Tennessee Turfgrass - August / September 2015

August/September 2015

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

Why

Large Patch Is So Difficult to Control

UT’s New and Improved Turf Weed Science Website Also Inside! Preview of the 2015 UT Turfgrass Field Day, September 10

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS August/September 2015

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FEATURED ARTICLES

14 16 18 22

Upcoming Event — The University of Tennessee Turf & Ornamental Field Day, September 10, 2015 TTA Member Profile — Lynn Ray, Vice President, Golf Management Group Cover Story — Why Large Patch Is So Difficult to Control Turf Talk — Version 2.0: UT’s New and Improved Turf Weed Science Website

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Paul Carter, CGCS From the TVSTMA President, Marty Wallace From the MTGCSA President, Jarrod Kepple News from TTA: Call for Awards Nominations Index of Advertisers Industry News Calendar of Events

6 8 8 11 25 26 26

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 ©2015 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. 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.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015

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From the TTA President

Paul L. Carter

Keeping It

Cool O

kay, I’ve decided that I’m staying in the air-conditioned office for the rest of the year. Wow, what a hot summer this has been, or at least it has seemed that way to me. From the extreme heat to the torrential downpours, it makes me wonder sometimes why we’re in this profession. What kind of sick, self-loathing people would put themselves through this torture every day? Then I take the time to look around at the finished products that we in the turfgrass industry produce, and I see all the other people enjoying the fruits of our labor, and it all makes sense.

I have said it before, and I’ll say it again — we are blessed to be in this chosen profession. Whether you’re a manager of turfgrass, a supplier of either products or equipment, or a researcher trying to find the next great breakthrough, we all contribute to a fantastic turfgrass industry in Tennessee. Recently, my family and I were at a Chattanooga Lookouts game, and I overheard a conversation from the row behind me where the person stated, “Sometimes I just come to the game to see the beautiful field.” We don’t always hear the great comments that are made about our work, but trust that they are out there.

All those long days away from our families out in the blistering sun do not go unnoticed, unappreciated or easily dismissed. I hope you’ve taken some time this summer to slow down just a bit and look at what you’ve accomplished and the joy it brings to everyone else.

As summer starts to come to a close, we get the chance to look ahead to fall and time to recharge our batteries and get ready for the next growing season. One of the best opportunities to see the latest in research for turfgrass and ornamentals is just around the corner at the UT Turf and Ornamental Field Day that will be held on September 10, 2015 (see page 14). The UT research team has been working hard to once again provide us with information that will make us better leaders in our industry. Great education, great fellowship and some great banana pudding. Whatever gets you there, you’ll not go away hungry for food or knowledge.

And speaking of food, let me remind you of the TTA Membership Social that we’ll have again the night before the Field Day. Each year, TTA hosts a “get-together” or social so the people traveling in for the Field Day the night before have a place to socialize with one other and so we can show our appreciation for our membership. At this time, we have not finalized a location, but information will be on its way soon.

There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months for us all. Now is the time to start marking your calendars for the exciting, fun and educational opportunities on the horizon.

Let’s keep growing!!

Paul L. Carter, CGCS 2014–2015 TTA President

The miss

ion of the Ten nessee Turf gr as s A ss o c iat io n

To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 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@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Vice President Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues (615) 799-8664 Secretary/Treasurer Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. (731) 642-3092 Past President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Executive Director Shelia Finney Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 533-3925 TTA 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Doug Estes Kurt Dryden Scott Freund Cal Hill Joe Hill Timothy Long Mickey Lovett Bill Marbet Mitch Parker Jason Sanderson Chris Sykes Doug Ward TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten

From the TVST M A President

Marty Wallace

Get a Step Ahead of Fall at the UT Field Day! As

fall approaches, I encourage everyone to attend the University of Tennessee Field Day on September 10. The information and research reports that will be presented that day will assist you with planning the steps you need to take to get your fields ready for fall sports. These steps may include cultural practices such as overseeding, fertilizing, applying herbicides, adding dirt and re-grading the infield and mound

work. Be sure to take advantage of this popular annual event. To get a step up before winter hits, you should begin with a plan, so circle the date on your calendar.

Marty Wallace

2015 TVSTMA President

From the M TGCSA President

Jarrod Kepple

Reflections on Today and the Future I

hope this summer has been going well for everyone, whether you grow bentgrass or bermudagrass.

My daughter loves to watch “Girl Meets World” on the Disney Channel. We sat down to watch it the other day, and the episode was about smartphones. The teacher made the kids go to the library to do a report, but they could not use their phones, computers or any device to get on the internet. When they got to the library, the kids acted like they were time travelers.

They tried several different ways to talk to the librarian, to no avail. When she “shhh’d” them, they had no clue what she was doing.

I like to think that I am still relatively young, but I am old enough to remember the card catalog, the fiction and non-fiction sections in the library and the due date stamped on the back of the book you checked out. I also remember walking on a green not too long ago and pulling out my phone to look up what potential disease the green seemed to have. I know we have all been to seminars about how the internet has helped our profession. This never really hit home until I watched that Disney Channel episode.

My daughter may never have to look into a book during her school years, unless the teacher wants to prove a point. The resources available to us online are amazing, as well as how easy it is to

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find information dealing with turf, within seconds of asking the question.

Now that I shared how late I am to realize the benefits of the internet, I would like to say thank you to MTGCSA for letting me be your president this year. When I first thought about the position, I was very hesitant. I do not like public speaking or having my photo taken. However, this has been one of the best things I have done.

My point in saying this is that I know we have many new/ younger members. There is no better way to meet people and see how others function than being on the MTCGSA board of directors. It has been a great experience for me. I urge anyone who has thought about being on the board to talk to a member and see what it’s about. You do not have to become president; you can simply become a director. If you find you are not interested in it after your term, that’s fine. If you want to continue and work your way up, that’s fantastic.

Again, my thanks to the organization, and especially to all the board members. You all have been wonderful.

Jarrod Kepple

2015 MTGCSA President

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

News from TTA

Who Would You Select As

TTA Professional of the Year?

?

TTA Professional of the Year • Nomination Form Person Being Nominated:________________________ Person Making the Nomination:___________________

Do

you know an outstanding turfgrass professional in Tennessee who deserves the recognition of his or her peers? If so, now’s the time to let the TTA know who you believe should receive one of the association’s highest honors — the TTA Professional of the Year Award — at the TTA Annual Conference and Tradeshow this coming January.

Please take a moment to mail in the nomination form on the right.

Nominees will be reviewed by the TTA Awards & Scholarship Committee, which will make a recommendation for approval by the TTA board of directors. Nominations must be postmarked no later than October 28, 2015.

Please send entries to: TTA Awards Program • Paul L. Carter 8919 Harrison Bay Road • Harrison, TN 37341 (423) 344-6374 • paul.carter@tn.gov

Reason for Nomination:_________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

2016 TTA Environmental Stewardship Award

The

Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) would like to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals, organizations, businesses, educational institutions and agencies for successful projects or activities designed to improve the environment through wildlife-habitat preservation, water and resource conservation and reduction, and educational outreach. Through our Environmental Stewardship Award, we can create greater knowledge and awareness of environmental and conservation practices and projects by members of TTA who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to environmental protection and improvement.

All entry materials must be submitted according to the procedures outlined below. The TTA Awards Committee, consisting of highly regarded TTA professionals, will independently judge the entries.

The winner will be notified in November, and the Environmental Stewardship Award will be presented at the TTA Awards Ceremony at the 2016 TTA Annual Conference.

Criteria for Consideration The following criteria must be met to

submit for the TTA Environmental Stewardship Award: • Property must be fully managed by an active and in-good-standing member of TTA. • Property must have been in use for at least two years.

• All materials must be submitted in one application packet.

How to Apply In order to be considered for the TTA Environmental Stewardship Award, the following materials must be submitted to the TTA Awards Committee no later than October 28, 2015: 1. A type-written essay, no longer than one page in length, that includes the following information: • Name and location of the property • Name and contact information of the person in charge of the property • A detailed account of how the property has improved, protected and/or promoted environmental protection and conservation. The Awards Committee is looking for unique and innovative ways in which individuals have changed practices or programs on the property to either reduce the use

of (and conserve) natural resources, improved or created natural habitats, or encouraged environmental awareness through outreach and education.

2. A minimum of two original photographs of the property, with captions.

The committee encourages creative photos that show how actions and activities on the property have improved or benefitted the environment. Documentation of environmental certifications from Audubon International, The Groundwater Foundation or the Environmental Institute for Golf is encouraged. Materials prepared for education and outreach, as well as any published articles or case studies promoting environmental stewardship, are also encouraged. Photos of wildlife, unless unique in nature, should not be submitted. T All entries must be postmarked no later than October 28, 2015.

Please send entries to: TTA Awards Program Paul L. Carter 8919 Harrison Bay Road Harrison, TN 37341 (423) 344-6374 • paul.carter@tn.gov

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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NEWS FROM TTA 2016 TTA Golf Course of the Year Award

The

Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) recognizes that golf course superintendents make personal and professional contributions to our industry and to the organizations/golfers that they serve.

Therefore, the TTA would like to distinguish golf courses across the state with the Golf Course of the Year Program. Through this program, we are able to greatly further one main element of our mission: to gain acknowledgement for the professionalism of our members.

This year, based on the results of the judging, the following awards may be presented at the TTA Awards Ceremony at the TTA Annual Conference in January 2016: • TTA Private Golf Course of the Year • TTA Public Golf Course of the Year All entry materials must be submitted

according to the procedures outlined below. The TTA Awards Committee, consisting of highly regarded TTA professionals, will independently judge the entries.

Winners will be notified in November.

Criteria for Consideration The following criteria must be met to submit for the TTA Golf Course of the Year Awards Program: • The golf course must have had two full seasons of play.

• All materials must be submitted in one application packet.

How to Apply In order to be considered for the TTA Golf Course of the Year Awards Program, the following materials must be submitted to the TTA Awards Committee no later than October 28, 2015:

1. A type-written essay, no longer than one page in length, that includes the following information: • Name and location of the golf course • Level of play (i.e., private, public) • Name and contact information of the golf course superintendent • An explanation any special challenges faced by you and/or your team. These challenges may include funding, lack of labor, weather, drought, event preparations/conversions or anything else that you feel the Awards Committee should know about why this golf course should be recognized as Golf Course of the Year. Include anything unusual or new that you have done to overcome these challenges. The Awards Committee is looking for innovative solutions to turfgrassmanagement problems.

2. A minimum of two original photographs of the golf course, with captions.

The committee encourages creative photos — photos that show the versatility of the course, display unique characteristics of the course and show the crew’s unique talents. Focus on issues specific to your golf course that tell the story (issues such as drainage, environmental stewardship, weather, etc.). Do not simply provide “beauty shots” of the course, as they do not reflect the true struggles and triumphs of you and your crew. T All entries must be postmarked no later than October 28, 2015.

Please send entries to: TTA Awards Program Paul L. Carter 8919 Harrison Bay Road Harrison, TN 37341 (423) 344-6374 • paul.carter@tn.gov

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

2016 TTA Sports Field of the Year Award

The

Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) recognizes that sports field managers make personal and professional contributions to our industry and to the organizations/athletes that they serve. Therefore, the TTA would like to distinguish athletic fields across the state with the Sports Field of the Year Program. Through this program, we are able to greatly further one main element of our mission: To gain acknowledgement for the professionalism of our members. This year, based on the results of the judging, the following awards may be presented at the TTA Awards Ceremony at the TTA Annual Conference in January 2016: • TTA Professional Sports Field of the Year • TTA Collegiate Sports Field of the Year • TTA High School Sports Field of the Year • TTA Municipal Sports Field of the Year All entry materials must be submitted according to the procedures outlined below. The TTA Awards Committee, consisting of highly regarded TTA professionals, will independently judge the entries.

Winners will be notified in November.

• Level of play (i.e., professional, collegiate, high school – public, high school – private, municipal) • Name and contact information of the head turf manager • An explanation any special challenges faced by you and/or your team. These challenges may include funding, lack of labor, weather, drought, event preparations/conversions or anything else that you feel the Awards Committee should know about why this sports field should be recognized as Field of the Year. Include anything unusual or new that you have done to overcome these challenges. The Awards Committee is looking for innovative solutions to playing-surface problems.

2. A minimum of two original photographs of the field, with captions.

The committee encourages creative photos — photos that show the versatility of the field, display unique characteristics of the field and show the unique talents of the crew. Focus on issues specific to your field that tell the story (issues such as drainage, environmental stewardship, weather, etc.). Do not simply provide “beauty shots” of your field, as they do not reflect the true struggles and triumphs of you and your crew. T All entries must be postmarked no later than October 28, 2015.

Please send entries to: TTA Awards Program Paul L. Carter 8919 Harrison Bay Road Harrison, TN 37341 (423) 344-6374 • paul.carter@tn.gov

Criteria for Consideration The following criteria must be met to submit for the TTA Sports Field of the Year Awards Program: • For the purposes of this program, a “field” constitutes ONE natural grass playing surface.

• A field must have had two full seasons of play (may be concurrent — i.e., football and soccer on the same field in the fall, etc.).

• All materials must be submitted in one application packet.

How to Apply In order to be considered for the TTA Sports Field of the Year Awards Program, the following materials must be submitted to the TTA Awards Committee no later than October 28, 2015: 1. A type-written essay, no longer than one page in length, that includes the following information: • Name and location of the field TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Upcoming Event

The University of Tennessee

Turf & Ornamental Field Day September 10, 2015 • 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

By Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee (@UTturfweeds)

The

University of Tennessee Turf & Ornamental Field Day has become one of the largest and fastest-growing field day events in the United States. Last year, our event drew more than 500 people interested in cultivar evaluations, athletic field turf, ornamental plant materials and the latest strategies for managing infestations of turfgrass weeds and diseases. This year’s event, even bigger and better with more features, will be held on Thursday, September 10, at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center – Plant Sciences Unit in Knoxville, TN. The Center is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 129/Alcoa Highway, approximately four miles south of Neyland Drive.

The address is 3215 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920.

The UT Turf & Ornamental Field Day app Again this year, attendees will be able to download a FREE interactive mobile app to enhance the Field Day experience. The mobile app, when launched, is available for both iOS and Android devices through the App Store and Google Play. The app is designed to enhance attendees’ Field Day experience and provide additional resources for use after the Field Day is complete. Key features include: interactive station information, including contact 14

information for each presenter; a downloads center with digital information that presenters provide related to their presentations; a platform for attendees to answer polls that are part of Field Day presentations; and a full suite of social-media resources, including photo galleries and videos.

We are excited to bring this new level of engagement to Field Day. Only attendees at Field Day will have access to this fantastic mobile application.

Discounted hotel rooms

Social-media engagement (#UTTurfFD15)

The event opens 7:00 a.m., with educational sessions slated to run from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A light breakfast and BBQ lunch will be served.

The UT Field Day is once again going social. For the past two years, we have provided the turf community and beyond a glimpse into our Field Day through the Turf Republic platform with The University of Tennessee Turfgrass Field Day Social Media Experience. Partnering with Turf Republic, this year’s social-media experience will again provide a look into our program with interactive photos, videos, interviews, updates and a LIVE blog. Don’t wait until September — begin engaging now with the UT turfgrass team and fellow Field Day attendees using the hashtag #UTTurfFD15. Updates and information about this year’s event will be posted through social media, including the UT Turf & Ornamental Field Day app.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Rooms are being held at the Knoxville Airport Hilton for the nights of September 9 and September 10 at a rate of $99 per night for Field Day participants. This special rate will be available until August 26 or when the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. Visit (online) goo.gl/U4vx5a to make reservations.

Educational Topics

PRE Weed Control for Tennessee Turf & Ornamentals You Get What You Pay For: Tall Fescue Lawn Establishment and Maintenance Strategies for Managing Diseases of Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens New Tools for Turfgrass Aerification Climate Change and the Costs of Carbon Abatement in Turf Management Boxwood Blight is Here; Now What?

Plant Diseases That May Change the Way You Do Business

POST Weed Control Throughout the Landscape New Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Cultivars for Tennessee: An NTEP Review Emerald Ash Borer, Crape Myrtle Bark Scale and Other Invasive Pests Best Management Practices for Non-Turf Areas on Athletic Fields Ornamental Grasses for TN Landscapes Hydrangea Boot Camp Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Management A New Strategy for Managing Bermudagrass: Fraze Mowing Behind the Curtain: Tour of the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center – Plant Sciences Unit

Pesticide Re-Certification and Continuing Education Points

Two Ways to Pre-Register Pre-registration is your best option.

We encourage everyone to pre-register before the August 27 deadline in order to take advantage of reduced fees and guarantee yourself lunch and a copy of the proceedings booklet.

• Pre-register online with a credit card by August 27 at tiny.utk.edu/ TurfFieldDay. • Return the hard-copy pre-registration form via U.S. Mail. A copy of that form can be accessed at www.tennesseeturf grassweeds.org/pages/fieldday.aspx.

Discounted registration rates available for employees of the same business: $35 for additional employees (preregistration) or $45 on-site registration UT Faculty, Staff or Student: Free Non-UT Student: $12 preregistration/ $15 on-site registration

For More Information For more information about the event and programs, visit tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org.

If you would like to request an accommodation for accessibility, please call 865-974-7201. T

Costs On-site Individual Turf/ Ornamental Professional: $75 (Preregistration by August 27: $65)

Editor’s Note: Author would like to acknowledge William Brown, CGCS, (@TurfRepublic) for his contribution to this article.

• A total of 6 pesticide recertification points are available in categories C1, C3, C6, C10 and C12 for Tennessee attendees.

• Pesticide recertification credits for attendees from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia also will be available.

• International Society of Arboriculture and Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits will be available.

• A total of 0.50 Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA) continuing education points also will be awarded.

Bring your employees!

Do several members of your crew need further education on turf and ornamental management? Do several of your employees need pesticide re-certification credits?

Additional employees of a single business can be pre-registered at a significant discount!

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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TTA Member Spotlight TTA Member Spotlight on

Lynn Ray Vice President, Golf Management Group

Location: Nashville, TN Number of years in this position: 22 years Where did you attend college, and what year did you graduate? 1985, from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro What was your major? Plant and Soil Science, with an emphasis in turf (I was the weird guy with khakis in the agricultural building.)

How long have you been a member of TTA? 1985 Have you held any positions on TTA’s board of directors?

Board member, beginning in 1988 President of TTA in 1999 and 2000 Advisory member to the TTA board since 2001 What year did you get started in the turfgrass industry? 1976 at Shelby Golf Course

Why did you choose a career in the turfgrass industry? Danny Gibson (former superintendent of Golf Metro Nashville Parks) encouraged me to pursue a career in turf instead of proshop operations.

What did you do before your current job position?

Golf course superintendent at Nashboro Village Assistant superintendent at Belle Meade Country Club What do you enjoy most about your job? The ability to work with a varying group of people (golf and sports turf managers) to solve problems and improve the facilities.

Who have been your mentors in the industry? Danny Gibson (Metro Parks), David Green (Belle Meade C.C.) and David Battis (The Raskin Company).

Have you won any job-related awards?

Yes, I shared the TTA Professional of the Year Award with my wife and best friend, Cindy Ray, in 2005.

How has the TTA enhanced your career? TTA has offered many opportunities to advance my profession through education, networking with peers and leadership skills. The lessons provided through my relationship with the TTA have been of great value.

What are your hobbies? Duck hunting Tell us a little about your family.

Cindy and I have been married since 1990. We have one son, Hayden, who was born in 1993 and who is a recent graduate of Lipscomb University. T

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Cover St ory

Why

Large Patch

Is So Difficult to Control

By Jesse Benelli, Graduate Student, Turfgrass Pathology, The University of Tennessee

R

hizoctonia solani is perhaps the most widely recognized plant pathogenic species across the globe. In turfgrass, R. solani is to blame for causing brown patch on cool-season grass and large patch on warm-season grass.

Advances in molecular pathology have enabled researchers to divide R. solani into separate anastomosis groups (AGs).

We now know that R. solani that causes brown patch is AG 2-2 IIIB, whereas its counterpart that causes large patch is AG 2-2 LP. Large patch is the given name of the disease because of its relative size compared to other diseases of turf. Patches may begin as a few inches in diameter but

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can rapidly expand to more than 10 feet.

Large patch is a minor disease of bermudagrass but a major disease on zoysiagrass in Tennessee. The reason that R. solani has a greater affinity for zoysiagrass is currently unknown.

Environmental conditions that favor large patch development include high relative humidity (>85%) coupled with moderate temperatures (mean daily temperature ≈ 55°F to 65°F). Extended cloud cover may also exasperate large patch severity. In Tennessee, these environmental conditions are most commonly observed during fall and spring when zoysiagrass is slowly growing into and out of winter dormancy.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Symptom expression can be visible a few days after colonization of the fungus. One of the first symptoms is a dark lesion that develops just under the plant sheath. The lower (older) leaves soon shed their green color in favor an orange discoloration. This orange discoloration is also evident at the margin of expanding patches (see Photo 1). Similarly to how brown patch produces a “smoke ring” when active, large patch produces what I would best describe as a “ring of fire.”

The pathogen has the ability to over-winter (or over-summer) through a production of specialized survival structures called sclerotia. The sclerotia produce new hyphae each spring and

fall that, through a leaf-to-leaf network of mycelium, cause new infection.

Many pathologists refer to this disease as a perennial disease because patches re-form in the same areas as the previous year (Photo 2). Thus, once this disease is present, it becomes a yearly frustrating battle for golf course superintendents managing zoysiagrass.

Disease management Effective disease-management strategies against large patch are currently limited.

Few biological or cultural control options have been identified. Research out of Kansas State has found that cultivation practices that remove soil organic matter and improve surface drainage may reduce large patch severity in some years. However, research out of Arkansas suggests that cultivation practices such as aerification may further spread the pathogen if aerified during times of disease activity.

Nitrogen fertilization timing and source may also play a critical role in large patch development. However, data remain unclear if nitrogen fertilizer increases, decreases or causes no effect on large patch severity. Research is ongoing at universities to help shed new light on managing this disease without sole reliance of chemical inputs.

Most golf course superintendents and sod producers manage large patch using fungicide sprays. The effectiveness of fungicide sprays, however, is often variable from year to year and from location to location. Typical recommendations for preventive large patch applications begin in fall when soil temperatures drop to 70ºF to 74ºF in the upper 2 to 4 inches of the rootzone. A second fall application is usually warranted if environmental conditions remain conducive late into the season. In the spring, preventive fungicide sprays are applied when approximately 60% to 80% greenup is observed.

Despite a strong preventive program, large patch breakthrough is still commonly observed on intensively managed fairways. However, this escape in disease control isn’t as pronounced in our small plot research trials. Why is large patch breakthrough so rarely observed for the

Photo

1

A dark lesion on the plant stem is a common symptom of large patch.

Expanding patches are evident by a bright orange “ring of fire” at patch margins.

April 6, 2014 Breaking winter dormancy

Photo

2

November 10, 2014 Entering winter dormancy

Large patch is often called a perennial disease because patches re-emerge in the same areas each year.

researcher? More importantly, why is it so prevalent for those managing large acres of zoysiagrass fairways?

#1. Perfectly timed fungicide applications The timing of fungicide applications is important in managing any turfgrass disease, and large patch is no exception. For researchers, monitoring soil temperatures and spring greenup is relatively easy in small 2,000 ft2 trial areas. In these areas,

soil temperatures and greenup is uniform due to a consistent microenvironment across plots. This is a far cry from golf course superintendents managing fairways, with each having different microenvironments. A microenvironment may or may not support large patch developing at different times.

For example, fairways that receive full sun will maintain growth longer in fall and will green up earlier in the spring.

This affect is more pronounced on south-

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Cover St ory facing slopes (Photo 3). In these areas, large patch may be active late into fall and earlier than expected in the spring.

The opposite can be observed in areas with increased morning shade where dormancy will occur first and greenup will be delayed (Photo 3). In these areas, large patch could be observed earlier into fall and much later in spring.

This site-specific dynamic may help shed light on why disease breakthrough occurs in areas that received preventive sprays. The disease may have already

been active before preventive sprays were applied or may have remained active long after preventive sprays wore off. Close monitoring and mapping of affected areas could help identify these pesky large patch hotspots from continuing to escape your fungicide-management program.

#2. Window of application opportunity Spring and fall months in Tennessee are notorious for producing prolonged rain events. Usually, the first break of summer

November 10, 8:15 a.m. — South Facing

#3. Cost

November 10, 8:20 a.m. — Morning Shade

Differences in fall color retention between sunny and shaded fairways are common occurrences on golf courses.

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heat happens with a diving cold front that produces inches of precipitation ahead of a cooler air mass. This can also be the fuel that ignites large patch activity. For researchers, the window of application time is relatively easy to navigate. In small plot research, a 15-treatment trial can be sprayed in 30 minutes. Furthermore, as long as standing water isn’t present, a trial can be sprayed immediately after a rain event with lightweight spray equipment.

Golf course superintendents may have a difficult time spraying fairways immediately before or after significant rain events. Saturated soil conditions will cause large spray rigs to create ruts across the fairways. More troubling is the time it takes to spray zoysiagrass fairways. For example, if a golf course has one spray rig and more than 25 acres of fairways to treat, then the window of application time may exceed 6 hours from start to finish.

This elevates the risk of a pop-up shower washing the fungicide off the leaf surface before drying.

Fungicide sprays are most effective when applied preventively rather than curatively. Close monitoring of weather patterns is crucial in managing a fairway disease such as large patch. It’s often better to err on the side of caution and apply the fungicide a day or two early, as opposed to a day or two late.

Photo

3

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Cost can be a significant limiting factor for developing a large patch management program in fairways. Costs per acre can exceed $350 per acre depending on the chemistry used. This equates to an estimated cost of $8,500 when treating all fairway areas. Luckily, options exist to significantly lower the cost of fungicide sprays.

Most university and industry recommendations suggest that three applications are required for near-complete control of large patch. Out of the three fungicide applications recommended (two in fall and one in spring), the first fall preventative application may be most critical. In our research, we have tested all types of fungicide programs that evaluated either fall-only or spring-only applications. By

Continue d in the spring. After a successful preventative spray in the fall, spot-treating fairways in the spring may yield acceptable results Figure

1

while minimizing costs. This strategy is made easier by mapping large patch hotspots each spring and fall. T

At least two fungicides are recommended for large patch control.

Fall applications were made on September 18 and October 20.

Spring applications were made on April 14.

Large patch control using Headway, Mirage and Prostar fungicides

Large Patch Severity (%)

and large, the most important fungicide program is one that includes a well-timed fall application. This is the application that should be applied preventively or as a very early curative application. With this fall application successfully applied, a golf course superintendent now has options to significantly reduce costs.

One option to significantly reduce fungicide expenditures is to use less expensive chemistries. The active ingredient tebuconazole is a demethylation inhibition (DMI) fungicide that has provided comparable large patch control compared to other more expensive active ingredients such as azoxystrobin and flutolanil (Figure 1). Tebuconazole is distributed as Torque™ by Nufarm, and a green-pigmented formulation of tebuconazole called Mirage™ is also available through Bayer Crop Science.

Another option to reduce fungicide costs is to spot-spray breakthrough areas

100

Nontreated

75

Headway 3.0 fl oz (2 Fall, 1 Spring)

50

Mirage 1.0 fl oz (2 Fall, 1 Spring)

25

Prostar 2.2 oz (1 Fall) + Mirage 1.0 fl oz (2nd Fall App).

0

Oct 10

Nov 12 Apr 14 Rating Dates

May 12

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Turf T alk

Version 2.0

Turf Weed Science Website UT’s New and Improved

By James T. Brosnan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Turfgrass Weed Scientist, and Greg K. Breeden, Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee

S

even years ago, The University of Tennessee (UT) turfgrass weed science website — at www.tennes seeturfgrassweeds.org — debuted online,

and since then, it has become a valuable resource for many people throughout the green industry. More than 120,000 individuals from 173 different countries have

made use of the research-based information on weed management that’s available via the UT turfgrass weed science website (see Figure 1).

Percentage of Visits (%)

Percentage of Website Visits from Mobile Devices 30 20 10 0 2010

2011

2012

2013

> 90% iPhone, iPad

Geographic range of visits to The University of Tennessee turfgrass weed science website since 2008.

22

Figure

1

Figure

2

Increase in visits to The University of Tennessee turfgrass weed science website from mobile devices.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Technology, however, has advanced greatly since 2008, with the use of mobile devices becoming almost ubiquitous throughout the turf industry. Statistics show that approximately 80% of adults own a smartphone, while 40% also access the internet via a tablet (Global Web Index, 2014). Traffic to the UT turfgrass weed science website certainly reflects this trend, as the percentage of visits to our website via mobile devices doubled every year from 2010–2013 (Figure 2).

In 2014, the user interface of www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org was completely redesigned to meet the needs of clientele accessing the website from mobile devices. The new interface makes use of responsive-design technology, which means that the layout of each page within the website is automatically optimized based on screen size. If someone visits our website from a laptop computer, the layout will be different than if he or she had accessed it from a smartphone.

In each instance, the layout selected is optimal for the size of the screen being used to view web content (Figure 3).

Additional new features

added to the most current version of the website. Users will have access to several different reference materials on herbicide resistance, including lesson modules from the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), reference materials outlining herbicidal mechanisms of action and instructions for reporting a potential case of herbicide resistance.

Laptop View

Figure

3

Considering that instances of herbicide resistance are more common in annual bluegrass (Poa annua) than in any other turfgrass weed, the new website provides users with an online tool for selecting herbicides for annual bluegrass control.

Given that annually rotating herbicidal modes of action is important for managing resistance, this new tool allows users iPhone View

Responsive-design technology changes the layout of the new website based on the visitor’s screen size.

New weed identification tool Our weed identification tool was the section of our website that received the most traffic since its debut online. A new and improved version of this tool has been incorporated into the latest version of our website. The new weed identification tool has been redesigned to make better use of images to aid in weed identification (Figure 4). Additionally, each listing within our weed database is linked to control recommendations via our mobile application — www.mobileweedmanual.com.

Herbicide-resistance resources Instances of herbicide resistance in turfgrass have increased steadily since the UT turfgrass weed science website was launched in 2008. As a result, a new suite of herbicide-resistance resources has been

Figure

4

The new weed identification tool makes use of images from the field.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Turf T alk to simply select the herbicide that was last used to control annual bluegrass, and the tool subsequently populates labeled pre-, pre-/post- and post-emergence herbicide options that vary in mode of action from what was last applied. These options are both color coded and sorted by WSSA group number to aid in selecting herbicides that vary in mode of action.

Field Day information pages

Growing and cooling degree-day data are captured for multiple locations across Tennessee.

Figure

5

Each year, The University of Tennessee hosts a Herbicide-Resistance Field Day in spring focused on annual bluegrass, as well as a larger Turf and Ornamental Field Day in September. The new version of our website contains information pages about both of these events, including options for online registration and for taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities.

Climate data The use of growing and cooling degreedays has become increasingly important in turfgrass management. Growing degreedays can be used to time applications of preemergence herbicides for crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), coordinate plant growth regulator applications for annual bluegrass seedhead suppression or time proper reapplication intervals of trinexapac-ethyl to minimize clipping yield. Similarly, research at The University of Tennessee has found that cooling degree-days in fall are helpful in timing herbicide applications for the control of perennial weeds such as dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) and common bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.).

The new version of our website automatically tracks growing and cooling degreeday accumulations for several locations across Tennessee, including Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga (Figure 5).

Be sure to check it out!

Our entire team is extremely proud of the new and improved version of our turfgrass weed science website. We hope that the website will continue to be a valuable resource for years to come. Please forward any comments, questions or concerns about the website to Dr. Jim Brosnan at jbrosnan@utk.edu. T 24

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Digital Market place

Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

Index of Advertisers Bayer....................................................................... 7 www.bayerprocentral.com Buy Sod........................................ Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com BWI Companies.................................................... 10 www.bwicompanies.com Champion Turf Farms............................................ 16 www.championturffarms.com Coosa Valley Turf Farms....................................... 25 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com Covermaster, Inc................................................... 21 www.covermaster.com Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc................................. 3 www.greenvilleturf.com Lebanon Turf........................................... Back Cover www.lebturf.com

McCurdy Sod Farms.............................................. 25 www.mccurdysodfarms.com Mid Tenn Turf, Inc.......................................... 12, 25 www.midtennturf.com Modern Turf, Inc................................................... 24 www.modernturf.com RD Murphy, LLC.................................................... 15 www.rdmurphy.com Sigma Organics, Inc................................................ 9 www.SigmaTurf.com Smith Seed Services............................................. 25 www.smithseed.com Southern Athletic Fields, Inc................................ 25 www.mulemix.com Sur-Line Turf, Inc..................................................... 9 www.surlineturf.com

Syngenta Turf........................................................ 13 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com The Turfgrass Group............................................... 5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Thomas Bros. Grass, LLC...................................... 17 www.thomasbrosgrass.com Tri-Turf Sod Farms................................................ 25 www.triturfsod.com Turf Mountain Sod................................................ 15 www.turfmountain.com Turface Athletics................................................... 10 www.profileproducts.com Turfgrass of Tennessee.......................................... 9 Winstead Turf Farms...................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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In dustry N ews

Smith Turf & Irrigation Win State Contract for Grounds Maintenance Equipment/UTVS

The

State of Tennessee has approved a statewide multi-year contract for Smith Turf & Irrigation to provide Toro outdoor maintenance equipment and utility vehicles, Club Car utility vehicles and 1st Products/ AERA-vators for use by all state agencies, local governmental entities, private nonprofit institutions of higher education and other authorized users. This contract was approved with start/end dates of 3/16/2015 – 3/15/2017, and this agreement provides the state agencies of Tennessee competitive pricing on the entire portfolio of Toro grounds maintenance equipment and utility vehicles, Club Car light-duty utility vehicles and 1st Product AERA-vators, verticutters, slicers and seeders. These products will be sold, serviced and supported by the following resource partners:

Bill Blackburn • GM - TN Business 615-726-8811/800-575-4784 bill.blackburn@smithturf.com

Nick Nicholson • Territory Mgr./Eastern TN 704-512-9121 nick.nicholson@smithturf.com Tim Long • Territory Mgr. / Middle TN Smith Turf & Irrigation 704-512-9119 tim.long@smithturf.com

“The contract for the State of Tennessee is an exciting channel through which we can provide top-quality equipment, all backed by our nationally recognized service team,” explained STI’s president, Steve Smith. “We look forward to partnering with Tennessee state, municipal and other authorized nonprofit agencies to deliver outstanding products and resources to help them maintain and enhance their respective green areas and spaces. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Tennessee industry professionals to take advantage of the very best in outdoor maintenance equipment and utility vehicles.”

About the Company Smith Turf & Irrigation is a 4th-generation, family-owned distributor of golf course and outdoor maintenance and landscape equipment, products and supplies. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, STI services the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Bermuda. In addition to the main offices and warehouses in Charlotte, they have distribution centers in Nashville and Richmond. Their 18 branches are strategically located throughout their territory to provide local support of residential and commercial irrigation, lighting and water garden contractors and include 7 outdoor power equipment dealerships operating under the STI Turf Care Equipment banner. T

Calendar of Events September 10

UT Turfgrass & Ornamental Field Day Knoxville, TN

September 14

September 28

MTGCSA Scholarship and Research Tournament The Grove Arrington, TN

October 21–23

PLANET Green Industry Conference Louisville, KY

October 22

MAGCSA 2015 Scott McNeer Scholarship & Research Tournament Windyke Country Club

October 6

ETGCSA Meeting Patriot Hills G.C. Jefferson City, TN

MAGCSA Round Table and Bushwood Golf Outing Chickasaw Country Club Memphis, TN

September 15–17

October 10–14

October 22–24

NRPA Congress and Expo (Nat. Rec. and Park Assn.)

Las Vegas, NV

September 17–18

Tennessee Green Industry Expo (TN Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Music City Center Nashville, TN 26

IPPS Southern Region Annual Meeting Tampa, FL

October 20

MTGCSA Meeting Stones River Country Club Murfreesboro, TN

GIE+Expo — Green Industry Equipment Expo and School of Grounds Management Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

November 10

MTGCSA Meeting Bluegrass Yacht & C.C. Hendersonville, TN

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

November 2

MAGCSA Big Bubba Skeet Shoot and Cookout Bubba’s Ranch Hernando, MS

November 6–9

ASLA – Annual Meeting & Expo (American Society of Landscape Architects) McCormick Place Chicago, IL

January 12–14, 2016

50th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show Embassy Suites Hotel Murfreesboro, TN