The IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course will be held in two locations in 2008, in Lebanon, IN on Feb. 11-14 and in Willowbrook, IL, on Feb. 25-28. 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…Read more about IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course to be offered again in Indiana this year[Read More]
The presence of three potentially serious white grub pests of turfgrass and ornamental plants were confirmed this year during surveys conducted by the Turfgrass Entomology and Applied Ecology Laboratory at Purdue University and the Indiana Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey with the help of several golf course superintendents, concerned citizens and one very keen graduate student…Read more about Three Invasive White Grubs Found By Indiana Survey[Read More]
With the warm dry weather slowing growth of most turf areas, rust is becoming common on many non-irrigated turf areas. Rust symptoms are reddish-orange lesions or spots on the leaf blades and a rust-colored powder that you can rub off with your fingers. Rust will rarely kill a turf area further then a lawn already…Read more about Rust on the rise in turf[Read More]
Reports of grub damage are becoming more frequent this week. A number of reports of damage have come from northern IN where moisture conditions have created ideal conditions for grub damage in spite of preventative insecticide applications. If grub damage and live grubs are confirmed, insecticide applications are likely justified to limit future animal feeding…Read more about Grub damage reports beginning to come in[Read More]
Mark your calendars for Nov 13-14 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. Topics this…Read more about MRTF’s Turf and Ornamental Seminar in Nov 13-14[Read More]
Even though the drought has limited some broadleaf weed applications this month, we are now in the prime season for broadleaf weed control. Actually there is plenty of time left for good control. 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…Read more about How Late is Too Late to Control Dandelions and Other Weeds?[Read More]
Now that cooler temperatures and at least a little rain is back, it’s critical to help turf recover. Though we’re out of the optimum seeding window in the northern 2/3rds of Indiana, most effective recovery will be through fertilizing with 0.75-1.0 lbs N/1000 every three to four weeks until the grass stops growing in early…Read more about Renovating Turf: Just fertilize? Add seed? Start Over?[Read More]
Openings are still available for the MRTF Golf Day on Oct 11 at the Hale Irwin-designed Coyote Crossing Golf Club in West Lafayette. This annual event is held to promote turfgrass research, raise awareness of the Purdue Turfgrass Science Program, and provide an enjoyable day of golf. It’s an early morning event starting at 8:30…Read more about MRTF Golf Day at Coyote Crossing on Oct. 11[Read More]
The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation has selected Dr. Aaron J. Patton of the University of Arkansas as the recipient of the 2007 Musser Award of Excellence. The award, which carries a stipend of $20,000, was presented earlier this year at the Golf Industry Show in Anaheim, Calif. Patton, 29, now serves as an assistant professor…Read more about Dr. Aaron Patton Receives 2007 Musser Award[Read More]
I have received a number of email questioning the wait for seeding after glyphosate applications. Glyphosate has no soil activity and will therefore not affect seedlings when seeded even the same day of application. However, for maximum control of tough-to-control weeds with stolons or rhizomes, a 7 day delay is recommended before raking or aerification…Read more about Renovating Turf: How long should I wait to seed after a glyphosate (Roundup) application?[Read More]
Though much research over the years has shown that when fertilizer is applied properly to turf, it does not leach or runoff. The key to this is proper application as careless applications can cause problems. Following is a quick list of precautions when applying fertilizer (or pesticides) to your lawn. ·Apply the right rate and…Read more about Fertilization: Do it right and protect the environment[Read More]
With the returning rains in the state, now is the most important time to fertilize cool-season turfgrasses like creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall or fine fescue. September fertilization is crucial on all turf areas regardless if it is a lawn, athletic field, or golf course green, tee or fairway. Fertilization in mid-September…Read more about September is Crucial for Fertilizing All Cool-Season Turfs[Read More]
Though many parts of central IN was lucky enough to get significant rainfall this week, many parts of the state have not. Below is the Rainfall Deficit Map as of Aug 15, courtesy of the Indiana State Climate Office. This information and much weather information is available at www.iclimate.org
We have just documented the first case of gray leaf spot this year from a golf course in Bloomington . We have learned that the disease will develop over a broad range of environmental conditions (not just hot and wet) and it continues to be very dry south of Indianapolis . Our research results showed…Read more about Gray Leaf Spot Update[Read More]
Eight weeks or more of high temperatures with minimal rain has taken a toll on turfgrasses around the state. Though some local areas in central IN have received ample rain in the last week, many areas are still very dry. We are just entering the window when significant turf recovery can be encouraged. Reseeding is…Read more about Rejuvenating Turf Areas After Drought[Read More]
With the renovation season fast-approaching, questions abound about how much perennial ryegrass to use in a P. rye/K. bluegrass mix. 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….Read more about How much perennial ryegrass Kentucky bluegrass in a mix?[Read More]
Photo by: Steve McDonald of Turfgrass Disease Solutions located in Philadelphia Photo by: Cale Bigelow in West Lafayette Over the past week a relatively new turf malady has become prevalent on golf turf throughout the region. This new phenomenon has been referred to as “Mad Tiller Disease”, and “Ghost Grass” in the United Kingdom ,…Read more about Something New in Golf Course Turf…Ghost Grass and Mad Tiller Disease???[Read More]
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the 2007 Midwest Regional Turf Field Day a success on Tuesday, July 17. Though we had rain for the first time in at least 19 years that dramatically affected the day, this years registration easily topped 700. Attendees had the opportunity to view the latest in…Read more about Turf Field Day Held July 17[Read More]
Crabgrass is starting to breakthrough in hotspots next to walks and drives, southern exposures, and in thin turf. Though many are quick to question the effectiveness of the specific preemergence herbicide used last spring, the vast majority of the breakthrough is due to weather, environment, or application techniques. Our research plots this year are showing…Read more about Preemergence herbicides starting to break in hot spots[Read More]
As summer stresses start to take a toll on our cool-season grasses on greens, more questions are arising about the potential of nematodes. We found ring and stunt nematodes in many of our samples from last year, but we’re not convinced yet that they are a primary cause in turf decline (see http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2006/nem112.htm for complete results). Pinpointing…Read more about Nematode Survey Still On-Going[Read More]
