Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

It’s getting toasty out there! Update on drought and management adjustments

If you like your toast burnt and your bacon crisp, then you might be enjoying this weather. Most of Indiana has entered into drought officially as determined by the drought monitor (see map below). Maps are updated weekly and available at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/monitor.html Indiana specific weather can also be found at http://iclimate.org/index.asp including maps like…Read more about It’s getting toasty out there! Update on drought and management adjustments[Read More]

Purdue Annual Turfgrass Research Report

As the green industry continues to have a large impact on Indiana and the nation, Purdue University has assembled an outstanding team of researchers, extension personnel, and educators that are dedicated to solving problems and helping meet the needs of Indiana residents. One segment of the Indiana green industry that continues to provide a significant…Read more about Purdue Annual Turfgrass Research Report[Read More]

Should I apply an herbicide right now?

Here are some thoughts on summer weed control in non-irrigated areas during periods of drought: Herbicides are ineffective on drought-stressed weeds and can be damaging to drought-stressed turf, especially when temperatures are warm. My rule-of-thumb is that if the lawn is >50% green, then herbicides can be applied. Avoid the temptation to apply herbicides…Read more about Should I apply an herbicide right now?[Read More]

Early Billbug Damage Reported Across the Midwest

This season continues to challenge our traditional thinking about insect seasonal ecology and management. Indiana and neighboring states are currently witnessing serious billbug infestations with late instar billbug larvae already present in the soil. This activity is easily 2-3 weeks ahead of normal. We advise all turf managers to take a close look at areas…Read more about Early Billbug Damage Reported Across the Midwest[Read More]

Japanese beetle monitoring traps confirm early season in 2012

As anticipated, Japanese beetles are out early this year. The first beetles were captured in central Indiana during the week of May 14-18. (This is nearly a month earlier than most years.) We expect Japanese beetles to arrive in full force in this area within the next 2-3 weeks. Because we have never experienced…Read more about Japanese beetle monitoring traps confirm early season in 2012[Read More]

Time to Water?

With the heat and dry conditions most in Indiana are experiencing, many turf areas are starting to brown. Water is critical to the growth of all plants, not just turfgrass. Turfgrass leaves and shoots are comprised of about 80% water. A lack or water (rainfall or irrigation) will lead to a decrease in growth and…Read more about Time to Water?[Read More]

Grassy Weeds in Turf Planted Last Fall

Many samples have arrived in the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab the past few weeks with the common question of “What’s this grass in the turf I seeded last fall?”. Although there could be a host of answer to this question with annual bluegrass likely on the top of the list, most of what I…Read more about Grassy Weeds in Turf Planted Last Fall[Read More]

Don’t Forget to Sharpen Those Mower Blades

Sharply cut leaf blades increase turf health by improving recovery, decreasing water loss, and increasing photosynthesis. Lawns mown with a dull mower blade have poor aesthetics, heal more slowly and have greater water loss. Seedheads are present in many lawns right now and they are typically tougher to cut than the grass blades themselves. As…Read more about Don’t Forget to Sharpen Those Mower Blades[Read More]

Assessing Spring Freeze Injury in the Landscape

As most gardeners have marveled, we’re having one of the earliest “spring” seasons this year, with woody plants and herbaceous perennials three to six weeks ahead of “normal.” And then, perhaps inevitably, “normal” spring frost and freeze visited. Being so much further along in their development, plants are quite vulnerable to damage. …Read more about Assessing Spring Freeze Injury in the Landscape[Read More]

Crabgrass Not Dead After Recent Frosts/Freezes

Despite some recent frosts and freezes across certain spots in Indiana, crabgrass remains unaffected and was not killed. Although crabgrass was not injured, other cold sensitive plants were such as volunteer tomato seedlings in my garden and my Japanese maple. Recent cold air temperatures cooled down our soil temperatures. Temperatures will be mild for…Read more about Crabgrass Not Dead After Recent Frosts/Freezes[Read More]

New Publications on Tree Selection, Planting, and Diagnosis

The following new publications about tree selection, planting and diagnosis might be of interest to you. See below for more details. Why is My Tree Dying? (FNR-FAQ-11-W) https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?itemID=20568 This publication explains how trees can be injured and die from damage suffered during construction projects. Author: Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist. Tree Installation: Process and Practices…Read more about New Publications on Tree Selection, Planting, and Diagnosis[Read More]

Early Spring Insect Update

Not surprisingly, the early spring warm-up has resulted in a frenzy of early season insect activity. We were out in the field earlier this week to get a handle on just how far ahead insect activity may be this year and we were somewhat exasperated by what we found… Billbugs Billbugs are out in…Read more about Early Spring Insect Update[Read More]

Black Cutworm and Armyworm Moths Are Early Arrivals in 2012

The mild winter experienced throughout the midwest has affected the arrival of our early season moths. Recent reports of both armyworm and black cutworm adults throughout the state signal an early arrival of the caterpillars. The first order of business for these moths is to mate and lay eggs. Golf course superintendents and athletic field…Read more about Black Cutworm and Armyworm Moths Are Early Arrivals in 2012[Read More]

Crabgrass is Now Germinating at Most Indiana Locations

The GDD Tracker website (sponsored by the MRTF and Purdue University) is predicting that crabgrass is now germinating at most Indiana Locations (see figure below). The GDD Tracker estimated that crabgrass germinated in Lafayette, IN after Wednesday this week and I was able to confirm this by identifying newly germinated crabgrass (see figure below) both…Read more about Crabgrass is Now Germinating at Most Indiana Locations[Read More]

New Turf Publication: Facts About Phosphorus and Lawns

A new turf publication has been posted on the Turf website: Facts About Phosphorus and Lawns – AY-334 https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-334-w.pdf

When Will Crabgrass Germinate?

With the rapidly warming weather, several are asking “When will crabgrass germinate?” The reason this is so important is because preemergence herbicides used for the control of crabgrass must be applied prior to emergence (except dithiopyr (Dimension) which can be used postemergence on crabgrass up to 1-tiller). There are several different ways to try and…Read more about When Will Crabgrass Germinate?[Read More]

Unwinter, Poa seedheads and Growing Degree Days, Oh MY!!!

As the “un-winter of 2011-2012” rapidly winds to a close golf course managers are already bringing their playing surfaces into peak form. For those managing putting surfaces containing annual bluegrass (Poa annua) this means addressing concerns that seedheads are affecting surface smoothness. With the lack of snow cover this past winter, the seedhead season is…Read more about Unwinter, Poa seedheads and Growing Degree Days, Oh MY!!![Read More]

Activity of Turfgrass Pathogens

A new posting has been added to Turfcast. See Turfcast (http://btny.agriculture.purdue.edu/turfcast/) to read more about this post and for a daily summary of risk for several turfgrass diseases. Rick Latin, Turfgrass Pathologist

Get your motor running: Crabgrass control adjustment

With warm temperatures this winter many are questioning how to adjust their turf management practices in 2012. In the past 90 days, Indiana temperatures have averaged 3-4 degrees warmer than normal. The forecast also shows that we will likely continue to be warmer than normal during the next 30 days. Although I do not foresee…Read more about Get your motor running: Crabgrass control adjustment[Read More]

Purdue Turf Bowl Teams Place in the Top Ten in Las Vegas!!!

Purdue students continue to protect their “turf” among the rise of new competitors at the 18th Annual Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition hosted during the 2012 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) International Golf Course Conference and Show in Las Vegas, NV. The three and one-half hour competition this year challenged student’s knowledge of more…Read more about Purdue Turf Bowl Teams Place in the Top Ten in Las Vegas!!![Read More]

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