreciative of the industry’s support in the past and are grateful for your continued support. •

FROM THE 47th Annual

MTC Winter Conference and Trade Show

Anyone who was unable to attend the 47th MTC Annual Winter Conference and Trade Show, held Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at the Turf Valley Resort and Golf Course missed joining us as we dedicated this conference to our Secretary of 46 years and Treasurer for 41 years, Cheryl Gaultney, who passed away unexpectedly this past summer. Plus, you missed a first class opportunity to experience the latest in Turfgrass Education, a fabulous opportunity to network, a single day to recertify all your Pesticide Applicator Licenses for MD, DC, DE, VA, WV, & PA plus your Fertilizer Applicator License for MD & VA, and a chance to visit 30 Vendors who helped support the Trade Show. And we have to mention you missed some great food as well!

We especially want to thank Cheryl’s husband, daughter, grandkids, and other family members who came to the Trade Show and participated in the luncheon and dedication service for our dear friend and mentor who was a permanent fixture and MTC events for the last 46 years. She will be greatly missed.

We also want to thank Sara Ellis, who is the lovely wife of our Immediate Past President Ben Ellis, who took a vacation day to run the virtual Zoom meeting of our Lawn and Landscape. With Sara’s help, we can offer recertification credits to anyone who is not feeling well and/or still concerned about being in large crowds. However, those using the Zoom meeting miss the other important factors of the live conference.

OUR EDUCATORS THIS YEAR INCLUDED: Dr. John Henderson – University of Connecticut; Dr. Shawn Askew – Virginia Tech; Dr. David Clement – University of Maryland Extension; Beth Ginter – Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council; Richard Reinhardt – Percy Public Affairs Lobbyist; Dr. Fereshteh Shahoveisi – University of Maryland; Chuck Schuster – University of Maryland Extension Emeritus; Steve McDonald – Turfgrass Disease Solutions; Elliott Dowling – USGA; John Emerson – University of Delaware; Geoffrey Rinehart – University of Maryland IAA, Dr. Kevin Mathias – University of Maryland IAA Emeritus; and Dr. Shravya Peddigari – University of Maryland. A big thank you to all these professionals who shared their research and expertise with us. Also, a super big thank you to Geoffrey Rinehart and the Education Committee for the unbelievable hours required to put a program together of this quality.

Dr. Fereshteh Shahoveisi has accepted the responsibility to lead the Education Committee and to provide another exceptional program for this year’s conference, which will occur on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 also at Turf Valley. If you have any ideas for speakers or topics you would like to hear, please feel free to contact Fereshteh at fsh@umd.edu or Vernon at ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com or 410-745-9643.

Regardless of whether you were part of the 400+ people who took advantage of the December 2022 Conference and Trade Show, we all need to support, encourage and thank all the Vendors and Sponsors who help make our conference what it is, bigger and better each year. This year we had 28 vendors utilizing 30 booths and two outside heavy equipment displays. When you need equipment, supplies or assistance in any way, look to the list of Vendors and Sponsors who help make your conference what it is first when you make your next purchases. If you have a supplier who is not a MTC Vendor or Sponsor, send Vernon their name and contact information and we will attempt to bring them into our Trade Show next year.

Better Built. Quality Results. Period.

120B 10’ cut TDR-X™ roller mower 10.5’ cut

with bolt-on galvanized deck shells

Turf Grass Production Mowers

Contour / Rough Finishing Mowers

Sports field, Park and Estate Mowers

OUR VENDORS THIS YEAR INCLUDED:

Bloom – Washington DC

Central Sod Farms – Centreville

Central Turf & Irrigation Supply – Frederick

Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council – Silver Spring

Collins Wharf Sod Farms – Eden

Corteva Agra Supply – Bradentan, FL

Cover Sports – Philadelphia, PA

Davisson Golf – Glen Burnie

Envu (formerly Bayer) – Churchton

Finch Turf Equipment – Eldersburg

Genesis Turfgrass Supply – Glen Rock, PA

Harco Fittings LLC – Lynchburg, VA

Harrell’s LLC – Fulton

Hummer Turfgrass Systems – Manheim, PA

IAA – College Park

K&C Grounds Maintenance – Lutherville

Landscape Supply & Chesapeake Valley Seed –

Upper Marlboro & Savage

MASTMA – Davidsonville

MTC – St. Michaels

Neudorff USA – Annapolis

Newsom Seed – Fulton

Nutrien Solutions – Rosedale

Scientific Plant Services – Baltimore

Shore United Bank – Easton

Synatek Solutions – Souderton, PA

Syngenta – Davidsonville

Turf Equipment & Supply Co. – Jessup

Winterberry Irrigation – Southington, CT

OUR SPONSORS THIS YEAR who helped offset the massive costs to provide this event for you were:

Central Sod Farms – Friend of the University

Envu (Formally Bayer) – Lunch Sponsor

Harrell’s LLC – Coffee & Sweets Sponsor

Newsom Seed – Lunch Sponsor

Nutrien Solutions – Break-Out Room Sponsor

SiteOne – Lunch Sponsor

Syngenta – Break-Out Room Sponsor

These sponsorships provided $5,550.00 additional dollars that were raised for support of the University Turfgrass Programs and the marketing of Quality Turfgrass in the State of Maryland which provides a safer playing surface for our children and cleaner waterways including the Chesapeake Bay. •

Mark your calendar now to save TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023 for this year’s conference at Turf Valley.

SEE YOU AT TURF VALLEY IN DECEMBER !

RESEARCH UPDATES FROM

University of Maryland Early Dormant Sprigging Cover Study

By Geoff Rinehart, Institute of Applied Agriculture, University of Maryland

Asthe use of bermudagrass for sports fields has increased in the Mid-Atlantic in the past 5 – 10 years, sports field managers and golf course superintendents have experimented with establishment approaches to convert their existing cool-season turfgrass surfaces to bermudagrass. While sodding is the quickest, easiest method for converting to bermudagrass, it is also the most expensive. Sprigging, either via sprigs already “chopped” or via a “sodto-sprig” machine, often has a lower capital cost and is common among parks departments and schools looking for a lower cost alternative to bermudagrass conversion. Sprigging approaches have not only included embarking on sprig establishment in the mid-late Spring during warmer weather when the Bermudagrass would be actively growing, but in recent years have also included “dormant sprigging” by planting sprigs in February or March, particularly on sites with limited irrigation in the hope that sprigs will be preserved in place with relatively high levels of soil moisture and start to grow when temperatures warm up and become conducive to sustained bermudagrass growth. Another benefit of sprigging during the dormant season is that many turfgrass managers have more time to devote to such a project during the “dormant season” as compared to the spring start of the season.

With this backdrop in mind, UMD researchers are collaborating with Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). To research the feasibility of dormant sprigging very early in the dormant season, plots were established at Cabin John Regional Park on December 22. Plot treatments consist of two different sprigging rates planting sprigs via a “sod-to-sprigs” machine and covers from two different manufacturers are being evaluated versus a “no cover” control. Plots will be evaluated periodically through the winter and through establishment to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments and feasibility of pushing “dormant sprigging” earlier during the winter with the use of covers. •

Sprigging Cover Study

UMD

Assessment of registered fungicides for the control of brown patch on tall fescue, 2022

By Fereshteh Shahoveisi, Ph.D., Department of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland

Fungicides were evaluated in a field trial conducted at the Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility (University of Maryland).

Tall fescue cv. ‘Bullseye’ planted on native silt loam soil with two times a week mowing frequency (3 in. height of cut) was subjected to three fungicides and a non-treated control. Treatments were applied every 28 d from 1 Jun to 26 Aug. The final application was made on 24 Aug; however, it was repeated on 26 Aug due to a precipitation event 30 minutes after spraying the plots. A CO2 backpack sprayer at 40 psi equipped with a single Teejet AI9508E nozzle in water equivalent to 2 gal /1000 ft2 was used. Plots were 3 ft x 6 ft and arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The site had a previous history of brown patch occurrence and was not inoculated during the study period. Nitrogen was applied as urea (46-0-0) twice at 0.9 lb/1000 ft2 on 6 Jun and 0.5 lb/1000 ft2 on 6 Jul. The experiment concluded on 15 Sep as the disease pressure started to decline. Brown patch disease severity was assessed as a visual estimate of the percentage plot area affected. The standardized area under the disease progress curve (SAUDPC) was used to summarize the performance of fungicides throughout the study

duration. SAUDPC was calculated using the following formula: Σ [[(yi+ yi+1)/2] [ti+1 - ti]]/n, where yi and yi+1 represent disease rating at two consecutive dates, ti and ti+1 represent the corresponding rating dates to yi and yi+1, respectively, and n represents the number of days between the first and last rating dates. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means separation using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) procedure at α = 0.05. Brown patch severity increased throughout the season with maximum disease severity of 34.7% in non-treated plots on 7 Sep. Plots treated with Fame SC had significantly lower brown patch severity than the non-treated control on all rating dates. They also showed significantly lower disease severity than plots treated with other fungicides on 11 Aug, 7 Sep, and 15 Sep. SAUPC values were significantly lower for plots treated with Fame SC than for all other treatments and the non-treated control. Rayora and Banner Max II-treated plots had significantly lower brown patch severity than the non-treated only on 18 Jul and were not statistically different from non-treated plots throughout much of the study. Phytotoxicity was not observed following fungicide applications. •

z Letters indicate the date of application: A=1 Jun, E=29 Jun, I=2 Jul, and M=24 Aug & 26 Aug. Due to a precipitation event 30 minutes after the 24 Aug application, all treatments were repeated on 26 Aug.

y Brown patch severity was visually assessed on a 0 to 100% scale where 0 = no disease and 100 = entire plot area symptomatic.

x Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher’s least significant difference (α = 0.05).

w Standardized area under the disease progress curve is a quantitative measure of dollar spot intensity with time over all rating dates.

Brown Patch: Treated plot (Fame) on the left and non-treated plot on the right.

Evaluation of preventative fungicides for the management of dollar spot on fairway height creeping bentgrass, 2022

By Fereshteh Shahoveisi, Ph.D., Department of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland

Fungicides were tested in a field trial conducted at the University of Maryland Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility, in College Park, MD. The efficacy of experimental and registered fungicides in the management of the disease was evaluated on creeping bentgrass cv. Penncross mowed three times a week to golf fairway height (0.5 in.). Treatments were applied on 14 or 21 d intervals from 18 May to 20 Jul with a CO2 backpack sprayer at 40 psi equipped with a single Teejet AI9508E nozzle in water equivalent to 1.5 gal /1000 ft2. Plots were 3 ft x 6 ft and arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Dollar spot occurred naturally and plots were not inoculated. Disease severity was assessed as the number of dollar spot infection centers per plot every two weeks from 1 Jun to 11 Aug. A standardized area under the disease progress curve (SAUDPC) was used to evaluate disease progress over time. SAUDPC was calculated using the

following formula: Σ [[(yi+ yi+1)/2] [ti+1 - ti]]/n, where yi and yi+1 represent disease rating at two consecutive dates, ti and ti+1 represent the corresponding rating dates to yi and yi+1, respectively, and n represents the number of days between the first and last rating dates. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means separation using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) procedure at α = 0.05.

Dollar spot pressure increased throughout the summer. All treated plots had lower dollar spot severity and SAUDPC values than non-treated plots. Plots treated with UMD-DS-B-1 (3 fl oz/1000 ft2) or Tekken had lower dollar spot severity from 15 Jun – 11 Aug than plots treated with Daconil Ultrex alone or with UMD-DS-B-1 at 2 fl oz/1000 ft2. Plots treated with UMDDS-B-1 (3 fl oz/1000 ft2) or Tekken alone had lower SAUDPC values than other fungicide treatments. Phytotoxicity was not observed following fungicide applications. •

z Letters indicate the date of application: A:18 May, C:1

y Dollar spot was visually rated by counting the number of infection centers per plot.

x Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher’s least significant difference (α = 0.05).

w Standardized area under the disease progress curve is a quantitative measure of dollar spot intensity with time over all rating dates.

Dollar spot: Treated plot (Tekken) on the left and non-treated plot on the right.

Efficacy of registered fungicides for the management of gray leaf spot, 2022

By Fereshteh Shahoveisi, Ph.D. Department of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland

Afield study was conducted at the University of Maryland Turfgrass Research Facility in College Park to evaluate five registered fungicides for the management of gray leaf spot on perennial ryegrass cv. Majesty planted on native silt loam soil. Mowing was performed two times weekly at the height of 3 in. Treatments were applied approximately every 14 or 28 days from 30 Jun to 23 Sep. Plots were 3 ft x 6 ft and arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. A CO2 backpack sprayer at 40 psi equipped with a single Teejet AI9508E nozzle in water equivalent to 2 gal /1000 ft2 was used. Gray leaf spot did not occur naturally and plots were inoculated with 4000 spore/ml spore suspension on 11 Sep. Nitrogen was applied as urea (46-0-0) three times at the following rates: 0.9 lb per 1000 ft2 on 13 Jun and 11 Jul, and 0.5 lb per 1000 ft2 on 25 Jul. Emerald and Prostar fungicides were applied to control dollar spot and brown patch. Both fungicides were applied at the highest label rates on 13 Jul, 25 Jul, 8 Aug, and 24 Aug. Herbicides including 3way Ester (1.2 fl oz/1000 ft2 on 8 Jul) and T Zone (1.5 oz/1000 ft2 on 27 Jul) were used for the management of weeds in the plots. Gray leaf spot severity was evaluated as a visual estimate of the percentage plot area affected starting 15 Sep until 13 Oct.

The study was concluded on 13 Oct as disease symptoms started to recover due to weather factors. SAUDPC was calculated using the following formula: Σ [[(yi+ yi+1)/2] [ti+1 - ti]]/n, where yi and yi+1 represent disease rating at two consecutive dates, ti and ti+1 represent the corresponding rating dates to yi and yi+1, respectively, and n represents the number of days between the first and last rating dates. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means separation using Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) procedure at α = 0.05.

z Letters indicate the date of application: A=30

y Gray leaf spot severity was visually assessed on a 0 to 100% scale where 0 =no disease and 100 = entire plot area affected by the pathogen.

x Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Fisher’s least significant difference (α = 0.05).

w Standardized area under the disease progress curve is a quantitative measure of dollar spot intensity with time over all rating dates.

Gray leaf spot symptoms on perennial ryegrass

The first gray leaf spot symptoms were observed four days after inoculation on 15 Sep. The severity of the disease increased throughout the study; however, the maximum disease severity reached 9.0% in the non-treated plots. Non-treated plots showed significantly higher disease severity on 15 Sep compared to plots treated with fungicides. Plots treated with Rayora, Tekken, or Daconil Action alone had significantly lower disease severity than

the non-treated control, except on 22 Sep. Differences among plots treated with Rayora, Tekken, or Daconil Action were not significant which could be due to the low disease pressure. Pillar G-treated plots had significantly lower disease severity than the non-treated plots on 15 Sep, 6 Oct, and 13 Oct. Plots treated with Banner Max II did not have significant differences with the non-treated plots on most of the rating dates except 15 Sep. •