1. No category

Winter 2015 • Vol. 4/No. 1
Understanding
and Controlling
Fairy
Ring
Educational Program for the
Northeastern PA
Turfgrass Conference,
January 30
Vol. 4 / No. 1 • Winter 2015
10
Features
8 Upcoming Event
Educational Program for the
Northeastern PA Turfgrass
Conference, January 30
9 Upcoming Events
Save These Dates —
Regional Turf Conferences
Departments
10 Cover Story
Understanding and
Controlling Fairy Ring
18 Between the Lines
Updates from KAFMO
20 Research Summaries
Updates on Research by
Penn State’s Turf Team
4 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
6 President’s Update
21 PTC Membership
Application
21 Penn State News
22 Penn State Turf Team
22 Calendar of Events
22 Advertiser Index
President’s Update
Happy
Winter
to All!
I
reach you today filled with mixed sentiments. With
the close of another year upon us, now is an opportune time to reflect upon 2014 and look ahead to
2015. Primarily, I abound with optimism. However, I also
feel a hint of sorrow, for this will be my final update as
president of the PTC. As is the case with any fine organization, the PTC board of directors evolves regularly. In
addition, we have a new management partner, with which
the PTC will forge new paths and undoubtedly guide the
state’s turfgrass industry forward.
This past year has been overwhelmingly successful thanks
to the hard work of the Penn State faculty, the efforts of my
fellow board members and, most importantly, the dedication
that you — the PTC members — have exhibited to your
trade and in participation at PTC events. The PTC goes
to great lengths to sponsor conferences that help educate
you and maintain your certifications. This past year, you
attended PTC-sponsored conferences in greater numbers
than we have experienced in over a decade. Subsequently,
research at Penn State is busier than ever, working to
address current trends in the turfgrass industry and formulating new strategies. In return, I thank you for your support.
The turfgrass industry in Pennsylvania is stronger than ever!
The PTC also continues to be strong organizationally.
New board members have joined the fold, representing
many facets of the turf industry — from lawn care to sports
turf to golf course turf, and from the turf service industry
to media relations. Andrew Dooley, PTC vice president and
superintendent at Berkshire Country Club, was elected to
the presidency and will take office on New Year’s Day 2015.
Intelligent and hard working, Mr. Dooley will undoubtedly
utilize his talents to continue the PTC’s momentum.
To bolster these efforts, the board recently hired a
new managerial firm with which to partner, NRKline LLC.
Furthermore, former PTC president and 22-year PTC board
6 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
veteran, Tom Bettle, is assisting NRKline with day-to-day
management. This increase in oversight will be beneficial
as the PTC works hard to expand our member services
for the future.
Together, with a solid structure in place, the PTC and
I will strive to continue serving you, and the best interests
of turfgrass managers throughout Pennsylvania, to the
best of our abilities. Please do not hesitate to contact me
(412-447-4434 or jhurwitz@foxchapelgolfclub.com) or the
PTC office (814-237-0767 or info@paturf.org) if the PTC
can assist you in any way. Please take the time to share this
publication with your friends and colleagues, and thank
you for your continued support of the PTC.
Finally, as my term as president dwindles to completion
in the twilight of 2014, and as I pass the baton to Mr. Dooley
(to whom I am proud to yield), I wish to share with you a
few words. I thank everyone who has trusted me, assisted
me, taught me and listened to me throughout the term of
my presidency. Two years pass in a flash. As does a season,
as does a lifetime. Accept new challenges, and fear not mistakes. Boredom is beholden to those who covet simplicity.
Fight with vigor, and relief will come.
It has been my honor to have served the PTC and you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. On the
precipice of a new year and a new era for the PTC, I leave
you with the combination of two quotes from the great
20th century poet, Rainer Maria Rilke…
“The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater
and greater things. And now we welcome the
new year, full of things that have never been.”
Respectfully,
Jason M. Hurwitz
2013–2014 PTC President
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council
P.O. Box 99
Boalsburg, PA 16827-0550
Phone: (814) 237-0099
Fax: (814) 414-3303
Publisher:
Leading Edge Communications, LLC
206 Bridge St. • Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: (615) 790-3718
Fax: (615) 794-4524
info@leadingedge
communications.com
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Editor
John Kaminski, Ph.D.
Penn State • jek156@psu.edu
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Associate Editor
Maria Landschoot
Penn State • mcl222@psu.edu
President
Jason Hurwitz
Fox Chapel Golf Club • Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 447-4434
Vice President
Andrew Dooley
Berkshire Country Club • Reading, PA
(610) 451-3229
Secretary-Treasurer
Pete Ramsey
Messiah College • Grantham, PA
Past President
Matt Shaffer
Merion Golf Club • Ardmore, PA
(610) 642-4515
Directors
Tom Bettle
Joseph Valentine Turfgrass
Research Facility
Bill Brown
Turf Republic
Bob Capranica
E.H. Griffith
Dan Douglas
Reading Fightin Phils
Dave Foresman
The Brickman Group
Shawn Kister
Longwood Gardens
Dr. Peter Landschoot
Penn State University
Rick Pagett
The Penn State Golf Courses
Chase Rogan
GCSAA — Mid-Atlantic
Regional Representative
Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
7
Upcoming Event
Northeastern PA
Turfgrass Conference
and Tradeshow,
Thursday, January 29, 2015
The Woodlands Inn and Resort
Wilkes-Barre, PA
To register or for more information, go to:
http://plantscience.psu.edu/nets
MORNING GOLF
COURSE SESSION
MORNING
GENERAL SESSION
9:00 a.m.
A New Presentation
on Pesticide Drift
Mr. Bill Riden, Pesticide Education
Specialist Penn State
9:00 a.m.
Alternatives to Managing
White Grubs with Chemicals
Dr. Ben McGraw, Associate Professor of
Turfgrass Science, Penn State
9:30 a.m.
Why Creeping Bentgrass
Putting Greens Turn to Patches
(and Is That a Bad Thing?)
Dr. David Huff, Professor of Turfgrass
Breeding and Genetics, Penn State
9:30 a.m.
Preemergence and Postemergence Vegetation Control
Program Options
Mr. Jeff Borger, Senior Instructor
in Turfgrass, Penn State
10:00 a.m.
Break
Visit with exhibitors.
10:00 a.m.
Break
Visit with exhibitors.
10:30 a.m.
Frankenbugs: How to Avoid Making
Resistant Annual Bluegrass Weevils
at Your Course
Dr. Ben McGraw, Associate Professor of
Turfgrass Science, Penn State
10:30 a.m.
A New Presentation on
Selecting the Proper Nozzles
for Pesticide Applications
Mr. Bill Riden, Pesticide Education
Specialist, Penn State
Session Chair: Mr. Charlie Lincicome,
Bucknell University
Session Chair: Ms. Dianne Petrunak,
Penn State
11:00 a.m.
USGA Green Section Year in Review
Mr. Elliot Dowling, USGA Agronomist,
Mid-Atlantic Region
11:00 a.m.
Genetically Engineered Turfgrass:
Is It in Your Future?
Dr. David Huff, Professor of Turfgrass
Breeding and Genetics, Penn State
11:30 a.m.
Lunch
11:30 a.m.
Lunch
Pesticide Credits: 3 in Cat. 7,
3 in Cat. 18, 3 in Cat. 23, 1 in Core
Pesticide Credits: 3 in Cat. 7,
3 in Cat. 18, 3 in Cat. 23, 1 in Core
8 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
AFTERNOON SESSION I
Session Chair: Dr. Andrew McNitt,
Penn State
1:00 p.m.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Selection
and Application Timings/Rates
Dr. Max Schlossberg, Associate Professor of
Turfgrass Nutrition/Soil Fertility, Penn State
2:00 p.m.
Break
Visit with exhibitors.
2:15 p.m.
Management of Some Armored Scale
Insects on Trees and Shrubs
Mr. Greg Hoover, Ornamental
Entomologist, Penn State
2:45 p.m.
PDA Update
Mr. Chris Santore, Agronomic Products
Inspector, PA Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Credits: 1 in Cat. 6, 2 in Cat. 7,
3 in Cat. 18, 3 in Cat. 23, 1 in Core
AFTERNOON SESSION II
Session Chair: Mr. Tom Serensits,
Penn State
1:00 p.m.
Herbicides in the Landscape:
the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Mr. Scott Guiser, Emeritus Extension
Horticulture Educator
2:00 p.m.
Break
Visit with exhibitors.
2:15 p.m.
Plant, Animal, People and
Pesticide Safety Issues — 2014
Mr. Jeff Borger, Senior Instructor
in Turfgrass, Penn State
2:45 p.m.
Clearwing Borers on Trees and
Shrubs: Their Diagnosis and
Effective Management Strategies
Mr. Greg Hoover, Ornamental
Entomologist, Penn State
Pesticide Credits: 3 in Cat. 6,
1 in Cat. 7, 3 in Cat. 18, 3 in Cat. 23,
1 in Core
Upcoming Events
Eastern PA Turf Conference
Returns to Valley Forge,
January 6–7, 2015
The
Eastern Pennsylvania Turfgrass, Ornamental
and Landscape Conference will be held
on January 6 and 7, 2015, at the Radisson
Hotel of the Valley Forge Casino Resort (King of Prussia,
PA). The conference and tradeshow returns to this popular
venue, which was last held here in 2010. Some of the speakers
scheduled to appear include:
• Dr. Ben McGraw, our new Penn State faculty member
• Dr. Karl Danneberger, Ohio State University
• Dr. Nathan Walker, Oklahoma State University and native
of Bucks County, PA
• Dr. Beth Guertal, Auburn University
• Dr. Brandon Horvath, University of Tennessee
• Howard Jaekle, Syngenta, with his insightful presentation on
the “Future of Golf”
• Business topics, to be covered in a Lawn and Landscape Session
• Lunch, Tradeshow, Silent Auction and Hospitality Reception
• PA, NJ, DE and MD pesticide credits, and also GCSAA CEUs
• and much more! 7
Western PA Turfgrass and
Ornamental Conference,
February 10–12, 2015
P
lease join us this year at the Western PA
Turfgrass and Ornamental Conference and
Tradeshow, which will take place February
10–12, 2015, at the Four Points Sheraton in Mars,
PA. In addition to a variety of speakers and subject
matter, the educational sessions will offer PDA
pesticide license credits in the following categories:
Core and Categories 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 18 and 23. GCSAA
credits will also be available.
Also this year, we will have a special workshop
titled “Turfgrass Disease Biology, Microscopy and
Integrated Turfgrass Disease Management Practices”
presented by The Pennsylvania State University Dept.
of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology
with Dr. Wakar Uddin, Professor of Plant Pathology;
Mr. Gary V. Nolan, Ph.D. Student, Plant Pathology;
and Mr. Brian Aynardi, Ph.D. Student, Plant Pathology.
This workshop will be given for a fee that is yet to
be determined. 7
Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
9
Cover Story
Understanding and Controlling
Fairy Ring
By Mike Fidanza, Ph.D., Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Penn State University – Berks Campus
My
earliest memories
from childhood
are of working with
my father
on his mushroom farm
in Avondale, Pennsylvania. We grew
the “white button” (Agaricus bisporus)
mushroom, and today Pennsylvania
remains the leading producer of edible
10 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
mushrooms in the U.S. I was always
fascinated with the biology of those
fungi, and years later I am still investigating mushrooms in the form of the
fairy ring complex in turf.
Fairy ring symptoms are the most
commonly seen disease disorders of
turfgrasses worldwide. Fairy ring is not
caused by dancing fairies or woodland
elves, but it is attributed to over 60
species of basidiomycete (or mushroom) fungi. Fairy ring occurs on golf
course turf, athletic fields and pitches,
and lawns and landscapes. Fairy ring
can occur on all turfgrass species, all
climates, all times of the year and under
2.
1.
any and all turf management programs. These basidiomycetes are
wood-decaying fungi, typically seeking
the lignin of tree roots, but lignin
and organic matter found in turfgrass
thatch and within the turf rootzone
are also on their menu.
Fairy ring is a curious oddity of
3.
4.
nature, but to the turf practitioner, it
can be a persistent scourge of turf loss
and a disruption of turf quality and
function. Seeing mushrooms during a
walk in the forest is a thing of beauty,
but seeing mushrooms and dead,
necrotic turf on your morning turf
inspection is not.
Photo 1. Classic example of necrotic
turf loss (Type I) with appearance of a
basidiocarp (mushroom).
Photo 2. Penn State turf alum Tom Malehorn
standing inside type I fairy ring.
Photo 3. Great example of Type I fairy ring
around the perimeter of a tree, caused by
lignin-seeking fungus colonizing tree roots
(photo by Alan Fitzgerald).
Photo 4. Severe Type I fairy ring on a fairway.
Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 11
Photo 5. Type II fairy ring on a
baseball field.
5.
Photo 6. Type III (mushrooms) fairy
ring along perimeter of a necrotic
zone (Type I) in a lawn.
6.
Fairy ring biology
Fairy ring symptoms are classified as
Type I, II and III, based on the visual
appearance of the affected turf. These
symptoms can occur in circles, rings or
arcs because the fungus grows radially
from its point of origin in the thatch or
soil. Type I is necrotic, dead turf. Type
II is dark green, stimulated and lushgrowing turf. Type III is the appearance
of basidiocarps or mushrooms. These
three symptoms can occur alone, in
pairs or all three at the same spot (see
Photos 1–8).
The fairy ring fungus does not
directly infect turfgrass plants and
cause leaf lesions and blights like other
pathogens such as Rhizoctonia sp. As
the fairy ring fungus colonizes turfgrass
thatch and rootzone areas, its mycelium
and other substances coat sand and
soil particles, which can cause severe
hydrophobicity or soil water repellency.
Thus, turf loss is due partially to wilt
simply because the roots can’t access
soil moisture. Also, as the fungus breaks
down organic matter, ammonium can
accumulate to toxic levels, which shut
down root function.
12 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
continued • Cover Story
Table 1. List of fungicide products currently labeled for the treatment of fairy ring symptoms.
Active
Ingredient(1)
Trade Name and
Formulation(1)
Application Rate
(oz. or fl. oz./
1,000 sq. ft.)(2)
Interval
(days)(2)
Azoxystrobin
Heritage 50WG
0.4
28
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Apply only in
4 gals. water per 1,000 ft2. Add the recommended rate of a wetting agent to
the final spray. Severely damaged or thin turf may require reseeding. Fairy
ring symptoms may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application.
Reapplication after 28 days may be required in some cases.
Azoxystrobin
Heritage TL
0.8ME
2
28
Same as listed for Heritage 50WG.
Azoxystrobin
Heritage 0.31G
2 to 4
14 to 28
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Irrigate with at
least 0.5" water within 24 hours after application if rainfall is not expected.
Severely damaged or thin turf may require reseeding. Fairy ring symptoms
may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application. Reapplication after
14 to 28 days may be required in some cases.
Azoxystrobin +
Difenoconazole
Briskway 2.72
0.5 to 0.725
14 to 28
For preventive control of fairy ring, apply early in spring prior to the development of symptoms. Apply in 2 to 4 gallons of water per 1,000 ft2. Irrigate into
the thatch prior to the spray drying. Repeat the application within 14 to 28
days after the first application.
Azoxystrobin +
Propiconazole
Headway 1.39EC
1.5 to 3
14 to 28
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Apply in 2 to
4 gals. of water per 1,000 ft2. Add the recommended rate of a wetting agent
to the final spray. Severely damaged or thin turf may require reseeding. Fairy
ring symptoms may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application. If
area is hydrophobic, use wetting agents, and irrigate prior to application(s) of
Headway. Reapplication after 28 days may be required in some cases.
Azoxystrobin +
Propiconazole
Headway 1.06G
2 to 2.5
3 to 5.4
14
28
Fluoxastrobin
Disarm 480SC
0.28 to 0.36
21 to 28
As soon as fairy ring symptoms develop, apply in 4 gals. water per 1,000 ft2, or
irrigate after application with 1/4" water. A wetting agent may facilitate penetration.
Fluoxastrobin +
Chlorothalonil
Disarm C 4.25SC
4.5 to 5.9
21 to 28
Same as listed for Disarm 480SC.
Flutolanil
Prostar 70WG
(or Prostar 70WP)
2.2
4.5
21 to 28
30
Preventive (2.2 oz.): applying in 10 to 50 gals. of water per 1,000 ft2 may
suppress development of fairy ring caused by various basidiomycete
pathogens. A second application may be made at a 21- to 28-day interval
using the same dosage rate.
Curative (4.5 oz.): applying in 10 to 50 gals. of water per 1,000 ft2 may
suppress development of fairy ring caused by various basidiomycete
pathogens. Application should be made to the affected area at the first sign of
ring development (greening, death of turf, mushrooms). Symptom suppression
may be temporary, and symptoms may recover. In those cases, a second
application at 4.5 oz. per 1,000 ft2 is suggested, not less than 30 days after the
first application. Aerification prior to subsurface applications has been beneficial
in some cases. Use of a nonionic surfactant in combination with Prostar 70WG
is recommended. Treated areas should be irrigated prior to and after application
with sufficient water to maintain growth of turf. Disease control is improved if
turf is maintained at optimum fertility levels after symptom development. Turf
that has been damaged extensively by fairy ring development may have to be
reseeded. Do not treat more than 10,000 ft2 per acre of turf area.
Fluxapyroxad +
Pyraclostrobin
Lexicon 4.17SC
0.47
28
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Fairy ring
symptoms may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application. Use 2 to 4
gals. of spray volume per 1,000 ft2 and an appropriate soil wetting agent at time
of application. Reapplication after 28 days may be required. Provide a short
irrigation cycle directly following treatment to move fungicide through thatch.
Metconazole
Tourney 50WDG
0.37
21
Apply as soon as possible after first symptoms appear. Apply in a volume of 4
gals. per 1,000 ft2. For optimal control, reapply after 21 days. Symptoms may
take several weeks to disappear following application.
Affirm 11.3WG
1
7
Make two to three applications on a 7-day interval schedule. Use a
penetrating wetting agent. Immediately following application, water-in the
treatment with sufficient irrigation (1/8" to 1/4") to wet the active rootzone.
Polyoxin-D
(1)
Product Label Remarks(2)
Same as listed for Heritage 50WG.
Refer to the product label for information on the FRAC codes and manufacturer of the product.
Refer to the product label for specific information and instructions for safe and effective use. This list may not be inclusive of all
commercially available products. For example, Zerotol and Consan contain fairy ring statements on their product labels.
(2) Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 13
Cover Story • continued
Table 1. (continued) List of fungicide products currently labeled for the treatment of fairy ring symptoms.
Trade
Name and
Formulation(1)
Application Rate
(oz. or fl. oz./
1,000 sq. ft.)(2)
Interval
(days)(2)
Insignia 20WG
0.9
28
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Fairy ring
symptoms may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application. Use
4 gals. of spray volume and an appropriate soil wetting agent at time of
application. Reapplication after 28 days may be required.
Pyraclostrobin +
Boscalid
Honor 28WG
1.1
28
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Fairy ring
symptoms may take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application. Use 2 to 4
gals. per 1,000 ft2 spray volume and an appropriate soil wetting agent at time
of application. Reapplication after 28 days may be required. Provide a short
irrigation cycle directly following treatment to move fungicide through thatch.
Pyraclostrobin +
Triticonazole
Pillar 0.76G
48 (3 lbs.)
14 to 28
Torque 3.6SC
0.6
28
2ee Label – Preventive: Apply before fairy ring symptoms appear in
spring, starting when 5-day average soil temperatures at 2 inches reach
55ºF to 60ºF. Use sufficient water volume (66 to 132 GPA). For best results,
water the application into the active rootzone within 4 hours. Make a
second application when 5-day average soil temperatures reach 65ºF to
70ºF. Do not exceed a 28-day interval between applications. Torque may
also be tank-mixed or rotated with Affirm, as allowed on the label. Do not
apply to overseeded bermudagrass during spring transition. Complete
greenup should occur before treatment to avoid potential growth reduction.
2ee Label – Curative: Apply to areas where fairy ring symptoms are present.
Use sufficient water volume (66 to 132 GPA). For best results, water the application into the active root zone within 4 hours. Use a wetting agent as required
for the penetration of active hydrophobic soil conditions. User may make a
second application in the same manner, utilizing a 28-day interval. Torque
may also be tank-mixed or rotated with Affirm, as allowed on the label.
SysStar
80WDG
3
6.12
21 to 28
Preventative: Applying at 3.0 oz./1,000 ft2 in 3 to 5 gals. of water may
suppress the development of fairy ring caused by various basidiomycete
pathogens. A second application may be made at a 21- to 28-day interval
using the same dosage rate.
Curative: Applying at 6.12 oz./1,000 ft2 in 10 to 50 gals. of water may
suppress the development of fairy ring. Application should be made as a
spot treatment to the affected area at the first sign of ring development
(greening, death of turf, mushrooms). Symptom suppression may be
temporary, and symptoms may reoccur. Aerification prior to subsurface
applications has been beneficial in some cases. Use of a nonionic surfactant
in combination with SysStar WDG is recommended. Treated areas should
be irrigated prior to and after application with sufficient water to maintain
growth of turf. Do not treat more than 10,000 ft2 per acre of turf area.
Triadimefon
Bayleton FLO
4.15SC
1 to 1.9
14 to 21
Preventive Rate: Apply recommended rate in 2 to 4 gals. of water in the
spring prior to appearance of fairy ring symptoms. Before the spray dries,
irrigate to wash the fungicide into the thatch/soil where the fungus is active.
Repeat application 14 days later. If the 1.9 oz. rate is used on Poa annua
putting greens, extend the interval to 21 days.
Trifloxystrobin +
Triadimefon
Tartan 2.4SC
2
28
2ee Label – Preventive: The first application should be made in winter/spring
when 5-day average daily soil temperatures taken at 2" are 55ºF to 60ºF. In
sandy soils, average air temperature can also be an adequate measure. Do not
apply if daytime temperatures are above 80ºF. Discontinue applications of plant
growth regulators (PGRs) one week before and after the Tartan applications.
Apply using 2 gals. of spray per 1,000 ft2. Applications should be watered in
with 1/8" to 1/4" of irrigation within 24 hours. Tank-mixing of wetting agents is
not recommended with these preventive applications. Tank-mixing of wetting
agents has resulted in a slight decrease in fungicide efficacy. Wetting agents
should still be applied according to regular scheduling, preferably two weeks
apart from the fungicide applications.
Active
Ingredient(1)
Pyraclostrobin
Tebuconazole
Thiophanate-methyl
+ Flutolanil
(1)
Product Label Remarks(2)
Apply as soon as possible after fairy ring symptoms develop. Fairy ring
symptoms can take 2 to 3 weeks to disappear following application. For
optimum results, apply a soil wetting agent to the intended treatment area
prior to application.
Refer to the product label for information on the FRAC codes and manufacturer of the product.
Refer to the product label for specific information and instructions for safe and effective use. This list may not be inclusive of all
commercially available products. For example, Zerotol and Consan contain fairy ring statements on their product labels.
(2) 14 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
Photo 7. Example of a “shaggy mane”
mushroom common in lawns.
Perhaps our current “sustainable”
practices, such as a reduction in fertilizer rates, lower mowing heights and
increased use of sand for topdressing/
rootzone mixes all contribute to the
frequent appearance of fairy ring by
favoring the growth and development
of these basidiomycetes in our turfgrass systems. Also, long wet/dry cycles
— either due to the weather or irrigation practices — seem to be related
to the appearance of fairy ring symptoms. Back on the mushroom farm,
I remember irrigating the compost beds
heavily and then instructing workers to
use high-speed air handlers to dry out
the growing rooms in order to stimulate
mycelial growth and subsequent mushroom production. So, borrowing from
my mushroom farming days, it appears
that soil moisture management may be
the key to fairy ring control in turf.
Fairy ring control options
A fairy ring “spot” can be eradicated
by carefully removing the sod, digging
Photo 8. Type II fairy ring symptoms on a
chipping green.
out and removing the soil, replacing
the rootzone mix and seeding or sodding. This intensive and time-consuming
labor could turn into a large excavating
project. Mushrooms can be mowed off
easily, but keep an eye on that spot for
further symptoms to develop, especially
during drought stress periods. On closecut turf, lush, excessive growth is easily
scalped, which can lead to wilting and
necrotic, damaged turf anyway.
Type II symptoms can be “masked”
with an appropriate dose of nitrogen
or iron to get the same dark green
color over an entire turf area. In addition to urea or ammonium sulfate,
other soil nutrition-related products
are available from 3Tier Technologies,
Grigg Brothers, Floratine, EarthWorks,
AQUA-AID and others.
Several fungicides are currently
labeled for fairy ring in turf, with new
7.
8.
Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 15
Cover Story • continued
ones added to the list this year. For best
results, follow the label very carefully,
especially the preventive and/or
curative statements.
Also, include some key cultural
practices. For example, spike or needletine or “punch holes” into the affected
areas first. This may help get oxygen
into the rootzone and displace any
toxic gases. Next, apply a wetting agent
(or soil surfactant), and immediately
water it in enough to wet the rootzone
(to overcome any hydrophobic conditions). Apply the fungicide next, and
immediately “rinse-in” to wash the
product off the turf canopy into the
thatch and rootzone target areas. One
timesaving option is to tank-mix the
fungicide and wetting agent, and apply
them together, followed by irrigation.
Again, check the fungicide product
label for recommendations on using
wetting agents.
Keep in mind that repeat applications
may be needed for either a preventive
or curative program. Bayer Environmental Science has developed a preventive
program based on spring soil temperatures. Check their website (www.backed
bybayer.com) for more details. And
don’t forget to manage excessive thatch
accumulation in turf, as that excess
organic material also favors fairy ring.
Fairy Ring and Social Media
For those who use the Twitter , be sure to follow #FriskyFairyRingFriday or
#FFRF. Typically on Friday of each week, golf course superintendents, sports
turf managers, lawn care professionals, professors in academia and others in
the green industry post their fairy ring photos, questions and comments, and
engage in a forum on all things fairy ring in turf. Here are few examples:
Photo 1: @PACETurf
Photo 2: @turfdom
Photo 3: @turfmanpa
Photo 4: @GlobalTurf
Photo 5: @turfdom
Photo 6: @caleBIGelow
Photo 7: @JillCalabro
Photo 8: @MikeFidanza
Final thoughts
It seems that every case of fairy ring is
unique and different. It may occur on
one green or fairway and not any others.
It may be severe one year, but not the
next. The products or practices that
work on one golf course or lawn or
ball field may not work at another site.
As previously mentioned, soil moisture content should be considered
when battling fairy ring. Soil moisture
monitoring is useful to help make
decisions on irrigation practices. Most
importantly, the use of wetting agents
should help to alleviate those extreme
wet/dry cycles associated with the
appearance of fairy ring symptoms,
and aid in turf recovery.
In conclusion, fairy ring remains a
curious oddity of nature, and managing fairy ring symptoms in turf requires
a multi-faceted approach along with
patience and persistence. 7
16 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
Between
the Lines
Section Name
• continued
Between the Lines
Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization
1451 Peter’s Mountain Road
Dauphin, PA 17018-9504
www.KAFMO.org
Email: KAFMO@aol.com
Faster Turf Recovery
Coming Out of Winter
By Amy J. Fouty, CSFM,
Michigan State University
The
fall and winter can be very different
from year to year. Over the years, I have
changed my fertility strategies to best match the
changing environment. For instance, I have gotten
away from late-fall applications of fertilizer. We
often get periods of rains and warm spells during
the winter months that thaw the ground; by waiting,
I feel that we do not waste our fertilizer or money.
Instead, I typically wait to fertilize in the
springtime until the soil temperatures average
50 degrees. Fifty-degree soil temperatures signify
that the ground will most likely not freeze again
and that the turfgrass plant is beginning to actively
grow. As far as the type of fertilizer we use in that
first application, I like a quick- to medium-release
product to quickly green up the turf and start the
rejuvenation process for the plant.
We use a combination of cultural practices and
chemical applications to control winter diseases.
We typically do not push the bluegrass with a lot
of N in the fall. I believe that the plant can better
store carbohydrates using this fertility method and
prepare the plant naturally to defend against the
winter if I am not pushing shoot growth.
Second, we try to solid deep-tine aerate the fields
that we need to get out on the earliest in the spring
so that the soil and plants have the healthiest environment possible through the winter months. Diseased
areas are often low-light areas or compacted soils that
do not drain well, so we try to alleviate these issues
as best we can by opening them up in the late fall.
Finally, at the end of our fall season, we typically
make preventative snow mold applications. I like
to wrap up these applications in the last week of
November. 7
February 20, 2015
19th Annual KAFMO
Athletic Field Conference
Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey
18 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
Contact: Linda Kulp,
Executive Secretary
Phone: 717-921-8803
kulp1451@gmail.com
Contact: Dan Douglas,
President
Phone: 610-375-8469 x 212
KAFMO@aol.com
Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization
The
was formed in 1994 by a small group of individuals
who were concerned about the quality of the athletic fields in
Pennsylvania. In 1997, KAFMO became incorporated as a chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association. Today, KAFMO is
over 300 members strong, and each individual is committed
to enhancing the professionalism of athletic field managers in
the Keystone State. This commitment leads to more respect
for your organization and better career opportunities.
Any individual, institution, organization, vendor or supplier
who has sincere interest in athletic field maintenance is
welcome to become a member. From high school, collegiate
and professional athletic facilities, to parks and recreation
departments, municipalities, educators, youth leagues, contractors and commercial vendors, our membership base is
made up of a broad range of individuals who pool their
knowledge and experience together for the good of our
craft and to increase awareness of their professionalism.
Annual KAFMO events include the Athletic Field Conference in February, a Summer Field Day and the KAFMO Cup
Golf Tournament in October. Various other KAFMO-sponsored
events are conducted throughout the state every year. Members
also receive SportsTurf and Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazines.
To become a member, visit www.KAFMO.org. 7
2014 KAFMO/STMA OFFICERS
President
Dan Douglas
Vice President
Bobby Piccolo
Secretary
Keith Evans
Treasurer
Chris Lessig
Executive
Secretary
Linda Kulp
200 River Vista Dr.
Halifax, PA
17032
Scholarship Chair
Kevin Bevenour
Magazine Chair
Steve LeGros
Awards Chair
Dave Anderson
Education Chair
Nancy Bosold
Changes and Challenges
in Turfgrass Management
KAFMO Al Turgeon,
asked Dr.
Professor Emeritus of turfgrass
management at Penn State, how
our industry has changed over time
and what challenges he believes
lie ahead. Dr. Turgeon currently
teaches online courses in turfgrassmanagement programs offered
through Penn State’s World Campus;
he was the first tenured faculty
member to accept the challenge
of teaching online at Penn State.
How has the turfgrass
industry changed over
the past 30 years?
Turgeon: The technological
changes have been incredible,
including improved turfgrasses,
pesticides, PGRs (plant growth
regulators) and fertilizer carriers,
along with an impressive array of
improved cultivation, application and
mowing equipment and techniques.
With respect to personnel, the
educational standard in the turf
industry has risen from a two-year
certificate to a four-year degree. With
the offering of an online master’s
degree, many [turf managers] have
enrolled in this and other graduate
programs in order to increase their
knowledge and acquire credentials
to enhance their ability to compete
for the best jobs in the industry.
[Years ago], at the annual GCSAA
Conference and Show, many participants could be found standing in the
hallways, while sessions in the classrooms were often lightly attended.
Today, nearly everyone actively participates in the sessions, and few can be
found in the hallways, except during
breaks. This is a clear indication that
the professionalism of turf managers
has increased substantially.
How has the sports turf
industry changed?
Turgeon: The hiring of collegeeducated sports turf managers has
greatly improved the quality and safety
of sports turfs. The regular use of field
measurements of impact resistance
within the National Football League and
elsewhere is evidence of a much more
scientific approach to field management
within the sports turf industry.
What have been the
industry’s biggest
accomplishments?
Turgeon: Higher educational
standards, along with a dramatic
increase in the array of commercially
available technical resources, have
resulted in a substantially greater
capability to achieve and sustain
extraordinary standards in turf quality
throughout the turfgrass industry.
This is true not only for natural turfs,
but also for artificial turfs.
Dr. Al Turgeon, Professor Emeritus of
Turfgrass Management at Penn State.
What are its greatest
challenges?
Turgeon: Because nature is always
changing and new problems are
inevitable, new solutions will always
be needed to meet the challenges of
tomorrow. Despite the fact that the
pesticides in use today are much safer
than those used a generation or two
earlier, there is constant pressure to
reduce our dependency on pesticides.
In some areas, there is a movement
to ban pesticides for turfgrass altogether.
Thus, while we must continue to
become even less dependent on
pesticides, we must also be better
communicators on the need for
some pesticides use, especially in the
management of intensively cultured
turfgrass communities.
Also, while we now have collegeeducated professionals in sports
turf management, as well as in the
businesses that support these operations, we must ensure that these
enterprises continue to attract very
bright people to careers in the
turfgrass industry. 7
Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 19
Research Summaries
McGraw Lab
Research Update
Furthering Our Understanding
of the Genetic Basis of Poa annua
The
R
Turfgrass Entomology lab at
Penn State has
undergone some changes this fall. Dr.
Ben McGraw joined PSU in August
and is currently getting a laboratory up
and running. He, along with Danny
Kline, will be conducting applied
and basic research in several areas of
concern to turfgrass managers in the
region and beyond.
Dr. McGraw is looking to bring
two graduate students into the lab
for the spring 2015 semester. A
master’s student will be examining
the role that cultural practices (such
as mowing height and fertilization
programs) have on annual bluegrass
weevil populations and the development of turf damage. A doctoral
student will be joining the lab to
examine why turfgrass ants have
become an ever-increasing problem
in the northeast and what impact
they have on other insect pests early
in the growing season.
The Lab is looking forward to the
upcoming growing season, working
with turfgrass managers in the region
to better understand their insect
issues. If you have any turfgrass insect
issues or questions, please contact
Dr. Ben McGraw at 814-865-1138 or
bam53@psu.edu 7
Update submitted by Ben McGraw,
Ph.D., Associate Professor in
Agricultural Sciences, Penn State.
News from
the WPGRR
Team
ecently, we confirmed the polyploid origin of annual bluegrass (Poa
annua) and proposed that the genetic interactions between its parental
species (namely, Poa infirma and Poa supina), along with the associated whole
genome-doubling event, are the basis for Poa annua’s wide ecological amplitude and
impressive adaptability. In an effort to gain additional genetic information on Poa
annua, we initiated a small RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing project because a role
for small RNAs has been implicated for polyploid evolution in other plant species.
Along with DNA and proteins, RNA is a major macromolecule that is essential
for all life on earth. Small RNAs are a class of non-coding RNA molecules that play
a role in regulating gene expression. In plants, small RNAs regulate a wide range
of developmental processes, including leaf development, root radial patterning,
floral development and hormonal responses.
We utilized the high-throughput capability of next-generation sequencing
to examine the small RNA molecules of four profiles. Poa infirma, Poa supina,
perennial-type Poa annua and annual-type Poa annua were analyzed. A total of
20,920,659 small RNA sequences, 18 to 30 nucleotides in length, were obtained.
Although no large differences were attributable to the polyploid nature
of Poa annua, this study does provide a baseline of small RNA profiles for
future research. In order to gain a better understanding of the extraordinary
adaptability of Poa annua, future research may focus on examining small RNA
profiles from different developmental stages, different environmental stresses
and possibly different agronomical management practices. 7
Table 1. Sequencing data preprocessing summary for the numbers of small RNAs sequenced
from Poa infirma, Poa supina and the perennial and annual types of Poa annua.
Poa infirma
Poa supina
Poa annuaperennial
Poa annuaannual
size 18-30 nt reads
5,675,635
4,109,305
5,555,825
5,579,894
unique 18-30 nt reads
1,183,197
1,199,308
1,455,196
1,477,756
size 18-24 nt reads
3,949,819
2,843,601
3,866,150
4,015,032
Profile Name
unique 18-24 nt reads
883,498
943,788
1,102,444
1,181,096
18-24 nt t/rRNA filtered
2,946,959
2,202,377
2,940,788
3,117,465
unique 18-24 nt t/rRNA
838,595
899,352
1,048,877
1,130,447
Update submitted by Qing Mao, Ph.D., post-doctoral student, and David R. Huff,
Ph.D., Professor of Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics, Penn State.
The
Weed and Plant Growth Regulator Research Team has two
members: Melissa Arnett and Tracey Harpster. Our program
evaluates new products and management strategies in many
different areas, but specifically in the areas of pre- and postemergence crabgrass
control, annual bluegrass seedhead suppression and control, turfgrass tolerance,
broadleaf weed control and PGR efficacy. The 2014 research season has proven
very eventful. Again, we have evaluated products in all areas of our program. 7
Update submitted by Jeffrey Borger, Senior Instructor in Turfgrass Weed Management,
Penn State.
20 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
PTC Membership Application
PTC Invites You to
— Become
By
a Member! —
joining the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council
(PTC), your club or company, or you as an
individual, become part of an organization
dedicated to promoting professionalism in all aspects of the
turfgrass industry and support of the Center for Turfgrass
Science at Penn State University.
• PTC provides educational opportunities for
practitioners in all turfgrass-related industries.
• PTC provides grants and other support for education
and research programs at Penn State University.
• PTC encourages future industry leadership by granting
scholarships and awards.
• PTC acts as a liaison to the green industry by
promoting open dialogue with government agencies,
private institutions and the general public.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Individual — $50 annual dues
For the green-industry professional who wants to be part of
the Council and support its activities.
Sustaining — $200 annual dues
For the business or turf professional who takes an active role
in promoting the profession of turfgrass management, professional development and educational opportunities in the
turfgrass industry.
Partner for Growth — $400 annual dues
For the business or club that desires a stronger affiliation with
the Council and the Penn State Turfgrass Science Program.
Join online today, or renew your current membership at — www.paturf.org/membership
The membership year is July 1 through June 31.
Penn State
Turf Updates
John Bambury (Cert. ’05) is now
course manager at Ballybunion
Golf Club in Ireland.
Mathew Harvey (Cert. ’13) is
now working as an assistant
superintendent at Cattail Creek
Country Club.
Tony Horvath (B.S. ’87) is
employed as an irrigation
salesman for E.H. Griffith, Inc.,
the local Toro distributor located
in Pittsburgh, PA. He recently
received a Blue Blazer Award
for the 2013 Golf Irrigation
Salesperson of the Year. 7
Winter 2015 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 21
Calendar of Events
January 6–7
Eastern PA Turfgrass,
Ornamental and
Landscape Conference
Valley Forge Casino Resort
King of Prussia, PA
January 29
Northeastern PA Turfgrass
Conference and Tradeshow
Woodlands Inn and Resort
Wilkes Barre, PA
February 10–12
Western PA Turf, Ornamental
and Landscape Conference
Four Points Sheraton
Mars, PA
February 16–19
TPI International Education
Conference and Field Day
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Carlsbad, CA
February 20
19th Annual KAFMO
Athletic Field Conference
Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey
February 21–26
Golf Industry Show
Henry B. Gonzalez
Convention Center
San Antonio, TX
Penn State Turf Team
Advertiser Index
Jeffrey A. Borger
Senior Instructor in Turfgrass
Weed Management
814-865-3005 • jborger@psu.edu
Aer-Core, Inc.............................................. 9
Michael A. Fidanza, Ph.D.
Professor of Plant & Soil Science
610-396-6330 • maf100@psu.edu
David R. Huff, Ph.D.
Professor of Turfgrass Genetics
814-863-9805 • drh15@psu.edu
www.aer-core.com
Bromm’s Lullaby Farm............................ 23
www.brommslullaby.com
Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc...... 23
www.centralsodmd.com
Covermaster, Inc..................................... 15
www.covermaster.com
CoverSports USA...................................... 7
www.coversports.com
East Coast Sod & Seed.......................... 23
www.eastcoastsod.com
John E. Kaminski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of
Turfgrass Science
814-865-3007 • jek156@psu.edu
Danny Kline
Research Technologist in
Turfgrass Entomology
814-863-1669 • dek16@psu.edu
Peter J. Landschoot, Ph.D.
Professor of Turfgrass Science
814-863-1017 • pjl1@psu.edu
Ernst Conservation Seeds...................... 21
www.ernstseed.com
The Fertrell Company................................ 3
www.fertrell.com
Fisher & Son Company Inc..................... 17
www.fisherandson.com
FM Brown’s & Sons................................. 23
www.fmbrown.com
George E. Ley Co.................................... 23
www.gelcogolf.com
Lebanon Turf............................. Back Cover
www.lebturf.com
Ben McGraw, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of
Turfgrass Entomology
814-865-1138 • bam53@psu.edu
Medina Sod Farms, Inc............................. 7
Andrew S. McNitt, Ph.D.
Professor of Soil Science
814-863-1368 • asm4@psu.edu
Quali-Pro........................Inside Front Cover
www.medinasodfarms.com
Pennsylvania State University.................. 5
www.psu.edu
www.quali-pro.com
Seedway, LLC.......................................... 12
www.seedway.com
Max Schlossberg, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Turfgrass
Nutrition / Soil Fertility
814-863-1015 • mjs38@psu.edu
Shreiner Tree Care................................... 23
Al J. Turgeon, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of
Turfgrass Management
aturgeon@psu.edu
Walker Supply, Inc................................... 23
www.shreinertreecare.com
Smith Seed Services............................... 23
www.smithseed.com
www.walkersupplyinc.com
Wakar Uddin, Ph.D.
Professor of Plant Pathology
814-863-4498 • wxu2@psu.edu
The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions
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22 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2015
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