Tennessee Turfgrass - October / November 2009

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009

12 Upcoming Event

F E AT U R E D A RT I C L E S

12

Upcoming Event – 2010 Tennessee Turfgrass Association 44th Annual Conference and Trade Show, Program and Registration Forms

18

Turf Tips – Controlling Winter Weeds, Part 1 – Annual Bluegrass

20

Turf Talk – Understanding Product Labels

18

Turf Tips

20

Turf Talk

D E PA RT M E N T S From the TTA President, Bob Hogan

6

From the TVSTMA President, Stephen Crockett 8

4

From the MTGCSA President, Shelia Finney

10

Calendar of Events

22

Index of Advertisers

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

F R O M T H E T TA P R E S I D E N T Bob Hogan

2010 Annual Conference and Trade Show is just around the corner. We need your support. As I asked in my last letter, I’m asking again — help us make the TTA bigger & better. Please ask people to join, and remind our old non-members to come back and renew their membership. Let’s make this meeting the best ever.

Dr. Tom Samples and TTA’s Education Committee have assembled an awesome education program with excellent topics and a great group of speakers to deliver the message. You will be blessed. The Trade Show Committee, with the help of Jim Uden, has once again designed a trade show that flows. Vendors, you need to be ready to reserve your space. I know that I will.

I ask each of you to attend the TTA Annual Meeting during our conference. This is a time when each of us can bring before the membership any business that is important to the mission of our association. We are only as strong as your support.

During our annual meeting, we will also elect new board members. I hope that all active members would consider running for the board of directors. If you would like to serve on the board, please call me. We

The

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

will add your name to the slate of candidates. It is time well spent, with “great benefits and a wonderful salary.”

Just a reminder, we do have scholarships to give away. Will you help us spend these funds? We are also taking nominations for TTA’s Professional of the Year.

If you would like to nominate a candidate for either, please call Tommy Mittlesteadt or anyone on the Scholarship Committee. They will be more than happy to assist you.

Please make plans to attend the 2010 Annual Conference and Trade Show. You will need to book your hotel reservations early at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs by calling 1-888-403-6772.

If you have any questions about the TTA, you may call Jim Uden at the TTA office (1-615-591-8286) or me at The Hogan Company (1-888-224-6426). We hope to see each of you January 10th, 11th, & 12th, 2010, in Franklin, Tennessee.

Bob Hogan TTA President

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email:info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editor Mr. Bill Marbet TTA OFFICERS President Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Vice President Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course (901) 508-1986 Secretary/Treasurer Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Past President Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & CC (423) 913-2276 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Joel Beckham Mr. Dick Breedlove Mr. Paul Carter Mr. Doug Estes Mr. Thomas Garner Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Scott Severance Mr. Doug Ward Mr. Sean VanHoose TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

FROM THE TVSTMA PRESIDENT Stephen C. Crockett, CSFM

ith the current economic crisis at all levels, field maintenance is the first target. In municipalities and schools, if you have the opportunity to make your maintenance cuts, you can work to do more with less. The factors of safety and playability must take precedence over aesthetics.

In our facilities, we maintain a policy of “playing surface first.” This approach allows for the fields to be maintained at the same levels as they have been in the past. In the previous fiscal year, we documented all usage of chemicals, clay, conditioners and paint so that we could purchase the minimum amounts to maintain athletic surfaces at the same level as in previous years. In 2009, we also passed some general-maintenance costs to field users by charging a usage fee; all user groups accepted this with the understanding that it was necessary to keep the fields maintained at levels that they had come to expect. The sacrifices that we have made have been in landscaping and general weed management in the common grounds; however, this has also proven successful in that users are always more interested in the playing surface over the appearance of common grounds.

As we look to the future, we will continue to have cuts until the economy reverses course. As turf managers, we will have to continue to work to execute our jobs with less money. This is a simple fact, but as we move forward, we cannot cut anything that may lead to a decrease in playability and safety. These are the two primary goals in athletic-field maintenance, and they can be achieved even with a budgetary decline.

I would like to take this time to thank members who have worked so diligently this year, especially Theo Langford and Stephen Callis. It is extremely difficult to serve as chapter president when you reside on the “outer fringes” of the state. Theo and Stephen

W

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have done an excellent job in picking up my slack, and I would like to publicly acknowledge their work.

Everyone, keep up the good work, and let’s work to create a positive environment for athletic-field users throughout our service area.

Chris Crockett, TVSTMA President

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

FROM THE MTGCSA PRESIDENT Shelia Finney

I write this, it is the end of August, and what wonderful temperatures! The summer appears to be over, and in some ways, it was challenging, and some ways not. The weather was unusually kind, but the economy was not. Most of us experienced budget cutbacks that included the hard decisions of letting people go or not hiring people back for the season, and then asking remaining people to work harder and not get as much overtime. Of course, we were all expected to maintain the course to the same level of conditioning. Thank goodness the weather didn’t step in with the drought and really hot weather that we had a couple of years ago to add to all that.

MTGCSA had several good meetings to start our season, but the best is yet to come. Your attendance at these meetings is not only for the education, but also for the networking. When the season is long and challenging, we tend to forget that we aren’t alone in our struggles. When you get to talk to everyone and a chance to catch your breath, it can put a positive spin on your attitude. This year, we are trying something a bit different with the Fall Educational session, which is scheduled in November. This will be four hours of education that will qualify for GCSAA CEUs and pesticide points.

Make plans to attend our Annual Research and Scholarship Fundraiser Tournament at Old Natchez Country

As

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Club on October 26. This year, our host superintendent will be Larry Sigmon. The club has made some big improvements this summer, and it will be exciting to see. Your participation in this event helps us send local turf students to college and to help fund local turfgrass research.

With the tight economy and tight budget dollars to work with, don’t let your certifications lapse! It’s harder to get them back, and yes, you do still need them. Local education sessions from ETGCSA, MTGCSA and MAGCSA, plus attending the TTA conference, will satisfy all your points needs for Class A certification and pesticide certification. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to call me, and I’ll help you figure out where you stand and give you some options.

I do apologize for not updating the websites this summer as much. There are several reasons for that, such as workload increase, but mostly home phoneline issues. I edit the websites at home. It’s a long entertaining story that has finally come to a conclusion of the phone company installing a new line from the pole to my house. I can throw a good fit when I have to!

Have a wonderful FALL! Shelia Finney Gaylord Springs Golf Links 2009 MTGCSA President

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

44TH ANNUAL

2010 TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PROGRAM

JANUARY 10, 11 AND 12, 2010 FRANKLIN MARRIOTT COOL SPRINGS 700 COOL SPRINGS BLVD. • FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 37067

PROGRAM & MEMBER REGISTRATION

CONFERENCE PROGRAM SPEAKERS AND TOPICS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 10 Opening Session

2:15 p.m.

(Moderator: Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee) 1 p.m.

Welcome to the 44th Tennessee Turfgrass Conference Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee

The Do’s and Don’ts of Rootzone Management Dr. Andy McNitt, Penn State University

3:15 p.m.

ADJOURN

3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

Managing Winter Patch Diseases in the Transition Zone Dr. John Inguagiato, University of Connecticut

MONDAY, JANUARY 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

National Football League Playoff Social Sponsored by the TVSTMA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session #1

Concurrent Session #2

(Moderator: Mr. Tommy Mittlestead)

(Moderator: Mr. Bob McCurdy)

8:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

Winter Management of Ultradwarf Bermudagrasses in the Transition Zone Mr. John Kauffman, The University of Tennessee

Sorting out the NTEP Data Mr. Johnny Parham, The University of Tennessee

8:45 a.m.

8:45 a.m.

What Will Your Irrigation System Look Like Five Years From Now? Mr. Don Bulmer, The Toro Company

Constructing The University of Tennessee Center for Safer Athletic Fields Mr. Adam Thoms, The University of Tennessee

9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Management Strategies for Anthracnose Dr. John Inguagiato, University of Connecticut

Sprayer Calibration: As Easy as A-T-V Mr. Jeff Borger, Penn State University

10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

BREAK

BREAK

10:30 a.m.

Programs for Disease Management in TN Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee

New Products for Weed Control during Establishment of Sports Fields and Residential Lawns Mr. Greg Breeden and Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Suppressing Annual Bluegrass Seedheads on Putting Greens During Spring Mr. Jeff Borger, Penn State University

A View from Inside Center Court: Managing Turf at Wimbledon Mr. Will Haselbauer, The University of Tennessee

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

AWARDS LUNCHEON AND TTA BUSINESS MEETING

AWARDS LUNCHEON AND TTA BUSINESS MEETING

1:45 p.m.

1:45 pm.

TGCSAA Business Meeting

2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

TRADE SHOW

Effective Management of Synthetic Turf Sports Fields Dr. Andy McNitt, Penn State University

2:15 p.m.

TVSTMA Business Meeting

Please support our vendors!

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Concurrent Session #2

6:30 a.m.

Prayer Breakfast (Continental Style)

(Moderator: Mr. Billy Clark) 11:15 a.m.

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Can PGRs Make Your Field Stronger?

Dr. Jim Brosnan and Mr. Will Haselbauer, The University of Tennessee

TRADE SHOW Please support our vendors!

12:00 p.m.

LUNCH

Concurrent Session #1 1:15 p.m.

(Moderator: Mr. Frank Turner) 11:15 a.m.

Inside the Ropes… UT Students’ Experiences at the 2009 Masters Tournament and the 2009 U.S. Open Mr. Brock Turner, Mr. Jimmy Humston and Mr. Sean Elverd, The University of Tennessee

12:00 p.m.

Strategies for Controlling Overseeded Perennial Ryegrass Turf Mr. Greg Breeden and Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee

2:00 p.m.

Taking a Proactive Approach to Water Restrictions Dr. Thomas W. Rufty Jr., North Carolina State University

2:45 p.m.

LUNCH

1:15 p.m.

Panel Discussion on the Management of Naturalized Areas on TN Golf Courses Mr. J.D. Murr, Lambert Acres Golf Club, and Mr. Jim Thomas, TPC Southwind

Ten Steps to Save Money Controlling Weeds This Year Dr. Jim Brosnan and Mr. Greg Breeden, The University of Tennessee

3:45 p.m.

ADJOURN Please have a safe trip home.

2:00 p.m.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on Zoysiagrass Fairways and Tees Mr. Adam Thoms, The University of Tennessee

2:45 p.m.

Strategies for Managing Nematodes Dr. William Crow, University of Florida

3:45 p.m.

ADJOURN Please have a safe trip home.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

4 4 T H A N N U A L TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

AND

TRADE

SHOW

PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT. Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2010 TTA Annual Directory.

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FAX: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRIMARY FUNCTION COMMERCIAL VENDOR TURF MANAGER ❑ Commercial Lawn Care ❑ Equipment Dealer ❑ Golf Course ❑ Retail Center ❑ Distributor ❑ Parks & Recreation ❑ Landscaping ❑ Manufacturer ❑ Sports Field ❑ Irrigation Contractor ❑ Other_______________ ❑ Hotel/Resort ❑ Hospital/Health Care ❑ DOT ❑ Other_______________ ❑ School/University ❑ Cemetery ❑ Other_______________ PLEASE CHECK THE BOX FOR ADDITIONAL ASSOCIATION AFFILIATIONS:

❑ PGMS

❑ TNLA

❑ TVSTMA

❑ TGCSA

❑ Other _____________

Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2010 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.

❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ➏ ❼ ❽

REGISTRATION OPTIONS ❶

❷

❸

❹

❺

➏

❼

❽

Primary Member Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 175.00

TOTAL $

Price includes 2010 Membership Dues

Returning Member Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 125.00 $

For members who haven’t attended the Conference in the past three years. Fee includes free 2010 TTA membership.

Associate Member Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 120.00 Registrants from the same facility are eligible for Associate Membership if the facility has two primary members.

$

Student Member Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

60.00

$

One-Day Pass (Limit 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

75.00

$

One-Day Student Pass (Limit 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

10.00

$

FREE

$

25.00

$

First-Time Attendee One-Day Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Awards Lunch Ticket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Endowment Fund Contribution ❑ Research ❑ Scholarship

❑

$

Extension

Please make checks payable to:

Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069

GRAND TOTAL

$

(No Credit Cards)

TTA OFFICE USE ONLY

Date______________

Check No. ______________

Cash ______________

REGISTRATION FORM

COMPANY NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTRACT FOR EXHIBIT SPACE

44TH ANNUAL TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT.

BOOTHS

SIZE

UNIT PRICE

BOOTHS 100 – 823

80 SQ. FT.

$495

QUANTITY

TOTAL

(Max limit of 4)

ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO TTA: 1 included with 10’ x 8’ booth rental.

$50

Attend the TTA Awards Luncheon & Business Meeting!

$25/person

Mon., Jan. 10, 2010, 12:00 p.m.

TOTAL

Please make checks payable to : Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (No Credit Cards)

FIRST CHOICE

SECOND CHOICE

THIRD CHOICE

BOOTH PREFERENCE All reservations are made on a first-paid, first-reserved basis only. Please note the cancellation policy as outlined in the section of the brochure entitled “Rules & Regulations.” If electricity is required, please contact Jim Uden at (615) 591-8286 for Marriott form and further information. Purchased luncheon tickets will be included in vendor packet upon registration and setup.

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE THE FOLLOWING: NAME:

MEMBER NAME:

(Person responsible for the booth)

(To be included in Directory)

SIGNATURE: FIRM: (As your ID sign should read)

MAILING ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE:

STATE:

ZIP: FAX:

EMAIL: **ADDITIONAL NAMES FOR BADGES: (**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)

**ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: (**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS/SERVICES YOU SELL OR PROVIDE:

RULES & REGULATIONS OPENING AND CLOSING: The exhibit officially opens at 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2010, and will close at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January12, 2010.

EXHIBIT SET-UP AND BREAKDOWN: General booth set-up will be from 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 11, 2010, until 2:30 p.m. All exhibits must breakdown11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

INSURANCE AND FIRE PROTECTION: The Tennessee Turfgrass Association will exercise all reasonable care for the protection of exhibitor’s material and displays. An official of the trade show committee will be on duty in the exhibit area during set-up and breakdown periods. The exhibit area will be secured during non-exhibit hours.

CONTRACT FOR SPACE: The application for space and the formal notice of assignment constitutes a contract for the right to use the space so allotted. In the event of fire, strikes, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the contract will not be binding. The Tennessee Turfgrass Association reserves the right to cancel any contract with any exhibitor any time prior to or during the conference.

LIABILITY: The exhibitor agrees to make no claim against the Tennessee Turfgrass Association nor its members or employees for loss, theft, damage or destruction of goods, nor any injury to himself/herself, or employees prior, during or subsequent to the period covered by the exhibit contract, nor for any damage whatsoever, including the damage to his business by reason of failure to provide space for the exhibit, nor for failure to hold the Conference as scheduled. The exhibitor, upon signing the contract for exhibit space, expressly releases the foregoing named conference and individuals from any and all claims for such loss, damage or injury.

USE OF SPACE: All demonstrations, interviews, distributions of advertising material or other activities must be confined to the limits of the exhibit booths. No exhibitor shall assign, sublet or share the whole or part of the space allotted without the knowledge and approval of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

CANCELLATION: In the event an exhibitor must cancel, and cannot exhibit, the following will apply.

A. If the reserved booth or island can be contracted, a 100% refund will be granted.

B. If the reserved booth or island can not be contracted, a 50% refund will be granted.

BOOTHS: There will be sixty five (65) 10’ x 8’ booths available. Each will be piped and draped. Each will have a 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, wastebasket and one I.D. sign.

FLOOR PLAN

Please indicate preferences on Exhibit Space contract

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

17

TURF TIPS CONTROLLING WINTER WEEDS, PART 1 – Annual Bluegrass

By Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., Greg Breeden, and T.J. Samples, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee nnual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a problematic winter weed that commonly invades all types of turf (golf courses, home lawns, sports fields, etc.) regardless of mowing height or frequency.

Despite the persistence of this weed species, certain steps can be taken to provide effective control this winter.

as the calendar quickly approaches December, it can be easily concluded that preemergence control is not an option for 2009.

Identification

Selective herbicides

The most important step in controlling any weed is proper identification. It is impossible to know how to control a weed without knowing what weed it is that you are trying to eradicate.

Certain characteristics help identify annual bluegrass. The leaf blade is folded in vernation, has a boat-shaped tip and may appear to be rippled or slightly wrinkled (Photo 1). Annual bluegrass plants possess a long, membranous, slightly pointed ligule, and they produce panicle-type seedheads that are triangular in shape with spikelets bunched toward the ends (Photo 2). These seedheads start to emerge in the spring, and viable seed can be produced in just a few days after pollination. This feature is one of the reasons that annual bluegrass infestations are so widespread.

Numerous options are available for selective control of annual bluegrass in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) turf. Sulfonylurea herbicides like Revolver (foramsulfuron) and Monument (trifloxysulfuron-sodium) effectively control annual bluegrass in both dormant and actively growing bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Both products are labeled for use by professional applicators on golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial lawns.

Princep (simazine) and Aatrex (atrazine) are two herbicides that exhibit pre- and postemergence activity against annual bluegrass in various warm-season grasses. However, seeding into areas treated with these herbicides must be delayed for four to six months after treatment. These herbicides, especially Aatrex, can injure bermudagrass.

None of the products above are labeled for use on putting greens.

Several selective herbicides are labeled for postemergence control of annual bluegrass in cool-season turf. Prograss (ethofumesate) is labeled for annual bluegrass control in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) turf. Two sequential applications are required, with the first applied in mid-November and the second applied three weeks later. The product has been referred to as the “holiday herbicide,”

A

Preemergence control Annual bluegrass can be effectively controlled with timely applications of preemergence herbicides. The same products used for control of crabgrass (Digitaria spp) can be used to control annual bluegrass preemergently. In order to be effective, however, these herbicides should be applied prior to the germination of annual bluegrass seed.

Annual bluegrass seed germinates once soil temperatures fall below 70ºF, and germination continues for the next two to three months. In East Tennessee, germination may begin as early as late August. That being said, 18

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

Postemergence control Annual bluegrass can be effectively controlled with both selective and non-selective postemergence herbicides.

as effective results have been reported with applications made near Thanksgiving and Christmas. Spring applications of Prograss to overseeded bermudagrass stands often delay spring green-up.

Velocity (bispyribac-sodium) provides effective control of annual bluegrass in perennial ryegrass and creeping bentgrass golf course fairways only. Preferred programs involve sequential applications in the spring of the year when air temperatures exceed 55ºF.

Non-selective herbicides Non-selective herbicides like Roundup Pro (glyphosate) and Finale (glufosinate) can be used to control annual bluegrass in dormant bermudagrass stands. These treatments are not recommended on zoysiagrass, as this species may not go completely dormant in the transition zone. In order to be effective, these herbicides must be applied when annual bluegrass plants are actively growing. Target your treatments for days when air temperatures are greater than 45ºF – 50ºF. Two major advantages to non-selective herbicide applications are that (1) they are more economical than their selective counterparts and (2) they control a broad spectrum of weeds in addition to annual bluegrass. Winter annual broadleaf weeds that often cause problems during the winter, like henbit (Lamium aplexicaule) and common chickweed (Stellaria media), can be controlled with applications of non-selective herbicides.

Strategies for controlling winter annual broadleaf weeds will be addressed in the next issue of Tennessee Turfgrass. For more information on controlling other turf weeds in Tennessee, visit the University of Tennessee’s turfgrass weed science website, http://tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINUED

Photo 1. Poa annua leaf blades may appear to be rippled or slightly wrinkled.

Photo 2. Seedheads are triangular in shape with spikelets bunched toward the ends.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

19

T U R F TA L K

By Wayne Ducote, Senior Sales Specialist, BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals happens all the time. Someone buys a new herbicide, fungicide or insecticide, skims through the product label and files it away until it’s time to use the product. When that time comes, he or she flips to the portion of the label that shows the recommended rates. No big deal, right?

After the date of purchase, most people don’t spend a lot of time reading product labels. Familiarizing yourself with a label when you buy the product is a good idea, but so is re-reading the label before putting the product to use. Doing so can save a lot of time, money and hassle.

When using fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, most people ask themselves only, “What product do I need to control the weed, insect or disease that’s causing me a problem, and what rate do I need to use?”

Rate information is essential, but product labels provide a lot of other important infor-

It

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

mation. Below are five key things to look for on product labels.

1. Tank-mixing Most labels have a tank-mixing section, which includes what you can and cannot tank-mix with a particular product. Using several products in one application is a common practice in the industry. It’s vital to read the tank-mixing section because some products shouldn’t be used together. Ignoring tank-mixing guidelines can cause problems like clogged application equipment and reduced efficacy.

Perhaps just as important is mixing order, which is also detailed on product labels.

The basic rule of thumb is that dry materials should be mixed first, followed by liquids. But rather than assuming this is always the case, it’s recommended that users follow the label closely when mixing products.

2. Special statements Products often have special statements on the label to help users utilize the product correctly. For instance, many products include statements about what the outside temperature should be when a product is used.

If the label says not to apply the product if it’s warmer than 85 degrees outside, and you do, it could cause damage to the plant.

Other common special statements refer to drying time. Applying a product prior to a rainfall when the product label states that six hours of drying time is necessary is a pretty expensive mistake.

3. Group numbers The front page of many product labels includes a group number, which helps users avoid resistance issues with fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. Products are grouped

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

based on how they work (mode of action), and users are encouraged to vary group numbers of products in an effort to better manage resistance.

For example, if after using a fungicide in Group 1 you have concerns about resistance, use a product with a different group number in the next application.

4. Agricultural use requirements The agricultural and non-agricultural use requirements on product labels are important for users, and they vary depending on product use. A greenhouse or nursery employee, for instance, may use the same product as a golf course superintendent or lawncare employee, but has to abide by a completely different set of rules with regard to protective equipment and re-entry interval.

5. General restrictions and limitations An often-overlooked element of product labels is the “general restrictions and limitations” section, which is also known as the “do not” statements. A “do not” statement is a strong declaration that should be followed.

For example, a product might have “Do not apply in greenhouses” on the label because the product is volatile and could move through the air to plants, causing foliar damage.

Read the “do not” statements carefully, and be sure to brush up on them if it has been a while since you last used a product.

General suggestions Though it’s unnecessary to continually read and re-read the label for a product that you use several times a year, it’s a good idea to take some time now and again to re-familiarize yourself with product labels. Labels change periodically, so it makes sense to review commonly used product labels about once a year. The best place to obtain current labels is www.cdms.net.

The 10–15 minute investment of reading a label can save a lot of time and hassle compared to the fallout of misusing a product.

Wayne Ducote is a senior sales specialist with BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals. He can be reached at 337.849.6040 or via email at wayne.ducote@basf.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ADVERTISERS

NOVEMBER 16 MTGCSA Educational Session

Cattails at Meadowview Golf Course, Kingsport, TN

Gaylord Springs Golf Links Nashville, TN

OCTOBER 26 MTGCSA Scholarship & Research Tournament

NOVEMBER 16 MAGCSA Meeting

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Ewing Irrigation ................Inside Back Cover www.ewing1.com

Cottonwoods Golf Club Tunica, MS

FEBRUARY 8–12, 2010 Golf Industry Show and GCSAA Education Conferences

Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. ......Back Cover www.johndeere.com

Old Natchez Country Club Franklin, TN

OCTOBER 29–31 Green Industry & Equipment Expo

DECEMBER 2–4 29th International Irrigation Show San Antonio, TX

Louisville, KY

JANUARY 10–12, 2010 44th Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show Marriott Cool Springs Franklin, TN

JANUARY 12–16, 2010 STMA Annual Conference

BWI Companies, Inc. ..............................11 www.bwicompanies.com

OCTOBER 13 ETGCSA Scholarship & Research Tournament

Orlando, FL

FEBRUARY 1–5, 2010 TPI Midwinter Conference

San Diego, CA

JULY 26–30, 2010 TPI Summer Convention New York, New York

Covermaster, Inc. ......................................5 www.covermaster.com

Keeling Company ....................................11 www.keelingcompany.com KESMAC/Brouwer, Inc.......Inside Front Cover www.kesmac.com Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. ....................................8 www.midtennturf.com Modern Turf, Inc. ....................................21 www.modernturf.com Sur-Line Turf, Inc.......................................9

The Tennessee Turfgrass 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 Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication.

Copyright ©2009 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

Syngenta ................................................21 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Tennessee 811 ........................................7 www.tnonecall.com Texas Sod Leasing ....................................9 www.texassod.com The Pond Lady........................................22 www.thepondlady.com The Turfgrass Group ............................5, 19 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod ....................................7 www.turfmountain.com Winstead Turf............................................3 www.winsteadturf.com

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com