Tennessee Turfgrass - October / November 2018

October/November 2018

Preparing For Poa Plus, Program for the

53rd Annual TTA Conference and Tradeshow, January 7-9, 2019

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS October/November 2018

FEATURED ARTICLES

14 18 22 28

Upcoming Event — 53rd Annual TTA Conference and Tradeshow, January 7–9, 2019

22

Cover Story — Preparing for Poa

Feature Story – Zoysiagrasses: An Update

Member Spotlight – Douglas Ward, Belle Meade Country Club

DEPARTMENTS

4

From the TTA President

6

From the TVSTMA President

8

From the MAGCSA President

10

From the MTGCSA

11

From the ETGCSA President

12

The Turfgrass Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

29

Calendar of Events

30

Index of Advertisers

30

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018

28

TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS

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The 9009A is probably one of the best if not the best rough mower

”

that’s on the market today for wide area rough mowing.

– Jeff Reich, Superintendent

ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB

“

I love the TechControl for the tuneability of the A Model mowers. I can tune in those parameters. Programming in the turn speed is a big benefit for me.

– John Patterson, Director of Equipment

”

SHELTER HARBOR GOLF CLUB

“

We felt the 9009A was the perfect fit for us here at Shelter Harbor. The quality of cut we got was just second to none. It was unbelievable how well that machine performed.

”

– Mike Dachowski, Superintendent

QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB

“

I love the A Model mowers, especially the reel technology. I’m even more impressed

”

with some of the adjustments that we can make, thanks to the TechControl display.

– Keith Wood, Superintendent

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From the TTA President

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

Fall has arrived...

I think!!

This

time of year in Tennessee you don’t know how to dress! The summer is dragging on into end of September with mid 90 temperatures and drought.

Then getting large amounts of rain the first day of October and some cooler temps finally for seeding season.

What a great year for growing warm season grasses, our Bermuda and Zoysia grasses did better than the last few years.

The cool season grasses struggled more than ever this year. Now we are trying to keep the weeds out and have to keep them watered properly.

With that said, planning is a must by putting your turf management skills to work for this upcoming winter and preparing for the next spring. There is no better way to do that than to come to the next

TTA conference and trade show being held in January.

That’s what your TTA board committees and Jim Brosnan and his UT staff and students have been working so hard to give you — the best Tennessee conference you can get. So get online and sign yourself and your crews up. If you’re a vendor, this is the place to show off your goods. Go online and get a booth. You don’t want to miss this event for January 7th – 9th.

Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes for you and your family for a great fall season and a happy upcoming holiday season.

Happy Growing !

Jason Pooler 2018–2019 TTA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 928-7001 info@ttaonline.org 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 Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. (731) 642-3092 Vice President Doug Ward Belle Meade C.C. (615) 292-6752 Secretary/Treasurer Chris Sykes Tellico Village (865) 458-5408 Past President Theo Lankford Kormac, LLC (615) 519-2701 Executive Director Melissa Martin Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 928-7001 TTA 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ryan Blair, CGCS Bart Cash Cal Hill Joe Hill Jeff Kuhns Timothy Long Bill Marbet Jason Sanderson Darren Seybold Ryan Storey Paul Webb Scott Wicker 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 TVSTMA President

Martin Kaufman

Meeting Dates for 2019 November 7th, TVSTMA met in Kodak, TN with the Tennessee Smokies as our host as to reflect on 2018 in preparation for 2019. Commercial Sponsorships are ready for 2019 at $750, $500, $250 and $100 categories with benefits to include logo displays and recognition at events and on the website, not to mention the multiple memberships and exhibition space at Field Day.

On

• In late October the Jackson Sportsplex will host TVSTMA in West TN.

2019 meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Please start reflecting on your desire to serve the industry as well as seek relationships and education to improve our personal and professional performance. Contact me about running for TVSTMA office.

• Annual meeting and officer elections at TTA January 7th–9th at Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro www.ttaonline.org.

• STMA Conference & Exhibition January 22nd–25th in Phoenix, Arizona. www.stma.org.

• Spring meeting will be hosted by Franklin Parks in Franklin, TN www.tvstma.org.

• Field Day will be hosted by Pigeon Forge Parks July 24th

We do encourage anyone and everyone to attend the field day, especially our friends from www.trpa.org, www.pgms.org, and www.tgcsa.net. The following is a link to photos of the vendors at Ridley Park 2018 https://www.dropbox.com/ sh/m4g5estoyia1ewk/AADleNXQrj7iC A7PojQbCEeMa?dl=0

I encourage CSFM testing and Environmental Facility Certification, this officially confirms that STMA environmental best practices are implemented throughout the facility in 10 areas of management.

This certification is valid for three years and is awarded to the facility, not a person. Review the Environmental Facility

Certification requirements at: https:// www.stma.org/environmental-facilitycertification-program/. For more info on either contact Ryan Storey, Vanderbilt ryan.storey@vanderbilt.edu.

I also encourage nominations for STMA’s highest honors, the four Founders Awards, which recognize those members who have made significant contributions to STMA and to the profession. Think about those who have made a difference in your career and the careers of your peers. See the criteria for each award (https://11luu vtufne6f2y33i1nvedi-wpengine.netdna -ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ Founders-criteria.docx) and use this form (https://11luuvtufne6f2y33i1nvediwpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/ uploads/2017/11/Founders-nomination -form-Interactive-updated-082112.pdf) to nominate a member who embodies the attributes of one or more of the Founders.

Submittals due Oct. 15. www.stma.org Remember, TVSTMA is your local industry organization formed to serve you.

We all need to submit to receive. Please consider submitting your “two cents” to make it possible to receive the return on investment. Collaboration is a key to community. Let’s help each other communicate, cooperate and serve our communities by engaging people, taking care of people, spaces and places important to you and making a difference — every person every day! If I may be of service, please contact me at (615) 946-8547 or martin.kaufman@abm.com

Martin Kaufman, CSFM, CPSI TVSTMA President

8

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

From the MAGC SA President

David L. Johnson

Happy

fall, y’all!

H

appy fall, y’all! Just kidding, right? As the end of the summer months are winding down and the official start of fall is here, I always get excited thinking of work slowing down

with cooler temperatures. You would think that after years and years, we would remember that Mother Nature sends us more heat and drought later than we expect. This time of year we are all exhausted

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

and pushing for the weather to change before it is ready. It won’t be very long and I will be complaining about freezing temperatures while dreading pulling those tarps in the wind that always seems to be blowing the wrong way.

This time of year means a couple of things for the Memphis area association.

Last month we held our annual Bushwood Classic golf outing at Jackson Country Club. I would like to give a big thanks to JD Boyce and all the staff for allowing us to enjoy the day at their facility. At this outing we award money to the net and gross winner that is used for professional development or towards the GIS tournament. I was unable to attend because of an outing at one of my own courses. I was told that the course was in immaculate condition. We have worked hard on our year end scholarship and research tournament that was held on October 29 at Spring Creek Ranch. This is our fundraiser for the year, so I thank anyone who played in or sponsored this event. Spring Creek always hosts an awesome event.

In closing, I would like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters that make the MAGCSA an association that I am proud to be part of. Hope to see all of you soon.

Sincerely,

David L. Johnson MAGCSA President

From the MTGCSA President

Brad Marcy

This year has

This

flown by!

year has certainly flown by. We just wrapped up October with a sold-out scholarship tournament that was hosted at Belle Meade Country Club. I would like to thank superintendent Doug Ward for serving as our host.

Thanks so much to all who came out to play and enjoy our time together.

Also in October we hosted an equipment managers educational seminar. This seminar was a great success. More than 50 equipment managers from across the state joined us to learn more about the science behind rotary and reel type mowing on fine turf. Some of the highlights included:

On a final note, I would like to congratulate Paul Carter on his nomination as a candidate for the GCSAA Board of Directors. I will be serving as your TN GCSAA Chapter Delegate for the coming year and will be attending the Chapter Delegates meeting in November at GCSAA headquarters as well as representing our chapter at the at elections during GIS. If you have

any questions or concerns with Chapter voting or just any concerns in general, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope all of you have had a good season this Summer.

Brad Marcy Indian Hills Golf Course MTGCSA President

•D iscussion of mowing theory and all aspects of cutting unit adjustments and configurations to achieve high performance mowing results.

•L earning how to measure/calculate reel mower; frequency of clip, cutting unit attitude, reel diameter, reel coning, blade path.

•D iscussing, demonstrating, performing maintenance procedures, reel and bedknife grinding, back lapping, bedknife refacing and de-burring techniques, setting bedknife attitude, paralleling cutting unit rollers. Instruction was also provided for proper adjustment of cutting unit turf compensation springs and traction unit counter balance springs.

As we draw closer to the end of the year, we will have an annual election for MTGCSA. If you are interested in serving on the board, please let us know. And if you are not a member of MTGCSA, we would love to have you join.

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

11

From the ETGCSA President

Better late than never

Southeast Turf utilizes the best deep aerification equipment available today to address any type of turf aerification need, including Deep Drill and Drill & Fill.

etter late than never... Fall has finally arrived in Tennessee, and what a welcome change in weather it has brought us. Hopefully the change in season has given everyone the opportunity to enjoy life away from the golf course.

I want to thank Council Fire Golf Club and Host Superintendent Gary Weller for their outstanding hospitality at this year’s Scholarship and Research Tournament.

Thanks to our sponsors and all of our members who participated.

The ETGCSA will elect new Board members at this year’s TTA Conference.

I encourage each of you to consider serving. You can do so as an elected official or as an appointed Advisory member. I have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know so many of you over the past 6 years during my time with the Association. My life has been enhanced beyond measure through my interactions with the great people in Tennessee’s turfgrass profession. I will be stepping down from the Board this December. I want to thank Jeff Rumph for his remarkable commitment to our Association. Most of all, I thank him for the friendship we’ve built over the past 6 years. No one is more passionate about our Association than Jeff and each of us owe him a considerable debt of gratitude for his many years of service.

If you would like your name added to the ballot for 2019, please reach out to myself or Melissa Martin.

Planning for the 2019 meeting schedule will begin soon. If you have an exciting topic or speaker you would like to see at a meeting, please share those thoughts with a Board member.

Randy Emens

See you at TTA,

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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Upc oming Event

53rd Annual Conference & Tradeshow January 7 – 9, 2019

•

Embassy Suites

•

Murfreesboro, TN

GCSAA Continuing Education Credits Available and Pesticide Points available for TN, KY, GA, SC, and MS.

Don’t miss our keynote speaker on Tuesday, January 8 —

Condredge Holloway Jr.!

For more information or to register, visit us online at www.ttaonline.org.

14

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

The

Tennessee Turfgrass Association Annual Conference & Tradeshow is designed exclusively for the turf professional including golf course superintendents, sports field managers, lawn care operators, landscapers, sod producers, grounds managers and anyone involved in the turf industry.

Registration Please complete the registration form and return it along with a check for all fees payable to The Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

Additional copies of the form may be made as needed. Members are encouraged to email a copy of the registration form to The TTA and then mail the original with a check. Please keep a copy of the completed registration form for your confirmation. Everyone is encouraged to register early.

Hotel Reservations The TTA has reserved a block of rooms at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN until December 8. After December 8, reservations will be subject to availability and regular rates. The room rate is $151. Please call 615-890-4464 and reference the Tennessee Turfgrass Association room block to get the group rate or use the group code TUF. You can also make your reservations online by going to www.ttaonline.org and clicking on events.

Location The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. From I-24 East or West take exit 76 Medical Center Parkway. Head north on Medical Center Parkway, hotel is located on the right.

It is located 29 miles (35 minutes) from the Nashville airport (BNA). You may reach the hotel by calling 615-890-4464.

More Information For more information, call The Association office at 615-9287001, email info@ttaonline.org or visit www.ttaonline.org.

Message from the President Since 1965, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has held strong to its core mission: To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research. As we celebrate our 53rd anniversary, we eagerly invite you to join us at this year’s Conference and Tradeshow at the beautiful Embassy Suites Murfreesboro.

This year’s conference features an excellent education program and an expanded tradeshow floor, plus our annual awards, recognitions and a keynote address by Condredge Holloway, Jr., former quarterback for the University of Tennessee from 1972 to 1974.

Come Grow With Us,

Jason Pooler

2018–2019 TTA President

Register online at www.ttaonline.org, under Events.

Conference Schedule Monday, January 7, 2019 Time

Turfgrass Science

8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Please Welcome, My Next Guest: Candid interviews on the turfgrass industry from Drs. Sorochan, Brosnan, Samples, and Nikolai Hosted by Dr. Brandon Horvath, University of Tennessee

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Managing Turf to Meet Expectations Dr. Thom Nikolai, Michigan State University

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ditch the Crap Apps David Drobny, NashSevereWx.com

Time

Professional Development

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Fundamentals of Winning: Mental Toughness, Culture, Results Stonewall Solutions

Time

Annual Meetings

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TGCSA and TVSTMA

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

15

Upc oming Event Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Time

Golf Turf

Time

Sod Workshop

Time

Sports Turf

8:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Shark Tank – Best Grass for TN Greens Ultradwarf? Creeping bentgrass?

Zosiagrass?

Hear pitches explaining why each grass is best for Tennessee putting greens and see what “sharks” buy into each idea Ultradwarf lead – Rod Lingle Creeping bentgrass lead – Chris Sykes Zoysiagrass lead – Dr. John Sorochan Sharks: Dr. Brandon Horvath, Dr. Thom Nikolai, Trey Cutshaw, Dan Johnson Moderators: Jason Sanderson, Dr. Jim Brosnan

8:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

Ways to Grow Your Business Early Morning Panel Discussion Licensing New Varieties, Automated Harvesting Equipment, H2A and H2B Labor Laws, Installing Sod Panelists: Dr. Jay McCurdy, Miss. State Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International Jason Pooler, Tri-Turf Sod Bobby Winstead, Winstead Turf Farm Moderator: Bob McCurdy, McCurdy Sod Farm

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

One Field, One Season Chad Price, CSFM Carolina Green

9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Break

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Beyond Baseball: A Full Scale Look at Managing Dodger Stadium Jordan Lorenz, Los Angeles Dodgers

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Break

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Regulations for Trucking Sod on Tennessee Interstates Brad Wilbanks, Tennessee Highway Patrol

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lessons Learned in the Southeast This Year Addison Barden, United States Golf Association

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Farm Succession & Estate Planning – What to Do Now! Alan Galloway, University of Tennessee

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Art of Sports Turf Management Stephen Crockett, CSFM

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 -p.m.

Ways to Grow Your Business Late Morning Panel Discussion Sod Tensile Strength, Dicamba Regulations, Miscellaneous Panelists: Dr. Jay McCurdy, Miss. State Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International, Jason Pooler, Tri-Turf Sod Bobby Winstead, Winstead Turf Farm Moderator: Bob McCurdy, McCurdy Sod Farm

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tradeshow with Lunch on the Tradeshow Floor

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cocktail Function

5:00 p.m.* – 7:00 p.m.

TTA Annual Business Meeting & Awards with Keynote Speaker, Condredge Holloway **Emcee: Scott Senseman

Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Time

Golf Turf

Time

Sports Turf

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Golf Course Architecture 101 Bradley Kline, Golfweek

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Sports Turf Weed Control on a Budget Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University

9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.

Break

9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

Career Management for Superintendents Bradley Kline, Golfweek

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

The Importance of Field Quality at the High School and College Level Jeff Forehand, Lipscomb University

10:40 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Renovating an Old Classic to Meet Today’s Expectations Dan Stump, Chickasaw Country Club

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Break

11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

What Championships Are Made Of Keith Wood, Quail Hollow Club

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

SISSGrass: Reinforced Athletic Field Playing Surfaces for The Future Dr. Kyley Dickson, University of Tennessee

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Synthetic Turf Maintenance: What You Need To Know Dr. Dan Strunk, University of Tennessee

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Planning and Constructing a Ball Field with Limited Resources Brad Myers, Grace Christian Academy Leiper’s Fork

Time

Training for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Pesticide Certification Exam 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Learn All You Need for the Category 3 and Category 7 Exams Required to be a Certified Applicator in TN Dr. Darrell Hensley, University of Tennessee

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

16

Pesticide Licensing Exam

Take the Exam to Become a Certified Pesticide Applicator in TN Dr. Darrell Hensley, University of Tennessee

Cover Story

Preparing For Poa

By Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee

V

isiting turfgrass managers in recent weeks has revealed one major theme: Poa control is the last thing on anyone’s mind right now. Sustained periods of hot and humid weather had most in the southeast focused on the not-so-simple task of maintaining turf quality until the fall. “Survive and Advance” was certainly been the theme of the summer.

Although it may seem like the 11th task on a top-10 list of things to accomplish, time spent preparing for the upcoming Poa season will be well worth it in the long run. Ever-emerging resistance issues, the ability of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) to germinate across a wide range of environmental conditions, and erratic weather patterns have resulted in Poa control becoming one of the more complex issues facing bermudagrass and zoysiagrass

18

managers in the southeast during the shoulder seasons.

Each year our program at the University of Tennessee conducts numerous studies focused on strategies for controlling annual bluegrass in bermudagrass and zoysiagrass turf. Our hope is that lessons learned from this research will be helpful to those in preparing for the upcoming Poa season.

Here is what we learned in 2017–2018:

Sole Reliance on a PRE Program Can Be Risky A traditional approach to control Poa is to make a single application of a preemergence (PRE) herbicide such as prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) or indaziflam (e.g., Specticle) before Poa emergence in autumn.

This can certainly be an effective approach to managing Poa in the southeast, but sole

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

reliance on a single PRE application can be risky for several reasons: • Poa germination is not a singular event; there can be multiple germination events throughout autumn and early spring.

Considering that microbial activity and moisture start degrading herbicide upon entry into the soil, a single application of a PRE herbicide at an appropriate timing may not offer enough residual activity to control germination events occurring later in the season — particularly if weather patterns are not optimal.

• It is not uncommon for rainfall accumulation in spring to be quite high, therefore compromising the long-term control of a single application made in autumn.

In the spring of 2018, rainfall accumulation across much of Tennessee far exceeded 30-year averages (Figure 1).

Opposite Page: Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) germination and emergence from soil

• Many Poa populations have evolved resistance to commonly used PRE herbicides, particularly dinitroanilines like prodiamine (e.g. Barricade) and pendimethalin (e.g. Pendulum). Even under optimal conditions, treating resistant populations with these herbicides will be unsuccessful.

While it is possible to successfully control Poa using PRE herbicides, turfgrass managers should plan on a split application program to remain Poa-free from September through April. We typically make two applications of PRE herbicides in spring to control crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) from March through September; why would we expect applications targeting Poa in the fall to be different?

In situations where a split-application program isn’t possible, turfgrass managers should be prepared to control plants escaping PRE treatment with a postemergence (POST) herbicide in spring.

Mixtures are the Best Strategy for Effective Control For several consecutive years, a main conclusion of our statewide Poa control trials has been that herbicide mixtures are an optimal strategy for controlling Poa in bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. Using a herbicide mixture offers several advantages including: 1. A mixture provides an opportunity to take advantage of both PRE and POST activity in a single application. For

Figure 1: Rainfall accumulation data during spring 2018 at several Tennessee locations

example, one of the top performing mixture treatments in our 2017–2018 trials was Barricade + Monument applied October 17th.

2. Using a PRE + POST herbicide mixture allows applications to be made later in the fall, increasing the likelihood that a single application will keep turf Poafree throughout the spring. In Tennessee, an optimal time to control Poa with herbicide mixtures is late October. The POST portion of these mixtures controls plants that have emerged from soil while the PRE component can control plants germinating later in the autumn or early spring.

3. Combining two products typically involves bringing together two different herbicidal modes of action in a single application. This action will break selection pressure for resistance within a Poa population.

Ultradwarf Greens Require Special Attention There were many questions last spring about POST control of annual bluegrass on ultradwarf putting greens. When planning a Poa control strategy, these surfaces require even more focus than fairways or tees. Herbicide options for Poa control on ultradwarfs are limited to pronamide (i.e., Kerb; using a special 2ee label), foramsulfuron (i.e., Revolver), flazasulfuron (i.e., Katana), and amicarbazone (i.e., Xonerate 2SC). Each of these products has limitations when used for POST Poa control on ultradwarf greens in spring.

For instance: 1. Resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides such as Revolver and Katana is becoming more common throughout the southern United States, particularly on ultradwarf greens. These herbicides offer the best combination of Poa control efficacy and turfgrass safety on ultradwarf surfaces. If ALS inhibiting herbicides such as Revolver or Katana are still effective on putting greens, superintendents should do everything possible to preserve this by

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Cover Story

Image 1: Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) plants present under turf protected by a winter cover (right) are larger and more mature than those infesting turf outside the area protected by a cover (left)

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Image 2 : A Hound Dog Weeder (Ames Company) used to collect annual bluegrass plants for research

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

diversifying their control programs and not continuing to rely solely on these products for Poa control. Keep in mind that a “rotation” from Revolver to Katana is meaningless from a resistance standpoint; these products have the same mode of action and will both select for ALS-resistance within a Poa population.

2. Although applications of Kerb are labeled for use on putting greens, rates are reduced (compared to fairways/ roughs) to ensure turfgrass safety. Additionally, Kerb efficacy for Poa control can be affected by plant size with larger plants often being less responsive to treatment. This can be an issue if implementing a Poa control strategy is delayed until March or April. It is common for winter protective covers used on ultradwarf surfaces to accelerate growth of seedling plants that may be present within ultradwarf canopies, particularly if greens remain covered for multiple days (Image 1).

3. Don’t be afraid to use mechanical techniques to control Poa on ultradwarf greens. There are many instruments to quickly remove Poa plants with minimal surface disruption. Maintenance crews can easily use these economical devices to keep greens Poa-free. We regularly use mechanical removal tools when collecting plant samples for research (Image 2). In situations where resistance is at its worst, mechanical control is the only option remaining to manage Poa. Implementing a mechanical control strategy now, even on a subset of greens, can help break continued selection for resistant plants; thereby preserving long-term use of powerful herbicides such as Revolver and Katana.

Diagnostic Testing Will Save Money in the Long Run In 2016, The University of Tennessee opened their Weed Diagnostics Center to assist turfgrass managers with difficult weed management issues, particularly those related to herbicide resistance.

While there may be some “sticker shock” when first inquiring about the cost of a test to confirm resistance within a Poa

population, there is a long-term benefit to investing in this service.

Applying an herbicide for Poa control to a population that is resistant to that mode of action is, in a word, wasteful. These applications waste time, money, and labor resources while offering little to

no positive results. Diagnostic testing can help explain why a particular application failed (to prevent it from being repeated in the future). If conducted before application, testing offers scientific information about how Poa plants at your location will respond to a given treatment. T

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

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Feature Story

Zoysiagrasses:

An Update

Meyer zoysiagrass sod Zoysiagrass rhizomes and bermudagrass stolon

By Tom Samples and John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, Department of Plant Sciences

Z

oysiagrass, one of the earliest grass species to be used as turf, is native to Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the Philippines where the weather varies greatly depending on season. This relatively slow-growing, sod-forming and warm-season species forms a durable, uniform turf in full sun and light, open shade. Many zoysiagrass varieties produce no viable seeds and must be established from sod, plugs or sprigs.

Depending on the planting date, sprigging rate, and plug diameter and spacing, the vegetatively propagated varieties often require more than a year to totally cover the soil surface. Leaves and stems developing from nodes on stolons and rhizomes usually grow upright at an angle of about 90 degrees, a trait contributing to very good to excellent stand density. Zoysiagrass leaves are often stiff and stems are very tough due to high levels of lignin and hemicellulose. These attributes result in excellent wear tolerance.

The slow rate of growth of lateral stems compared to that of bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass causes zoysiagrass turfs to take longer to recover from damage from traffic, disease or insect activity. Generally, zoysiagrasses have very good drought, heat and salinity tolerance. The nitrogen (N) requirement of the species is usually lower than that of bermudagrass. In TN, an annual N rate of no more than 2 lbs. of N per 1,000 sq. ft. per yr. is most often recommended in residential turfs maintained at a cutting height of 1½ inches or higher. Plants often do produce substantial amounts of thatch, and intensely managed and highly fertile zoysiagrass turfs may require dethatching every two or three years.

Insect pests of zoysiagrass include white grubs (larvae of several species of Scarab beetles), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and hunting billbug (Sphenophorus venatus vestitus).

The disease large patch (Rhizoctonia solani), commonly referred to as Zoysia patch may also be problematic. Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a common weed problem in zoysiagrass turfs.

Perennial weeds with fleshy, subsurface and energy-rich bulbs such as wild garlic (Allium vineale), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia) can also compete with zoysiagrass for water, nutrients, light and space and may periodically require herbicide treatment.

An appropriate preemergence herbicide can be applied in late summer or early fall to control winter annual weeds such as annual bluegrass (Poa annua), common chickweed (Stelaria media),

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Thatch layer in zoysiagrass

purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). Similarly, the emergence of seedlings of many summer annual and perennial weedy grasses and broadleaf weeds can be prevented by applying an appropriate preemergence herbicide in late winter or early spring. In addition to insect and disease resistance, the growth rate, low-temperature hardiness, leaf width, color and shade tolerance also vary among species and varieties.

Species Zoysiagrass, named in honor of the 18th century Australian botanist Karl von Zois, was introduced into the U. S. from East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It has been previously reported that, in the mid-1890’s, Z. japonica, sometimes called Japanese or Korean lawn grass, was introduced into the U. S. from the Manchurian Province of China.

Zoysia matrella was believed to have been introduced into the U.S. from the Philippine Islands in 1912 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) botanist, C. V. Piper. As a result, this species is occasionally referred to as Manilagrass.

Recent research regarding the history of zoysiagrass suggests that Z. matrella may actually have been introduced into the U. S. from Japan in 1892, and that Z. japonica was introduced into the U.S. from Korea in 1894.

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Palisades zoysiagrass

Hunting billbug larva.

Photo credit Dr. Frank Hale

Zoysiagrass seed in inflorescence

Zoysiagrass seeds

Zeon zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass as greens research site – Knoxville Large patch disease on zoysiagrass. Photo credit: Dr. Alan Windham Countries in which zoysiagrass is native

Zenith zoysiagrass

A third species, Korean velvet grass or Mascarene grass, was most likely introduced into the U. S. from the Mascarene Islands (which are located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar) or from a plant collection (listed as plant introduction 9299) of USDA explorer David Fairchild in 1902 from Yokohama, Japan.

Originally referred to as Z. tenuifolia, this very fine textured species is now recognized as Z. pacifica. Rankings of low-temperature hardiness, leaf width and rate of growth by species are: Z. japonica > Z. matrella > Z. pacifica.

Varieties Vegetative, Clonal Types. Improved, vegetatively established varieties marketed in Tennessee include ‘Cavalier’, ‘Diamond’, ‘El Toro’, ‘Geo’, ‘Meyer’, ‘Palisades’, ‘Royal’, ‘Zeon’ and ‘Zorro’. El Toro, Meyer and Palisades are medium-coarse, lowtemperature-hardy varieties. Meyer, released in 1951, is one of the oldest varieties in the marketplace and remains the most widely maintained zoysiagrass in the state.

El Toro, released in 1986, resembles Meyer. However, El Toro is more shade tolerant, faster growing, has slightly wider leaves, is less dense and produces less thatch. In 1996, Texas A&M University released Palisades, a variety noted for good winter hardiness and improved shade tolerance. Cavalier, Royal, Zeon and

Zoysiagrass green research plot

Zorro are dense, fine-textured and relatively low-growing varieties. Cavalier, released for production in 1996, has long and slender leaves, good salt and traffic tolerance, and like Palisades, improved shade tolerance. Cavalier is also resistant to fall armyworms and large patch.

Royal, a variety released by Texas A&M University in 2001, has dense rhizomes and tillers, excellent salt tolerance, good shade tolerance and recovers more rapidly from injury than several other varieties. Royal may also transition from winter dormancy earlier than other varieties. Zeon, released in 1996

by Bladerunner Farms, is very tolerant of extended periods of drought, is adapted to both clayey and sandy soils, and develops a dense turf at a cutting height of ½ inch, one reason the variety is being maintained on golf course fairways. Zeon has good insect resistance, including hunting billbug, and shade tolerance.

Although the variety Zorro, released by Texas A&M University in 2001, has limited cold hardiness, it is fairly tolerant of low light conditions, recovers fairly quickly from damage, has excellent salt tolerance, and resists several diseases and insect pests. The variety Emerald, released in 1955 by the USDA, is a hybrid between Z. japonica and Z. pacifica. An objective of crossing the two species was to combine the darker green color, fine texture and excellent stand density of the Z. pacifica parent from Guam with the cold

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Feature Story hardiness and more rapid growth rate of the Z. japonica parent from Korea. Although less tolerant of extreme low temperatures, Emerald is denser, finer textured and more shade tolerant than Meyer.

The variety ‘Innovation’, a cross between the Z. matrella variety Cavalier and an ecotype of Z. japonica named ‘Anderson 1’, a derivative of Chinese Common, is a joint release by Texas A&M University and Kansas State University. Cold tolerance, fall color retention and spring transition of the variety are equivalent to Meyer, and plants have a finer leaf texture and are more resistant to bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus). Newer vegetatively established zoysiagrass varieties continue to gain acceptance and market-share in TN and other states located in the turfgrass ‘transition’ zone, and will most likely eventually replace both Meyer and Emerald.

Seeded Types. The inflorescence of seed-producing Z. japonica plants consist of a flower stalk called a peduncle supporting the entire inflorescence to which racemes with 10 to 50 seed-containing spikelets are attached. Each seed is suspended on a short (1½ to 6 mm) pedicel and alternately attached along each spikelet.

Presently, seed of ‘Chinese Common’ Z. japonica imported from China, Japan and/or Korea is marketed in the Southeastern U.S. The color and leaf blade width of ‘Zenith’, a seed-producing Z. japonica variety released in 2000 by Patten Seed Company resemble Meyer.

‘Compadre’ (formerly named ‘Companion’) is another Z. japonica variety that yields viable seeds. It also resembles Meyer, and may transition from winter dormancy slightly earlier than Zenith. Chinese Common, Compadre and Zenith are not intended to be maintained in moderate to heavy shade. Zoysiagrass seeds are often pre-treated (primed) and may be coated before packaging in an effort to improve the uniformity of seed germination and seedling growth, respectively. There are approximately 601,440 zoysiagrass seeds per pound.

included true Z. japonica varieties and Cluster III, true Z. matrella varieties, while Cluster II consisted of hybrids between the two species. Cluster II was divided into two subgroups. The researchers labelled the subgroups Hybrid I and Hybrid II. Hybrid I contained Z. japonica x Z. matrella hybrids with a higher concentration of genetic material from Z. japonica. Hybrid II contained Z. japonica x Z. matrella hybrids with a higher concentration of genetic material from Z. matrella. In addition to benefiting turfgrass breeders, this new information should help turfgrass industry professionals develop effective zoysiagrass sod production and turf management plans according to variety-specific requirements.

Classification of Species/Varieties

Comparing Varieties

Historically, and based on morphological characteristics such as leaf blade width and inflorescence as well as traits including the level of shade tolerance, individual varieties have been categorized as being japonica, matrella or pacifica species or “types” within the genus Zoysia.

Recently, genetic research conducted at North Carolina State University in collaboration with the University of Florida, the USDA- Agricultural Research Service in Tifton, GA and Blue Moon Farms, LLC revealed that an “inter-connectedness” exists among species. Because zoysiagrasses are cross fertile, plant breeders are able to develop improved varieties with traits of keen interest from each species as well as valued and overlapping traits that both species share. A total of 62 varieties and collections from five different zoysiagrass species (Z. japonica, Z. matrella, Z. machrostachya, Z. minima and Z. sinica) were included in this study.

DNA markers were used to investigate the genetic makeup of each of the 62 zoysiagrass samples which fell into one of three categories identified by the researchers as Clusters. Cluster I

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). The results of the NTEP Zoysiagrass Tests can help determine if a particular variety of interest is well adapted to a local area or region and a specific level of maintenance. There have been a total of five NTEP Zoysiagrass Tests. The first test or trial initiated in 1991 contained 21 entries of which four were seeded. Entries were evaluated from 1992 to 1995 by university researchers at 21 locations (AL, AR, AZ, CA- 4 sites, FL- 2 sites, GA- 2 sites), ID, IL- 2 sites, Kansas- 2 sites, KY, MD- 3 sites, MD, MS, MO, NE, OH, OK, TX- 3 sites and VA) throughout the U. S. Evaluators used standard procedures and formats to determine such traits as overall quality, color, leaf texture, spring transition, establishment/seedling vigor, drought tolerance, frost tolerance/ winter kill, and both insect and disease resistance. The 2013 National Zoysiagrass Test is currently underway. Thirty-five named and experimental varieties are being evaluated in AL, AR, AK, CA, FL- 2 sites, GA, IN, KS, MO, NC- 2 sites, TN and TX- 2 sites. Progress reports for 2014 – 16 have been published and are now available online at http://ntep.org/zg.htm. Information

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Golf Greens Interest in breeding, producing and marketing zoysiagrasses for use on golf greens is growing. Presently, Diamond, a variety of Z. matrella with fine to dwarf leaf texture, resistance to large patch and fall armyworm, and excellent stand density released by Texas A&M University in 1996, is being maintained on a number of golf greens in the U. S. Breeders and researchers are developing and evaluating new zoysiagrasses (e.g., ‘Primo’, ‘Prizm’, ‘DALZ1308’ and ‘Trinity’) for suitability as ‘sustainable’ putting surfaces.

In 2011, Prizm was identified as a distinctly different vegetative patch or clonal plant with fine leaf texture and a deeper green color compared to other plants growing under cultivated conditions near Proteet, TX and originating from crosses among Zeon, Trinity, and two unpatented plants ’29-2 B9’ and ‘380-1’.

DALZ1308, a new and yet to be named ultra-dwarf zoysiagrass developed at Texas A&M University specifically for putting greens is a hybrid between Z. minima and Z. matrella with very fine leaf texture, high aerial shoot density and improved winter color retention. The species Z. minima is native to New Zealand where it grows along the coast to ~ 2000 ft. above sea level on sand dunes and in sandy and gravelly soils.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Leaf Width and Relative Shoot Density, Shade Tolerance and Cold Hardiness of Zoysiagrass Species Maintained as Turf in the U. S.a Species Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. pacifica

Leaf Width > 2.5b 1.5 – 2.5 < 1.5

Shoot Density Medium Medium High

Shade Tolerance Fair to Good Good Good to Excellent

Cold Hardiness Moderate Poor Very Poor

aS ource: Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July–Aug. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37 b Varieties of Z. japonica can be grouped based on leaf width. Varieties in one group (for example, ‘Carrizo’, ‘Chisholm’, ‘Crowne’, ‘El Toro’, ‘Empire’, ‘Palisades’ and ‘Zenith’) usually have a leaf width > 3.5 mm, and rhizomes and stolons with much longer internodes compared to those in the second group. Leaves of varieties in the second group (for example, ‘Cutlass’, ‘DeAnza’ and ‘Meyer’) are usually more narrow than those in the first group. Cutlass and DeAnza are often referred to as Meyer types.

Zoysiagrass Variety Accession, Registration and Patent Numbers, Date of Release by Agency, Company or University, and Species Designation Based on Morphology or Genetic Research Conducted at North Carolina State University.

Variety, Accession (AN), Registration (RN), Plant Introduction & Patent Protection (PP) #s Vegetative Types BA-189 PP23716 Belair AN R52-25, RN 104 Cashmere (P1) PP6529 Cavalier (DALZ8507) PP10788 Crowne (DALZ8512) PP11570 DeAnza (Z88-8) PP9127 Diamond (DALZ8502) PP10636 El Toro (UCR#1) PP5845

Year of Introduction, Agency, Institution or Company

Species/ Morphology

Species/ Genetic Markersa

2005, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1996, 1995, 1996, 1984,

Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. matrella Hybrid II Hybrid I Hybrid I Z. matrella Hybrid I

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica

University of Florida USDA Pursley Turf Farms Texas A&M University Texas A&M University University of California Texas A&M University Univ. of California, Riverside

Emerald (RN 7)

1955, USDA & U. S. Golf Assoc.

Empire (SS-500) PP11466 Empress (SS300) PP11495 GNZ, OakZ (ZT-11) PP7074 GS90-18 PP9089 Himeno PP13267 JaMur PP13178 Marion PP14147 Matrella (FC 13521) PI 48574 Meyer, Amazoy (RN 12, Z-52) Midwest Miyako, PP10187 Palisades (DALZ8514) PP11515 Rollmaster Royal (DALZ9006) PP14395 Serene PP14175 Shadowturf (Ivey-1) PP20266 Southern Gem PP15218 Toccoa Green (BA305) PP18415 Trinity L1F PP25203 Victoria (Z88-14) PP9135 Leisure Time Zoysia/ LTZ (Y2) PP17824P2 Zeon PP13166 Zorro (DALZ8510, 9601) PP14130 Seeded Types Chinese Common Compadre (ZMB-2) Zenith (ZNW-1)

1999, Sod Solutions 2000, Sod Solutions 1989, Greg Norman Turf 1995, Japan 2002, Zoysian Japan Co., Ltd. 1996, Bladerunner Farms 2008, Heritage Turf 1941, Alabama AES 1951, USDA/ U. S. Golf Assoc.

1963, Indiana Agric. Expt. Sta. 1998, Japan 1996, Texas A&M University 2008, Winrock Grass Farm 2001, Texas A&M 2008, Heritage Turf 2007, Ivey Gardens Greenhouses 2008, Heritage Turf 2005, University of Florida 2014, Bladerunner Farms 1995, University of California 2006, Bladerunner Farms and Patten Seed 1996, Bladerunner Farms 2001, Texas A&M University

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica x Z. pacifica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Unknown Z. matrella Z. japonica Unknown Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella

1993, Seed Research of Oregon 1993, Patten Seed

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica

Hybrid II Hybrid I Hybrid I Hybrid II Z. japonica Hybrid I Hybrid I Hybrid I Z. japonica Z. japonica Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid II Hybrid I Z. matrella Hybrid I Z. matrella Z. matrella Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid II Hybrid II

aS ource: Milla-Lewis, S. and J.A. Kimball. 2018. Rooted in research. Genetic research shines light into Zoysia’s family tree. C. Reynolds (ed.) Turf News. Turfgrass Producers International. May/June, Pp. 48-51

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Feature Story regarding the performance of several zoysiagrass varieties entered in the 2013 NTEP National Warm-Season Putting Green Test is also available online at: http://www.ntep.org/reports/ws13g/ ws13g_15-1/ws13g_15-1.htm.

References Alderson, J. and W. C. Sharp. 1995. Grass Varieties in the United States, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., Lewis Publishers, CRC, New York, NY Anon. 2018. Zoysia for Greens. http://www.bladerunner farms.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/BF-GreenGrass-Slick.pdf Anon. 2017. Registration of ‘KSUZ 0802’ Zoysiagrass.

Journal of Plant Registrations. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/ publications/jpr/abstracts/11/2/100 Anon. 2016. Zoysiagrass Plant named ‘M85’. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/PP27289.html Anon. 2016. Zoysiagrass Plant named ‘M60’. https://patents.justia.com/patent/20170339816 AOSA [Association of Official Seed Analysts]. 2017. Rules for Testing Seeds. Vols. 1-4. Washington, D.C. 20002 Chandra, A., J. D. Fry, A. D. Genovesi, M. Meeks, M. C. Engelke, Q. Zhang, D. Okeyo, J. Q. Moss, E. Ervin, Xi Xiong, S. Milla-Lewis, J. T. Brosnan, J. Griffin, and L. Parsons. 2017.

Registration of ‘KSUZ 0802’ Zoysiagrass. Journal of Plant Registrations. Madison, WI Engelke, M. and D. Stone. 2003. Management of Zoysiagrass on Golf Courses, GCSAA Seminars 2004, Golf Course

Superintendents Association of America in partnership with Jacobsen, a Textron Company, Lawrence, KS Hanson, A. A.1972. Grass Varieties in the United States, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., Agriculture Handbook Number 170, Washington, D. C. Kelsheimer, E. G. 1956. The Hunting Billbug a Serious Pest of Zoysia. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society.

69: 415-417. fshs.org/proceedings-o/1956-vol-69/415-417 Kimball, J. A., M. C. Zuleta, K. E. Kenworthy, V. G. Lehman, K. R. Harris-Shultz, and S. Milla-Lewis2013. Genetic Relationships in Zoysia Species and the Identification of Putative Interspecific Hybrids using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Inflorescence Traits. Crop Sci. 53(1):285. January McCarty, L. B. 1995. Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns in SP 45 Florida Lawn Handbook, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Milla-Lewis, S. and J. A. Kimball. 2018. Rooted in Research.

Genetic Research Shines Light into Zoysia’s Family Tree. Edited

by C. Reynolds. Turf News. Turfgrass Producers International.

May/June, Pp. 48–51 Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017.

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July–Aug. https:// dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37 Patton, A. 2010. Selecting Zoysiagrass Cultivars: Turf Quality and Stress Tolerance. Golf Course Management. May. Pp. 90–95 T

Accession/Registration Number or Experimental Designation, Year of Introduction by Agency, Institution or Company and Species of Several Zoysiagrass Varieties Presently or Formerly Commercially Available In the U. S.a Variety, Accession (AN), Registration (RN) & Patent Protection (PP) #s Aloyzia PP22168 BK-7 Carrizo (6136) PP17808 Chisholm (DALZ 0102) P1666039 Cutlass (LR-1) PP25380 Geo (BK-9) PP20150020273 P1 Icon (MAC03) Innovation (KSUZ 0802) Patent application filed 5/7/2018 Marquis (TC 2033) N/A (DALZ1308) Prizm (M60) PP29143 Primo (M85) PP27289 P2 Omni (CD2013) Sunburst (Z-73) ZoyBoy (Z-3) PP8553

Year of Introduction, Agency, Institution or Company 2011, Aloyzia Blue 1987, Craft Turf Farms 2006, Bladerunner Farms 2012,Texas A&M University & Kansas State University 2013, Bladerunner Farms 2010, Sod Solutions 2011, DIG Plant Company 2015, Kansas State University & Texas A&M University / Sod Solutions 1991, Turf Center N/A, Texas A&M University/ Bladerunner Farms 2017, Bladerunner Farms 2016, Bladerunner Farms 1991, Bladerunner Farms 1952, USDA 1994, Quality Turfgrass

Species Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica x Z. pacifica Z. macrantha Z. japonica x Z. matrella Z. Z. Z. Z. Z. Z. Z.

spp. minima x Z. matrella matrella matrella matrella japonica japonica x Z. matrella

aS ource: Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July-Aug. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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TTA Member Sp otlight

Meet

Douglas Ward TTA Vice President

D

ouglas Ward began his turfgrass career early, and for good reason — he happened to live with his mentor, his father. Doug’s dad was the head of the Turfgrass program at Mississippi State. Douglas began in the industry in landscape architecture, but it wasn’t long before he decided to pursue a career as a golf course superintendent.

While he was an undergrad at the University of Florida, Douglas met the man who would become another mentor, not just in the golf space, but in business and life in general, Jack Niklaus. Douglas worked for the golf legend at his home and

in his business. This was when Douglas learned Mr. Niklaus’s philosophy on golf course design and management, which he still uses today.

Douglas’s first golf course job was as an assistant at Lost Tree Golf Club, where he was later promoted to Superintendent.

He was there until he accepted the Superintendent job at Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville, where he still works today, over 30 years later.

In those 30 years, Douglas says he has seen a number of changes in the industry.

“The main thing is the standards and quality of turfgrass management have gotten

much higher,” he says. “What would have been acceptable 30 years ago would not cut it today.”

He credits the advancement of equipment and materials with these changes, as well as the education opportunities for new turfgrass professionals. “These days,” Douglas shares, “college is a necessity if you want to move up the ladder. But there is truly no better educator than experience.

That’s why it’s also important to get in with a golf course crew. You start to understand the lay of the land – rules, government policy, politics.”

Along with education and experience, Douglas encourages involvement in industry associations like Tennessee Turfgrass Association. His willingness to serve as a leader in the organization demonstrates his appreciation of everyone in the industry from golf course crews to university researchers who help each other grow. “I serve because I want to see the industry perpetuated and the younger generation continue and improve on the standard of work we have done,” Douglas says.

Douglas has been married for 32 years (exactly as long as he’s been at Belle Meade) and has three grown sons “none of which took up the family tradition of turfgrass.” T TTA thanks Douglas for his commitment to sustaining and improving the industry and our organization!

Hole 3 green at Belle Meade Country Club

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

The Turf g rass Team at the University o f Tennessee, Knoxville Scott Boyle Communications Coordinator The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-6730 sboyle1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @Scott_CPO JosĂŠ Javier Vargas AlmodĂłvar Research Associate II Turf & Ornamental Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org Twitter: @UTweedwhisperer Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org Twitter: @gbreeden1

Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-8603 jbrosnan@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org Twitter: @UTturfweeds Frank Hale, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 fahale@utk.edu ag.tennessee.edu/spp Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @UTturfpath

Tom Samples, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Extension The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-2595 tsamples@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @tnturfman

William Dan Strunk, Ph.D. Research Associate I The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-2988 wstrunk@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @WDanStrunk

John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @sorochan

Alan Windham, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 https://ag.tennessee.edu/spp/ Twitter: @UTPlantDoc

John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @Drjohnstier

Calendar of Events

January 7–9, 2019

TTA Annual Conference & Trade Show Embassy Suites – Murfreesboro, TN

Index o f A dvertisers A & W Southern Sod Farms............................................................... 13 www.awssod.com

Buy Sod, Inc.......................................................................................... 3 www.buysod.com

BWI Companies, Inc............................................................................ 13 www.bwicompanies.com

Carolina Green Corp............................................................................ 30

Digital Marketplace Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

www.cgcfields.com

Coosa Valley Turf Farms..................................................................... 21 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com

Covermaster, Inc................................................................................... 9 www.covermaster.com

Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc............................................................... 5 www.greenvilleturf.com

McCurdy Sod Farms, LLC...................................................................... 6 www.mccurdysodfarms.com

Mid Tenn Turf............................................................................... 10, 30 www.midtennturf.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL....................................................Inside Front Cover www.stihldealers.com

North Georgia Turf Company, Inc....................................................... 29 www.ngturf.com

Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

www.cgcfields.com

Southern Athletic Fields....................................................................... 7 www.profileproducts.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............................................................ 9 www.progressiveturfequip.com

RD Murphy, LLC.................................................................................. 27 www.rdmurphy.com

Regal Chemical Company................................................................... 17 www.regalchem.com

Sigma Organics, Inc............................................................................ 27 www.SigmaTurf.com

Smith Seed Services........................................................................... 27 www.smithseed.com

Southeast Turf Maintenance.............................................................. 12 www.southeastturf.com

Sur-Line Turf, Inc................................................................................. 27 www.surlineturf.com

Syngenta Turf...................................................................................... 20 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com

The Turfgrass Group............................................................. Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Tri-Turf Sod Farms.............................................................................. 12 www.triturfsod.com

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc......................................................................... 8 www.turfmountain.com

Turfgrass of Tennessee...................................................................... 11 Winstead Turf............................................................ Inside Back Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com

30

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS October/November 2018

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 © 2018 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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