MTC Turf News - Fall 2023

FALL 2023

Weather Apps and Weather Decisions Let’s Make the Most of Both !

Don’t miss the 2023

2023 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show

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:

Three-Year Director Terms

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

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

2023 MTC OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

11

PRESIDENT Brandon Sands Manager of Ground Services Howard County Public Schools System 8800 Ridge Road Ellicott City MD 21043 410-313-2577 (o 667-240-4065 (c Brandon.Sands@hcpss.org

VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Coakley Dura Edge Products 1121 Oakwood Lane Bel Air, MD 21015 410-241-3013 (c pcoakley@duraedge.com

SECRETARY

24

Vacant

TREASURER

CONTENTS • FALL 2023

11 UPCOMING EVENT

DEPARTMENTS

2023 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show

6 President’s Message

20 COVER STORY Weather Apps and Weather Decisions, Let’s Make the Most of Both!

24 RESEARCH UPDATES FROM UMD 4

Katy Cooper 303 S. Talbot St #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 410-745-9643 (o & h 410-745-8867 (f 443-496-0750 (c treasurer@MDTurfCouncil.com

MTC TURF NEWS

6 MTC Board Advisors 7 Index of Advertisers 8 Executive Director’s Corner 9 Calendar of Events

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Ben Ellis – Superintendent The Courses at Andrews 2806 Brewster Rd. Waldorf, MD 20601 571-340-0122 (c Golfturf54@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vernon W. Cooper 303 S. Talbot St #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 410-745-9643 (o & h 410-745-8867 (f 443-742-6618 (c ExecDir@MDTurfCoucil.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

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

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 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

Highly Salt Tolerant - Drought & Disease Resistance NTEP Tested - High Performance in the Transition Zone Great Traffic Tolerance for Sports Turf Top 10 NTEP Performance in Multiple Locations Grey Leaf Spot & Brown Patch Resistance Drought & Heat Tolerant High NTEP Performer – Traffic Stress Enhanced Vigor – Widely Adaptable Improved Disease Resistance Top Turf Quality for Over a Decade Excellent Traffic Tolerance for Sports Turf High Brown Patch Disease Resistance & Heat Tolerance Dark Green & Dense Turf Improved Southern Heat Performance Cold Weather Color Retention Rhizomatous or Spreading Type Tall Fescue Dark Green Color – Brown Patch Resistance Mid Atlantic High Performer Higher Brown Patch and Heat Resistance Finer Blade Width Endophyte Enhanced Technology High Performance Blend Tailored for Regional Performance Best Brown Patch Disease Resistance & Recovery Excellent Traffic Tolerance Check www.NTEP.org for Test Results

www.BurlinghamSeeds.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MTC BOARD ADVISORS

AS

we move forward into the fall, the MTC Board of Directors hope everyone had a decent year with what was a milder season than we have had in years past. Looking back at the year, we have seen some improvements in the Maryland turfgrass industry. Some of the supporting areas were educational classes, a successful field day, and joining meetings with the Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Kevin Atticks and his support staff. The MTC and The Sports Field Managers Association also came together to work with lobbyist Richard Rhinehart to help support legislation that involves everyone in the turfgrass industry.

Coming up over the next few months we have some very special events that you do not want to miss. The 22023 MTC Winter Educational Conference and Trade Show will once again be held at Turf Valley Resort on December 12. Whether you are a landscape professional, sports field manager, sod farmer, golf course superintendent or any of the supporting staff this is a must attend conference. Pesticide and Fertilizer credits are going to be offered as well as a limited virtual program for anyone who cannot attend in person.

Finally, the Chesapeake Conservation Landscape Council who serve the landscape professionals to implement sustainable landscape infrastructure for a healthy bay watershed is hosting their biennial conference at Kent Island, MD on December 6 – 8, 2023. More information can be found at www.chesapeakelandscape.org/new-leaf.

We hope everyone the best during the “off season” and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the conference in December. As also, if you ever have questions or need something from the Maryland Turfgrass Council Board, please reach out. We are here for you.

Ben Ellis

Brandon Sands

Immediate Past President

President

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

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

DIGITAL MARKETPLACE | Scan the QR Code to learn more about this company.

David Funk Turf Farm Manager 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721 301-314-6300 • dfunk@umd.edu

INSTITUTE OF APPLIED AGRICULTURE:

SPECIALIZING IN BENTGRASS SOD FOR GREENS, TEES, & FAIRWAYS FINE AND TALL FESCUE

REGULAR AND SHORTCUT BLUEGRASS KEVIN DRISCOLL CELL: 609-760-4099 OFFICE: 856-769-9555 KDRISCOLL@EASTCOASTSOD.COM

6

MTC TURF NEWS

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Burlingham Seeds.................................. 5 www.burlinghamseeds.com

Buy Sod, Inc.......................................... 7 www.buysod.com

Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc....... 13 www.centralsodmd.com

Collins Wharf Sod Farm.. ......................... 9 www.collinswharfsod.com

East Coast Sod & Seed.. .......................... 6 www.eastcoastsod.com

Ernst Conservation Seeds. . ...................... 8 www.ernstseed.com

Fisher & Son Company, Inc..................... 3 www.fisherandson.com

Greene County Fertilizer Co................... 27 www.greenecountyfert.com

Landmark Turf & Native Seed................ 14 www.landmarkturfandnativeseed.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL . . .............................. 25 www.stihldealers.com

Nutrien Solutions. . .................................. 9 www.nutrienagsolutions.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............. 19 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Quantico Creek Sod Farms, Inc.. . ........... Inside Front Cover www.quanticocreeksod.com

Smith Seed Services. . ........................... 27 www.smithseed.com

STEC Equipment................................... 10 www.stecequipment.com

Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc................... 28 www.summithall.com

The Turf Zone...................................... 27 www.theturfzone.com

Turf Center Lawns.................................. 9 Weed Man.. .......................................... 19 www.weedmanfranchise.com

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 ( TOL L F R E E )

sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

FALL 2023

7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

Greetings Friends and Fellow Turfgrass Professionals of the Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC).

I

hope each and every one of you are prepared and as excited as we are for the 48th Annual MTC Winter Conference and Trade Show occurring December 12, 2023 at the Turf Valley Resort and Spa in Ellicott City, right off Interstate 70.

I apologize for mailings and other information being a little slow in coming this year. I unfortunately had to undergo extensive Lumbar Back Surgery in Early August to repair compression fractures of L1-L4 and that entire mess slipped on L-5 reducing the spinal column space from the normal 20mm to just 1mm. The surgery was a major success after the installation of a lot of cement, a couple of rods and several screws, but the road coming back for nerves to regenerate and learning to walk again has taken a lot more time than I expected. For this reason, we have extended the “Early Bird” registrations for the Conference, Vendors and Sponsors and extra week to November 14. Please take advantage of these savings.

So come out and participate as a registered participant, get multiple quilt tickets, become a Vendor and/or as a Sponsor. This conference and your dues are the primary methods of raising funds for the MTC to utilize to support the research and

Native Grass & Wildflower Seed

activities of the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs. These research and activities done through the Turfgrass Programs are critical for us, the Turfgrass Industry in MD, to keep up with the latest and best methods to protect our environment and provide our customers the turf they desire.

You can also save yourself, or your company, money by renewing your dues now. The Board is considering an increase in our dues structure for this coming year, but this does not affect dues paid now.

We had a few members share that they would like more than just sandwiches for lunch so this year we are expanding the lunch menu to provide more of a meal. Please share how you enjoyed the new menu or not. Your input is the only way we know what needs to be changed.

Your voice is very important to us. As you know the Annual MTC Meeting will be held after lunch at the Trade Show. Part of the agenda is to elect new Officers and at least 3 Directors to the Board. Have you ever considered being a part of this driving force of the MTC? This is your association and it is only as good as YOU make it. The Board meets 10 times per year and often meet by Zoom. If you think you might be interested, please contact Ben Ellis, who is Chairman of the Nominating Committee at 571-3400122, or give me a call at 443-7426618. The MTC is only as good as you make it,

Vernon Cooper

MTC Executive Director

https://ernstseed.co/adMTCTurf

800-873-3321 sales@ernstseed.com

8

MTC TURF NEWS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mark your calendar and save these dates!

SP EC IA LIZ ING IN P R O B LEM L AWNS Grading Turf Mgmt.

Sodding Lawn Renovations Landscaping Top Dressing Athletic Fields

William T. Patton, Sr. (301) 384-9300 (301) 980-3094 CELL (301) 384-9304 FAX turfcenterlawns@yahoo.com 1409 Spencerville Road Spencerville, MD 20868 www.turfcenterlawns.com

December 6 – 8, 2023 Chesapeake Conservation Landscape Council Biennial Conference Kent Island, MD

December 12 MTC 2023 Turfgrass Education Conference Turf Valley Resort

For MTC event news throughout the year, visit

mdturfcouncil.org FALL 2023

9

UPCOMING EVENT

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL

48th Annual Maryland Conference & Trade Show DECEMBER 12, 2023

In Conjunction with

Ellicott City, MD

FALL 2023

11

UPCOMING EVENT • continued

MTC 48th Annual Maryland

Conference & Trade Show E

ach year for the MTC Annual Conference, the MTC Board and Education Advisors put together a line-up of top researchers and educators in the turfgrass industry.

This line-up covers topics for the broader industry, but also provides specific tracks for Lawn and Landscape Management, Golf Course Management, and Sports Turf Management.

This educational opportunity is sure to improve not only your knowledge of the latest research findings, but also to help you grow personally and professionally.

Post-Doctorate Research Associate at the Plant Pathology Dept. at Rutgers University. He is currently a Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State (1989 to present). His primary responsibility is to serve as the resident extension turfgrass management specialist. Dr. Landschoot also performs applied research and teaches three courses (two case studies courses and an international turf management course). His current Research interest is in turfgrass weed management, soil fertility; fertilizer use, and species and variety evaluation.

Here are just some of the speakers and topics planned for the conference

TOPICS INCLUDE:

DR. TYLER CARR is an Assistant Professor in Turfgrass Research and Extension at The Ohio State University. His current research includes screening turfgrass cultivars for reduced input requirements from fertilizer, water, and mowing.

TOPICS INCLUDE: What Do We Know About Wetting Agents?

Soil Testing: What do these results mean?

Building a Cost-Effective Fertilizer Program How Many Minutes? Fine-Tuning Irrigation Practices MARK CARROLL is an Associate Professor within the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland. Dr. Carroll’s research program focuses on the development of low input sustainable turfgrass systems. He has authored and co-authored more than 80 scientific, technical and popular articles in turfgrass management. Mark also teaches sophomore and senior level courses in turfgrass management and serves as the undergraduate advisor to all Turf and Golf Course Management students at the University of Maryland.

TOPICS INCLUDE: Organic and Conventional Management of Athletic Fields DR. PETE LANDSCHOOT is a Professor of Turfgrass Science at the Dept. of Plant Sciences, Pennsylvania State University.

He received his B.S. and M.S. in Agronomy from Penn State University and his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from University of Rhode Island. He has served as a Golf Course Superintendent at Country Club of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Also, he was a

12

MTC TURF NEWS

Weed Management in Naturalized Grass Stands Postemergence Control of Grass Weeds and Sedges in Sports Turf Postemergence Control of Annual Grasses and Common Perennial Weeds in Lawns DR. KEVIN MATHIAS retired from UMD IAA in 2017 after 38 years as a turfgrass professor and the driving force behind the success of the IAA and its students. Dr. Mathias led several Turf Bowl teams to victory and was a leader in fundraising for scholarships and turfgrass research. Since his retirement, Dr. Mathias has continued to educate turfgrass professionals through published work and speaking engagements.

TOPICS INCLUDE: Pesticide Use Trends for the Maryland Turfgrass Industry in 2023 BRAD PARK is a Research & Outreach Agronomist, Rutgers University. He performs traffic stress research on cool-season turfgrass species commonly established for sports fields. During his 20 years at Rutgers, he has visited school and municipal athletic facilities in New Jersey to assist turf managers in solving problems. Brad earned a Master of Science in Agronomy from Penn State University and was recipient of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association Recognition Award in 2016.

TOPICS INCLUDE: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for sports fields and the importance of cultural practices Nozzle Selection and Sprayer Calibration – Make the Right Decisions

BRIAN GIETKA has been based in the Mid-Atlantic golf industry for over 20 years. He is a 2003 graduate of University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Natural Resource Sciences concentrating in turfgrass management. He was an assistant superintendent in the area before becoming the superintendent at Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown, Maryland in 2008. The Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation was earned in 2015. Brian joined the USGA Green Section in early 2023 and is the consulting agronomist covering Virginia throughout New England.

TOPICS INCLUDE: Year in Review- an overview of the 2023 season throughout the northeast, including trends in technology, all aspects of turfgrass management as well as highlights of national championships.

DR. FERESHTEH SHAHOVEISI is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Pathology at the Dept. of Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland. She received her B.S. and

M.S. in Plant pathology and her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from North Dakota State University. Also, she was a Post-Doctorate Research Associate at the Plant Pathology Dept. at North Dakota State University. Her research and extension program at the University of Maryland focuses on the integrated management of turfgrass diseases and assisting the turfgrass industry in effective management of diseases. The primary research interests of her program are fungicide efficacy, epidemiology and development of risk maps using machine learning algorithms, and genetics of host resistance. The overall goal of her program is to provide sustainable disease management strategies to different sectors of the industry including golf courses, athletic fields, sod farmers, landscape industry and also homeowners.

TOPICS INCLUDE: Tackling an Old Foe: New Approaches to Dollar Spot Management in Golf Courses Research-Informed Strategies for Managing Brown Patch and Gray Leaf Spot in Lawns

FALL 2023

13

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MAR Y LA N D TU R FG R A S S C O U N C IL ’ S

2023 ANNUAL WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE and TRADE SHOW TURF VALLEY RESORT, ELLICOTT CITY, MD VENDOR & SPONSORSHIP FORM It’s time to prepare for being a Vendor and/or Sponsor for the 2023 MTC / University of Maryland’s “Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show.”

This is our 48th year of providing an excellent opportunity for you to display wares and get your company message out to nearly 500 participants.

We will once again be gathering at the Turf Valley Golf Course & Resort in Ellicott City, conveniently off Interstate 70 in Howard County.

V E NDORS : P L EA S E M A K E Y O U R SE LE CTIO NS O N TH E B ACK O F TH IS PA GE. Displays will be set-up around the Grand Ball Room where we can all visit and learn of the new products and companies wanting to display their support of the Turfgrass Industry in Maryland while enjoying a delicious extended lunch prepared by Alexandra’s Restaurant on site.

As we all are aware, the price of everything is going up for all of us and unfortunately the cost of providing our conference is also.

We are keeping the cost increases to a very minimum for all our friends and supporters.

10 x 10 Single

$600 by Nov. 14

$750 by Dec 12 if space permits

10 x 20 Double

$1100 by Nov. 14

$1400 by Dec. 12 if space permits

10 x 30 Triple

$1750 by Nov. 14

$2250 by Dec. 12 if space permits.

Each 10x10 space has an 8’ covered table and 2 chairs, plus each space comes with 2 Badges (additional badges for your company are available for $25 each).

Electricity and WIFI are also provided. The “Advocate Educational Sponsors” are entitled to a complimentary 10x10 booth at no charge.

Due to the ballroom being carpeted, equipment displays are restricted to the outside entrance. If a Vendor has an indoor display booth, there is no charge for displaying equipment outside. If a Vendor chooses only to display outside the fee is same as a single booth above.

Lunch and Trade Show hours have been expanded to 11:45 AM to 1:25 PM with the MTC General Meeting and Elections occurring at the end of lunch.

Vendors will have lunch from 11:15 to 11:45 prior to the Trade Show Opening.

Due to Vernon having experienced significant spinal surgery, we are running a little late getting this form out.

Hopefully you were planning for the event anyway and are still able to join us, Remember to register before Nov. 14 to save.

S P ONS ORS : P L E A S E M A K E Y O UR SE LE CTIO NS O N TH E B ACK O F TH IS PA GE. If you want more visibility for your company and/or want to increase your support of the University Turfgrass Programs, but you prefer not to be a Vendor, then being a “Sponsor” is what you need. There are several different opportunities listed below. Each Sponsorship includes 2 conference passes, and you may purchase additional passes for your company based upon the lists below for $25 each. Each Sponsor will have a banner proudly displaying their support if the sponsorship is committed by Nov. 14. After that date banners will be purchased but we cannot guarantee delivery.

Sponsor

Cost

# Sponsors Available

Additional Badges Available

Conference Mailings

$550

3

2

Break-Out Rooms

$550

7

2

Coffee & Sweets

$800

3

3

AV Equipment & Screens

$800

3

3

Trade Show Hall

$1,100

2

4

Lunch

$1,100

5

4

Friends of the University

$350

Unlimited

None Available

FALL 2023

15

I DESIRE TO BE A VENDOR OR SPONSOR AT THE ANNUAL MTC WINTER CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW ON DECEMBER 12, 2023, AT TURF VALLEY RESORT Date |

Email |

Attendee Name | Company Name | Mailing Address | City |

State |

Phone |

Zip |

Cell Phone | Do you prefer receiving notices and forms by

E-Mail or

U.S. Mail?

V E N D O R S : C O S T I F AB LE TO CO MMIT B Y NO V . 14 $600

Single Booth

$600

Outside Exhibit Alone

$1,100

Double Booth

$0

Outside Exhibit WITH Inside Booth No Charge

$1,750

Triple Booth

N O V. 1 4 TO D E C. 1 2 $750

Single Booth

$750

Outside Exhibit Alone

$1,400

Double Booth

$0

Outside Exhibit WITH Inside Booth No Charge

$2,250

Triple Booth

$ _______ VENDOR FEE S PO N S O R S : P L E A S E B E CO ME A SPO NSO R B Y NO V . 14 T O E N S U R E B A N N E R S AND R E CO G NITIO N AR R IV E IN TIME . $550

Conference Mailings

$550

Break-Out Rooms

$800

Coffee & Sweets

$800

AV Equipment & Screens

$1,100

Trade Show Hall

$1,100

Lunch

$350

Friends of the University

$ _______ SPONSOR FEE P A YM E N T : P A Y M EN T C A N B E MAD E B Y CH E CK MAD E O U T TO MTC O R CR E D IT CAR D .

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

Expiration Date (MM/YYYY) |

Credit Card # (Amer Ex, Discover, MasterCard, Visa)) | Billing Address (if different from above) |

16

MTC TURF NEWS

3 or 4 CID Code |

MAR Y LA N D TU R FG R A S S C O U N C IL ’ S

2023 ANNUAL WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE and TRADE SHOW TURF VALLEY RESORT, ELLICOTT CITY, MD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: DECEMBER 12, 2023 Date |

Email |

Attendee Name | Company Name | Mailing Address | City |

State |

Phone |

Zip |

Cell Phone |

Pesticide Applicator Recertification: Applying for MD (Cat 3A, 3C, 6, 10, 12), DC, DE, PA, VA, WV Fertilizer Applicator Recertification:

Applying for MD & VA

MD Pesticide License #

Last 4 of Social Security #

Other State Pesticide License #

What State

MD Fertilizer License #PFA -

Category

VA Fertilizer License

Please indicate your main emphasis at the conference. You are welcome to move between session tracs.

We are only looking for a starting point to sufficiently set-up the rooms. (Please Make a Choice) Lawn & Landscape Management

Golf Course Management

Sports Turf Management

R E G IS T R A T ION

O N O R B E F O RE

M EM BERS PA Y

NON-M EM BE RS PAY

Early Pre-Registration

November 14, 2023

$115.00

$195.00

Pre-Registration

December 5, 2023

$175.00

$255.00

No Pre-Registration Accepted

December 6 – 12, 2023

At the Door

December 12, 2023

$200.00

$285.00

COVID POLICY for CONFERENCE: Our conference is LIVE this year, however, if you are feeling ill or still having fears of large groups, you can still attend the “Lawn & Landscape Management Track” virtually with zoom. However, you will miss the Trade Show and the networking opportunities the Live Conference offers.

Please indicate here if you wish to attend by Zoom due to large crowd fears. If you feel ill just prior to the conference, contact Vernon at 443-742-6618 by either phone or text and we will try to get you connected.

$ _______ TOTAL REGISTRATION FEE MAIL or EMAIL or FAX FORM TO: Vernon W. Cooper, Executive Director Maryland Turfgrass Council 303 S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663

OR

ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com

OR

Office: 410-745-9643 Fax: 410-745-8867 Cell: 443-742-6618

See other side for Membership / Dues / Quilt & Payment Form

FALL 2023

17

M TC M E M B E R S H IP C ONF ER E NC E S PE C IA L : If you are not an MTC member, you may join NOW, and receive the members discount for this year’s conference registration, and be covered as a member through January 31, 2025, which includes the 2024 conference too.

NOTE: a dues increase is scheduled for 2024, Join or renew NOW to save. MTC Dues year is February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025 if you desire to save and pay with this year’s funds or you will be invoiced in January 2024

T Y PE O F MTC MEMBERSH IP INDIVIDUALS $75

Individual Member Educator

Retiree

BUSINESS $250

Bronze (1 – 5 employees)

$500

Silver (6 – 10 employees)

$25

Student

$35

Master Gardener

$1000

Platinum (16 – 20 employees)

$200

Public Agency

$1500

Palladium (21 + employees)

(First 10 employees per County or Location)* $20 each additional employee above 10 Please list additional employees on a separate sheet of paper and attach or utilize a form for each

$ _______ TOTAL MEMBERSHIP FEE “ Q U I L T F O R RESEARCH ” $10 each or 3 for $20 The quilt raffles have been a real boost to help the MTC support the Univ. of MD Turf Programs.

Your response to these raffles has increased each year.

Pam King at Middleton Manor Sod Farms was the lucky winner last year.

Our MTC Treasurer, Katy, has designed and created another beauty for this year.

The quilt is approx. 50" x 63" and estimated value is $550 – $600.

Drawing will occur at the Trade Show. You do not have to be present to win.

$ _______ QUILT FEE PAYMENT: Payment can be made by check made out to MTC or credit card.

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

Expiration Date (MM/YYYY) |

Credit Card # (Amer Ex, Discover, MasterCard, Visa)) | Billing Address (if different from above) |

3 or 4 CID Code |

O V E R N I G H T ACCO MO D ATI O N S: We have arranged for a number of overnight rooms, for either December 11 and/or December 11, right at Turf Valley.

Simply call the reservations desk at 410-456-1500 and be sure to provide the MTC Code number of 28F199 before November 10, 2022.

18

MTC TURF NEWS

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FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION: weedmanfranchise.com or call (888) 321-9333

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Quality built in North America and supported by a world-wide Dealer network.

FALL 2023

19

COVER STORY

Weather Apps and Weather Decisions Let’s Make the Most of Both!

By Brad Jakubowski, Assistant Teaching Professor, Center for Turfgrass Science, Penn State University

K

eeping an eye on the weather is something professional turfgrass managers have ingrained into our systems. Can I mow today? We check our phones for the most recent forecast. Should I spray today?

We monitor dewpoints, humidity and temperatures. Will I pull the tarp prior to today’s game? We study the weather radar. There is a tremendous amount of weather information out there and nearly all of us have some form of a weather app on our phones, or a link to our favorite weather website, to help us make day-to-day management decisions. Let’s take a journey, to see what is out there and what information will help us make the best weatherbased decisions possible.

Which app is the best?

Honestly, there is no one best app. It is important to find an app or a number of apps that provide you the most reliable and quickly available information. Basic Information that is important to have available with the least number of clicks would be: High and Low Temperatures (including overnight lows), Dewpoint, Relative Humidity, and Short-Term Weather forecasts. Intermediate information includes: Radar (Base and Composite Reflectivity), Satellite Imagery, and Severe Weather (especially lightning).

Advanced information would be: Echo Tops, Vertically Integrated Liquid, Digital Storm Accumulation and Forecast Discussion.

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Basic Information When looking for basic information, it is best to have most or all important data on the first screen, or within one or two clicks from the first screen. That is often a good way to judge how well your app will benefit you over time. As an example, The National Weather Service includes much of the basic data (Figure 1). At a glance, you can get a good idea of what is happening now and what will happen in the immediate future. High and low temperatures provide a quick mental image of how the day (and night) may influence your maintenance plans. Winds, dewpoint and relative humidity provide a quick insight on irrigation requirements, disease potential, and infield skin management requirements.

It is beneficial to see both relative humidity and dewpoint together. Viewing only either limits your view of the big picture. For example, a relative humidity of 95% with dewpoints near 70 degrees indicate that less time may be spent scouting for wilt and instead used scouting for diseases. The same relative humidity with dewpoints under 30 may indicate a majority of the day may be dedicated for scouting wilt or watering an infield skin.

Figure 1: Weather.gov basic data

The Hourly Forecast – The Turf Manager’s Secret Weapon!

The Hourly Forecast on Weather.gov (Figure 2) is the turf manager’s secret weapon. In one image, a turf manager can make plans for multiple issues and tasks. For Example, The Heat Index: potential high heat indexes aids in planning for employee safety; Temperature and Dewpoint: Matched high overnight dewpoints and temperatures means extended leaf wetness and high disease potential. They also indicate heavy dew until at least 8am, which may require a syringe cycle to limit mower clumping, or to make sure greens are whipped post-cut; Wind Speed and Direction (Surface Wind): predicted light southerly winds meaning even higher probability for disease potential and dew, as well as for good spraying conditions in the early morning, but gusts in the teens starting around 11am; Relative Humidity: indicates conditions will be wet early, but dry quickly throughout the day; Sky Cover: indicates it will be partly cloudy throughout the day providing some relief, while Precipitation Potential indicate a 50% chance of rain throughout the day.

Figure 2: The Hourly Forecast from www.weather.gov

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COVER STORY • continued

Intermediate Information When making game-time decisions such as tarp pulls, or field evacuations, due to severe weather, radar becomes an important tool. There are numerous good weather radar apps available. Many are free, some require an annual fee of $US 10 to 50. Many of the fee-based apps offer expanded functionality, precision and overall quality of information.

Regardless of cost, radar app selection should prioritize the type of reflectivity the radar images are based upon. There are two types: Base Reflectivity and Composite Reflectivity.

Each time a radar transmitter spins, it sends out a microwave ‘sweep’ at different elevations to get a complete picture of all atmosphere elevations. A Base Reflectivity image represents only a single sweep of the radar transmitter. This means that near the transmitter the radar ‘sees’ is low in the storms and as distance increases the beam rises and can overshoot the core of heavier precipitation. Many High-Resolution (Hi-Res) radar images feature only Base Reflectivity sweeps.

Composite Reflectivity stitches together all elevation scans, in order, to create an image that represents a more complete picture of an incoming storm. These are often lower-resolution images and may be more pixelated. Figures 3 and 4 are of the same storm with the former being a Base Reflectivity image and the latter a Composite Reflectivity image.

Figure 5 shows the different reflectivity options you may have within a radar app, and again illustrates not all radar imagery is the same. So, when trying to make critical game-time decisions, a radar image using Base Reflectivity may grossly underestimate the significance of an incoming storm. When selecting a radar app, be sure investigate the types of radar images it provides, and be prepared to spend a few dollars for radar that will prove worthwhile in the future.

Satellite Imagery There are numerous Satellite Imagery options as well. They provide visible cloud cover; infrared (the most common that we see), moisture content; and all-in-one maps that include a combination of radar, infrared, and weather station models to tell a complete weather story. Satellite images can give you a broader perspective of how the weather is behaving on a wider, more continental, scale. The images and loops illustrate air flow, cloud and moisture movement and overall dynamics of frontal systems. These large-scale images and video loops can help in longer-term planning. They can aid in project preparation and used as a tool to help protect fields when communicating with administrators that may be considering additional unexpected events during non-use days. It is useful to compare these images with regular weather maps to get a good working knowledge of fronts and changing weather systems.

Figure 3: Base Reflectivity

Figure 4: Composite Reflectivity

Figure 5

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Severe Weather Lightning is the most critical facet of severe weather for sport turf managers. In 2022, one in five people struck by lightning were engaged in an outdoor sporting activity. Having an app that can provide you lightning information instantly or within a click on your phone is important. The lightning information from the WeatherBug app for Figure 6 only required a short scroll down and a single click. An old AM radio is also good to have on-hand as a back up lightning detector. Significant increase in crackles and static transmitted across AM radio bands are dependable indicators of lightning activity in the area. Old School!

Advanced Information As we work towards becoming more proficient with understanding weather and being able to make better weather-based decisions, we find more advanced tools to help us. Echo Tops or Cloud Height is another function to help us assess the intensity of an oncoming storm. An Echo Top measures the overall height of a storm, which is an indicator of the strength of storm updrafts. Stronger updrafts make convective wind gusts and large hail more likely.

When several storms are on radar, the Echo Tops tool can point out the more severe storms and the direction they are travelling (Figure 7). This can be valuable information to

Figure 6

report to the front office when asked about making a call on a game or whether the conditions will be safe to conduct a lastminute tarp pull. Another tool to assess the strength of a storm is Vertically Integrated Liquid (VIL). The VIL index measures how much water is being transported vertically throughout a storm cloud and is another indicator of a storm’s updraft strength. Taller updrafts tend to have higher values of VIL and are more likely to produce hail.

One more tool that can be used to help determine the total accumulation of a precipitation event is Digital Storm Accumulation. By allowing you to assess discrete accumulations over short periods of time, this tool may help you determine whether or not to pull a field cover for a particular rain event.

Saving time and energy that could be used elsewhere and avoid unnecessary delays. This tool may also aid in determining the potential of a flash flood event in your area.

Summary Technological advancements afford us incredibly convenient tools and information apps that support worker and clientele safety while improving our maintenance, irrigation, pest management, and playability decision-making. Take advantage of this opportunity by investigating these different apps and functions. Poll your colleagues, service providers, and blogs/forums to best experiment and discover what works best for you and your facility. •

Figure 7

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RESEARCH UPDATES FROM UMD

Fungicide Trials Update T U R F G R A S S P ATH O LOG Y P RO G RAM

By Fereshteh Shahoveisi

IN

2023, our team conducted several fungicide and nematicide trials at the UMD Paint Branch Research Facility to evaluate their efficacy against various turfgrass diseases and nematodes. The trials were mainly focused on: • Brown patch and dollar spot affecting fairway and green height creeping bentgrass.

• Brown patch on home lawn tall fescue.

• Gray leaf spot on perennial ryegrass.

• Nematicide trials on bermudagrass and perennial ryegrass.

Preliminary findings from these experiments were presented at our Field Day in July. Currently, we are concluding the studies and analyzing the data. For the trials with registered fungicides, reports detailing our observations and results will be made available on our program’s website (https://sites.google.com/view/umdturfgrasspathology).

In terms of disease progress in the season, May and early June were relatively drier and cooler than the usual averages for the season. This led to a delayed onset of diseases at the farm. However, as summer progressed, the typical weather patterns prevailed, leading to elevated disease pressure. Most diseases, including the brown patch and dollar spot, peaked during this period. By mid to late September, we observed a significant reduction in the prevalence of most diseases. •

Experimental fungicide

Non-treated

Example of 2023 fungicide trials: dollar spot on green height creeping bentgrass

Example of 2023 fungicide trials: gray leaf spot on perennial ryegrass

Non-treated

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Acsernity

Experimental

Cleary 3336

RESEARCH UPDATES FROM UMD • continued

Turfgrass Variety Trial Update

By Geoffrey Rinehart

D

id you know that the University of Maryland turfgrass research program conducts ongoing experiments to evaluate varieties from several different turfgrass species?

Using data from these trials and in coordination with data collected by turfgrass researchers at Virginia Tech, and the professionals from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Virginia Department of Agriculture Seed Laboratories, the “Maryland-Virginia Recommended Varieties List” is updated on annual basis to summarize the top varieties from several of the major turfgrass species used in the Mid-Atlantic provided the varieties are available as certified seed and has been tested by either or both the MD or VA Seed Labs. Typically, these trials are conducted as part of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program’s (NTEP) research efforts. Previously high-performing varieties which are not included in the most current NTEP trials are planted and evaluated in supplemental trials so that researchers can continue to evaluate these cultivars as one of the criteria for them to remain on the recommended list. NTEP conducts variety trial testing for all major cool- and warm-season turfgrass species in over 35 states throughout the country to

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identify top-performing varieties both on a national and regional level. The University of Maryland’s NTEP trials, as well as the Annual MD/VA Recommended Varieties List, are an important part of evaluating varieties both locally/regionally and nationally and providing you, the Maryland Turfgrass Professional, with the varieties which will grow well and produce the best turfgrass for your customers. In fact, one of the requirements sod farmers in Maryland must meet is to utilize only varieties found on the MD/VA Recommended Varieties list.

This summary of information can be found in University of Maryland Extension publication TT-77. This and other UMD Extension publications are available to all members and industry professionals on the Maryland Turfgrass Council website.

Currently, the UMD turfgrass program has trials evaluating bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, “fine” fescue (includes Red, Chewings, and Sheep Fescues), and Kentucky bluegrass (the newest trial of which was planted in early October 2023).

For more information on the University of Maryland’s turfgrass variety trials, please contact Geoffrey Rinehart (E-mail: rinehart@umd.edu) •

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MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC 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, MTC Turf News, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright © 2023 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

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