The registration deadline is fast-approaching for the Green Expo and forms must be postmarked by Dec. 31. The Indiana Green Expo is the largest turf, ornamental, nursery, and landscape conference in the Indiana and is jointly sponsored by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association, and Indiana Parks and Recreation Association. Over…Read more about Still time left to sign up for Indiana Green Expo![Read More]
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…Read more about Upcoming Education: Basic Training Turfgrass Management[Read More]
Winterkill in warm-season grasses is highly variable and difficult to study by scientists. Because of this, our understanding of winterkill is based on science as well as practical experience and observation. Since winterkill in warm-season grasses can be affected by genetics, temperature extremes, and management factors, an endless combination of these factors can interact to…Read more about Winterkill in warm-season turfgrasses[Read More]
We are out of the optimum window for seeding turfgrasses in Indiana. However, many are still hoping to seed. Following is a summary of our studies in the early 90’s on seeding at less than optimum times of the year. For optimum establishment, seeding should be done in late August or early September. Waiting as…Read more about How late can you seed?[Read More]
A November application of fertilizer is extremely important to keep your lawn healthy and looking good this fall and next year. Late fall N promotes good root development, enhances storage of energy reserves, and extends color retention this fall. Most of the benefits from late fall N will be seen next spring and summer with…Read more about November fertilization is critical for turf performance next year[Read More]
The trees are dropping their leaves and it is important to prevent a heavy layer of leaves from building-up on your turf before winter. Heavy layers of tree leaves will shade the grass can smother and kill grass yet this fall. Plus tree leaf cover favors a damaging winter turf disease called snow mold. The…Read more about Keep Mowing to Mulch Those Tree Leaves![Read More]
Currently advertised on television and in home improvement stores are “winterizer” fertilizers. There’s good and bad about winterizer fertilizers. It’s good that they are emphasizing fall and late fall fertilizer. These fertilizers usually contain the same amount of potassium as nitrogen (nitrogen is the first of the three prominent numbers on the bag while potassium…Read more about Winterizer Fertilizers?[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]
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]
