North Carolina Turfgrass - September/October 2019

September/October 2019

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

The Fescues — An Update Plus, Common Problems of Sports Fields

SEC TournamEnT Tough.

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h Maintains acceptable turf quality and aesthetics under drought stress.

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Charlotte 12600 Downs Circle Pineville, NC 28134 704-525-8873

Hendersonville 583 Jeffress Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 828-681-5000

Mooresville 1060 River Highway Mooresville, NC, 28117 980-444-2347

Raleigh 1225 Farmers Market Drive, Box 19 Raleigh, NC 27603 919-836-0492

12 24 table of contents September/October 2019

From the President

24 G reen Light

12 Cover Story

T he Fescues: An Update

on Sports Turf C ommon Problems of Sports Turf

TCNC Deluxe Members Welcome, New Members Calendar of Events NC State Turf Team Index of Advertisers NCCTP Program

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September/October 2019

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From the President

Keeping Track of Legislation

It

seems that every time I turn on the TV there is an advertisement from law firms encouraging people to get involved in lawsuits regarding the use of Roundup. The World Health Organization has stated that Roundup is a probable carcinogen, emphasis on the term probable. I have not seen any research proving that it is a carcinogen. On the other hand, the EPA has stated that Roundup is not a carcinogen. Roundup has been and is a valuable product in the turf industry. I am concerned that this is the first of many products that will be tested in the court system.

TCNC’s role in keeping track of legislation in North Carolina is as important today as it has ever been. We will continue to keep track of issues and legislation that affect the turf industry and our members to offer input if changes need to be made versus having changes forced on our industry.

Our members provide green spaces that are aesthetically pleasing to their clients and athletic fields that are safe to play on.

We as turf professionals make the world a better place. Thank you for being a part of TCNC.

Gene Queen

TCNC President

North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 919-459-2070 fax 919-459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

Executive Director Anna Brooks Whichard, CAE IMI Association Executives annabrooks@imiae.com 919-459-2070 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 fax 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2019 TCNC Officers President

Gene Queen Nature’s Select Premium Turf Services Winston-Salem, NC 336-768-7999

Past President Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club West End, NC 910-893-1372

Treasurer Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green, Inc. Raleigh, NC 919-818-9640

2019 Directors H. Dean Baker Kinston, NC

Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc. New, Used & Refurbished • Ease of Operation • Low Operating Costs • Single Axle Truck Use

Jim Brewster Office Phone:

Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers

(877) 366-5399 Mobile Phone:

(352) 284-8029 jim@ssequip.net www.ssequip.net

Wide Range of Solutions

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September/October 2019

Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP Green Resource Dunn, NC Wilson Sutton Falling Creek Golf Club Kinston, NC Andrew Wampler Southern Ag Hendersonville, NC

TCNC Deluxe Members Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members.

Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.

If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at (919) 459-2070 or info@ncturfgrass.org.

Thank You to Our Deluxe Member Organizations

The Biltmore Company

Givens Estates

Revels Turf & Tractor

Green Resource

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Barefoot & Associates Inc.

JRM Inc.

BASF Corporation

Keith Hills Country Club

Buy Sod Inc Carolina Farm Credit Carolina Green Corp.

Kinston Country Club Leap Frog Landcare Inc.

Sod Solutions Inc. Southern Ag Southern Seeds Inc

City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation

McConnell Golf LLC

Town of Cary Public Works

The Club at Longview

Nature's Select Premium Turf Services

Triangle Chemical Company

Country Boy Landscaping Inc

NCSU Landscape Construction Services

Turf Mountain Sod Inc

Duke University

North Carolina A&T State University

UNCG

Fairway Green Fayetteville Technical Community College

Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division Quality Turf

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Smith Turf & Irrigation

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September/October 2019

Vereens Turf Products Wake Forest University

Welcome, New Members!

Jimmy Abernathy

Jason Rogala

Trevor Vandemark

JRM Inc. Clemmons, NC

The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Vandemark Farms LLC Spring Hope, NC

Mark Benton

Kenny Smart

Graham White

Southern Ag Boone, NC

G White Enterprises Kernersville, NC

JRM Inc. Clemmons, NC

Hilarie Blevins Sandhills Community College Pinehurst, NC

Scott Thompson Duke University Durham, NC

Hariette Brown The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Justin Chamblee Chamblee’s Turf Service Wendell, NC

Christopher Combs Oakwoods Country Club Wilkesboro, NC

Anthony Durham JRM Inc. Clemmons, NC

Jacob Garnier Vandemark Farms LLC Spring Hope, NC

Josh Graham Element Outdoor Living Wilmington, NC

Dusty Hafter The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Steve Hennings Shennings Residential Lawn Care Asheboro, NC

Brian King The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Joshua Koon Eastern Turf Maintenance Raleigh, NC

Robert Kuetemeyer The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Charlie Manning Manning & Carson Farms LLC Bethel, NC

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f North Carolina 9

NC State Turf Team

Calendar of Events September 19

Crop and Soil Sciences Dr. Dan Bowman Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-2805 dan_bowman@ncsu.edu Dr. Rich Cooper Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu Emily Erickson Crop Science Lecturer (919) 513-2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor (919) 515-2647 (Office) travis_gannon@ncsu.edu Matt Martin Extension Associate – Turfgrass, NCSU Crop Science Dept (910) 675-2314 (Office) matthew_martin@ncsu.edu

Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Associate Professor, Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics (919) 515-3196 susana_milla-lewis@ ncsu.edu Dr. Grady Miller Professor (919) 515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu Dr. Charles Peacock Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist (919) 515-7615 charles_peacock@ncsu.edu

Dr. Tom Rufty Professor (919) 515-3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu Dr. Wei Shi Professor, Crop Science (919) 515-2647 (Office) wei_shi@ncsu.edu Dr. Fred Yelverton Extension Specialist (Turfgrass / Forage Crop Weed Mgt) (919) 515-5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu

Dr. Robert Richardson Professor and Extension Specialist (919) 515-5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu

Entomology and Plant Pathology Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate (919) 515-7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Dr. Garry Grabow Extension Specialist and Professor (919) 513-7348 garry_grabow@ncsu.edu

Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Specialist (Peanuts & Turf) & Department Extension Leader (919) 515-8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu

Horticulture Science Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, SIPMC & NC IPM Coordinator (919) 513-8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu

Lee Butler Extension Coordinator (919) 513-3878 elbutler@ncsu.edu Dr. Jim Kerns Associate Professor and Extension Specialist (Turfgrass Pathology) (919) 515-2730 (Office) jpkerns@ncsu.edu

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September/October 2019

Eastern NC Turfgrass Association Golf Championship Walnut Creek Country Club Goldsboro, NC

September 26 – 27

11th Annual Great NC Tree Conference Benton Convention Center Winston-Salem, NC

October 8 – 9

Virginia Turfgrass Council: Come to the Valley Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, VA

Index of Advertisers Buy Sod, Inc........................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Green Corp.....................................23 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc...............................27 www.carolinaturffarms.com Covermaster, Inc...........................................11 www.covermaster.com CoverSports USA..........................................21 www.coversports.com Green Resource............................. Back Cover www.green-resource.com Jonathan Green Turf Products.....................17 www.jonathangreen.com Kesmac............................................................7 www.kesmac.com Leading Edge Communications....................21 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL..........................................5 www.stihldealers.com Morgan Sand Company................................26 Beam Clay.....................................................23 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com PBI Gordon Corporation..............................19 www.pbigordon.com ProEdge........................................................15 www.proedgesprayer.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc...................22 www.progressiveturfequip.com RD Murphy, LLC............................................23 www.rdmurphy.com Smith Seed Services........................................9 www.smithseed.com Southern Seeds, Inc........................................9 www.southernseedsinc.com Southern Specialty Equipment.......................6 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod........................................................3 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group.......... Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.................................23 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms.........................................11 www.vandemarkfarms.com

— OVER 20 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE —

From highest quality products, impeccable service and 75 years of combined turfgrass knowledge and experience, Vandemark Farms has the solution to any landscape situation. Located in Nash County, North Carolina, Vandemark Farms offers a wide assortment of sod varieties that will work with all landscape designs, including:

Tall Fescue

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A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 11

Cover Story

The

Fescues An Update

By Tom Samples, Ph.D. and John Sorochan, Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Department of Plant Sciences

T

here are more than one-hundred species of fescues worldwide. Some are annuals while others are per- ennials. Annual species are usually considered weeds.

Six perennial fescues are managed either alone or in turf mixtures in the U. S. Presently, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), classified as a coarse fescue, is the primary cool-season species used as turf in Tennessee. Strong (Festuca rubra L. rubra) and slender creeping red (Festuca rubra L. ssp. trichophylla, Festuca rubra var. littoralis Vasey), chewings (Festuca rubra L. ssp. falax Thuill., Festuca rubra L. var. commutata Gaud.), hard (Festuca brevipila R. Tracey) and sheep (Festuca ovina L.) fescues are collectively referred to as fineleaf or fine fescues due to their narrow leaves. Because they generally perform better than tall fescue in low light, the fine fescues are commonly recommended for use as cool-season turfs in medium to moderate shade in northwest, north central and upper east Tennessee. A lack of heat tolerance limits the use of these species in shade in other areas of the state in which summer temperatures are much higher. They are also valued for their fibrous root systems when used as components of ‘meadow mixes’ along with legumes, wildflowers and/or native plants. Left unmowed, fine fescues often reach a height of 6–12 or more inches. Seeds of many improved, turf-type coarse and fine fescues contain beneficial fungi, or endophytes, that live between cells inside plants. Endophytes may improve the plants’ ability to withstand heat stress and enhance disease resistance (for example, dollar spot (Lanzia and Moellerodiscus spp.) in fine fescues). They also produce compounds capable of reducing the feeding activity of certain insect pests. Endophytes are transmitted from generation to generation in seed, and do not move from one plant to another by way of pollen.

Irrigating a Residential Tall Fescue Lawn

Tall Fescue

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Large Brown Patch Lesions

Photo credit: Dr. Alan Windham

Tall fescue is adapted throughout much of the continental U.S. except in non-irrigated arid regions, the Southern Coastal Plain and northern-most zones in northern tier states where plants are routinely severely damaged or killed by extreme low temperatures. Although the date at which tall fescue, a native of Europe and North Africa, was first introduced into the U.S. is unknown, the species was evaluated in several North American forage trials in the late 1800’s. ‘KY-31’, a cultivar found growing in a pasture on the farm of W.M. Suiter in the mountains of eastern KY and known to have been there before 1890, is still marketed for use as forage, roadside groundcover and utility and residential turfs. After lengthy testing begun by Dr. E. N. Fergus of the University of Kentucky who first visited the pasture in 1931, KY-31 was released into the marketplace in the early 1940’s.

September/October 2019

NTEP Tall Fescue Trial

Tall Fescue Auricles

Tall Fescue Inflorescence

Tall Fescue Leaf Blade Upper Side

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 13

Cover Story | continued

Establishment and Management The germination and purity of tall fescue seed should be at least 85 and 95 percent, respectively. Depending on cultivar and production year, there are usually about 230,000 or more tall fescue seeds per pound. The recommended seeding rate of tall fescue ranges from 5–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The lower rate is recommended when seed is ‘fresh’, and the quality and germination percentages are high, for example >90 and >95, respectively. Depending on soil moisture and temperature, tall fescue seeds may require from seven to 14 or more days to germinate. Turf-type tall fescue turfs generally perform well at a cutting height from 2–3 inches, while the recommended cutting height of KY-31 is usually slightly higher (for example, 2½–3½ inches). Lower cutting heights are more likely to allow weed infestations than taller cutting heights. The species often requires a medium level of N compared to other cool-season turfgrasses. For example, depending on cultivar and the level of care, tall fescue turfs often require from <0.4-1 pound N/1,000 sq. ft. per growing month. Tall fescue plants are adapted to medium- and fine-textured soils with a pH range from 5.0 to 9.0, although a pH from 6.0 to 6.5 is preferred. Although they typically have a greater evapotranspiration (ET) rate compared to several other cool-season turfgrasses, tall fescues are generally capable of surviving extended periods of drought. The maximum daily water use or ET rate of tall fescue is estimated to be >0.39 inch. However, ET can range dramatically among cultivars. A high root length density in the deeper root zone and the ability to maintain ET as soils dry are two factors important for this drought resistance. Improved, turf-type tall fescue cultivars may accumulate thatch much faster than older, forage-type varieties including KY-31 and ‘Alta’. Dethatching is recommended when the thatch layer reaches ½ inch. Turfs growing in compacted and/or clayey soils often benefit from core aerification (coring).

Coring in late summer or early fall before broadcasting seed usually improves seed contact with soil. Rhizoctonia blight (brown patch), a very common disease of tall fescue turfs, causes most damage during warm, humid or wet weather. Activity of the responsible fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani may result in blighting of large areas of turf. Gray leaf spot, caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea and dollar spot are also common fungal diseases of tall fescue. Pythium blight (Pythium spp.) may develop when night temperatures exceed 65°F and leaves remain wet for 12 to 14 hours for several consecutive nights. A number of insects also cause damage in tall fescue turfs in Tennessee including white grubs (larvae of several species of scarab beetles), armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and sod webworm (larvae of grass moths, Crambinae spp.). Common weeds of tall fescue turfs can be broadleaves, grasses, sedges or rushes. They may have either an annual, biennial or perennial life cycle. Most broadleaf weeds have wide leaves that are produced in pairs or multiples. The leaves are often suspended above the main stem by a petiole and leaf veins form a net-like pattern. The leaf of a broadleaf weed may have one (for example, dandelion, Taraxacum officinale) or multiple leaflets (for example, white clover, Trifolium repens). Although stems of grassy weeds may be round (for example, green foxtail, Setaria viridis and giant foxtail, Setaria faberii) or flat (for example, smooth crabgrass, Digitaria ischaemum and goosegrass, Eleusine indica), leaves are usually blade-like with veins running parallel from base to tip. Unlike grasses, sedges (for example, yellow 14

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nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus and purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus) have triangular stems and leaves are arranged in three vertical rows. Rushes are members of the Juncus genus, while wood rushes are members of the Luzula genus. There are about 300 species of rushes and about 80 species of wood rushes, and depending on species, plants have either hollow or pithy stems.

One such species, path rush (Juncus tenuis), also referred to as poverty rush, is native to both the U.S. and Canada, and is very well adapted in both sun and shade, and wet soils.

Identification Although a percentage of plants of several varieties produce short rhizomes, tall fescue has a bunch-type growth habit. The collar of a tall fescue plant is divided and broad, and has short hairs, and leaf blades are usually flat, ridged, from 5 to 10 millimeters wide and have rough edges.

Cultivar Testing Origin of the development of turf-type cultivars can be traced to plants from well-established turfs in a germplasm collection begun in 1962 by C. Reed Funk at Rutgers University in NJ. ‘Rebel’, the first improved, turf-type tall fescue marketed in the U.S., was selected for release in 1981 on the basis of attractiveness, persistence, disease resistance and overall performance in turf trials.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). A primary mission of NTEP is to develop and coordinate uniform evaluation trials of cultivars and promising selections of several turfgrass species including the fescues in both the U. S. and Canada.

Test results are used by seed companies, retailers and turfgrass breeders to investigate the general adaptation and performance of individual, experimental or named cultivars. Results also help determine if a particular cultivar is well adapted to a local area or specific management intensity level.

The first NTEP Tall Fescue Test was planted in 1983. A total of 30 entries were evaluated in 19 states (CA, CO, GA, ID, KS, KY, MD, MA, MO, MS, NE, NJ, NY, NC, OR, RI, TX, VA and WA). Plots in a trial in Lincoln, NE were maintained at a high level of intensity while those in a second trial were maintained at a low level of intensity. In order to compare cultivar performance in Dallas, TX with and without supplemental irrigation, the tall fescues were established in both irrigated and non-irrigated plots receiving full sun. Cultivars in a third trial in Dallas were planted in shade and received no supplemental irrigation. Green industry professionals and Tennessee homeowners may remember purchasing seed of one or more of the early improved, turf-type cultivars evaluated in this test including ‘Apache’, ‘Arid’, ‘Barcel’, ‘Bonanza’, ‘Chesapeake’, ‘Falcon’, ‘Finelawn 1’, ‘Jaguar’, ‘Houndog’, ‘Maverick’, ‘Mustang’, Rebel and ‘Tempo’.

More NTEP Tall Fescue Tests followed: 1987 w/ 65 cultivars in 23 states and Washington D.C. (Final Report NTEP No. 92-11); 1992 w/ 79 cultivars in 27 states, Washington D.C., British Columbia and Saskatchewan (Final Report NTEP No. 96-13); 1996 w/ 129 cultivars in 24 states (Final Report NTEP No. 01-14); 2001 w/ 159 cultivars in 24 states (Final Report NTEP No. 06-12); 2006 w/ 113 cultivars in 25 states (Final Report NTEP No. 12-10); and 2012 w/ 116 cultivars in 21 states (Final Report NTEP No. 18-13). Each of the reports listed above are available online at https://www.ntep.org/ntep/.

September/October 2019

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Cover Story | continued

Research results indicate that color, leaf width, stand density, uniformity, seedling vigor, plant height, drought, heat and shade tolerance, disease and insect resistance, and rhizome production and length vary among cultivars. The cultivar ‘Grande,’ developed from germplasm originally selected for improved color, texture, stand density and brown patch resistance, was capable of producing measurable rhizomes within 12 weeks after planting. ‘Labarinth’ was the first cultivar registered as an RTF™, or rhizomatous tall fescue (RTF is a registered trademark of Barenbrug, Tangent, OR).

Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf ® (A-LIST™). The A-LIST™ is a non-profit, university and industry cooperative formed to help turfgrass managers and influence turfgrass breeding by developing trial guidelines and evaluation protocols that result in the identification of best performing turfgrass cultivars under reduced inputs (for example, water, fertilizer, fungicides and insecticides) and management. Presently, cooperators include Rutgers University, the University of Connecticut, Purdue University, the University of California- Riverside, Utah State University, Michigan State University, North Carolina State University and the University of Wisconsin. In order to be an “A-LIST™ Approved Variety” the variety must have demonstrated superior performance in A-LIST™ based on three criteria.

1. The cultivar is in the top least significant difference (LSD) group for drought tolerance as measured by percent green cover Fine Fescues in Shade Along Roadside Montgomery Bell State Park

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for each of two years in at least two locations. 2. The cultivar has provided acceptable or better turf quality for each of the two years in at least two trial locations. 3. The cultivar is an entry in an NTEP trial for the species. A variety recognized as ‘promising’ has done well for both drought tolerance and turf quality in the first year of trial by meeting all of the standards for approval in at least two locations as required for full approval, however, two years of field data is lacking. A-LIST™ approved seed blends must have 1) at least 65% approved varieties; 2) No forage varieties, ‘variety not stated’ material or uncertified, common varieties; and 3) an A-LIST™ approved seed tag. More information regarding specific A-LIST™ approved tall fescues is available online at http://a-listturf.org/. In 2019, thirteen tall fescues were listed as A-LIST™ cultivars, and four received tentative approval based on NTEP and other trials, and will be entered into the next series of A-LIST™ trials.

Fine Fescues

Fine fescue shade mixtures contain seed of two or more species.

Fine fescue seed mixtures are often planted along tree-lined highways where maintenance levels are low and turfs are infrequently mowed at a height of 3 or more inches. Seed of fine fescues is also commonly mixed with seed of improved, turf-type tall fescues or Kentucky bluegrasses to improve overall turf performance in shade.

Fine Fescue Inflorescence

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September/October 2019

From Turf Mountain Sod Farm to National Brand!

Left: Onyx Tall Fescue, the first Black Beauty variety, shows off it’s dark green color by surrounding a different variety of light green tall fescue on a Turf Mountain Sod Farm Field.

Below: David Bradley, Linda Bradley, Wayne Pittillo, Fred Pittillo of Turf Mountain Sod, Hendersonville, NC, in front of the Biltmore Estate, which was sodded with Black Beauty.

The first Black Beauty tall fescue variety ever grown for sod was planted by Turf Mountain Sod Farm on land approximately 25 miles from Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. The first foundation seed of ONYX Tall Fescue, (the first Black Beauty variety,) was shipped to Turf Mountain Sod Farm from our research farm in Oregon in 1996, and was planted that September. When Barry Green II visited the farm to walk this sod, they showed him a photo taken by Fred Pittillo’s sister, Cherie. Cherie Pittillo is a professional photographer and hired a plane to take fall foliage photos of the Biltmore Estate in October of 1996. While flying over the fields on this assignment, this photo was taken, which shows the Onyx Tall Fescue encircling a much lighter area of grass. When Fred showed this photo to Barry, he knew that Onyx was something special and thus began a concerted effort to breed and improve on the Black Beauty Tall Fescue Turfgrass Family.

Today, Black Beauty Turfgrass varieties are sold in thousands of independent retail garden centers and hardware stores and on sod farms nationwide. On Friday, April 26th, 2019, Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty Grass Seed and Black Beauty Sod received national exposure on the Fox & Friends morning television show. The Fox & Friends Landscape and Gardening contributor Skip Bedell took the lead in explaining the positive attributes of Black Beauty Seed and Sod. Skip Bedell told a national audience estimated to number about 14 million people that, Black Beauty was the grass seed planted by many sod growers across the USA. Skip also mentioned that Black Beauty grew a root system up to 4-feet deep and that the grass blades had a “waxy-coating” like the skin on an apple that preserved moisture in the grass plant to help it to conserve water in times of stress.

Black Beauty is a big success story, but it might not have been without the hard work and attention to detail provided by Fred and his Family way back in 1996. Jonathan Green owes the Turf Mountain Family a special debt of gratitude. If you ever have a chance to tour the Biltmore Estate, you will see the front lawn is a Black Beauty lawn, sodded by Turf Mountain! Black Beauty: nationally grown, and now, nationally known!

™

PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS

PROFESSIONAL SOD DIVISION

Black Beauty on

SUPERIOR GRASS SEED PRODUCTS Simon Hilarides: 732-804-1743 / shilarides@jonathangreen.com Barry Green II: 908-217-0818 / 800-526-2303 x202 / bgreenii@jonathangreen.com

Cover Story | continued

Chewings Fescue

Chewings fescue, a light-to-medium green bunch-type species, is indigenous to cool, forested areas of Europe where it is valued as a cold- and shade-tolerant cool-season turfgrass. The species was first extensively cultivated in New Zealand. Plants are often deeply rooted and form a denser, more upright turf compared to strong creeping fescue. A lack of stolons and rhizomes contributes to the poor traffic tolerance and recuperative ability of the species. Although tolerant of drought, chewings fescue is often dormant during hot, dry summer months. Plants are prone to disease during hot, wet weather and may quickly produce thatch.

In Tennessee, chewings fescue is not generally as persistent or as strong as creeping fescue and hard fescue. Plants grows best in slightly acidic, infertile and well-drained soils. The cultivar ‘Cascade,’ one of the oldest cultivars, was developed by mixing seed lots from 12 sites in OR, was released in 1966 by the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station (AES).

Hard Fescue

Hard Fescue Leaf Sheath Hard Fescue Seed Production Field, Willamette Valley, OR

Hard fescue, a non-creeping, cool-season turfgrass species from Europe, has been used for many years to stabilize disturbed soils in the Pacific Northwest. It is one of the ‘toughest’ of the fine fescue species. Plants resemble sheep fescue however, leaves are usually firmer, grayish-green and wider. Although shallowrooted and less tolerant of drought compared to several other fescues including sheep fescue, the species has a high shoot density, excellent salt tolerance and is generally more tolerant of drought than strong and slender creeping red fescues. Due in part to the high level of heat tolerance compared to that of other fescues, the species often remains green throughout summer months. The rate of establishment of hard fescue from seed is often slower than that of chewings, and strong and slender creeping red fescues. One of the early cultivars, ‘Durar’ was released cooperatively by the Idaho, Oregon and Washington AES and the Soil Conservation Service in 1949.

Slender Creeping Red Fescue

Slender creeping fescue is native to Europe, where it is found growing in pastures and lawns, and on undisturbed, shady sites.

Plants have hair-like leaves and spread by small, short rhizomes.

Slender creeping red fescue is well adapted to dry, well-drained, infertile soils, and tolerates close mowing. As the name of the species implies, slender creeping red fescue has much finer rhizomes than strong creeping red fescue. The species, like strong creeping red fescue, does not tolerate routinely saturated or poorly drained soils.

Strong Creeping Red Fescue Ligule

Strong Creeping Red Fescue

This species, also referred to as creeping red fescue, is native to Europe. Plants have thick, long and vigorous rhizomes and, when maintained in an appropriate location, form a fine-textured, drought tolerant sod. Strong creeping red fescue is valued for its shade tolerance and low maintenance requirement, and is usually more tolerant of high- and low-temperature extremes than chewings fescue. ‘Golfrood’, an early cultivar selected for its distinct light-green color, very fine leaf blade width, high aerial shoot density, improved low-temperature color retention and good salt tolerance was released by D. J. van der Have of the Netherlands in 1940. The cultivar was, however, susceptible to disease (for example, dollar spot and red thread [Laetisaria fuciformis]).

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Cover Story | continued

Sheep Fescue

This bunch-type species indigenous to the Northern Hemisphere has very stiff, upright leaves and once established, requires very little maintenance. Sheep fescue tolerates low temperatures and grows well in infertile, acidic, sandy or gravelly soils. Sheep fescue is not well adapted on sites with a high water table. The species also performs poorly where routine flooding occurs. Sheep fescue is planted for soil reclamation and erosion control where plants are not mowed or are maintained at a cutting height of 6 inches or higher. Some cultivars including ‘Bighorn’, developed from plants selected from old turfs in NJ and released by TurfSeed Inc., ‘SR3000’, developed cooperatively by Seed Research of Oregon and the New Jersey AES and released in 1987, and ‘MX-86’ developed by Jacklin Seed Company and released in 1989 are bred for use as low-input, cool-season turfs.

Establishment and Management Fine fescues are not produced as sod in TN. The minimum acceptable germination and purity of fine fescue seed is 80 and 95 percent, respectively. The seed count per pound varies among species. There are an estimated 615,000 strong creeping red fescue seeds per pound, 615,000 chewings fescue seeds per pound, 550,000 hard fescue seeds per pound and 530,000 sheep fescue seeds per pound. The recommended seeding rate ranges from 3–5 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. depending on the intended use of the species, and the seed germination and purity of the seed lot. When weather favors plant growth, the optimum cutting height ranges from 1–2 inches. Increasing the cutting height by ½ inch prior to hot, dry conditions in summer may help reduce heat and drought stress. The quality of fine fescue turfs most often rapidly declines if too much N is applied. Fine

fescues generally require one-half or less N than Kentucky bluegrass. Depending on cultivar, shade level and maintenance intensity, a fertilization rate as low as 1 pound N per 1,000 sq. ft. annually is often sufficient in TN. The maximum evapotranspiration rate of fine fescues ranges from an estimated 0.28–0.33 inch per day, and is classified as moderate, much lower than that of tall fescue. The thatching tendency of fine fescues is usually greater than that of tall fescue, and traffic tolerance is limited, especially in shade. Fine fescue turf may require periodic dethatching and core aerification. The species are susceptible to several fungal diseases including dollar spot, powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis), red thread and pythium blight (Pythium spp.). Since direct sunlight inhibits growth of the powdery mildew fungus, turfs maintained in dense shade and exposed to high humidity are prone to infection. Generally, insect pests of tall fescue also have the potential to damage fine fescues. In addition to mosses, which are members of the phylum Bryophyta and have no vascular system, ground ivy (Glechoma hederaceae), wild violet (Viola spp.) and nimblewill (Muhlenbergia shreberi) are prime examples of perennial, shade-tolerant weeds.

Identification Because they so closely resemble one another in plant form and structure, or morphological features, fine fescue species can be very difficult to distinguish or classify visually. One laboratory method helpful to turfgrass breeders is laser flow cytometry, where plant cells are suspended in liquid and passed through a laser beam, often after applying a fluorescent stain. Characteristics of the scattered light are then measured and correlated with specific cell properties that may include pigmentation, volume and morphology, and the specific fescue species is determined.

A Comparison of Several Traits of Several Cool-season Turfgrassesa,b Cool Season

Cold Tolerance

Drought Tolerance

Required Fertility Level

Heat Tolerance

Shade Tolerance

Thatching Tendency

Wear Resistance

Chewings Fescue

Medium

High

Low

Low

High

Medium

Medium

Strong Creeping Red Fescue

Medium

High

Low

Low

High

Medium

Medium

Hard Fescue

Medium

High

Low

Low

High

Medium

Medium

Tall Fescue

Low

High

Medium

High

Medium

Low

High

Kentucky Bluegrass

MediumHigh

Medium

MediumHigh

Medium

Low

MediumHigh

Medium

Perennial Ryegrass

Low

Medium-Low

MediumHigh

Low

Low

Low

MediumHigh

a

old, drought, heat and shade tolerance, required fertility level, thatching tendency and wear resistance vary both among turfgrass C species and cultivars. b Summarized from: Turgeon, A. J. 1980. Turfgrass Species- Chapter 3 in turfgrass management, Reston Publishing Company, Reston, VA. pp. 41-80.

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A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 21

Cover Story | continued

Cultivar Testing National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). Although seed of fine fescues has been available for use as turf in the U.S. since the 1930s, large quantities were not marketed until the 1960s.

The initial NTEP Fineleaf Fescue Test was planted in 1983 in 17 states and Washington D.C. Of the 47 cultivars entered, 21 were known to be chewings fescues; 13, creeping red; 9, hard; and 1, sheep (4LS, later named Bighorn). The performance of cultivars was evaluated from 1984 through 1987 and results are presented in Final Report PSI No. 9 available online at https://ntep.org/ntep/reports/ff83/ff83_88-9f/ff83_88-9f.htm.

The 1989 NTEP Fine-leaf Fescue Test, containing a total of 94 entries (26 strong creeping red, 10 slender creeping red, 33 chewings, 19 hard, 2 sheep and 1 not stated), was established in 16 states and Saskatchewan (1990-93 Data Final Report NTEP No. 94-17). Seed of several cultivars in this test were enhanced with endophytes. Five NTEP Fineleaf Fescue Tests followed: 1993 w/ 59 cultivars (15 strong creeping red, 2 slender creeping red, 26 chewings, 14 hard and 2 sheep) in 19 states (Final Report NTEP No. 98-13); 1998 w/79 cultivars (22 strong creeping red, 4 slender creeping red, 23 chewings, 26 hard, 1 sheep, 1 blue (Festuca glauca), 1 blue hard and 1 tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)) in 21 states and Quebec (Final Report NTEP No. 03-9); 2003 w/ 53 cultivars (25 strong creeping red, 3 slender creeping red, 14 chewings, 10 hard and 1 sheep) in 22 states and Quebec (Final Report NTEP No. 08-9); 2008 w/ 25

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cultivars (8 strong creeping red, 11 chewings, 5 hard and 1 blue hard) in 14 states (Final Report NTEP No. 14-9); and 2014 w/ 42 cultivars (15 strong creeping red, 4 slender creeping red, 12 chewings, 10 hard and 1 sheep) in 13 states and Quebec (Final Report 18-10).

Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf ® (A-LIST™). Like A-LIST™ tall fescues, companies marketing fine fescues meeting the acceptance use the A-LIST™ symbol when marketing their cultivar and receive the A-LIST™ Approved tag to use in packaging. As of 2019, three strong creeping red, four chewings and three hard fescues are A-LIST™ approved. One hard fescue and one sheep fescue cultivar are tentatively approved (http:// a-listturf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Approved_Variety _2019.pdf).

Cultivar Protection The USDA, under the Plant Variety Protection Act of 1970, issues certificates granting the owners of ‘new, distinctly different, and genetically uniform and stable’ turfgrass varieties exclusive right to reproduce, sell, import and export their products in the U.S. for the duration (up to 25 years) of protection.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for administering the PVPA. A list of tall and fine fescues protected under this program and their certificate numbers are available online at: https://apps.ams.usda.gov/CMS/. Cultivars may also be patented.

September/October 2019

References United States Department of Agriculture.

1995. Grass Varieties in the United States. Alderson, J. and W.C. Sharp.

CRC Press. Lewis Publishers. NY. Beard, J. B. 1994. The water-use rate of turfgrasses. TurfCraft. Australia 39: 79–81.

Beard, J. B. 1989. Turfgrass water stress: Drought resistance components, physiological mechanisms, and speciesgenotype diversity. Proc. Intl. Turfs.

Res. Conf. Tokyo, Japan. 6: 23–28.

Beard, J.B. 1973. Turfgrass: Science and Culture. 658 pp. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall.

Hanson, A.A., F.V. Juska and G.W. Burton. 1969. Species and Varieties. In A.A. Hanson and F.V. Juska, eds., Turfgrass Science. Agron.

Monogr. 14. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI.

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RD MuRphy LLC Sales: (256) 762-3564 info@rdmurphy.com www.rdmurphy.com

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Crowder, W. 2007. Plant Fact Sheet Hard Fescue Festuca brevipila Tracey.

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Pullman, WA. Havardi, A. 2010. No-mow Fineleaf Fescue Grasses for California Urban Landscapes. University of California ANR Pub. No. 8391.

Huang, B. 2008. Turfgrass Water Requirements and Factors Affecting Water Usage. Chpt. 11. https:// www.usga.org/content/dam/usga/ pdf/Water%20Resource%20Center/ turfgrass-water-requirements.pdf.

Huff, D.R., and A.J. Palazzo. 1998. Fine Fescue Species Determination by Laser Flow Cytometry. Crop Sci. 38:445-450.

800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING

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Kjelgren, R., L. Rupp, and D. Kilgren.

2000. Water conservation in urban landscapes. HortSci. 35: 1037–1040.

Ogle, D., M. Stannard, P. Scheinost, and L. St John. 2010. Plant Guide- Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina L.). USDANatural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho and Washington Plant Materials Program. Rev. 2014. G

Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

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A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 23

Green Light on Sports Turf

Common Problems of Sports Fields

By Mr. Michael Richard, Mississippi State University, Turfgrass Extension Associate

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A

cross the region, youth of all ages are enjoying America’s greatest past times. There’s no denying that sports are inter- woven into the fabric of who we are as a nation. Some of my fondest memo-

ries as a child were made on the baseball, football, or soccer field. In my current role, I have the pleasure of visiting high school sports fields. The coaches and field managers I meet have a great passion for providing the best playing surface for their athletes. They juggle several job responsibilities and have limited budgets – making field maintenance a difficult task. In my travels, I have noticed some common maintenance practices that are lacking or in need of correction.

Figure 1: Yearly core aerification relieves soil compaction, improves drainage, and increases air and water infiltration.

Cultivation

Compacted soils may be the biggest constraint to proper turfgrass growth. Compaction occurs from excessive traffic that compresses soil particles, which restricts water and air movement through the soil profile. Turfgrass roots may be unable to penetrate the soil, which decreases turfgrass resilience to wear. Soil of our sports fields must be physically modified to relieve compaction, either modestly on a yearly basis, or more aggressively on a less frequent basis. The most effective way to do this is through annual aerification and topdressing. Aerification involves removing or loosening soil to relieve compaction, which improves drainage and increases water and air infiltration to turfgrass roots.

This is best accomplished with a hollow tine core-aerifier that pulls soil plugs (Figure 1). Core aerification is most effective in conjunction with sand topdressing. Applying 1/8 to 1/4 inch of coarse sand during or immediately after core removal will fill the holes and help alter soil structure (Figure 2). Sand topdressing aids in making the aerification process last longer. Both of these processes should take place when the turfgrass is actively growing to help it recuperate more quickly.

Mowing

Mowing is the most important, but often most mismanaged, aspect of sports field management. A properly mown sports field promotes lateral turfgrass growth, which increases shoot density and provides a denser turfgrass canopy. Mowing height and frequency directly impact the

Figure 2: Frequent sand topdressing aids turfgrass health and improves field firmness.

playability of sports fields. Hybrid bermudagrass sports fields perform best when mown between roughly 0.75 to 1.0 inches in canopy height. When bermudagrass is mown above these heights it becomes puffy and less wear tolerant (Figure 3).

Correct mowing should never remove more than one third of the leaf blade.

For example, if target mowing height is 1 inch, we mow when the grass reaches 1.5 inches. Depending on temperature, fertilization, and irrigation, fields may need to be mown every 2 to 3 days during summer months (an amount that many low-maintenance field managers are not comfortable with). An easy way to know if your mowing practices are adequate is by checking the turfgrass color. The grass should be green from the soil surface to the tip. Brown stems indicate improper mowing — generally too high and infrequent. Gradually decrease mowing height over the course of two weeks to avoid

Figure 3: Improperly mown hybrid bermudagrass is less tolerant to wear.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 25

Green Light on Sports Turf | continued

scalping the turfgrass. Properly aerified and topdressed fields should allow mowing, even when conditions might otherwise be too wet. If fields are not able to be mown during wet conditions, we must raise mowing heights or plan on removing clippings in order to prevent thatch accumulation.

Soil Testing/Fertilization

The cornerstone of any agronomic program is a soil test. When we visit a doctor, they check our vitals to get a base line of our current health. Analogously, a soil test is a checkup for your field’s soil chemical health. A basic soil test measures pH and nutrient levels. Soil pH is measured on a 1 to 14 scale, with 1 being highly acidic, 14 being highly alkaline, and 7 being neutral. Bermudagrass grows best at a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If the soil test reveals an acidic soil (less than 5.8), limestone should be added to raise pH. Unless soil pH is low, lime is not generally recommended. If soil pH is high, it may be due to some underlying soil characteristics that are not always easy

to solve. Sometimes in extreme circumstances, elemental sulfur is applied to acidify excessively alkaline soils, but routine fertilization and topdressing generally counteract alkaline conditions, so sulfur is less commonly recommended. Routine fertilizer applications should also be based on soil test results. Excessive nutrients are wasteful, decrease plant health due to excessive growth, and may be harmful to the environment. Most soil test results provide recommendations for improving pH and for replacing deficient nutrients.

Accurate Sprayer Calibration

Calibrating a sprayer involves selecting the proper nozzles, pressure, and speed of travel. There are several different ways to accurately calibrate a sprayer, but the simplest is the 1/128th acre method, also called the “baby bottle” method. The spray collected from a single nozzle measured in ounces directly converts to gallons per acre regardless of the number of nozzles on the boom. Because there are 128 ounces

in a gallon, the ounces collected from 1/128th of an acre will equal gallons of solution per acre. Follow the 10 easy steps below to avoid needless chemical waste, improper application, and potential turf injury.

1. Fill sprayer with water. Use only clean water to calibrate sprayer.

2. Measure the distance (in inches)

between nozzles on the spray boom.

If your sprayer has only one nozzle, this number equals the expected spray width. Then refer to chart below to obtain test course distance (in feet).

3. Measure the course distance (in

feet) according to the chart and flag it for easy visibility.

4. Drive or walk the test course at an

acceptable spraying speed with the sprayer on. Make note of the engine RPMs, and most importantly, record the seconds it takes to travel the measured distance between the two flags. Be sure to take a “moving start” to the beginning flag, and continue moving beyond the ending flag to maintain a uniform speed within the flagged distance.

5. Park the tractor/sprayer, set the

brakes, but keep the engine RPMs at the same setting used to drive the test course.

6. To check the uniformity of all

nozzles on the boom, collect the spray from each nozzle for exactly 1 minute. If the flow rate of any spray tip is 10 percent greater or less than that of the others, replace it. Whatever the type of sprayer tips you use, be sure they are all the same type.

Make sure strainers are present within the nozzle body, as the absence or presence can significantly impact tip output. Strainers also protect spray tips and prevent clogging.

7. Make any final sprayer pressure

adjustments (this will vary with the type of spray tips you use and the gallons per minute you wish to spray through them).

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8. Using a plastic measuring container

that is marked in ounces, collect the water sprayed from one nozzle for the same amount of time it took to drive the test course.

9. The amount of water collected

in ounces will equal the gallons applied per acre.

10. Last, but not least, be sure to

read all product labels for proper application information.

Nozzle Spacing* (in.)

Distance (ft.)

6

681

8

510

10

408

12

340

14

292

16

255

18

227

20

204

22

186

24

170

26

157

28

146

30

136

*This number also equals the expected spray width for a single nozzle.

Michael Richard is an Extension Associate at Mississippi State University. He coordinates the Mississippi Sports Field Maintenance Clinics – a MSU Extension program designed to assist low-maintenance sports field managers with providing safe playing surfaces for Mississippi youths. He resides in Starkville, MS with his wife and four children. His hobbies include hunting and RV’ing. G

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2019 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-790-3718, Fax 615-794-4524.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 27

NCCTP Program

Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements:

Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!

The

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program devel- oped to enhance the technical competency of turf- grass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today he NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfT grass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.

The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.

• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.

• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.

• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.

We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course he NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comT prehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University.

This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.

This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.

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old a current TCNC membership. If not currently H a member, go to www.ncturfgrass.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application.

Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.

Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.

Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license • A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).

• NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50

Curriculum and Exam: urriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass CharacterisC tics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.

Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.

Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.

Maintenance Requirements: aintain a current TCNC membership as a means of M demonstrating ongoing support for the industry.

Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.

Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.

For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

September/October 2019

NCCTP Certification Program

Enrollment Application Name___________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_ ____________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*_ ___________________________________________________ Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________

Qualifications / Requirements Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.

Membership: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. esticide License: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental P (or equivalent from another state).

Experience: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.

Exam: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months. uty: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the D Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program. ontinuing Education: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be C required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Company________________________________________________________________ Title_ _____________________________________________________ Supervisor_______________________________________________________________ Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________ Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address_ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip_ ____________________________________ Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) Total $____________________

Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:

AMEX

Visa

MC

Discover

Billing Zip Code____________________

Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date______________________ Sec Code____________ Name on Card___________________________________________________________ Signature______________________________________________ By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f N orth Carolina 29

NCCTP Program | continued

Certified Turfgrass Professional

Code of Ethics Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.

Duty to the Public Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

I Agree

Duty to the Environment Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.

I Agree

Duty to the Laws of Our Land Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.

I Agree

Duty to Our Fellow Professionals Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry.

Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I Agree

Duty to the Association Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession.

Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.

I Agree

By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________ Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@ncturfgrass.org fax: (919) 459-2075 or mail: TCNC, 110 Horizon Dr. Ste 210, Raleigh, NC 27615 30

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Give water a break tiftuf bermudagrass is the new drought-tolerance superstar.

The newest edition in the “Tif” (Tifton) series of bermudagrasses to originate from the renowned University of Georgia turfgrass breeding program, TifTuf promises to be a true game-changer in stellar yet environmentally friendly performance. Providing unbeatable drought tolerance, it uses 38% less water than Tifway 419, and it is significantly more drought resistant than all other bermudagrasses.

In addition to its incredible drought tolerance, TifTuf is more aggressive than Tifway and provides superior wear and traffic tolerance (even better than Celebration), excellent cold tolerance (equal to Latitude 36 at Kansas State University), fast spring green-up and excellent fall color retention. In the 2015 NTEP trials, TifTuf was the highest-ranked cultivar in North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi, and across all 17 locations overall, it was the highest-ranked, commercially available cultivar.

TifTuf will not only pay for itself in water savings, but more importantly, it will create more-sustainable athletic fields for the future.

In fact, it will soon become the ultimate must-have grass for sports turf managers who want to take a break from water use.

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