msue pesticide education turfgrass pest management (category 3a) care of turfgrass chapter 2

MSUE Pesticide Education

Turfgrass Pest Turfgrass Pest Management (Category 3A)Management (Category 3A)

Care of Turfgrass Care of Turfgrass Chapter 2Chapter 2


Ecological Benefits of Ecological Benefits of TurfgrassTurfgrass

Oxygen Oxygen production production

Reduced erosionReduced erosion

Pollutant Pollutant absorptionabsorption

Reduced Reduced leachingleaching

CoolingCooling

Pesticide Pesticide degradationdegradation


Turfgrass Disorders:Turfgrass Disorders:Non-PestNon-Pest

Improper species selectionImproper species selection

Lack of air movementLack of air movement

Too hot, dry or wet weatherToo hot, dry or wet weather

Too much or not enough nutrientsToo much or not enough nutrients


Turfgrass Disorders: Turfgrass Disorders: Non-PestNon-Pest

Soil compactionSoil compaction

Competition from other plantsCompetition from other plants

Excessive wear or trafficExcessive wear or traffic

Too much thatchToo much thatch


Turfgrass Disorders:Turfgrass Disorders:Non-PestNon-Pest

Improper height of cutImproper height of cut

Too much or little sunlightToo much or little sunlight

Poorly maintained mowerPoorly maintained mower

Improper irrigationImproper irrigation


Turfgrass Disorders:Turfgrass Disorders:PestPest

Animal PestsAnimal Pests

Insect PestsInsect Pests

WeedsWeeds

Disease PestsDisease Pests

Pest problems are often the result, not the cause, of poor quality turf.


Requirements forRequirements forHealthy TurfHealthy Turf

WaterWater

TemperatureTemperature

SunlightSunlight

Soil organismsSoil organisms

NutrientsNutrients

Soil type and Soil type and conditioncondition


Water has the greatest influence on turf health and quality. Cooling takes place through transpiration.

Without sufficient water, I’ll go dormant.


Temperature & ClimateTemperature & Climate Cool season grasses:Cool season grasses:

– Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, tall fescue, bentgrassfine fescues, tall fescue, bentgrass

Transition grasses:Transition grasses:– Tall fescue, bermudagrassTall fescue, bermudagrass

Warm season grasses:Warm season grasses:– Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass,

centepedegrass, bahiagrasscentepedegrass, bahiagrass


Michigan is a cool -cold growing zone.

Shoot growth greatest between 60-75F.

Root growth optimum with soil temperatures between 50-65F.


Temperatures above these ranges affect the entire grass plant.

Respiration

Photosynthesis =

Energy ShortageEnergy Shortage


SunlightSunlight Required for photosynthesisRequired for photosynthesis

Species and cultivar preferencesSpecies and cultivar preferences

Most grasses require at least Most grasses require at least

partially sunny sitespartially sunny sites


Shaded turfShaded turf


Soil TypesSoil Types


SoilSoil Soil is composed of:Soil is composed of:

– Inorganic particles (minerals)Inorganic particles (minerals)

– Organic matter (remains of Organic matter (remains of organisms)organisms)

– WaterWater

– AirAir

– Soil organismsSoil organisms


An ideal soil contains:

• 50% organic and inorganic solid particles, and

• 50% open space (soil pores).

Pores are filled with water or air depending on soil type, drainage, and season.


Soil TextureSoil Texture Percentages of sand, silt, clay Percentages of sand, silt, clay

particlesparticles

Sand Silt Clay


SandSand Large particles & large poresLarge particles & large pores

– Limited water and nutrient holding Limited water and nutrient holding capacitycapacity

– Limited compactionLimited compaction

– Rapid water infiltrationRapid water infiltration


ClayClay Small particles & small poresSmall particles & small pores

– CompactsCompacts

– Slow drainage & water infiltrationSlow drainage & water infiltration

– Holds moistureHolds moisture

– Holds nutrientsHolds nutrients

– Poor aerationPoor aeration


Ideal SoilIdeal Soil Composite of soil particle sizes and Composite of soil particle sizes and

organic matter with:organic matter with:

– Good water and nutrient holding Good water and nutrient holding capacitycapacity

– Good aeration Good aeration

– Resists compactionResists compaction


Soil pHSoil pH pH is a measure of soil aciditypH is a measure of soil acidity

1 7 13

Very Very AcidicAcidic

NeutralNeutral Very Very AlkalineAlkaline

5 7.5

Range for turfgrass


pH affects nutrient availability. Determine pH with a soil test. Use lime to raise and sulfur to lower pH.


NutrientsNutrients Nutrient holding capacity determined Nutrient holding capacity determined

by % of clay particles and organic by % of clay particles and organic matter.matter.

Nutrient levels constantly change in Nutrient levels constantly change in the soil.the soil.


Even when you suspect turf is showing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, soil testing is the only reliable method of diagnosis.


Nutrients: OverviewNutrients: Overview Nitrogen (N)Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P or PPhosphorus (P or P22OO55))

Potassium (K or KPotassium (K or K22O)O)

MicronutrientsMicronutrients


NitrogenNitrogen Used in largest quantitiesUsed in largest quantities

– Dry clippings are about 5% N by weightDry clippings are about 5% N by weight

Turf most responsive to NTurf most responsive to N

Deficiencies:Deficiencies:

– Poor color, growthPoor color, growth

– Symptoms develop easily because N Symptoms develop easily because N levels can change quicklylevels can change quickly 24-4-8


NitrogenNitrogen Periodic applications needed for Periodic applications needed for

good quality.good quality. Do not exceed 1lb./1,000 sq. ft./appl.Do not exceed 1lb./1,000 sq. ft./appl.

– Do not over apply nitrogenDo not over apply nitrogen– Too much N = weak, lush turfToo much N = weak, lush turf

N can move and contaminate water N can move and contaminate water sources.sources.

24-4-8


PhosphorusPhosphorus Important for:Important for:

– Root development, maturation, seed Root development, maturation, seed productionproduction

Practically immobile in the soilPractically immobile in the soil– Few soils deficient in PFew soils deficient in P

Deficiency: purpling of bladesDeficiency: purpling of blades– Do not confuse with cold weather Do not confuse with cold weather

colorationcoloration 24-4-8


PhosphorusPhosphorus Can move with soil particles into Can move with soil particles into

waterways.waterways.

– Stimulates aquatic weed growthStimulates aquatic weed growth

50lbs./acre is adequate.50lbs./acre is adequate.

Except for new turf, apply only when Except for new turf, apply only when indicated by soil test.indicated by soil test.

24-4-8


PotassiumPotassium Quantity used - second to NQuantity used - second to N Important for:Important for:

– Roots, wear, and stress toleranceRoots, wear, and stress tolerance Deficiency rarely visibleDeficiency rarely visible

– Yellow and dead blade tipsYellow and dead blade tips 3:2 ratio of N:K commonly used3:2 ratio of N:K commonly used

– Visual response: minimalVisual response: minimal24-4-8


MicronutrientsMicronutrients Used in small amountsUsed in small amounts

– Iron, copper, manganese, etc..Iron, copper, manganese, etc.. May be limiting with pH above 7May be limiting with pH above 7

– e.g., iron deficiencye.g., iron deficiency– Iron applications provide short term Iron applications provide short term

benefitsbenefits

24-4-8


Soil OrganismsSoil Organisms Contribute to organic matterContribute to organic matter

Aerate the soilAerate the soil

Process nutrientsProcess nutrients

Degrade pesticidesDegrade pesticides


Prevent chronic problems by carefully selecting and installing turfgrass.


Select grasses suited to growing conditions and planned use. Many varieties of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue are suitable for MI conditions.


GrassesGrasses Species and varieties differ in:Species and varieties differ in:

– AppearanceAppearance

– Wear toleranceWear tolerance

– Maintenance requirementsMaintenance requirements

– Pest susceptibilityPest susceptibility

– Site toleranceSite tolerance


Turf stands composed of several grass types are better able to resist pests and adapt to different environmental conditions.


Blend:Blend:– 2 or more grasses of the same species2 or more grasses of the same species

Glade + Bristol + Cheri Kentucky bluegrassesGlade + Bristol + Cheri Kentucky bluegrasses

Mixture:Mixture:– 2 or more different species2 or more different species

Kentucky bluegrass + perennial ryegrassKentucky bluegrass + perennial ryegrass


Some fescue and ryegrass varieties contain a fungus that is toxic to insects chewing on the plant.


Planting ProceduresPlanting Procedures Eliminate weedy perennial grassesEliminate weedy perennial grasses

– Quackgrass, bentgrassQuackgrass, bentgrass

Rough grade to correct slopeRough grade to correct slope

Amend soil if neededAmend soil if needed

Analyze soilAnalyze soil

– Adjust nutrients and pHAdjust nutrients and pH


Planting ProceduresPlanting Procedures Work soil to depth of 6 inchesWork soil to depth of 6 inches Remove stones and debrisRemove stones and debris Smooth grade areaSmooth grade area Apply starter fertilizerApply starter fertilizer Plant:Plant:

– Late summer is bestLate summer is best Rake, mulch, water the seedbed Rake, mulch, water the seedbed


Post-Planting CarePost-Planting Care WateringWatering

MowingMowing

FertilizingFertilizing

Pest managementPest management

} Healthy Turf


WateringWatering Amount and frequency depends on Amount and frequency depends on

weather conditions.weather conditions.

Keep moist - NOT wet.Keep moist - NOT wet.

Decrease amount and frequency as Decrease amount and frequency as roots develop.roots develop.


MowingMowing Mow as soon as desired height is Mow as soon as desired height is

passed.passed.

Keep blades sharp and properly Keep blades sharp and properly adjusted.adjusted.

– Dull blades may pull up seedlingsDull blades may pull up seedlings


FertilizingFertilizing A couple of weeks after seedlings A couple of weeks after seedlings

emerge or roots develop, apply 1/2 emerge or roots develop, apply 1/2 rate of 2-1-1 ratio fertilizer.rate of 2-1-1 ratio fertilizer.

Be sure to include K.Be sure to include K.

Water in fertilizer to prevent Water in fertilizer to prevent burning.burning.

24-4-8


Pest ManagementPest Management Young turfgrasses can be sensitive Young turfgrasses can be sensitive

to pesticides.to pesticides.– Delay applications until establishedDelay applications until established– Use alternative strategiesUse alternative strategies– If a pesticide must be used:If a pesticide must be used:

Check label for rates on newly established Check label for rates on newly established turfgrassturfgrass


Maintaining TurfMaintaining Turf Requires:Requires:

– WateringWatering

– MowingMowing

– FertilizingFertilizing

24-4-8

– AeratingAerating

– DethatchingDethatching

– Pest managementPest management


Management practices must reflect the needs of the grasses, site conditions, and use objectives. Excessive maintenance may be wasteful or damaging.


Watering

Too much? Too little? How often? When? Rainfall? Irrigation? Dormant?

No consensus, no simple answers.


The amount of water lost by transpiration and evaporation from the turfgrass stand.

1 inch per week


No single irrigation method meets season-long needs of a turfgrass stand. Make adjustments to keep the root zone moist, not saturated.

Daily, light irrigation (1/5”/day) has been shown to be effective.


Irrigated turfIrrigated turf


MowingMowing HeightHeight

– 2-3 inches for most turf 2-3 inches for most turf – Mowing short...Mowing short...

reduces root growth & vigorreduces root growth & vigor increases weed invasionincreases weed invasion

FrequencyFrequency– No more than 1/3 removed per cutNo more than 1/3 removed per cut

Enduring droughtEnduring drought– Increase height of cutIncrease height of cut– Mow during cool hours-not when wiltedMow during cool hours-not when wilted


“Don’t Bag Them”

Clippings do NOT contribute to thatch.

Recycle plant nutrients.

Keep pesticides on the lawn.


When clippings are removed, fertilization should be increased by 25-50%


FertilizationFertilization Consider:Consider:

– Species and varieties of turfgrassSpecies and varieties of turfgrass

– Site conditionsSite conditionsSun, shade, wet, dry, soil type, slopeSun, shade, wet, dry, soil type, slope

– Utilization of the siteUtilization of the siteWear, utility, “picture perfect”Wear, utility, “picture perfect”

24-4-8


Fertilizer CharacteristicsFertilizer Characteristics Water solubilityWater solubility Slow releaseSlow release Synthetic or “natural organic”Synthetic or “natural organic” Soil reaction effectsSoil reaction effects Burn potentialBurn potential Fertilizer analysisFertilizer analysis

– Complete: 21-4-8Complete: 21-4-8 24-4-8


Fertilizer burnFertilizer burn


Fertilizer BurnFertilizer Burn Don’t apply to wet Don’t apply to wet

or stressed turfor stressed turf

Apply evenlyApply evenly

Don’t spillDon’t spill

Use granules or Use granules or pelleted vs. pelleted vs. pulverizedpulverized

Water-in soluble Water-in soluble fertilizersfertilizers

Use insoluble, Use insoluble, organic formsorganic forms

Apply no more Apply no more than 1 lb./1,000 sq. than 1 lb./1,000 sq. ft. per applicationft. per application


Clay soils drain poorly and easily become compacted.

Compactedsoils

Relieves compaction, stimulates root Relieves compaction, stimulates root growth. growth.

Core aerators more effective than Core aerators more effective than spike or slit aerators.spike or slit aerators.


ThatchThatch Exists between green vegetation and Exists between green vegetation and

soil surface.soil surface. Tightly intermingled living and dead Tightly intermingled living and dead

stems, leaves, roots.stems, leaves, roots. A thin thatch layer:A thin thatch layer:

– Reduces compactionReduces compaction– Moderates soil temperature and reduces Moderates soil temperature and reduces

water losswater loss


ThatchThatch Too much - over 1/2 inch:Too much - over 1/2 inch:

– restricts water, nutrient, pesticide and restricts water, nutrient, pesticide and air movementair movement

– may encourage disease & insect pestsmay encourage disease & insect pests

High N and rapid growth may High N and rapid growth may encourage thatch formationencourage thatch formation

Pesticide use may increase thatchPesticide use may increase thatch

Compactedsoils

Thatch ReductionThatch Reduction

Coring and processing the soil back into Coring and processing the soil back into the thatch is the best way to reduce the thatch is the best way to reduce thatch.thatch.

Composted thatch


Shaded TurfgrassShaded Turfgrass SatisfactorySatisfactory

– rough bluegrass, fine rough bluegrass, fine fescuefescue

FairFair– tall fescue, perennial ryetall fescue, perennial rye

PoorPoor– Kentucky bluegrassKentucky bluegrass

Varieties make a Varieties make a differencedifference


Shaded TurfgrassShaded Turfgrass Tree and shrub roots compete for water Tree and shrub roots compete for water

and nutrients.and nutrients.

Tree canopies = umbrella.Tree canopies = umbrella.

High humidity can increase disease.High humidity can increase disease.

Suggestions:Suggestions:

– Trim trees, reduce fertility, use tolerant Trim trees, reduce fertility, use tolerant grasses, mow high, irrigate carefullygrasses, mow high, irrigate carefully

– Plant ground coversPlant ground covers

msue pesticide education turfgrass pest management (category 3a) care of turfgrass chapter 2

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