Winter 2021 • Vol. 10/No. 1
EUROPEAN I NVAD ERS:
Invasive Crane Flies Swarm the Region in 2020 Plus, Developing Tools for Modern Breeding in Genetically Complex Crops
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Vol. 10 / No. 1 • Winter 2021
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 99 Boalsburg, PA 16827-0550 Phone: (814) 237-0767 Fax: (814) 414-3303 info@paturf.org www.paturf.org Publisher: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com Pennsylvania Turfgrass Editor Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Penn State University • mjs38@psu.edu
8
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Associate Editor Heather Welch Penn State University • hgw1@psu.edu President Pete Ramsey Masonic Villages • Mechanicsburg, PA (717) 766-2511 Vice President Tom Fisher Wildwood Golf Club • Allison Park, PA (412) 518-8384 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Catalogna Harrell’s LLC Territory Manager (412) 897-0480
12
16
Past President Chase Rogan GCSAA Field Staff • Mid-Atlantic Region Allison Park, PA (614) 241-3037
Features
Departments
8 Cover Story
6 Editor’s Letter
Tom Bettle Penn State University
6 Penn State Turf Team
Tanner Delvalle Penn State University
7 Advertiser Index
Dan Douglas Reading Fightin Phils
18 Penn State News
Elliott Dowling USGA Agronomist, Northeast Region
European Invaders: Invasive Crane Flies Swarm the Region in 2020
12 Feature Story
Developing Tools for Modern Breeding in Genetically Complex Crops
16 Between the Lines
Linde’s DelVal Turf Management Program Builds on Passion and Experience
4 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2021
Directors
Nick Huttie Allentown Parks and Recreation
Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM
Shawn Kister Longwood Gardens Tim Wilk Scotch Valley Country Club Matt Wolf Penn State University
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Winter 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
5
Editor’s Letter
A letter to from the Editor… ‘Happy Trails 2020!’ A fitting farewell indeed. While the events of 2020 were supportive of rounds played, casualties were suffered in numerous sectors of turfgrass and beyond. The year 2020 was a juggernaut of unprecedented and compounding stresses; not excluding: social/political, environmental (air quality/drought), professional (staffing/spectator/participant shortages), health (mental/physical), and financial (recession) hardship. The pandemic response grounded most households in a deep understanding of why ‘staycations’, devoid of visits by friends or extended-family, were never popular. Yet, what was certain in this jumble of uncertainty was that the turfgrass hardly noticed. Similarly, our state government hadn’t noticed the turf was oblivious to the shutdown. At least not until industry stakeholders and associations collaborated to successfully petition Governor Wolf for essential operation status (see ‘United Front’ by P. Ramsey in Summer 2020 issue). As for 2021, turfgrass and its recreational benefactors will be rejuvenated and right back at it. We too will hope for an early spring, overlooking the demands and toll that will undoubtedly be exacted on our equipment, resources, staff, etc. Why? Because it beats the alternative and proves worthwhile. It’s why we’re here and what makes us, us. Speaking of, I may not even know you (and we should fix that). Yet I know that when faced with anything from a minor tricky pickle to a majorly stubborn and insurmountable problem, you’ll do what you always do and what other turfgrass managers do in the same circumstance: Whatever it takes. Whatever it takes to finish the job and make it appear to have all gone swimmingly. This is the trait that makes a turfgrass manager a turfgrass manager, or an assistant ready. It’s both uncanny and unequivocal. Of course, you’re also meticulous and demand excellence from everyone around you. Not unlike a college basketball coach; e.g., Roy Williams of UNC… wait a minute! But in all seriousness, I speak for our entire turfgrass science faculty when I say we greatly appreciate your readership, scientific curiosity, support of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council, and professional mentorship of our students. Thank you. Please do not hesitate to write or call with suggestions for how we can make Pennsylvania Turfgrass Magazine better. Thank you again.
Penn State Turf Team
Jeffrey A. Borger Senior Instructor in Turfgrass Weed Management 814-865-3005 • jborger@psu.edu
Michael A. Fidanza, Ph.D. Professor of Plant & Soil Science 610-396-6330 • maf100@psu.edu
David R. Huff, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Genetics 814-863-9805 • drh15@psu.edu
Brad Jakubowski Instructor of Plant Science 814-865-7118 • brj8@psu.edu
John E. Kaminski, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-865-3007 • jek156@psu.edu
Peter J. Landschoot, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-863-1017 • pjl1@psu.edu
Ben McGraw, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Entomology 814-865-1138 • bam53@psu.edu
Andrew S. McNitt, Ph.D. Professor of Soil Science 814-863-1368 • asm4@psu.edu
Wishing you fabulous turf and sport in 2021 —
Max Schlossberg, Ph.D.
Editor, Pennsylvania Turfgrass Magazine
The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) 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, Pennsylvania Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or PTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Copyright © 2021 by the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council. Pennsylvania Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to PTC members. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Pennsylvania Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to the PTC. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
6 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2021
Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Nutrition / Soil Fertility 814-863-1015 • mjs38@psu.edu
Al J. Turgeon, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Turfgrass Management aturgeon@psu.edu
Wakar Uddin, Ph.D. Professor of Plant Pathology 814-863-4498 • wxu2@psu.edu
POWER UP YOUR SOIL.
Advertiser Index
Aer-Core, Inc.............................................. 5 www.aer-core.com
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Level
It’s never too early to start planning for N-Ext season.
Beam Clay............................................... 15 www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com
Coombs Sod Farms................................ 17 www.coombsfarms.com
Concentrate
East Coast Sod & Seed.......................... 17 www.eastcoastsod.com
Fisher & Son Company, Inc.................Inside Back Cover www.fisherandson.com
Concentrate
Soil & Plant Formula
Concentrate
0-0-5
Pro Directions For Use SHAKE WELL!
CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 6.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) 3.0% Sea Kelp Extract (Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum) (Microbe food) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 91.00% Water Purpose Statement: Adds humic acid to the soil. May increase micronutrient uptake. May increase microbe food. Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html http://aapfco.o Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com SDS & Labels F2735
Fertility Forward®
1.0 gal = 8.7 lbs at 68° F
□
net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)
The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application. Do not exceed 3 ounces when daytime temps are above 85 degrees. Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 3 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough water to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than a 7:1 dilution with water. wate Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants. Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program. The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application. MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers. Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext RGS™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer. Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, ove herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect on the populations of soil organisms. Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions. Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations. Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms.This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces. Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.
□
net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)
□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)
CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.
Slow Release Liquid Nitrogen plus Micronutrients
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Total Nitrogen (N).....................26.0% 13.2% Urea Nitrogen* 6.4% Ammoniacal Nitrogen 6.4% Nitrate Nitrogen Boron (B)...................................0.02% Iron (Fe).....................................0.4%
Derived from: Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, Ferrous Sulfate *13% urea nitrogen stabilized with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Pro Directions For Use
SHAKE WELL! The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application. Warm Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 16 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage. Cool Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 20 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage. Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.
SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O)..............5.0% Derived from: Potassium Hydroxide ALSO CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 8.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) Purpose Statement: May increase micronutrient uptake. Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html
Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.
Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com F2735 SDS & Labels
Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.
Caution: This product contains the secondary micronutrient iron. Iron may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces. Apply only to turf and soil. Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact immediatel with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.
SDS & Labels: Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. ▪ P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 ▪ 1-855-606-3378 ▪ GreeneCountyFert.com ▪ F2735
□ net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)
□
net volume 5.0 gal (18.9 l)
□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)
1.0 gal = 10.7 lbs at 68° F
SHAKE WELL!
Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations. Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.
Fertility Forward®
1.0 gal = 8.1 lbs at 68° F
Fertility Forward®
Pro Directions For Use Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 9 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough liquid to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than 7:1 dilution with water. Apply in spring or fall; however, liquid aeration can be done anytime during the growing season. Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants. Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program. The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application. MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers. Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext AIR-8™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer. Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect e on the populations of soil organisms. Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.
□
Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms. This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces. Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes immediatel flush with water immediately.
net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)
□
net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)
□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)
CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.
CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.
FM Brown’s & Sons................................. 15 www.fmbrown.com
George E. Ley Co.................................... 15 www.gelcogolf.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co..................... 7 www.greenecountyfert.com
HollyFrontier Speciality Products.......Inside Front Cover
Fertility Forward® MFR/HQ: Greensboro, GA Orlando, FL • Salt Lake City, UT
High Performance Plant Nutrients Fertilizers ▪ Specialty Products Soil Amendments MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT & SAVE GreeneCountyFert.com
Distributor of Lawn and Ornamental pest control products • EOP
www.hollyfrontierlsp.com
Kesmac...................................................... 3 www.brouwerkesmac.com
Leading Edge Communications............. 11 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............... 5 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Quest Products Corp............... Back Cover www.questproducts.us
Seedway.................................................... 7 www.seedway.com
Shreiner Tree Care................................... 15 www.shreinertreecare.com
Smith Seed Services............................... 17 www.smithseed.com
Tomlinson Bomberger............................. 17 www.mytombom.com
Turf Science............................................. 13 turfscience.net
Winter 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
7
Cover Story
E U R O P E AN I NVA DER S:
Invasive Crane Flies Swarm the Region in 2020
By Ben McGraw, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science
A
global pandemic, work restrictions, severe drought... and massive swarms of insects? As if the challenges in 2020 were not apocalyptic enough, many turfgrass managers from Ohio to the Canadian Maritime provinces observed hordes of European crane fly (ECF) emerging from the ground during September and October. The sheer size of the swarms, number of reports and samples submitted to the Turfgrass Entomology Lab at Penn State, as well as the detection of species in new areas would suggest that populations are increasing in Pennsylvania. Accurate pest identification and vigilance in monitoring are essential for managing ECF, which until now have enjoyed minor pest status in the Commonwealth. This article is intended to serve as a guide to understanding ECF outbreaks and what to look for moving forward.
1 8 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2021
FIGURE 1: Adult marsh crane fly (Tipula oleracea)
What is a crane fly? Crane flies are moderate sized, slender insects that appear to many to resemble a “gigantic mosquito” or “daddy-long legs” (cellar spiders) (Fig. 1). There are approximately 15,000 species of crane flies (or dipterans from the family Tipulidae) on the planet, with ~ 350 species in Pennsylvania. Most are associated with moist environments, and adults can often be found flying around turf near bodies of water or in open fields with moist soils. Only two of the 15,000 species are horticultural pests. Unfortunately for turfgrass managers, both are established in North America and feed on turfgrasses. In areas where ECF are present, no turfgrass manager is immune to the potential for turf loss, as neither species has shown a preference for turfgrass species (Pesho et al. 1981) or mowing height. Rather ECF can damage home lawns, pastures, athletic fields, and golf courses. Their distribution within a site is most closely associated with soil moisture (Peterson et al. 2013). Adults pose a nuisance to homeowners, athletes, and golfers, but cannot feed and live for only several days to weeks (Rogers 1933). Damage to turfgrass is caused by the larvae, commonly referred to as “leatherjackets.” Leatherjackets are legless, tan to dark gray maggots (Fig. 2). Their worm-like bodies are slightly cone-shaped from the head, becoming tapered toward the rear of the abdomen. Leatherjackets develop through four larval instars by feeding on both roots and foliage with hook-like mouthparts. Most of their time is spent in the top inch of the soil, coming to the surface to feed at night or on overcast days. Large rainfall events may cause leatherjackets to leave their burrow, where they may be washed off the turf onto impervious surfaces. Heathy turf is capable of withstanding moderately dense leatherjacket populations, though stands may exhibit thinning or collapse with additional stressors (e.g. drought, heat) (Fig. 3). Similar to white grub infestations, vertebrate predators (birds, skunks, racoons) may cause the most substantial damage to the turf when they forage for larvae in spring.
Invasive species The two European pest species have been introduced in North America on multiple occasions. Tipula paludosa, or “the European crane fly” was possibly introduced as early as 1880 in Newfoundland, but was first detected in North America in 1955 on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, followed by introductions in British Columbia (1965) and the Great Lakes region (1996). Tipula oleracea, “the marsh crane fly” has also been introduced on at least three separate occasions, though much more recently (1998–2004) in the same geographical regions. What do these areas have in common? Each represents a port of entry into North America where hitchhiking insects can be released. Fortunately for these insects, they found themselves in an environment with similar climatic conditions as in their native regions (high annual precipitation). ECF eggs are placed in the top half inch of the soil and require high moisture to survive. Eggs absorb water and will collapse if not in a saturated environment for 2 to 4 minutes (Meats 1967). The marsh crane fly is widely distributed in Europe and North Africa (Oosterbroek and Theowald 1992) and therefore may be more tolerant to desiccation. Similarly, North American populations are more widely distributed than the European crane fly and include areas that typically do not receive high annual precipitation. Observations of adult
2
3 FIGURE 2: Leatherjacket, or larva of a European crane fly (Tipula paludosa). ECF larvae cannot be distinguished from one another FIGURE 3: Damage to a golf course rough-native area in York, Maine caused by the European crane fly, T. paludosa (September 2020). The area was damaged in spring 2020 and failed to recover.
emergence on areas on golf courses would also suggest that their distribution on a site is less influenced by moisture than the European crane fly. It is likely that the consistent (sometimes excessive) rainfall received between fall 2017 and spring 2020 likely allowed for greater ECF egg survival and increased the amount of favorable oviposition sites at a local level and allowed for a greater spread of the European crane fly throughout the region. The distribution of this insect, which has a greater potential for turf damage than the marsh crane fly, has thus far been limited to discrete populations in the northeast (Erie, PA and Buffalo to Syracuse, NY) (Peck et al. 2006). However, at the time of writing this article, our lab has identified infestations in western and central Pennsylvania and northern New England, which leads us to believe that the insect disperses better than previously reported or it has been accidentally introduced through the transport of sod or other materials. Winter 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
9
What to look for
4
5
Adults: ECF infestations are usually realized by adults flying low to rough-mown turf sites or congregating on walls of buildings. The marsh crane fly has two generations per year, with adults emerging mid-April to June and August through September. The European crane fly has one generation per year with adults emerging between September and October. Therefore, we cannot determine which species (if not both) was present on a site during September 2020 without a sample. ECF adults are tan in appearance with clear wings or lacking darkened cells. They can be distinguished from native Tipulids by the presence of a white band running the length of the leading edge of the wing that may be seen by shining a light from behind. Females are short lived (4–5 days) and are mated soon after emerging from their pupal casing. Eggs are deposited within 24–48 hrs. The two species are nearly identical to one another, differing by the number of antennal segments, distance between the compound eyes on the ventral surface, and wing length on the female. The European crane fly female has wings that are shorter than her abdomen (Fig. 4). A gravid female (i.e. carrying eggs) can barely make it off the ground, which leads to concentrated oviposition and localized damage. The marsh crane flies are more adept at flying and lay their eggs over a wider area. This species is quite commonly observed flying in spring and fall on our research sites, though damage is rarely realized. Adults are effectively sampled with a butterfly net or capturing adults congregating on screened surfaces or white-walled buildings (Fig. 5). Larvae: Leatherjackets emerge from eggs 11–15 days after oviposition. Both species are most susceptible to chemical controls in fall when small larvae are present. Larvae feed voraciously during the first two instars in fall, but unlike white grubs, do not move lower in the soil profile with the onset of freezing conditions. Feeding is slowed, but occasionally putting greens may be damaged by leatherjackets in mid-winter. The marsh crane fly develops more rapidly and enters winter in the 4th instar. Damage can be observed in late fall to early winter. The European crane fly will overwinter in the 3rd instar, resume feeding in spring to become 4th instars, then aestivate throughout the summer. Damage is typically observed in spring, though reports of late summer damage can occur as leatherjackets advance to become pupae.
Next steps For those that observed adults or suspect ECF to be present on their site, our trial work has demonstrated that adequate control of ECF larva in spring is difficult to achieve with either chemical or biological controls. Management is most effective in fall when
FIGURE 4: Female Tipula paludosa, the European crane fly FIGURE 5: Adults mating on a window
6 10 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2021
FIGURE 6: A pupal casing sticking out of the turf after the adult has emerged
continued • Cover Story
both species’ larvae are small. For now, I would urge turf managers to scout for stages and try to identify which ECF species are present. Spring larvae can be found by taking soil core samples. Both ECF are relatively large at this time and can be seen without the aid of magnification. Leatherjackets can also be found by using an insecticide irritant. Carbaryl (e.g. Sevin®) applied with some irrigation or rainfall will cause the maggots to surface within 5–15 mins. Unfortunately, we cannot differentiate the species based on appearance. The marsh crane fly seems to be everywhere we look in Pennsylvania and remains a low concern… for the moment. Adults emerged in the Pittsburgh area in the last week of April in 2019 and 2020. Regularly scouting turf during this time may result in observing pupae (or their casing) sticking vertically out of the turf on mornings when adults have emerged (Fig. 6). This may be easier to observe on short mown areas on golf courses than on home lawns or athletic fields. The European crane fly, which will remain a leatherjacket all spring, is our primary concern for the moment. Damage appears in spring and is often quite localized. If there is any silver lining to this dystopian view of what 2021 may bring for turf managers is that dramatic population crashes have been observed when water is limiting during oviposition. Fall was particularly dry through much of the region. Until we know more, scout high-valued turf and areas prone to retaining moisture, work to reduce thatch, and improve drainage where possible.
References: Meats, A. (1967). The relation between soil water tension and rate of development of the eggs of Tipula oleracea and T. paludosa (Diptera, Nematocera). Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 10(3–4), 394–400. Oosterbroek, P., & Theowald, B. (1992). Family Tipulidae. Catalogue of Palaearctic diptera, 1, 56–178. Peck, D. C., Hoebeke, E. R., & Klass, C. (2006). Detection and establishment of the European crane flies Tipula paludosa Meigen and Tipula oleracea L.(Diptera: Tipulidae) in New York: a review of their distribution, invasion history, biology, and recognition. Proceedings of the entomological Society of Washington, 108(4), 985–994. Pesho, G. R., Brauen, S. E., & Goss, R. L. (1981). European crane fly: larval infestations in grass cultivars. Journal of Economic Entomology, 74(2), 230–233. Petersen, M. J., Seto, M., & Peck, D. (2013). Linking the spatio-temporal distribution of an edaphic crane fly to its heterogeneous soil environment. Ecological Entomology, 38(6), 585–595. Rogers, J. S. (1933). The ecological distribution of the crane-flies of northern Florida. Ecological Monographs, 3(1), 2–74.
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Winter 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 11
Feature Story
Developing Tools for Modern Breeding in Genetically Complex Crops David R. Huff, Professor of Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics, Penn State Matthew Sheltra, Ph.D. Graduate Student in Plant Biology, Penn State Christopher Benson, Ph.D. Graduate Student in Plant Biology, Penn State
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urfgrass management is a lot like plant breeding in that, to be successful in either requires a mixture of both art and science. The art portion comes from the tending of the plants and providing a watchful eye for their care and growth; while the science portion empowers us with an ability to separate fact from folklore and provides us with a pathway towards progressive advancement rather than aimless wandering and stagnation. In order to advance the science of plant breeding in genetically complex crops, the Penn State turfgrass breeding program has recently been awarded a grant from the USDA-NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative to collaborate with an international group of plant breeders, bioinformaticists, and computer systems analysists to develop and test new computational tools. This work will utilize our ability to sequence vast amounts of DNA and apply the resulting information towards crop improvement through the breeding process, as well as providing the opportunity to train other breeders in the use of these new tools. The fundamental science of plant breeding is genetics, which is a field of science that began in the early 1900’s after the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel’s earlier pioneering work. At the heart of genetics lies the DNA sequence which encodes all of the instructions for life on earth, including humans, turfgrass, and microscopic disease-causing organisms. The technological developments in sequencing DNA have been astounding, such
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that the price of sequencing a human genome has dropped from $2.7 billion to just $300 in the last twenty years. However, as the human genome (note: the “genome” of an organism is the name we use for ALL of an organism’s DNA within a single cell) contains 6.4 billion letters, that is a lot of DNA information to be able to even store on a computer let alone to mathematically process and statistically analyze, which requires substantial amounts of computer programming, power and memory. Compared to humans, plants can be even more genetically complex because plants may possess multiple copies of each gene, a genetic feature we call “polyploidy”. As such, polyploid crop plants are more difficult to genetically analyze and breed than non-polyploid crop plants. Our USDA grant is focused on developing the necessary computational tools to utilize vast amounts of DNA sequence information and to validate the use of these tools in several such polyploid crops including potatoes, blackberries, kiwi fruit, sweet potatoes, roses and turfgrass. In the past, USDA funded research in turfgrass and other ornamental crops was non-existent because the uses of turfgrass did not include food, fiber, or feed. However, through the diligent efforts of the turfgrass industry including the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), United States Golf Association (USGA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA), Turfgrass Producers International (TPI),
Feature Story • continued
Oregon Seed Council (OSC), Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), the Irrigation Association (IA) and others, turfgrass is now recognized as a crop deserving of federal research dollars through the Specialty Crops Research Initiative program. As justification for our specific grant we were able to document that polyploid species used as ornamentals (rose, chrysanthemum, lily, orchids, lantana) and as turfgrass (ryegrass, bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, bermudagrass, zoysia) deliver 1/3 the value of all specialty crop production and 15% of agricultural production in the USA. This $16.7 billion ornamental industry employs about two million people and delivers an economic impact of at least $136 billion. The turfgrass and ornamentals used in home, private and public landscapes significantly impact human health and urban ecology by enhancing air and water quality, sequestering carbon, reducing runoff and erosion, providing energy savings in heating and cooling, facilitating rain
capture and storm water management, reducing noise and dust pollution, promoting wildlife habitat, increasing property values and benefitting psychological wellbeing. For the turfgrass portion of the project, the most economically important cool season turfgrass species for the golf course industry, which is creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) was selected for study. Creeping bentgrass is a polyploid with 28 chromosomes and 4 copies of each gene resulting in a large genome size of 3.4 billion letters (roughly half the size of a human genome). Genomic resources in creeping bentgrass are limited, so increasing our genetic knowledge of creeping bentgrass will provide valuable information for its agronomic improvement. The Penn State turfgrass breeding program was selected to participate in this research because it has actively bred creeping bentgrass varieties for nearly 70 years and has a large germplasm resource available for genomic analysis.
FIGURE 1: Evaluation sites for the genetic assessment of the 244 creeping bentgrass plants comprising the diversity panel includes a space-plant nursery planted on 3' centers (A & B) and a Poa annua putting green planted on 1' centers (C & D). (Photo credit: DR Huff; PJ Landschoot)
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A
B
C
D
For our part in the genome-wide association study, a creeping bentgrass diversity panel of 244 genotypes has been grown and clonally propagated. The 244 genotypes are composed of the three parents of Penncross, 13 genotypes from each of nine F1 seed lots of Penncross (sampled from three production fields for each of 3 years), multiple genotypes from 22 commercially available cultivars and from 5 plant introduction collections. These 244 creeping bentgrass plants will be genotyped using the genomic complexity reduction method known as “genotyping by sequencing”. The same Illumina NextSeq DNA sequencing platform will also generate a reference genome of creeping bentgrass to allow alignment of the reads obtained from the diversity panel. Three clonal replicates of each creeping bentgrass genotype will be grown at the Landscape Management Research Center, University Park, PA for phenotypic evaluation in spaced plant nurseries. An additional three replicates will be maintained at the Joseph E. Valentine Turfgrass Research Center under putting green conditions mowed between 2.5 – 3.2 mm. The spaced plant nurseries will be evaluated for: plant spread, plant height, heading date, inflorescence number, and floret fertility, while the putting green will be evaluated for genetic color, winter color, spring greenup, clonal spread, tiller density, leaf texture, shoot density, dollar spot disease resistance, and competitive ability against Poa annua. Once all the data has been collected, we will then associate the performance of each creeping bentgrass genotype with their unique DNA characteristics through the use of the new computational programs developed by the bioinformaticists and computer systems analysts. Our long term goals of this project will be to (1) enable routine use of genomic tools to accelerate the rate of genetic gains in polyploid crop breeding programs, (2) produce cultivars of polyploid crops that have better quality, greater productivity, and more resilience, and (3) train a new generation of plant breeders to efficiently employ genomic tools to accelerate the plant breeding process. While this advancement in science will certainly improve our ability to breed new varieties of turfgrass with higher turf quality and improved adaptation to stressful environments, it nevertheless won’t replace the art portion of plant breeding.
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Winter 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 15
Between the Lines Linde’s DelVal Turf Management Program Builds on Passion and Experience
The
professional Turf Management movement that started at Penn State in the mid-nineties has become like an extended family. One of its founding members is Dr. Douglas Linde. We spoke with him recently between classes at Delaware Valley University, where Linde wears multiple hats: professor, golf coach, researcher, and student mentor. He has been a professor of turf management at Delaware Valley University since 1996, when he was recruited to develop and direct the new turf management program there.
Designing a Program Looking back, it seems obvious that Doug Linde was the right person in the right place at the right time to develop a turf management program. He recalls that it was a hot new field of
Dr. Douglas Linde (right) and student Luke Osterlof examine a turf sample in the field
study with a lot of demand in the nineties. Penn State had just launched a Turf Management major and Delaware Valley wanted to offer the same discipline in a different setting. Linde had earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy and environmental science from DelVal in 1991 and his M.S. (1993) and Ph.D. in agronomy from Penn State in 1996. He was also a three-time Most Valuable Golfer and team captain while playing at DelVal as an undergraduate and already had name recognition and many industry connections. The turf management program which Dr. Linde designed and developed at DelVal prepares students specifically for careers as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, and lawn care specialists. The curriculum provides a strong academic base in plant and soil science with many technical classes in turf management. However, a lot of class time is also spent visiting nearby turf facilities and doing hands-on work on the college’s putting green, lawns, and sports fields, all of which had to be built from the ground up when the program started. Experience360, a graduation requirement for all full-time undergraduate students at Delaware Valley College, asks students to choose four credits from multiple experiential learning activities, depending on their major’s program requirements. Dr. Linde is a firm believer in getting your hands dirty and feels that the required work experience component is a real highlight of the Turf Management Program. Linde credits his Penn State mentor Tom Watschke with encouraging him to pursue the advanced degrees that made his leadership role possible and with introducing him to the professional world of turf management. He is also grateful to KAFMO for helping him and the DelVal turf program by supporting students with scholarships and providing opportunities to network with KAFMO professionals at conferences and at the golf tournament. “It helps that they are a fun group of people,” he adds.
What Came First, Grass or Golf? When asked what first drew him to a career in turf management, Linde’s answer was quick: “Golf!” Like most of his students, it was passion for a sport that marked his career path. Doug Linde grew up as the son of a golf course superintendent on Wedgewood Golf Course in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. He developed a love for the game of golf and golf courses at an early age and, as one of the top golfers in Delaware Valley University history, he took over the program as head coach in 1996. Coach Linde led the Aggies to the program’s first-ever conference championship, the Freedom crown, in the conference’s inaugural year for golf in 2005, when he was also honored by his peers as the Freedom Conference (now MAC Freedom)
Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization 1451 Peter’s Mountain Road Dauphin, PA 17018-9504 www.KAFMO.org • Email: KAFMO@aol.com 16 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2021
Contact: Linda Kulp, Executive Secretary Phone: 717-497-4154 kulp1451@gmail.com
Contact: Dan Douglas, President Phone: 610-375-8469 x 212 KAFMO@aol.com
Coach of the Year. His coaching career has honed the talents of many gifted students, including Freedom Conference Golfer of the Year and individual champion junior Dom Foti in 2014–2015.
Many Hats Linde currently teaches several turf management courses, including Golf Course Design and Construction, Land Surveying, Irrigation Technology, and Soils. Outside of class, he coaches the Golf Team, advises the Turf Club, and supervises the turf-research facility and putting green on campus. He is also a golf course and sports field consultant and conducts his own turfgrass research. Most importantly in his own eyes, though, he specializes in preparing students for successful careers in the turf industry and advises all turf management students both academically and as they pursue their career goals. Dr. Linde received DelVal’s Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Award in 2003 and was awarded the 2005 Golf Coach of the Year award for the NCAA Division III Freedom Conference. However, in spite of a string of awards and coaching highlights over the years, Linde says he takes most pride in the ongoing lifelong relationships he has with his students, many of whom have gone on to succeed in the profession. He nostalgically recalls how his own advisor Tom Watschke was a kind of Pied Piper followed by all his former students at professional events. He now feels that he has stepped into that mentor role himself. He says that he has reached a very rewarding part of his career: “Every time I go on vacation, there is a former student turned golf superintendent to visit — and a new golf course to play!” he laughs.
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Advice from a Pro When asked what advice he would give to young people just thinking about starting out in the field, Linde immediately puts on his student advisor hat. “Academics are an important basis for a future as well-rounded professionals, but it is even more important to get some field experience, get a feel for it,” he says. He recommends a summer job or part-time work maintaining a sports field, for example. In his experience, it is always a personal connection to the work that leads to success. “A combination of passion and experience is more important in a career than anything,” he says. As someone who combines both, Doug Linde should know! Winter 2021 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 17
RESEARCH UPDATE
Penn State News
What is the Best Way to Satisfy the P Requirements of Creeping Bentgrass? By Nathaniel Leiby (BS ’18, current MS AGRO candidate) and Max Schlossberg, PhD., Penn State University Center for Turfgrass Science
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elative to current ‘programmatic’ and/or soil test driven ‘responsive’ fertilization approaches, withholding P fertilizer from creeping bentgrass putting greens until emergence of visual P deficiency symptoms may prove both an environmentally responsible and agronomically effective practice. Prompting our research objectives in July 2018, which were to quantify how programmatic or responsive P fertilization regiments support creeping bentgrass vigor and/or root length density relative to withholding P fertilizer. ‘Penn A-1/A-4’ creeping bentgrass ‘programmatic’ plots were initially treated with monopotassium phosphate (MKP, 0-52-35) to supply 2 lbs P2O5 / M-year in four split-applications. Random assignment and application of ‘responsive’ P fertilization treatment (approx. 1 lb P2O5 / M, as MKP) to previously unfertilized ‘control’ plots was
triggered by: (1) Visual deficiency symptoms; i.e., purple coloration of old leaves on ≥7 unfertilized plots, or (2) leaf clipping P levels ≤0.42% in four or more unfertilized plots. Canopy vegetative and color indices were collected semi-weekly over the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons. A deep root sampling event (4–11" depth) preempted the responsive P fertilization treatment. Likewise, emergence of visual deficiency symptoms was followed by clipping yield collection and leaf tissue analysis. A second, deep root sampling event was collected from all plots one year following ‘responsive’ treatment initiation. While sufficient leaf P levels and a canopy free of deficiency symptoms were supported by the programmatic P fertilization regime, improved vigor and/ or canopy density weren’t. Final root analyses are underway, thus please check back for conclusions soon!
ALUMNI UPDATES
PENN STATE TURFGRASS PROGRAM UPDATES
Taylor Andersen, Cert. ‘13, is now Superintendent at San Francisco Golf Club in San Francisco, California.
The following Penn State Turfgrass students, currently matriculating in the BS or Cert. programs, were recognized as 2020 Scholars by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Congrats!
Matthew Legg, BS TURF ‘17, is now Property Director at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ontario.
Robert Sicinski, Cert. ‘16, is now Superintendent at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 18 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2021
Russell Bolarinho of Acushnet, MA
Landon Hall of Killarney, Manitoba, CAN
William Covert of West Chester, PA
Mason Marsh of Mount Washington, KY
Jack Daley of Cave Creek, AZ
Clark McCall of Maryville, TN
Keith Dubaich of Shermans Dale, PA
Garrett Wege of New Derry, PA
Luke Gabel of Laguna Beach, CA
Ryan Welker of Cambridge Springs, PA
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