Turfgrass Management

3B Exam

3/4/2010

Turfgrass Management Turf must have proper care and

management and timely pest control to be attractive, have good color, and be free of weeds, insects and diseases.

Turfgrass management includes selecting the right grass, mowing, watering, fertilizing, and thatch control.

Turfgrass Problems Determine the kind of grasses

involved. Find out why the problem occurred. Determine if the problem is best

corrected by management practices, soil modification, or pesticides.

Turfgrass Problems Check to see if a chemical is labeled

both for turfgrass species and disease. Recommend good cultural practices

that will assist in turfgrass recovery.

Preventive Disease Control

Water properly Control thatch Mow to the proper height Mow grass frequently Do not restrict air movement Use blends of grasses Provide good drainage

Preventive Disease Control

Fertilize properly Follow a insect and weed control

program Do not plant grasses that are not

adapted to your area.

How do you Diagnosis??1. Identify the turf grass

2. Determine the weather conditions before and during disease development

3. Look at the soil structure and fertility

4. Review cultural and chemical management practices

5. Determine the overall distribution of the problem

How do you Diagnosis?6. Observe symptoms on individual plants

7. Use reference materials

Largest Turfgrass Disease Category

FUNGUS Not going to talk about them.

WEEDS Any plant can be considered a weed if

it is growing where it is not wanted.

Good Weed Control Program

1. Identify the desirable turfgrass

2. Identify the existing weeds

3. Combine pest control with good management practices

Types of WeedsBroadleaf Weeds

Grassy Weeds

Annual weeds

Winter

Summer

Biennials

Perennials

Weed Control Granular formulations are effective for

preemergence herbicides. Liquid formulations are better for

postemergence control where foliar coverage is needed.

Broadleaf Weed Control Spring and fall applications of

postemergence herbicides normally give satisfactory control and reduce the possibility of damage to nontarget plants.

Grassy Weed Control Control of annual grasses is best

achieved with preemergence herbicide for general infestations and spot treatment with postemergence herbicides for localized infestations.

Factors Influencing Weed Control with Soil Applied

Herbicides

Kinds of weeds Application rate Uniformity of application Solubility of herbicide Volatility of herbicide Rainfall or irrigation Soil type Organic matter

Factors Influencing Weed Control with Foliage Applied

Herbicides

Kinds of weeds Application rate Uniformity of application Spray additives Stage and rate of weed or crop growth Loss due to rain or degradation by sunlight Retention on leaves

Managing Insects Inspect all lawn and turf areas on a regular

basis Learn how to ID important turf insect and

their damage Develop a sound pest management strategy Select and apply insecticides carefully and

only when necessary Evaluate the success of the management

program

Minimizing Pesticide Hazards

Make sure you are at the right location Do not allow children or pets to remain in the area

being sprayed. Check neighboring areas for pets or people that

may come into contact with drift Remove toys, pet food dishes, birdfeeder, etc. Avoid spray objects such as park benches or patio

furniture. Avoid fish ponds, bird bathes, and other water

features

Minimizing Pesticide Hazards

Observe pesticide label restrictions Sweep or rinse away all spills Secure all pesticide containers or

spray apparatus before moving

Parts of the Label Brand Name Common Name Chemical Name Type of Pesticide Net Contents Name and Address of Manufacturer Registration & Establishment Numbers

Parts of the Label Signal Words

– Danger– Warning– Caution

Worker Protection Standards Precautionary Statements Statement of Practical Treatment Environmental Statement

Parts of the Label Physical or Chemical Hazard Classification Statement Storage and Disposal Statement Direction for Use

Questions??