msu field day report 2014archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/msufd/article/2014.pdf · 2014-08-18 · 3 2014...

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and Michigan State University present:

Turfgrass Field Day

Robert Hancock Turfgrass Research Center

Wednesday August 13, 2014

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A great big...Thank You! The MSU Turf Team would like to recognize the following companies that have donated to the operation of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in 2014.

Accuproducts International John Deere Landscapes The Gandy Co.

Agrium Advanced Tech. J.R. Simplot Co. The Toro Co.

Arysta Life Sciences JRM Inc. The Toro Co. – Toro NSN

BASF JW Surge Tri-‐Turf Inc.

Bayer Crop Science J.W. Turf Equip. Tru-‐Turf Pty. LTD.

Bernhard & Co., Ltd. L.T. Rich Co. True-‐Surface

Carl Schwartzkopf MTF Founders Society Turfco Manufacturing

Cleary Chemical Corp. Pace Equip. Weingartz

Countryside Lawn & Power PBI/Gordon Corp. Wesco Turf, Inc.

Dakota Peat & Equipment Petro-‐Canada/Civitas

D & G Equipment Quali-‐Pro

Dow AgriSciences Residex

Forest Akers Golf Courses Rhino Seed & Turf Supply

Grigg Brothers The Scotts Miracle-‐Gro Company

Harrell’s Spartan Distributors

IPAC Inc. Spears Manufacturing

Jacobsen Syngenta Crop Protection

John Deere Ag. & Turf Div. The Andersons

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2014 Turfgrass Field Day Stops

Mount Hope Rd.

Farm Lane

Weed Garden

PuttingGreen

Fairway

Lawn Height Lawn Height

Weeds Putting Green Weeds

N

Dom

e

HTRC Fuller

6 3

5

1

2

7

4

8 9 10

12

13 14 15 16

17 18

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Table of Contents

STOP 1. WINTERKILL REESTABLISHMENT 6 DR. KEVIN W. FRANK AND AARON HATHAWAY

STOP 2&11. REMOTE SENSING & GIS UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) 8 ROBERT GOODWIN, JOE WELSH, AND DR. DAVE LUSCH

STOP 3. A NEW PRODUCT FROM SIPCAMADVAN FOR POA ANNUA CONTROL. 9 DR. J.M. VARGAS, JR. AND NANCY DYKEMA

STOP 4. DOLLAR SPOT AND ANTHRACNOSE FIELD TRIALS 10 NANCY DYKEMA, ERIC GALBRAITH, AND DR. J.M. VARGAS, JR.

STOP 5. EUROPEAN CRANE FLY AND ANNUAL BLUEGRASS WEEVIL IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT 12 DR. DAVID SMITLEY

STOP 6. GOLF SPIKE, SOLE DESIGN STUDY 14 DR. THOMAS A. NIKOLAI AND AARON HATHAWAY

STOP 7. EFFECTS OF DROUGHT AND TRAFFIC STRESSES ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES AND WATER USE CHARACTERISTICS OF CREEPING BENTGRASS (AGROSTIS STOLONIFERA) AND ANNUAL BLUEGRASS (POA ANNUA) 17 KEVIN LASKOWSKI, DR. EMILY MEREWITZ, DR. KEVIN W. FRANK, AND DR. J.M. VARGAS, JR.

8. EFFECT OF CREEPING BENTGRASS SEEDING RATES AND TRAFFIC ON ESTABLISHMENT OF PUTTING GREENS DURING RENOVATION 19 THOMAS O. GREEN, ERIC C. CHESTNUT, AND JOHN N. ROGERS, III

STOP 9. ESTABLISHMENT STUDIES FOR CREEPING BENTGRASS GREENS 19 ERIC C. CHESTNUT, THOMAS O. GREEN, AND DR. JOHN N. ROGERS, III

STOP 10. LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING AND TOPDRESSING DECREASE FUNGICIDE INPUTS AND DOLLAR SPOT SEVERITY ON FAIRWAYS 20 THOMAS O. GREEN, DR. JOHN N. ROGERS, III, DR. JAMES R. CRUM, DR. THOMAS A. NIKOLAI, AND DR. J.M. VARGAS, JR.

STOP 11. REMOTE SENSING & GIS UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) 21 ROBERT GOODWIN, JOE WELSH, AND DR. DAVE LUSCH

STOP 12. MSUTURFINSECTS.NET 21 TERRY DAVIS AND DR. DAVID SMITLEY

STOP 13. A BEE-‐FRIENDLY APPROACH TO HOME LAWN GRUB CONTROL 21

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DR. DAVID SMITLEY

STOP 14. ANNUAL BLUEGRASS CONTROL IN ATHLETIC FIELDS 22 AARON HATHAWAY AND DR. THOMAS A. NIKOLAI

STOP 15. GROUND COVER SEDIMENT MOVEMENT STUDY 23 DR. THOMAS A. NIKOLAI, JEFF BRYAN, JOE FABBO, AND AARON HATHAWAY

STOP 16. RUNOFF RESEARCH 24 DR. KEVIN W. FRANK AND AARON HATHAWAY

STOP 17. EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLING ON ATHLETIC FIELDS 25 NICK BINDER, DR. THOMAS A. NIKOLAI, DR. JAMES CRUM, DR. EMILY MEREWITZ, AND DR. JAMES FLORE

STOP 18. ORGANIC WEED CONTROL IN TURF 25 AARON HATHAWAY AND DR. THOMAS A. NIKOLAI

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Stop 1. Winterkill Reestablishment Dr. Kevin W. Frank and Aaron Hathaway The winter of 2013-‐2014 caused widespread winterkill of Poa annua putting greens. The Poa annua putting greens at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center also suffered significant damage. We initiated several different reestablishment studies in the spring of 2014. One study evaluated the reestablishment rate of different nutritional programs that were commonly being used in Michigan (Table 1). The study was designed as a split block experiment with ½ of each plot seeded with Pure Distinction creeping bentgrass at 2 lbs./1000 ft.2 on May 2 using the Turfco TriWave 40 Overseeder. The other ½ of the plot was not seeded to evaluate Poa annua survival/reestablishment. Nutritional programs were initiated the day of seeding. Some programs had weekly applications while others were treated monthly. Complete program details are presented in Table 1.

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Table 1. Winterkill reestablishment programs Trt # Treatment Rate Rate Unit Application Frequency Rep

1 2 3

1 Harrell's Program

101 308 608

Micro Granular 5 lb/1000 ft2 At Seeding

Earthmax Humic 6 fl oz/1000 ft2 At Seeding

Phos Plus 4 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Bio Max 2 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

N30 Plus 5 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Title Phite 2 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

PAR 0.4 fl oz/1000 ft2 1 WAS

PAR 0.2 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly 2WAS 2 Residex Program

102 305 605

Starter 14-‐28-‐8 1 lb ai/1000 ft2 At Seeding

Carbon 21 3 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Photo Fuel 3 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Quick Green 6 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly 3 Floratine Program

103 307 603


EON 75 Bio 5 lb/1000 ft2 At Seeding

Bent Special 28-‐8-‐18 0.55 lb/1000 ft2 Weekly

Until Sufficient Cover

Glycosyn 3 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Maxiplex 3 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

5.0 Cal 6 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Knife Plus 1 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Once Sufficient Cover Achieved

Per 4 Max 1 fl oz/1000 ft2 Every two weeks

Power 12-‐6-‐0 10 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

ProteSyn 4 fl oz/1000 ft2 Weekly

Astron 1 fl oz/1000 ft2 Every three weeks

4 Starter Only

104 302 602


Starter 14-‐28-‐8 0.3 lb ai/1000 ft2 Monthly 5 Starter and Urea

105 304 606


Urea 0.1 lb ai/1000 ft2 Weekly 6 Urea Only

106 306 604

Urea 0.1 lb ai/1000 ft2 Weekly

7 Crystal Green & Urea

107 301 601


Urea 0.1 lb ai/1000 ft2 Weekly 8 Seed & Nothing More

108 303 607

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Stop 2&11. Remote Sensing & GIS Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Robert Goodwin, Joe Welsh, and Dr. Dave Lusch RS&GIS UAS research services utilizes multiple platform-‐sensor combinations paired with advanced image processing techniques. This diverse toolset allows RS&GIS to collect and process a wide range of remote sensing data and create secondary imagery products such as NDVI mosaics and Digital Terrain Models. For maximum flexibility, RS&GIS employs both fixed-‐wing craft and multi-‐rotor craft for its UAS projects. Currently, RS&GIS operates the Aeromao Aeromapper glider UAS and the 3D Robotics X8 multi-‐rotor UAS.

Aeromao Aeromapper fixed-‐wing UAS. Image courtesy of Aeromao.com.

3DR X8 rotor-‐craft UAS. Image courtesy of 3D Robotics.

RS&GIS is currently utilizing the above platforms to conduct research on the efficacy of using small UAS for a variety of applications, including turf management. RS&GIS staff fly their UAS in semi-‐autonomous or manual mode. In semi-‐autonomous mode, the craft follows pre-‐loaded instructions navigating via GPS positioning and barometer measurements. A variety of sensors provide remote sensing data at regular intervals. Sensors include RGB and Color Infrared cameras, Thermal Infrared sensors and laser scanners. This data is processed by GIS analysts at RS&GIS to create image mosaics, terrain models, referenced NDVI images and more. Flight times, payload and mission capabilities vary between platforms but generally rotor-‐craft are more flexible than fixed-‐wing aircraft. Rotor-‐craft are more agile and are not limited by an aerodynamic airframe for sensor deployment. However, flight time is short compared to fixed-‐wing aircraft, particularly multi-‐rotor aircraft. For instance, the 3D Robotics X8, powered by a 6000 mAh lithium polymer battery pack, can fly for 10 – 15 minutes carrying 800 grams. The design is such that adding additional battery capacity does not increase flight time substantially. The Aeromapper fixed-‐wing aircraft can fly for nearly an hour carrying a slightly larger battery pack while carrying about half the weight. A larger airframe improves lifting capacity. Both of the systems described above are appropriate for turf research and evaluation. The decision on which UAS to use depends primarily on the type & dimensions of the sensor and the flight area. For more information, contact:

Robert Goodwin, UAS Manager RS&GIS, MSU [email protected] 517.432.0879

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Stop 3. A new product from SipcamAdvan for Poa annua control. Dr. J.M. Vargas, Jr. and Nancy Dykema There has been a trend over the past couple of years to replace predominately Poa annua greens with creeping bentgrass. In conjunction with establishing the greens to creeping bentgrass, there has also be a movement to kill the fairways with Roundup and reseed them with creeping bentgrass. Whereas the greens are fumigated and become established to pure stands of creeping bentgrass, the fairways often have a lot of Poa annua grow in with the newly seeded creeping bentgrass. There are certainly a few herbicides, like Velocity or Xonerate, to kill the Poa annua, but they often leave large areas of dead turf which take a long time to heal. A new experimental product being developed by SipcamAdvan has been shown to suppress the Poa annua allowing the creeping bentgrass to become dominant in the population. You will see 3 different formulations of the product in these studies.

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Stop 4. Dollar Spot and Anthracnose Field Trials Nancy Dykema, Eric Galbraith, and Dr. J.M. Vargas, Jr. DOLLAR SPOT Dollar spot, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is a very important disease of turfgrass. The fungus attacks the foliage of the plant producing bleached to straw colored lesions which may or may not expand across the width of the blade. The lesions are characterized by possessing a reddish brown perimeter in all susceptible grass species except for annual bluegrass, which lacks the border. As the epidemic progresses, small spots up to 3 inches in diameter are formed. If conditions remain conducive for infection and the disease is left untreated, the spots may coalesce and form larger, irregularly-‐shaped, blighted areas. The disease can be spread via equipment such as mowers, from clippings, or just from plants growing in close proximity. Dollar spot is typically more severe in drought-‐stressed areas as well as those under low fertility. When temperatures range from 60-‐90°F and nighttime temperatures fall into the 50-‐60°F area, the disease is most active. Under these temperatures, heavy dew formation usually results and often cob-‐web like mycelia may be observed on the turf. This year, several dollar spot trials were conducted, including two early season treatment studies on an A4 creeping bentgrass (CB) fairway, a preventive trial on an A4 CB/annual bluegrass (AB) mixed fairway, and a curative trial on a Crenshaw CB putting green. Each trial included four replicates of each treatment. Treatments were applied using a CO2-‐powered backpack sprayer with a single TeeJet 8002E flat fan nozzle at approximately 42 psi. Application volume was 48 GPA unless otherwise specified in the tables below. Mowing height for fairway trials was 0.5” and for greens trials was 0.135”. Fertility was applied as needed. Treatment lists and plot maps are provided below. Significant amounts of dollar spot developed in each of the inoculated trials. Differences in amounts of dollar spot among treatments are currently visible. Early Season Treatment Application for Dollar Spot Control, 2014. Treatment applications were made on 23 Apr and 20 May 2014. Fertility averaged 0.35 lb N/1000 sq ft/mo. The inoculated study received an application of fungus-‐infested sand/cornmeal topdressing on 24 Apr 2014. Dollar spot began to develop in the untreated control plots in the inoculated trial in mid to late June. In the non-‐inoculated trial, dollar spot was first noted in early to mid-‐July, approximately 1 month later than in the inoculated trial. Preventive Dollar Spot Fairway Trial, 2014. Most treatment applications were made initially beginning on 21 Jun 2014. Treatments were applied on a: 14 day schedule (21 Jun, 3, 17, and 31 Jul); 21 day schedule (21 Jun and 15 Jul); or 28 day schedule (21 Jun and 17 Jul); or on a program schedule where various products were applied throughout the season. Fertility applications averaged approximately 0.35 lb N/1000 sq ft/mo. The site was inoculated with fungus-‐infested sand/cornmeal topdressing on 26 May and 28-‐May. Disease pressure has been good this season with the untreated control averaging 35%

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dollar spot in mid-‐July. Differences in amount of dollar spot present as well as quality differences are readily observed in this trial. Curative Dollar Spot Putting Green Trial, 2014. Treatment applications were made as listed below, with most applications beginning on 25 Jun 2014. Treatments on a 7 day schedule were applied on 25 Jun, 3, 9, 15, 22, and 29 Jul; 14 day schedule on 25 Jun, 9 and 22 Jul; 21 day schedule on 25 Jun and 15 Jul; and 28 day schedule on 25 Jun and 22 Jul or as listed in the table. Fertility applications averaged approximately 0.3 lb N/1000 sq ft/mo. The site was inoculated with fungus-‐infested sand/cornmeal topdressing on 28 May. Disease pressure has been good this season with the untreated control averaging around 40% dollar spot throughout July. Differences in amount of dollar spot present as well as quality differences are readily observed in this trial. ANTHRACNOSE Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum cereale, is a devastating disease that attacks annual bluegrass, and occasionally bentgrass. It can be a problem on golf course greens, tees, and fairways. Low fertility, low mowing heights, and droughty conditions that lead to stressed turf can be a precursor for this disease. Excess moisture, such as from heavy irrigation or heavy rainfall, followed by a period of hot weather can also contribute to this problem. When infection occurs on fairways, it usually affects the foliage of the plants causing the turf to look brown and wilted. Upon close examination of infected tissue, one might be able to identify tiny, dark fungal structures called acervuli, which can be diagnostic for this disease. The pathogen can also infect the crowns of plants, turning them a charcoal black color, particularly on greens height turf. If there is damage to the crown of the plant, recovery is often quite slow. Foliar infections typically recover more quickly than infections that occur in the crown of the plant. Anthracnose, 2014. Treatments were applied preventively beginning on 23 Jun 2014. Subsequent applications for treatments on a 7 day schedule were applied on 1, 9, and 21, and 28 Jul. Treatments on a 14 day schedule were reapplied on 9 and 21 Jul. Fertility levels averaged approximately 0.35 lb N/1000 sq ft/mo. The study was inoculated on 2 Jul with sand/cornmeal topdressing infested with C. cereale. Disease pressure has been moderate this year, with untreated control plots averaging up to 28% anthracnose. Several treatments prevented disease development in the study, while others lacked efficacy. Differences in the amount of anthracnose, as well as turfgrass quality differences are readily visible in the trial.

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Stop 5. European Crane Fly and Annual Bluegrass Weevil Identification and Management Dr. David Smitley

European crane flies that have recently established and become a turf pest in Michigan consist of two different species from Europe: Tipula paludosa (European crane fly) and Tipula oleracea (common crane fly). The adult stage of both of these pests looks like a giant mosquito with a wing span of more than an inch. They prefer moist soils, so are most likely to be found in irrigated turf, although with enough rain they can develop in almost any lawn. The adults fly, mate and lay eggs in August and September and may be seen in or near infested lawns or golf turf in large numbers. The second species, the common crane fly, may also have a second generation of adults that emerge in the spring. The larvae, called “leatherjackets,” grow to become nearly an inch-‐long and look like a brown caterpillar with no head or legs.

European crane fly adult (left) and larvae (right). (Credit: Dave Shetlar, OSU)

In October the leatherjackets consume enough turf roots, stems and leaves to cause visible injury to lawns or golf courses. Turf damage begins to appear as a general thinning of the infested turf, but may progress to large dead patches. Leatherjackets can be brought to the surface by drenching with a soapy water solution – 1 ounce dish wash soap in 2 gallons of water. Leatherjackets also tend to come to the surface when an insecticide is applied. This can be a nuisance on golf courses if large numbers of leatherjackets appear on tees, greens and fairways.

Turf treated for grubs in the spring are not protected from European crane fly damage in October. However, if grub treatments are made in July or August, they should also protect against European crane fly. See the table below for a list of products that are effective against European crane fly.

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Products and timing of products used to prevent damage

Product Correct timing for European crane fly

Sevin (carbaryl) In April, May or October when turf damage is discovered.

Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole) April or May (also protects against grubs and other turf pests).

Arena (clothianidin)

Should provide protection when applied in July or August (also protects against grubs).

Merit (imidacloprid)

Aloft (clothianidin + bifenthrin)

Meridian (thiamethoxam)

So far crane fly damage has only been reported from around the Grand Rapids, Mich., and Detroit areas, but each year the infested area increases. Symptoms like thin turf and digging activity by skunks and raccoons may appear to be caused by grubs, but the presence of gray to tan-‐colored leather jackets will confirm the pest as European crane fly. Infested lawns can be treated in October with Sevin or another turf product containing carbaryl. In order to avoid this problem next year, insecticides used for grubs can be applied in July or August to also protect against European crane fly.

Annual bluegrass weevil is a major golf course pest in the northeast United States. Because it is often resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, it can be very difficult to control. We have been expecting it to arrive in Michigan because it became a problem in Pennsylvania and Ontario at least five years ago. Maybe we should consider it a blessing that it has not yet become a golf course pest in Ohio or Michigan. Still, it is wise to be aware of this future pest so that when it does appear we will recognize it and take the steps needed to control it before we see too much turf damage.

Watch for patches of dead annual bluegrass that appear in June or July on aprons around greens or on fairways. Usually, only the annual bluegrass dies, although bentgrass can become infested. Annual bluegrass weevil can be distinguished from anthracnose by the presence of sawdust-‐like frass, hollow stems, and the tiny (1/16th of an inch) weevils and their larvae (legless white grubs, 1/16th of an inch-‐long). The grubs may be found inside of annual bluegrass stems, and the adult weevils will float when cup-‐cutter samples of turf are submerged in water.

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Stop 6. Golf Spike, Sole Design Study Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai and Aaron Hathaway In 2013 I received several phone calls/Emails from superintendents concerned about the aggressiveness of several new spike/cleat designs on their putting surfaces. In response and with the aid of FootJoy I lined-‐up several golf spikes/soles and performed a traffic study at several golf courses in Florida and Michigan. At all four locations the golf cleat tests were conducted in the following manner.

1. 3' x 3' plots were strung on a putting green using a tape measure, string, and golf tees resulting in 30-‐plots each (10 treatments including the non-‐trafficked check plot with 3 replications each) strung-‐out in a grid of 3 rows and 10 columns. 2. In a randomized order each plot was trafficked by individuals using size 11.5 and/or 13 golf shoes mimicking a golfer pulling a golf ball out from the bottom of the cup after making a putt. At each site 30 rounds of golf were applied per treatment to each plot. 3. After plots were trafficked individuals (golfers, golf course superintendents, or other turf industry individuals) rated the plots on the putting surface a scale of 1-‐5 for putting green smoothness. The rating scale was:

1 = Excellent; no visible traffic 2 = Very good 3 = Good; some traffic but I would not mind putting on the surface 4 = Fair 5 = Poor; terrible putting conditions would recommend banning this cleat/sole from our golf course.

In Figure 1 the data was combined from all four sites (i.e. Forest Glen Country Club, Royal Poinciana Country Club, Naples Beach G.C., and Brookshire Inn & Golf Course). Combining all the data 1620 observations are represented in Figure 1. Bars in Figure 1 represent treatments (golf stud or shoe style). Bars that do not share the same letter (displayed at the top of each bar) are significantly different from one another. Another way of saying the same thing is that every bar (treatment) that has the same letter above it is NOT significantly different from all other treatments with the same letter above them. The statistics takes into account variability that results among raters and variability in turf wear among the three replicate plots within each treatment. In Figure 1 the non-‐trafficked check received the highest overall rating with plots trafficked with the Foot Joy Dry Joy resulting in the least visible wear on the putting surfaces. Foot Joy M: Project, FJ D.N.A. with stock cleats, and FJ D.N.A. with pulsar cleats shared the second best ratings (all with the letter C) and all with over 85% acceptable ratings (i.e. good, very good, and excellent ratings). Overall the Ecco Biom and Adizero Tour resulted in the most visible foot traffic with 27% and 31% of the ratings resulting in unacceptable ratings.

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Figure 1. Predicted probabilities of spike treatments to be rated as either "Excellent", "Very Good", "Good", "Fair", or "Poor". Probabilities were estimated using logistic regression analysis of data collected from 3 replicate plots evaluated from four locations (Forest Glen C.C. Royal Poinciana G.C., Naples Beach G.C., and Brookshire Inn and G.C.). Bars that do not share a letter are significantly different (a = 0.05).

-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ Poa annua Management in Creeping Bentgrass at Putting Green Height with several Herbicide and Nitrogen Regimes Aaron Hathaway and Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai Management of Poa annua in bentgrass putting greens has always been problematic and control without detriment to bentgrass quality and playability continues to be an important topic on golf courses and at The Hancock Turfgrass Research Center. Poa annua winterkill/severe injury concerns have heightened following the polar vortex of 2013/14 as have superintendent thoughts about controlling Poa annua as it infiltrates into greens and fairways. Although a daunting task, there is no shortage of new products and ideas when it comes to controlling annual bluegrass. In this study 12 annual bluegrass control regimes were initiated on a creeping bentgrass putting green featuring combinations of five products maintained on plots with two rates of nitrogen (Table 1). Methiozolin (PoaCure), amicarbazone (Xonerate), bispyribac sodium (Velocity), paclobutrazol (Trimmit), and flurprimidol (Cutless) were applied every 2 weeks starting on June 24, 2013 in combination with urea, as a tankmix, at 0.1 lbs N/M (low rate) and 0.2 lbs N/M (high rate).

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Nitrogen rates are included in the study because high rates of nitrogen should help mask injury to the bentgrass caused by some of these herbicides while low rates of nitrogen are thought to favor annual bluegrass over creeping bentgrass. The two nitrogen rates could result in long term differences and a possible trade-‐off between decreased turf quality (low rate) and decreased annual bluegrass control (high rate) for the end-‐user. These herbicides are intended to provide a gradual and subtle control of annual bluegrass throughout the growing season so that bare soil doesn’t result and creeping bentgrass is able to spread and overtake weakened annual bluegrass. You are invited to stop by the site and judge each herbicides effectiveness for yourself. Table 1: Treatment List for Annual Bluegrass Control on a Putting Green 1 methiozolin (PoaCure) Low N Biweekly 2 High N 3 methiozolin (PoaCure) Low N Biweekly

Fall Treatments* 4 High N 5

amicarbazone (Xonerate) Low N

Biweekly 6 High N 7

bispyribac sodium (Velocity) Low N

Biweekly 8 High N 9

paclobutrazol (Trimmit) Low N

Biweekly 10 High N 11 flurprimidol (Cutless) Low N Biweekly 12 High N 13

Untreated Low N

Biweekly 14 High N *Initiated September 16, 2013 with follow-‐up applications October 2 and 16.

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Stop 7. Effects of Drought and Traffic Stresses on Physiological Responses and Water Use Characteristics of Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) Kevin Laskowski, Dr. Emily Merewitz, Dr. Kevin W. Frank, and Dr. J.M. Vargas, Jr. A significant amount of research has been devoted to understanding the interaction of the two predominant turfgrass species on golf course greens, creeping bentgrass and Poa annua. Much research has been tailored to identifying the faults of P. annua in order to kill the species by targeting its physiological weaknesses. P. annua relies on aggressive growth and frequent seedhead production and highly viable, quick germinating seed for survival under both optimal conditions and during times of stress. Under stressed conditions, golf course superintendents do not desire the characteristics inherent to P. annua stress escape strategies such as prolific seed heads. A putting green approximately 24,000 ft.2 in area was constructed at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in 2008 according to the United States Golf Association recommendations for putting green construction. Within the entire putting green there are eighteen, 36 ft. by 36 ft., blocks with independent irrigation control. Nine of the irrigation blocks are Poa annua and nine are A4 creeping bentgrass. During construction seventy-‐gallon plastic cattle watering tanks were buried in the putting greens to function as lysimeters that can be used to measure water quantity and quality. Before burying the tanks in the putting green, cement was poured in the bottom of the tanks on an angle to ensure water movement out of the tank to the collection vessel on the north side of the greens. Within each 36 ft. by 36 ft. putting green three lysimeters were buried. Rain Bird TSM-‐1 soil sensors were installed at a 3 inch depth within each irrigation block in the summer of 2012. Using the Rain Bird Integrated Sensor System (ISS), three different volumetric soil moisture targets will be set (8, 12, and 16%). The irrigation system will automatically schedule irrigation to maintain these soil moisture levels. Individual plots are set up as a total area of about 191 ft2. There are 3 of these plots per irrigation block with buffer alleyways between each. Traffic treatments are applied at a low and moderate rate through the use of a traffic simulator. One plot in each irrigation block will receive the low rate while one plot will receive the moderate traffic rate. The last plot is left as an untreated control. Visual turf quality ratings, canopy reflectance, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll content and photochemical efficiency will be determined to evaluate turf responses to the watering treatments. Determination of root moisture content and leaf relative water content will also be performed. The TSM-‐1 soil sensors will measure volumetric soil moisture every twenty minutes, as well as the use of TDR technologies. New equipment that to our knowledge is not commonly utilized in turfgrass systems will be used to directly measure ethylene concentration in the field (CID Bio-‐sciences; CID-‐900). This equipment will be tested for effectiveness of determining ethylene production from both roots

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and shoots of the plants sampled from the turfgrass plots both by destructive and non-‐destructive sampling. Evaluating efficacy of this equipment could pose extremely valuable to the turf industry and research community. Results In 2013 research commenced at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center is looking at physiological aspects of drought and traffic stresses on Poa annua and creeping bentgrass. This research has been carried through to 2014 observing the same characteristics. Regarding water use characteristics, overall P. annua requires more water to maintain the target soil moisture content. For example, at 8% and 12% soil moisture target, P. annua used about 0.5 in. more water than creeping bentgrass per month in 2013. In 2014, the same trend is being seen, where P. annua uses more water to maintain soil moistures levels to the specified targets. 2014 also is offering greater amount of drought stress than 2013 and increased localized dry spots can be observed on low target moisture plots. Physiological responses such as electrolyte leakage, relative leaf water content, photochemical efficiency, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll reflectance were affected by different levels of traffic. After two weeks of traffic treatments, traffic started to cause a decline in the quality of turf. The moderate trafficked plots had a lower quality, low trafficked plots had better quality than moderate, and non-‐trafficked plots had the highest quality within both species. Across traffic treatments, creeping bentgrass consistently maintained higher turf quality compared to P. annua. A yellowing of turfgrass color was also observed showing that there is decreased chlorophyll content. Regarding ethylene production, on some dates P. annua tended to have higher ethylene production than creeping bentgrass in 2013. This result is also being seen in the 2014 season. Data from 2013 field research shows that rooting is very different between P. annua and creeping bentgrass with creeping bentgrass having longer and more abundant roots. Traffic and irrigation treatments did not significantly affect rooting habits of either species. As cooler weather sets in (Fall), P. annua rooting habit exhibits that of creeping bentgrass in length but not quantity.

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8. Effect of Creeping Bentgrass Seeding Rates and Traffic on Establishment of Putting Greens during Renovation Thomas O. Green, Eric C. Chestnut, and John N. Rogers, III Cutting edge advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering have allowed turf breeders to introduce species and varieties of grasses with outstanding germination rates and physiological characteristics. Depending upon the current demand and limited availability of these improved grasses, turf managers can expect to pay exorbitant prices for such seeds. Generally, renovation entails complete conversion yet very little data exists that identify a cost-‐effective, optimum creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) seeding rate. Contrary to popular belief, in an effort to circumvent weed competition and minimize disruption of golf rounds played in the first season following renovation, using higher than recommended seeding rates negatively affects plant health. Although speedy establishment can offset costs and revenue loss, it is uncertain if high shoot density turf can withstand early season traffic. One method that could address these concerns is using improved creeping bentgrass varieties at, or near the lower range of the recommended seeding rates of 0.5 -‐1.0 lb/1000 ft2. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of various seeding rates and traffic initiations on the establishment of a sustainable putting surface following renovation. The site was a USGA putting green (0.125-‐in cut height, 5-‐d weekly), strip plot, factorial-‐design (6 x 4) with 8 blocks at Michigan State University. Main plot factor was ‘V8’ creeping bentgrass rate (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 lb/1000 ft2) and strip plot factor was traffic initiation (May, June, and July). Plots were seeded in August 2012 and replicated in 2013. Traffic treatments occurred 3x weekly (4 passes) using a Jacobsen® PGM 22 with 116-‐“Black Widow” Softspikes®. Turf density was rated qualitatively (visual percentage plot area of turf cover), and quantitatively (chlorophyll and NDVI meters, Spectrum Technology). Rooting strength data was collected using a shear vane tester from Turf Tec International. Preliminary results showed no significant difference (rooting strength, chlorophyll index) between 0.75 and 2.0 lb/1000 ft2 seeding rates. Data garnered from this experiment will improve upon renovation techniques that both reduce costs without compromising turf quality.

Stop 9. Establishment Studies for Creeping Bentgrass Greens Eric C. Chestnut, Thomas O. Green, and Dr. John N. Rogers, III New creeping bentgrass varieties, harsh winters, and a number of other environmental factors are forcing some superintendents to consider renovation of golf course putting greens. The purpose of this study is to find an ideal plan to establish a new creeping bentgrass putting green surface using four different factors. Agrostis stolonifera var. Pure Distinction was seeded into a sand-‐based profile (95/5 root-‐zone medium) in August of 2013. Two of the factors, mowing height and fertility rate, were started in the fall and the other two factors, verticutting and PRG regimes, were initiated the following summer. Mowing heights were initially at 0.200” and 0.150” and were reduced by 0.010” and 0.005” each week, respectively, until a height of 0.125” was reached for both treatments. The nitrogen (46-‐0-‐0) fertility rates that were used were 0.05 lb N/1000 ft2, 0.10 lb N/1000 ft2, and 0.15 lb

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N/1000 ft2 per week. The verticutting regimen began on May 28, 2014. Plots were either assigned a bi-‐weekly treatment or no treatment. Primo treatments began on June 6, 2014. Plots either received the labeled rate of 0.125 fl oz/1000 ft2 every other week or no treatment. The factors that seem to have the greatest impact on turf quality so far, based on visual observations, are nitrogen fertility rate and verticutting regimen. The data has not yet been subjected to statistical analysis, so all observations thus far are subjective. This study is in its first year of existence and will be replicated for another year after this. Data are being collected based on NDVI Index, chlorophyll content, and visual percent cover. At the end of this year’s study the data will be used to determine significant differences and interactions between treatments.

Stop 10. Lightweight Rolling and Topdressing Decrease Fungicide Inputs and Dollar Spot Severity on Fairways Thomas O. Green, Dr. John N. Rogers, III, Dr. James R. Crum, Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai, and Dr. J.M. Vargas, Jr. Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett) is an extensive turfgrass disease in the upper Midwest that drastically diminishes turf quality and golf course playability—in many cases, results in great expenditures of fungicide products. Michigan State University scientists have observed reduced dollar spot infection in putting greens that were rolled several times weekly. Others have observed a reduction of disease in putting greens that were frequently sand topdressed. Therefore, we hypothesized that dollar spot infection on fairways would be decreased by sand topdressing and by rolling, hence reducing the need for frequent fungicide treatments. Our objective was to evaluate dollar spot severity responses on a mixed stand (Agrostis stolonifera L. and Poa annua L.) fairway to lightweight rolling and sand topdressing with and without fungicide applications. The study was a split block design with three-replications, and conducted from 2011 to 2014 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at MSU. Treatments consisted of sand topdressing, three rolling frequencies (1x, 3x, and 5x weekly), and controls. In contrast, Emerald® fungicide applications (0.045, 0.09, and 0.180 oz/1000 ft2) at 15-d and 30-d intervals, rolling 3x weekly, sand topdressing, and controls were also started in 2013 and 2014. Infection was visually assessed, and preliminary data suggest that sand topdressing significantly (P<0.05) reduced dollar spot by 40 to 50% at the peak of the disease cycle in 2011 and 2013. Furthermore, the 3x and 5x weekly rolled treatments exhibited 50% less dollar spot injury in 2013. First year data results revealed no interaction effects of sand topdressing and rolling on fungicide efficacy; however, initial results imply that sand topdressing and lightweight rolling could lessen the need for recurrent fungicide inputs for controlling dollar spot on fairways.

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Stop 11. Remote Sensing & GIS Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Robert Goodwin, Joe Welsh, and Dr. Dave Lusch Please see report on pg. 8.

Stop 12. MSUTurfInsects.net Terry Davis and Dr. David Smitley The Turf Insect ID website (www.msuturfinsects.net) is up and running. It can be used to identify turf pests via entering turf damage symptoms or comparing descriptions and pictures of the damage and insects. Pictures, descriptions, life history and general control measures can be found on this website for all of the major turf insect pests in Michigan. This is the companion website to the turf disease and weed websites.

Stop 13. A Bee-‐Friendly Approach to Home Lawn Grub Control Dr. David Smitley

Imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiomethoxam are the neonicotinoid insecticides used on on home lawns and golf courses for grub control. These insecticides and many other insecticides can be toxic to bees when bee-‐attractive flowers are sprayed. However, because bees only feed on the nectar and pollen they will not visit turfgrass in home lawns unless flowering weeds like clover are present. If a lawn does not have any flowering weeds there will be no adverse effects on bees when an insecticide is applied for grubs. Let’s say that your lawn care company usually treats lawns for grubs, billbugs and chinch bugs in early June. Customer lawns can be divided into two categories with the following bee-‐friendly grub control options:

1. Old customers, no flowering weeds present. Standard grub control practices will not harm bees because your outstanding weed control program has eliminated flowering weeds.

2. New customers, flowering weeds are present. If the lawn is mowed immediately before it is treated with an insecticide for grub control, weed flowers will be removed and the insecticide application will not be harmful to bees. Also, in a recent study in Kentucky, Dr. Dan Potter found no adverse effects to bumble bees visiting clover in a lawn sprayed with chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn or GrubEx). So, if flowering weeds are present, chlorantraniliprole can be used.

What if linden trees or other flowering trees are present in the lawn? We do not know at this point if the grub control rate of imidacloprid, thiomethoxam or clothianidin applied to turfgrass under flowering trees will be harmful to bees. The trees will absorb some of the neonicotinoid insecticide through their roots and some of the insecticide will be systemically moved

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throughout the plant, including into the pollen and nectar. This may not be enough insecticide to be harmful to bees, because in Dr. Potter’s study in Kentucky, turf with clover was not harmful to bees when it was mowed before spraying, even though the clover bloomed again a few weeks after clothianidin was spayed. Still, the safest approach is to apply imidacloprid, thiomethoxam or clothianidin, in July, after lindens and most flowering trees are done blooming. Also, landscapers should not use imidacloprid as a basal soil drench around linden trees or other trees that are attractive to bees. Some landscapers have used imidacloprid basal soil drenches for control of Japanese beetle, aphids, scale insects and borers.

Recent research has shown that all of the insecticides used to control grubs in lawns are more consistent when the lawn is irrigated immediately after application. So, regardless of what insecticide is used, irrigate with ½” of water immediately after application.

Another alternative to using a neonicotinoid insecticide for grub control is to grow a lawn with a dense root system that is tolerant of grubs. This can be done without the use of any insecticide. If homeowners set their mowers at the highest setting (clips turf at 3 to 4 inches in height), return their grass clippings to the lawn instead of collecting them, chop tree leaves into the lawn instead of raking, fertilize modestly, and water during dry periods, they will build a dense turf resistant to grubs. Tips on how to do this are available in the Michigan State University Extension Smart Gardening tip sheets: Mow high, mulch leaves, and smart watering.

Stop 14. Annual bluegrass Control in Athletic Fields Aaron Hathaway and Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai Annual bluegrass (ABG) continues to infiltrate Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) athletic fields. It not only becomes an aesthetic problem because it forms small and large, yellower patches, but does not tolerate traffic nor recuperate from traffic stress as well as KBG. If ABG is not controlled in a timely manner it proliferates from year to year becoming a bigger and bigger problem because it can produce plenty of seed even when regularly mowed low while KBG cannot. ABG builds its population above the ground but also builds its potential future population through an ever-‐increasing bank of seed in the soil. It is important to control ABG from the very beginning as maintaining control of small populations of ABG is much easier than mass control of a large population. Another hurdle to ABG control in KBG is that these two turfgrass species are very closely related and, so, it can be difficult to find a herbicide that effectively controls ABG, but is also adequately safe on KBG. A trial was initiated on a KBG athletic field mowed at one inch. Herbicides were first applied on June 6, 2014 and applied every two weeks thereafter.

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Treatment List: Annual Bluegrass Control in Athletic Fields Trial

Treatment Rate Interval # of apps Velocity 17.6 WG 4 oz/A Every 2 weeks 4 of 6 PoaCure 0.45 lbs ai/A Every 2 weeks 4 of 6 PoaCure 0.45 lbs ai/A 3 apps in fall 0 of 3 PoaCure 0.45 lbs ai/A 1 app in late fall 0 of 1 Xonerate 70 WG 2 oz/A Every 2 weeks 4 of 6 Trimmit 2 SC 0.5 lbs ai/A Every 2 weeks 4 of 4 Xonerate + Trimmit 2 oz/A + 0.5 lbs ai/A Every 2 weeks 4 of 4 Tenacity 4 SC 4 fl oz/A Every 2 weeks 4 of 4 Untreated

Stop 15. Ground Cover Sediment Movement Study Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai, Jeff Bryan, Joe Fabbo, and Aaron Hathaway In 2010 a sediment/fertilizer study was initiated in Flint, Michigan as an environmental portion of a social study gauging the impact of turfgrass on an urban environment. After three-‐years that study indicated, among other things, that well maintained lawns increase neighborhood interaction and increases feelings of security and trust. Additionally, turfgrass lots that were fertilized in Flint reduced sediment run-‐off compared to lots that were not fertilized. The ground cover/sediment movement study at the Hancock Turfgrass Research center was also initiated in 2010. The objective of the study was to identify which turfgrass ground cover and fertility practices, if any, reduced the amount of sediment run-‐off while maintaining good turfgrass quality. Ground cover treatments include perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, a Scott’s sun/shade grass seed mixture, and a wild flower prairie mix. All six ground covers received no nitrogen or approximately 4 lbs. of nitrogen per year in four applications. Additionally, since establishment the plots have had no pesticides or irrigation applied. Please stop in and see the site and discuss possible impacts for your business.

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Stop 16. Runoff Research Dr. Kevin W. Frank and Aaron Hathaway A runoff research area was constructed at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center on the campus of Michigan State University in the summer of 2013. The turfgrass is Kentucky bluegrass maintained to home lawn standards. Individual plot size is 8 x 8 ft. with each plot draining to a collection gutter and then a collection vessel where runoff water can be quantified and tested for nutrients. The objective of this research is to collect data to determine whether or not the use of slow release fertilizers with single application rates as high as 4 lb. N/1000 ft.2 increase the risk of nitrogen in runoff water. Fertilizer Treatments:

1. Non-‐fertilized control 2. Standard program, 4 lbs N / 1000 sq. ft. annually:

April: 60% urea/40% PCSCU applied at 1 lb N/1000 sq ft, plus 0-‐0-‐60 at 0.57 lb K2O/1000 sq ft June: 60% urea/40% PCSCU applied at 1 lb N/1000 sq ft August or Sept: 60% urea/40% PCSCU applied at 1 lb N/1000 sq ft, plus 0-‐0-‐60 at 0.57 lb K2O/1000 sq ft Oct or Nov (depending on timing of previous application): 75% urea/25% PCSCU applied at 1 lb N/1000 sq ft

3. Duration SIFI 35-‐0-‐10, single application in April, 4.0 lb N / 1000 sq. ft. 4. Duration SIFI 35-‐0-‐10, single application in April, 2.5 lb N / 1000 sq. ft., plus 0-‐0-‐60 at

0.43 lb K2O/1000 sq ft 5. Duration SIFI 35-‐0-‐10, 2.5 lb N / 1000 sq. ft. applied in mid-‐October -‐ November,

followed by 1.5 lb N / 1000 sq. ft. applied in May or June 2013, based on observed longevity of fall application (4.0 lb N / 1000 sq. ft. total). From April through Sep 2013, make low rate applications (0.5 lb N / 1000 sq.ft.) of urea as needed to maintain acceptable turf quality. Limit these applications to the minimum necessary to maintain acceptable turf.

Data Collection:

1. Turfgrass color and quality, visual ratings, collected monthly. Quantitative color readings with Spectrum Technologies TCM 500 NDVI Turf Color Meter.

2. Inorganic N in runoff, collected continuously (report individual sample date results, as well as cumulative results for mass N loss).

3. Runoff volumes

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Stop 17. Evaluating the Effects of Lightweight Rolling on Athletic Fields Nick Binder, Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai, Dr. James Crum, Dr. Emily Merewitz, and Dr. James Flore

Routine lightweight rolling has become a common management practice of golf course greens due to numerous studies that have taken place over the last couple decades, several of them right here at Michigan State. Benefits of rolling putting greens discovered through research include faster green speed, reduced broadleaf weeds, decreased dollar spot, greater topdressing incorporation. However, there is currently no published research evaluating this practice on athletic fields. This research looks at routine lightweight rolling at its effects on athletic field surface and subsurface characteristics. Current studies are looking at how rolling affects athletic field characteristics such as surface smoothness (ball roll), root stability, moisture content, compaction, and more. For more information on rolling athletic fields, visit the link: http://www.kenilworth.com/publications/cg/de/201407/

Stop 18. Organic Weed Control in Turf Aaron Hathaway and Dr. Thomas A. Nikolai

At the end of 2010, over 170 municipalities in Canada, including the provinces of Ontario and Quebec placed restrictions on the “cosmetic” use of “synthetic” lawn herbicides. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, in 2009 and 2010, respectively, banned the use of 2,4-‐D on lawns. Many U.S. cities and communities have worked to reduce or ban “cosmetic” pesticide use in their respective parks and communities, often even in residential areas. Questions about “organic” herbicide efficacy have continued to increase over the years from home owners and lawn care operators trying to serve the home owners. One trial was initiated to investigate the efficacy of “organic” herbicides and “organic” methods for selective control of broadleaf weeds in turfgrass. Another trial was initiated for nonselective control of broadleaf weeds and turfgrass. Herbicide applications and weeding methods employed for each of these trials were initiated on July 24, 2014. So what makes a product or method organic? The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a “nonprofit organization that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing.” So, OMRI determines which products can be used by certified organic operations under the USDA National Organic Program. There are other organizations with programs that hand out “organic certification” such as the Northeast Organic Farming Organization’s Organic Land Care Program (NOFAOLC). Although there are regulations in place in order for foods to receive the “organic stamp” from the USDA, this stamp has yet to be identified in lawn care. Also, although there are some products, like St. Gabriel Organic’s BurnOut II that are approved as “organic” by OMRI, others don’t bother seeking this status or even call the product organic on the label. These other products use creative marketing and use labels, such as “natural” or “Elemental,” like Ortho’s iron product. Still, other products actually have an EPA regulation number and, so, are officially pesticides, such as Monterey’s Herbicidal Soap. It seems that just as “organic” weed control in turf has not yet been well investigated, it is also not well defined. There is much room for creative marketing by lawn care operators to sell “organic” products, “natural” products, “subjectively safer” products, or any product-‐less methods, like mechanical control, for selective and nonselective weed control.

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Trial 1: “Organic” Selective Weed Control: Company Product Active Ingredient 1 Ortho: Elementals Lawn Weed Killer 1.5% Iron HEDTA 2 The Dial Corp. 20 Mule Team Borax Sodium tetraborate (Boron) 3 AgraLawn Inc. Crabgrass Killer 0.95% cinnamon bark 4 iron + cinnamon 5 iron + cinnamon + boron 6 Flame Engineering, Inc. Weed Dragon Torch fire 7 Steam Weeding steam 8 Mechanical Weeding Hand weeding 9 PBI Gordon Trimec Classic 2,4-‐D, MCPP, dicamba 10 Untreated Trial 2: “Organic” Nonselective Weed Control Company Product Active Ingredient

1 EcoSmart Organic Weed and Grass Killer 1% rosemary oil 0.06 % sodium lauryl sulfate

2 Monterey Herbicidal Soap 22% ammoniated soap of fatty acids

3 Naturally Clean and Green Natural Horticultural Vinegar 20% acetic acid yucca extract (surfactant)

4 St. Gabriel Organics BurnOut II 5 Acetic acid + Epsom Salt 6 Clear Plastic 7 Glyphosate 41% glyphosate 8 Untreated

msu field day report 2014archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/msufd/article/2014.pdf · 2014-08-18 · 3 2014...

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