Many of our pest problems in turf can be at least partially predicted through growing degree day models ( Poa annua seedheads is one example). Most of the models use a base temperature of 50 (abbreviated as GDD 50 ) assuming 50 degrees is the temperature when most of our biological activity starts occurring. GDD50 for IN […]
Now’s the time to get the mower out of the shed and start mowing (depending on where you live in the state). This normally happens well before most of us start mowing because we see mostly brown leaf blades and we don’t think the lawn is growing. However, grass plants grow from the bottom up […]
I have received a number of calls recently about controlling quackgrass in turf. Quack is difficult to control because it spreads by deep rhizomes and herbicides do not translocate well through the rhizomes. The current best method is with 3-4 applications of glyphosate spaced 3-4 weeks apart followed by reseeding in early August. Do not […]
If a preemergence herbicide is justified on your lawn to control crabgrass now, most of those are available combined with fertilizer and you are forced to apply a fertilizer now. Look for a product with low nitrogen and be sure the majority of the nitrogen is a slow release N. Slow release sources include sulfur- […]
Earthworm activity is on the rise as soils warm up, but their mounds will be highly visible until grass starts growing in late March and April. Earthworms are highly beneficial because they create channels for air and water penetration, reduce thatch, and tend to increase the fertility and health of a soil. However, some will […]
There are many, many formulations and combinations of preemergence herbicides available for the professional. Following are some suggestions for purchasing and using preemergence herbicides. Control from every preemergence herbicide can vary from year to year, or location to location. Therefore, you can’t judge the performance of a product or a specific rate of that product […]
There are literally thousands of fertilizers and fertilizer/pesticide combinations available to homeowners and professionals. Therefore, we can’t recommend how many pounds of a specific fertilizer to apply, but rather we must recommend fertilization rates in pounds of nitrogen per thousand square feet or lbs N/1000 sq ft. You can use our fertilizer calculator at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/fertcalc/Fertilization%20calc.html or you […]
If a preemergence herbicide is justified on a turf area, the timing of application is important. In theory, applying too early will expose the herbicide to soil microbes and processes in the soil that may break it down, allowing crabgrass to germinate during the latter part of the summer. Conversely, applying too late may miss […]
On behalf of the Turf Program, Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF), Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA), and Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA), I’d like to thank everyone who helped with and/or attended the 2007 Indiana Green Expo on January 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This marks the first year where […]
The IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course will be held in Willowbrook, IL, on Feb. 26-March 1. This is an outstanding course for new and experienced turf professionals. It’s designed for turf managers with some experience and an understanding of HOW we maintain turf, and meant to improve the understanding of WHY we do the maintenance practices […]
The IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course will be held in Willowbrook, IL, on Feb. 26-March 1. This is an outstanding course for new and experienced turf professionals. It’s designed for turf managers with some experience and an understanding of HOW we maintain turf, and meant to improve the understanding of WHY we do the maintenance practices […]
The Indiana Green Expo will be held Jan 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The green Expo is a joint conference sponsored by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association as well as the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association. An outstanding educational program is compliments a sold-out tradeshow. Over […]
Perennial ryegrass germinates quickly and provides quick cover and soil stabilization when used in a blend. However, too much perennial ryegrass leads to long-term problems from dollar spot, brown patch, red thread, and other diseases. Kentucky bluegrass has better disease, drought, and wear tolerance the perennial ryegrass, but is very slow to germinate. Hence bluegrass […]
As mentioned in last months Turf Tip, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist has increased inspections of IN lawn care companies and golf courses. During 2004 through 2006, 31 golf courses were either warned or fined for violations in pesticide use or handling. In 2006 alone, 22 lawn care companies were warned or fined. […]
This is a one-day workshop that’s perfect for new-comers to the industry as well as more experienced professionals who want a refresher course on turf management. This is a perfect training opportunity for you or your staff from lawn care operators, sports, golf course, or anywhere turf is managed professionally. Turfgrass growth, cultural practices, and […]
Mark your calendars for Nov 15-16 for MRTF’s Turf and Ornamental Seminar at the Daniel Center at Purdue. This course is an advanced for lawn care, golf course, sports turf, and sales staff. Enrollment is definitely limited to 70 attendees to optimize individual attention and allow plenty of time for questions and discussion. Special guests […]
Since a discharge of golf course insecticide into the White River in August of 2003, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist has increased inspections of IN golf courses. During 2004 through 2006, 31 golf courses were either warned or fined for violations in pesticide use or handling. Some courses had multiple violations and the […]
With the incessant rain and high winds, most applications of broadleaf herbicides have been delayed. The good news is its not too late to apply. Nebraska research reported in 2002 showed 2,4-D and/or dicamba were far more effective in controlling dandelions and Canada thistle when applied 1 to 10 days after the first fall frost […]
The MRTF will be joining forces with the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association as well as the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association to present the Indiana Green Expo on Jan 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center. Joining forces tremendously expands the educational opportunities as well as the scope and size of the tradeshow. Over 80 […]
We are finishing up our nematode survey for 2006 and following is a summary of the results: • We processed a total of 163 samples from 26 golf courses across Indiana, Illinois, and northern Kentucky. • Ring nematodes were most common, found in 97% of the samples and 49% of the samples had counts higher […]
