Leading Edge Communications 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 info@leadingedgecommunications.com
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Editor Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Penn State University mjs38@psu.edu
President Rick Catalogna Harrell’s 412-897-0480
Vice President Shawn Kister Longwood Gardens 484-883-9275
Secretary / Treasurer Steve Craig Centre Hills Country Club 814-237-5414
Past President Tom Fisher Wildwood Golf Club 412-518-8384
DIRECTORS
Tom Bettle
Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Facility
Dan Douglas Reading Fightin Phils
Matt Wolf Penn State University
Tim Wilk
Scotch Valley Country Club
Mike DeLeonibus 3 Lakes Golf Course
Tanner Delvalle Fisher & Son Company
Thomas Goyne Pittsburgh Steelers
Chris Markel
Grove City Country Club
STAFF
Tom Bettle
Executive Director
Kristen Althouse Director of Operations
Penn State Turf Team
Jeffrey A. Borger Senior Instructor Emeritus 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 Emeritus of Soil Science 814-863-1368 • asm4@psu.edu
Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Nutrition / Soil Fertility 814-863-1015 • mjs38@psu.edu
Your go-to supplier for fertilizer, biological, and sand products. Contact your local Davisson Turf Representative, Brad Novotny at 410-236-2069 or Brad@DavissonTurf.com
Al J. Turgeon, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Turfgrass Management aturgeon@psu.edu
A Career Worth Mentioning
This season marks the end of an era for Pennsylvania State University turfgrass research, education, and outreach. Mr. Tom Bettle, manager of the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center in University Park, has announced his pending retirement. Tom’s retirement from The Pennsylvania State Univ. is fittingly apropos, as it was here that his educational training was conferred 47 years prior.
Let’s briefly describe his experiences since. In 1977, with Golf Course Management Certificate in hand, Tom headed to Westmoreland CC in Export to begin his career as the assistant superintendent. Six years later, Tom secured the WCC superintendent position and began applying his professional experience managing the 18-hole facility and training the next generation of golf course superintendents.
In 1990, Tom took the reins at the newly renovated Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway and continued to build his reputation as a superintendent who delivered meticulous playing conditions day in and out. He continued training assistant superintendents while navigating changes in ownership to groom the ‘open parkland’ course into what local patrons admirably coined ‘the Monster of the Midway!’
A little more than a decade later, Tom was tapped to growin Birdsfoot GC in Freeport. Unbeknownst to many, this golf club’s namesake is the perennial legume birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), the predominant component of the hayfields that preceded this links-style course. And for those familiar with Birdsfoot GC, it’s easy to imagine how great a challenge growing-in this undulating layout must have been. But not for Tom, who stewarded the highly acclaimed facility to an immaculate state of maturity.
Having accrued 30 years of golf course management at this point, Tom switched gears and joined the Harrell’s team in 2007. There Tom learned all about technological advances in fertilizer and continued building relationships with regional turfgrass professionals. He also forged friendships with his Harrell’s teammates, e.g., PSU alum and future PTC President Rick Catalogna, who to this day endearingly refers to Tom as ‘The Bettle to the Metal.’
And while Tom reflects positively on every stage of his career, the early morning hum of mowers and smell of freshly-cut, dew-speckled grass proved too critical to his drive, mission, and pursuit of happiness. Thus, he returned to golf in 2009 as a supervisor with ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance. To date, Tom has trained countless professional turfgrass managers and led both the Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendent’s Association and the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Councils as President.
And just as soon as he believed the necessary appreciation for umbrella management of golf facilities was possible, the
facility manager position at the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center opened. Tom applied and has been here keeping it green and professional ever since. The most notable aspect of Tom’s supervisory style, in my opinion, is commitment. He must have told me ‘We’re here for you. Tell me how we can help you.’ no less than 10 times in 2013. It was a refreshing attitude I appreciated, and it hasn’t faded a bit.
Since then I’ve gotten to know Tom well. I think it is safe to characterize Tom as a genuine man of action. In the time it takes someone to wax poetic about the status quo, Tom has already crossed eight tasks off his ‘to do’ list. But there is only a net reduction of six, because he was listening all the while and added two tasks that will invariably change the status quo for the better. I know many of us on the PSU Turfgrass Team appreciate Tom and what he has done, both as our research center manager and as Director of the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council. If you aspire to forge insightful innovation in your workplace and professional organizations, then you should too.
Thank you Tom, and wishing you a long, rewarding, and relaxing retirement!
DryJect® is a high-pressure, water based injection system that blasts holes through the root zone and fractures the soil profile. Plus, it automatically fills holes as it aerates.
DryJect®
Welcome DR. MANOJ CHHERTI
Hello! I’m excited to be a part of the Pennsylvania turfgrass industry as an Assistant Teaching Professor in Turfgrass Science at Penn State University. My journey in turfgrass science has been driven by a genuine passion for understanding the importance of the turfgrass industry and how we can better manage turfgrasses. From my early academic days to my advanced research, I’ve been fortunate to combine my love for the industry with a commitment to science and education.
I earned my Ph.D. in Horticulture from Kansas State University, where I focused on cultural strategies for zoysiagrass management in the transition zone. This research allowed me to delve into turfgrass management practices that optimize both aesthetics and functionality in challenging environments. Prior to that, I completed my M.S. in Horticulture at the Oklahoma State University, where I explored the effects of shade and drought stress on bermudagrass. My undergraduate studies were completed at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, where I developed a solid foundation in agricultural sciences.
My professional journey is deeply intertwined with my academic pursuits. As a Graduate Research Assistant at Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University, I engaged in a variety of research projects that explored new zoysiagrass and bermudagrass lines, evaluated seedhead suppression techniques for zoysiagrass fairways, and assessed irrigation strategies for water conservation.
The newest Penn State Turfgrass faculty member is Dr. Manoj Chherti (mchhetri@psu.edu).
Dr. Chherti began his Assistant Teaching Professor appointment on August 15 and hasn’t stopped moving since, eagerly building on the strong foundation he inherited from Emeritus Teaching Professor Jeff Borger.
Please take this opportunity to learn about his journey and future objectives, and join us in welcoming Dr. Manoj Chhetri to Penn State!
After completing my Ph.D., I joined the University of Missouri as an Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture. In this role, I created and delivered educational materials for the turfgrass industry, addressing the needs of homeowners, service providers, and turf managers. My extension work allowed me to engage with diverse audiences and develop a deep understanding of the practical challenges faced by turf professionals.
At Penn State, my primary role as an Assistant Teaching Professor in Turfgrass Science involves teaching and mentoring students in turfgrass management. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should be both rigorous and relevant, preparing students to address real-world challenges in turf management. I strive to create an interactive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on experience.
In addition to teaching, I am involved in research that focuses on sustainable turfgrass management practices, particularly in the context of managing turfgrasses under abiotic stresses. My research aims to develop innovative strategies that enhance the resilience and performance of turfgrass systems while minimizing environmental impacts.
Looking ahead, my primary objectives at Penn State are to advance the field of turfgrass science through cutting-edge research and to inspire the next generation of turfgrass professionals. I am committed to fostering a collaborative research environment that brings together students, faculty, and industry partners to address the pressing issues facing the turf industry.
One of my key goals is to expand the reach of our turfgrass science program by integrating new technologies and sustainable practices into our curriculum. I believe that by equipping students with the latest tools and knowledge, we can empower them to become leaders in the field and drive positive change in the industry. Moreover, I aim to strengthen our extension and outreach efforts by building strong connections with turfgrass managers, industry professionals, and the community.
At Penn State, I am excited to continue this journey by contributing to the academic growth of our students, advancing knowledge through research, and supporting the turfgrass industry through outreach. Together, we can build a future where turfgrass systems are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and resilient in the face of environmental challenges.
KDriscoll@EastCoastSod.com
2025 Western PA Golf, Lawn & Landscape, and Sports Turf Conference
Join us for the 2025 Western Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference! The Conference is taking place Tuesday, February 18 - Wednesday, February 19 at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, PA. We are excited to host turfgrass professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas to provide educational seminars and networking opportunities with our generous exhibitors and sponsors.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
Registration will open October 2024.
PTC members qualify for reduced registration prices. All paid registrations include the Tuesday reception and Wednesday breakfast and lunch.
Register as an Attendee
Member 2-Day Early Registration: $140
Member 1-Day Early Registration: $90
Non-Member 2-Day Early Registration: $200
Non-Member 1-Day Early Registration: $150
Early registration ends Jan. 17.
Member 2-Day Regular Registration: $175
Member 1-Day Regular Registration: $110
Non-Member 2-Day Regular Registration: $235
Non-Member 1-Day Regular Registration: $170
Online registration ends Feb. 14. Onsite registration will still be available.
CONFERENCE LOCATION
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows 210 Racetrack Rd Washington, PA 15301
HOTEL INFORMATION
The PTC has reserved a room block at:
Hyatt Place Pittsburgh South Meadows
Racetrack & Casino 212 Racetrack Rd Washington, PA 15301
Room Rate: $99
Room block cut-off date: Jan. 19, 2025
For reservations, call 1-888-257-9658 and ask for the PA Turf Council Room Block.
Book online using link on the PTC website https://paturf.org/West-Conference
CONFERENCE EDUCATION
We have an exciting line-up of speakers and educational sessions! Pennsylvania Pesticide Credits are pending. Upon approval, they will be posted to the website. We are also seeking pesticide credit approval from West Virginia and Ohio.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
We invite all suppliers to attend, exhibit and sponsor at the conference! Please note, the Trade Show occurs on Wednesday, February 19. Tuesday reception and Wednesday breakfast and lunch is included with all paid registrations.
The Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit includes detailed information about what you receive as an exhibitor and sponsor.
REGISTRATION
Register as an Exhibitor and / or Sponsor
Exhibitor Early Registration: $650
Early registration ends Jan. 17. Each table top exhibit space includes 2 registrations. Additional booth personnel can be added for $75 per person.
Exhibitor Regular Registration: $700
Registration closes Feb. 4. Each table top exhibit space includes 2 registrations. Additional booth personnel can be added for $75 per person.
Additional Table Top: $450 / table
Please select if you would like more than one table for your booth.
Additional Booth Personnel: $75 per person
Sponsorships: Please view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit for details about our sponsorship levels. Sponsorships are not included with the Trade Show table top display. Companies can sponsor without being involved with the Trade Show. A conference registration is not included if only the sponsorship package is selected.
Please contact PTC at info@paturf.org with any questions.
To Our 2023 Advertisers
2025 Northeastern PA Turf Conference
Join us for the 2025 Northeastern PA Turf Conference! The 2025 Conference is taking place Thursday, January 30 at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This is a NEW LOCATION for 2025! We are excited to host turfgrass professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas and provide educational seminars and networking opportunities with our generous exhibitors and sponsors.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
Registration will open October 2024.
PTC members qualify for reduced registration prices. NEW THIS YEAR! All paid registrations include breakfast and lunch on the Trade Show Floor.
Register as an Attendee
Member Early Registration: $90
Early registration for PTC members only. Early registration ends Dec. 30.
Non-Member Early Registration: $150
Early registration ends Dec. 30.
Member Regular Registration: $110
Registration for PTC members only. Online registration closes Jan. 27. Onsite registration will still be available.
Non-Member Regular Registration: $170
Online registration closes Jan. 27. Onsite registration will still be available.
CONFERENCE LOCATION
Mohegan Pennsylvania
1280 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
HOTEL INFORMATION
Mohegan Pennsylvania
1280 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Room Rate: $119 / night plus taxes and fees
Discounted rate ends Jan. 15, 2025.
To reserve a room, visit https://book.passkey.com/go/tur0125
CONFERENCE EDUCATION
We have an exciting line-up of speakers and educational sessions! View the conference brochure at https://paturf.org/ Northeast-Conference
Pennsylvania Pesticide Credits are pending. Upon approval, they will be posted to the website.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
We invite all suppliers to attend, exhibit and sponsor at the conference! Registration will open October 2024.
View the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit at https://paturf.org/NortheastConference. The Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit includes detailed information about what you receive as an Exhibitor and Sponsor.
REGISTRATION
Register as an Exhibitor and / or Sponsor
Exhibitor Early Registration: $400
Early registration ends Dec. 30. Each table top exhibit space includes 2 registrations. Additional booth personnel can be added for $75 per person.
Exhibitor Regular Registration: $450
Registration closes Jan. 16. Each table top exhibit space includes 2 registrations. Additional booth personnel can be added for $75 per person.
Additional Table Tops:
Early registration $400 / table
Regular registration $450 / table
Additional Booth Personnel: $75 per person
Sponsorships: Please view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit for details about our sponsorship levels. Sponsorships are not included with the Trade Show table top display. Companies can sponsor without being involved with the Trade Show. A conference registration is not included if only the sponsorship package is selected.
Please contact PTC at info@paturf.org with any questions.
2025 Eastern PA Golf, Lawn & Landscape, and Sports Turf Conference
Join us for the 2025 Eastern Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference! The Conference is taking place February 26 at Shady Maple Conference Center in East Earl, PA. We are excited to host turfgrass professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas to provide educational seminars and networking opportunities with our generous exhibitors and sponsors.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
Registration will open October 2024.
PTC members qualify for reduced registration prices. All paid registrations include breakfast on the Trade Show Floor and lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
Register as an Attendee
Member Early Registration: $90
Early registration for PTC members only. Early registration ends Jan. 27.
Non-Member Early Registration: $150
Early registration ends Jan 27.
Member Regular Registration: $110
Registration for PTC members only. Online registration closes Feb. 21. Onsite registration will still be available.
Non-Member Regular Registration: $170
Online registration closes Feb. 21. Onsite registration will still be available.
CONFERENCE LOCATION
Shady Maple Conference Center
129 Toddy Dr. East Earl, PA 17519
HOTEL INFORMATION
The PTC has reserved a room block at:
Hampton Inn & Suites, Ephrata-Mountain Springs
380 East Main St Ephrata, PA 17522
Room Rate: $134 / night
Cut-off Date: Feb. 26, 2025
To reserve a room, use link on the PTC website https://paturf.org/East-Conference
CONFERENCE EDUCATION
We have an exciting line-up of speakers and educational sessions! View the conference brochure at https://paturf.org/ East-Conference. Pennsylvania Pesticide Credits are pending. Upon approval, they will be posted to the website. We are also seeking pesticide credit approval from New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
We invite all suppliers to attend, exhibit and sponsor at the conference! Lunch is included with all paid registrations.
he Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit includes detailed information about what you receive as an Exhibitor and Sponsor. View the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit at https://paturf.org/East-Conference.
REGISTRATION
Register as an Exhibitor and / or Sponsor
Exhibitor Early Registration: $500
Early registration ends Jan. 27. Each table top exhibit space includes 2 registrations. Additional booth personnel can be added for $75 per person.
Exhibitor Regular Registration: $550
Registration closes Feb. 12. Each table top exhibit space includes 2 registrations. Additional booth personnel can be added for $75 per person.
Additional Table Tops:
Early registration $500 / table
Regular registration $550 / table
Additional Booth Personnel: $75 per person
Sponsorships: Please view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit for details about our sponsorship levels. Sponsorships are not included with the Trade Show table top display. Companies can sponsor without being involved with the Trade Show. A conference registration is not included if only the sponsorship package is selected.
Please contact PTC at info@paturf.org with any questions.
Turfgrass Diseases: Dollar Spot
Dollar spot is a common fungal disease that affects turfgrass and is capable of causing damage to golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns; however, it is more of a concern on high-maintenance turfgrass such as golf courses. Dollar spot can affect a wide range of turfgrass species, but some are more susceptible than others. Specific cultivars of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass are highly susceptible to dollar spot, while tall fescues, perennial ryegrasses, and Kentucky bluegrasses are moderately susceptible. Zoysiagrass and bermudagrass are less susceptible to dollar spot than the other species. Less susceptible species can be significantly damaged under environmental conditions that encourage the growth and spread of the fungus.
Causal Agent
Dollar spot disease is caused by several species of a fungal pathogen (Clarireedia spp.) with C. jacksonii and C. monteithiana being the most common species on cool season and warm season turfgrass in the US, respectively. Clarireedia spp. infection occurs through penetration of the mycelium (a network of thread-like structures) to the leaf tissue. The pathogen survives unfavorable environments such as winters by forming dark-colored survival structures known as stroma
Signs and Symptoms
The pathogen produces mycelium that grows on the turfgrass leaves, stems, and thatch which is visible on the canopy after prolonged leaf wetness durations (Figure 1). Initial symptoms of the disease under golf course management are the formation of 1-3-inch discolored spots, approximately the size of a silver dollar. The spots are usually circular or oblong in shape and have a brownish-tan color (Figure 2). On higher-cut (2-3 inches
high) turfgrass, such as athletic fields or home lawns, the infected areas can expand to 6 inches or more, and the grass blades will have tan lesions with brown borders. These lesions resemble hourglass shapes which make dollar spot lesions distinguishable from other diseases such as brown patch and Pythium blight (Figure 3). As the disease progresses, the patches merge to form larger
Figure 1. Mycelium of the pathogen on golf course fairway height turfgrass.
Figure 2. The initial symptom of dollar spot disease on golf course fairway height turfgrass.
extension.umd.edu
areas of damage. The affected turfgrass may appear thin and stunted, and the leaves may turn yellow and wither. In severe cases, the turfgrass may die and eventually leave bare soil behind.
Favorable Environment
3. Dollar spot lesion on perennial ryegrass on higher mown turfgrass.
The pathogen is most active when the temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F (15°C and 30°C) and the relative humidity is high (above 90%). However, some other diseases such as brown patch, gray leaf spot, or Pythium are more severe in midsummer when the temperature is higher. In Maryland, dollar spot occurs between late March/early April to October with the disease being most prevalent in the spring and fall. It is worth noting that under favorable environmental conditions, the disease may appear 12 months out of the year in Maryland. Warm days and cool nights that result in dew formation on the turfgrass canopy provide the most favorable environments for dollar spot outbreaks.
Disease Management
Resistant Cultivars
New turfgrass cultivars have better dollar spot tolerance levels. For instance, creeping bentgrass cultivars Oakley, Coho, Declaration, Piper, and 007XL have shown promising dollar spot tolerance. More information about improved cultivars is available on the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) website at www.ntep.org.
Cultural Management
Cultural practices are an important component of an integrated pest management program for dollar spot disease. The following cultural practices can help prevent or reduce the severity of the disease:
Proper Irrigation: Proper irrigation is critical for preventing dollar spot disease. Irrigation should be timed to avoid prolonged periods of leaf wetness, which promote the growth of the pathogen. Early morning irrigation is preferable to evening irrigation because it allows the turfgrass to dry out during the day.
Fertility Management: Proper fertility can help prevent dollar spot disease by promoting healthy turfgrass growth. Turfgrass should be fertilized according to soil test results to ensure the appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Applying nitrogen fertilizer in late spring/early summer reduces the dollar spot severity. Nitrogen applications in multiple, small applications has better results in disease management rather than single, high rates. This will promote steady growth and reduce the risk of dollar spot outbreaks. Please refer to Maryland nutrient management guidelines as outlined in the University of Maryland Turfgrass Technical Updates for more information.
Mowing Practices: Proper mowing can help prevent dollar spot disease by promoting healthy turfgrass growth. Turfgrass should be mowed at the appropriate height for the species and maintained at a consistent height. Mowers with sharp blades will reduce the tearing of the turfgrass blades, thereby promoting healthy growth.
Rolling, Topdressing, and Dew Removal:
Researchers at Michigan State University note that daily lightweight rolling (4 to 5 times per week) can significantly reduce the severity of dollar spot on putting greens. An additional research study revealed that sand topdressing was more consistent at reducing dollar spot in golf course fairways compared to rolling. Regular dew removal can also reduce the disease severity which will allow extended fungicide application intervals. It is important to note that other factors such as weather conditions and fungicide efficacy can change the impact of these cultural practices.
Thatch Management: Extensive thatch accumulation, which adversely affects air exchange, water infiltration and fertilizer utilization, can create an environment conducive to dollar spot disease development. Thatch should be managed through core aeration and topdressing to encourage the breakdown of thatch and promote healthy soil structure.
Soil Management: Relieving soil compaction is critical for preventing dollar spot disease. Soil compaction should be reduced through core aeration, and drainage should be improved in areas where water tends to accumulate.
Figure
Biological Management
Several species of Bacillus and Trichoderma can be effective in dollar spot management (Clarke et al., 2021). Bacillus licheniformis (product name: EcoGuard) has a more consistent dollar spot control than other biological agents such as Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713 (Rhapsody), Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain T-22 (T -22 WP), and Trichoderma virens G14 (TurfShield PLUS). There are limited experiments conducted on Pseudomonas species. It is important to notice that biological materials are not effective for dollar spot management as a stand-alone management technique. However, incorporating biological control with other management practices such as cultural and chemical is beneficial and could reduce the number of chemical applications.
Chemical Management
Fungicides are one of the primary means for managing dollar spot management, especially on golf courses and athletic fields. It is important to note that fungicides should be used in conjunction with cultural practices and should not be relied upon as the sole means of control. Overuse of fungicides can lead to the development of fungicide-resistant strains of the pathogen, which can be more difficult to control. It is also important to rotate the use of fungicides with different modes of action or to tank mix different groups to reduce the risk of resistance development. This is specifically important for dollar spot, as some isolates of the pathogen have shown resistance to thiophanate methyl. Some isolates also have reduced sensitivity to several sub-groups of SDHI and DMI fungicides, and iprodione. Table 1 outlines the list of some of the fungicides with consistent effective dollar spot control across studies; this list does not include all the commercially available fungicides.
Table 1. List of some effective fungicides for the management of dollar spot. Fungicide labels should be checked for the rates, carrier volume, registration for residential turfgrass areas, and other information. Use of a product name does not imply endorsement of the product to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.
Fungicide labels should be checked for the rates, carrier volume, registration for residential turfgrass areas, and other information.
1 One or all commercial products are registered for residential lawns
2 Efficacy varies depending on application intervals
3 Researchers have reported isolates of the pathogen with reduced sensitivity or resistance to sub-groups of the SDHI and DMI fungicides, thiophanate methyl, and iprodione.
*Some information in this table is adapted from Clarke, B., Vincelli, P., Koch, & P., Munshaw, G. Chemical control of turfgrass diseases in 2020. University of Kentucky, 2021. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ PPA/PPA1/PPA1.pdf
Conclusion
Dollar spot is a fungal disease that poses a significant threat to turfgrass, particularly highly- maintained turfgrass. Dollar spot can be identified by the formation of small, discolored spots on the low mowing heights and larger patches on higher cut turfgrass. The disease is most active when temperatures range between 60°F and 85°F with high humidity. Proper cultural practices such as irrigation, fertility management, mowing, rolling, topdressing, dew removal, thatch and soil management, along with the use of resistant cultivars, can help prevent or reduce the severity of dollar spot. Biological management using certain species of Bacillus and Trichoderma has shown promise but requires more research. Fungicides are the main tool for disease management, especially in golf courses and athletic fields. However, caution should be exercised to avoid overreliance on fungicides and the development of resistant strains. It is important to regularly rotate fungicides with different modes of actions (FRAC groups) to minimize resistance development. An integrated approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical management strategies is the most effective means of controlling dollar spot and maintaining healthy turfgrass.
For more information
Clarke, B., Vincelli, P., Koch, & P., Munshaw, G. (2021). Chemical control of turfgrass diseases in 2020. University of Kentucky. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/ agcomm/pubs/PPA/PPA1/PPA1.pdf
Delvalle, T. C., Landschoot, P. J., & Kaminski, J. E. (2011). Effects of dew removal and mowing frequency on fungicide performance for dollar spot control. Plant disease, 95(11), 1427–1432.
Espevig, T., Usoltseva, M., & Norman, K. (2020). Effects of rolling and Nfertilization on dollar spot and Microdochium patch on golf greens in Scandinavia. In Y. Tokarev and V. Glupov (Eds.), BIO Web of Conferences (Vol. 18, p. 00008). EDP Sciences.
Giordano, P. R., Nikolai, T. A., Hammerschmidt, R. and Vargas Jr, J. M. (2012). Timing and frequency effects of lightweight rolling on dollar spot disease in creeping bentgrass putting greens. Crop Science, 52(3), 1371–1378.
Green, T. O., Rogers, J. N., Crum, J. R., Vargas, J. M. and Nikolai, T. A. (2019). Effects of rolling and sand topdressing on dollar spot severity in fairway turfgrass. HortTechnology, 29(4), 394–401.
FERESHTEH SHAHOVEISI
fsh@umd.edu
All photos by the author
This publication, Turfgrass Diseases: Dollar Spot (FS-20230665), is a part of a collection produced by the University of Maryland Extension within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The information presented has met UME peer-review standards, including internal and external technical review. For help accessing this or any UME publication contact: itaccessibility@umd.edu
For more information on this and other topics, visit the University of Maryland Extension website at extension.umd.edu
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
“When
you do what you love, every day is Saturday!” A CAREER IN TURF
Jeff Borger retired in August of last year after a thirty-threeyear career in Turf Science at Penn State University. Borger was the manager of a turfgrass field research program that evaluated grassy and broadleaf weed control methods and plant growth regulators. He taught Weed Management courses in the four-year Turfgrass Science Major and in the two-year Golf Turf Management Program. He was also well-known as the organizer of the Western PA Conference education program for many years and eventually took on the education program for the Eastern Conference and Northeastern Conferences as well.
Last October Jeffrey “Vern” Borger was honored by his peers in a formal ceremony at the Penn State Golf Turf Conference with the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council’s Dr. George W. Hamilton, Jr. Distinguished Service Award for 2023. This award is considered PTC’s highest individual honor and is presented to individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to the turfgrass industry. It is fitting that an award named for the good friend and mentor who opened the doors to a long career for Jeff Borger should also represent the highest respect of his colleagues at the beginning of his retirement from that career.
From Hobby to Career
When asked what originally attracted him to the discipline of turf science, Jeff Borger gives a very down-to-earth reply. “Formal education for me was not a goal. I was just a kid with a lawnmower.”
Turf care was his ongoing hobby, the side gig that accompanied all his other academic and work ventures for many years. It was shortly after he moved with his family into a new home that neighbor and PSU professor George Hamilton, noting Borger’s talent and passion for lawn care, urged him to consider turf science as a profession. They teamed up in a lawn care venture and Jeff Borger saw that it might be possible to make a career of something he had always loved and was already doing.
However, making a career change at a time when he was responsible for a young family and almost finished with a degree in Engineering was both a huge commitment and a huge challenge, Borger recalls. Balancing family life, making a living, and keeping up with his studies was not going to be easy. It took him 16 years of part-time classes as a returning adult student to complete his academic work. But he recalls with gratitude that he always had his family’s support and encouragement and says that in the end, following his passion was definitely worth it. With George Hamilton’s guidance, the hobby really did turn into a rewarding profession and the neighborhood friend became a mentor who in turn introduced him to two of the founding fathers of the Penn State turf programs, Tom Watschke, and Donald Waddington. “Those three men changed my life,” Borger says. During his career at Penn State, Jeff earned a B.S. Degree in Turfgrass Science and an M.S. Degree in Agronomy. After Dr. Watschke’s retirement, he became the Assistant Teaching Professor in Turfgrass Weed Management.
Covers That Make the Difference
Turf people help Turf People
When Jeff Borger is asked to talk about the high points of his career, it is the spirit of friendship and mutual help among turf professionals that springs to mind first. “I don’t think about one particular event as a high point but about an ongoing network of support. Turf people help turf people,” he says. That help can take the form of teaching, of research, or of hands-on assistance in the field. Looking back now, as a teacher he is always proud to hear from former students who are applying what they have learned from him in their own successful careers and as a researcher he is happy to have contributed to the scholarly body of knowledge. He also recalled his experiences of teaching adults in the field with extension programs as very meaningful and fulfilling the true mission of the land grant university. In his view, turf professionals help each other in any way they can because whatever problem you see your colleagues encounter this year might be yours to deal with next year. Nature is a formidable opponent. “Every day is unique – and nature always wins,” he laughs.
Future Possibilities
We asked Jeff Borger to look into the crystal ball and tell us how he sees turf science and its related careers developing in the future. He says he sees the field as one of boundless possibilities because it is being driven by so many passionate, focused people. The profession itself demands ingenuity and intuition of its professionals, so no matter what happens in the larger outside world, they will be equipped to respond to it just as they respond every day to all the variables that nature throws at them.
up a 100’ wide cover.
Our warehouses are fully stocked and ready to meet your seeding needs with our extensive selection of turfgrasses and seeding supplies, ready to be prepared and delivered to suit your needs.
EVERGREEN™ turf covers outsmart mother nature. Exclusive color lace coatings provide proven results.
TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary storage and handling system for field covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll
He advises young people who are just starting out in turf science not to give up when the going gets hard or when they or their parents become discouraged. “If you have what I call ‘turf fever,’ the desire to work in this field, never give up. Go to conferences, visit local sports fields and facilities, ask questions, talk to the experts, carpe diem. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will come out a better person,” he says.
Every day is Saturday
As for his own future plans, Jeff Borger is enjoying having no detailed plan except to let the days unfold in front of him. “Travel, conferences, catching up on family time, sure – my plan is to take each day as it comes. I can take my wife on dates again!” he says. “Every day is Saturday now!” Then he adds, “But that was true of my career, too, in many ways. When you are doing what you love, you don’t have to wait for the weekend to do your favorite things. You’re doing them every day. Every day really is Saturday!”
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
Taking a Team Approach to Leadership
By Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM
Are you feeling tired lately? Perhaps the thought of another season just seems to weigh heavier this year than the past few years? It’s a common feeling right now. With all the pressures we must face as sport field managers, from the weather to the economy to the job market to the supply chain, it seems like change is the only constant in a world that is becoming more uncertain every day. Fortunately, we don’t have to navigate it alone.
This feeling of being depleted or exhausted often arises from workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. For leaders, the issue isn’t necessarily that there is too much workplace stress, but rather that they often try to manage all the stresses themselves. It’s almost like the more they try to do, the worse the problem gets.
Some leaders have said, “It’s lonely at the top.” This sentiment is a self-created mistake, and certainly not the best way to lead. Great leaders understand that by building real connections with their people, they foster trust, loyalty, and development that helps the whole organization thrive in difficult situations. They create a team environment where everyone can say that they have a “best friend at work” and engagement peaks.
When a whole team is united and shares a common set of values by which to make decisions, it becomes much easier for
leaders to trust others with leadership initiatives. Instead of driving each change, process, or idea themselves, leaders can feel free to allow other team members drive initiatives. Sharing the load allows everyone to better manage the workplace stress and work can become enjoyable again.
What’s more, the best leaders will recognize the individual strengths that their team members contribute and often discover that delegating responsibility for driving initiatives doesn’t only free up time and energy but has the potential to deliver better results as well. There are usually only a few things that we can do great in life, so partnering with those who have complementary talents allows our teams to reach new heights with a better range of competencies.
Have you allowed those around you to realize their potential by driving important initiatives? Or are you still trying to muster the energy to shoulder the entire load yourself? Let’s make this season our best yet by empowering those around us to shine and become refreshed by working as a member of a true team.
Neal Glatt is Managing Partner of GrowTheBench.com, an online training platform for the green industry. Connect with Neal at NealGlatt@gmail.com.
