Virginia Turfgrass Journal - September/October 2020

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

THE PENDING STORM

Coming to an Athletic Field Near You

Plus, The ResistPoa Project Enters A New Phase

September/October 2020

Bet on the Right Horse

TifTuf is 38% more drought tolerant than other bermudas based on USDA drought stress trials.

*TifTuf topped Tahoma 31 every single year in NTEP drought stress trials.

*TifTuf placed in the top NTEP trial categories 93% of the time. Tahoma 31 a distant 73% finish.

TifTuf the Clear Winner, Running Away. www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com * (NTEP) National Turfgrass Evaluation Program

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | September/October 2020

12

18

14 DEPARTMENTS

12 Upcoming Event M-A-T-E Update

6 President’s Message

12 Upcoming Event Certified Turfgrass Professional

8 Director’s Corner

14 Feature Story The ResistPoa Project Enters A New Phase

18 Cover Story

The Pending Storm Coming to an Athletic Field Near You

from Mike Skelton

from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

8 Virginia Tech Turf Team 10 VTF Report from Brandyn Baty

26 Turfgrass Calendar 26 Index of Advertisers

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM 4 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH www.BUYSOD.com

Neil Jones, Territory Manager – Virginia & Eastern NC njones@buysod.com • 910-975-0002

President’s Message

CREATIVE and WONDERFUL WORK

My

Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 virginiaturf@gmail.com

Mike Skelton VTC President

first thought is to hope that you, your family and team are all well and being safe in these uncertain times. I do have all of you in my thoughts every day. Now a few updates.

This is the time of year that new legislative issues that could affect our industry are being presented. We are monitoring the proposals and the government relations committee will review them to determine just how they could affect our day to day operations. We will then address any concerns to ensure they make a decision that will work best for their needs, the environment and our industry. Please take time when we send out the email notice with proposed legislation to review and voice your concerns to our committee. We need your input as we may not understand just how it may affect your special operations.

There’s some very big news: we are updating the VTC website. We will launch it soon with a whole new look. One of the new additions is to include a jobs page and an equipment page. Tom will send out a notification to let you know when it is up and running.

Because of the COVID-19 restrictions we are taking a close look at all our onsite events. The Short Course, although still scheduled for December 7–10, will now be virtual. There is also another change: the course is now specifically designed to provide the needed education for a person to become a Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP). At the end of the course the certification test will be made available and those who pass will become CTP. Our annual MATE Conference is currently scheduled to be held January 19– 20, 2021 at the Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center. We have also partnered with DCR for those who need to keep their Nutrient Management Certification and Fertilizer Certification up to date. This may all change: as you may be aware there are numerous conferences around the United States that have gone virtual or have been canceled. We will let you know any changes to our plans.

I may not be getting out around the state because of COVID-19, but I do follow many of you on social media. I am amazed at the creative and wonderful work you all are performing. Thanks for all you do, and I hope we can all get together in person soon.

Mike Skelton VTC President

PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com EDITOR Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Michael Skelton (540) 718-4133 Vice President Phil Bailey, CGCS Virginia Green Lawn Care (757) 572-1981 Secretary / Treasurer Jimmy Viars, CGM Gloucester County Public Schools (804) 815-2779 Past President Scott Woodward Woodward Turf Farms (540) 727-0020 VTC DIRECTORS Wes Bray Sam Burris Ray Funkhouser Tony Montgomery Bruce Sheppard T.J. Skirsky Craig Zeigler ­ VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. David McCall Ph.D. Dan Sandor, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 464-1004 VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Brandyn Baty (757) 585-3058

6 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

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Virginia Tech Turf Team

Director’s Corner

Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D.

COMMON SENSE

I

Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-5807 askew@vt.edu Jeffrey F. Derr, Ph.D.

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

imagine social scientists have an elaborate, complicated phrase to describe diverse associations collaborating for the greater good, but here is my descriptive term: Common Sense. The current pandemic is a great time for VTC members and others to do the right thing and work together for the entire green industry. Here are just two of many examples.

One, when Governor Northam was making plans to shut down Virginia businesses, we worked with Virginia Agribusiness Council and many others to ensure our industry was deemed essential. Many companies thanked us for enabling them to stay open. Here is just one of the recent comments: Thank you for everything you and the VTC did for us this year. I don’t know what would have happened if you all hadn’t included the irrigation industry in your lobbying!”

Two, as Virginia’s shutdown commenced, we realized certified pesticide applicators were in a very difficult position. Even though they were allowed to continue working, many of them were unable to take classes needed to renew their licenses. Classes were cancelled because of the pandemic. Cancelled classes were a problem for many because their applicator licenses expired June 30. We worked with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to extend the deadline to the end of August while we developed training options.

One training option was a virtual pesticide recertification class that we developed. The class was offered as a service to the industry. We did not charge for it.

Nearly 250 persons attended.

Conducting in-person training classes was the second training option we provided. Six of these classes were held across the state during July and August.

Social distancing and other precautions characterized these events. Three of them were even held outdoors at city parks.

Turfgrass professionals, arborists, landscapers, nursery growers, irrigation professionals, and even environmentalists worked together for the industry during the pandemic. Each group brought intrinsic preferences and biases to the table.

Left unchecked, these differences would have festered discord and division.

But something wonderful happened when the green industry professionals worked together. I call it Common Sense.

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

8 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3912 jderr@vt.edu Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D.

Virginia Tech 420 Smyth Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-2951 goatley@vt.edu David McCall, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9598 dsmccall@vt.edu Dan Sandor, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech 170 Drillfield Dr. 411 Price Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9775 dsandor@vt.edu WITH SUPPORT FROM: Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech Dept. of Entomology 216 Price Hall 170 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-6129 tkuhar@vt.edu

VTF Report

EMBRACING THE

“NEW NORMAL”

The

Virginia Turfgrass Foundation (VTF) is embracing the “new normal” of zoom meetings and virtual events by continuing to work on new and innovative ways to increase consumer awareness on the importance natural grass has to our environment, health, and recreation activity.

With social distancing guidelines in place, the VTF decided to hold our first virtual weekend event on August 1st & 2nd, 2020, sponsored by The Optimal Service Group of the Wells Fargo Advisors, in Williamsburg, VA. The event was marketed as the “5k My Way!” event with the tagline of “Any Town ~ Any Way ~ How do you 5K?”.

Brandyn Baty VTF Director

Because it was a virtual event, participants could do the event from Virginia and beyond. Our goal was to encourage people to get outside to enjoy the benefits of turfgrass, while attracting multiple demographics with the flexibility of the event. There was no need to run, walk, or jog this 5k to successfully participate (unless participants chose to).

Participants were creative with how they did their 5k; swimming, hiking, skateboarding, biking, mowing, and more.

Overall, the virtual event was a success! We mailed almost 100 filled swag boxes to participants and donors in 9 different states! The swag included event branded pint glasses and bottle openers with lanyards (disguised as finishers medals), VTF “#KeepingItReal” bracelets, along with promotional swag from; Virginia Living Magazine, Visit Virginia, Tidewater Orthopaedics, GymGuyz, Arbonne, Dick’s Sporting Goods, VTC, Turf Love, and the UPS Store.

The promotion of the event reached almost twenty thousand (20k) people, resulting in new consumer and industry related attention for the VTF, which has been extremely encouraging.

With having such a positive response from both the event and our ongoing “#KeepingItReal” campaign, we are excited to keep growing (pun intended), by continuing to create fun, family-friendly events, bringing awareness to turfgrass, as well as increase donor support of research for Virginia Tech. You can follow us on all social media platforms and visit our website for upcoming family friendly events!

In addition to the VTF hosted events, we are thankful to have the ongoing support of the Industry!

• Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association and Virginia Turfgrass Council Virginia Tech Research Classic at Independence Golf Club, Rescheduled August 31, 2020.

Contact: David Norman dnorman008@gmail.com (804) 708-9760 •S henandoah Valley Turfgrass Association Research Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club, October 8, 2020.

Contact: David Lewellen david.lewallen@ BlueRidgeShadows.com (703) 887-5305 •V irginia Sod Growers Golf Tournament fundraiser, November 5, 2020, The Crossing Golf Club Contact: Jeff Everhart jeff.everhart@woodwardturf.com (540) 760-5040

The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. P.O. Box 2062 • Williamsburg, VA 23187 • (757) 585-3058 • Tax ID #54-1503158

10 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

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www.vaturfequipment.com Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 11

Upcoming Event

M-A-T-E UPDATE In

these times of uncertainty, please do mark your calendars for the MidAtlantic Turfgrass Expo (MATE). Our annual conference will be held on January 19 and 20 (Tuesday and Wednesday). In order to be closer to most of our attendees, we have moved MATE from the Fredericksburg Expo Center to Virginia Crossings which is located just north of Richmond in Glen Allen.

Here are just a few highlights: • In addition to Virginia Tech experts, Dr. Matthew Elmore of Rutgers and Dr. Grady Miller of North Carolina State University are scheduled to speak.

•W e are partnering with Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation to give attendees excellent fertilizer updates and training on Tuesday morning. Nutrient Management Recertification and Certified Fertilizer Applicator (CFA) recertification credits will be provided. Another option for CFAs will be on Wednesday when both the initial training and recertification credit will be given.

• Pesticide recertification will be incorporated into the main program so persons no longer have to make the difficult choice between earning state required pesticide training and other conference classes.

• The highly popular and extremely informative student competition will return. This contest showcases the latest research affecting our industry.

An unknown at this time is the future state of pandemic. At this point, options we are considering include holding the conference on-site but providing an on-line option. We will keep you posted.

VIRGINIA CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

A

few years ago, the VTC partnered with Virginia Tech to develop and administer a brand new industry measure of turfgrass management competence, the Certified Turfgrass Professional program (CTP). Becoming a CTP has never been easy. In addition to rigorous training, a comprehensive four-part examination must be passed. The following individuals stepped up to the plate, completed all requirements, and have become Certified Turfgrass Professionals. The next CTP training class will be held online as part of the December Turfgrass Short Course.

Darrell Camper

Ariel Kerner

Matt Chandler

Kevin Moore

Jeff Everhart

Camden Patton

Wick Fary

Bryan Raehl

Brian Glass

Jared Russell

Stephen Hatcher

Nathan Wayne Shifflet

William Huff

Mark Smith

Justin Hunt

John Weaver

12 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

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Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) 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, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2020 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed.

Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. 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 37064-3394, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 7944524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 13

Feature Story

The ResistPoa Project Enters a New Phase

By Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mississippi State University PHOTO 1: The ResistPoa team includes researchers from Texas A&M, University of Tennessee, Mississippi State, University of Georgia, North Carolina State, Clemson, University of Florida, Rutgers, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Penn State, University of Arizona, Portland State, Oregon State and Auburn.

The

ResistPoa project seeks new and innovative strategies that help practitioners make informed decisions regarding annual bluegrass (Poa annua) control. The project is funded by a $5.6 million United States Department of Agriculture – Specialty Crop Research Initiative (USDASCRI) grant and involves 16 universities as well as their research laboratories and lab members. This is one of only a few federally funded turfgrass projects in the nation, and we’re grateful to reviewers and stakeholders who were involved in its selection (Photo 1).

Our objectives are to characterize nationwide distribution of herbicide resistant annual bluegrass, seek out new and novel means of control, and identify socioeconomic constraints that affect practitioner behavior.

The project is now in its second year. We are proud to have teamed up with Leading Edge Communications to bring our stakeholders an update through a series of podcasts and written communications.

OUR CHALLENGE As a turfgrass weed, annual bluegrass’s color and texture are an aesthetic problem. It disrupts athletic performance as well as ball roll. It can survive and reproduce at almost any mowing height. It results in thinned and vulnerable turfgrass stands. Practitioners and researchers alike find that controlling and managing it seems to be more art than it is science.

14 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

As an industry, we too quickly start our conversations regarding annual bluegrass by discussing chemical control options, but any astute turfgrass manager knows that we can’t keep doing the same things if they’re not working.

We must also acknowledge societal and economic variables that influence our decision making. David Ervin at Portland State University and George Frisvold at University of Arizona are doing just that. Socio-economic investigations are collecting data through the use of focus groups and surveys. This approach challenges us to look beyond chemical control as a single dimension solution. Jim Brosnan from the University of Tennessee says: “This is the first time that I’ve been involved in an effort that is really trying to get at the sociological piece, the human element or decision-making piece of what we do. And my hope is that by trying to understand those dynamics, it’s going to make the solutions that come from the research easier to adapt.”

Beyond chemical control strategies, a critical objective of the ResistPoa project is to develop sound best management practices (BMPs) based upon a better understanding of the ecology and biology of annual bluegrass. “[W]hat it’s going to do is expand our knowledge a little bit better on those aspects of Poa annua control that are now solely dependent on which synthetic herbicide to spray today or tomorrow or next week,” says Shawn Askew from Virginia Tech. “We’re looking more at the biology of the weed and trying to exploit its weaknesses.”

Controlling annual bluegrass requires a diversified approach, incorporating proper cultural practices that favor the desired turfgrass species, appropriate herbicide application timings and combinations that account for known resistance issues.

Another objective is to understand seed production and seedling germination. Given adequate soil temperature and moisture, annual bluegrass seed germinate and establish relatively quickly. The project seeks to understand this through a series of experiments.

In ongoing studies, investigators at Georgia, Mississippi, Penn State, Purdue, and Tennessee have been studying the effects of growing degree day (GDD) accumulation on annual bluegrass seed formation and subsequent germination. In 2019 and 2020, we tracked GDD accumulation from January 1 through flowering and eventual seed ripening. Across sites, it appears that seed germination rates rise rapidly after 1,250 GDD (base 32°F) accumulation and that the highest germination rates occur for seed retained longest on the plant. Ongoing experiments at Texas A&M, Auburn, Clemson, Tennessee, Oregon State, Purdue, and Rutgers also seek to determine the effects of seed burial and persistence as well as seedling emergence patterns. Those efforts are complemented by studies investigating seedling emergence (led by researchers at Penn State) and other studies evaluating fraze-mowing as a mechanical means of depleting the soil seed bank (at Tennessee and Florida).

A LONG-ROOTED HISTORY: POA ANNUA THROUGH THE YEARS

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a troublesome weed in managed landscapes and crops alike. It is one of the most widespread in the world. In fact, it has been reported on every continent, including Antarctica (Olech, 1996). Annual bluegrass is thought to have resulted from a cross between weak bluegrass (Poa infirma) and creeping meadow-grass (Poa supina) perhaps 2.5 million years ago during the interglacial ice age periods on the European continent. More recently, these two parent species have been shown to cross quite readily (Tutin, 1957).

Annual bluegrass is an annual comprised of numerous biotypes or “populations” – many of which are capable of perennating, meaning that they may exist in a vegetative state throughout the year, all along reproducing through aggressive tillering and seed production. Though perennial biotypes are much less common than annual biotypes, they tend to occur in frequently mown or grazed scenarios in temperate climates with adequate year-round soil moisture.

Poa in ancient Greek means ‘fodder’; therefore, it should come as no surprise that temperate, cool-season pastures of the old-world have historically been comprised of at least some Poa species, including annual bluegrass and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis).

In the temperate environments of England, Poa annua is in fact referred to as annual meadow-grass, while Kentucky bluegrass is called smooth meadow-grass.

Annual bluegrass has been a research interest since the early 1900’s. An often-cited early publication concerning annual bluegrass control was published by the USGA Green Section in 1922 – “How we controlled Poa annua at Old Elm.” This introspective piece is part self-congratulatory, part admission of defeat. It’s easy to find and well worth the read.

In our interviews with co-authors, one thing is clear: annual bluegrass isn’t going anywhere. We’re just trying to keep up. The ResistPoa project has a unique role to play. John Kaminski, a Penn State investigator, summed this up well: “This has been a long battle that people have dealt with, and I don’t think we’re going to solve all those battles, but by consolidating all the people from various geographic regions that really have different management styles and practices based on where they’re located, I think we’re going to be able to come up with concentrated information for people managing turf in specific regions. I think that hasn’t been done before.”

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 15

HERBICIDE RESISTANCE One of the most comprehensive objectives of the ResistPoa project is a national survey of herbicide resistant annual bluegrass. This has proven to be a challenging objective.

With more than 30 researchers involved, we have standardized procedures for population collection and developed workflows that keep whole greenhouses of plants alive at more than a dozen locations. We have developed techniques for rapid screening of an unprecedented number of annual bluegrass populations. Our findings will be made relevant through the development of a user-friendly decision-support tool that helps facilitate herbicide mode of action rotation, as well as the incorporation of effective cultural practices.

To date, we have screened more than 1,500 annual bluegrass samples for postemergence resistance to the following herbicide modes/sites of action (and respective herbicides): PHOTO 2: Poa annua survives where few others can.

• 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate-dioxygenase or HPPD (mesotrione)

16 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

• 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase or ESPS (glyphosate) • acetolactate-synthase or ALS (trifloxysulfuron, foramsulfuron, and others) • glutamine synthetase (glufosinate) • microtubule assembly (pronamide)

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit ResistPoa.org, follow us on Twitter (@ResistPoa), and listen to podcasts at the TheTurfZone.com.

• photosystem I (diquat) • photosystem II (simazine) And preemergence resistance to the following herbicide modes/sites of action: • inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis (indaziflam) • microtubule assembly (prodiamine and pronamide) In year 1 of our study, we identified suspected resistance to many sites of action studied. Most of the resistant populations were from southern states. Of 776 samples collected in winter of 2018/2019 from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, 13% were suspected resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides, 8% to glyphosate, 5% to simazine applied postemergence, 3% to pronamide applied postemergence, and 5% to microtubule synthesis inhibitors applied preemergence.

Our work analyzing for herbicide resistance has only just begun. Suspected resistant populations that escaped preliminary screens of labelled rates are now moving though secondary rate-response screens to confirm and quantify resistance. Confirmed resistant populations will then move through target-site resistance screens at Auburn, where researchers will analyze for mutations within the genetic sequence for targeted enzymes. Unique cases (for instance, populations with multiple-herbicide-resistance) will then be screened for non-target site resistance by researchers at North Carolina and Georgia.

REFERENCES: Alexander, W. A. 1922. How we controlled Poa annua at Old Elm. Bulletin of the Green Section of the USGA 2(7): 213-214.

Olech, M. 1996. Human impact on terrestrial ecosystems in west Antarctica. In Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium on Polar Biology (pp. 299-306). National Institute of Polar Research.

PHOTO 3: ResistPoa.org offers resources for turf managers.

3A (Top): The tools tab provides links to support best management practices for controlling annual bluegrass. 3B (Bottom): The search feature allows visitors to find targeted information using filters for turf type, control method and state.

FIND OUT MORE The best way to keep track of our results is by monitoring our @ResistPoa Twitter handle. We’re posting updates and retweeting relevant information there. The website ResistPoa.org is a handy tool for stakeholders. We have included a search function that allows folks to look for published information by State, Turf Type, and Control Method. There are educational videos and a repository of webinar recordings. We’ll be adding a decision support tool over time. This tool should account for herbicide application history, site/mode of action, and much more.

We look forward to sharing knowledge and best management strategies with you in the future.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 17

Cover Story

THE

PENDING STORM

COMING TO AN ATHLETIC FIELD NEAR YOU Mike Goatley, Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist David McCall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Pathologist Shawn Askew, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Weed Scientist

W

e’re not forecasting catastrophic weather events (although given the way 2020 has gone, what might happen?). Instead, this article is intended to help you avoid disaster as it relates to the pending storm of what is about to play out on your sports fields. Sports field managers are realizing what is on the horizon regarding the demands for use of their sports fields in 2021 with many fall sports now delayed until the spring. The sports field manager will once again face the reality that every sport is the most important in that particular coach’s, player’s, or parent’s mind and the perception (hopefully not expectation) that field access is unlimited. It was fascinating watching the progression of the ‘MLS is Back’ tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where they hosted 51 matches on 3 fields over 35 days – and the natural grass fields performed marvelously well thanks to an excellent team of sports field managers and consultants. Most of you are facing budget and labor cuts etc. and are quite limited in physical acreage that can be utilized for a greatly expanded spring sports schedule. While there is no guarantee for success, planning and managing for the onslaught of field use in 2021 begins NOW! There are no quick and easy fixes to limitations in soil, a properly crowned field, and an effective irrigation system. So, if those limitations describe your facility, accept that you are somewhat handicapped from the start. However, there are basic cultural, chemical, and communication management concepts that you can employ to help you provide the safest, best playing surfaces under extreme traffic conditions in 2021.

Grow as much as grass as possible until cold weather arrives.

It doesn’t matter if it’s warm-season or cool-season, now is the time to grow the thickest, densest, healthiest turfgrass possible. Many have had to reduce inputs on fields that were not in use; that was appropriate and even necessary for budgets. But given what is coming, you now need to do everything you can to optimize turf density and health prior to winter because the growth rates of both bermudagrass (4-5 months dormancy) and cool-season grasses (2-3 months of no or restricted growth potential) will decline in a few months.

– Soil pH and nutrient management: The makings of a healthy turf begin with a properly balanced soil in terms of pH and nutrients. A soil test is the only way to really know what the soil needs and there is no cheaper piece of insurance in making informed decisions than to soil test (Figure 1). Both warm and cool-season grasses will benefit from the utilization of a soil test in late summer through mid-fall. There is still time to benefit from nitrogen on bermudagrass fields, but keep the nutrient management standards of up to 0.9 lb N/1000 sq ft per active growing month in mind, and if possible, go to a light and frequent fertility program as the days get shorter.

The strategy for a heavily trafficked sports field in the fall (that carries over to the spring) is to keep the bermudagrass actively growing as long as possible, but not extremely succulent heading into mid-late October when frost/freeze

18 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

events arrive. One point of caution regarding fertilization on bermudagrass next spring in the midst of all the traffic: the tendency is to want to begin fertilizing as soon as it starts to green in an effort to get as much regrowth as possible. That’s a risky strategy that might pay dividends if Mother Nature cooperates (i.e. no more frost events), but for most locations the threat of late season frosts that can decimate all of that early season growth are enough reason to delay spring fertilization until the possibility of frost has passed (this is exactly what happened to many in 2020 when March was warmer than April in many locations in the mid-Atlantic). For cool-season grasses, fall is the PRIMARY time to conduct the majority of your seasonal N fertility program for improved performance now and a carry-over in growth and color response into 2021. The standard rule of “if it needs mowing, it is growing” applies to developing your fertility program, and our standard in the mid-Atlantic is to apply no more than 0.7 lb soluble N/1000 sq ft per active growing month on our cool season fields.

– Mowing height: This is a double-edged sword question and answer. Mowing your fields at the lower end of a grass’ cutting height tolerance range promotes lateral growth and better density during optimal growing periods (that might be 0.75 to 1.5" for a bermudagrass field, to 1.5 to 2.5" for a cool-season field). Mow the grasses regularly, keeping the 1/3rd rule in play, but keep in mind that more biomass (to a point… we’re not talking about letting grasses get too tall for the sport) generally equates to better wear tolerance.

– Cultivation: Two thoughts come to mind here. Many have had the opportunity to manage compaction during the down time on their fields, with some afforded opportunities that they never would have had during standard use schedules. Given what is coming with the traffic, compaction relief is especially critical now if it has not been addressed, and perhaps going as far as a linear decompaction treatment or deep tine application is warranted for its long-term benefits that will extend into 2021 (Figure 2)?

Then I would suggest you do that this fall if budget permits. There is still time to address compaction on both bermudagrass and cool-season fields during late summer through mid-fall. Then, if time and resources allow, consider how you might be able to incorporate solid tine (or other less surface disruptive tools) into the intensively trafficked areas next spring. You can’t likely do much traditional hollow-tine aeration on a dormant or slowly growing field because the turfgrass can’t recuperate quickly enough to maintain playability. As the spring progresses, you will need to schedule and implement your regular cultivation events to best address soil compaction.

Also, remember that your cultivation programs don’t necessarily have to be on the entire field. The sport results in obvious traffic patterns to address (perhaps one of the biggest challenges will be that due to lack of space, sporting events will be relocated to fields that were previously dedicated to one or two sports. Concentrate your cultivation programs on the trafficked areas if you have budget, equipment, or labor limitations and give them a couple

FIGURE 1: Two composite soil samples (denoted by X’s and Y’s in this image) from your rectangles and baseball fields will provide the science-based information you need to meet the lime and nutrient needs of your sports grasses.

FIGURE 2: The ‘Shockwave’ machine is one of many ways to perform what is known as ‘linear decompaction’ on an athletic field with blades cutting slits 10 or more inches deep into the profile, with minimal surface disruption.

of aeration events rather than poking holes in the best parts of a field that receive little traffic.

– Overseeding: Several sports field managers in Virginia have indicated that while they did not overseed their bermudagrass the past few years that they thought it likely worth the investment in the seed and the management of the ryegrass in order to have an actively growing grass for all of the mid-late winter traffic. I think that has always been the best argument for overseeding bermudagrass with ryegrass – period. It remains an agronomic fact that the ryegrass is nothing more than a weed to bermudagrass, but intensive spring traffic is a very strong justification for winter overseeding. If you overseed bermudagrass, then OVERSEED your bermudagrass! At least 6–10 lbs of pure living ryegrass seed per 1000 sq ft, and I suggest you go

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 19

Cover Story continued

towards the higher side rather than lower to ensure the best density. It will require periodic fertilization, regular mowing, and will be a detriment to your bermudagrass later next spring. However, it might be the best choice for you and your situation. Keep in mind that the ultimate product you seek to provide is a safe field, and clumpy ryegrass has long been one of the biggest reasons to not overseed a bermudagrass field (Figure 3). The debate will FIGURE 3: An improperly overseeded bermudagrass field can have very poor footing and playability for spring sports due to the clumpy nature of the ryegrass.

continue as to the pros and cons of winter overseeding with the answer to should you or shouldn’t you do it being ‘yes’.

As with fall fertilization on cool-season grasses, fall is also the preferred season to seed and/or renovate cool season turf. Kentucky bluegrass remains a staple of coolseason fields because of its rhizomatous growth habit, perennial ryegrass fits well into cool-season renovation because of how fast it germinates, and the newest generation of turf-type tall fescues continue to expand in use on cool-season turf, especially in combination with Kentucky bluegrass. Dormant seeding of cool season grasses over worn areas will have the seed primed and ready to germinate when spring temperatures and moisture are suitable.

For situations where it is critical to get seed up as soon as possible, turf blankets can be applied.

– Use covers if you have them or can afford them.

Hopefully your fields will have dense grass cover because of reduced use in 2020, but reality is that a return to practices at some schools and planned fall parks and recreation use schedules, that many fields are likely going to be intensively trafficked even this fall. Turf blankets can enhance late season recovery efforts with seeded cool-season grasses, promote the establishment of overseeded bermudagrass turfs, and protect bermudagrass from damage from winter temperature extremes. Turf blankets will also help keep traffic off of the fields. They are a significant expense, but they are pretty much the only way to stimulate offseason grass growth and development (Figure 4), and if they are properly handled and stored, they will last many years.

Weed control strategies FIGURE 4: A winter-applied turf blanket removed in March in Blacksburg delivers a Kentucky bluegrass surface that is 4–6 weeks ahead of development compared to uncovered grass.

If procedures for maximizing turf density discussed above are followed, weed control requirements should be less than normal. Use herbicides that have the least injury potential and only target weeds that threaten to dominate the stand or compromise player safety. Avoid using longresidual, preemergence herbicides since expected wear pressure will be “off the charts” as fall and spring games will be combined in the spring.

Cool-season. Herbicides such as mesotrione, topramezone, triclopyr, halosulfuron, 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP, and quinclorac should be part of your arsenal.

Mesotrione is great for use during seeding to suppress winter annuals without harming cool-season seedlings. It has more residual performance than topramezone in that respect. Topramezone is best for large goosegrass plants, bermudagrass suppression, and general postemergence grass control. Halosulfuron is a safe option to control sedges when new seedlings may be established and grass growth potential must be maximized in a short period of time. Triclopyr should be avoided on turf seedlings or on Kentucky bluegrass during hot weather. On more mature

20 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

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stands, it controls hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds, helps suppress bermudagrass when mixed with topramezone, and reduces white symptoms on weed leaves when used with mesotrione or topramezone. The other broadleaf herbicides are safe options for postemergence control of unwanted broadleaf weeds. Quinclorac is the best product for cleaning up massive crabgrass plants late season.

It should be possible to address annual bluegrass without herbicides. Since fall play is omitted, make every effort to seed heavily and early, fertilize with nitrogenbased products while avoiding phosphorous unless a soil test demands it. Any excess phosphorous will only serve as a starter fertilizer for annual bluegrass. The nitrogen will maximize turf competition with new annual bluegrass seedlings and should reduce their invasion. The key is to get a solid stand of turf before annual bluegrass starts emerging (max. air temps consistently below 70°F) and promote maximum turf density and competitiveness.

In addition to avoiding phosphorous, reduce irrigation frequency to match turf needs. Don’t maintain wet surfaces for long periods as this will promote annual bluegrass infestation.

Next spring, only use herbicides that allow for immediate seeding of cool-season turfgrasses as repair of damaged areas will likely be required. For example, don’t delay broadleaf weed control until spring since the products don’t work well in late-winter cold and many of them carry 3–4-week reseeding restrictions. Products like quincorac, mesotrione, and topramezone would be good choices depending on the weed spectrum.

Warm season. If managing bermudagrass fields, one has a tough decision to make: Overseed or don’t overseed.

Repeating what was said earlier, overseeding will arguably place you in better shape for the coming wear stress but be advised that immense effort and resources will be needed this fall to achieve and keep a high-density stand so that it will be ready come February. Be prepared to defend 2–3 mowings per week, fertility expense, fungicides, etc. during a time when no one is on the field. Overseed early and you may need to suppress bermudagrass growth with high rates of trinexapac ethyl and optimize ryegrass emergence with 1/8-inch sand topdressing. Aggressive core aeration or verticutting is not recommended as a means of reducing bermudagrass vigor as this will weaken the bermudagrass substantially for next summer. If coring is needed anyway, that need will trump bermudagrass injury concerns. Thus, if soils are compacted, that is sufficient reason to coincide aeration with the seeding event. In fact, dragging cores can replace the sand top dressing as a means to promote ryegrass establishment in a dense bermudagrass stand. If overseeding at higher rates, early, and a successful stand establishment is gained, weed control inputs may not be needed. If you must overseed later or annual bluegrass has already started to emerge prior to overseeding, apply foramsulfuron one week prior to seeding to kill emerged annual bluegrass.

FIGURE 5: Postemergent non-selective weed control with glyphosate on this dormant bermudagrass field provides an exceptional and safe playing surface.

The counter argument in favor of not overseeding best applies to fields that are entering the fall season at aboveaverage density. In fact, any or all of the following may make non-overseeded bermudagrass fields a prudent choice: if your bermudagrass density is high, you have a limited budget, if you can reduce the number of events played on any one field, or if you expect the field to be “blown up” regardless of what you do. When not overseeding, resources may essentially be held back and used for the recovery phase rather than for producing an optimal stand of perennial ryegrass in advance of the coming spring. The downside is that your only option when playing conditions become unsafe may be to close the field. Sand top dressing and divot fill can improve field safety but is a short-term fix when turf density is lost.

Weed control needs will increase on non-overseeded fields. Expect to use glyphosate or glufosinate to control winter weeds after the field enters dormancy (Figure 5).

Since this often happens in February, you may be too close to the deferred season to clean up the fields. It is best to target winter broadleaf weeds with 3-way combo products the previous fall. Likewise, products like trifloxysulfuron applied in fall as bermudagrass is entering dormancy can help knock back winter weeds and allow for a glyphosate or glufosinate follow up to be more effective and aesthetically pleasing in late February.

22 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

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Disease control strategies Diseases will likely impact sports fields next spring, whether managing warm-season or cool-season grasses.

As previously mentioned, improving the overall density, uniformity, and vigor in the fall will pay dividends next spring when traffic is at an all-time high. Following the advice on each of the cultural practices listed above will not only improve the appearance of the field, but will also allow the plants to defend themselves against turfgrass pathogens.

Spring dead spot will continue to plague bermudagrass sports fields across the Commonwealth (Figure 6). If no actions are taken this fall, the only viable option will be to promote recovery in the spring through nitrogen fertilization and cultivation. The problem that we will likely run into next spring is that turfgrass managers will be attempting to do this without any breaks from foot traffic on the fields, something that will prove almost impossible. Both fall fertilization and mowing height can impact spring dead spot the following year.

As previously mentioned, applying small amounts of nitrogen into the fall will extend the photosynthetic period of the bermudagrass, resulting in a healthier root system to fight off the spring dead spot pathogen during the winter. However, be cautious not to overapply as too much top growth late into the season can be detrimental to the

root system as well. Also pay attention to any macro- or micronutrient deficiencies that may show up during the soil test and supplement accordingly. As for mowing height, bermudagrass is less susceptible to cold injury when mowing heights are increased as the stand enters winter dormancy. The end result of spring dead spot damage is caused by localized winterkill in patches that are weakened by the pathogen. We suggest slowly stepping up the mowing height by approximately 50% as the grass slows down. For example, if fields are maintained at 0.75" during the active season, consider raising to somewhere between 1" and 1.25" during the last couple months of fall growth.

If spring dead spot has historically plagued a particular sports field, this may be the year to strongly consider applying a preventative fungicide. Several fungicides have proven effective. The most consistent performers at Virginia Tech have been the SDHI class; such as isofetamid (Kabuto), penthiopyrad (Velista), and pydiflumetofen (Posterity). Fungicides should be applied in the fall when soil temperatures fall between 70°F and 75°F. A repeat application approximately 3–4 weeks later may prove beneficial if we experience a long, gradual decline in soil temperatures. Fungicide applications for suppressing spring dead spot should be watered in immediately to maximize their performance.

Those needing to overseed their fields this fall with a cool-season grass should be wary of seedling diseases that

FIGURE 6: Spring dead spot must be treated with appropriate fungicides in the fall prior to fungal infection in order to control/reduce the likelihood of disease symptoms on bermudagrass sports fields the next spring.

24 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2020 www.vaturf.org

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can quickly wipe out a stand of new grass. Particularly, be cautious of gray leaf spot and ‘damping off’ during the first couple of weeks after seeding. Gray leaf spot, in particular, has become increasingly problematic on both perennial ryegrass and tall fescue in late summer to early fall. Both diseases are most severe during prolonged periods of leaf wetness in conjunction with high canopy temperatures. However, consistent moisture drives each disease more than temperature. And, both diseases are also most severe when nitrogen is readily available.

Consistently wet with plenty of readily available nitrogen describes establishment to a T, as seed needs to be watered continuously for the first couple of weeks, typically in conjunction with a starter fertilizer. The potential for these diseases shouldn’t prevent fall overseeding to prepare for next spring. Rather, extra caution should be taken to inspect the seedlings routinely to any symptoms of the diseases or, more importantly, signs of the pathogens. As with spring dead spot, this may be a year where it is worth the investment in a good fungicide to make sure overseeding establishment is a success.

Establishing and maintaining communication is more important than ever This article likely doesn’t do as much for you as it could your supervisors, administration, players, coaches, etc., so you might accidentally leave it in a place where they might take a glance at it! Even with all of the agronomic and pest management challenges detailed, the toughest part of your battle in sports field disaster prevention is always the management of the traffic on the field. You aren’t likely to win many of these battles, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wage the battle because two-way communication is always an important part of any successful operation. Regular communication with your coaches, administration, and players regarding upcoming field use schedules begins now as you plan for what is likely to happen beginning in early 2021. Getting buy-in from them regarding at least a basic understanding of the pending challenges is an important first step in your management program. Plainly stated, excessive traffic leads to compaction and compaction leads to the loss of grass because of a lack of oxygen and physical limitation to root penetration.

Remember that one traffic event on a saturated soil in any season can likely destroy a season’s worth of efforts in providing a safe playable field; the magnitude of the damage is much greater if a wet field is trafficked over the late fall to early winter months when there is neither time nor conditions to adequately promote recovery.

Fields exist to be used, but ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to understanding that field use guidelines and practices must ensure that athlete safety comes first.

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We Know You... ...You’re Our #1 Priority.

We know lately things have changed dramatically, but the demands on you and your crew haven’t changed at all. We are still making sales and service calls - but as safe and respectful as possible. We’ll show up, get the job done and then be on our way.

Our number one priority has always been the health, safety and satisfaction of our customers; and of our employees. While a lot of things have changed, thank goodness a lot of things haven’t. @smithturf #Reelmaster #Greensmaster #Workman #ToroLynx #ToroInfinity

NORTH CAROLINA | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | VIRGINIA | BERMUDA Office 704.393.8873 Orders 800.932.8676 www.smithturf.com