Turf precision management helps turf managers gain greater control and better results. This approach, which is based on the concept of managing turf on the smallest reasonable scale, was the central theme of the PACE Turfgrass Research Institute’s 10th Annual Turfgrass Research Seminar held April 7 in San Diego and attended by 145 managers of turf. Findings, presentations and handouts from the seminar are available on the PACE Member Edition’s website. Non-members may sample the website through a free three-week trial membership available at http://www.paceturf.org.
| Unexpected Results Reported During 2006 Disease Update |
Surprising research results on gray leaf spot on turf and a new annual bluegrass disease were discussed at the PACE Turfgrass Research Institute’s Turfgrass Research Seminar. Dr. Frank Wong of the University of California addressed 145 turf managers in a presentation update on disease management. He said there were several areas in which his research yielded some unexpected results: |
GPS (global positioning systems) and GIS (geographic information systems) can and should be used in conjunction with sensors that monitor soil moisture and turf quality, said PACE Research Director Dr. Larry Stowell. The precision tools used in combination move turf management programs beyond IPM and beyond best management practices. They have proven effective in helping resolve problems that include irrigation distribution, soil moisture variability and white grub infestations.
A camera is an often forgotten, but invaluable precision tool for documenting problems, techniques and progress toward turf management goals, Stowell said. In addition, the rise of digital photography makes it possible for turf managers to communicate easily with one another via photographic images. Techniques for taking photos, formatting them for digital use and for uploading them onto PACE website’s Photo Gallery (a resource of more than 500 turfgrass photos available on the PACE Public website) were reviewed and are available at http://www.paceturf.org.
Achieving firmer greens has always been a dilemma and is a problem tackled by PACE Research Director Dr. Wendy Gelernter. Though the goal of firmer greens is common, Gelernter said there are no guidelines for measuring firmness or for management practices that lead to firmness in conjunction with optimum turf health. Gelernter proposed guidelines of 70 to 125 gravities of firmness (as measured with the precision tool the Clegg Impact meter) for cool-season greens and a soil moisture range of 15 percent to 25 percent.
An update on rapid blight, Labyrinthula terrestris, was offered by Dr. Mary Olsen of the University of Arizona. Olsen’s findings included:
On overseeded fairways, fungicide programs that were triggered preventively (timed as soon as the overseed was up) and were based on the high labeled rates of products, such as Insignia, Compass or Fore, were most effective.
The disease has long been linked with high soil salinity, but Olsen's data shows it is probably sodium, rather than salinity in general, that is responsible for increased disease incidence. Other salts, such as potassium chloride, did not increase the incidence of rapid blight.
Other information presented at the seminar, and posted at the PACE website, include a disease update by Dr. Frank Wong of the University of California, the effects of water quality and quantity on bermudagrass physiology by Dr. Shoumo Mitra of Cal Poly Pomona, and new data on white grub management and poa management by Gelernter.
PACE Turfgrass Research Institute (PACE) is a membership organization that provides research, education and information services to the turf management community. Founded in 1993 by its research directors Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D. and Larry Stowell, Ph.D., the PACE mission is to generate and share independent and objective agronomic information among turf professionals so they may develop management programs that are effective, practical and scientifically sound.
