Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
January/February 2020
RESEARCH UPDATES
from VIRGINIA TECH
Plus, Don’t Miss M-A-T-E January 21 – 23, 2020
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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | January/February 2020
26
30 DEPARTMENTS
16 Upcoming Event Save the Date for Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo 22 Upcoming Event Come to the Bay
26 Cover Story
Research Updates from Virginia Tech 30 Feature Story Annual Bluegrass Weevil in Virginia
6 President’s Message
from Scott Woodward
8 Director’s Corner
from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.
8 Virginia Tech Turf Team 9 Index of Advertisers 10 Editor’s Perspective
from Mark Vaughn, CGCS
14 VTF Report
from Brandyn Baty
35 Turfgrass Calendar
4 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS 38% Less Water Greater Fall Color Retention
Earlier Spring Transition Increased Wear Tolerance
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President’s Message
M-A-T-E and RESEARCH
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 vaturf@verizon.net
Scott Woodward 2019 President
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2020! As you know, the topic of this Virginia Turfgrass Journal issue is research and it is perfect timing with M-A-T-E around the corner. Not only will we see results and on-going data from Virginia Tech, but we get to meet and discuss these findings with the students and the professors. It is always a big favorite to be able to review these results with that very talented team. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors for all of their hard work in supporting me and this organization. I would also like to thank all the members who joined numerous committees to continue to help us grow and rally for change. A special thank you and shout out to Tom Tracy, our Executive Director, who is one of the most committed and hardworking members of VTC. It has been my pleasure to work hand-in-hand with everyone to continue to strengthen our cause and grow our industry by educating those who don’t understand why what we do is so important. One of my tasks is to encourage members to join our Board of Directors or one of our various committees so that we can get some fresh ideas on the continued efforts to grow our industry. In my experience as a Committee Member, Board Member and now President, I gained so much knowledge of the inner workings of our industry. Whether it be research or legislative, I have met so many of the hardworking people who have helped me become more educated. It is a privilege to serve the turfgrass industry. Thank you for being a part of the VTC. Sincerely,
Scott H. Woodward President, VTC
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 Scott Woodward Woodward Turf Farms (540) 727-0020 Treasurer Jimmy Viars, CGM Gloucester County Public Schools (804) 815-2779 Secretary Phil Bailey, CGCS Virginia Green Lawn Care (757) 572-1981 Past President Rick Owens, CGCS Laurel Hill Golf Club (703) 674-6934 VTC DIRECTORS Wes Bray Sam Burris Scott Caskie Tony Montgomery 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 January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
Virginia Tech Turf Team
Director’s Corner
Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D.
BUILDING Relationships
“Do
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
you reach across the political aisle?” is often asked when I discuss the VTC’s work with legislators and regulatory agencies. It is the wrong question because it assumes we are on a particular side of the divide that exists between our two major political parties. A right question is to ask how we are progressing in our fight for our members’ rights. Answering that question emphasizes building alliances with Republicans, Democrats, Independents and even environmental activists in our never ending push for you, the turfgrass professional. Education is a critical part of our alliance building. Too often persons (and please remember that achieving our goals always comes down to building relationships with individuals) have wrong perceptions about our industry. For instance, I recently communicated with the leader of an environmental group regarding an anti-lawn item that appeared in one of their publications. Because everyone loves trees, I used the following analogy: All plants, such as turfgrass, are living entities and have strengths and weaknesses. For instance, oak trees are fantastic in the proper location, but a Virginia business or homeowner who desires to plant one on an earthen dam needs to be advised of federal and state restrictions which forbid trees on those structures. We have a very mature white oak in our front yard. It was planted years ago by my now deceased father-in-law. That tree is properly maintained. About once every two years we hire a certified arborist to assess its health and remove branches deemed hazardous. Taking that action prolongs the tree’s life and keeps huge branches from falling onto our house or our neighbor’s BMW. Within hours I received a very positive response from that leader. I look forward to many years of working with her. Our task of building alliances and educating decision makers is only possible because of you! Thank you for obtaining and keeping the right fertilizer and pesticide certifications. Thank you for following sound agronomic principles! And thank you for being members of the Virginia Turfgrass Council. We exist because of you. Here is one last thought. Make plans to attend our January 30th Legislative Day. This event, sponsored by Virginia Green and Pennington Seed is a great time to connect with members of the General Assembly. We make appointments, have discussions, and distribute bags of grass seed. One legislative aide recently told me the seed she received two years ago nicely covered a bare spot in her yard.
Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director
8 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 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 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
Index of Advertisers
IN STOCK MOUNTED LANDSCAPE
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Alliance Material Handling, Inc................. 29 www.alliancemat.com Buy Sod, Inc......................Inside Front Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Green Corp................................... 35 www.cgcfields.com Collins Wharf Sod Farm.............................. 15 www.collinswharfsod.com CoverSports USA......................................... 13 www.coversports.com Daniel Sod Farms......................................... 35 www.danielsodfarm.com East Coast Sod & Seed................................. 35 www.eastcoastsod.com Revels Tractor Co. Inc................................. 17 www.revelstractor.com Fisher & Son Company, Inc.......................... 3 www.fisherandson.com Harmon Turf Services, Inc.......................... 21 www.harmonturfservices.com Home Field Fertilizer Meadowspring Turf Farm........................... 29 www.meadowspringturf.com Kesmac.......................................................... 19 www.brouwerkesmac.com KWMI / K & W Products, Inc..................... 25 www.KWMIequipment.com Leading Edge Communications................. 34 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Luck Ecosystems............................................ 7 www.luckecosystems.com McGill Premium Compost.......................... 35 www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL..................................... 11 www.stihldealers.com Modern Turf, Inc......................................... 15 www.modernturf.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc................. 32 www.progressiveturfequip.com Smith Seed Services..................................... 15 www.smithseed.com Smith Turf & Irrigation................ Back Cover www.smithturf.com Soil Technologies / American Natural Products / Amorex Goose Repellent............................ 23 www.soiltechcorp.com The Cutting Edge of VA................................ 9 www.tce-va.com
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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 9
Editor’s Perspective
2020 PREDICTIONS 2020. 2020. 2020. Say it fast. It just has that cool, rapid fire vibe when you say it, agreed? I mean, it takes like 10 seconds to say nineteen fiftysix. Think of all the kids born this year — when they go to Sam’s Club pharmacy to get their Plavix prescription filled in 2083 and they ask for their date of birth, they can spit out 2020…BOOM! My phone number ends in 5050, and when someone asks me for it and I say fity-fity, just for a moment I’m In Da Club. Anyway, some interesting facts about the year 2020. It’s the year of the White Rat, but not just any White Rat, the Metal White Rat. According to “Trusted Psychic Mediums” if the number 2020 appears in your “session” it is a message from your guardian angels that you will achieve all your life goals. So you got that going for you. It is a leap year, so you have one extra day to achieve those life goals, or screw something up, depending on your perspective. It is the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock on the Mayflower. That is if you can believe ANYTHING we were taught in history class. Who says fake news only began a few years ago?? Some fun facts left out of the Pilgrim story: not long after they landed, they founded this country’s first moving company. A few years later, the Plymouth division of Chrysler produced their first sedan near the site, and at least in my neck of the woods the Pilgrims started the Mayflower Seafood restaurant chain. Doesn’t sound like a stuffy bunch of Puritans to me. On a darker note, 2020 is an election year. Because of this, I am going against the guidance of our VTC lawyers and The Man. Yes, I’m not issuing the official disclaimer for my prediction ramblings this year. I’m going out on a limb here I know, but I’m betting the things coming out of our glorious nation’s capital, on Facebook, Twitter, yada
Mark Vaughn, CGCS Virginia Turfgrass Journal Editor
yada will be much more slanderous than the few loose words written here in this little publication. And if Donnie, Nancy, Mitch or anyone else wants to take us on, we’ll just fall back on the immortal words of P.T. Barnum: “there is no such thing as bad publicity.” Following Boris Johnson’s lead with Parliament/Brexit, and fed up with the endless investigations into his presidency, DT asks Queen to suspend Congress indefinitely. Surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor are flattered, but try to explain they have no influence in the political arena. Frustrated by their explanation, The Donald launches a Twitter tirade, calling them the biggest no-talent losers to host a sellout crowd at Wembley Stadium. Researchers at Virginia Tech proclaim a new day for struggling Southside Virginia golf courses. In keeping with the ever-changing economy, the university announces the Ziggy Marley School of Cannabis will be located at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. “We’ve long known there wasn’t an ounce of topsoil in Pittsylvania County,” states Doobie Dab, dean of the new school. “For prime golf conditions, this mix of red clay, sandstone, and gumbo is crap. But farmers have been growing that “death weed” tobacco on this junk for years. We’ve got hundreds of irrigated acres on area courses just waiting for a new cash crop. CBD beats the heck out of trying to sell golf for $20 per round. Plus, when the commonwealth is finally lighting up “miracle weed” in a few years, we’ll be sitting right at ground zero.” The PGA Tour announces their in-house study reveals they have no pace-of-play problem. Commissioner Jay Monahan declares “this is a conspiracy by the media to
10 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
Continued on page 12
©2020 STIHL MA20TURF01-12-142736-1
Editor’s Perspective continued
discredit the hard-working independent contractors trying to eke out a living playing professional golf. Furthermore, we see no connection between pace of play in the college or junior ranks and our tour. Why, that would be akin to suggesting a steady diet of violent movies, tv shows, and video games would make folks numb to violence.” Meanwhile in the real world, things reach a boiling point in the second round of the U.S. Open. Fed up with the glacial pace of play, Brooks Koepka and Ricky Fowler ask Bryson DeChambeau and Jason Day to let them through on the 3rd hole. When they refuse, Koepka launches a towering 360-yard drive on the ensuing hole that lands within a few feet of a dawdling DeChambeau. Then Fowler hits his second shot into the green as Day stands over his putt after consulting his greens book, lining it up from three angles, and meditating for 45 seconds. An enraged Day swats Fowler’s ball into a bunker. Just as Fowler and Koepka reach the green, FOX cuts away to the full three-hour version of The Sound of Music. Monahan appears later in the evening on Golf Channel to explain what happened. “The angle of the sun made it difficult for Brooks and Ricky to see the group in front of them. As they approached the green and realized what had happened, they made their way towards Bryson and Jason to apologize. At the same time, Bryson and Jason were walking towards them and stepped on rakes simultaneously, which struck Bryson in the face and Jason in the groin. As a medical precaution, both Bryson and Jason withdrew from the event. Any reports you may hear contradictory to this are simply an attempt to discredit the hard-working members of our harmonious tour.” Roundup, Roundup, Roundup. Science be damned, there’s big money in them thar corporate coffers! The freeway to free money is jammed with every ambulance-chasing lawyer than can rent a billboard or buy ad space on a cable channel. But remember gentle reader, they only have YOUR best interest at heart. Enough said. In January, TaylorMade releases their latest, greatest, gotta have driver — the M7. A smiling Tiger Woods says “wanna hit it like me, buy this driver. It’s as simple as that!” Reality be damned, the $599 drivers leap off the shelf and appear in 15 handicapper bags all across the country. In June, TaylorMade reduces the M7 to $299 and releases the new gotta have $599 M8. A smiling Tiger says “wanna hit it like me, buy this driver.” You can’t make this stuff up. Seriously. Clubs dealing with the competitive and ever shrinking pool of agronomy interns follow the lead of college football recruiters. “We realized we had to up our game” says Ainsley Westminster of The Platinum Club. “Let’s be real here, these students are coming off of four years of the best life their parents could buy them. Five-star restaurants in the dining halls. Overseas studies in Bali. Providing free housing in a dorm styled room, 32" TV’s, and hot dogs wasn’t going to cut it anymore.” Pressed for some insight into what The
Platinum Club was offering, a reluctant Westminster continued. “All of our housing mirrors the rustic lofts that would be found in a large urban area. No TV under 65" adorns our walls. Multiple gaming consoles are available throughout. Our entire club dining menu is available free of charge for lunch and dinner. If that’s not suitable, we have an unlimited account with Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Munchery with many local restaurants. Thousand thread count sheets are on every bed. On the course, all of our vehicles are equipped with USB chargers. We all know how fast phones batteries die when you are texting, tweeting, gaming, or streaming videos during the workday. Starbucks delivers every morning to our housing complex. On the one weekend per month they have to work, we arrange for our health club masseuse to be available that evening to relieve the excess stress.” Asked for more detail, a clearly irritated Westminster says “I’ve told you this is very competitive situation. To say more would be to jeopardize our recruiting advantage.” And finally, the best spring battery charging, get me enthused about golf again, finest televised, fewer commercials, non-price gouging tournament in the world…. The Masters…..prediction. In an effort to continue their outreach to the “rest” of the golfing world, the Augusta brain trust adds another twist to the festivities surrounding Masters week. An excited Chairman Fred Ridley explains: “after the tremendous success of our inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur last year, and our initiative to host the finals of the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship since 2014, we’re crawling out on that limb even further. On Monday of tournament week, the course will be closed at noon and all contestants in the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship from the previous day will tee off in the inaugural Don’t Hit It ‘Til You’re Ready tournament! This promises to be 6–7 (maybe 8) hours of the most actionpacked golf ever seen at Augusta. We’re proud to have NBC announcing legend Gary Koch and JB Holmes as our co-chairmen. I’m sure you’ve heard Gary utter his tagline many times during telecasts: ‘let that be a lesson to all you young golfers out there, go back through your routine if you’re not ready!’ And with the thoughtful 4 minutes and 10 seconds it took J.B. to hit his shot in the Farmers Insurance Classic, we knew immediately who our two chairmen must be. Join us on Masters.com Monday for the first look at the next generation of slowest golfers on the planet!” Well, there you have it. Over 20 years of letting you peek through my psychic portal to the future. If you’re not rich by now off this stuff, I probably can’t help you. I mean, c’mon, you can lead a horse to water, but if you teach him to fish you feed him for a lifetime. And don’t worry anymore about sending me money. I’ve got this gig lined up through the Clinton Foundation serving as Special Liaison for Elbonia when I retire. Nothing to see here. Move on.
Mark Vaughn, CGCS
12 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 13
VTF Report
Supporting
Brandyn Baty VTF Director
RESEARCH T
he Virginia Turfgrass Foundation (VTF) celebrates 30 years of supporting turfgrass research this year. Through fundraising efforts, individual & corporate donations, and working directly with the Virginia Agriculture Council, we have been able to provide over two million dollars towards Virginia Tech Turfgrass research. Thank you for your continued support! This support has also helped us establish our VTF Endowment to ensure long-term funds for future research needs. With 30 years of supporting research under our belt, we decided to make some positive changes to the organization.
NEW LOGO & TAGLINE
Our new logo is here and our tagline, “Let Greatness Take Root,” is catchy!
NEW ENERGY
We have increased our board of directors team to include different turfgrass industries and expertise. Current Board Members: Jeff Everhart (Board President & Turfgrass Consultant & Sales Manager at Woodward Turf Farms), Jim Wilson (Board Vice President & Territory Manager at Harrell’s), Dean Whitehead (Board Treasurer and Secretary & Director of Grounds at Christopher Newport University), Eric Frazier (Director of Agronomy at Willow Oaks Country Club), David McCall (Virginia Tech Research Associate Turfgrass Pathology), Allison Moyer (Director of Landscape Services and Horticulturalist at University of Richmond), CD Prillaman (Prillaman Landscape Dimensions), Frank Flanagan (VTC), Gil Grattan (Virginia Green Lawn Care), Jeff Holliday (VGCSA), Cameron Long (VNLA), Jason Melton (VSTMA), Michael Millen (VSGA), and Mark Weekley (Virginia Sod Growers Association).
NEW VISION
The VTF will continue to directly support turfgrass research with fundraising efforts but we also want to encourage both consumers and the industry to support research as well.
NEW WEBSITE
Our new website is up (www.vaturfgrass.org), we also have social media presence (follow us at theVTF on Twitter & Facebook), and you can TEXT “Turfgrass” to 24365 for current information.
• We plan to be a resource to help everyone understand the benefits of turfgrass through outreach, marketing and education. •H elping understand the benefits of turfgrass will help the VTF increase donations to grow funding needed for research projects.
14 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
We can’t say it enough, but turfgrass research is necessary for both the industry and consumers, so we have decided to increase our fundraising and outreach efforts for everyone to get involved. Check out our new family friendly events below with more details coming soon.
September 26, 2020 JAMES RIVERFEST (environmental focused festival) Billsburg Brewery — Live music & Fundraiser 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Fall 2020 “RUN THE FAIRWAY HEALTH & WELLNESS FESTIVAL” (Date and location coming soon)
We will be looking for sponsors and volunteers to help make these events a success. For more information or if you would like to be involved, please contact:
Brandyn Baty (757) 585-3058 theVTF@gmail.com The VTF is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization and relies on the support of donations from generous organizations and people like you. All donations help our efforts to increase funding towards turfgrass research and is 100% tax deductible. EIN 54-1503158
Brandyn Baty VTF Director
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 15
Upcoming Event
JANUARY 21 – 23, 2020 Fredericksburg Expo Center Fredericksburg, Virginia
Presenting Sponsors
PROGRAM Tuesday, January 21 The day’s theme: Personal and Professional Development in the Green Industry
All persons in same room except for Mechanic’s Seminar and Certified Turfgrass Professional training that will be held in separate rooms concurrent with the MATE educational program
8:00 a.m. Certified Turfgrass Professional Training (Day 1 of 3) 8:00 a.m. Mechanic’s Seminar (Day 1 of 3) Speaker: Cort Rash of Revels Turf & Tractor • Reel set up and optimization to enhance quality of cut, paralleling reel to roller on bench plate • Basic electrical and hydraulic troubleshooting 8:00 a.m. Homogeneous Turf Management: A Call to Unify our Profession Logan Freeman, Superintendent at Mountain Branch Golf Club, Joppa, MD Logan made some positive waves across the green industry in 2019 with an article featured in Golf Course Management about his experience as a golf superintendent attending a sports turf manager’s meeting. Logan details the benefits of industry collaboration and offers steps to promote a unified industry front.
9:00 a.m. Positive Coaching and Self Care for Green Industry Professionals Josh McPherson, CSFM, Sports Field Supervisor, University of Missouri Josh is a past president of VSTMA and has remained a leader in the sports turf industry over his career. Josh has shared this message with the national STMA audience multiple times and it’s a story and roadmap of importance to all turfgrass managers trying to find the right balance between work and home.
Lunch Sponsors
10:00 a.m. Break and Visit Vendors 11:00 a.m. Minority Recruiting in the Green Industry Dr. Tiffany Drape, Virginia Tech The turfgrass industry remains pretty much a white-male dominated industry, so while that is a challenge that remains to be addressed, it is also an opportunity for growth for all parties. 12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided on site) and Visit Vendors 1:30 p.m. Building and Inspiring a 21st Century Workforce Tyler Bloom, Supt., Sparrows Point Golf Club & Dean Graves, CGCS, retired, Chevy Chase CC There are plenty of jobs in the green industry and not nearly enough potential employees to fill the positions. What can be done to recruit and retain quality employees? Tyler and Dean have successfully implemented novel strategies in staffing that benefit their clubs but also promote advancement of their employees.
16 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
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Tuesday, January 21 (continued) 2:30 p.m. Engaging Youth in the Turfgrass Industry Dr. Dan Sandor, Collegiate Faculty, Virginia Tech; Drew Miller, Instructor, Brentsville District High School; Marc Moran, Instructor, Atlee High School. Virginia Tech’s newest faculty member will lead a panel discussion (including some high school turf students) that details VT’s plans for growing its undergraduate turfgrass management teaching programs, and two of Virginia’s top high schools that have
received national awards for their athletic fields will detail their programs and the challenges and opportunities they see for their students in turf and the green industry as a whole. 3:30 p.m. Break and Visit Vendors
industry at this time than glyphosate. What does the science say regarding its use, and better still, what is the message you and your employees should be able to deliver about one of the most common, most important herbicides used in the green industry?
4:00 p.m. How to Communicate About Glyphosate Dr. Shawn Askew, Professor, Virginia Tech. No chemistry is under more scrutiny in our
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cornhole tournament, social, and visiting with vendors
8:00 a.m. Mechanic’s Seminar (Day 2 of 3) Speaker: John Herrera of Smith Turf & Irrigation • Sprayer pumps, diaphragm and centrifugal repairs, and preventative maintenance •C alibration (nozzle sizes, etc.) and Reel set up
10:00 a.m. Innovative Research Graduate Student Oral Presentation Contest Sponsored by WS Connelly and Sons/LSI
Wednesday, January 22 7:00 a.m. Fellowship Breakfast Speaker: Lee Howell of Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply. 8:00 a.m. General Session and Annual Meeting 8:00 a.m. Certified Turfgrass Professional Training (Day 2 of 3)
9:30 a.m. Break and Visit Vendors
10:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m. Pesticide Recertification Training (Categories 3A, 3B, 6, 60 Only) 12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided on site) and Visit Vendors 1:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions begin
TIME
GOLF
SPORTS TURF
LAWN CARE / SOD PRODUCTION
1:15 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.
Sensor and Mapping Technologies for Precision Irrigation on Golf Courses Dr. Chase Straw, University of Minnesota
2:05 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
USGA Year in Review Elliot Dowling, USGA
Embracing Technology in Sports Turf Management Josh McPherson, CSFM, Univ. of Missouri SDS and the Patches (Summer, Large, and Brown): What, When, and Why to Treat Dr. David McCall and Jordan Booth, Virginia Tech
Weed Control Strategies in Newly Seeded Turf Dr. Jeff Derr, Virginia Tech TBA Geoff Rinehart University of Maryland
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Break and Visit Vendors
Break and Visit Vendors
Break and Visit Vendors
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Strategies in Managing the Annual Bluegrass Weevil Dr. Tom Kuhar, Virginia Tech
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Turf Pathology Research Updates Dr. David McCall and Jordan Booth, Virginia Tech
Sports Field Performance Testing: Trends and Future Applications Dr. Chase Straw, University of Minnesota ‘Uncovering’ the Possibilities with Turf Blankets Dr. Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech
New Fungicides and Adjustments in Disease Control Programming Dr. David McCall and Jordan Booth, Virginia Tech An Update on Turf Renovation Strategies Dr. Shawn Askew, Virginia Tech
Thursday. January 23 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pesticide Recertification Categories 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10 and 60 (Categories 3A, 3B and 60 are finished by 2:15 p.m.) 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Review for General Initial Pesticide Certification
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fertilizer Certification and Recertification (Recertification ends at 12:30 p.m.) 12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided on site) and Visit Vendors
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mechanic’s Seminar (Day 3 of 3) Speaker: Greg Wiltshire of Central Diesel • Injection pumps and injector dos and don’ts • Tier 4 and Tier 5 engines • Turbo chargers
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. VA Pesticide Certification Exams (Must have letter from VDACS)
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Certified Turfgrass Professional (Day 3 of 3)
18 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
Registration Form
MID-ATLANTIC TURFGRASS EXPO (M-A-T-E) January 21 – 23, 2020 • Fredericksburg Expo Center • Fredericksburg, Virginia Check the appropriate box or boxes. – You may also register and pay online at www.turfconference.org VTC MEMBERSHIP – JOIN or RENEW (January 01 – December 31).............................................................Regular: $85 CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT – TEAM OF TWO (January 21) (Include Names)........................................................$20 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ REGISTRATION: VTC MEMBER
REGISTRATION: NON VTC MEMBER
Thursday ONLY................................................... FREE
Thursday ONLY....................................................... $85
One Day ONLY (NOT Thursday)........................ $115
One Day ONLY (NOT Thursday)........................ $150
Any Two Days (NOT Thursday).......................... $195
Any Two Days........................................................ $230
Any Three Days (including Thursday)................ $195
Any Three Days..................................................... $310
Mechanics Seminar ONLY..................................... $95
Mechanics Seminar ONLY................................... $120
Certified Turfgrass Professional ONLY............... $355
Certified Turfgrass Professional ONLY............... $395
WHEN ARE YOU ATTENDING? Circle the day(s). Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
or
Mechanic’s Seminar
or
Certified Turfgrass Professional
Amount Enclosed:_________________ Make checks payable to: Virginia Turfgrass Council, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Or charge to credit card:
AMEX
VISA
MasterCard
Card #:_______________________________________________ Cardholder Name:____________________________________ Verification Code:______________________________________ Expiration Date:______________________________________ Please type or print clearly: Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________________ State:______________ Zip Code:_________________________ Telephone:(______)_________________________________________________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Information: Virginia Turfgrass Council, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 (757) 464-1004 • virginiaturf@gmail.com
20 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
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Upcoming Event
Virginia Turfgrass Council’s
2020 COME TO THE BAY
February 25 – 26, 2020 • Virginia Beach • Oceanfront Sheraton – 35th and Atlantic Presented By: Agronomic Lawn Management Tuesday, February 25 8:00 – 9:00 General Session Welcome: David Trimmer, Director of Agriculture, City of Virginia Beach tate of the Chesapeake Bay: S Chris Moore, Chesapeake Bay Foundation 9:15 – 12:00 Option One: Certified Turfgrass Professional Training (Day 1 of 2) Requirements for becoming a Certified Turfgrass Professional include attending two days of training and passing the four-part exam. The certification training was developed to serve as a comprehensive review of 13 major areas of importance in managing healthy, environmentally sound turfgrass. Instructors include Joel Koci, Dr. Mike Goatley, Karen Carter, and Ray Funkhouser. 9:15 – 12:00 Option Two: Environmental Stewardship: 9:15 Be Safe Out There: Be Tick Wise Old Dominion University 9:45 Honeybees and the Industry: Are You a Beekeeper? Frank Walker 10:30 Regulatory Update Department of Conservation and Recreation
11:15 State of the Elizabeth River, Then and Now Joe Rieger, Deputy Directory of Restoration, Elizabeth River Project
4:00 SOCIAL AND NETWORKING Sponsored by Lawns & Gardens Plus
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch and Visit Displays 1:00 – 4:00 Option One: Certified Turfgrass Professional Training (continues from morning: Day 1 of 2) 1:00 – 4:00 Option Two: Environmental Stewardship: Cutting Edge Topics Include 1:00 – 2:30 Communicating with the Public: Why We Do What Do Topics Include Discussing fertilizer and pesticide common misconceptions, mistakes made by industry and homeowners alike, and how to approach sensitive issues with your customers enefits of native plants in landscapes for B pollinators, beautifying properties, and addressing site challenges. 2:30 – 3:15 Examples from the City Michael Moore, City of Virginia Beach 3:15 – 4:00 Turfgrass Options Dr. Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech
Thank you to our sponsors:
22 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
Wednesday, February 26 8:00 – 4:30 Pesticide Recertification (3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10, 60) Categories 3A, 3B and 60 (for 3A, 3B) are finished by 2:00 all others finish by 4:30 9:00 – 12:00 Review for Certified Pesticide Applicator Core Exam 9:00 – 12:00 Certified Fertilizer Applicator – Recertification 9:00 – 4:00 Certified Fertilizer Applicator – Initial Training and Exam 9:00 – 4:00 Certified Turfgrass Professional (Day 2 of 2) 1:00 – 4:00 Pesticide Examinations (need letter from VDACS)
LANCE DON’T HAVE A CHANCE... “After applications with Armorex and Bac-Pack on several areas at the Moorings Country Club in Naples, Florida, I am excited to report that nematode counts have been reduced significantly. The treatments reduced lance nematode counts by as much as 90%! The areas treated looked weak and unhealthy prior to application. A couple weeks after being treated with Armorex and Bac-Pack, those areas have recovered nicely.” — Dale Walters, CGCS, Moorings Country Club, Naples, Florida
Armorex® T&O is used to control pathogenic nematodes in golf course turf. Armorex is O.M.R.I. listed for use in organics. Armorex is an effective blend of essential plant oils. 2019 research trials showed significantly reduced counts of damaging nematodes and rapid recovery of damaged turf areas. Armorex treatments reduced lance nematodes by as much at 90%.
Visit us online: www.soiltechcorp.com/product/armorex-golf or call/text Sales Mgr. Xavier Dupoux at 641-781-1879 Visit us at THE GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW • ORLANDO, FLORIDA Booth #1428 — JANUARY, 29-30, 2020
Registration Form VIRGINIA TURFGRASS COUNCIL’S 2020 COME TO THE BAY February 25 – 26, 2020 • Virginia Beach • Oceanfront Sheraton – 35th and Atlantic Check the appropriate box or boxes. – Your may also register and pay online at www.cometothebay.org VTC MEMBERSHIP – JOIN or RENEW (January 01 – December 31).............................................................Regular: $85 NON VTC MEMBER REGISTRATION:
VTC MEMBER REGISTRATION: Tuesday ONLY.............................................................. $85
Tuesday ONLY.............................................................. $95
Wednesday ONLY......................No charge for members
Wednesday ONLY........................................................ $75
Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY.................................. $85
Tuesday and Wednesday............................................ $150
Certified Turfgrass Professional.............................. $355*
Certified Turfgrass Professional.............................. $395*
*Persons attending the Certified Turfgrass Professional Program do not need to pay additional Tuesday and Wednesday fees Amount Enclosed:_________________ Make checks payable to: Virginia Turfgrass Council, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Or charge to credit card:
AMEX
VISA
MasterCard
and fax to (757) 282-2693
Card #:_______________________________________________ Cardholder Name:____________________________________ Verification Code:______________________________________ Expiration Date:______________________________________ Signature:_____________________________________________ Date:________________________________________________ Please type or print clearly: Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________________ State:______________ Zip Code:_________________________ Telephone:(______)____________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________
CONTACT US: Virginia Turfgrass Council, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 • (757) 464-1004 • virginiaturf@gmail.com
WWW.COMETOTHEBAY.ORG 24 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
Cover Story
THE TURFGRASS WATER CONSERVATION ALLIANCE Supports Virginia Tech Efforts in
IDENTIFYING DROUGHT TOLERANT TURFGRASSES By Mike Goatley, Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
V
irginia Tech Turfgrass Research team is excited to partner with the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) in conducting turfgrass variety research under controlled drying conditions in order to evaluate superior drought tolerance. In previous trials at other locations, varietal differences of up to 26 day delays in the onset of drought stress have been observed in bluegrasses and fescues, a variable of extreme importance at a time when turfgrass scientists and breeders are exploring ways to both reduce and better utilize water resources. In the mid-Atlantic, adequate supplies of water are often not a major concern in the production of a healthy turfgrass, but drought seasons such as the summer of 2019 remind the green industry that water is our most precious resource that not only requires protecting, it requires conserving as much as possible. TWCA partners with several universities around the country in sponsoring controlled-environment studies in the field that identify drought tolerant standard varieties currently available to the industry, as well as yet to be named experimental varieties that might warrant eventual release as named cultivars. TWCA provides all cooperators a rainout shelter (ROS), a light box and associated powerpacks, and a camera for digital image collection. The lightbox and camera provide consistent light conditions for capturing images of turfgrasses as they experience dry down and turf recovery conditions. The digital analysis of these images provides objective rather than subjective data that can readily be compared within and across research locations. Another great benefit of the cooperative research program is that TWCA donates the ROS to the cooperating site in support of future water conservation research activities. A key to TWCA trials is to conduct them under as controlled of an environment as possible but in a field setting
so that light, soil, regular maintenance practices, etc. are similar to a standard turfgrass management program. The factor being controlled is soil moisture and this is managed by restricting any effects of rainfall and only providing supplemental irrigation at a rate and timing dictated by the research protocol. The ROS is covered in a thick translucent plastic that blocks rainfall but still allows adequate sunlight to pass to drive photosynthesis; the ends and bottom sides of the shelter remain uncovered to provide air circulation so as to not promote disease. At Virginia Tech, 59 Kentucky bluegrasses were seeded in the field at the Turfgrass Research Center in replicated 3 ft by 3 ft plots in September 2018. The trial includes a number of grasses deemed drought tolerant or drought susceptible in previous research so that these varieties can be used for comparative evaluations of drought tolerance. The site used for the trial was carefully selected prior to the construction of the ROS in summer 2019, utilizing a relatively flat site with still enough slope for surface drainage, and an orientation for the structure that minimized the likelihood of wind damage from storms. VT Turfgrass Research Center manager Jon Dickerson was invaluable in organizing and leading the construction and final installation of the structure in the summer of 2019 (Figure 1). Prior to initiating the drought stress the research block was soaked with 2 inches of irrigation water applied over 2 days to bring the area to uniform soil moisture (field capacity). Then the dry-down phase of the trial began and continued until all plots fell below 25% green turf cover (approximately 5 weeks for our site, Figure 2) when the entire experimental area was once again irrigated with 2 inches of irrigation to initiate drought recovery. Thereafter the experiment received supplemental irrigation in order to replenish 100% evapotranspiration rates. Digital images
FIGURE 1: The VT/TWCA Rainout Shelter was installed during the summer of 2019 over the site selected for the TWCA Kentucky bluegrass drought trial.
26 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
1 Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 27
Cover Story continued
were regularly collected throughout the dry down and recovery periods to assess plant response to drought and returned moisture. As seen in Figure 2 and from the recovery evident when the plots were shown at the August VT Turfgrass Research Landscape Field Day (Figure 3), there are clearly significant differences in drought tolerance among Kentucky bluegrass varieties. Drought tolerant standards such as Bedazzled and Bewitched performed well, whereas a drought susceptible variety like Geronimo went dormant quicker and recovered slower than others. However, what is most promising is that many experimental varieties performed quite well in the first year of the trial in terms of both turfgrass quality during dry-down and then in recovery. With any Kentucky bluegrass trial, patience is a must because many varieties perform differently over time based on their maturity; it is far too early in the research to deem ‘winners and losers’ now, but we are confident that there will soon be a significant number of Kentucky bluegrasses that will not only meet our overall field performance requirements in NTEP and supplemental variety trials to gain posting on the Virginia/Maryland Recommended Variety List, some will also be noted for their drought tolerance. This information will be very important in the selection and maintenance of bluegrasses under limiting moisture conditions, and will be very important for the selection and management of varieties that can maintain higher visual quality and turf performance during drought conditions. Special thanks to Jack Karlin and the entire TWCA Board for the support and opportunity to participate in this research, Whitnee Askew for the attention to detail in data collection and reporting, and Jon Dickerson for the oversight and planning in constructing the ROS (Figure 4). It’s another example of the value of teamwork that we hope our industry clientele recognizes as a defining characteristic of belonging to the VT Turf Team. We hope that you will attend the August 2020 Turf and Landscape Research Field Day to see how this trial progresses toward allowing us to offer recommendations to you regarding the highest quality, most drought tolerant Kentucky bluegrasses on the market. FIGURE 2: The appearance of Kentucky bluegrass varieties after 5 weeks of dry-down in the 2019 TWCA drought trial. FIGURE 3: Dr. John Stier, TWCA Board Member and turfgrass faculty member from the University of Tennessee, details the important economic and environmental implications from identifying drought tolerant turfgrass varieties at the 2019 VT Turf and Landscape Field Day in August. FIGURE 4: Many thanks to Jack Karlin and TWCA for selecting the VT Turfgrass Research Center as one of its turfgrass drought tolerance research sites.
28 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020
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Feature Story
UPDATE ON ANNUAL BLUEGRASS WEEVIL POPULATIONS IN VIRGINIA By Emeline Daly, Graduate student, School of Plant and Environmental Science – Turfgrass Management, Tom Kuhar, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Entomology, David McCall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
A
nnual bluegrass weevil (ABW) (Listronotus maculicollis) is the most damaging insect pest of golf course turfgrass in the northeastern United States (McGraw and Koppenhöfer 2007). The pest was discovered in New England in 1931, but until recent years, was largely confined to the northeastern states and not considered to be an issue in Virginia. That situation has changed drastically.
ABW Biology and Damage
While this weevil prefers to feed and lay eggs on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), it can also survive on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) if necessary. Annual bluegrass weevil is particularly damaging to short mowed areas of golf courses including tees, fairways, collars, and greens (McGraw and Koppenhöfer 2007). Overwintering adult weevils (Fig. 1) will emerge in early spring and crawl to shortly-mowed grass and begin laying
30 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
FIGURE 1: Adult ABW found in early spring 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 31
Feature Story continued
FIGURE 2: ABW late instar larvae.
32 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
Feature Story continued
eggs that will hatch into larvae (Fig. 2) that feed on roots and root crowns. There are likely multiple generations of this weevil in Virginia based on multiple peaks of adult activity observed in 2019 from three Virginia golf courses based on weekly soap drenches on untreated turf plots (Fig. 3). FIGURE 3: Adult ABW densities over the 2019 season on three Virginia golf courses.
Our data indicated three distinct peaks in ABW adults for each location. Because ABW can quickly cycle through their generations and continue to oviposit for a long time, often, multiple life stages are present at any given time once summer arrives. As a result, there is difficulty with correct and effective application timing for management of ABW.
Distribution of ABW in Virginia
It is believed that ABW has been in Virginia since at least the mid-2000s, but the overall establishment and damage caused by this pest across Virginia golf courses has not been completely studied. Based on a survey by McGraw and KoppenhÜfer (2017) of golf course superintendents in the northeastern states, several from Virginia reported ABW to be present on their golf courses. Thus, in 2019, we attempted to contact 203 golf course superintendents in Virginia with regards to whether they had a confirmed case of ABW at their golf course. Based on 49 responses, 36 golf courses (73.5%) responded with confirmed cases of ABW (Fig. 4), leaving 12 courses unaffected. Eleven of the 12 courses that reported not having ABW also have bermudagrass fairways, however 10 of the 12 courses have cool-season putting greens. There was only one course that reported no ABW and had an all cool-season turfgrass course. Although annual bluegrass suffers the most damage from ABW, we have observed that creeping bentgrass is also damaged. Creeping bentgrass is a popular cool-season turfgrass that is widely used for golf course putting greens across America, as it can be mowed at significantly shorter heights. In Virginia, however, creeping bentgrass is used for more than just putting greens, and many courses use it for fairways, collars, and tee boxes as well. Because of Virginia’s transition zone climate and creeping bentgrass being a coolseason grass, keeping creeping bentgrass healthy throughout the summer is challenging enough without ABW threatening it. This summer specifically, Virginia golf courses were affected with damage primarily showing on fairways, tee boxes, and collars. FIGURE 4: Distribution of ABW in Virginia based on a 2019 survey of golf courses. Blue icons represent survey respondents that indicated ABW have been confirmed. Red icons indicate locations where ABW has not been found.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 33
Feature Story continued
Insecticides and ABW
Effective control of ABW is a major challenge. Different insecticides are typically used to target adults and larvae. With regards to larvicides, some preventive larval control of ABW can be achieved with standard neonicotinoids or chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®) typically applied for white grubs. However, research has shown that these standard soil turf insecticides only provide about 50% control of ABW larval populations (McGraw and Koppenhöfer 2017). The aforementioned survey also reported that the most effective larvicides for ABW include: Ference, Provaunt, Matchpoint, and Dursban. Insecticides most commonly used for ABW adults include pyrethroids such as deltamethrin (Deltagard®), bifenthrin (Talstar®), cyfluthrin (Tempo®), and lambdacyhalothrin (Scimitar®, Battle®). The organophosphate chlorpyrifos (Dursban) also provides great control of adult ABW. Repeated and frequent use of pyrethroids on golf courses in the northeast has led to pyrethroid resistance development in populations of ABW. Because we do not know where our ABW populations on Virginia golf courses came from, it is possible that pyrethoid resistance genes may be present in our ABW populations already. Thus, monitoring for pyrethroid resistance will be a focus of research at
Virginia Tech for the coming years. In 2019, we collected several populations of ABW adults from Virginia golf courses and tested them for pyrethroid susceptibility using a filter paper dip bioassay. With this bioassay, a typical spray tank concentration of bifenthrin was applied to filter paper discs and compared with water dipped control paper placed in Petri dishes. Weevil adults were placed in the dishes and were maintained on the treated filter paper. This assay should result in near-complete mortality of weevils in 24 hours as pyrethroids have rapid activity on insects leading to quick death. Based on ABW populations collected from Harrisonburg, Stanardsville, Nokesville, Crozet, Roanoke, and Blacksburg, mortality ranged from 32.5% to 100% with a lot of variation. This is an indication that our Virginia ABW populations may likely have different levels of pyrethroid resistance in them. This is indeed something that should be closely monitored. Pyrethroids are still a good option for adult control, especially given their cheap cost, but rotation of insecticide classes is strongly recommended as a resistance management tool. We plan to closely and more thoroughly examine this topic in the future in Virginia. Please contact us if you have a high population of ABW and you are interested in screening them for susceptibility to insecticides.
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34 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2020 www.vaturf.org
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January 21–23, 2020
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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 ©2019 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) 794-4524. 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 | 35
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