08_09_2009

TurfNews
Volume 71 • No. 2 August – September 2009

T H E N E W S L ET T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D AT I O N

Great Opportunities for Research and Information Exchange at the OSU/OTF Turfgrass Research Field Day August 12

INSIDE: INDUSTRy NEWS (6) • NEW GROWTH & TECHNOLOGy (19)

T H E N E W S L ET T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D AT I O N

TurfNews
This Issue Sponsored By:

TurfNews distributes useful and timely advice, information and research from Ohio’s most knowledgeable experts and professionals to OTF members and those in the turfgrass industry. Vol. 71 • No. 2 August – September 2009 TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation 1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701-7303 1-888-OTF-3445 and is available to all members www.OhioTurfgrass.org
Back issues of OTF TurfNews are available on our website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

The purpose of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is to promote the turfgrass industry in Ohio, to encourage the further research and education in turfgrass science and to speak on matters of policy affecting the turfgrass industry – all of which provide better turf for everyone.

Inside
message From The OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ohio Turfgrass Economic Impact Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legislative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industry Support Of Turfgrass Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 5 6 8 9

09 Calendar O Events F
OSU/OTF TURFGRASS RESEARCH FIELD DAy August 12, 2009 OTF Research & Education Facility Columbus, OH 888-683-3445 OHIO LAWN CARE OUTDOOR SUmmER SEmINAR August 13, 2009 OTF Research & Education Facility Columbus, OH 800-510-5296 OTF GOLF TOURNAmENT October 6, 2009 Toledo Country Club Toledo, OH 888-683-3445 OHIO TURFGRASS CONFERENCE & SHOW December 7 – 10, 2009 Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, OH 888-683-3445

OTF Golf Tournament Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Residential Lawn Care Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Golf Course Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports Turf Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 New Growth & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Wild And Wacky Turfgrass Pests! – Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Protecting Employees During The Summer Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Graduate Student Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Corporate Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
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mESSAGE FROm THE PRESIDENT
We are just about half way through the summer season and half way through the year. I hope the weather is cooperating in your area, from my standpoint in Southern Ohio, it has been a pleasant surprise compared to the last two summers. We have had adequate moisture and cooler than normal temperatures, therefore from the turf standpoint, everything has been great. However, when speaking to fellow OTF member and golf course superintendent Greg Goedde, he was on the dry side and not experiencing the moisture we have had in Southern Ohio. It reminds me that while things may be good in my neck of the woods, it’s not always the case with the unpredictable weather and mother nature, who has her own agenda. Our daily lives are impacted by the weather and the end result of how our turfgrass is performing. It’s amazing how much impact the grass plant has on all OTF members and their daily lives. We here at OTF realize that and encourage you to view and pass along the Economic Impact Survey results. We are constantly striving to make the Conference & Show, Field Day, and Golf Tournament, etc. a better experience, and this year will not be different. The upcoming event that we are asking for your support is the OTF Field Day on August 12, 2009. This is a worthwhile event and a wealth of knowledge can be gained by attending. Please mark your calendar. In addition, for all of you Buckeye football fans, we will be raffling off a pair of tickets to the OSU v. USC game, however, you must be present to enter the drawing. In just a few years, the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation will be celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Planning has begun and we look forward to having a gala event for this special occasion. It is hard to imagine some of the individuals, such as Harry Murray and Gene Probasco are still going strong and supporting the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation. In addition, all OTF members and others in the Green Industry will be receiving a very important survey. We look forward to your feedback regarding the progress of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation in the future. As you know, these times are changing and we need to change with them. We look forward to seeing you at the special events and look for information on the upcoming golf outing in October at Toledo Country Club. Enjoy the rest of the summer season and we look forward to a pleasant fall. Thank you, Dan Walter

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Ohio Turfgrass Industry makes $4.6 Billion Economic Impact

equivalents) who either had turfgrass maintenance responsibilities or were employed by turfgrass-dependent organizations. Key Findings • 3 billion dollars in direct economic output • 4.6 billion dollars in total economic output* • Over 41,000 employed • Over 4 million acres of turfgrass maintained • 841 million dollars spent on turfgrass maintenance supplies The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) recently released key findings from a survey conducted in 2008 to measure the impact of the turfgrass industry on Ohio’s economy. This was the first comprehensive survey of Ohio’s turfgrass industry since a 1989 survey conducted by OTF and The Ohio State University. Overview Commissioned by OTF and supported by The Ohio State University’s Turfgrass Science Program, this effort to estimate the economic impact of Ohio’s turfgrass industry was administered by The Strategy Team, Ltd., a Columbus-based research firm. From June through December 2008, almost 1400 interviews were completed with single-family households, lawn care service companies, golf courses, churches, school districts, sod farms, cemeteries, and others throughout Ohio. ecOnOmic impacT OF OhiO’s TurFgrass indusTry Defined to include those economic sectors and individuals directly engaged in the cultivation, sales, installation and maintenance of four million acres of turf / grass / lawn in Ohio, the direct economic output associated with Ohio’s turfgrass increased from 1.16 billion dollars in 1989 to 3 billion dollars in 2007. To put this latter figure into perspective, 3 billion dollars is equivalent to 54% of the 2006 cash receipts from Ohio’s agriculture commodities, including both livestock and crops. Furthermore, Ohio’s turfgrass industry in 2007 was directly responsible for the employment of 41,808 Ohioans (full time employee
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• 639 million dollars in labor costs, payroll taxes • 338 million dollars in contracted services * indirect and induced impact using the Bureau of Economic Analysis RIMS II multipliers for Ohio, the total estimated impact of turfgrass on Ohio’s economy is over 4.6 billion dollars and more than 60,000 jobs. Led by OTF, the survey was a collaborative effort among several industry organizations, including; Ohio Lawn Care Association, Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association, Ohio Sod Producers Association, and Ohio Chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association. In conclusion, Ohio’s turfgrass industry provides not only aesthetic value but also significant economic value to the state. OTF is grateful to the many Ohioans who took the time to share information about their property or organization by completing surveys via telephone, fax or the internet.

Legislative Update

senaTe Bill 51 passed OuT OF senaTe ag cOmmiTTee; OTF and Olca name senaTOr mOranO “legislaTOr OF The year”

Morano reiterated her commitment to elevating the importance of the turfgrass industry in Ohio and she has agreed to work with her colleagues to see that the bill gets on the Senate floor. Morano also made some heartfelt comments of gratitude for the award. She indicated that it is an honor to work to raise the level of awareness of

After four hearings in the Ohio Senate Agriculture Committee, SB 51 (Morano; D – Lorain), which would designate the last week in May “Ohio Turfgrass Week” has passed out of committee and is currently pending in the Senate Rules Committee. OTF had significant input on this bill including testifying twice before the Senate Agriculture Committee. As the committee listened to testimony provided by OTF Executive Director Kevin Thompson, it was clear that legislators were surprised to learn of the number of jobs provided by the turfgrass industry. Similarly, the committee also was interested in the environmental benefits of turf. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Senator Kirk Schuring (R; Canton) asked Senator Morano if she would be willing to amend her bill to include some of the statistics cited in Thompson’s testimony. The bill was amended to include a definition of turfgrass as well as some general language about the economic and environmental benefits of turf. Meanwhile, the Ohio Turf & Lawn Care Advocacy Day held on May 27 provided the perfect opportunity to honor the tenacious work of Senator Morano. While her field of expertise, as a practicing registered nurse, is health care, Senator Morano has been a stalwart for the turf industry as she introduced the bill in the previous General Assembly, too. In her comments as she accepted the award, Morano admitted that she has gotten some chiding from her colleagues who initially were unfamiliar with the turf industry. She said that many of those colleagues, once informed of the breadth and the magnitude of Ohio’s rich history in turfgrass research and development have expressed their support for the bill and have even decided to sign on as cosponsors.

the turfgrass industry. She also stated that our industry is full of hard working and honorable people. It is OUR honor to work with Senator Morano. CONGRATULATIONS, SENATOR MORANO! OTF thanks everyone who participated in this important event. For one day, turfgrass was the talk of the Statehouse.

special thanks to amega sciences usa for sponsoring the Turf & lawn care advocacy day

OTF executive director Kevin Thompson presents legislator of the year award to senator sue morano.
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GREEN
INDUSTRy

NEWS
OSU/OTF Turfgrass Research Field Day to be Held August 12
All turfgrass and landscape managers interested in learning about current research at The Ohio State University should plan to spend August 12 with OTF, The OSU Turfgrass Science Team, and hundreds of fellow turfgrass professionals at the OTF Research & Education Facility in Columbus. Online registration is available at www.OhioTurfgrass.org. The field day provides a great forum to meet with other turf and landscape professionals and the OSU’s team of turf experts. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from many of the country’s best in turfgrass research and teaching, tour the OTF Research & Education Facility, and network with industry peers. Following is a tentative listing of topics that will be covered: LAWN & SPORTS • Seed to Play in Four Weeks! • Bermudagrass Establishment on a Sand Rootzone • New Broadleaf Herbicides for Lawns • Annual Grassy Weed Herbicides • Evaluation of Turf in Shade • Compost Trials GOLF • Turfgrass Ant Control Studies • Summer Diseases and Control Trials • Changes in Turfgrass Morphology Caused by Fungicides and Shade • Shade Tolerance and Growth Regulators • Genetic Studies of Dollar Spot Disease • Tenacity Herbicide Studies
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Afternoon Program (1:00 – 2:00 pm) One hour seminars will be available for those interested in earning Category 6a credit towards ODA Pesticide License Re-Certification credit. • Using Systemic Insecticides for Ornamental Insect Control (Dr. Dave Shetlar) • Managing the Top 10 Tree & Shrub Diseases (Joe Boggs)

Toledo Country Club to Host OTF Golf Tournament
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is excited to announce it will hold its annual Scholarship and Research fundraising scramble Tuesday, October 6 at Toledo Country Club. The Toledo Country Club is one of the oldest Country Clubs in the Midwest, established in 1897 with the purchase of approximately thirty acres of land along the Maumee River. A nine-hole golf course was constructed almost immediately while today’s Clubhouse was completed by 1901. The course was originally designed by British Open Champion Willie Park Jr. and redesigned by Arthur Hills. The magnificent river setting and ambiance of the Clubhouse has made it a favorite location for many prestigious weddings, receptions and social gatherings. The 2008 tournament, held at Westfield Group Country Club and generated more than $12,000 for the OTF Scholarship and Research fund. Next to the OTF Conference and Show, the Golf Tournament generates the most non-dues revenue for OTF. Lawn companies,

sod producers, athletic field managers, grounds managers, golf course superintendents and suppliers are encouraged to participate and support OTF’s mission of continuing to fund turfgrass research and education. “We encourage everyone to register early since we’ll undoubtedly sell out”, urged OTF Executive Director Kevin Thompson. “It is a great way to build loyalty and to reward employees for their hard work – while supporting OTF”. Also contributing to the success of the tournament are the sponsors. “We’d be remiss in not mentioning the fact that sponsors play a huge role in the success of the tournament” adds Dan Walter, OTF Golf Tournament Committee Chair. If you are interested in a sponsorship, please contact OTF or simply fill out a sponsorship form on the tournament registration form.

on the OTF website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org. The deadline to apply is October 23. OTF’s scholarship committee is certain to see a large number of applications, making the task of choosing scholarship recipients difficult, but ensuring that OTF’s awards go to the best and brightest students in the green industry. Scholarships will be awarded preceeding this year’s Keynote Speech on Tuesday, December 8. For more information on OTF’s scholarship program, contact OTF at 888-683-3445.

OTF Seeks Nominations for Annual Awards
Do you know anyone who deserves recognition for contributions to turf management? Applications for nominating this year’s recipients of “Professional of the Year” and “Professional Excellence” awards may be found on the OTF website or by calling OTF at 888-683-3445.

The Golf Tournament committee is planning social activities for participants interested in staying overnight in the Toledo area on Monday, October 5. If you are interested in joining the fun, watch for details or contact the OTF office. To reserve your spot in this year’s tournament, please register early as space is limited to the first 144 golfers. The registration form can be found on page 11, www.OhioTurfgrass.org or please call 888-683-3445 for more information.

Nominees for “Professional of the Year” awards are judged on the following attributes: • Fellowship – willingness to share knowledge with and help train fellow turf personnel.

2009 OTF Scholarship Applications Accepted
OTF is committed to improving turfgrass through research and education. One of the best ways to foster this commitment is by providing scholarships to students pursuing green industry studies. Last year, along with the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust and the Ronald D Baker, Sr. Memorial Scholarship, OTF provided $22,000 in scholarships to turf students. To solicit qualified candidates, OTF will send letters and scholarship applications in September to the faculty of turfgrass programs at Ohio colleges. In addition, OTF members are asked to recommend any of their student summer employees who they feel would be qualified. OTF scholarship information and applications are available

• Inventive Ingenuity – leadership in developing new ideas and new trends in turfgrass management. • Membership/activity in turf related and other civic organizations. • Length of dedicated service to the turf industry. Professional Excellence awards are based upon similar criteria, and are awarded to those deserving special recognition for significant contributions to the turfgrass industry. Awards and scholarships will be presented right before the Keynote Speech, Tuesday, December 8, at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show. The 2008 Professional of the Year was awarded to Steve Jurick, Miami Valley Golf Association. A Professional Excellence Award was presented to the late Rick Tyler, Blackhawk Golf Club. The deadline to submit your nomination is October 23.
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Founders Club Continues to Grow
OTRT continues to grow its turfgrass research endowment through Founders Club Memberships. The Founders Club, launched in 2004, has steadily grown to include 70 members. Following is the current list of members, alphabetical by membership level:

diamOnd level Dr. Chuck Darrah plaTinum level Fairmount Minerals (Best Sand) John Fitzgerald Paul Jacquemin Joseph Motz Bob O’Brien Syngenta Professional Products Randy Tischer, Green Velvet Sod Farms gOld level Central Ohio Chapter GCSAA Joe Duncan Doug Gallant Mark Grunkemeyer Doug Halterman Mark Heinlein Paul Mendezoff Northwestern Ohio Chapter GCSAA Walt Offinger Sam Stimmel silver level Eric Gerhartz Jerome Schwieterman Todd Voss

BrOnze level Dr. Karl Danneberger Dr. Mike Boehm Al Brant Robert Deeks Double Eagle Club Ed Eaton George Furrer Tim Glorioso Greater Cincinnati Chapter GCSAA Mark Jordan Don Lawrence Ted Mercer Harry Murray Ed Odorizzi Gene Probasco Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club Joseph Rimelspach Jim Sharp Richard Warner Matt Williams Mark Yoder emerald level Bauer Voss Consulting Jeff Benton Jeff Bisker Kirk Carls

Danny Cochran Mike Dietrich Jim Dillard Bill Easterday Joe Enciso Dr. Susan Everett Kyle Frederick Don Furterer Dr. David Gardner Randy Kehres Kim Kellogg Keith Kresina Kevin Kroll Rick Kucharski Paul Latshaw John Meyer Dr. Harry Niemczyk Scott Schraer Randall Shaver Brad Smith Spring Lake Country Club Gary Stewart Don Sutton Mark Tansey

Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust Update
Doug Gallant to Serve on Board of Directors
The Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT) is pleased to announce that Doug Gallant, Great American Ballpark, was nominated to serve on its Board of Directors. Gallant replaced Mark Grunkemeyer as the liaison between OTF and OTRT. Gallant is also the Treasurer of OTF.
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Industry Support of Turfgrass Research Remains Strong
Matt Williams – Program Coordinator, Horticulture and Crop Science
As the summer field day approaches, the faculty and staff of OSU’s Turfgrass Science Team would like to recognize and thank the organizations, people and companies that support the field facility and ensure that it operates every day and provides an area for the researchers to conduct their field experiments. Operating the OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research and Education Center uses a budget that is very similar to one that is used to operate a golf course or an athletic field complex. We have line items that are very similar to yours: labor, equipment maintenance, irrigation, fuel, landscaping, and so on. The difference between your facility and ours is that the university funds very little of the day to day operations of the field facility. It becomes the responsibility of the users to find funding sources for most day-to-day operations. This is accomplished through three different sources: cash, equipment loans, and product donations. The primary source of funding for the field facility comes directly from the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation. OTF donates monies that it raises from membership dues, the golf tournament, and the Conference and Show to fund the day-to-day operations of the field facility. The turf team also receives money from Ohio Lawn Care Association to assist in operating the research center. OTF has committed $60,000 for field operations in 2009. Another category of support is equipment donations and loans. Most of the equipment that we use at the facility has been donated or is on a seasonal loan. Typically, manufacturers will allow local dealers and distributors to loan equipment to the research center for a period of six months to one year. This is beneficial to both parties. Another essential support category is soft goods. This faction includes fertilizers, pesticide, seed and sod. Most of the products that we use at the turf center have been donated by manufacturers and retailers. We wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a couple of recent donations that were made to the facility. Century Equipment, with support from Toro Irrigation, has recently supplied the research center with 15 new quick coupler valves. The field facility has a very large and diverse irrigation system. Over the last twenty years many of the components that have been installed were based on companies that were able to donate products at that time. This led to several different types of quick coupler valves being installed around the farm, with a variety of different keys. This generous donation has standardized the type of quick coupler valves that are at the facility. Robbie Dworkin, a student worker at the research center, is pictured installing one of the new valves (see photo 1).

continued on page 10

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2.
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continued from page 9

Bernhard & Co., in conjunction with Reynolds Golf and Turf, has recently loaned the research center a set of reel and bedknife grinders. We now have these machines available to maintain the 20-plus cutting units that are used to mow the research plots. Also, the machines are being used in our introductory turfgrass science class to introduce our students to cutting unit theory and maintenance. Dr. John Street is pictured alongside the grinding system with facility manager Matt Williams and student worker Ryan Morrison (see photo 2). The Ohio State University Turfgrass Team wants to thank the turfgrass and green industry for all your generous support. The research program at OSU could not operate at full capacity without the industry support. If you or your company is interested in donating products, services or supplies to the OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research Facility, please contact Matt Williams, 614.292.6264 or [email protected].

equipmenT dOnOrs The Toro Company / Century Equipment John Deere / Xenia Power Equipment Jacobsen / Baker Vehicle Turfco Direct Scag / Buckeye Power Sales SISIS GreensGroomer Worldwide Hunter Industries sOFT gOOds dOnOrs Lesco / John Deere Landscapes

UAP The Andersons Central Farm and Garden The Seed Center Fairmont Minerals Green Velvet Sod Farm Barenbrug USA Kurtz Brothers The Scotts Company Milorganite Turfgrass, Inc. Ohio Irrigation Association

Profile Products Fairmont Minerals Syngenta BASF Dow Agrosciences PB I Gordons Bayer Crop Science FMC Irrigation Supply, Inc. Griggs Brothers

Help OTF $ave money
The green industry experiences a lot of employee turnover, making it difficult to keep records up-to-date. Do you receive mailings from OTF addressed to individuals you no longer employ? If the answer is “YES”, you can save OTF money by helping to update our database. OTF urges you to help. If you receive mailings for former employees or others who should not be receiving mailings, call OTF at 888-683-3445 and speak with a customer service representative. Or email to [email protected]. Make sure to give us your email address, too, if we do not already have it. And make sure OTF emails are not going into your Junk Mail folder. If you’re not getting emails from OTF you are missing important announcements.
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Toledo Country Club – October 6, 2009
Join other turfgrass professionals on Tuesday, October 6 at the Toledo Country Club – Toledo, OH for the 2009 OTF Golf Tournament. The tournament is limited to the first 144 golfers. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. For your best chance at reserving space, complete the reservation form, include your registration fees, and mail or fax them to us today!

OTF GOLF TOURNAmENT

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAy INCLUDE:
18 holes of golf at the fabulous Toledo Country Club • Individual gifts for each golfer Shotgun scramble beginning at 11:00 am • Box Lunch • Team Individual and door prizes Hole-in-One contests • Putting contest • Hot hors d’euvres and awards presentations Deadline for Reservations: Monday, September 28, 2009. Reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

member Information
Member # ______________________________________________________ Name _________________________________________________________

Sponsorships (Please check one)
Tee Sponsor – $175 Beverage Cart Sponsor – $500 Meal Sponsor – $500

Mailing Address __________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________ State _________________________ Zip+4 ___________________________ Phone ( @ ) _________________________________________________

method of Payment (Payment due at time of order)
Company Check Debit Credit Cashier’s Check/Money Order (Make payable to OTF) American Express Discover MasterCard VISA

E-mail _________________________________________________________ @
Completing this form serves management notice that you agree to be contacted by mail, phone, fax and/or e-mail.

OTF Member

Yes

No
All payments in US funds drawn on a US bank. A $25 fee will be changed for a returned check.

I am registering as a single golfer @ $125. I am registering more than one golfer @ $125 each. (List names of golfers below.) I am registering as a foursome @ $500. (List organization and names of golfers below.)

Credit Card Account # _________________________________________

Exp. Date __________________ Organization ____________________________________________________ 1. _________________________________________ Hdcp ______________ 2. _________________________________________ Hdcp ______________ 3. _________________________________________ Hdcp ______________ 4. _________________________________________ Hdcp ______________ (Combined team handicap must be 40 or more) mail or Fax with Payment to: OTF Golf Tournament – Ohio Turfgrass Foundation 1100-H Brandywine Blvd Zanesville, OH 43701-7303 Phone: (888) 683-3445 • Fax: (740) 452-2552 Web: www.OhioTurfgrass.org • E-mail: [email protected]
* Directions will be sent with confirmations

Amt. Charged $ __________________

Cardholder’s Name (print) ______________________________________

Authorized Signature __________________________________________

For Office Use Only
Rcvd __________ Amt $ __________ Ck# __________ Ackd __________

Important OTF Golf Tournament Policy
Any team that has won the OTF Annual Golf Tournament may only have a maximum of two (2) returning players compete on the same team the following year.

RESIDENTIAL

LAWN CARE

TIPS
Rust Never Sleeps ...
Joe Rimelspach, Program Specialist Turfgrass Pathology and Mark Mefferd, Senior Turfgrass Student, Ohio State University

Rust can be a summer and fall spoiler for lawns. There are different names for this disease such as leaf rust, stem rust and crown rust. All of these are caused by a similar group of fungi. Rust starts as light yellow flecks on the grass leaves and is an early symptom of rust. As the disease matures the yellow flecks enlarge to form lesions on the grass leaf. Spores are produced inside the maturing lesions which cause the epidermis to rupture. As the spores rupture it produces powdery red/orange spores of the fungus. The powdery fungal spores easily rub off onto your shoes, clothing, fingers, mowers and pets. Severely infected turfgrass may appear thin and weak. Heavily infected plants may wither and die from excessive loss of moisture. Young lawns, less than a year, are often severely damaged by this disease.

by other pathogens. Optimal conditions for infection are low light intensity, moisture on leaf surfaces and temperatures around 72 F occurring concurrently. After infection is complete the rust develops most rapidly when the light intensity is high, leaf surfaces are dry and the temperatures are around 86 F. paThOgen There are many fungi that cause rust, one of the most common is Puccinia graminis. In normal winters the spores of the disease are killed and then are blown in to Ohio by the jet streams from the southern USA the next year. There is no stopping the introduction of the disease into lawns. managemenT

hOsT Most turfgrasses grown in the Midwest are susceptible to rust. However perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and some cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) are the most commonly affected. envirOnmenTal cOndiTiOns Rust normally develops in August to September and then continues through the fall. It also may develop during other times of the year based on the growing conditions. Optimal temperatures for the disease to develop are between 68 – 86 F. Grass that is slow growing and is growing under stressful conditions is most likely to become infected with the disease. Stress that favors the disease includes; drought, nutrient deficiency, low mowing height, shade and infection
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1. ADEqUATE FERTILITY PROGRAM. It is important to provide the turfgrass with a balanced fertility program. Turfgrass that is properly fertilized is less likely to be under the stressful conditions that allow the fungus to attack the grass. Lawns on sites with poor quality soils are especially vulnerable to rust due to slow and weak growth of the turfgrass plants. Soil testing can be a helpful tool to design an appropriate fertility program. 2. PROPER IRRIGATION. It is important that the turfgrass receive adequate amounts of water during stressful conditions. This allows the grass to continue to grow and helps prevent the fungus from attacking the grass. It is important to water during the early part of the day and never water in the evening. Watering in the evening allows the plant to stay wet for prolonged periods of time and this

is a favorable condition for the fungus. Again if the site has poor quality and / or compacted soils proper watering can be difficult. Core cultivation (aeration) can open the soil and improve water penetration. 3. MOWING. It is important to mow the grass on a regular basis at the recommended cutting height. Avoid close mowing or scalping of the turfgrass. By mowing on a regular basis this helps remove the infected grass tips. In severe cases of rust it is recommended that the clippings be removed. Normally clippings should be returned to the lawn to recycle nutrients. 4. SELECT RESISTANT CULTIVARS. Many grass cultivars have high resistance to rust diseases. Before seeding, select cultivars that are resistant to rust. One source of information about cultivar resistance is the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program at www.ntep.com. 5. CHEMICAL CONTROL. The decision to use fungicides can often be a difficult one. The disease is very dependent on the weather and in most years it is not severe enough to warrant the use of fungicides. Therefore fungicides are not commonly used. If fungicide is needed applications need to be applied preventatively or at least very early in the development of the disease. Two families of fungicides that are highly effective on rust are the sterol inhibitors, also referred to as DMI fungicides (some of these products are: Rubigan, Eagle, Bayleton and Banner MAXX) and the strobilurins (examples of these include: Heritage, Compass, Insignia and Disarm). Whenever using a pesticide carefully read the label. Remember some fungicides are not labeled for residential lawns. reFerences Clarke, Bruce, Dernoeden, Peter, and Smiley, Richard. Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases. 3rd. St Paul, MN. The American Phytopathological Society. 2007. Print. “Healthy Laws – Diseases: Rust.” The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns. 2004 Web. 1 Jun 2009. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/TURF/ PESTS/disrust.html “Rust [Turfgrass].” University of Illinois Extension hortanswers. 2009. Web. 1 Jun 2009. http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/ detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=177 “Leaf Rust.” Turfgrass Disease Profiles. Richard Latin. Purdue University. May 2008. http://www.ag.purdue.edu/btny/Extension/ Pages/extpubs.aspx
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rust on perennial ryegrass

disease cycle

GOLFE COURS

TIPS

Anthracnose Alert
Joseph Rimelspach and Michael Boehm, Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University

Weather conditions are becoming more favorable for anthracnose (Colletotrichum cerealis formerly called Colletotrichum graminicola). Incidence of the disease has been confirmed in parts of the Midwest. Most cases involve Poa annua (annual bluegrass) areas on greens and collars with the more annual biotypes being most susceptible compared to the perennial types. In most years samples at some time are received that have the disease on bentgrass. Why is this disease being seen at this time? Beside the favorable weather many golf courses are preparing or have increased conditioning (2X mowing, extensive rolling, topdressing, growth regulation, etc) for special club events that contribute to the development of anthracnose by leaving turf stressed and in a weaken state. Remember this is a disease that is present in the turfgrass sward and just waiting for an opportunity to invade weakened plants. Weather conditions and ongoing infections from spring may also be involved. Current weather conditions of high temperatures, high humid, and frequent thunder storms/ or over watering are IDEAL for the rapid outbreak and explosion of this nasty disease! It is recommended that a careful inspection be done as soon as possible. Look for the classic signs and symptoms of the disease which include the irregular decline of patches of turfgrass or general thinning; the color can vary from tan / brown to rust / orange. The black spines (setae) of the acervuli can be seen with a hand lens for a good quick field identification. Get help or another
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opinion if there are any questions. If the disease is present and favorable weather patterns are forecasted to continue implementing an aggressive turfgrass health management strategy and a sound fungicide program. Remember this disease is seldom “controlled” with fungicides alone! Cultural practices of greens to manage for healthy turf and reduce anthracnose: MOWING • Avoid scalping and mowing stress any way possible. • Do not mow when greens are wet (soft and/or spongy). • Use solid rollers. • Use walk-behind mowers and reduce mowing frequency (floating head mowers preferred). • Raise mowing height. Research has shown that a 0.015 inch increase in mowing height can result in an improvement of turf health and reduced anthracnose (i.e. from 0.125 to 0.141 inch). • In some cases by rolling greens the frequency of mowing can be reduced and the height increased. FERTILITY PROGRAMS • Maintain greens with a sound fertility program for healthy turfgrass (~ 3 lb N / 1000 ft2 / year). • Apply 0.1 to 0.125 lb. N/M sq. ft. from ammonium sulfate or urea every 7-14 days. Tank-mix with fungicide applications. • Soil test and tissue test to insure an adequate fertility program of all essential elements are used.

WATER MANAGEMENT – DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION • Install drainage systems or rebuild greens to correct poor drainage or design problems. • Avoid excessive irrigation, syringe to prevent wilt and avoid extremes in soil moisture. • Improve and/or provide proper drainage to maximize turfgrass health and vigor. • Address compaction problems. • Avoid over watering and excessive wet soils and conditions of continuously wet thatch. MINIMIZE WOUNDING, MECHANICAL DAMAGE, FACTORS THAT LIMIT TURF GROWTH AND STRESS FROM OTHER PESTS • Avoid aggressive grooming operations (i.e. topdressing, dethatching, verticutting, brushing, aeration) when anthracnose is active. Light to moderate topdressing is often beneficial and improve health. • When grooming operations cannot be avoided, apply fungicides tank-mixed with soluble fertilizers prior to grooming, even if anthracnose is not active. Syringe after grooming. • Use PGRs as an effective tool to maximize turfgrass health and part of an Integrated Turfgrass Health Management Program. Do not stop or severely slow grow if recovery is needed. • Monitor parasitic nematode activity in the spring and early summer as nematode activity may be another predisposition factor to the development of anthracnose during the summer and fall.

2009
Dr. Mike BoehM, oSU DepartMent of plant pathology, Will DiScUSS the lateSt reSearch inforMation on anthracnoSe ManageMent at thiS year’S ohio tUrfgraSS conference & ShoW!

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for tUrf anD lanDScape profeSSionalS 2009 ohio tUrfgraSS conference & ShoW DeceMBer 7 – 10, 2009 greater colUMBUS convention center colUMBUS, ohio WWW.ohiotUrfgraSS.org 888-683-3445

spOnsOred By: OhiO TurFgrass FOundaTiOn, The OhiO sTaTe universiTy, The OhiO sTaTe universiTy exTensiOn and The OhiO agriculTural research and develOpmenT cenTer

15

SPORTS

TURF

TIPS
Topdressing: DIy Quality Control
Pamela J Sherratt, Dr. Ed McCoy and Dr. John Street

During a recent trip to a school soccer field, I made a recommendation to start topdressing with a sand:organic mix. During field construction, the topsoil had been removed from the field and the clay-loam that was left was so compacted that grass cover was very poor and the surface was extremely hard. The sand component is added to increase soil oxygen levels for better drainage and grass growth. The organic component (in this case Comtil) improves soil bulk density, holds some moisture and increases nutrient-holding capacity. The ratio of sand to organic is typically 70 to 90% sand, with the rest organic material. The sand component is ideally medium-coarse in size and uniform.

playing surface it can disrupt play and possibly cause player injury. In addition, gravel on the surface could damage mower blades and be very difficult to grow grass in. For a whole multitude of reasons then, gravel should not exceed 3-10% of the total mix. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in many situations. Site visits to sports fields over the years have shown that many topdressing mixes around the state contain far too much gravel. In one notable instance, a college soccer field was constructed with a material that contained 44% deleterious material. That particular field had also been graded and then leveled with a vibratory roller, making it as hard and impenetrable as a parking lot. One way to ensure that topdressing material contains the right

In many situations, the sand component of the mix does not meet this specification and it is not unusual to see sand mixes that contain large amounts of silt and clay or gravel. Silt and clay particles are very fine and they clog a soil system. Air spaces are blocked and the soil becomes prone to compaction. When dry, silt and clay soils are rock-hard, but they turn to a quagmire when wet. For these reasons, very fine sand, silt and clay are generally restricted in mixes to less than 15% of the total mix (see appendix 1).

amount of sand, silt, clay and gravel is to carry out some DIY quality control. There are several easy ways to do this: 1. Firstly, avoid the temptation to accept any sand, just because it’s free or cheap. Dressing fields with high amounts of gravel or silt and clay will probably make the fields perform a lot worse than before. 2. Get familiar with what the sizes look like. Being able to distinguish

There are no set guidelines for the amount of gravel allowed on a sports field but there is a landscape recommendation. ASTM D 5268-92 “Standard Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes” suggests that no more than 5% deleterious material (rock, gravel etc.) be included in a topsoil mix. Gravel is not a suitable material to improve soil physical or chemical properties and on a
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between gravel and coarse sand can be helpful when taking delivery of an order (see figure 1).

continued on page 18

* Total particles in these ranges shall not exceed 10%.
a b

Athletic Field: Specification Outline, Construction & Maintenance, Pennsylvania State University, Agriculture Extension Service Bulletin, 1982. The New Pennsylvania Design. Personal Communication, Andrew McNitt, Pennsylvania State University, 1997 (McNitt based his design on USGA specifications, which classify very fine sand as 0.05 to 0.15mm). Athletic Field Construction & Maintenance, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Extension Service, Bulletin no. AG-BU 3105, 1987. USGA Recommendation for a Method of Putting Green Construction, 1993. USGA Green Section Record, March/April 1993 Issue (USGA specifications classify very fine sand as 0.05 to 0.15mm). The Sand Putting Green: Construction & Management. Cooperative Extension, University of California, Division of Ag and natural Resources, Publication no. 21448, 1990. Construction and Maintenance of natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Cooperative Extension Publication, Bulletin no. PHW0240, 1983. Mississippi State University Sand Size Specification for Sports Fields. Personal Communication, M.Goatley, J.Krans & D.Nagel, Mississippi State University, 1997. Prescription Athletic Turf. Sand Size Specification. The Motz Group Technical Information, Cincinnati OH 1969.

c d

e f g h

Figure 1: usda particle sizes, in millimeters. any particle greater in diameter than 2 mm is considered gravel.

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continued from page 16

Figure 2: hand-texture test. The flow-chart is easy to follow and results in a better understanding of what a silty, clay or sandy soil feels like.

3. Send a sample away to a soil testing lab to have a textural analysis done on the sand component. The lab will furnish results that state clearly the percent of fine, medium and coarse sand and gravel. 4. Carry out a hand-texture test (see figure 2). While not precise, it offers an idea of the type of soil in hand and it helps for the turf manager to become accustomed to what different soils feel like. 5. Perform a soil “settlement test”: a. Take a small soil sample. b. quarter fill a water bottle with the soil. c. Add tap water until the bottle is three-quarters full. d. Replace lid and shake until the water and soil are mixed. e. Leave to settle for 2-3 days. f. After 2-3 days, the soil will have settled out into discreet layers, with the gravel and sand on the bottom, then the silt, and then the clay (being the smallest particle, clay settles last). g. Measure the total thickness of the soil, then each individual layer, to determine what percentage gravel, sand, silt, and clay is present. h. The sand, silt and clay components can be plotted against the soil textural triangle to determine soil texture (see figure 3). 6. Finally, find a topdressing supplier that is knowledgeable of the sports turf industry and can source good material from around the state. Once you’ve found that person, memorize their phone number. Contact OSU Sports Turf Extension with any questions or comments about this article: (614) 292-7457 or [email protected]. REFERENCE Adapted from Sports Fields: A Manual for Design Construction & Maintenance, Puhalla, Krans and Goatley, 1999.
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Figure 3: The Textural Triangle To plot sand, find the percent sand along the bottom and follow the line diagonally left. To plot clay, find the percent clay along the left edge and follow the line horizontally across from left to right. To plot silt, find the percent silt along the right edge and follow the line diagonally left. example: soil containing 30% sand, 30% clay and 40% silt would be a “clay loam”.

NEW GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGy

New Options for Broadleaf Weed Control
D.S. Gardner, Ph.D.

Several new herbicide formulations or active ingredients have become available in turf during the past few years that will make your job controlling weeds easier or more convenient than it has been in the past. aminOcyclOpyrachlOr This herbicide is in development by Dupont. Aminocyclopyrachlor is a significant achievement in broadleaf weed control. It is active against virtually all broadleaf weeds, with the exception of oxalis and knotweed. Control of dandelion, clover and plantain is excellent. But, the unique thing about this herbicide is that it is also very effective against ground ivy, wild violet and Canada thistle. In fact, control of all 6 of these weeds is greater than 80% within 30 days and greater than 90% at 56 and 84 days after application. What will make the introduction of this herbicide more significant is that it works nearly as well when applied as a granular formulation as it does when applied as a liquid. With most of our traditional broadleaf herbicides there is usually a decrease in performance when using the granular form compared to the liquid and sometimes this can be in excess of a 30% difference (if the liquid gives you 95% control than with some granular products applied at the same rate you get ~65-75%). In testing that has been done with Aminocyclopyrachlor there is virtually no difference in control when using the granular formulation. And, what makes this more significant is that you can apply this herbicide to dry turf. As long as irrigation or rainfall hits the turf within 72 hours the weed control will exceed 90% at 56 and 84 days after application. There is not a brand name yet but registration is tentatively slated for 2010.

mesOTriOne A new herbicide has been introduced by Syngenta under the trade name of Tenacity™. Mesotrione is effective both pre- and postemergence against dandelion, white clover, crabgrass, nimblewill, creeping bentgrass, orchardgrass and other grass and broadleaf weeds. As a broadleaf herbicide, Tenacity™ has good activity against dandelions and fair activity against clover. A second application is required in order to control certain weeds. Otherwise, one application will result in suppression of the weed, followed by regrowth in about 42-56 days. You can also improve control by combining Tenacity™ with another chemistry. Our research indicates that Tenacity™ has better activity when combined with either dicamba, fluroxypyr, or triclopyr. Our research also suggests that mesotrione does not combine well with either quicksilver® or Dismiss® for broadleaf weed control. Tenacity™ also can be used pre- and post-emergence for control of crabgrass, on newly seeded turfgrass and for the control of perennial grasses such as bentgrass and orchardgrass. sulFenTrazOne Marketed as Dismiss® herbicide, sulfentrazone is in the same class of chemistry as is carfentrazone. Sulfentrazone is a component of the product Surge® (along with 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba). Another product that contains sulfentrazone is q4 (with 2,4-D, dicamba and quinclorac).

continued on page 20
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continued from page 19

control both broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds postemergence with a single application. Some of these products also will control yellow nutsedge. quinclorac is of course not new, but increasingly

This was the first of many products that control both crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. Research in the years following sulfentrazone’s introduction has also discovered that it is perhaps the best option for control of yellow nutsedge, giving nearly 100% control within 7-10 days with no phytotoxicity to Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. pyraFluFen-eThyl This herbicide was released last year by SePro under the trade name Octane®. Similar to carfentrazone and sulfentrazone (quicksilver® and Dismiss®, respectively), pyraflufen ethyl is a protox inhibitor and a fast acting contact herbicide. Like quicksilver® and Dismiss® it is intended for use in a tank mix with other herbicides to control perennial broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover. When used in tank mixes it results in faster burn-down of weed tissue without affecting long term control. One note of caution, however, is that you may want to avoid combining it with a broadleaf herbicide combination that already contains another protox inhibitor, such as Speedzone®, Powerzone®, q4®, or Echelon®. Octane® can also be used when establishing turfgrass from seed. Consult the label for specifics. Also, this product can be used as a stand alone herbicide against young summer annual broadleaf weeds, such as knotweed, spurge, and black medic. penOxsulam Dow Agrosciences is marketing this herbicide under the trade name LockUp™. LockUp™ is currently being sold in the south as an atrazine replacement in retail and lawncare. It is sold as a single entity product and not in combination. There are no plans for a stand alone product in the cool season turf market. However, Dow has received registrations for LockUp™ in combination with 2,4-D and 2,4-D + dicamba for sale in cool-season turfgrass markets. It is formulated as a granular product. Research at The Ohio State University indicates that penoxsulam, especially when combined with 2,4-D and/or dicamba, provides good control of dandelions when used in early spring.

quinclorac is appearing in combination products, not just for crabgrass control, but also for broadleaf weed control, particularly clover. The previously mentioned herbicide q4® (2,4-D, dicamba, quinclorac, sulfentrazone) was the first product of this type and is effective when used on broadleaf weeds, nutsedge and crabgrass. Solitare® is a new herbicide from FMC. It combines quinclorac and sulfentrazone, but at higher rates. The result is excellent control of broadleaf weeds, sedges and crabgrass. quincept® combines 2,4-D, dicamba, and quinclorac and thus controls both crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. Onetime® herbicide combines MCPP, dicamba and quinclorac and also controls both crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. While not formulated to control crabgrass or nutsedge, 4 Speed (2, 4-D, MCPP, dicamba, and pyraflufen) and 4 Speed XT (2,4-D, dicamba, triclopyr, and pyraflufen) herbicides give excellent control of broadleaf weeds. Another new product is Spoiler®, which combines 2,4-D, MCPP and 2,4-DP.

new invader – BirdsFOOT TreFOil If you’re noticing a weed with bright yellow flowers in lawns now, it may very well not be dandelion (which is generally not in bloom right now) or black medic. In fact, there is a good chance that it is Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculata). Birdsfoot trefoil has long been used as a pasture crop and is known to be able to escape from its intended site. But it is only in the last decade that it has become increasingly visible in managed turfgrass – first in waste areas and abandoned fields, then parks and roadsides (see figure 1), and now residential lawns. Birdsfoot trefoil is a long lived perennial in the legume family. It has yellow pea-like flowers (see figure 2), primarily in June and July. The pod like fruit resembles a birds foot, hence the common name. The leaves have 3 leaflets similar to black medic. Capable of reaching heights of 2 feet, it adapts very well to mowing and forms dense mats in mowed turf (see figure 2). Birdsfoot trefoil is a very important crop plant for hay and

new cOmBinaTiOn prOducTs FOr weed cOnTrOl New combination products have been formulated in an attempt to
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pasture production. Use of birdsfoot trefoil in pastures results in a 10 fold increase in forage yield thus higher pro-

duction of beef cattle. In fact, there is research underway to produce glyphosate tolerant birdsfoot trefoil for use in production agriculture. Since it is not widely considered a weed, it does not appear on very many herbicide labels.

Research is underway to determine optimal control measures. However, generally speaking, those combination herbicide products that contain MCPP, clopyralid, or fluroxypyr should be most effective.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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The Wild and Wacky Turfgrass Pests! – Part 2
David Shetlar, Ph.D. (the BugDoc) – Department of Entomology, OSU, OARDC & OSU Extension

I know I could have discussed the important insect pests of turfgrass (white grub, billbugs, chinch bugs, cutworms, etc.), but I’m getting an ever increasing number of inquiries about other critters that inhabit our turf, whether it be on home lawns, golf courses or sport fields! And, to an entomologist, these other pests can be more fun to deal with because they often are more of a people problem than actual turf pests. While most are familiar with sod webworms and cutworms, I’m seeing more burrowing sod webworms, cranberry girdlers and bronze cutworms in Ohio turf. There are also increases in crane flies (native species, fortunately), March flies and midges which can alarm people. And, we can’t forget the mites! Winter grain mites and clover mites are still periodic nuisance pests. diFFerenT caTerpillars Though I’ve known that we have had cranberry girdlers in Ohio for decades, their damage was rare until the last few years. While the cranberry girdler is in the same family as other sod webworms, its larval behavior is unique. Like the name implies, the larvae don’t come to the turf surface to feed on grass blades at night, but they remain in the thatch zone to nibble on grass stems, thereby girdling them. The adult girdlers emerge in late June through July and the adults drop eggs into the turf like their sod webworm cousins. The larvae develop rather slowly during late July through August by nibbling on the stems of grasses from within the thatch. By September the one-inch long larvae are capable of chewing through the stems of grasses and masses of a dozen or so caterpillars can kill the tops of a patch of grass that is four to 10 inches in diameter. These dead patches can look like disease or white grub damage. To me, they often look like classic doggie spot burns! If you dig into one of these dead patched, you’ll find the stems come out easily to reveal a layer of thatch heavily infused with frass (sawdust-like fecal pellets). If you persist in digging, you’ll soon discover a solid creme-colored larva curled up in the thatch. These have been described as looking like very thin, coiled white grubs! Unlike the regular sod webworms, cranberry girdler larvae don’t have rows of dark spots on the body. They actually have the spots, but they are the same cream color as the rest of the body.
22

This pest can be difficult to control in September because they are commonly imbedded in relatively thick thatch and they may be through feeding. If a treatment is needed, select a pyrethroid and water it in after the application to get the residues into the thatch zone where the caterpillars normally feed. The burrowing sod webworms are in a completely different family of moths, separate from the true sod webworms. The adults are mottled with brown and rust colors and most are two to three times the size of a true sod webworm. The males sport hornshaped mouthparts that extend over the tops of their heads. These caterpillars rarely cause noticeable damage to the turf, but their burrows are often found when turf managers are looking in the soil or thatch for other culprits. The adults fly in July and early August, and after mating the females attach small batches of eggs to grass blades. The larvae are a solid dark brown color and appear to be covered with a soft velvet exoskeleton. The larvae dig burrows into the soil that can extend four inches down. These burrows are lined with a parchment-like silk and it is this silk lining that is most often discovered. What is often amusing is that this silk lining comes loose after the larvae pupate and emerge as adult moths. The linings are about the same size and length as a cigarette paper wrapping. When infested turf is mowed, these linings can be pulled out to litter the turf surface and the home owner may try to blame someone (like their kids) for the cigarette wrappers littering the lawn! This is not a pest I’ve ever seen doing noticeable damage to turf and no controls are needed. The bronze cutworm is pretty unique among the cutworm group. It is a true cool season pest with the adults emerging in October to lay eggs in turf. About half of the eggs hatch in the fall and the larvae may complete two to three instars before having to remain dormant for most of the winter. However, if there is a thick cover of snow and moderate soil temperatures, the larvae can continue to feed on grass stems under the snow! In April, the overwintered larvae resume feeding and the eggs that didn’t hatch in the fall begin to hatch. The first three instars are green and they look a little like green fruitworm larvae. However, when the larvae molt into the fourth instar, they transform into the diagnostic coppery-

brown striped caterpillars. These have black head capsules and the top thoracic plate just behind the head is also black with three white stripes. Overwintered larvae mature by mid-May when they dig into the soil to pupate and spring-emerging larvae finish their development by early June. The pupae remain dormant for the rest of the summer, thereby avoiding any insecticide applications! Control of bronze cutworm is rarely needed, but I’ve seen larger populations of this pests, especially in high-cut turf of lawns, sport fields and golf fairways over the last few years. If you are seeing turf thinning in the spring and suspect caterpillars, inspect the thatch zone for the coppery-bronze, striped caterpillars. They are fairly easy to control with any of the pyrethroid insecticides registered for turf use. The Flies Every spring and fall, we often get localized emergences of crane flies. So far, the ones found in Ohio appear to be native species, but I have my eye on the European species that are slowly moving down from Canada (through Detroit and Upstate New York). What alarms most people is that these look like giant mosquitoes. Fortunately, the adults are harmless and most don’t have functional mouthparts! They emerge, mate, lay eggs and die – often over a two to three day period! The larvae of native species feed primarily on decaying organic matter and thatch layers, or turf killed by white grubs or disease are also attractive food sources. I most often get reports of the tan-gray larvae clustered in fair numbers under patches of dead turf. When I investigate more, the dead turf was usually caused by something else and the crane fly larvae are merely using the organic remains for food. There are many different species with some having adult emergence in the spring and others in the fall. march flies are also opportunists with their larvae (which can look a little like miniature crane fly larvae) preferring to dine on thatch and dead turf. They most commonly show up in turf that was severely damaged by fungal diseases the summer before. The adults emerge in Ohio from late March into mid-May. The males are usually black and clusters of them can dance up and down over a lawn. Apparently, when a female emerges, she flies through the males and one of the males will grab her for mating. Mating pairs are often observed on nearby grass blades or the leaves of shrubs. After mating, the female uses special hooks on her front legs to dig into the soil where a mass of eggs are deposited. The larvae hang

out in the soil for most of the summer and become most active in the fall when dead turf spots can be found. Up to a hundred larvae can be found in a mass under small patches of dead turf. Again, they are not the cause of the dead turf; they are there to use it as a food source! midges are small flies that can have aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial larvae. Most of the larvae feed on algae, fungus or decaying organic matter. The larvae are usually translucent to clear with a black head capsule. The adults of these can emerge in mass and mating swarms commonly form over the top of turf, usually on a muggy, sunny afternoon. Some may think that these midges are mosquitoes, but mosquitoes don’t form these swarms. Like the March flies, females fly through the swarms to be grabbed by males for mating. Midges should be appreciated for their efforts to decompose organic matter! TurF-inFesTing miTes The most common mite associated with turf in Ohio is the clover mite. I’m beginning to wonder why this mite is called the clover mite since I’ve never seen it on clover! The mites feed by puncturing grass leaf blades with their tiny mouthparts, and then they suck out cell contents. This produces tiny yellow to white speckles on grass leaf blades and extensive damage can completely blanch out the leaf surfaces. This kind of damage is rarely observed in Ohio and the more common complaint is due to the nuisance factor of this mite! The nymphs and adults need a permanent, hard surface on which to molt or lay eggs. Because of this, the mites may walk several feet from the turf in search of a tree trunk or house/building. We often get reports of hundreds of these tiny, olive-green mites with pinkish legs walking up the walls of basements or buildings. This can obviously freak out the residents and when crushed the mites can leave a permanent stain. While interior surface spray will help knock down the invading mites, the best way to control this mite is to treat the turf surrounding the area where they are invading. Several insecticides and miticides are registered for clover mite control. This mite is active from late September into December and again from April through May.

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continued from page 23

active in October through November and again in the spring from late March through mid-May. This mite comes out at dusk to feed on leaf blades. Heavy infestations can cause the turf to get a bleached look, often mistaken for mildew. Since the mites hide

winter grain mites are also showing up more commonly across Ohio. Fortunately, this mite is not an invader like the clover mite, but the mites can stain clothing, especially the clothes of active sports enthusiasts. This mite is also a cool-season pest, being

in the thatch during the day, sports activities during this time are not bothered. However, where turf activities extend after dark, this little dark-green (almost black) mite with bright red-orange legs can be a real nuisance.

clover mites

winter grain mites

crane Fly

march Fly

Burrowing sod webworm

Opening of Burrowing sod webworm in Thatch surface

Bronze cutworm
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cranberry girdler

Protecting Employees During the Summer Heat
During the summer months, companies should protect employees who work outside in the heat and high humidity. Employees not taking the proper precautions when working outside can experience heat illnesses. The most severe heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke and possibly death. To protect employees working in the heat, the following steps should be taken: • Educate employees about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; • Perform the most physically-taxing part of the work during the coolest part of the day; • Slowly build up tolerance to the heat and the workload. This usually takes 10 to 20 days; • Work in pairs; • Drink plenty of water, at least one small cup every 15 to 20 minutes; • Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as cotton; • Take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas that allow the body to cool down; and • Avoid eating large meals and drinking alcohol and caffeine before working in the heat. some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion are: headaches, dizziness, weakness, mood changes, feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting, fainting and pale, clammy skin. if a person is exhibiting these symptoms, these steps should be taken: • Move the person to a cool, shaded area to rest, and do not leave the person alone; • Loosen and remove any heavy clothing; • Have the person drink water; • Try to cool the person by fanning them. Cool the skin with a mist of water or a wet cloth; • If the person does not feel better in a few minutes call for emergency help. Factors such as certain medications, having a previous heat-induced illness or wearing personal protective equipment such as a respirator or protective suit can increase an employee’s chance of experiencing a heat-related illness. Employees should check with their doctor or pharmacist to identify if any of the medications they are taking affect a person’s ability to work in the heat. For more information on heat exhaustion, visit the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) website – www.osha.gov.
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GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT marcela munoz

My name is Marcela Munoz and I am an Agronomist from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica De Chile. In March 2002, I enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Forestry and I knew right then that I would never be bored with my education or my career. As I studied more and more, I found what excites me the most, turfgrass science. Basically because this combines my academic career with my greatest passion, sports. In the summer 2005, I started my first internship at a golf course and at a horse racetrack for more than one month as superintendent and field assistant. In 2006, I went through the Ohio State International Internship Program. I was placed to work as a research assistant under Dr John Street and Pamela Sherratt. During this time I was involved in several research projects including divots recovery using the growth regulator, Primo Max, overseeding and wear tolerance evaluation, Fascination and nitrogen comparisons and others. While doing my internship, I also started my Thesis Degree on Annual Bluegrass Control and Kentucky Bluegrass Overseeding as Affected by Velocity. I worked in association with Dr John Street and my advisor in Chile. When I returned from Ohio State, I continued pursuing activities abroad. I got involved in the South American industry participating in several seminars. I also worked with professor Carol Muller (Chilean specialist) with whom I developed the content for the first Course of Soccer Field Management for Chilean soccer superintendents. I participated as a teaching assistant and had the opportunity to present some of the lectures. After presenting my thesis project and getting involved with the Chilean industry, I decided to move forward again and I returned to Columbus, Ohio in September 2008. Currently I am working to attain a Master Degree in Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University under the guidance of Dr. John Street. My research project is the evaluation of two compost types (sewage sludge biosolid and yard waste compost) and a sand/compost mix (70%/30%) applied in a topdressing program at different application rates and core cultivation intensities and how they may affect key sports field playability characteristics. The results of this research will provide recommendations on the potential benefits of compost use and best management compost practices for providing good quality playing conditions for sports fields under moderate management practices and traffic intensity.

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Comprehensive disease control starts with the essentials.

Embrace a new agronomic philosophy and take control of turf disease with The Turf Essentials™ from Syngenta. This group of proven combination fungicides features an array of active ingredients and multiple modes of action that allow you to create outstanding conditions efficiently and effectively. Northern Ohio, contact Gary Watschke at 216-339-8564 or Southern Ohio, contact Gregg Schaner at 614-402-3701 to learn more about The Turf Essentials.

www.turfessentials.com
©2009 Syngenta. Syngenta Professional Products, Greensboro, NC 27419. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using these products. Concert®, Daconil ULTREX®, Headway®, Instrata®, SuperWeatherStik®, The Turf Essentials™, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

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2009 OTF OFFICERS
presidenT Dan Walter, City of Blue Ash Golf Course vice presidenT Joe Enciso, Advanced Sensor Technology Treasurer Doug Gallant, Cincinnati Reds immediaTe pasT presidenT Todd Voss, Double Eagle Club direcTOr OF educaTiOn Dr. John R. Street, The Ohio State University execuTive direcTOr Kevin Thompson, OTF/Offinger Management Co.

OSU TURFGRASS SCIENCE TEAm
hOrTiculTure and crOp science Dr. John Street, Dr. Karl Danneberger, Dr. David Gardner, Dr. Ray Miller, Pamela Sherratt, Deborah Holdren, Matt Williams enTOmOlOgy Dr. Dave Shetlar, Dr. Parwinder Grewal, JoAnne Kick-Raack, Kevin Power, Dan Digman planT paThOlOgy Dr. Michael Boehm Joseph Rimelspach Todd Hicks schOOl OF naTural resOurces Dr. Ed McCoy agriculTural Technical insTiTuTe (aTi) Dr. Daniel Voltz David Willoughby inTramural spOrTs John Mott aThleTics Dennis Bowsher Brian Gimbel inTernaTiOnal prOgrams Mike O’Keeffe

2009 OTF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Term expires 2010 Mike Dietrich, John Deere Landscapes Kyle Frederick, Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Course Term expires 2011 Jason Straka, Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design Term expires 2012 Todd Dodge, Brown’s Run Country Club Ryan Gregoire, Agricultural Design, Inc. Kim Kellogg, Grasshopper Property Maintenance Don Lawrence, Midwest Turf Consultants

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