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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 © 2024 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is
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Happy Fall, Members! It
was wonderful to see so many turfgrass professionals, enthusiasts, landscape contractors, and more at the annual Turfgrass Field Day at Lake Wheeler Lab. It is always exciting to view the NC State Turfgrass Program’s ongoing research trials and speak directly with NC State’s esteemed faculty and staff. We were able to learn more about a range of topics from integrated pest management to aquatic weed management. Additionally, the insights on weed control and other vital aspects of our field were invaluable.
The value of education has always been a top priority for our organization, and this edition of NC Turfgrass Magazine is no exception. We are proud to present top-notch education and insights from experts such as Dr. Jim Kerns and Dr. Travis Gannon. Their contributions are sure to provide you with the latest knowledge and techniques to advance your practices.
Lastly, it wouldn't be a spotlight on education without a very special recognition of TCNC member and advocate, Dr. Grady Miller. His dedication and contributions to the field of turfgrass science have been instrumental in driving our industry forward.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence in turfgrass management. It is my hope that we all continue to connect and learn from each other.
Wil Sutton President Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
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TCNC OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Wilson Sutton
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Greg Harris Leap Frog Land Care, Inc. Fuquay-Varina, NC
TREASURER
Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC
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Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC
DIRECTORS
Brian Beane Southern Turf Winston-Salem, NC
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CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES
Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor 919.515.2647 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu
Emily Erickson Crop Science Lecturer 919.513.2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu
Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Professor & University Faculty Scholar 919.280.3443 susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu
Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rob Richardson Associate Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu
Dr. Wei Shi Professor 919.513.4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu
Dr. Fred Yelverton Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu
Dr. Qiyu Zhou Assistant Professor 313.782.2892 qzhou9@ncsu.edu
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate 919.515.7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Leader 919.515.8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu
Lee Butler NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab 919.513.3878 ebutler@ncsu.edu
Dr. James Kerns Professor and Extension Specialist 919.513.4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu
HORTICULTURE SCIENCE
Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, Southern IPM Center & Associate Professor 919.513.8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu
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Roger Corbett Newport, NC
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Hunter Elwood Collierville, TN
Dave McGhee Collierville, TN
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Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!
TheNorth Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass 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
The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass 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 designation.
We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course
The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive 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.
Fast Facts about the NCCTP
Enrollment Requirements:
Hold a current TCNC membership. If not currently a member, go to www.turfgrasscouncilnc.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
Curriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass Characteristics; 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
Maintain a current TCNC membership as a means of 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 984.301.5460.
DR. GRADY MILLER
Advancing Turfgrass Science and Education
By Cecilia Johnson of SodSolutionsPro.com
We are thrilled to present a very special member spotlight in this education edition of NC Turfgrass Magazine. Dr. Grady Miller, a name familiar to our members, is a prolific contributor to our publication and an esteemed Professor at N.C. State University. With a career dedicated to advancing turfgrass science, his insights and expertise have significantly impacted the industry. Join us in celebrating Dr. Miller's achievements and contributions as we honor his outstanding work.
Dr. Grady Miller, PhD, is a Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist and the ENVU Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at N.C. State University. Growing up on a cattle farm in Florien, Louisiana, he developed an early interest in agriculture. As a first-generation college graduate, he pursued an Agriculture degree at Louisiana Tech, inspired by his teachers and family. This path eventually led him to become a leading figure in turfgrass science, with a career spanning several esteemed institutions and impactful roles.
During the summer of his junior year at Louisiana Tech, he worked for Rohm and Haas Chemical Company in the Mississippi Delta. Initially planning to teach agriculture, Miller completed education requirements at Louisiana Tech, earning his teaching certificate alongside his degree in Agriculture. But when he graduated, Rohm and Haas offered him a job to return to Mississippi, where he stayed before leaving for Baton Rouge to get his master’s degree at LSU. Near the end of his graduate program, Miller’s professor left LSU, so Miller made friends with some turfgrass majors and decided to take a horticulture course after finishing his graduate requirements.
Educational Background
A shift in his interests led him to pursue turfgrass science, inspired by LSU faculty members like Jack Fry, now a Turfgrass Science Professor and Extension Specialist at Kansas State. “He wasn’t there long, but I was impressed with Jack and turf. I’d been in forages and decided turfgrass might be more interesting. I finished my master’s and when I was looking where to go, I met Professor Ray Dickens at Auburn University,” he said. Miller thought he’d be someone he’d enjoy working with, so he went to Auburn for his PhD in Turfgrass Science. “That’s how I ended up in turfgrass and certainly never looked back since starting my PhD in 1990,” he said.
The same week he graduated from Auburn, he started his professional career at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He spent nearly 12 years there, progressing from assistant to full professor and taught five courses a year as the primary teaching faculty for the four-year turf program. “I was totally immersed in teaching when I was at Florida and enjoyed it—meeting new students and following them in their careers.
I went to some of their weddings. I get Christmas cards with their family pictures on them now from students I taught 20plus years ago. It’s just a lot of joy seeing young people develop and grow up. It’s very fulfilling,” Miller said. Even for the students who aren’t in the industry anymore, he enjoys seeing what they’ve all gone on to accomplish.
In 2006, shortly after he was promoted to full professor at Florida, Miller took a position at N.C. State, replacing longtime educator and extension specialist Art Bruneau as he entered a phased retirement plan. The role included research, teaching and extension work, which Miller explained is adult education for industry professionals. He’d done some extension work at Florida, but not as a primary component of his job.
Dr. Grady Miller teaching a sports turf logo lab in March 2006.
Dr. Grady Miller presenting on turfgrass research at N.C. State’s annual Lake Wheeler Field Day.
Dr. Grady Miller visits Avery Island, the home of Tabasco hot sauce, in his native state of Louisiana.
Over the past 18 years, more faculty members have retired, leading to Miller teaching more university classes. Now, his extension and teaching appointment are about the same. For the first ten years there, he only knew a handful of undergraduate students, but now his career has come full circle as he’s resumed teaching undergraduate students and is getting to know them better.
Shaping Future Leaders in Turfgrass
Miller has taught many students who have excelled in the green industry, significantly impacting various roles. While he can’t recall any current graduate students in academia fulltime, some are still involved parttime. A handful of his former students are now adjunct faculty and community college teachers. Several of his students are thriving in the chemical company sector.
One notable graduate student of Miller’s is Casey Reynolds, Executive Director of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI). After earning his PhD, Reynolds began his career as a faculty member at Texas A&M. Miller expressed pride in Reynolds’ accomplishments, noting his significant impact on the industry.
Dr. Grady Miller (right) preparing research plots.
Many of Miller’s former students have worked at prestigious locations like Augusta National, including Asa High as Senior Assistant Superintendent and Max McQuade as an assistant in training for several years. His students from the University of Florida have gone on to work at TPC Sawgrass, the USGA and throughout the golf industry. Some individuals have delved into sports turf management, including professionals with renowned teams like the Miami Dolphins. Former student Danny Losito, CSFM, holds the role of Director of Sports Fields and Grounds for the Carolina Panthers. He also taught two Sod Solutions employees, Director of Florida Operations Mark Kann and Director of Production Joel Lane.
He’s taught hundreds of students, making it hard to recount all who have entered the turfgrass industry. Miller has seen students excel through people skills, influencing others and leading by example, showing personality traits can be as influential as knowledge. He advises young professionals to gain diverse experiences and actively participate in the industry. “Use the time while you’re in school to think outside the box, get out of your comfort zone, go somewhere exotic, manage some grass you’ve never managed before, just use that opportunity because that’s a time when it’s very forgiving to explore or make mistakes. Get involved and make your voice heard,” he said.
New Turfgrass Releases
Part of Miller’s extension role is researching new germplasm through the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) and germplasm from various breeders, such as N.C. State’s Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis or commercial breeders at seed companies. They conduct regional trials and take the time to look at germplasm regardless of where it comes from, particularly when it comes from their own university. N.C. State recently released Lobo™ Zoysiagrass and Sola™ St Augustinegrass, with Miller playing a key role in their trials and evaluations.
“Lobo has a darker green color, nice texture and has done phenomenally under low input roadside DOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation) trials. It offers something different from what’s available now and is an attractive grass,” he said. “Being able to see something not only different but better than what’s commonly used is pretty exciting. It’s exciting for our industry, for our university and our breeding program.”
Miller feels the same way about Sola, seeing it as great for the southern United States. For North Carolina, Sola will work well for older neighborhoods with tall fescue and large tree canopies. “It offers a great alternative in a warm season grass they haven’t had before. That’s pretty cool to bring to a homeowner or builders putting in these landscapes to suggest a St. Augustine that will fit this situation pretty well,” Miller said. He thinks Sola will replace standard grasses in Florida, the Gulf Coast and Texas. Miller said the characteristics of these new turfgrass varieties may differ from state to state. For example, drought tolerance might justify using Lobo in California and Arizona, while its beauty might make it popular in North Carolina. “It can have multiple traits and sell based on different attributes.”
In addition to Lobo and Sola, Miller has evaluated germplasm through the Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) since its inception in 2010. Funded by a $3.8M USDA-NIFA grant, this project aims to improve drought and salinity
Pictured (from left) are Art Bruneau, Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis, Dr. Grady Miller and Linda Bradley at the Lobo™ Zoysiagrass release at the NCSPA Fall Field Day on Nov. 10, 2021.
Dr. Grady Miller at SCRI Sandhills in 2011.
tolerance for sustainable turfgrass in the southern U.S. It involves a team from Texas A&M, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, Oklahoma State, and N.C. State, allowing breeders to exchange and evaluate experimental lines across diverse environments.
Miller explained that this has opened up a huge opportunity for evaluating germplasm, similar to the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) and regional trials. It has also allowed him to collaborate with many scientists within the SCRI program. “It’s exciting we put together that group years ago and have continued to grow each project. We’re in the process of submitting our final round of research focusing on acceptance of new cultivars. It’s been cool to see it come full circle.”
He explained that new research initiatives are underway to transition from cool to warm-season grasses and that he is excited to see what they will learn.
Collaborations and Challenges
Miller emphasized collaboration in the turfgrass industry through education, information exchange and problem-solving. “Almost nothing is done alone in a vacuum. All the great things we do in life are probably shared with other people. Anytime we can work with others or share information, it only makes the industry better, stronger and more responsive to problems and issues,” he said. He added that involvement in the industry fosters trust and respect.
“Misinformation can be damaging to this industry. You’d think such an environmentally friendly plant as turfgrass would be heralded as something that will help us environmentally. Still, sometimes it’s portrayed the opposite because of ‘water hogging,’ ‘full of pesticides’ and other misconceptions,” he said.
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Miller believes it’s essential to demonstrate successful turfgrass management in low-water usage areas despite the need for irrigation in some places. He stressed the importance of countering misinformation with accurate information. He also expects improved water use efficiency and reduced inputs, with alternative power sources and technological advancements playing significant roles. Looking ahead, Miller is excited about the work being done to install natural grass inside indoor stadiums for the upcoming World Cup. Although this work isn’t happening in their state, he finds it fascinating and relevant to the broader industry.
Contributions
Miller finds it hard to pick the accomplishment he’s most proud of. “Training students and young minds is something I’m certainly very proud of. A lot of accomplishments. I can also relish the students’ accomplishments and successes.” Seeing a grass on the market and knowing he contributed brings a sense of pride. “Anytime you have something come out of your program that succeeds, whether it’s grasses, people, products, new techniques or information that people are using and it helps solve problems, it’s certainly a source of pride.”
Miller has been a columnist for Sportsfield Management Magazine since September 2000, recently writing his 141st column. “That’s probably the longest single contribution I’ve made consistently in the turf industry in my career. If you had told me back then I’d be writing this for a quarter of a century, I would have said you’re crazy,” Miller said. He initially thought they’d move on after a few columns, but he continues to enjoy writing and the positive feedback. Many in the industry know him through his column and he values the questions and comments he receives. “It’s been a very great thing for me because it offers me a platform to educate and help people and has provided a lot of visibility for what I do and what I represent.”
Miller also co-authored Best Management Practices for Carolina Sports Fields, a guide for Carolina sports field managers, with Bert McCarty of Clemson University in 2021. The second edition will be available this summer on Amazon. These books are updated volumes of their first sports book published in 2005, serving as a reference for sports field managers, students and regulatory agencies.
Dr. Grady Miller throwing crumbrubber was a photo the SFMA formerly ran with his column.
Drs. Susana Milla-Lewis and Grady Miller announce Sola™ St. Augustinegrass at the annual N.C. State Lake Wheeler Field Day.
Dr. Grady Miller presents at various turfgrass research and industry conferences.
Dr. Grady Miller spraying in the logo for the annual N.C. State Lake Wheeler Field Day.
Drs. Grady Miller and Toralf Senger at NCSU’s Lake Wheeler Research Lab.
He’s been acknowledged for his hard work and dedication in the industry with several awards, including the SFMA Henry Daniel Founders’ Award, TPI’s Educator Award, Crop Science Society’s Fred Grau Turfgrass Award, and being named a Fellow by the Agronomy Society of America.
Dr. Miller’s career is a testament to the significant impact one individual can have on an industry. From his roots in Louisiana to his current position at N.C. State, Miller has dedicated himself to advancing turfgrass science through education, research and extension work. His legacy is cemented in his students’ achievements and advancements in turfgrass varieties and management practices.
Miller met his wife, Lisa, just as he left LSU to go to Auburn University. They dated long-distance for four years before marrying the same week he started his career at Florida. Both Louisiana natives enjoy returning to visit family and eat local cuisine. In his free time, Miller enjoys cycling, traveling, hiking and being outdoors with Lisa.
Dr. Grady Miller with his wife, Lisa, after being recognized a Fellow of the Agronomy Society of America.
WHAT IS The Endangered Species Act and What Does it Mean for Turfgrass Managers
By Estefania G. Polli and Travis Gannon
Estefania G. Polli is a Ph.D. candidate under the direction of Travis Gannon in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University.
Travis Gannon is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University.
TheEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) has encountered difficulties complying with the ESA (Endangered Species Act), resulting in the completion of less than 5% of its obligations under the Act. As a consequence, EPA faces over 20 lawsuits and impeding deadlines for over 50 pesticides by 2030. Moreover, failure to fulfill its obligations has led to the suspension of pesticide registrations for three dicamba products in agronomic crop systems on February 6, 2024. These regulatory challenges and legal risks have created confusion and uncertainty for the pesticide industry and end-users.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 was designed to protect endangered and threatened species, along with their habitats. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the ESA seeks to prevent species extinction and promote habitat conservation. Federal agencies, including the EPA, must consult FWS and NMFS to ensure their actions do not harm endangered or threatened species or their habitats.
EPA’s responsibilities under the ESA include regulating pesticides establishing the Endangered Species Protection Program in 1988. However, the process of evaluating the impact of pesticides on species and their habitats has been slow, expensive, and difficult. In response, collaborative efforts between the EPA, FWS, NMFS and U.S. Department of Agriculture have been made to develop more efficient ecological risk assessment methods. Moreover, in 2021, the EPA initiated the development of workplans to continue improving its compliance with the ESA.
The latest workplan highlights measures taken and planned to improve protection on non-target species. These measures include pilot species identification, impact of new pesticides on listed species, development of region-specific strategies using the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website, exploration of mitigation strategies for nonagricultural uses, and implementation of early ecological mitigation for groups of pesticides through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Interim Ecological Mitigation developed by the EPA. This Interim step proposes additional mitigation and conservation measures, aiming to reduce negative effects or potential risks of pesticide use, particularly caused by water runoff, soil erosion, and spray drift.
Currently, its scope encompasses only agronomic crops, though there is an anticipation of integrating turfgrass systems into it in the near future. While EPA has drafted some general guidelines for major agronomic crop production systems, there is limited information available specific to managed turfgrass sites and other specialty crop systems. EPA has stated they plan to explore strategies for pesticide use in non-agricultural areas, specifically mentioning collaboration with FWS and the American Mosquito Control Association to develop mitigation measures for certain insecticides. However, they did not specify what those mitigations might be. Similarly, EPA is exploring broad mitigation measures to minimize exposure when pesticides are used in residential settings (and presumably other settings), though no specific mitigations were mentioned. Additionally, EPA plans to collaborate with various pesticide user groups to better devise these mitigation strategies indicating there may be an opportunity for you (as a professional pesticide applicator) to provide feedback.
The proposed changes are outlined below:
Water Runoff and Soil Erosion
Additional measures would primarily apply to pesticides with an organic carbon partitioning coefficient (Koc) of 1,000 L kg-1 or less, indicating moderate to high mobility in soil. Moreover, these measures include two surface proposed water protection statements that applicators would follow when precipitation occurs or is forecasted: “do not apply during rain” and “do not apply when a storm event likely to produce runoff from the treated area is forecasted to occur within 48 hours following application.” Meanwhile, growers would be responsible for selecting mitigation measures from a predefined pick list. The EPA may propose one or more measures from the pick list based on specific ecological risks, benefits, and pesticide use. Examples of reduction measures on the pick list include vegetative filter strips, cover crops, field borders, and riparian buffer strips or zones, none or reduced tillage, contour buffer strips, and vegetative barriers.
U.S. Federal Government
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
President of the U.S.
The Cabinet
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Department of Interior (DOI)
Independent and Semi-Independent Government Agencies
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Private, Non-Profit Organization
National Academic of Sciences (NAS)
Figure 1. United States Government Organizational Structure: Illustration highlighting key agencies involved in implementing the Endangered Species Act, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency
Spray Drift
Application restrictions regarding droplet size, windspeed, and release height limits, as well as the aerial application prohibitions, will remain on the label. In addition to these restrictions, the EPA intends to propose spray drift buffers from aquatic habitats (e.g., lakes, reservoirs, rivers, permanent streams, wetlands or natural ponds, estuaries, and commercial fish farm ponds) and conservation areas (e.g., public lands and parks, Wilderness Areas, National Wildlife Refuges, reserves, conservation easements).
How does ESA affect the pesticide industry and applicators, sod growers, and turf managers?
Pesticide Industry
The FIFRA Interim Ecological Mitigation serves as the initial framework to registrants to address pesticide risks to nontarget species during both registration and registration review processes. For each FIFRA action, the EPA will consider a menu and propose, based on the risks and benefits of the particular pesticide, which specific measures to include on the pesticide label. Moreover, the EPA has proposed incorporating language for pesticide products, pesticide incident reporting, insect pollinators protection, and geographical restrictions by directing users to reference BLT website.
Pesticide Applicators
Pesticide labels are evolving to include more detailed directions and restrictions. Applicators are responsible for carefully
reading and following these instructions. Additionally, as per label instructions, they will likely be required to consult the BLT online database and comply with any mitigation specified in a Bulletin for the application area. It is important to note that Bulletins do not replace or override any additional restrictions that a state may impose. Thus, applicators need to be aware of pesticide regulations at both state and federal levels. As previously stated, implications for turfgrass managers remain ambiguous at this time; however, an example of specific geographical use limitations in North Carolina currently for four dicamba formulations approved for use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops is included in Figure 2.
Turfgrass Managers
The implementation of additional mitigation and conservation measures may increase labor and expense for turfgrass managers. Some of these measures may require significant changes to existing systems, which could involve investments in infrastructure, equipment and workforce. However, there are potential long-term benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and reduced environmental impact. Further, land managers may qualify for financial assistance or incentive programs from public and private organizations to help offset implementation costs and encourage the adoption of these measures.
Overall, the ESA will impact land managers by requiring them to be knowledgeable about the endangered species present in areas where they apply pesticides and to implement appropriate conservation efforts to ensure those species aren’t adversely affected. As previously stated, what compliance looks like in specialty cropping systems, including managed turfgrass areas is unclear at this time.
Figure 2.
Restricted areas for dicamba formulations in North Carolina from the Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website.
REFERENCES
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2022) ESA WORKPLAN UPDATE: Nontarget Species for Registration and Other FIFRA Actions. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/ 2022-11/esa-workplan-update.pdf.
Accessed: May 14, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) Conventional Pesticide Registration. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/ conventional-pesticide-registration.
Accessed: January 30, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) Endangered Species: Information For Pesticide Users. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/ endangered-species-information-pesticide-users.
Accessed: January 31, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) EPA Advances Early Pesticides Protections for Endangered Species, Increases Regulatory Certainty for Agriculture. https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-advances-early-pesticidesprotections-endangered-species-increases-regulatory.
Accessed: February 5, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) Tips for Reducing Pesticide Impacts to Threatened and Endangered Species.
https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/tips-reducingpesticide-impacts-threatened-and-endangered-species.
Accessed: February 5, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024) Protecting Endangered Species from Pesticide. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species.
Accessed: January 30, 2024.
[US EPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024) Bulletins Live! Two — View the Bulletins. https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/ bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins.
Accessed: May 25, 2024.
The Status of
HERBICIDE RESISTANT WEEDS
in Turfgrass Systems
By Tripp Rogers and Travis Gannon
Tripp Rogers is a Ph.D. candidate under the direction of Dr. Travis Gannon in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University.
Dr. Travis Gannon is a Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at North Carolina State University.
Herbicide-resistant weeds are a leading problem in the turfgrass industry. Herbicide-resistant weed biotypes within a population may compromise the functionality and aesthetic of turfgrass systems while simultaneously imparting social and economic pressure on professional turfgrass managers. What is herbicide resistance? Herbicide-resistant weeds are not a new problem in turfgrass systems (or any system). In fact, herbicide resistance was documented as early as 1970. Herbicide resistance is a selection process that develops through the repeated use of the same herbicide or herbicides with the same mechanism of action (MOA). Typically, herbicide resistance traits are present within a population at very low levels (~< 0.001%) (Petelewicz et al. 2023) and the continuous application of the same herbicide (or herbicide with same MOA) over time removes susceptible plants while allowing resistant individuals to survive, grow, reproduce, and proliferate.
Herbicide resistance can be characterized by cross- and multiple-resistance. Cross-resistance is defined as a population that is resistant to other herbicides or chemical families within the same MOA. For example, a population may be resistant to imidazolinones and sulfonylureas, which are both acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting [Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) Group 2] herbicides. Multiple-resistance refers to weed populations that are resistant to herbicides with different MOAs. An example would be a population that is resistant to both ALS-inhibiting (HRAC Group 2) herbicides and photosystem (PS) II-inhibiting (HRAC Group 5) herbicides such as atrazine or simazine. Although cross-resistance is more common; multiple-resistant weeds are often more problematic, as control options are inherently more limited. The most effective method to mitigate cross-resistance is to rotate MOAs. However, managing multipleresistant weed populations may require implementing other means of weed control outside of chemical control such as mechanical (i.e., fraise mowing) or cultural control practices.
Specifically, in turfgrass systems, herbicide resistance has been reported for annual bluegrass, goosegrass, shortleaf spikesedge, lawn burweed, annual sedge, spotted spurge, smooth crabgrass, large crabgrass, and buckhorn plantain, among others (Heap 2024). Annual bluegrass is arguably the most problematic herbicide-resistant weed in turfgrass systems. Reports have identified resistance in annual bluegrass populations to 9 unique MOAs in turfgrass systems. Reported resistance sites of action in turfgrass systems include HRAC groups 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 14, 27 and 29 (Table 1). Additionally, two annual bluegrass populations have been characterized as multiple resistant, with one population from Tennessee documented resistance to 7 MOAs. Similar to other species, herbicide-resistant goosegrass is also problematic; reports have documented resistance to 3 unique MOAs.
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What has contributed to herbicide resistance in turfgrass systems? In short, there are a number of factors that have contributed to this phenomenon; however, overreliance on herbicides over time is a primary contributor coupled with not rotating herbicide MOAs. It’s also important to note, herbicides with new and novel mechanisms of action have been very limited in recent years (which limits turfgrass managers ability to rotate MOAs), particularly in certain turfgrass systems or use scenarios such as cool-season turfgrass or golf course putting greens. Policy (i.e. new regulations for oxadiazon) changes may also continue to limit herbicide options for many end-users.
What should turfgrass managers do to prevent or delay resistance?
1. Promote a healthy, thick turfgrass sward. Weeds are opportunistic and most are less likely to establish in thick, healthy turfgrass systems where there is natural competition. Common methods for promoting healthy turfgrass systems include scouting for disease pressure, proper fertilization and irrigation methods as well as ensuring that stands are mowed at the appropriate height and frequency.
2. Implement integrated weed management (IWM) strategies. It’s important to employ various integrated (preventative, mechanical, chemical, cultural, etc.) weed management techniques and not rely solely on herbicides.
3. When using herbicides, rotate MOAs. Less expensive herbicides may be effective initially, but overreliance on these products significantly increases the likelihood of resistance (and greater associated costs) in the long-term. While it may be counterintuitive to switch to a potentially more expensive product, it may be necessary to mitigate or delay resistance. It is recommended to look at your herbicide program and reassess often.
4. Use multiple MOAs with PRE and POST activity within a season. An example of this for controlling annual bluegrass in non-overseeded bermudagrass could be using a PRE herbicide (examples include indaziflam, prodiamine, pendimethalin, simazine, among others) at optimum PRE timing for your location with a POST herbicide (examples include foramsulfuron, flazasulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfosulfuron, trifloxysulfuron, among others) applied early POST. Turfgrass managers could also delay the initial application and combine PRE and POST herbicides into a single application (tank-mix). When feasible, well-timed applications of non-selective herbicides such as glyphosate or glufosinate may also enhance efficacy while including an additional MOA. It should be noted that many warm-season grass species have more selective POST herbicide options compared to cool-season turfgrass species, which makes using multiple MOAs more practical. It’s also important to note POST herbicides should always be applied to small, actively growing weeds to obtain optimal control.
5. Use the appropriate labeled herbicide rate to maximize efficacy (and minimize escapes). Sub-lethal herbicide rates may expedite resistance evolution. By using a lower rate, you remove the most susceptible plants and select for plants with resistance potential. If uncertain, consult herbicide labels and/or Extension personnel to ensure you apply the appropriate rate.
6. Ensure environmental and edaphic (soil) conditions are optimal. Conditions should be monitored prior to, at, and following application.
Identification of resistant populations and what resulted in reduced efficacy if I don’t have resistance? The Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) states resistance must be confirmed by an unbiased scientist through a comparison of resistant and susceptible plants of the same species in a replicated scientific sound trial. In practice today, resistance is confirmed primarily by conducting a dose-response study utilizing various rates of an herbicide. This allows scientists to determine at which dose the population is controlled and ultimately confirm herbicide resistance. This method of resistance confirmation is not practical for professional turfgrass managers in a field setting. Additionally, there are several university-based laboratories that can confirm if your weed is resistant to a given herbicide or MOA. In the future, it’s likely various methods will be available that allow for rapid diagnosis of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes.
Just because you did not obtain control after an application does not confirm herbicide resistance as there are multiple reasons why an herbicide application may have been unsuccessful. Therefore, it is helpful to run through a checklist to determine if there was an application error or adverse environmental factors, which may have compromised herbicide efficacy.
• Was the herbicide applied at the correct time? This is especially important for preemergent (PRE) herbicide applications. PRE herbicides should be applied based on environmental conditions (i.e. soil temperature and moisture content), not calendar dates. This ensures the herbicide persists through critical periods of weed germination and/or emergence. For some weeds, these periods can extend beyond the residual activity of a single PRE application (depending on the herbicide), warranting consideration of split- or sequential application programs. If foliar-absorbed postemergent (POST) herbicides are applied in winter and adequate control is not observed, it does not confirm resistance. If the plant is not actively growing at herbicide application, the herbicide may not have been adequately absorbed and / or translocated.
• Was the area mown soon after application? Mowing may influence herbicide efficacy. Not only can mowers physically move herbicides off target, but the removal of grass clippings may remove herbicides from the system.
• Was there a rainfall or irrigation event that could have moved the herbicide? Herbicides have varying rates of aqueous solubility that determine how tightly the herbicide is bound to the soil. While PRE herbicides need irrigation or rainfall, if a product is highly water soluble and has low soil-binding affinity, excessive rainfall or irrigation may move the herbicide off-target, potentially compromising efficacy.
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• Was the herbicide applied to a saturated soil or did the soil become saturated after application? In anaerobic soils (saturated), some herbicides may break down much faster than in aerobic conditions. It's important to ensure that herbicides are applied when environmental and edaphic conditions are favorable for optimal control. Recognizing that managers don’t have control over environmental or edaphic conditions after application, it remains important to be cognizant of how these conditions may influence herbicide persistence and / or efficacy.
If you can rule out the aforementioned factors that could influence herbicide efficacy, it’s time to ask a few more questions related to herbicide resistance:
– Has the herbicide historically controlled the target weed at this location? Has control declined after years of continuous use?
– Are dying plants intermingled with unaffected plants in the treated area?
– Are there other weed species in the treated area that are controlled?
If you answered yes to the above questions, resistance may be present and it’s likely worth additional investigation.
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What can turfgrass managers do if resistance is confirmed? If an herbicide-resistant biotype is identified, it is extremely important to act quickly. If left unchecked, a resistant population can contribute to the soil seed bank. This means you could be dealing with resistance issues (at this site) for the next 7–10 years, depending on multiple factors including species and seed bank dynamics. However, there are some steps turfgrass managers can take to address resistant weed populations. Switch to an herbicide with a different MOA. This is the easiest way to manage a resistant biotype. Managers should make sure they are switching MOAs and not just products (with same MOA). For example, if you suspect resistance to trifloxysulfuron (‘Monument’), switching to foramsulfuron (‘Revolver’) most likely will not control the resistant population, as these are both ALS-inhibiting sulfonylurea herbicides. Resistance to one likely means you have resistance to the other.
As highlighted before, not all herbicides can be used in all turfgrass systems or use scenarios. Turfgrass managers should consider where they can incorporate various aspects of integrated weed management:
• If the resistant weed is confined to a small area, mechanical and / or cultural control (fraze (also spelled as frase, fraise, fraize) mowing) may be an option.
• Mowing may be an effective means of broadleaf weed control as many broadleaf weeds are intolerant of repeated mowing. Additionally, mowing (with clippings collected) can remove seed heads of resistant weeds so, it's important that managers wash equipment after use to avoid contaminating unaffected areas.
• Hand removal (or picking) may be a viable option if the area of resistance is very small. This may be a viable solution for broadleaf weeds but may not be a good option for grassy weeds and sedges.
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If all other methods of control are ineffective, complete renovation of the area may be the last option. Careful and informed pest management decisions should be made to avoid renovation as it is costly and labor-intensive.
In summary, herbicide-resistant weeds are present in turfgrass systems and will likely become more problematic in the future. To mitigate the potential for resistance development, professional turfgrass managers are encouraged to maintain a healthy turfgrass sward, employ various aspects of integrated weed management, and rotate herbicides with differing MOAs frequently as well as use multiple MOAs within each season (when practical). Identification of herbicide resistance can be difficult in a field setting but managers should act quickly to determine if resistant biotypes are present and devise a comprehensive management plan.
References
Gaines TA, Duke O, Morran S, Rigon CG, Tranel PJ, Küpper A, Dayan FE (2020 )Mechanisms of evolved herbicide resistance. J Biol Chem. 2020 Jul 24;295(30):10307-10330. doi: 10.1074/jbc.REV120.013572.
Heap I. Criteria for confirmation of herbicide-resistant weeds. https://hracglobal.com /files/Criteria-for-Confirmation-ofHerbicide-Resistant-Weeds.pdf
Heap I (2024) The International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database. Available online at www.weedscience.org
Murphy BP, and Tranel PJ (2019) Target-Site Mutations Conferring Herbicide Resistance Plants 8, no. 10: 382. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8100382
Petelewicz P, Unruh J, Leon R (2023) Turfgrass Herbicides: Mode of Action and Resistance Management. University of Florida Extension. Shaner DL (2014) Herbicide Handbook, 10th ed. Weed Science Society of America, Champaign, IL.
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All claims based on research results from National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials & Oklahoma State University. Visit our website for full reports.
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TURFGRASS DIAGNOSIS DISEASE
A Bit of Science and a Lot of Art
By Jim Kerns and Lee Butler
Dr. Jim Kerns is Department Extension Leader, Turfgrass Pathology Specialist & Professor Entomology & Plant Pathology NC State Extension, NC State University
Lee Butler is Extension Coordinator, Entomology & Plant Pathology, NC State Extension, NC State University
T
urfgrass disease diagnosis is challenging. Despite what many in the general public and maybe even within the industry think, turfgrass systems are not sterile environments. Many researchers have documented extreme numbers of microbes in the soil in which turfgrass is planted. There can be 108 to 109 bacterial cells and 105 to 106 fungi in 1 gram of soil in turfgrass systems! So, when examining turfgrass exhibiting disease symptoms or any stress, numerous organisms can be present. Multiple plant pathogenic fungi are also present because many turfgrass pathogens also serve as decomposers of dead plant material. So, the presence of a pathogen does not equal disease. This is a fundamental principle of plant disease diagnosis that is often overlooked. Finding a plant pathogen in a sample is common even in healthy turfgrass stands, yet the turf is healthy, so it is not a disease.
Microscopes are required to identify turfgrass pathogens accurately.
Remember, a disease is the plant’s reaction to pathogen infection and colonization. Without the pathogen’s presence, a disease cannot develop, but the host has to be susceptible, and most importantly, the environment needs to be conducive to disease development. Without all of those coming together at a given point in time, disease CANNOT develop! For example, we went about 26 days in the Raleigh area without a measurable amount of rain in June. Hence, we observed little disease activity in our area or even at the Turfgrass Research Farm, where we tried to manipulate the environment to predispose the turf to disease. At least for turfgrass diseases, the environment side of the disease triangle is the most critical factor in disease development. Why? The most common pathogens are ubiquitous in almost every turfgrass stand. This is why finding the pathogen is only a piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
Suppose a disease is present at a facility. In that case, the next piece of the diagnostic puzzle is to match the stand and plant symptoms with the appropriate pathogen and environmental conditions. This is where you play a crucial role as a turfgrass professional. Your observations and the information you provide are not just important; they are essential and highly valued in this process. This is why our lab now requires photos when you submit samples. It allows us to see precisely what is occurring at your facility and makes our diagnosis more accurate. Some folks have indicated they want to avoid leading us to a particular answer with the information they provide. However, when you visit the doctor’s office with an issue, do you stare at the doctor without giving information? Of course not! The same is true with turfgrass disease diagnosis. The more information that is provided to the diagnostician, the better.
Tips for Success in Disease Diagnosis:
Listen to John Prine’s song “Spanish Pipedream.” The song’s lyrics say to blow up your TV; we would change that to blow up your social media! The photo diagnoses on social media are comical as most are entirely wrong. Plus, it does not look good to be spouting fungicide recommendations without submitting a sample to a lab.
Whatever lab you use, read their instructions on sample submission carefully! Our lab lays out instructions online. In our experience, use something other than the US Post Office to ship samples.
Try not to spray before collecting the sample. That will hamper our ability to find the pathogen if it is a problem.
Refrain from expecting miracles with fungicide applications. What do we mean? Many folks submit follow-up samples, wondering if the pathogen is gone. Fungicides DO NOT eradicate fungi. They temporarily pause fungal growth, which should, in turn, allow your turf to recover if it is actively growing.
Most labs prefer next-day or second-day delivery as shipping methods to ensure they receive samples in the best condition possible.
Many different organisms can be present in a sample, so the art of disease diagnosis matches the proper pathogen with the most appropriate plant and stand symptom. We have observed activity like this and determined that the symptoms result from abiotic injury, too.
