Tennessee Turfgrass - August/September 2019

August/September 2019

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

Common Problems of Sports Fields Spring Dead Spot and Large Patch

Spring Diseases that Need Fall Attention PLUS

Member Spotlight on

Bob McCurdy

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20 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 2019

14 18 20 24 30 34

Upcoming Events — TTA Conference 2020 & Upcoming Golf Tournaments

24

Feature Story — Business Development: GROW Cover Story — Common Problems of Sports Fields Feature Story — Spring Dead Spot and Large Patch — Spring Diseases that Need Fall Attention Member Spotlight — Bob McCurdy Feature Story — Bioengineered Living Shorelines — The Newest Erosion Control Solution

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President From the TVSTMA President From the MAGCSA President From the ETGCSA Industry News The Turfgrass Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Calendar of Events Index of Advertisers

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019

6 8 9 10 12 29 38 38

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From the TTA President

Jason Pooler

Fall is

Around the Corner

I

hope this letter finds everyone in the turf industry having a great season. I know our company has had a great year so far. We had so much rain in the spring and then a slow start for growing because of cool temperatures. Finally, in July it got hot enough for a straight month to grow some Bermuda grass. We have been backlogged because all of the rain and then working long hours trying to get caught up. It finally rained again so I could sit down and write this letter.

Now all the talk is about football and kids going back to school so that means fall is around the corner. I hope everyone made it to the UT Field Day, and as usual Jim Brosman and the UT Staff did such a great job putting it on. They are always teaching us new tricks to use to make sure we are ready to put our warm season grasses to sleep and get our cool season grass ready for fall. Great job to all!

With that out of the way, it is time to think about the 54th TTA Conference and trade show. Your TTA committees have been hard at work all summer getting a great show lined up for you with great speakers and subjects. Please start thinking of your nomination for Professional of the Year and your favorite ball fields and golf courses in Tennessee.

We need you to get in your nominations now.

Hope everyone has a great closing of summer and a new beginning of fall.

Jason Pooler TTA President

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 Š 2019 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 Jefferson City, MO. 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 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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) 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

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From the T VSTMA President

Timing

Ben Hutton

is Everything!

H

opefully everyone has had a successful summer! The University of Tennessee team hosted a fantastic Field Day on August 29th. I hope everyone was able to attend and gain some knowledge. Between the professors and turfgrass professionals, the information presented at this event was sure to benefit anyone who attended. A huge thanks to the sponsors for their participation with the Field Day. For many facilities, the fall is a very busy time as patrons will gather to use the athletic fields. The sports can range from football to soccer to multi-sport camps. Fall is also the time when overseeding should take place. Many challenges can arise when overseeding, such as the weather and the wear and tear from the particular sport being played on that field. Make sure you are paying attention to all of these things as they can affect your

8

results. Whether you broadcast, broadcast and topdress or aerify then seed TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Don’t forget the water and starter fertilizer as drought conditions are prone to occur in October. Getting the seed established early and properly will give you the best results going into winter. A healthy ryegrass plant in the winter means a vigorous plant in the spring!

Last, I would like to thank all the TVSTMA board members and vendors that planned and attended the TVSTMA Field Day. It would not be possible to put together that kind of event without their support.

Ben Hutton 2019 TVSTMA President

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

From the MAGC SA President

Looking Forward

David L. Johnson

to Fall

I

hope this finds everyone well. The summer days are nearly behind us now. It doesn’t seem like just a few months ago we were watching the forecast to see how cold it was going to be the next few days. Being in the Memphis area during the summer, you really don’t have to watch the weather — it’s going to be hot and humid. Fortunately we have been blessed with some rain this year and that is always nice in the hot months. I know there are a lot of courses in the MAGCSA area that have been punching greens lately and I hope that everyone is recovering well.

Our chapter had a great meeting recently at Colonial Country Club. We heard a great presentation from Steve Kammerer with

the USGA that was very informative. Thanks to John Tinney and his staff for hosting a great time. Our meeting schedule is now looking towards September when we will have our annual Bushwood Classic golf tournament at Memphis Country Club.

This event is always a great time for those who attend. I hope everyone had a good summer and looking forward to the fall and cooler temps.

David Johnson MAGCSA President

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

9

From the ETGCSA President

DJ Lerchen

Preparing for Fall

J

ust a quick hello from East Tennessee! Is it just me, or are the seasons going by faster than before? We, along with our host Roger Frazier CGCS, are already busy preparing for the Annual East Tennessee Scholarship and Research

Tournament at the acclaimed Cattails at Meadowview on September 24th. I’m not going to say summer’s over yet, but we are inevitably coming to the latter part of our Bermuda grass growing season. It’s always bittersweet for me to see the end of

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Bluegrass

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

the growing season for our warm season grasses. It seems like we just get the grass dialed in and it’s time to start preparing for fall and winter.

Speaking of fall, this brings to my mind pre-emergent herbicides for our annual winter weeds and, yes, that includes the dreaded annual bluegrass. We had the pleasure of getting up to speed on some of Dr. Brosnan and his team’s research and results year-to-date in July at Gettysvue C.C. Wow! Dr. Brosnan and his team are doing fantastic work at the University of Tennessee on herbicide research. Are we not lucky to have such a valuable resource right here in our back pocket? They are doing amazing work and making great strides on strategies to fight annual bluegrass resistance. I hope everyone was able to attend the University of Tennessee Field Day on August 29th. What a great opportunity to catch up with all your peers and see what’s new #UTTurf FD19.

In conclusion, I encourage you to look in this issue for all the Tennessee Turfgrass nominations and scholarship applications.

These are exciting times for our upcoming turf professionals and a great chance to honor some of our members for all their hard work at their respective facilities.

Hope everyone has a great fall and takes time to enjoy all the beauty in the profession we all have the pleasure to work in.

DJ Lerchen ETGCSA President The Sevierville Golf Club

SEC TournamEnT Tough.

www.TheTurfgrassGroup.com

Industry N ews

Scholarship Applications and Award Nominations are DUE! It is time once again to recognize the people and places that make Tennessee Turfgrass a vibrant and successful community!

The TTA Awards Committee, consisting of highly regarded TTA professionals, will independently judge the entries. These awards will be presented at the TTA Awards Ceremony at the 2020 TTA Annual Conference. Nominations are still open for the following awards:

TTA also awards two scholarships each year. Applications are being accepted for the following:

The Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship

2019 TTA Sports Field of the Year

This scholarship offers financial aid to students interested in pursuing a career in turf management and is funded and administered by the TTA.

(with categories for Professional, Collegiate, High School, and Municipal Sports Fields)

The TTA Legacy Scholarship

2019 TTA Golf Course of the Year (with categories for Private and Public Golf Courses)

2019 TTA Environmental Stewardship Award

This scholarship offers financial aid to children or grandchildren of active TTA members in good standing. Scholarship applicants are not required to be pursuing education in a turfgrass related field to be eligible for the TTA Legacy Scholarship.

The scholarship is funded and administered by the TTA. T

Visit our website at

ttaonline.org for all award and scholarship criteria and submit your applications and nominations by October 31, 2019.

12

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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Upc oming Events

54th Annual Conference & Tradeshow January 6 – 8, 2020

•

Embassy Suites

•

Murfreesboro, TN

Don’t Miss Our Keynote Speaker,

Jeff McManus For more information or to register, visit us online at

ttaonline.org 14

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

The

Tennessee Turfgrass Association Annual Conference and Trade Sow 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.

Location The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. You can 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 ttaonline.org.

Keynote Speaker Jeff McManus has a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is the recipient of the 2016 Horticulture Alumni of the year. He is also an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. Jeff has been Director of Landscape Services with the University of Mississippi since 2000. Jeff and his team have gained national recognition through Ole Miss winning the National Professional Grounds Maintenance Society Best Maintained Campus twice, and named most beautiful campus

by Newsweek in 2011 and the Princeton Review in 2013. His new book, “Growing Weeders into Leaders — Leadership Lessons from the Ground Level” (Morgan James Publishers, Sept. 5, 2017), focuses on cultivating excellence among staff.

He is also the author of “Pruning Like a Pro.” Learn more at www.jeffmcmanus.com. T

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

15

Upc oming Events

Don’t Miss our

Upcoming Golf Tournaments Help support scholarships and research with a great day on the course.

ETGCSA 29th Annual Scholarship & Research Tournament

2019 Scott McNeer Scholarship Tournament

September 24

November 4

Cattails at MeadowView Golf Course Kingsport, TN

Spring Creek Ranch Collierville, TN

MTGCSA Annual Scholarship & Research Tournament October 30 Vanderbilt Legends Club Franklin, TN

16

For more information and registration details:

www.tgcsa.net info@tgcsa.net (615) 928-7001

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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Feature Story

Why Your Workforce Needs

The ‘GROW’ Theory of Management and Professional Development

By Jeff McManus, Keynote speaker at the upcoming 54th Annual TTA Conference

P

resident John F. Kennedy once walked up to a janitor at NASA and asked, “What do you do here?” The janitor responded, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.” That janitor saw the big picture of his work.

People need leaders to connect the dots for them so they are able to see the larger meaning in what they do. If you haven’t done so for your team, you aren’t tapping into the leadership culture of motivation.

In my role as the University of Mississippi’s director of landscape services, and airport and golf operations, a position I’ve held since 2000, I’ve had the opportunity to transform our workplace. This has been accomplished mainly by empowering our employees with the guidance, support and tools they need to do their job.

My GROW theory is a management and professional development approach based on the belief that all humans either strive for or have within them the elements of Greatness, Resiliency, Opportunity and Wisdom — they just need a fertile environment to GROW. Here’s how the GROW system works.

Greatness What is greatness? A lot of people throw that word around, but it’s not an abstract, impossible to define quality. It’s encouraging people to be the best at whatever they do.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell liked to walk around and talk to workers. He was talking to parking attendants at the Pentagon about how they determine who gets the closest and best spots and therefore wouldn’t have to wait as long to get their cars back. They told him frankly that it mostly came down to who treated them the best, who engaged them and who was friendly.

Those people’s cars wound up in the prime spot while the more standoffish customers who looked down their nose at them wound up in the back.

Leadership isn’t that complicated. When you make people feel good about what they do, they want to do more of it and do it better for you. The key to them achieving greatness is knowing

18

that they are important. Lift your team up and you will also build up their greatness.

Resiliency We all know a whiner. It’s the accountant who gets upset when tax season rolls around again like it does every April or the butcher who gets flustered the week before Thanksgiving when there’s a rash of customers picking up their holiday meats. Whining undermines your credibility. You should strive to build a team that can handle adversity without falling apart.

We build a resilient culture by addressing what we don’t like about the chores we dread and then try to make them as bearable as possible. We are winners because we don’t whine. Instead, we focus on finding a way to win.

Years ago, our landscape team would get overwhelmed by the task of cleaning up the Grove at Ole Miss following home football games. It’s tough work to clean up after a party that can grow to as many as 100,000 fans sometimes, but we found a solution. We decided to start working a few hours after the end of each game, and we also added volunteer groups to pitch in. Now, on the day after a football game, the campus looks pristine. Our efforts have led to much recognition and also coverage from The New York Times for how quickly we can dispatch 90 tons of gameday garbage. We framed the Nov. 1, 2014 issue of The New York Times as a trophy for our win.

Opportunity When you’re a mentor, you have a chance to listen, to observe and to teach. The key is to show someone how to do the work and empower them to do it themselves, possibly leading them to find a better method. By doing this, you have given them an opportunity to master something new. Strong leaders are also approachable, being available to their employees who may have a question or a suggestion.

People think mentoring and training requires massive amounts of time. It can take a significant commitment, but it’s also like sharpening an ax. Sharpening an ax may slow you down for a little while, but if you don’t sharpen it, eventually you will just

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

be bumping into the tree and not even cutting it. But a sharp ax will save you time cutting trees in the long run, just as mentoring a younger person to learn some of the work you do will save you time later.

What if a student worker with your organization went on to become the next Steve Jobs? Can you imagine the satisfaction of knowing you played a role in their development? Savor opportunities to pass on your wisdom.

Wisdom Encourage your team members to read about productivity, customer service and other good work habits. Push them to relentlessly pursue workplace wisdom. In our landscape department, we watch motivational DVDs, TEDx talks and other reference materials to generate deeper conversations about what it means to be mission-driven, or what it means to be enthusiastic, among other topics. We also have leaders in various fields address our team on occasion.

Leaders develop their people. It’s crucial because everyone leads at least one person — themselves. If everyone leads themselves, the work improves. Morale also picks up because the entire team sees everyone pulling their weight and doing the right thing.

Daily Regional DeliveRy Tennessee Kentucky

It’s awesome to watch others take ownership of their careers and carry out the steps to propel themselves and others to new heights. If you see your team members doing this, you can bet you’re handling this whole leadership thing the right way.

About the Author Jeff McManus has a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is the recipient of the 2016 Horticulture Alumni of the year. He is also an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. Jeff has been Director of Landscape Services with the University of Mississippi since 2000. Jeff and his team have gained national recognition through Ole Miss winning the National Professional Grounds Maintenance Society Best Maintained Campus twice, and named most beautiful campus by Newsweek in 2011 and the Princeton Review in 2013. His new book, “Growing Weeders into Leaders — Leadership Lessons from the Ground Level” (Morgan James Publishers, Sept. 5, 2017), focuses on cultivating excellence among staff. He is also the author of “Pruning Like a Pro.” Learn more at www.jeffmcmanus.com. T

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19

Cover Story

Common Problems of Sports Fields

By Mr. Michael Richard, Mississippi State University, Turfgrass Extension Associate

A

cross the region, youth of all ages are enjoying America’s greatest past times. There’s no denying that sports are interwoven into the fabric of who we are as a nation.

Some of my fondest memories as a child were made on the baseball, football, or soccer field. In my current role, I have the pleasure of visiting high school sports fields. The coaches and field managers I meet have a great passion for providing the best playing surface for their athletes. They juggle several job responsibilities and have limited budgets – making field maintenance a difficult task. In my travels, I have noticed some common maintenance practices that are lacking or in need of correction.

Cultivation Compacted soils may be the biggest constraint to proper turfgrass growth. Compaction occurs from excessive traffic that compresses soil particles, which restricts water and air movement through the soil profile. Turfgrass roots may be unable to penetrate the soil, which decreases turfgrass resilience to wear. Soil of our sports fields must be physically modified to relieve compaction, either modestly on a yearly basis, or more aggressively on a less frequent basis. The most effective way to do this is through annual aerification and topdressing. Aerification involves removing or loosening soil to relieve compaction, which improves drainage and increases water and air infiltration to turfgrass roots. This is best accomplished with a hollow tine core-aerifier that pulls soil plugs (Figure 1). Core aerification is most effective in conjunction with sand topdressing. Applying 1/8 to 1/4 inch of coarse sand during or immediately after core removal will fill the holes and help alter soil structure (Figure 2). Sand topdressing aids in making the aerification process last longer. Both of these processes

20

should take place when the turfgrass is actively growing to help it recuperate more quickly.

Mowing Mowing is the most important, but often most mismanaged, aspect of sports field management. A properly mown sports field promotes lateral turfgrass growth, which increases shoot density and provides a denser turfgrass canopy. Mowing height and frequency directly impact the playability of sports fields. Hybrid bermudagrass sports fields perform best when mown between roughly 0.75 to 1.0 inches in canopy height. When bermudagrass is mown above these heights it becomes puffy and less wear tolerant (Figure 3).

Correct mowing should never remove more than one third of the leaf blade. For example, if target mowing height is 1 inch, we mow when the grass reaches 1.5 inches. Depending on temperature, fertilization, and irrigation, fields may need to be mown every 2 to 3 days during summer months (an amount that many low-maintenance field managers are not comfortable with). An easy way to know if your mowing practices are adequate is by checking the turfgrass color. The grass should be green from the soil surface to the tip. Brown stems indicate improper mowing

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

1 2

Yearly core aerification relieves soil compaction, improves drainage, and increases air and water infiltration.

3

Improperly mown hybrid bermudagrass is less tolerant to wear.

Frequent sand topdressing aids turfgrass health and improves field firmness.

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

21

Cover Story — generally too high and infrequent. Gradually decrease mowing height over the course of two weeks to avoid scalping the turfgrass. Properly aerified and topdressed fields should allow mowing, even when conditions might otherwise be too wet. If fields are not able to be mown during wet conditions, we must raise mowing heights or plan on removing clippings in order to prevent thatch accumulation.

Soil Testing/Fertilization The cornerstone of any agronomic program is a soil test. When we visit a doctor, they check our vitals to get a base line of our current health. Analogously, a soil test is a checkup for your field’s soil chemical health. A basic soil test measures pH and nutrient levels. Soil pH is measured on a 1 to 14 scale, with 1 being highly acidic, 14 being highly alkaline, and 7 being neutral. Bermudagrass grows best at a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If the soil test reveals an acidic soil (less than 5.8), limestone should be added to raise pH. Unless soil pH is low, lime is not generally recommended. If soil pH is high, it may be due to some underlying soil characteristics that are not always easy to solve. Sometimes in

1. Fill sprayer with water. Use only clean water to calibrate sprayer.

2. Measure the distance (in inches) between nozzles on the spray boom. If your sprayer has only one nozzle, this number equals the expected spray width. Then refer to chart below to obtain test course distance (in feet).

3. Measure the course distance (in feet) according to the chart and flag it for easy visibility.

4. Drive or walk the test course at an acceptable spraying speed with the sprayer on. Make note of the engine RPMs, and most importantly, record the seconds it takes to travel the measured distance between the two flags. Be sure to take a “moving start” to the beginning flag, and continue moving beyond the ending flag to maintain a uniform speed within the flagged distance.

extreme circumstances, elemental sulfur is applied to acidify excessively alkaline soils, but routine fertilization and topdressing generally counteract alkaline conditions, so sulfur is less commonly recommended. Routine fertilizer applications should also be based on soil test results. Excessive nutrients are wasteful, decrease plant health due to excessive growth, and may be harmful to the environment. Most soil test results provide recommendations for improving pH and for replacing deficient nutrients.

Accurate Sprayer Calibration Calibrating a sprayer involves selecting the proper nozzles, pressure, and speed of travel. There are several different ways to accurately calibrate a sprayer, but the simplest is the 1/128th acre method, also called the “baby bottle” method. The spray collected from a single nozzle measured in ounces directly converts to gallons per acre regardless of the number of nozzles on the boom.

Because there are 128 ounces in a gallon, the ounces collected from 1/128th of an acre will equal gallons of solution per acre.

Follow the 10 easy steps below to avoid needless chemical waste, improper application, and potential turf injury.

6. To check the uniformity of all nozzles on the boom, collect the spray from each nozzle for exactly 1 minute. If the flow rate of any spray tip is 10 percent greater or less than that of the others, replace it.

Whatever the type of sprayer tips you use, be sure they are all the same type. Make sure strainers are present within the nozzle body, as the absence or presence can significantly impact tip output. Strainers also protect spray tips and prevent clogging.

7. Make any final sprayer pressure adjustments (this will vary with the type of spray tips you use and the gallons per minute you wish to spray through them).

8. Using a plastic measuring container that is marked in ounces, collect the water sprayed from one nozzle for the same amount of time it took to drive the test course.

9. The amount of water collected in ounces will equal the gallons applied per acre.

5. Park the tractor/sprayer, set the brakes, but keep the engine RPMs at the same setting used to drive the test course.

22

10. Last, but not least, be sure to read all product labels for proper application information.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Nozzle Spacing* (in.)

Distance (ft.)

6

681

8

510

10

408

12

340

14

292

16

255

18

227

20

204

22

186

24

170

26

157

28

146

30

136

* This number also equals the expected spray width for a single nozzle.

Michael Richard is an Extension Associate at Mississippi State University. He coordinates the Mississippi Sports Field Maintenance Clinics – a MSU Extension program designed to assist low-maintenance sports field managers with providing safe playing surfaces for Mississippi youths. He resides in Starkville, MS with his wife and four children. His hobbies include hunting and RV’ing. T

Feature Story

Spring Dead Spot and Large Patch – Spring Diseases that Need Fall Attention

By Michael D. Richardson, Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Management and Physiology, University of Arkansas Department of Horticulture

W

arm-season grasses like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are usually preferred in environments such as Arkansas and parts of Tennessee, as they are more tolerant of heat, drought, insects and diseases compared to cool-season turfgrasses. However, that does not mean they are bullet-proof! All of the major warm-season grasses used in these areas can have fungal disease problems and the most severe diseases are spring dead spot and large patch. Spring dead spot (SDS) is primarily a concern on bermudagrass, while large patch can infect all of our warm-season grasses. The University of Arkansas turfgrass program has evaluated various cultural and chemical strategies to control these diseases for many years and we continue to evaluate new products and practices that can be used to manage the diseases.

Spring Dead Spot (Ophiosphaerella herpotricha or O. korrae) Spring dead spot is often observed on turf that has been established for several years and especially in lawns or sports turf with excessive thatch. Spring dead spot is considered a “perennial disease” which means that it will show up in the same spots or areas year after year if conditions are favorable. Spring dead spot is often more severe in areas that are over-fertilized and typically more severe in high pH soils (>6.0). In turf areas with heavy SDS pressure, changes in cultural practices are important for longterm disease management. Verticutting and core-aerification to encourage aggressive stolon and rhizome formation and rooting is beneficial for SDS management. This should be done when the turf is actively growing.

As the name implies, SDS symptoms appear as the bermudagrass begins to green-up (Figures 1 and 2), but infection and

24

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

1

Spring dead spot on an ultradwarf bermudagrass green in Fayetteville, AR

2

Spring dead spot on a common bermudagrass lawn in Rogers, AR

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

25

Feature Story damage occurs in the fall and the winter. As such, fungicide applications in the spring of the year, after symptoms are observed, are ineffective and not recommended. Once symptoms are present, practices that encourage growth and recovery of the bermudagrass are the only way to reduce symptoms. Fungicide applications must be made in the fall of the year, approximately one month prior to dormancy, to effectively reduce disease symptoms in the spring. It is recommended that fungicide applications be made when one-inch soil temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees. Since the disease is infecting the stolons, rhizomes, and roots of the plant, fungicides should be applied in high volumes of water (up to 5 gal / 1000 ft2) to get the chemical into the zone of disease activity. In addition, it is helpful to irrigate the fungicide in with 0.25 inches of water if possible.

It is also critical to understand that fungicidal control of SDS is difficult and it may take two to three years until a fungicide program effectively controls the disease. In most cases, two applications of a fungicide in the fall will be required for effective control. Over the past few years, most of our chemical control trials have been conducted on either putting green turf or fairway mowing heights, but we have also done a couple of lawn trials.

The best up-to-date list of fungicide control options can be found in the publication out of Kentucky and Rutgers called Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/ pubs/ppa/ppa1/PPA1.pdf). Some of the most tested products with good activity against SDS include tebuconazole formulations such as Mirage Stressguard and Torque. Some products that have not been updated in that publication, but which have shown good results in our trials include Enclave (chlorothalonil + iprodione + thiophanatemethyl + tebuconazole), Kabuto (isofetamid), Velista (penthiopyrad), Headway (azoxystrobin + propiconazole), Lexicon (pyraclostrobin + fluxapyroxad), Xzemplar (fluxapyroxad), and Navicon (revysol).

Large Patch (Rhizoctonia solani, AG 2-2) Large patch can infect all warm-season turfgrasses in Arkansas, including zoysiagrass, St. Augustine, centipedegrass, and bermudagrass. This disease is really favored by cool, wet conditions, especially in the spring of the year, and this spring was a petri dish for the disease (Figures 3 and 4). Symptoms of large patch can also be observed in the fall, but the major symptoms occur in the spring after green-up of the turf. Although large patch will

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

3

Large patch on a zoysiagrass fairway in Fayetteville, AR

4

Large patch on a zoysiagrass lawn in Fayetteville, AR

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

27

Feature Story occasionally show up on bermudagrass in cool, wet springs, fungicide control is not recommended since the bermudagrass will rapidly recover from the injury once temperatures increase.

Similar to SDS, in order to effectively control this disease, preventative fungicide applications are critical. Because the disease becomes active as the turf is going into fall dormancy, fungicide applications must be made in the fall of the year to effectively prevent a disease outbreak. In cases where high disease pressure has been observed, it will generally require two applications of a fungicide in the fall followed by a third, spring application at 50 –100% green-up of the turf to effectively control this disease. In cases where a preventative fall application has not been made and disease is occurring in the spring, a curative application can limit further spread of the disease and can encourage recovery of the damaged turf. As with spring dead spot, the best up-to-date list of fungicide control options can be found in the publication out of Kentucky and Rutgers called Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ppa/ppa1/ PPA1.pdf). Some of the best products for large patch control are flutalonil (formerly Prostar and now Pedigree), Heritage and Fame (QoI fungicides), and tebuconazole formulations such as

Torque and Mirage. Other products that have shown good results in our trials include Velista (penthiopyrad) and Tekken (Isofetamid and tebuconazole).

Both SDS and large patch can be difficult and expensive to control with fungicides, so it is always best to look at all of your cultural practices to make sure you are not encouraging more disease through mismanagement of fertility or irrigation. If you choose to implement a fungicide program, remember to rotate various chemical classes in your program to avoid any resistance issues. Also, be sure to read and follow all labels carefully, as many products mentioned above may be restricted to use on certain turfgrass sites such as golf courses.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Arkansas Turfgrass Magazine and was appropriate for the Tennessee audience as well. As such, Dr. Brandon Horvath reviewed the article and made minor edits to make sure the information is accurate for the Tennessee market. T

BWI Memphis

4924 Hickory Hill Memphis, Tennessee 38141 800-489-8873 | bwicompanies.com

Providing the best selection of turf and landscape products, competitive prices, and excellent customer service.

Andy Milligan - West Tennessee andymilligan@bwicompanies.com 901-428-7004

28

Jeff Gordon - West Tennessee jeffgordon@bwicompanies.com 901-937-9230

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Jeff Easley - Middle Tennessee jeffeasley@bwicompanies.com 615-585-1522

The Turfg rass Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville José Javier Vargas Almodóvar 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

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

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

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

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

Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu Twitter: @DicksonTurf

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

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

731-692-3515 TifTuf Tifway Bermuda • Blended Tall Fescue Meyer Z-52 Zoysia • Palisades Zoysia •

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

29

TTA Member Sp otlight on

Bob McCurdy

How many years have you been in the family farm/ sod production?

Since 1987 – 32 years.

How did you decide to pursue a career in turf?

My dad and I were row crop and livestock farming in the early 80’s. Times were hard and we started doing some landscape work. We needed sod for some of our own conservation work, but couldn’t find it locally. We planted a two-acre patch of Tifway 419 in 1985.

What is the best part of your job?

There are multiple answers to this question.

There is nothing better than working with family and friends, who you love and can depend upon. I enjoy the landscapers, homeowners, and professionals that we get to work with. Most are honest and willing to work hard. There are not many thugs that like to grow grass. As our society becomes more removed from agriculture, there is an opportunity to help urbanites grow and maintain a nice lawn. On the production end of life, there is constant change and a new challenge every day that keeps us humble.

The family at the TPI conference in Charlotte, NC. Left to right: Ben, Jay, Suzanne, Bob and Liz (holding Charlie)

30

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

TTA Member Spotlight What are some unique challenges of your job?

Weather conditions can really change our game plan. We come to work every day expecting sod orders, mechanical issues, employee needs, and/or growing conditions to change our plans.

Also the delivery (trucking) of our product has become a huge factor in our success.

If you are thinking about going down this path, I recommend being open and honest with each other. Communication can be hard and hurtful, but setting out with goals and modifying that plan, as a family, is necessary for success. And don’t forget those family members who are not in the business. Family gatherings can be a lot more enjoyable when there is unity in the succession plan.

How many employees are part of your team?

We have to be ready to harvest and deliver year-round. We employee 8 to 10 full time people and in the growing season that number can double. The seasonal demands for our product and the shrinking labor force is requiring producers to invest in robotic harvesting. Autonomous mowing will be next.

What is one lesson you’ve learned the hard way in your career?

I grew up on a successful family farm and I believed that the farm would make me successful, as it had my dad. It took some hard years to realize that both success and failure can be temporary.

Running a family business can have special benefits and challenges — what would you tell others who are currently in a family business or are considering it?

I am very fortunate to have been able to work many years with my dad, and now I get to share that experience with my daughter and her husband. It was always my intention to stay on the farm and raise my family and I think I was successful in doing so.

Do you have a mentor in the industry? Who? There are many. My dad was uneducated, but was probably the smartest man I’ve known.

When we got into the sod business, Tom Samples was new to Tennessee. He took an interest in us and I’m sure that he is the person most responsible for our success.

I’ve had the opportunity to be a member of several turfgrass associations (including TTA) and those members have always

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Spring: Covers have been removed.

(Uncovered turf still dormant) Stakes keep covers in place in brass grommets at 5' intervals.

been willing to share tips and secrets that have helped mold our industry.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy our three children and five grandkids. They have lived all over the globe and it’s been fun chasing them around.

I’ve been blessed with health and have been a runner for 15 years. This year I made a commitment to run every day for 365 days. There have been some really hard days, but I’m 8 months in and I think I’m going to make it.

I also serve on several church, community and professional board levels. I’m on the board for our local electric cooperative, a bank board, a Boy Scout board, as well as serving in our local Methodist Church.

I served for eight years on the TTA board and was President from 2012 through 2013.

I am currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the Mid-South Turfgrass Council, which is a group of growers from several states.

This past year I was elected to serve on the board of Turfgrass Producers International. TPI is a group of sod producers and vendors from around the world.

Tell us about your family.

Suzanne is a retired school teacher. She and I have been married for 37 years and have 3 children: Tom and his wife Katie, who have 2 children, Lilly Ann (6) and Tate (4). Tom is a Navy Pilot and they currently live in Japan.

Jay and his wife Vicky have 2 children, Eve (2) and Elliott (1 month). They are employed by Mississippi State University, where Jay is the Extension Turfgrass Specialist, and Vicky (who is British) teaches Biology.

Liz and her husband Ben, are partners in our family farm. They have 1 child, Charlie (2).

What would your advice be for people entering the turfgrass industry now?

I would suggest being an intern under various industry leaders before making the decision which path to follow. Also, make as many quality contacts as possible. Things are changing much faster than any one manager can understand alone but surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and sincere people can help to avoid some serious challenges. T

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

33

Feature Story

Bioengineered Living Shorelines the Newest Erosion Control Solution

By J. Wesley Allen, Environmental Scientist and Regional Manager at SOLitude Lake Management

W

hen development companies design golf courses and landscaped communities with lakes and stormwater ponds, they envision them as beautiful aquatic resources to attract visitors, connect with nature and enhance the surrounding property. Without proper management, however, these

waterbodies can quickly become eye-sores that produce harmful algae and bad odors, lead to damaged and eroded shorelines, and result in displeased members.

Most aquatic management professionals will tell you that when a property manager or golf course superintendent calls about an

Golf course erosion.

34

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Golf course erosion DURING erosion-control process

issue at their waterbody, it’s often past the point of a quick fix.

This is regularly the case when we arrive onsite to look at an erosion issue on a lake or pond embankment. Rather than finding a few problematic patches of rock or soil, we discover steep, unstable banks, deep washouts and extensive bottom muck caused by years of sedimentation.

Erosion is a natural process caused by wind, rainfall, poor design, cultural impacts like mowing and recreation, or simply an aging aquatic ecosystem. These erosion issues are all exacerbated by human disturbance. Unfortunately, erosion can also negatively affect your lake, stormwater pond, canal or coastline by causing loss of habitat and property value, nutrient loading, reduced storage volume and waterbody depth, and excess runoff. When topsoil is displaced, stormwater pipes and structures can be exposed and damaged. Over time, erosion can lead to the formation of trenches and gullies that pose a serious danger to the public.

There are many ways to correct erosion with rip-rap, bulkheads, and other hard armoring systems; in certain situations, they may be the preferred option. In my experience, however, reestablishing the embankment utilizing vegetation, whether turfgrass for recreation or native vegetation for habitat, has always been an excellent way to halt erosion and enhance community waterbodies. There are several best management practices that can help stop erosion and establish vegetation, but a lot of them have a shorter life-span or planting restrictions. Fortunately, there is

a new solution available for both the immediate and long-term stabilization of shorelines and hillsides.

Bioengineered living shorelines are the latest technology in erosion control. These patented woven systems offer an innovative, environmentally-friendly solution to immediately stop shoreline and embankment erosion and create a natural foundation for vegetation. The most effective systems available are designed using a combination of ecofriendly, biodegradable burlap socklike fabric and heavy-duty knitted mesh. The socks can be filled with local pond muck and sediment, which is why many property managers choose to pair this solution with proactive hydroraking projects. After the woven mesh systems are filled, they are then secured to the embankment and can be immediately sodded, planted with native beneficial buffer plants, or seeded through the mesh and fabric layers.

As an Environmental Scientist, I’ve utilized several different shoreline restoration techniques over the years, but this innovative system is certainly creating some excitement! It provides immediate stabilization while effectively filtering and buffering run-off water, removing harmful contaminants and benefiting waterways and water quality, all the while providing a seamless planting platform and long-lasting erosion control. Restored banks and hillsides can be walked on within just a few days, making bioengineered shorelines a fast, aesthetically-pleasing and long-lasting solution for most properties.

Golf course erosion AFTER placement of bioengineered living shoreline

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

35

Feature Story Depending on your waterbody and specific erosion issues, goals and budget, your lake management professional may recommend other natural restoration tools. Lakes and ponds that experience heavy water movement may be suitable

candidates for erosion control using logs comprised of coconut fibers. Installed in areas with direct water flow, these biodegradable logs can help redirect water movement while reducing erosion along delicate banks. Coconut “coir” logs are

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

biodegradable, compact and excellent solutions for properties in need of a truly custom erosion control approach.

Whether you decide to move forward with a complete shoreline restoration or are several years away, it’s imperative to properly budget and integrate proactive management strategies that protect your banks and hillsides, while preserving the water quality of your aquatic resource.

Cultivating a beneficial vegetative buffer with flowering native vegetation will help stabilize soil during rainstorms. Deeprooted flowering plants can also help pull excess nutrients from stormwater runoff, preventing the growth of nuisance weeds and algae in the water resource. Undesirable nutrients can be further combatted with the professional application of naturally-occurring nutrient remediation products, which permanently “lock up” and prevent nutrients from fueling aquatic weeds or algae.

Just like turfgrass management, lake and stormwater pond management is an ongoing commitment that requires different approaches throughout the year. While no two waterbodies are the same, each and every aquatic ecosystem is susceptible to shoreline erosion and can benefit from custom management plans that integrate buffer management and nutrient remediation, as well as other sustainable tools like hydro-raking, aeration, biological augmentation, and regular water quality testing. Whether your waterbody is in its prime or has seen better days, contact your lake management professional to restore and prolong your water resources — starting with the shoreline.

J. Wesley Allen is an Environmental Scientist and Regional Manager at SOLitude Lake Management, an industry-leading environmental firm. He has nearly two decades of experience leading high-profile shoreline stabilization and wetland restoration projects. This article is the second in a series featuring new break-through technologies that will revolutionize the management of lakes, stormwater ponds, wetlands and fisheries in 2019. Learn more at www.solitudelakemanagement. com/knowledge T

Calendar of Events September 24

November 4

ETGCSA Scholarship and Research Tournament Cattails at Meadowview

Scott McNeer Scholarship Tournament Spring Creek Ranch

November 5

September 27

MTGCSA 1st Annual Skeet Shoot Nashville Gun Club

October 8

Adv ertiser Index

MTGCSA Meeting Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club

www.awssod.com

Buy Sod, Inc............................................................ 7 www.buysod.com

BWI Companies, Inc.............................................. 28 www.bwicompanies.com

Carolina Green Corp.............................................. 38 www.cgcfields.com

Coosa Valley Turf Farms....................................... 36

November 7

Equipment Managers Meeting Smyrna Event Center

A & W Southern Sod Farms................................. 26

MAGCSA Annual Skeet Shoot & Shrimp Boil Hernando, MS

www.coosavalleyturffarms.com

Covermaster, Inc..................................................... 8 www.covermaster.com

CoverSports USA.................................................. 32 www.coversports.com

Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc................................. 3 www.greenvilleturf.com

Geoponics Corporation........................... Back Cover

January 6 – 8, 2020

TTA Conference & Trade Show Murfreesboro

www.geoponicscorp.com

Harrell’s LLC................................. Inside Back Cover www.harrells.com

Leading Edge Communications............................. 33 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

McCurdy Sod Farms, LLC...................................... 29 www.mccurdysodfarms.com

Mid Tenn Turf....................................................... 19 www.midtennturf.com

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

Mid-Atlantic STIHL............................................... 17 www.stihldealers.com

North Georgia Turf Company, Inc......................... 37 www.ngturf.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............................ 15 www.progressiveturfequip.com

RD Murphy, LLC.................................................... 29 www.rdmurphy.com

Regal Chemical Company..................................... 31 www.regalchem.com

Sigma Organics, Inc.............................................. 29 www.SigmaTurf.com

Andy Rushing

Simplot Partners................................................... 13

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

Smith Seed Services............................................... 9

www.cgcfields.com

www.simplotpartners.com www.smithseed.com

Smith Turf & Irrigation............................................ 5 www.smithturf.com

Sur-Line Turf, Inc................................................... 23 To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 ( Toll Free )

sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

www.surlineturf.com

The Turfgrass Group............................................. 11 www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Tri-Turf Sod Farms................................................ 10 www.triturfsod.com

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc......................................... 23 www.turfmountain.com

Turfgrass of Tennessee.......................................... 9 Winstead Turf..............................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com

38

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS August/September 2019 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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MARK STOVALL mstovall@harrells.com (423) 290-3921 Southeast/Middle/West TN (except Memphis) & North GA

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