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
10
Upcoming Event
16
Applied Research
22
Turf Talk
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
F E AT U R E D A RT I C L E S
10
Upcoming Event — Educational Program and Registration Form for the 45th Annual TTA Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show
16 22
Applied Research —
Brown Patch Control Options for Sod Farms Turf Talk — Weed Control on a Budget
D E PA RT M E N T S
4
From the TTA President, Jay Willis
6
From the TVSTMA President, Theo Lankford
8
Calendar of Events
26
Index of Advertisers
26
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
F R O M T H E T TA P R E S I D E N T Jay Willis
A Time for
Reflection and Valuable Education Hello,
everyone! As I write this letter to you, the leaves are changing colors, and some of us have seen our first frost of the year. With this change in the seasons, everything in the turf industry seems to be slowing down a little. By the time you read this, we will be in the middle of the holidays and enjoying time with family and friends. We stay so busy during spring, summer and fall that sometimes we forget to take time to visit and just hang out and talk with family, friends and peers in the business. This slowing down of the turfgrass industry during the winter months is just that — time to slow down. Take time to reflect on the previous year, whether they were good times or tough times. Recently I attended a MAGCSA meeting for a roundtable discussion. I think I can speak for others in saying that it was just as informative as bringing in a renowned turf
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
professor. It really is amazing how much you can learn or refresh your knowledge just by discussing topics with your peers. That is one of the most beneficial aspects of the TTA conference — valuable education. The TTA board would like to invite you to our Annual Conference and Trade Show on January 5–7 in Franklin, TN. Come out, and join your TTA family for a little slow down and reflection with your peers in the turfgrass industry. With great education available, networking with others and awarding individuals for outstanding work in the turfgrass field, you can’t go wrong with the TTA conference. So, be sure to send in your registration so that we can take care of your credentials and make it as easy for you as possible. See you in Franklin! Jay Willis 2010 TTA President
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 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 Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course (901) 508-1986 Vice President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Secretary/Treasurer Paul Carter Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Past President Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Joel Beckham Mr. Bob Elliott Mr. Doug Estes Mr. Thomas Garner Mr. Theo Lankford Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Chris Simon Mr. Doug Ward Mr. Sean VanHoose TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Lynn Ray Mr. Jeff Rumph Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan
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 Š2010 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. 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. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
FROM THE TVSTMA PRESIDENT Theo Lankford
A Winning Record for
TVSTMA in 2010! W
ell, this is my last hello, at least as your president. I have had a wonderful time serving you as the president for the last year. I have learned a lot, and with every passing day, I have learned that I still have a lot to learn. This has been a great year — we have had speakers from Arkansas to Virginia down to North Carolina and everywhere in between (that would be Tennessee, for those not up on your geography!). Our Middle Tennessee Field Day was especially successful. We met at Ensworth High School, and our speakers included Dr. Grady Miller (from North Carolina State) and Bobby Campbell (retired turf manager from the University of Tennessee). Also, Adam Thoms (University of Tennessee graduate student, who filled in for Dr. Samples) updated us on the progress of the university’s new research center, and Marty Kaufman gave us some insight to what it is like to manage the sports fields there at Ensworth High. If you made it to one of the four TVSTMA Field Days this year, you know that we had some outstanding locations with some outstanding speakers. Thanks to you all for being apart of this year’s festivities.
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
Before I turn in the president’s gavel, I need to thank a few people. Erin Kenny, you have been wonderful, with all your ideas and hard work. Larry Berry, well, what can I say, other than just thanks for all you’ve done. Stephen Callis, I can honestly say I don’t think this organization would run if you didn’t do your job with as much heart as you do. If I (or anyone) ever had a question, you always had an answer (I’m not 100% sure it was the correct answer, but it got us to stop asking, nonetheless). To the entire membership, thank you so much for allowing me to represent you. By the time you get to read this, most of you will already know that Larry Berry will be your TVSTMA president next year, and I feel confident that the organization will benefit greatly from him being our leader for 2011. I plan to hold up my end of the deal, being as involved as much as possible as the past president. I challenge you to do the same. See you at the upcoming TTA Conference in January!
Theo Lankford 2010 TVSTMA President
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
45TH ANNUAL
2011 TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PROGRAM
JANUARY 5, 6 AND 7, 2011
FRANKLIN MARRIOTT COOL SPRINGS 700 COOL SPRINGS BLVD. • FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 37067
PROGRAM & MEMBER REGISTRATION 10
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
CONFERENCE PROGRAM SPEAKERS AND TOPICS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 5 General Session Moderator: Mr. Matt Elmore, The University of Tennessee
1:00 p.m. Welcome to the 45th Tennessee Turfgrass Conference Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1:15 p.m.
3:15 p.m.
One Year, Two Majors Dr. Phil Dwyer, The Scotts Company
TTA Business Meeting and Awards Reception
2:15 p.m. Lessons Learned After 20 Years at Neyland Stadium Mr. Bobby Campbell, CSFM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
Continental Breakfast NEED A SPONSOR Contact Jim Uden (615) 591-8286
Weed Control and Seedhead Suppression in Zoysiagrass Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee
LUNCH
Concurrent Session #1 Moderator: Mr. David Shell, The University of Tennessee
9:00 a.m. Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses: 20 Years and Counting Mr. Jim Sluiter, Audubon International
2:45 p.m. New Options for Dollar Spot Control Mr. David Shell and Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee
Concurrent Session #2 Moderator: Mr. Lucas Freshour, The University of Tennessee
9:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
The Life of a Prill: Fertilizer Development at The Scotts Co. Dr. Phil Dwyer, The Scotts Company
Turfgrass Under Stress: What a Quality Fungicide Program Can Do for You Mr. Jesse Benelli and Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee
10:30 a.m. Dallisgrass Control Programs without MSMA Mr. Matt Elmore, The University of Tennessee
11:15 a.m. Controlling Tennessee’s Top 10 Turf Weeds Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee
12:00 p.m. LUNCH
1:15 p.m. Large Patch Control Options in Zoysiagrass Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee
9:45 a.m. Nematodes in the Southeast Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Mississippi State University
10:30 a.m. Take It to the Forefront: Promoting the Activities of State Turfgrass Associations Mr. Terry Poley, Michigan Turf Foundation
11:15 a.m. New Technology for Managing Irrigation Dr. Bernd Leinauer, New Mexico State University
1:15 p.m. Business Value of Environmental Stewardship on Golf Courses Mr. Jim Sluiter, Audubon International
2:00 p.m. Bermudagrass Management on Athletic Fields Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee
2:45 p.m. 2010… What a Year! Mr. Chris Hartwiger, U.S. Golf Association
3:30 p.m. TGCSA Annual Meeting
4:00 p.m.
TRADE SHOW Please support our vendors! 4:30 p.m. TTA SOCIAL On Trade Show floor. Sponsored by Ladds, Syngenta & Winfield Solutions
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
11
FRIDAY, JANUARY 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Valent Professional Products
Broadleaf Weed Control with Imprelis in Seedling Tall Fescue Mr. Greg Breeden, The University of Tennessee
Selecting New Poa Species for Use in Tennessee Mr. Lucas Freshour, The University of Tennessee
2:45 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
Bermudagrass Cultivars for Tennessee Dr. Tom Samples, The University of Tennessee
New Technology for Scheduling Field Maintenance Activities Mr. Larry Berry, CSFM, Lee University
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
TRADE SHOW Please support our vendors! With Continental Breakfast. 12:00 p.m. LUNCH On your own.
Concurrent Session #1 Moderator: Mr. Jesse Benelli
1:15 p.m.
Concurrent Session #2 Moderator: Mr. Keith Bartley, The University of Tennessee
3:30 p.m. CONFERENCE ADJOURNS Please have a safe trip home.
1:15 p.m. UT Center for Safer Athletic Fields: Construction Update Mr. Adam Thoms, The University of Tennessee
Lessons Learned During My Summer Internship Mr. Andrew Lane and Mr. Aaron Bryant, The University of Tennessee
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
4 5 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. COMPANY NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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:
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Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2011 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 2011 Membership Dues
Returning Member Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 125.00 $
For members who haven’t attended the Conference in the past three years. Fee includes free 2011 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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
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FREE
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Please make checks payable to:
Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069 (No Credit Cards)
TTA OFFICE USE ONLY
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Cash ______________
REGISTRATION FORM
Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2011 TTA Annual Directory.
APPLIED RESEARCH
Brown Patch Control Options for
Sod Farms By Brandon Horvath, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, The University of Tennessee
Sod
farm operators are always focused on trying to provide the best possible turf, with as few inputs as possible. As a result of the decline in the economy, this challenge has been exacerbated by the fact that fields of sod are remaining in the field longer, thus necessitating a need for fungicide control options. Because of the delay in selling fields of sod, operators are stuck between managing a thin, diseased turf that is not as saleable, and spending money on a field that is not generating revenue. In short, sod operators are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Integrated turfgrass disease management seeks to employ a balance of genetic,
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
cultural, chemical and, if available, biological remedies to reduce the severity of turfgrass diseases. The major limitation to the successful culture of tall fescue in the transition zone region is its susceptibility to brown patch. Brown patch (caused by the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn) and leaf and sheath blight (caused by the pathogen Rhizoctonia zeae Voorhees) can both cause significant disease in tall fescue turfs in Tennessee. These diseases are similar in symptomatology, and distinguishing these diseases in the field is extremely difficult and time consuming. Although many efforts have been made to understand the biology of these pathogens, brown patch and its close relatives (herein,
Rhizoctonia diseases) remain serious pathogens of many cultivated turfgrasses, including tall fescue (F. arundinacea) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). Currently, fungicide applications remain the best option for effectively controlling Rhizoctonia diseases, especially on creeping bentgrass. When most folks think of brown patch control on tall fescue, they think of which strobilurin fungicide they will spray, and whether they will get 30 days of control from an application. However, many new products are emerging on the scene that stand poised to alter how we manage brown patch and possibly several other important turfgrass diseases. The turfgrass
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
CONTINUED Table 1. Brown patch and tall fescue turf quality at Brookmeade Sod Farm, Doswell, VA, 2007. BROWN PATCH (%)
TURF QUALITY (1-9)
SC
ME
WG
UTC
SC
ME
WG
x
11.8
y
1.2
1.9
1.3
5.0
2
6.2
6.1
6.4
AIXR
10.9
1.8
1.4
1.5
5.1
6.0
6.3
6.4
TTJ60
8.3
2.0
1.9
1.7
5.3
5.9
6.1
6.1
TJ
8.6
1.4
1.4
1.6
5.4
6.2
6.4
6.6
UTC XRC
w
UTC= untreated control, SC= suspension concentrate, ME= micro-emulsion, and WG= wettable granule. XRC= Extended Range TeeJet, AIXR= Air Induction Extended Range, TTJ60= Turbo TwinJet, and TJ= TurfJet. y Values are means of sixteen four-replicate ratings at two locations. Mean LSD (P=.05) for all ratings is equal to 4.7. z Values are mean turf quality ratings of sixteen four-replicate ratings at two locations on a 1 to 9 scale, where 9= highest quality and 5= acceptable. Mean LSD (P=.05) for all ratings is equal to 1.0. w x
Table 2. Mid-season fungicide application for control of brown patch, Brookmeade Sod Farm, Doswell, VA, 2008. BROWN PATCH (%) Fungicide (Rate )
Nozzle
June 17
July 1
July 7
July 16
July 22
July 31
Aug. 6
Aug. 14
Untreated
XR TeeJet
4.8 ax
9.8 ab
13.3 a
16.8 a
30.0 a
37.5 ab
50.0 a
36.3 a
Untreated
AIXR
2.0 a
4.3 cd
3.5 a
6.0 bc
17.5 bc
32.0 abc
37.5 ab
35.0 a
Untreated
Turbo TwinJet
3.3 a
5.5 bcd
8.8 a
13.8 a
28.8 a
45.0 a
50.0 a
35.0 a
Untreated
TurfJet
2.8 a
4.8 cd
6.3 a
11.3 ab
26.3 ab
38.0 ab
35.8 ab
28.8 ab
Endorse (4)
XR TeeJet
A
3.8 a
2.5 d
1.5 a
1.0 c
3.8 d
11.5 def
10.5 cd
14.5 b-e
Endorse (4)
AIXR
A
4.3 a
5.0 bcd
1.8 a
1.3 c
2.5 d
10.8 def
9.8 cd
16.0 b-e
Endorse (4)
Turbo TwinJet
A
2.3 a
2.5 d
0.5 a
0.5 c
1.3 d
4.5 ef
9.5 cd
13.0 b-e
Endorse (4)
TurfJet
A
3.8 a
1.8 d
4.0 a
2.8 c
9.3 cd
17.5 c-f
21.3 bcd
23.8 a-d
Heritage TL (1)
XR TeeJet
B
5.8 a
11.3 a
7.5 a
2.3 c
1.5 d
4.8 ef
12.5 cd
14.3 b-e
z
Appl.
y
Heritage TL (1)
AIXR
B
4.5 a
3.5 d
3.5 a
0.5 c
0.5 d
2.0 f
5.5 d
6.0 e
Heritage TL (1)
Turbo TwinJet
B
3.5 a
2.8 d
2.3 a
1.0 c
1.0 d
2.0 f
6.0 d
13.3 b-e
Heritage TL (1)
TurfJet
B
3.8 a
4.8 cd
4.8 a
1.3 c
1.8 d
6.8 ef
9.3 cd
10.5 de
Armada (1.2)
XR TeeJet
B
5.8 a
8.8 abc
8.0 a
1.3 c
0.8 d
9.5 def
11.3 cd
10.5 de
Armada (1.2)
AIXR
B
3.0 a
2.8 d
2.3 a
6.3 bc
2.5 d
7.0 ef
13.8 cd
11.3 cde
Armada (1.2)
Turbo TwinJet
B
4.5 a
4.3 cd
6.8 a
1.0 c
2.0 d
8.8 def
11.3 cd
10.5 de
Armada (1.2)
TurfJet
B
4.3 a
5.0 bcd
7.3 a
1.3 c
3.0 d
10.8 def
15.5 cd
10.0 de
Fore (4)
XR TeeJet
A
2.8 a
1.5 d
0.8 a
0.5 c
1.8 d
4.3 f
13.0 cd
12.5 b-e
Fore (4)
AIXR
A
5.0 a
3.5 d
2.5 a
2.3 c
3.5 d
12.8 def
21.3 bcd
23.3 a-d
Fore (4)
Turbo TwinJet
A
6.3 a
2.3 d
4.8 a
4.5 c
5.5 d
13.8 def
20.0 bcd
27.5 abc
Fore (4)
TurfJet
A
4.0 a
3.0 d
5.0 a
1.8 c
4.0 d
17.5 c-f
22.5 bcd
20.0 a-e
Medallion (0.5)
XR TeeJet
A
3.8 a
2.3 d
3.8 a
1.5 c
3.0 d
19.3 c-f
21.3 bcd
14.5 b-e
Medallion (0.5)
AIXR
A
4.5 a
3.0 d
3.0 a
1.8 c
4.0 d
18.3 c-f
20.0 bcd
20.0 a-e
Medallion (0.5)
Turbo TwinJet
A
5.5 a
2.0 d
4.0 a
3.8 c
6.5 d
26.3 bcd
26.3 bc
23.8 a-d
Medallion (0.5)
TurfJet
A
4.3 a
4.0 cd
3.5 a
3.0 c
7.5 d
22.5 b-e
25.0 bc
17.5 b-e
3.0
4.8
6.7
6.4
8.8
18.2
18.6
16.7
LSD (P=.05)
Fungicide application rate in oz./1,000ft2. Treatments were applied on June 17 (A) and July 1 (A,B). x Values are means of four replicates. Means within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to the Least Significant Difference test (P=.05). z y
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
17
APPLIED RESEARCH pathology program here at The University of Tennessee has been evaluating application techniques and granular technologies that could change how we make fungicide applications in the future.
Application techniques Most previous research evaluating proper nozzle selection for fungicide applications has focused on optimizing control or uniformity on closely mowed surfaces, such as golf course greens, tees or fairways. Little is known about the impact of nozzle selection on reaching leaves in the lower canopy of higher-cut grasses such as tall fescue. While I was at Virginia Tech in 2007 prior to coming to UT, our lab conducted preliminary research to evaluate different nozzle types, using the fungicide azoxystrobin (Heritage). The nozzles types tested included: TeeJet Flat Fan XRC11004, Air Induction AIXR11004, Turbo TwinJet TTJ60-11004 and TurfJet 1/4TTJ04. The research was conducted at Brookmeade Sod Farm (in Doswell, VA) on a nine-monthold stand of LESCO Sod Blend tall fescue (30% Laramie, 30% Stetson, 30% Bravo, 10% Shamrock Kentucky bluegrass). As a result of the effectiveness of azoxystrobin, none of the different nozzles appeared to affect the longevity for up to 30 days (see Table 1). In 2008, we modified this work to look at other fungicides that were not as effective as azoxystrobin to try to determine if we did observe differences. These fungicides included products
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
containing propiconazole (Banner) and mancozeb (Fore). Two additional active ingredients that are naturally occurring were also used, polyoxin D (Endorse) and fludioxonil (Medallion), which may become more common among sod farmers, as the public begins to demand the use of more environmentally sound products. This research was funded by The Lawn Institute and the Virginia Sod Growers Association. At the time of trial establishment, there was relatively low disease pressure, and applications were considered early curative. Percent brown patch ranged from 2.0 to 6.3, with no significant differences. Disease was most severe in early August. On most rating dates, there were no significant differences between the four untreated controls, but our data did show that there was a great deal of variability in disease development across trials, which makes determining significant factors more difficult (Table 2). In a simple analysis of variance, there do not appear to be any significant differences in disease development with any of the nozzle types, although there is a relatively consistent trend that more disease is present in plots that were treated using a TurfJet nozzle. Data from untreated plots were removed from the analysis so that only plots treated with fungicides were evaluated. This allowed us to examine the correlations between nozzle type and disease control more accurately. When this was done, our data suggested a consistent trend across rating dates and
trials that more disease develops in plots treated using the TurfJet nozzle than with other nozzles that provide more uniform coverage. Between the two trials at Brookmeade Sod Farm, there were three rating dates with significantly more disease in plots treated with TurfJet nozzles than with any other nozzle (Table 3A and 3B).
Does it have to be sprayed to be effective? New granular technologies are coming to the market, particularly in the golf and sports turf markets, that are allowing turf managers to apply products with less-sophisticated equipment, and the negatives of such things like mower pickup have also been reduced. However, these products have rarely been tested on higher-cut grasses, such as tall fescue grown for sod. Preliminary data from 2007 showed that the use of newer active ingredients in combination with the improved granular carriers provided comparable control to foliar applications of the same fungicide. In the past, when someone would ask about the use of granular products, our response was to not waste the time making the application. However, with newer granular technologies such as the DG particle from The Anderson’s and others like it that disperse into thousands of microparticles upon contact with water, these products seem to have promise. Using granular fungicides will give growers more flexibility with applications and reduce labor costs with less mixing, filling and sprayer cleanup. These options will also allow facilities that have difficulty justifying the purchase of a sprayer with an affordable way to apply products that will improve the quality of their facilities. In 2007, we evaluated 16 granular products for their control of brown patch (Table 4) on tall fescue turf. Some of the tested products are currently available — Compass G (trifloxystrobin), Golden Eagle (myclobutanil), Prophesy
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
CONTINUED Table 3B. Early curative brown patch control, Brookmeade Sod Farm, Doswell, VA, 2008.
Table 3A. Late-summer application for brown patch control, Brookmeade Sod Farm, Doswell, VA, 2008.
BROWN PATCH (%)z
BROWN PATCH (%)z NOZZLE
Aug. 14
XR TeeJet
13.0 a
AIXR
10.9 a
Aug. 28
Sept. 4
NOZZLE
July 7
July 16
July 22
July 31
Aug. 6
Aug. 14
15.3 ab 10.0 a
12.5 a
XR TeeJet
4.3 a
1.3 a
2.2 a
9.9 a
13.7 a
13.3 a
AIXR
2.6 a
2.4 a
2.6 a
10.2 a
14.1 a
15.3 a
Aug. 21 y
12.4 a
9.2 a
9.4 a
Turbo TwinJet
8.3 ab 17.3 b
10.0 a
10.6 a
Turbo TwinJet
3.7 a
2.2 a
3.3 a
11.1 a
14.6 a
17.6 a
TurfJet
8.6 b
14.9 b
19.1 b
TurfJet
4.9 a
2 a
5.1 b
15 a
18.7 a
16.4 a
LSD (P=.05)
4.7
LSD (P=.05)
2.6
1.7
5.5
19.0 b 4.2
3.9
5.4
1.4
6.3
5.3
Mean percent brown patch of all fungicide treated plots. Untreated control plots excluded from analysis. y Values are means of five fungicides with four replicates each. Means within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to the Least Significant Difference test (P=.05). z
Mean percent brown patch of all fungicide treated plots. Untreated control plots excluded from analysis. y Values are means of five fungicides with four replicates each. Means within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to the Least Significant Difference test (P=.05). z
Table 4. Brown patch severity at Brookmeade Sod Farm, Doswell, VA, 2008. BROWN PATCH (%) – BSF TREATMENT
RATE
z
INT.
y
Untreated
July 3 0.8 a
x
July 10
July 17
Aug. 2
6.5 a
4.8 a-f
6.8 b
Aug. 7 26.3 a
Aug. 14
Aug. 28
16.3 ab
23.0 a
AND7056
4.5
28
1.0 a
3.0 a
1.3 ef
5.5 b
5.3 fgh
2.0 ef
0.8 f
AND7057
4.5
28
1.3 a
1.8 a
1.5 def
3.0 b
7.5 c-h
3.3 def
0.8 f
AND7058
4.5
28
1.5 a
5.0 a
1.5 def
5.5 b
6.0 e-h
4.8 c-f
3.5 ef
AND7059
4.5
28
0.5 a
2.5 a
0.5 f
3.3 b
3.0 h
0.8 f
1.3 f
BAS 500 UZ F
3.02
28
0.8 a
3.8 a
9.8 a
10.5 b
15.3 b-f
12.8 b-e
10.5 b-e
BAS 516 UJ F
3.02
28
0.5 a
3.0 a
1.8 def
5.3 b
7.5 c-h
7.0 b-f
4.8 ef
BAS 595 UB F
3
28
0.8 a
1.8 a
7.3 abc
7.8 b
17.0 a-d
4.8 c-f
5.3 ef
BAS 673 UA F
1.96
28
0.3 a
3.3 a
1.5 def
2.3 b
4.5 gh
2.3 ef
1.5 ef
Compass G
5
28
1.5 a
4.3 a
0.8 f
8.5 b
10.3 b-h
6.0 b-f
6.5 def
Golden Eagle
0.25
14
1.0 a
4.3 a
6.5 a-e
10.5 b
16.0 a-e
6.5 b-f
7.5 c-f
Golden Eagle
0.25
14
0.3 a
4.5 a
7.5 ab
22.8 a
17.5 abc
+ Govenor*
4
28
Prophesy
2.5
28
1.3 a
4.3 a
6.8 a-d
9.0 b
17.5 abc
Thiophanate-methyl
2.5
14
1.0 a
3.3 a
3.8 b-f
8.5 b
20.0 ab
Fungicide VIII + fert
3
14
0.8 a
2.8 a
4.8 a-f
5.0 b
6.5 d-h
7.0 b-f
10.5 b-e
Compass G
5
21
0.5 a
2.0 a
2.8 b-f
6.0 b
13.8 b-g
13.8 bcd
14.5 a-d
Compass G
5
21
0.8 a
4.8 a
2.0 c-f
4.0 b
4.5 gh
8.3 b-f
9.3 c-f
+ Govenor*
4
28
LSD (P=.05)
1.6
2.8
5.3
8.7
10.6
26.3 a
6.0 b-f 14.8 bc
10.8
16.3 abc
9.5 b-f 18.5 ab
9.2
Application rate in lbs product per 1000ft2, except Golden Eagle in oz active ingredient per 1,000ft2. Fungicides were initially applied on July 2 and reapplied at the listed interval (days). x Values are means of four replicates. Means within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to the Least Significant Difference test (P=.05). z y
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
19
(propiconazole), thiophanate methyl and Fungicide VIII (iprodione + thiophanate methyl) + fertilizer — while others are still in development. Most of the products were applied on 28-day intervals, with the exception of Golden Eagle (14 days), thiophanate methyl (14 days), Fungicide VIII (14 days) and one of the Compass G applications (21 days). Of the fungicides that were tested, only two were on a moretraditional particle (thiophanate-methyl and Fungicide VIII), whereas the rest of the products were on improved carriers such as the DG particle. Our preliminary results showed that the improved particles coupled with effective fungicides have made possible 28-day control of brown patch using a granular product (Table 4). These studies are being repeated this year to help us determine the effectiveness of these products. Too often, granular products have been overlooked as viable products because of their past reputation of not performing similarly to sprayable products. However, with the advent of these new granular technologies and improved fungicides, these products will have a use in many new markets. Just a few examples of such uses would include: making an application to turf when it is too wet to have a sprayer driven over it, farms that don’t own a sprayer or would like to apply products with a spreader and restricted drift situations where drift of a product cannot be tolerated. These possible uses are just a few of the many places where these products will have a use in the near future.
Conclusions Environmental concerns continue to be at the forefront of everything that turfgrass professionals consider when making applications. Therefore, it will be critical that we do everything possible to make sure that an application will provide effective disease control through the use of the most efficient application techniques available. Nozzle selection and granular application technologies are just two of the ways researchers and scientists are trying to make the most out of our fungicide applications.
TURF TALK
22
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
CONTINUED By James T. Brosnan, Ph.D., and Greg K. Breeden, The University of Tennessee
Over
the past several years, budgets for turfgrass maintenance have been reduced dramatically all across Tennessee. Lawncare operators, golf course superintendents and athletic field managers have all had to adjust to the struggles associated with maintaining high quality turf with less money.
To conquer these challenges from a weed-control perspective, turf managers must comprehensively evaluate their management programs to determine where valuable budget dollars should be spent. The steps presented below can be used as a guide for making weed-control decisions on a restricted budget.
#1. Prioritize your areas. The first step in effectively controlling weeds on a restricted budget is to realize that any program implemented most likely will not be comprehensive. While the entire facility may have been treated in the past, with fewer dollars in the budget now, it is critically important that turf managers determine what parts of their facility need to look the best (i.e., be free of weeds). Many turf managers grade these areas. For example, in sports turf, game fields for varsity sports may be deemed A-level areas, practice fields may be deemed Blevel areas, and those used for band or physical education class may be deemed C-level areas. On golf courses, putting greens, fairways and roughs may be considered A, B, and C-level areas, respectively.
#2. Plan for optimal timing. Once key areas have been identified, it is important to determine when these areas need to look the best. If sites are used more during the fall, weed control in early spring becomes less important. This especially rings true in the transition zone. There are significant costs associated with fall overseeding, including the cost of seed, fertilizer, water (in some cases), labor for mowing and herbicides for weed control. Chemically removing the overseeded turf in spring can cost as much as $150 per acre, in addition to the cost of selective winter annual broadleaf and grassy weed control.
So, if your budget is tight, consider not overseeding in fall and then controlling weeds with a non-selective herbicide in spring while the bermudagrass is still dormant. This strategy will provide economical control of winter annual broadleaf and grassy weeds with a single herbicide application. Lack of competition from the overseeded turf will also allow bermudagrass to recuperate from fall traffic more efficiently in spring. Research conducted at The University of Tennessee found that programs delivering non-selective herbicide applications to dormant bermudagrass provide more effective and economical weed control than those that incorporate fall overseeding and selective herbicide applications.
#3. Determine acceptable weed pressure. Another important step in controlling weeds with less money is to determine the amount of weed pressure that warrants a herbicide application. This is directly related to the expectations of users (golfers, athletes, homeowners, etc.) and the scope of the budget provided. While a 100% weedfree stand may have been the standard in the past, budgets may require that this be shifted to 85% or 90%. Another option is to ensure that A-level areas are 100% weedfree, while B and C-level areas remain at 70% to 80%. These adjustments may help stretch dollars for weed control.
#4. Maintain your cultural practices to maximize turf density. A dense stand of vigorously growing turf is the best defense against weed invasion. Weeds invade turf stands only if there is a void in the canopy in which to do so. With fewer budgetary dollars available for weed control, turf managers should thoroughly evaluate their cultural practices to ensure
that everything possible is being done to maintain turf density and vigor. Practices such as selecting traffictolerant cultivars, applying fertilizers to meet soil-test recommendations, sufficiently irrigating to meet plant needs, mowing at a proper height of cut, aerifying regularly and applying plant growth regulators all serve to maximize turf density and consequently reduce the likelihood of weed infestations. In a world of smaller budgets, implementing cultural practices to maximize turfgrass density should be thought of as preventative weed control.
#5. Check your equipment calibration. Correctly calibrating your spraying equipment is probably the easiest way to save money when budget dollars are limited. Studies have shown that over 80% of licensed pesticide applicators have calibration and/or mixing errors greater than 5%. These errors have been found to range from a 40% under application to a 60% over application, resulting in over $4 million in lost revenue. Sprayers should be calibrated at least one time per growing season, with nozzles changed regularly. Taking the time to check that spraying equipment is calibrated and operating properly will ensure that dollars are not wasted on improper herbicide applications.
#6. Select the correct product. Proper herbicide selection depends on many factors, including the weed requiring control, the stage of weed maturity and the species of turfgrass in which the weed has invaded. New herbicides are entering the marketplace with a focus on broadening the weedcontrol spectrum of a single herbicide application. These products typically combine two or more herbicides (that have been sold individually) into a single formulated product. Examples include Solitaire (sulfentrazone + quinclorac) and Onetime (quinclorac + MCPP + dicamba). Both of
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION
23
these products offer postemergence control of crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) and various broadleaf weeds. Using a product with a wide weed-control spectrum will reduce the number of herbicide applications required during the season.
#7. Prepare for the loss of MSMA. The loss of an effective, economical postemergence herbicide like MSMA will make weed control even more difficult with restricted budgets. Questions about legal applications of MSMA still linger throughout the industry. Details of the MSMA phase-out are as follows.
Golf Courses Registrants of MSMA will not be permitted to sell the product for golf course use after December 31, 2012; however, distributors will be able to sell products containing MSMA until June 30, 2013. Use of MSMA on golf courses after December 31, 2013 will be prohibited. Until the December 31, 2013 deadline, newly constructed courses will be allowed one broadcast application, and existing courses will be able to use MSMA only as a spot treatment, providing that spots are less than 100 ft2 and that no more than 25% of the course is treated within a given year. These restrictions were made effective on September 30, 2009.
Sod Farms Registrants of MSMA will not be permitted to sell the product for sod farm use after December 31, 2012; however, distributors will be able to sell products containing MSMA until June 30, 2013. Use of MSMA on sod farms after December 31, 2013 will be prohibited. Until the December 31, 2013 deadline, two broadcast applications of MSMA will be allowed per season, and a 25' buffer strip will be required for farms bordering permanent water bodies. These restrictions were made effective on September 30, 2009.
Highway Rights-of-Way Registrants of MSMA will not be permitted to sell the product for use on highway rightsof-way after December 31, 2012; however, distributors will be able to sell products containing MSMA until June 30, 2013. Use of
MSMA on highway rights-of-way after December 31, 2013 will be prohibited. Until the December 31, 2013 deadline, two broadcast applications of MSMA will be allowed per year, and a 100' buffer strip will be required when spraying near permanent water bodies. These restrictions were made effective on September 30, 2009.
Sports Turf, Residential Turf and Commercial Turf Maintenance Registrants of MSMA for use on residential turf, commercial turf and sports turf use can no longer sell the product; however, distributors will be able to sell products purchased before December 31, 2009 until December 31, 2010. After December 31, 2010, existing stocks of MSMA can be legally used for weed control on residential, commercial and sports field turf until they are exhausted, provided that these uses comply with the EPA-approved label and labeling of the affected product. Other uses that fall under this restriction include forestry, non-bearing fruit and nuts, citrus (bearing and non-bearing), seed production (bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass), drainage ditch banks, railroad, pipeline, utility rights-of-way, fencerows and storage yards.
Final thoughts The loss of MSMA will certainly make managing weeds in warm-season turf more difficult and, inevitably, more expensive. The EPA has agreed to conduct a scientific review in 2012, evaluating available information describing the mode of action of MSMA and benefits conferred by its use as a herbicide. If this review is favorable, use of MSMA on golf courses, sod farms and highway rights-of-way may continue beyond 2013. Until then, research is continually evaluating new compounds, as well as combinations of existing compounds, that will help soften the blow of losing MSMA as an option for weed control in turf. To follow the latest research being conducted at The University of Tennessee, visit http://tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org. All aspects of turfgrass management, including weed control, become challenging after budget cuts. Taking the time to evaluate why certain practices have been implemented in the past should help identify the key components of your maintenance program requiring attention (and budget dollars) in the future.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 5–7
JANUARY 26–29 ANLA Management Clinic (American Nursery & Landscae Association) Louisville, KY
45th Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show
JANUARY 28–29 Mid-States Horticultural Expo Kentucky International Convention Center Louisville, KY
Marriott Cool Springs Franklin, TN JANUARY 11–15 STMA Annual Conference (Sports Turf Managers Assn.) Austin, TX
FEBRUARY 7–11 Golf Industry Show Orlando, Florida FEBRUARY 14–15 TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits (TN Nursery & Landscape Assn.) Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN
JANUARY 31– FEBRUARY 4 TPI Midwinter Conference (Turfgrass Producers International) Orlando, FL
ADVERTISERS Bayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 www.bayerprocentral.com
NewLife Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 www.newlifeturf.com
Covermaster, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 www.covermaster.com
Quali-Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover www.quali-pro.com
Dickens Turf and Landscape Supply . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover www.dickenssupply.com
Sur-Line Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Turfgrass America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 www.turfgrassamerica.com
Syngenta Turf & Ornamental . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com
Winstead Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 www.winsteadturf.com
Ewing Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 www.Ewing1.com Graham Lawn Equipment, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .25 www.grahamlawnequipment.net
Tri-Turf Sod Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 www.turfmountain.com
Tennessee 811/ Tennessee One Call . . . . . . .20 www.tennessee811.com Texas Sod Leasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 www.texassod.com
Jackson Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Kesmac / Brouwer Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 www.kesmac.com Mid Tenn Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 www.midtennturf.com Modern Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 www.modernturf.com
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
The Pond Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 www.thepondlady.com The Turfgrass Group . . . . . .5, Inside Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com TN Crop Improvement Association . . . . . . . . .24 www.superiorseeds.org
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com