Tennessee Greentimes - Winter 2007

VOL. 8/ NO. 4

Winter 2007

Making Turfgrass Fertilizers Work – and Pay – for You (Part 2 of 3)

Unraveling the Mysteries of Wood-Boring Beetles

Designing Dogscapes...

A New Specialty Service for Landscapers?

Tennessee

GREENTIMES The Official Publication of The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association

Table of Contents

lawn basics Making Turfgrass Fertilizers Work — and Pay — for You (Part 2 of 3)

12

VOL. 8/ NO. 4

winter 2007

pests in the spotlight Unraveling the Mysteries of the Wood-Boring Beetle Species Complex

20

more features green gatherings — upcoming events TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits Program ...................................................... 8

tennovations update TennOvations Spotlighted at 2007 SNA .............................................................. 26

departments From the President, Steve Bennett ................................................................................ 6 Industry News .................................................................................................................. 28 TNLA New Members .................................................................................................... 29 Calendar of Events .......................................................................................................... 30 Index of Advertisers ........................................................................................................ 30

landscaper’s corner Designing Dogscapes…

A New Specialty Service for Landscapers?

24

The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association 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, Tennessee Green Times, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication.

Copyright ©2007 by the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. Tennessee Green Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association, 115 Lyon Street, McMinnville, TN 37110. Postage guaranteed.

Third-class postage is paid at McMinnville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Green Times allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

f rom t h e p r e s i d e n t Steve Bennett

I Would Never Have

Guessed!

I

never realized what actually takes place with the TNLA until I got involved, and now more than ever, I am glad our company has been a member for all of these years. I felt like we had been going on cruise control for years — not too many issues to deal with — and then, BAM! When my term started as president this year, I felt like we were under attack.

I guess I have been oblivious to everything that the TNLA does for years, and I have now seen firsthand what an important role TNLA plays in our industry. I have been extremely blessed to be surrounded by the multifaceted group of people on the TNLA board over the past few years. I have learned a lot from them, and I have gained some great friends in the process. The TNLA staff is excellent and truly goes beyond the call when an urgent situation arises, like many have this year. We have been able to meet with U.S. Senators and Congressmen both in McMinnville, TN, and in Washington, D.C., to discuss the many issues that have affected our industry this year.

Hopefully, through these efforts, we will see some changes made that will help us in the future.

I would like to bid a public farewell to one of TNLA’s great friends and one of my personal great friends, Dr. Charlie Hall. Charlie was offered (and has accepted) the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture position at Texas A&M University, in College Park, Texas. This is a very prestigious position where he will surely flourish.

I don’t know if you realize what kind of impact Charlie has had on our industry nationwide. Charlie, along with Dr. Alan Hodges and Dr. John Haydu from the University of Florida, published the first comprehensive Economic Impact Study on the Green Industry. Through this work, our green industry has been recognized as one of the larger sectors of agriculture in the U.S. We have been blessed for the last few years to have Charlie in Tennessee, helping us focus on ways to grow our businesses. At least he didn’t move out of the SNA states, and he will still be involved with the TNLA (although it will probably be more with the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association than with us). I guess one of the bigger mistakes Charlie made upon leaving was giving me his new cell phone number.

(He may have moved, but…)

The year 2007 is one that I will never forget for many reasons! I want to truly thank everyone for their support.

Have a great 2008!

Steve Bennett

Mark Your Calendar TNLA Business Meeting January 5, 2008 8:00 a.m.

Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

6

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TNLA Business Meeting February 4, 2008 4:30 p.m.

Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN

The Tennessee Greentimes is the official publication of The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association 115 Lyon Street McMinnville, Tennessee 37110 (931) 473-3951 Fax (931) 473-5883 www.tnla.com Email: mail@tnla.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors Bill Klingeman, Ph.D. Bob Trigiano, Ph.D. Associate Editors Donna Fare, Ph.D. Nick Gawel, Ph.D. Mark Halcomb Frank Hale, Ph.D. Gray Haun Sandy Reed, Ph.D. John Sorochan, Ph.D. TNLA Officers President Steve Bennett Riverbend Nurseries, LLC 1st Vice President Aaron Swafford Swafford Nursery, Inc. 2nd Vice President Marshall Allen Allen Landscape Management, LLC 3rd Vice President Tim Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. Secretary-Treasurer Randall Walker Randall Walker Farms Associate Director Mary Strong Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. Ex-Officio Kim Whiston Rock House Enterprises Executive Director Louree Walker Administrative Assistant Pam Stern

t n l a n ews

TNLA Winter Education Program February 4–5 l Music Road Convention Center, l Pigeon Forge, TN

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m

M O N DAY, F E B RU A RY 4

Registration

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

A4. The Wonderful World of Weed-Killer Chemistry: Why (and How) Herbicides Work for You

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m Welcome & Announcements Steve Bennett, TNLA President, with Marshall Allen and Dr. Charles Hall, TNLA Education Committee Co-Chairs

8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Presenter: Dr. Bill Klingeman, University of Tennessee

3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Choose Weird for Landscape Wow Presenter: Ms. Carol Reese, UT Extension

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

A5. How to Effectively Communicate with the Hispanic Workforce Presenter: Ms. Alicia Hinson, Optimum Translation Services, Spring Hill, TN

New and Exciting Perennials Presenter: Mr. Tony Avent, Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, NC

1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

CONCURRENT SESSIONS B

MORNING EDUCATION SESSIONS

CONCURRENT SESSIONS A

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

B3. No-Spray Roses Presenter: Dr. Mark Windham, University of Tennessee

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

B4. Twelve Common Mistakes in Landscape Design and How to Avoid Them Presenter: Mr. Garry Menendez, University of Tennessee

3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

A1. Nursery Plants as Sustainable Ag Crops Presenter: Dr. Jed Young, Tennessee Tech Univ.

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

A2. Nursery Widgets

B5. New Irrigation Innovations for Nurseries, Greenhouses and Garden Centers

Presenter: Mr. Mark Halcomb, UT Extension

Presenter: Mr. Steve Mullican, John Deere Landscapes

CONCURRENT SESSIONS B

4:30 p.m.

TNLA Business Meeting

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

B1. Excellence in Landscape

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

B2. Bullet-Proof Perennials Presenter: Ms. Ruth Baumgardner, Mouse Creek Nursery, Riceville, TN

12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Awards Luncheon and visit Tradeshow

AF TERNOON SESSIONS

CONCURRENT SESSIONS A

1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A3. Pruning Trees for Structural Integrity Presenter: Dr. Douglas Airhart, Tennessee Tech Univ.

8

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Pesticide Recertification Points

Presenter: Mr. Randy Smith, Mother Nature Nursery, Brentwood, TN

Two points have been assigned to the entire Monday morning sessions in Categories C3, C10 and C12. One point has been assigned to Sessions B3, A4, A6, B6 and B7 for Categories C3, C10 and C12. Attendance at all sessions will earn you 6 points in Categories C3, C10 and C12. Sessions A6 and B6 are concurrent sessions; therefore you will only receive one point for the session you attend.

Three TCNP credits have been assigned for education and exhibits.

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast at Hotel/Inn EDUCATION SESSIONS

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

B7. Easter Freeze, Summer Drought and Diseases that Follow Presenter: Dr. Alan Windham, University of Tennessee

Concurrent Sessions A

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

A6. Insects and Mites to Watch for in 2008 Presenter: Dr. Frank Hale, UT Extension

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

A7. A Roadmap to a More Profitable Future Presenter: Dr. Charles Hall, Texas A&M Univ.

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Getting Customers Excited about Plants Presenter: Tony Avent, Plant Delights Nursery

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions B

Water Feature for a King

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presenter: Randy Young, Tranquil Waterscape Design, Franklin, TN

B6. Gardenworthy Plant Cultivars that Set High Standards for Beauty, Adaptability and Pest Resistance Presenter: Mr. Hugh Conlon, UT Extension

12:00 p.m.

Program Adjourns

TNLA Winter Education

H OST H OTELS

T U E S DAY, F E B RU A RY 5

continued

Music Road Hotel & Music Road Inn Pigeon Forge, TN Room rates will be $64 for single/double and $84 for suites.

Call

800-429-7700 or

865-429-7700 to make reservations for either hotel .

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9

At Leading Edge Communications, we work with a variety of clients and companies providing a range of products and services, and we pride ourselves on building long-lasting relationships.

There’s a lot we can do to help build your business through marketing and advertising. Which is why we’d like the chance to tell you more about us and what we can do for you. Give us a call or contact us on the web at www.leadingedgecommunications.com.

Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street • Franklin, TN 37064 phone: 615.790.3718

custom publishing • product catalogs and price lists • logos • stationery • signs • advertising • brochures • newsletters • annual reports direct mail • trade show exhibits • television/radio production and media placement • web site design and hosting • and more!

cover story

12

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continued

In

the first part of our three-part series on turfgrass nutrition (published in the Fall 2007 issue of Tennessee GreenTimes), we introduced plant and turfgrass nutrition; we briefly described the mobility of these nutrients in soils; and we provided tables to describe the appearance of turfgrass under various macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies.

In this issue of Tennessee GreenTimes, we take a closer look at the 16 essential plant elements as they might appear on product labels. We describe how macro- and micronutrients function in turfgrasses and the consequences of too little or unavailable plant nutrients, and we outline the common commercial sources of plant nutrients.

Nutrients on the fertilizer label Fertilizers applied to turfgrasses often contain all three primary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), and they may contain one or more secondary macronutrients and micronutrients. Information regarding the nutrient content of a fertilizer is printed on the product label. For example, fertilizer with a 20-5-15 analysis contains 20% nitrogen (N), 5% phosphate (P2O5) and 15% potash (K2O) by weight. A 50-lb. bag of 20-5-15 contains 0.5 x 20 = 10 pounds of N; 0.5 x 5 = 2.5 pounds of P2O5; and 0.5 x 15 = 7.5 pounds of K2O. Since the fertilizer label reports percent P2O5 and percent K2O (by weight) rather than percent elemental P and K,

Table 1. Common Sources of Nitrogen in Turfgrass Fertilizers. ~ Content (%) P2O5 K2O N

Salt Index per Unita

Cold-Water Acidifying Solubility Effectb lbs./gal.

Source

Formula

Ammonium nitrate

NH4NH3

33%

0%

0%

3.2 H

62

14.5

Contains both ammonium ions adsorbed by soil colloids and nitrate ions, that may be mobile in soils.

Ammonium sulfate

(NH4)2SO4

21%

0%

0%

3.3 H

110

5.7

Contains 24% sulfur and has the greatest acidifying effect of listed materials.

Calcium nitrate

Ca(NO3)2

15%

0%

0%

---

---

---

This Ca-containing (19%) source of N absorbs moisture and releases N very rapidly.

IBDU (isobutylidene diurea)

[CO(NH2)2]2 C4H8

31%

0%

0%

0.2 L

---

slowly soluble

Two urea molecules are linked by a carbon group, resulting in a source of N dependent on soil moisture for release.

Milorganite

organic – N complex

6%

4%

0%

0.7 L

---

slowly soluble

N in this activated sewage sludge is released by microbial activity.

Polymer (plastic)coated urea

CO(NH2)2 + polymer

38%

0%

0%

---

---

slow release

N release is dependent on soil moisture.

Potassium nitrate

KNO3

13%

0%

44%

5.3 H

(-23)

1.0

May slightly increase soil pH as it rapidly releases N.

Comments

SCU (sulfurcoated urea)

CO(NH2)2 + sulfur

32%

0%

0%

0.7 L

---

slow release

Permeable sulfur (molten) coating lets water move slowly through the barrier, dissolving enclosed urea. N release is dependent on microbial activity and soil moisture.

Urea

CO(NH2)2

45%

0%

0%

1.7 M

71

6.2

This highly water-soluble N source contains the highest N concentration of any granular fertilizer.

38%

0%

0%

0.3L

---

slowly soluble

N is released from these various-size, “chain-like” urea polymers through the activity of soil microorganisms.

UF (urea formaldehyde [CO(NH2)CH2]n CO(NH2)2 or methylene ureas)

a Expressed as the relative salinity of mineral salts per unit of nutrient compared to sodium nitrate (6.3). High = 2.6 or greater; moderate = 1.0 to 2.5; and low = less than 1.0. b Units of CaCO3 required to neutralize 100 units of fertilizer (by weight).

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cover story

the following formulas are useful when converting lbs. of phosphate (P2O5) to lbs. of phosphorus (P) and lbs. of potash (K2O) to lbs. of potassium (K). To convert the amount in lbs. of P2O5 to the amount in lbs. of P, P = P2O5 x 0.44. To convert the amount in lbs. of K2O to the amount in lbs. of K, K2O x 0.83 = K. So, in addition to 10 lbs. of N, a 50-lb. bag of fertilizer with a 20-5-15 analysis contains 0.5 x 5 x 0.44 = 1.1 lbs. of P; and 0.5 x 15 x 0.83 = 6.2 lbs. of K.

Primary macronutrients

Nitrogen (N) Some N sources are very soluble in water and are released to turfgrasses within hours after being applied. Others (controlled-release sources) are formulated to dissolve or release very slowly into the solution surrounding turfgrass roots. Nitrogen sources may be inorganic (containing no carbon) or organic (containing carbon), synthetically produced or natural, and coated or non-coated (Table 1).

Ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate are examples of inorganic N sources.

Each is very soluble in water and may absorb moisture from the air during storage. Aerial shoots of turfgrasses may be severely injured (e.g., foliar burn) if too much of an inorganic N source is applied.

Examples of natural organic N sources include dried, activated sewage sludge (Photo 1), animal by-products (e.g., manure and feather, leather and blood meal) and plant by-products (e.g., corn gluten meal and proteins).

Nitrogen is usually released from these materials slowly, as a result of the activity of soil microorganisms. Natural organic fertilizers have a very low burn potential and do

not release N when microorganisms in the soil are inactive due to cold temperatures or severe drought.

The release rate varies among the synthetic-organic N sources. Urea (Photo 2) — one of the most concentrated, widely used and quickly available synthetic-organic N sources — releases N rapidly and can burn turf when improperly applied. Coated, slow-release N sources are formed by coating granular urea with molten sulfur, a polymer or a combination of the two.

Ureaformaldehyde (UF) (Photo 3) and methylene ureas, often referred to as reacted products, are formed by a process known as polymerization. Chains of N–containing molecules are produced as urea is reacted with formaldehyde. Chain length of molecules increases as the polymerization reaction continues. Generally, the longer the molecular chain, the slower the rate of N release and the lower the burn potential.

Triazone (formed by reacting urea, formaldehyde and additional ammonia) is a clear liquid. Isobutylidine diurea (IBDU) was developed in the late 1960s for fertilization of rice. It is formed by reacting isobutyraldehyde with urea, and it usually contains 31% N. Nitrogen release from IBDU does not depend on the activity of soil microorganisms.

Instead, the release of nitrogen from IBDU increases with increasing soil moisture and temperature, and it decreases as the particle size decreases.

Phosphorus (P) Bones and bone meal have long been recognized as having fertilizer value due, in part, to their P content (Table 2).

Rock phosphate is a very important source of mineral phosphate used to produce turfgrass fertilizers. Rock phosphate is reacted with sulfuric acid to produce ordinary

Table 2. Common Sources of Phosphorus in Turfgrass Fertilizers.

14

Source

~ P2O5 Content

~ P Content

Comments

Bone meal

17% to 30%

7% to 13%

One of the earliest recognized sources of phosphorus.

Calcium metaphosphate

62%

27%

Contains about 19% Ca.

Diammonium phosphate (DAP)

46% to 53%

19% to 23%

Contains from 10% to 21% N, and its phosphorus is water soluble.

Monoammonium phosphate (MAP)

48% to 53%

20% to 23%

Contains from 10% to 21% N, and its phosphorus is water soluble.

Ordinary superphosphate

20%

8%

Calcium phosphate and gypsum combination, formed by treating rock phosphate with sulfuric acid.

Rock phosphate

25% to 35%

11% to 15%

An important source of mineral phosphate used in the manufacture of phosphorus-containing fertilizers. The effectiveness of rock phosphorus as a phosphorus source depends on particle size and soil conditions.

Triple superphosphate

46%

20%

Produced by treating rock phosphate with phosphoric acid.

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Photo 1. Activated sewage sludge, a natural organic nitrogen source.

Photo 2. Granular urea, a popular, highly water-soluble source of nitrogen.

Photo 3. Nitrogen release from ureaformaldehyde granules is dependent on soil moisture, temperature and the activity of soil microorganisms.

Photo 4. Granular monoammonium phosphate contains both nitrogen and phosphorus.

cover story

Table 3. Common Sources of Potassium in Turfgrass Fertilizers.

Source

Formula

~ K2O Content

~ K Content

Potassium chloride

KCl

60%

49%

Potassium magnesium sulfate

K2SO4 . 2MgSO4

21%

18%

Potassium nitrate

KNO3

44%

36%

Potassium sulfate

K2SO4

48%

40%

Table 4. Common Sources of Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur in Turfgrass Fertilizers.

16

Source

Formula

Neutralizing value

~ Calcium

~ Magnesium

~ Sulfur

Ammonium sulfate

(NH4)2SO4

0%

0%

0%

24%

Calcium carbonate

CaCO3

100%

32%

0%

0%

Calcium hydroxide

Ca(OH)2

136%

46%

1%

0%

Calcium metaphosphate

Ca(PO3)2

0%

19%

0%

0%

Calcium nitrate

Ca(NO3)2

0%

19%

2%

0%

Calcium oxide

CaO

179%

52%

0%

0%

Dolomitic limestone

CaMg(CO3)2

109%

22%

11%

0%

Ferrous ammonium sulfate

(NH4)2SO4. FeSO4 . 6H2O

0%

0%

0%

16%

Ferrous sulfate

FeSO4 . 7H2O

0%

0%

0%

18%

Gypsum

CaSO4 . 2H20

0%

22%

0%

19%

Magnesium carbonate (Magnesite)

MgCO3

119%

0%

28%

0%

Magnesium hydroxide

Mg(OH)2

172%

0%

40%

0%

Magnesium oxide

MgO

250%

0%

55%

0%

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)

MgSO4

0%

0%

10%

14%

Potassium magnesium sulfate

K2SO4 . 2MgSO4

0%

0%

11%

22%

Potassium sulfate

K2SO4

0%

0%

0%

17%

Sulfur, elemental

S

0%

0%

0%

99%

Superphosphate

CaH4(PO4)2

0%

21%

0%

12%

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Photo 5. Granular potassium sulfate contains both potassium and sulfur, and it has a lower foliar-burn potential than muriate of potash.

(~20% P2O5) superphosphate. Similarly, reacting rock phosphate with phosphoric acid results in triple superphosphate (~45% P2O5), a highly concentrated product.

Phosphorus contained in monoammonium and diammonium phosphates is more water-soluble than that in ordinary and triple superphosphate. Monoammonium phosphate (Photo 4) and diammonium phosphate also contain 11% N and 18% N, respectively.

Potassium (K) Through the years, K in turfgrass fertilizers has been produced from ore mined in Canada, Germany and New Mexico. Produced from mines, muriate of potash (or KCl) is a major source of K in turfgrass fertilizers (Table 3).

Another source, potassium nitrate, supplies both K and N. Potassium sulfate (Photo 5) is a popular source of K and S and has a lower burn potential than muriate of potash. Potassium magnesium sulfate is often referred to as “K-mag� and supplies K, Mg and S.

Complete fertilizers Fertilizers containing N, P2O5 and K2O are referred to as complete, because they contain N, P and K. They may be formulated as blended or homogenous products. Fertilizer blends are mixtures of several different particles and nutrient sources. Granules within a blended fertilizer are often gray (e.g., triple superphosphate), white (e.g., urea) and purple (e.g., muriate of potash). Each granule of a homogenous fertilizer, on the other hand, is the same color and contains the same nutrient analysis.

cover story

Photo 6. Applying gypsum, a source of calcium and sulfur, will not affect soil pH.

Secondary macronutrients Excellent sources of calcium (Ca) (Table 4) include agricultural lime (calcium carbonate, ~32% Ca) and dolomitic lime (calcium magnesium carbonate, ~22% Ca and ~11% Mg).

Both are sold in pulverized and pelletized forms. Gypsum (calcium sulfate) (Photo 6), a popular granular source of Ca, contains about 22% Ca and 19% sulfur (S). The application of lime will increase the soil pH, while the application of gypsum will not. Potassium sulfate (~40% K and ~17% S) is applied to provide turfgrasses with K and S. Similarly, potassium magnesium sulfate is an excellent granular source of potassium (~18% K), magnesium (~11% Mg) and sulfur (~22 percent S).

Micronutrients Some micronutrient sources are very water soluble and are readily available to plants (Table 5). Others are chelated (i.e., combined with organic compounds) to improve their stability. Chelated micronutrients generally have a longer residual response in soils than soluble micronutrients, and they are less prone to loss by leaching.

Looking ahead‌ In Part 3, which will appear in the Spring 2008 issue of Tennessee GreenTimes, we will discuss strategies for integrating turfgrass nutrition into a Best Management Plan for Tennessee’s managed turfs.

We will also investigate the value of soil and turf-tissue tests and discuss how several turfgrass types and environmental factors should guide turf and landscape management decisions. C

continued

Table 5. Common Sources of Micronutrients in Turfgrass Fertilizers.

Micronutrient

Boron

Chlorine

Copper

Iron

Manganese

Molybdenum

Zinc

Source

Formula

Content

Borax

Na2B4O7 . 10H2O

11% boron

Boric acid

H3BO3

17% boron

Solubor

Na2B4O7 . 5H2O + Na2B10O16 . 10H2O

20% boron

Potassium chloride

KCl

47% chlorine

Copper chelatea

CuEDTA

6% to 13% copper

Copper oxide

CuO

75% copper

Copper sulfate, pentahydrate

CuSO4 . 5H2O

25% copper

Ferric oxide

Fe2O3

69% iron

Ferric sulfate

Fe(SO4)3 . 4H2O

23% iron

Ferrous ammonium sulfate

(NH4)2SO4 . FeSO4 . 6H2O

14% iron

Ferrous oxide

FeO

77% iron

Iron ammonium polyphosphate

Fe(NH4)HP2O7

22% iron

Iron (ferrous) sulfate

FeSO4 . 7H2O

20% iron

Iron chelatea

NaFeEDTA

5% to 14% iron

Manganese carbonate

MnCO3

31% manganese

Manganese chelatea

MnEDTA

12% manganese

Manganese chloride

MnCl2

17% manganese

Manganese methoxyphenylpropane

MnMPP

10% to 12% manganese

Manganese oxide

MnO2

63% manganese

Manganese sulfate

MnSO4 . 3H2O

26% to 28% manganese

Manganous oxide

MnO

41% to 68% manganese

Ammonium molybdate

(NH4)2MoO4

49% molybdenum

Sodium molybdate

Na2MoO4 . 2H2O

39% molybdenum

Basic zinc sulfate

ZnSO4 . 4Zn(OH)2

55% zinc

Zinc carbonate

ZnCO3

52% zinc

Zinc chelatea

Na2ZnEDTA

14% zinc

Zinc oxide

ZnO

78% zinc

Zinc phosphate

Zn3(PO4)2

51% zinc

Zinc sulfate monohydrate

ZnSO4 . H2O

35% zinc

Zinc sulfate heptahydrate

ZnSO4 . 7H2O

23% zinc

a Micronutrients can be combined with organic compounds to produce more-stable or “chelated� carriers. Chelating agents include: EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetate), DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentacetate) and EDDHA [ethylenediamine di-(ohydroxyphenylacetate)].

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P e s t s i n t h e S p ot l i g h t

U N R AV E LI N G TH E

MYSTE R I E S of the Wood-Boring Beetle Species Complex

By Jason Hansen, Graduate Student, University of Tennessee, and Nadeer Youssef, Research Associate, Tennessee State University

T

Jason Hansen, Graduate Student, University of Tennessee

his coming spring will be a good time to scout the hardwood tree liners you planted this past year for trunk damage. If you find snake-like lesions on the trunk and then pick away the dead bark to reveal space filled with sawdust, your tree might have fallen victim to a flat-headed pest.

Chrysobothris femorata (Photo 1) and Chrysobothris-related beetle species are serious pests of many types of hardwood trees in Tennessee.

Flowering dogwoods, red maples, hornbeam, redbud, oak and cherry are just a few of the trees that are often severely affected. In fact, many nursery owners and landscape-management professionals in Tennessee have become all too familiar with the damage these pests inflict on young, stressed trees. Larval-feeding injury to trees makes them unmarketable to consumers, contributing to seasonal revenue losses for businesses.

Some Middle Tennessee growers have experienced C. femorata infestation rates of up to 100% in young maple liners. Seedlings are particularly vulnerable to attack. After the beetle invades a tree, winding larval galleries can destroy the tree phloem and girdle the trunk, which leads to the death of the tree. Damaged live trees lose value because, with time, scars from larval activity become increasingly visible. Trunk wounds are also subject to secondary attack by plant pathogens and other insect pests.

Behavior and biology of Chrysobothris beetle borers By late winter, immature buprestid beetles (Photo 2) begin to transition from larva to adult, pupating deep inside the gallery where they spend the winter’s cold months. Frass in the serpentine tunnel (Photo 3) acts as insulation and helps protect the pupa from desiccation.

Though adult beetles emerge throughout late spring and summer, most have emerged by mid-June.

About three days after emergence, male beetles begin attracting females by drumming their abdomens on branches. Mating occurs

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continued

after the female answers the drum call. If mating is successful, she next begins to feed on the new bark growth of a host tree.

About six days later, the female beetle deposits her eggs in cracks and crevices of the host tree bark. Egg-laying activity peaks in July as summer temperatures rise.

If the eggs survive, larvae exit the eggs and immediately bore into the tree’s cambium layer, where they feed for the next one to two years. At the end of each growing season, the larvae mine deeper into xylem tissues, where they pass the coldest part of the year. In spring, they move back into the cambium and resume feeding until they mature enough to pupate.

Evidence for complexity within the Chrysobothris femorata “species” group The wide plant-host range and variable emergence times of Chrysobothris species have convinced some entomologists that there is more to the C. femorata story than meets the eye. The “species” C. femorata may actually represent more than one true species of metallic wood-boring beetle. Slight physical variations among individuals of the C. femorata complex, including characteristics observed to vary in time within a single season, lend credence to the concept of a femorata complex.

Still, showing differences between species within a complex is often difficult. Separation based on morphology or appearance is complicated by how minute the variations may be. Many times, these differences are subjective and troublesome to spot.

Today, taxonomic specialists are turning to the insect’s DNA for a reliable alternative tool that will assist traditional morphological study. Though this method is still fairly new, DNA analysis paired with traditional systematic methods has greatly expanded the ability of taxonomists to separate species. This added knowledge has allowed growers the ability to narrow the search for offending pests.

Photo 1. An adult flat-headed apple-tree borer, Chrysobothris femorata. Photo by Joshua Basham, TSU.

Photo 2. Characteristic shape of a flat-headed borer larva that chews tunnels beneath host tree bark. Photo by Joshua Basham, TSU.

Monitoring methods Few methods have worked to monitor populations of flat-headed apple-tree and other buprestid beetle borers in commercial and landscape settings. A series of experiments, headed by Tennessee State University’s (TSU) Dr. Jason Oliver, revealed that several species of buprestid beetles are attracted to colors that reflect light in the red to purple range. In time, this project has yielded a low-profile, purple-colored panel trap that attracts and captures buprestid beetle borers in a sticky adhesive (Photo 4).

These purple panels have been used effectively to trap and monitor C. femorata populations in Tennessee, as well as in other states where borers pose a threat to nursery stock and landscape plants. In fact, the collaborative research project has grown to include efforts of UT, TSU and USDA-ARS researchers, as well as individual contributors across the continental U.S. and parts of Canada.

Most recently, UT, TSU and others have joined in an expanded effort to use this new trapping system to collect individual beetles for DNA testing. Five cooperators from mid-west and east coast states have participated in trapping using the purple panels. Material collected by the participants is being analyzed in UT labs (Photo 5).

By sequencing the DNA, researchers hope to separate individual species within the femorata complex, even though they lack apparent physical differences.

Photo 3. Frass-packed gallery of a flat-headed borer larva in red maple. Note the oval exit hole in the wood. Photo by Nadeer Youssef, TSU.

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P e s t s i n t h e S p ot l i g h t

Current research progress on Chrysobothris sp. beetles Species within the C. femorata complex look so similar that they are difficult to separate, even by experienced entomologists. Dr. Stanley G. Wellso, an entomologist with extensive experience investigating the C. femorata complex has conducted a study of the beetle’s physical appearance and host preferences that appears to support the idea of a species complex. Currently, there are 4 known species that compose the complex and growing evidence, put forth by Dr. Wellso, that the group may be composed of as many as 12 distinct species.

The complex’s rapid rate of genetic change makes it an ideal candidate for molecular analysis. University of Tennessee entomologists are studying the group by taking a close look at their DNA. Consistent changes have occurred over time in the genetic code of C. femorata, which should help researchers distinguish cryptic species.

Using molecular techniques, the exact sequence of the nucleotide building blocks can be determined. In turn, species can be paired with specific plant hosts, helping to narrow useful strategies for pest control.

DNA from individuals spanning several states is currently being screened for variations in the genetic code. The short section of a common gene in beetles has been targeted for analysis by UT researchers. When the genetic sequences from several individuals are aligned, the differences between them may help to accurately divide the complex into separately evolving species. Any morphological characteristics can be combined with the molecular data to give a clear idea of how the different species have evolved over time.

Shedding light on these evolutionary complexities will lay groundwork for future studies of species within C. femorata complex. Once these insects can be confidently identified, those species that are key economic or aesthetic pests can be more accurately targeted and managed. Entomologists can focus on individual species’ life histories to better understand when each is active in both landscape and production environments. Variations in life histories and host utilization may provide essential information that nursery and landscape personnel need to better manage monetary losses from C. femorata pests. Armed with such information, growers can optimize pesticide applications for both timing and location, targeting the weakest points in the beetle life cycle.

Photo 4. Purple panel traps attract many arthropods that are captured in sticky glue.

Photo by Nadeer Youssef, TSU.

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Preliminary phases of this research project were funded in part by research grants from the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA) and the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI). Current funding is partially provided by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and in conjunction with the USDA-ARS Appalachian Horticulture Research Unit.

Jason Hansen (pictured) is a Ph.D. graduate student at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. Jason is also studying species differentiation among clearwing moth borers under the direction of Dr. Bill Klingeman (Plant Sciences Department) and Dr. Kevin Moulton (Entomology and Plant Pathology Department). Nadeer Youssef is a research associate at Tennessee State University and helps Dr. Jason Oliver conduct nursery research at TSU’s Otis L. Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, TN. C

Photo 5. A close-up of the panel reveals two Chrysobothris sp. and two Agrilus sp. beetles stuck in the adhesive (the two Chrysobothris sp. beetles are the largest insects shown and the two Agrilus sp. beetles are in the lower left). Photo by Nadeer Youssef, TSU.

Landscaper’s Corner

P

icture a pleasant, early spring morning. As you relax in your lawn chair, your mind drifts into a “dreamscape” of colorful flowerbeds, rock gardens and a water feature. Suddenly, the family dogs charge across the yard, trampling your imaginary flowerbeds and flopping into a heap on your sparse-to-nonexistent lawn. Do your dogs “rule?” Are you destined to live with bare spots, worn paths and a hole-carved yard? I think it’s time for a change!

As a dues-paying member of the “Canine-American Landscape Society” for more than 50 years, I have experienced bare paths, fallen in holes and tripped over mounds of dirt. I have even watched plants ripped from pots in a rousing game of canine-style soccer. While my dog Mollie is my gardening partner — my “soil mate” — she is also a frequent visitor to timeout for garden infractions. So, from trial and error, I have come up with a strategy to bring harmony back to my landscape, and with a little thought and effort, this strategy will work for you and your clients, too.

Grab a comfortable chair, your favorite beverage and a notebook and pencil. Find a spot to sit and watch your pets. Good dogscape research starts by collecting baseline data. I watched my dogs Mollie and Ellie in their daily routines of play time, adventure strolls, bathroom duties and snoozes in sun and shade. It turns out that Mollie and Ellie use consistent daily travel routes. Ellie is also consistent in where she hides Mollie’s stick.

So, once you find a favorite spot, map it! Mapping the location lets you know where NOT to mass-plant Coleus or a finicky Daphne. I methodically recorded and mapped areas where Mollie and Ellie enjoyed a morning nap and their private spaces where they accomplished their “morning ablutions” (i.e., their potty spots). In a client’s well-used landscape, look for existing trails, holes and piles.

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As I mapped these areas, I began to see a best-fit design.

Often, intricacy is “out,” while flexibility and creativity are “in.” As you build your map, plan to include your needs (such as access to hoses and gates), in addition to the pet’s needs.

Let’s take a look at some essential requirements of a good dogscape design:

Play space Like human children, dogs may “pick” flowers and dig in sand or mud. Dogs also like to roll around on the ground, play in leaf piles and chase each other around the yard.

These activities take space, so plan for it.

Exploring Also like humans, dogs like to explore, and they need the stimulation of discovering new sights and sounds. Increase the diversity and complexity of their backyard habitat.

Do a little homework, too, and make sure the plants you pick aren’t poisonous to your pets. (Editor’s note: a good source of information on landscape plants and weeds that are poisonous to animals, including dogs, is the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database at http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/comlist.html).

Food and drink Unlike humans, dogs don’t particularly think that dinner is a time for socializing. Provide a sheltered spot to keep water and food available to dogs, but private from curious children and neighborhood pets.

Places to soak up rays, and places to “chill” Dogs enjoy relaxing on grass and hot porch steps while the sun bakes their body, but they also need a cool, shaded place to escape the sun. If it’s a backyard tree, keep the

trunk clear of chains and wires that can damage the bark.

Shelter Instinctively, there are times when all living creatures seek refuge: shelter from the weather, for safety and to rest. Dogs have the same needs, often more so for pets who may spend a lot of time inside the house. Consider how the types of materials you choose for a doghouse will blend with the landscape, including the size and shape of the door opening, location and insulation needs.

Bathroom duties With few exceptions, when given a chance, dogs prefer to take care of their business in private and secluded locations. They’ll appreciate areas of higher grass, a wooded corner or shrubs to hide behind, and these are major considerations for an effective dogscape design. After all, would you build a house without a bathroom?

Final thoughts With a little patience, some close observation and a little ingenuity, you can create a great backyard habitat for both dog and homeowner. For the enterprising designer, your landscape plans can include specialty hardscaping, night lighting, water features and signature plant varieties. Once the need is recognized, options are endless! C

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Te n n O vat i o n s U p dat e

TennOvations Spotlighted at SNA

Two

notable TennOvations were on display at this past summer’s SNA Tradeshow in Atlanta, GA. Tracy and Stanton Adcock of Scenic Hills Nursery (McMinnville) gave their booth an upscale image with just a little extra effort. Tracy used stained spruce 1x4’s to fabricate ship-lapped planter boxes that protected their nursery-stock root balls. While the root balls appeared hidden, the front panel could be easily swung open to show the full size of the balls that they dig. An OMB-board top panel was notched to fit the

tree trunk and supported a thin dressing of pine-bark chips. The top panel could be slid to the side to let Tracy and Stanton water the ball.

Scenic Hills’ specialty boxes looked like retail patio planters and succeeded at differentiating their booth from other displays. For more information about their product line and nursery, contact the Adcocks through their webpage at http://www.scenichillsnursery.net.

At the Tennessee Valley Nursery, Inc. (Winchester) display booth, Jeff Harrell presented the nursery’s liner stock in a unique and innovative way. To show off the root systems of the different plants grown

by Tennessee Valley Nursery, Jeff alternated standard plastic water bottles with a new product package type, called “aquapods,” to good effect.

Jeff cut the threaded tops off of the clear plastic, 11-oz. bottles. The bubbleshaped aquapods were designed with kids in mind, but they work very well to highlightliner root architecture.

Jeff sees clear advantages when compared with the columnar bottles he usually uses. “The roots look a little bigger in the round plastic,” he acknowledged. “The bottle doesn’t have any ridges either, so you can see the whole root system at once.”

Send me your brief description of creative solutions to nursery marketing, management or production challenges, including pest and disease control. Attn: Dr. Bill Klingeman, Plant Sciences Department, University of Tennessee, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4500; Tel. 865-974-7324; Email: wklingem@utk.edu. All submissions will be considered for publication in an upcoming Tennessee GreenTimes column. C

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Tracy and Stanton Adcock of Scenic Hills Nursery (McMinnville, TN) showcase their innovative faux planter box at the 2007 SNA Tradeshow.

The faux planter box allowed the Adcocks to protect their stock’s root balls, while providing an attractive display.

Jeff Harrell presented Tennessee Valley Nursery’s liner stock in clear plastic bottles to show off the plants’ root systems.

Harrell’s round “aquapods” allow viewers to see each plant’s entire root system without looking through the glass ridges of columnar bottles.

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I n d u s t ry N ews

SBA Disaster Loans Available Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration

The

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that federal disaster loans are available to small businesses in Tennessee as a result of damages and losses to crops caused by extreme drought conditions and high heat that occurred May 1, 2007, and continuing.

“SBA’s disaster declaration was issued as a result of a similar action taken by the Secretary of Agriculture to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to farmrelated and nonfarm-related small-business concerns and small agricultural cooperatives that suffered economic injury as a direct result of this disaster.

Farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA, but nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

Eligible small businesses may qualify for loans up to $1.5 million. These loans are available at a 4% interest rate, with loan terms up to 30 years. SBA determines eligibility for the program based on the size and type of business and its financial resources.

Loan amounts and terms are set

by SBA and are based upon each applicant’s financial condition.

Under this disaster declaration, SBA cannot provide loans to agricultural producers.

Interested business owners should contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/services /disasterassistance.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than March 31, 2008. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration Processing and Disbursement Center 14925 Kingsport Road Fort Worth, TX 76155 C

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New TNLA Members

Welcome, TNLA New Members!

ACTIVE MEMBERS Evins Mill Nursery W.J. (Dub) Evins III 292 Cripps Lane Smithville, TN 37166

TLC, The Landscape Company Joey Johnston 1885 Gen. George Patton Drive Franklin, TN 37067

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Lake Womack Nursery, LLC Jack D. Peacock 4580 McMinnville Hwy. Manchester, TN 37355

Decker's Nursery, Inc. Brian Decker 6239 Rager Road Groveport, OH 43125

Landscapes & Irrigation, Inc. David C. Scott 3013 Ambrose Ave. Nashville, TN 37207

First National Merchant Solutions Lorrie Wacker/Beth Zacharias 1620 Dodge Street Stop 3241 Omaha, NB 68197

Powell Nursery Company Ronald Powell 121 Powell Nursery Drive McMinnville, TN 37110

Great Lakes Fastening Vahan Janoyan P.O. Box 335 Oxford, MI 48371

Swan Creek Tree Farm Laurie Cantrell 28 Sulfer Springs Road Fayetteville , TN 37334

Integrated Communications Clay Golday 6630 Reese Road Memphis, TN 38133

Nashville Grass and Landscape, LLC Travis Eidson 729 Allen Pass Madison, TN 37115 Nursery Portal Luke Campbell 134 Brook Lane McMinnville, TN 37110 Sanders Irrigation Supply James L. Howard 3401 Jenkins Road Chattanooga, TN 37421

calendar of events

JANUARY 3-4

JANUARY 15-19

FEBRUARY 7-8

Mid-States Horticultural Expo (a partnership of TNLA, KNLA and SNA) Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, KY Contact: 770-953-3311 Fax: 770-953-4411 Email: midstates2006@sna.org www.mshe.org

NCAN "Green & Growin' Show" Greensboro, NC Contact: 919-816-9119 Email: bgelvin@ncan.com

ANLA’s Garden Center University Class of 2010 The Galt House Hotel & Suites Louisville, KY Contact: 202-789-2900

JANUARY 9–11

JANUARY 16-18 Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show McCormick Place Chicago, IL Contact: 847-526-2010 www.midam.org

Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) Baltimore, MD Contact: 800-431-0066 www.mants.com Email: info@mants.com

JANUARY 21–23

JANUARY 14–16

FEBRUARY 4–5

Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS) Columbus, OH Contact: 800-825-5062 www.onla.org TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN Contact: 931-473-3951 Fax: 931-473-5883 Email: mail@tnla.com www.tnla.com

Indiana Green Expo Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis, IN Contact: 800-443-7336 www.inla1.org

classified

Hayes Nursery Enterprises 1474 Old Well Road Morrison, Tennessee 37357 Trudie or James Hayes, 931-939-7945 Liners to Landscape.

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McHutchison HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIERS Supplying: Knockout Roses, Proven Winners, Perennials, Unrooted Cuttings, Ground Covers, Grasses Nursery Stock, Japanese Maples, Taxus, "Otto Luyken” Cherry Laurel

Call with questions!

Adam Clapp • (662) 587-2515 Michie, TN

FEBRUARY 7–8 ANLA’s Masters in Landscape Business Management Program The Galt House Hotel & Suites Louisville, KY Contact: 202-789-2900

FEBRUARY 8–11 ANLA Management Clinic Louisville, KY Contact: 202-789-2900 Fax: 202-789-1893 www.anla.org

FEBRUARY 28 Irrigation Troubleshooting Workshop Sponsored by Ewing Irrigation Nashville, TN Contact: 800-343-9464 Email: education@ewing1.com

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Vans Pines Nursery, Inc., West Olive, MI Now Shipping Bare Root Transplants, Jiffy Plugs, Potted Liners and Tree Seed See us at the Winter Trade Shows For more details Call Us, or see our website 1-800-888-7337 – www.vanspinesnursery.com

index of advertisers Armstrong Garden Centers of California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 www.armstronggarden.com Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 www.barkybeaver.com Boshancee Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover www.boshanceensy.com Boyd & Boyd Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 www.tnnursery.com/Boyd & Boyd Braun Horticulture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.braungroup.com BWI Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 27 www.bwicompanies.com Carolina Nurseries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover www.carolinanurseries.com Center Hill Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.centerhillnurseries.com Central Landscape Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.centrallandscape.com Cherry Springs Nursery/Speer & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.speernursery.com Crimson Dale Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.crimsondalenursery.com D & D Agri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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Dutchmaster Nurseries, LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.dutchmantreespade.com Evins Mill Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 www.evinsmillnursery.com Florida Pine Straw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.floridapinestraw.com Forrest Nursery Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Forrest Keeling Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.fknursery.com Freedom Tree Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 www.freedomtreefarms.com Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 www.heatherfarmsnursery.com John Deere Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.johndeerelandscapes.com Larry A. Gribble Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lawn and Garden Dealers Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Little Creek Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.littlecreeknursery.com

Riverdale Nursery on the French Broad River . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sherman Nursery Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 www.shermannursery.com Summitville Crop Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Surface Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 www.surfacenursery.com Swafford Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover www.swaffordnursery.com Syngenta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Tree Equipment Design, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.treeequip.com Turf Mountain Sod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 www.turfmountain.com Turner & Son Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Vis Seed Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.visseed.com

Louisiana Forest Seed Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Walker Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 www.midtennturf.com

Wellmaster Carts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover www.wellmaster.on.ca