TurfNews

Volume 68 • No. 2
March - April 2006

T H E N E W S L ET T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D AT I O N

Lets Get Ready to Rumble!

Mike Boehm, Joe Rimelspach (pgs. 23 - 30) and John Street
(Jan/Feb 06 issue) discuss dollar spot management.

NEW
SECTION

WHAT’S INSIDE: Sports TurfTIPS

SEE PAGES 18 - 19
Golf CourseTIPS
SEE PAGE 20
OSU Turfgrass Science Program
SEE PAGES 31 - 34
 Turf News
TurfNews distributes useful and timely advice, information and
research from Ohio’s most knowledgeable experts and professionals
to OTF members and those in the turfgrass industry.

to Golf and Lawn Care

Vol. 68 • No. 2 March – April 2006

TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701-7303
1-888-OTF-3445 and is available to all members

Markets Everywhere!
www.OhioTurfgrass.org
T H E N E W S L ET T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D AT I O N
Back issues of OTF TurfNews are available on our Web site at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

This Issue Sponsored By:

Professional Turf ® Products

Century Equipment celebrated its 55th Anniversary in the
year 2005. We have grown from a total of three employees
to over 120. The primary focus of Century is Customer Quality
For more information, contact your Andersons Distributor or Territory Manager,

Inside 06 Calendar OF Events

Care – to be the best service and equipment supplier of
or call The Andersons Customer Service at 800-253-5296.
turf, irrigation and golf cars for all our customers. We operate
www.AndersonsGolfProducts.com our business with a high degree of integrity and honesty,
never losing focus on you, the customer, as we work every
day to earn your respect and business.

Message from the OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 OTF’sCentury Equipment is well recognized by all its vendor
45th Anniversary!
partners as being in the top five of both market sales and
Aprilservice.
24, 2006Century’s true strength is its employees, who have
provided its growth and success for over 55 years.
Ohio Turfgrass Week
2006 Officers & Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 – 5 May 26 – June 2, 2006
888-683-3445 Century Equipment
Northeast Ohio Lawn Care Seminar (OLCA)
has been a strong supporter of
Green Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 8
June 15, 2006
OTF since its inception in 1961.
OARDC, Wooster, OH
800-510-5296
Corporate Sponsor – Century Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Past OTF Presidents include these past and present
Century Equipment
OLCA/OSTMA Collaborative Golf Outing employees:
July 20, 2006
Harry Murray - 1963, 1967 • Bob O’Brien - 1971
Apple Valley GC, Howard,
John OH - 1978 • Ed Odorizzi - 1986
Fitzgerald
Residential Lawn Care Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 17 800-510-5296 (OLCA)
Jim Sharpe or 888-824-9805
- 1989 (OSTMA)
• Ed Eaton 1996 • John Mowat - 2003

CURRENT BOARD MEMBER

Ohio Sod Producers Association JoeSummer
Enciso Field Day
Graduate Student Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 August 5, 2006
Eastgate Sod, Batavia, OH
888-683-3445
TOLEDO OFFICE:
5959 ANGOLA ROAD • 800-346-0066

Sports Turf Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 19

CINCINNATI OFFICE:
OTF/OSU Turfgrass2985
Research Field Day
GLENDALE-MILFORD ROAD • 800-666-2460

August 16, 2006

CLEVELAND OFFICE:

OTF Research & Education Facility,

26565 MILES RD., SUITE 100 • 800-522-8676
COLUMBUSColumbus,
OFFICE: OH
888-683-3445
Golf Course Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4199 LEAP ROAD, HILLIARD • 800-321-4466
Visit us on the web at: www.centuryequip.com

Ohio Lawn Care Summer Seminar (OLCA)

August 17, 2006
Hort Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 – 22 OTF Research & Education Facility, Columbus, OH
800-510-5296

OTF Golf Tournament

New Growth & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 – 30 September 27, 2006
Westbrook CC, Mansfield, OH
888-683-3445
OSU Turfgrass Science Program NEW
SECTION
. . . . . . 31 – 34
Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show
December 5 – 7, 2006
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Corporate Sponsor – The Andersons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 888-683-3445

2
MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
GETTING READY TO START THE 2006 SEASON
We are getting ready to start the 2006 season.
I often think back to my first OTF Conference
& Show in 1972 when I was a student at ATI.
I saw and met young leaders like Bob O’Brien,
Gene Probasco, Dr. Miller and Dr. Harry. They were
the reasons I remained a member of OTF. Now
I have come through the ranks and become your
President. I hope I can lead with the wisdom of
our past Presidents.
No more reminiscing, lets get down to business.
I want to thank Chuck Darrah for his guidance over
the past year. He will definitely be a hard act to follow. This year, we are welcoming
two new board members, Kim Kellogg and Don Lawrence, who will both be great
additions to the board.
There are lots of activities planned for the 2006 year. The first one was the
Ohio State Golf Turf Spring Tee-Off back on March 1-3. Dr. John Street, Todd
Voss and the committee put together a great package of guests for the event.
They should be congratulated for a fine job.
We also are working on Ohio Turfgrass Week. The inaugural event will be held
May 26 -June 2 of this year. Every year, Ohio Turfgrass Week will be held the
Friday of Memorial Day weekend and continuing through the following Thursday.
This weeklong event will be launched with two primary goals in mind:
• To generate public awareness of the turfgrass industry in Ohio.
• To create new funding sources for turfgrass research and education.
We will create several prongs of action to achieve success in this program.
There are a lot of activities that I will remind you of as the season progresses.
I have one more item of importance to discuss. It seems many rumors have started
about OTF joining the CENTS (Central Environmental Nursery Trade) Show. It is
not going to happen unless needed as a last resort. As many of you know,
conferences and shows are not doing well across the nation. Some of these
shows are joining with others to survive. Yes, OTF and CENTS held a meeting
to discuss the condition of our shows. Both groups figure this will not happen
for several years – if then. We created a feasibility committee. The primary
purpose of the committee is to discuss if it is possible and if it is necessary!
The primary goal of the OTF Board and committees is for the OTF Conference
& Show to grow and be successful. We have a need and purpose to serve our
OTF members and the turfgrass industry and that means a successful conference
and show. If any concerns or questions need to be answered, please contact
Executive Director, Kevin Thompson, at OTF headquarters.
One last bit of information. OTF will turn 50 in 2011. Past President Harry Murray
and his committee are putting together a big 50th anniversary party and book
for OTF. If you would like to give input contact Harry Murray or OTF.
I hope we all have a great and profitable year.
Your President, Glen Pottenger, CGCS
KEEP IT GREEN!
Don’t Let Your
Member Benefits
EXPIRE!
It is time to renew your membership to OTF.
The OTF Membership year runs from February 1 –
January 31. Membership renewal invoices were
mailed to all 2005 members in January with a May 1
due date.
Please renew your membership immediately. If OTF
does not receive your renewal before May 1, you will
stop receiving this newsletter, and other valuable
OTF member benefits and services will expire.
Following is a brief description of each OTF
Membership Type:
Organizational: Any one company that is currently
involved in the management of turfgrass. This
includes golf courses, lawn care companies, parks
& recreation, cemeteries, nurseries, landscapers,
sod producers, athletic fields, suppliers, and related
organizations. Organizational Members have one
contact person with full voting privileges.
Affiliate Organizational Member: Any one person
whose company has joined as an Organizational
Member. Affiliate Members will receive all OTF
mailings, will be listed in the membership directory,
and will have all other member benefits, but will
have no voting privileges.
Individual: Any one person who is currently involved
in the management of turfgrass. Individual Members
have full voting privileges.
Faculty: Any person involved in teaching turfgrass
management, landscape, horticulture, or other related
fields. Faculty Members have no voting privileges.
Student: Any student currently enrolled in a high
school, vocational, technical school, college or uni-
versity. Student Members have no voting privileges.
If you did not receive your renewal invoice, or have
questions about your membership, please call OTF
at 888-683-3445, or visit www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
3
 2006
2006 Officers & Trustees Elected at Annual Meeting

GLEN POTTENGER MARK JORDAN TODD VOSS

PRESIDENT – GLEN POTTENGER

Glen has been involved with the turfgrass industry since 1972. After serving four years in the Marine Corp, he enrolled at the Agricultural
Technical Institute at Ohio State, earning an Associate in Applied Science Degree and becoming part of the first class to graduate from the
school. After graduation, he became Superintendent at Coshocton Country Club.

Glen is currently Superintendent at Larch Tree Golf Course in Dayton. He is also an instructor at Clark State Community College. Prior to this
he served as Superintendent at Sugar Valley Country Club in Bellbrook and Troy Country Club in Troy, Ohio. Glen has been certified since 1995.
He has served on the MVGCSA board since 1995 and has been on the OTF board since 1997. When Glen has free time, he enjoys playing golf,
spending time with his wife, Maria, and keeping up with his 10 month old grandson, Andrew.

VICE PRESIDENT – MARK JORDAN

Mark is currently the General Manager after serving as a Superintendent for the Westfield Companies Country Club since 1989. Prior to
that, Mark served as the Assistant Superintendent for the Winding Hollow Country Club, Columbus and the Hyde Park Golf and Country Club
in Cincinnati. Mark has served as the Golf Tournament Committee Chair since 2002, while also serving on the Membership Services and
Publicity Committees.

He is a Past President of the Northern Ohio Golf Course Superintendents Association (NOGCSA), and has been a member of the OSU/ATI
Turfgrass Management Curriculum Advisory Committee since 1996.

Mark graduated from The Ohio State University/Agriculture Technical Institute in 1984 with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in
Turfgrass Management, and then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University in 1986. In
his free time, Mark enjoys playing golf, following the Indians and spending time with his wife, Melinda, and four children Nathaniel, Alaina,
Janelle and McKenna.

4
TREASURER – TODD VOSS
Todd likes to think of himself as a native Ohioan, but was actually born in Northern California. He spent the first eighteen years in Kent, Ohio.
The son of a Golf Course Superintendent, Todd grew up within the industry working for his dad, Joe Voss. After spending a couple of years at
Kent State University and working at Silver Lake County Club he enrolled in the two year Turfgrass Management Program at Penn State. After
graduation, Todd came to Double Eagle Club for three years as Assistant. In the spring of 1994, Todd accepted the position as Superintendent
to oversee the construction and grow-in of Fox Meadow Country Club in Medina, Ohio. After two years, he came back to Double Eagle Club,
where he is currently Superintendent.

Todd currently serves on the USGA Greens Section Committee. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Heidi and dogs
(Nittany and Bunker) on their boat. Todd would like to thank everyone that has helped and supported him throughout the years. He could not
have done it alone.

KIM KELLOGG DON LAWRENCE MARTY GRUNKEMEYER DAN WALTER

TRUSTEES – TERM EXPIRES 2009

Kim Kellogg – Kim served 6 years on the Ohio Lawn Care Association board, including a term as president in 2004. He remains active in
the association as editor of their newsletter and serving on committees. Kim and his wife, Char, are the owners of Grasshopper Property
Maintenance, Inc., a 15-year-old full service company that serves the central and eastern portions of rural Holmes County. In addition to turf
management, the company offers landscape design, build and maintenance, plus snow removal services. Grasshopper was awarded the
Holmes County Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award in 2001.

Kim was recently elected to the Holmes County Chamber Board of Directors and is active in a variety of church and community activities. He
has a diverse employment background, including law enforcement, community development through voluntary service with the Mennonite
church, and sales and management in the agriculture and media (print and radio) industries. He and his family live in Millersburg, the heart
of Amish country. Sons, Chad and Matt are both involved in Grasshopper.

Don Lawrence – Don graduated from Texas Tech University in 1986 with a B.A. in Accounting. He earned a Turfgrass Management Certificate
from Michigan State University in 1998. In January 1999, he was hired as the Superintendent of Red Hawk Run Golf Course in Findlay, Ohio,
and then promoted in 2003 to Director of Golf Operations. In February 2006, Don and his wife Lora will be celebrating their 10th wedding
anniversary. They have two daughters, Kimberly and Melissa, ages 8 and 5, respectively.

Mark Grunkemeyer, Buckeye Ecocare, Dayton and Dan Walter, City of Blue Ash Golf Course, were nominated and approved by unanimous
vote at the annual meeting to begin serving consecutive 3-year terms as Trustee. Both terms expire 2009.

Congratulations to OTF’s new Officers and to the new and returning Trustees. Your commitment to Ohio’s turfgrass industry is respected
and appreciated!

5
GREEN
INDUSTRY
NEWS
Ohio Turfgrass Week
will be here Soon!
The first ever Ohio Turfgrass Week will be here soon! Scheduled
this year for May 26 - June 2, Ohio Turfgrass Week will be held
every year beginning the Friday before Memorial Day weekend
and through the following Thursday.
This weeklong initiative plans to meet two primary goals:
• To educate and generate public awareness for the turfgrass
industry in Ohio.
• To create new funding sources for turfgrass research and
education.
State spending for agricultural research has been cut the last
several years. But the need for research funding is still there. Golf
courses, athletic fields, parks, grounds, cemeteries, home lawns
– and any other maintained green space, stand to suffer from these
budgetary cutbacks.
Ohio Turfgrass week plans to educate the community of the
importance and positive benefits of professionally managed turf-
grass areas. Messages will be targeted to golfers, homeowners,
coaches and parents, legislators, and more.
Letters were mailed in March to all Ohio golf courses notifying them
of the upcoming week. Public golf courses will be asked to donate
a portion of every round of golf played during the week - collected
voluntarily by golfers when paying greens fees. Private courses will
be asked to collect voluntary contributions from members when
paying membership dues.
A brochure will soon be mailed to the same golf courses explaining
the importance of continued research and the need for additional
funding. The brochure will explain different options for collecting
voluntary contributions, along with a participation reply form. All
golf courses in Ohio, and especially OTF members, are encouraged
to participate.
6
This is just the beginning. In the near future, others will be asked to
participate in Ohio Turfgrass Week, including lawn care operators,
sod producers, sports fields and more. OTF is currently seeking a
Legislative Proclamation officially naming “Ohio Turfgrass Week.”
If you have any questions about Ohio Turfgrass Week, or would
like to serve on the planning committee, please contact OTF at
888-683-3445.
3rd Annual Ohio State
Golf Turf Spring Tee-Off
a Big Success!
The 3rd annual Spring Tee-Off just wrapped up and thank you to
all of those who participated. This year the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation
partnered with the Central Ohio Superintendents Association to
have one of their monthly meetings in conjunction with the
Spring Tee-Off. Not only did the attendees get pesticide credits
but Superintendent’s could receive valuable GCSAA PDI credits.
Speakers included most members of The Ohio State Turf Team,
Chad Mark of Kirtland Country Club, Bob Brame and Bill McCarthy
of the USGA and golf course architect Brian Huntley. Just about all
topics were covered either by a speaker or in one of the round table
discussions. Many OSU alumni and turf students attended not
only the sessions but the “VC” afterward.
Although the program might appear similar to the sessions at
the December Conference and Show, the Spring Tee-Off is much
different. The speakers, all of which are from The Ohio State
University or have ties to Ohio, were asked to look into their crystal
ball to try to get the attendees in the right frame of mind to start
their programs in the next 30 to 60 days. Every talk had a take
home message. Whether it was with new products or combining
old products ideas were shared to save time and labor. Data show-
ed that early applications in May could pay dividends all season
long. Communication is always needed one way or another. Vendors
got a chance to go to educational sessions which is a little different
than always manning their booth.
The room was smaller which made it possible to have some great
question and answer sessions. Conversations could have lasted
well into the evening – which some of them did. Hope everyone
has a happy and healthy 2006. The OTF Conference and Show is
only about 8 1/2 months away when we can all get together again
and figure out what to do next. Have a great year!
Founders Club Update
“The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation’s “Founders Club” Campaign is in
full swing,” reported Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust 2005 President
Paul Jacquemin. “We’ve surpassed the initial milestone of $100,000
and with 20% of our goal already pledged, the Founders Club
Campaign is off to a great start!”
The 2nd Annual Founders Club Reception was held at the Ohio
Turfgrass Conference & Show in December. Members of the Founders
Club were thanked for their support while prospective new
members were informed of the goals and importance of supporting
the Founders Club.
Guest speaker Gordie LaFontaine, who helped launch the Founders
Society at Michigan State, urged those in attendance to join
OTF’s Founders Club. “All too often, members take The Ohio State
University Turfgrass Science Program for granted,” he explained.
“Think about how they’ve helped you in your profession. Some of
Members of the Founders Club who were present at the 2005 Founders Club Reception, kneeling, left to right: Mark Heinlein, Harry Murray,
Bob O’Brien, John Fitzgerald, Paul Jacquemin. Standing, left to right: Tim Glorioso, Dr. Karl Danneberger, Randy Tischer, Mark Yoder, Dr. Chuck Darrah,
Walt Offinger, Al Brant, Don Lawrence, Joe Motz, Rick Kucharski, Joe Duncan and Doug Halterman.
you have probably had your jobs saved by the faculty at the university.
Chances are they’re always there to help you with a problem. At
Ohio State, you have some of the best Turfgrass scientists in the
country. A great way to support the Turfgrass Science program is
with your membership in the Founders Club.”
The initial goal of the Founders Club is to raise more than $500,000,
with the understanding that the principle will NEVER be spent. The
interest generated from this fund will be available to fund specific
research projects, purchase equipment for the OTF Research &
Education Center, and support student scholarships – securing the
future of Turfgrass Research here in Ohio!
Join the Founders Club Today! There are multiple levels of sponsor-
ship: Platinum ($10, 000), Gold ($5,000), Silver ($3,000) and Bronze
($1500). Each level has corresponding recognition and benefits to
express appreciation of donors. Pledges may be made and paid
for over a three-year period. Furthermore, you may increase your
membership level at any time. Membership in the Founders Club
is for a lifetime!
Your membership in the Founders Club requires a donation to the
Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust. OTRT is classified by the Internal
Revenue Service as a 501 (c) 3 organization. Therefore, donations
to OTRT are 100% tax deductible as a charitable contribution.
Say YES to the Founders Club! For more information please contact
Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust, Kevin Thompson, Executive Director,
1100-H Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville, OH 43701, phone toll free
888-683-3445, fax 740-452-2552, email info@OhioTurfgrass.org,
Web site www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
Gordie LaFontaine
7
GREEN
INDUSTRY

NEWS
OSU Student Turf Koenig and Chris Swenson had the best showing for Ohio State
taking 12th place out of 85 teams.

Club Update There were numerous fundraising projects organized in order to

It has been a very eventful year for the Ohio State University Turf
Club. Led by group advisor Dr. Dave Gardner, the group consisted
of close to 35 students out of approximately 85 students enrolled in
the turfgrass program at the university.
One of the main purposes of the Turf Club is to organize trips
to the national conventions of the STMA (Sports Turf Managers
Association) and GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association
of America). This year 15 students, including 2 international
students, attended the STMA Conference in Orlando, Florida under
the supervision of Pam Sherratt. While at this conference the
students had the opportunity to attend the trade show and meet
with other members of the industry. In addition to that, all of
the students took part in a Turf Quiz Bowl. The test consisted
of questions dealing with everything from turfgrass and
weed identification, fertility, turf mathematics and sports turf
maintenance specific questions. The top Ohio State team placed
7th. Members of this team were John Koenig, Weston Appelfeller,
Ryan Beeson and Matt Carroll.
help finance two trips to national conventions. The club helped in
painting the offices of OSU’s Professional Golf Management
program. The club was very fortunate to have a very generous
donation from OTF and was given the opportunity to work the
coat check at the OTF Conference and Trade Show which allowed
us to collect tips which went towards travel costs for both of the
trips. We are very fortunate to have a resource like OTF so close
to our group as they constantly provide support and also help
bridge the gap between students and industry professionals.
The main goal of the OSU Turf Club is to provide students extra
interaction amongst themselves and amongst turfgrass pro-
fessionals to enhance networking skills and assist in advance-
ment in the industry. It is also our goal to prepare the students
to be the leaders of tomorrow, and this is achieved with help from
the excellent faculty and staff at The Ohio State University and
members of OTF. I thank everyone for their support and I hope
it continues in the upcoming year as well as years to come.
GO BUCKS!

It is important to note that there has been an increasing number

of students interested in the sports turf management aspect of
turfgrass science. Thanks to the efforts of people such as Pam
Sherratt, Dr. John Street, and Dr. Dave Gardner and other members
of the OSU Turf Team, the university was able to provide these
students with valuable outlets to the sports turf industry.

The 2006 Golf Industry Show for the GCSAA was in Atlanta, Georgia.
The turf club had 24 students attend this conference, including
6 international students. Much like the STMA conference, the
show is a large gathering of turfgrass professionals. The students
attended the trade show and were fortunate enough to have a guided
tour of the Toro Co. booth that showcased both new equipment and
up and coming technology that will be available to us in the future.
The students also took part in the Turf Quiz Bowl on the final day
of the conference. The team of Ryan Beeson, Ian Gallagher, John OSU Student Turf Club

8
Century Equipment celebrated its 55th Anniversary in the
year 2005. We have grown from a total of three employees
to over 120. The primary focus of Century is Customer Quality
Care – to be the best service and equipment supplier of
turf, irrigation and golf cars for all our customers. We operate
our business with a high degree of integrity and honesty,
never losing focus on you, the customer, as we work every
day to earn your respect and business.

Century Equipment is well recognized by all its vendor

partners as being in the top five of both market sales and
service. Century’s true strength is its employees, who have
provided its growth and success for over 55 years.

Century Equipment
has been a strong supporter of
OTF since its inception in 1961.
Past OTF Presidents include these past and present
Century Equipment employees:
Harry Murray - 1963, 1967 • Bob O’Brien - 1971
John Fitzgerald - 1978 • Ed Odorizzi - 1986
Jim Sharpe - 1989 • Ed Eaton 1996 • John Mowat - 2003

CURRENT BOARD MEMBER

Joe Enciso

TOLEDO OFFICE:
5959 ANGOLA ROAD • 800-346-0066
CINCINNATI OFFICE:
2985 GLENDALE-MILFORD ROAD • 800-666-2460
CLEVELAND OFFICE:
26565 MILES RD., SUITE 100 • 800-522-8676
COLUMBUS OFFICE:
4199 LEAP ROAD, HILLIARD • 800-321-4466
Visit us on the web at: www.centuryequip.com
 RESIDENTIAL
LAWN CARE
TIPS
Turfgrass Weed Control and Herbicide Update
Dr. John Street, Dr. David Gardner, Deborah Holdren & Pamela Sherratt, Dept. of Horticulture
& Crop Science, The Ohio State University
I. ANNUAL GRASS WEED CONTROL
A. Cultural Control
The most effective control against the establishment of annual
grass weeds in turfgrass is the culture and maintenance of a dense,
healthy stand of turfgrass. This preventative cultural approach is
successful only if proper fertilization, mowing, irrigation, pest
control, etc. practices are implemented in the culture of the turf-
grass. Unfortunately, in many turfgrass areas, the desirable turf-
grass fails to establish sufficient competition to prevent all the
germinating annual grass weeds from establishing and the need
for preventative chemical control results (Table 1).
The most common annual grass weeds to encroach Ohio’s turf-
grass areas include:
• Crabgrass (Large, Smooth)
• Goosegrass
• Yellow Foxtail
• Fall Panicum
• Barnyardgrass
• Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)
B. Preemergence Chemical Control
Most turfgrass managers across the state continue to rely on the
use of preemergence herbicides for assistance in the control of
annual grass weeds.
1. Newly Seeded Turfgrass (mowed less than three times)
a. Siduron should be applied at the time of seeding or prior to
the emergence of the weedy grasses. A second application
may be necessary where weed pressure is heavy.
10
2. Established Turfgrass
a) Preemergence annual grass herbicides for 2006 include:
• Benefin (Balan)
• Bensulide (Betasan, others)
• Pendimethalin (Pre-M, Pendulum, others)
• Oxadiazon (Ronstar)
• Trifluralin + Benefin (Team Pro)
• Dithiopyr (Dimension)
• Prodiamine (Barricade)
3. Soil Temperature
The temperatures listed in Table 2 refer to the average soil
temperature in a 24-hour period over several days. Monitoring soil
temperature (most accurately on site) is one of the best ways
to predict weed germination. In the spring, soil temperatures with-
in the landscape can vary considerably, with south and west facing
exposures heating up most rapidly. Therefore these areas should be
the main target monitoring sites in the landscape for temperature
and degree-day determinations.
It is also important to note that critical soil temperatures for annual
grassy weed germination vary among species (Table 2). Annual
bluegrass, for example, germinates significantly earlier in the
spring (i.e. 45˚ F soil temperatures) relative to most other annual
weedy grasses. Preemergence herbicides will need to be applied
very early in the season for maximum efficacy on annual bluegrass.
Late fall applications of preemergence herbicides may be an alter-
native approach where annual bluegrass is a key target weed.
4. Degree-days
Another useful method for predicting crabgrass emergence is
phenology. Typically, phenology refers to using temperature as a
basis for predictive methods because plant growth and develop-
ment depend on temperature. Fidanza and Dernoden (1996)
provided useful information to predict crabgrass emergence as
influenced by growing degree-days.
By monitoring crabgrass emergence patterns in conjunction with
calculating degree-days accumulation, turfgrass managers can
develop models as a guide for targeting preemergence herbicide
applications in their region. It is important to understand that
biological processes don’t suddenly turn on when a specific
degree-day total is reached but they occur within a range of
degree-days. For example, In Fidanza’s study at the University of
Maryland, crabgrass first germinated within a degree-day range
of 42-78.
It is also important to recognize that crabgrass will continue to
germinate and emerge for several weeks after initial crab-
grass emergence is observed. Fidanza reported peak gemination
occurred at 150-225 growing degree-days and then for a
considerable time thereafter. Therefore, preemergence herbicide
applied after the initial germination period will still provide a
significant benefit in preventing additional crabgrass emergence
that occurs before the peak. However, crabgrass that has
germinated most likely will mature and result in consumer
complaints or dissatisfaction. This problem can be addressed by
(1) combining a preemergence with a post-emergence herbicide
if the target date is missed or (2) using a specialty herbicide like
Dimension (Table 3) that has pre- and post-emergence activity.
Dimension is the only preemergence herbicide that provides
effective postemergence activity when applied prior to tillering.
5. Calendar Dates
The timing of preemergence herbicide applications is the most
critical component of an effective chemical control program.
As a general rule, apply preemergence herbicides one to two
weeks prior to crabgrass seed germination in the early spring.
Typically, crabgrass germination and emergence in Columbus
occurs between April 20 & 25. Normally, target dates for making
preemergence crabgrass treatments in Ohio are:
Northern Ohio: April 1 – May 1
Central Ohio: March 15 – April 15
Southern Ohio: March 1 – April 1
It is a sound agronomic strategy to apply the preemergence
herbicide a little earlier in the spring than to delay the application
and miss the target date window. Remember, improper timing is
considered one of the major reasons for preemergence herbicide
failures.
Irrigation or rainfall with approximately 2" water within several days
after a preemergence herbicide application is critical for maximum
effectiveness. Irrigation/rainfall serves to move the herbicide off
of the turf foliage and/or fertilizer granule and into the Azone of
influence (2 – 1" in the soil) where the herbicide becomes active.
Remember, the crabgrass seed is germinating in the soil and it is
when the seedlings are emerging (growing toward the soil surface)
that contact with the herbicide is made. Preemergence herbicides
do not affect ungerminated (dormant) seed.
Degree-days refers to the accumulation of temperature over time
and it dictates the rate of growth and development of plants and
organisms. (Below a certain temperature plants are essentially
dormant and growth and development stops). This temperature is
referred to as the base temperature. For most organisms the base
temperature is 50˚ F. Degree-day accumulation is the sum of the
number of degrees (degree-days or degree-day units) by which
each day’s average temperature exceeds the base temperature;
and it is easy to calculate. One degree-day is equal to 1 degree
above the base temperature in a 24-hour period. (See chart A for
a more detailed explanation). You calculate degree-days daily and
summarize them over time beginning on a specific starting date.
Fidanza used soil temperature at the 1" depth to calculate degree-
days since it correlated well with smooth crabgrass emergence in
the study. Over the 3-year period smooth crabgrass first emerged
when minimum soil temperatures averaged 54˚ F, which was
used as the base temperature.
The proper rate and uniform distribution of the preemergence
herbicide is also critical to insure good efficacy. A certain concen-
tration of each preemergence herbicide must be maintained at the
threshold level during the active residual period for season-long
control. Improper distribution, improper rate, and improper pattern
overlap can allow for weak spots in the surface chemical barrier
that may result in concentration of the herbicide dropping below
the threshold level allowing for short and long term (residual)
failures. These factors are also ranked high on the list of reasons
for preemergence herbicide failure.
Finally, agronomic programs that are consistently exhibiting short
term or long term preemergence herbicide efficacy failures should
carefully check rate and application accuracy, up the pre-
emergence rate more to the upper end of the range, or utilize a
follow up sequential application at half rate (Ohio). In OSU research
11
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Table 1. Annual grassy weed control ratings for pre-

emergence herbicides.
CHEMICAL NAME TRADE NAME CRABGRASS GOOSEGRASS ANNUAL BLUEGRASS OTHER POINTS

Benefin Balan Fair – Good Fair Fair – Good

Benefin/Trifluralin Team Pro Good – Excellent Good Good

Bensulide Betasan/Lescosan Good – Excellent Fair Fair – Good Safe on low-cut

bentgrass

Dithiopyr Dimension Excellent Good Good – Excellent Early post activity safe
on low-cut bentgrass

Oxadiazon Ronstar Good Excellent Good – Excellent Best for Goosegrass

Pendimethalin Pre-M/Pendulum Good – Excellent Good – Excellent Good – Excellent

Prodiamine Barricade Excellent Excellent Good – Excellent

Siduron Tupersan Good Fair Fair Safe at seeding

* There have been no changes in preemergence herbicide chemistry for several years.

for example, Pendimethalin and Benefin/Trifluralin provide better II. BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL
and more consistent efficacy at 2 lb a.i./acre than at 1.5 lb a.i./
acre. A. Cultural Control
The same preventative cultural controls recommended for address-
C. Postemergence Chemical Control ing annual grass weeds also apply to broadleaf weeds. A sampling
After annual grassy weeds have established in turfgrass areas, of broadleaf weeds commonly found in Ohio’s turfgrass areas include:
their removal usually necessitates the use of postemergence
control products. The herbicides available for postemergence • Dandelion
annual grassy weed control in 2006 include (Table 3): • White clover
• Buckhorn plantain
• Monosodium Acid Methanearsonate (MSMA, Daconate, others) • Common plantain
• Fenoxaprop p-ethyl (Acclaim Extra) • Common chickweed
• Dithiopyr (Dimension) • Yellow wood sorrel
• Quinclorac (Drive) • Ground ivy
• Black medic
Dimension is unique in that it exhibits both preemergence and
postemergence activity on crabgrass. It is most efficacious on B. Preemergence Chemical Control
young crabgrass that is beyond the 1-2 tiller maturity stage. Growth Gallery, Dow AgroScience’s product, continues to be the only
stoppage of crabgrass occurs within 3-5 days after application but commercially available herbicide labeled for broadleaf weed
actual kill takes 3-5 weeks. It is a good specialty herbicide for use control in turfgrass. Recommended turfgrass use rate is 0.75
where the critical target date for crabgrass germination has been – 1.00 lb a.i. per acre. Season long control requires the app-
missed, a postemergence application is required, but seasonal lication of both spring and fall treatments. Gallery has no post-
preemergence control is still necessary. emergence activity on broadleaf weeds.

12
 Table 2. Soil temperatures for annual grass germination.
CRITICAL SOIL TEMPERATURE*

Weed ˚F ˚C Scientific Name

Large and smooth crabgrass 50 – 55 10 – 13 Digitaria sanguinalis

and ischaemum

Goosegrass 60 – 65 15 – 18 Eleusin indica

Barnyardgrass 60 – 65 15 – 18 Echinochloa crusgalli

Foxtails 65 18 Setaria spp

Annual bluegrass 45 8 Poa annua

* Watschke, T.L. 1995. Turfgrass weeds and their management. In Managing Turfgrass Pests.

Chart A . Degree-day accumulations.

CALCULATING DEGREE-DAY ACCUMULATIONS
1. Determine each day’s average temperature.* (Daily maximum temperature + daily minimum temperature / 2 = daily average temperature)
2. Determine the degree-days for each day. (Daily average temperature - base temperature = degree-day temperature)
3. Total the daily degree-days for each day.

EXAMPLE OF DEGREE-DAY ACCUMULATIONS (using a base temperature of 54˚)

Degree-day units

DATE MAXIMUM MINIMUM AVERAGE AFTER SUBTRACTING CUMULATIVE

TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE 54˚ F (BASE)

5/11 72 52 62 8 8

5/12 68 54 61 7 15

5/13 67 49 58 4 19

5/14 71 45 57 3 22

5/15 70 48 59 5 27

Base Temperature for Ohio = 50˚ F

* Soil temperature at the 1" depth

13
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

C. Postemergence Chemical Control
1. Newly Seeded Turfgrass (new turfgrass mowed fewer than
three times)
a. Bromoxynil (Buctril) is available for use in nonresidential
areas. Seedling turfgrass product use rate is 1.0 - 2.0 pt
acre. Pest weed control is achieved if the weeds are less
than 2" tall when treated.
b. 2, 4-D can safely be used on young turfgrass provided the
turfgrass has been mowed at least thee times and the use
rates do not exceed 1.0 lb a.i./acre.
either Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) or perennial rye-
grass (Lolium perenne). The label for Quicksilver has been
updated to allow application to these species seven days
after emergence. Carfentrazone is a fast acting contact
herbicide that has been recommended as an addition to
systemic herbicides, such as 2,4-D or triclopyr, in order to
hasten burndown of the weed. It is important to note that
since carfentrzone is a contact herbicide, it will be effective
for the control of germinating annual broadleaf weeds in a
newly established turf. However, it will not be as effective if
used against mature broadleaf weeds during an overseeding
operation.

c. There traditionally have been two products labeled for control
of weeds in newly seeded cool season turf: siduron and
bromoxynil. Neither of these products is as effective as other
herbicides used in cool season turf but their safety to
turfgrass seedlings makes them a good option. However,
research conducted at major universities has concluded that
a recent introduction, carfentrazone (marketed as Quick-
silver7 by FMC), provides safe and effective control of
germinating broadleaf weeds in a newly seeded stand of
A further promising development for springtime weed control at
establishment is with Quinclorac (marketed as Drive7). Quinclorac
is labeled for application any time before or after establishment
of tall fescue. And research shows that quinclorac can safely be
applied to either Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass as little
as 7 days after seedling emergence. Results of research recently
conducted at The Ohio State University also indicate that not only
can a combination of quinclorac and carfentrazone be applied to 7
day old seedlings of either of these species, but that delaying the

Table 3. Postemergence annual grassy weed herbicides and

their characteristics.
Herbicide Crabgrass Goosegrass Yellow Broadleaf Phyto Foliar Combo w/ Pre- Rate of
Foxtail Activity Absorption Broadleaf Activity Activity
Herbicides

MSMA/ yes some yes no yes yes yes no 10 – 21 days

DSMA

Acclaim yes yes yes no yes yes no no 2 – 3 weeks

Extra

Dimension yes no no no no foliar & root yes yes 3 – 5 weeks

Drive yes no yes speedwell, no* yes yes no 7 – 10 days

clover and
dandelion

*Bentgrass is moderately tolerant of Drive. Use reduced rates.

14
Table 4. Broadleaf herbicides and combination products.1
Products Herbicide Chemistries

Carfentrazone

Sulfentrazone
Quinclorac
Fluroxypyr
Clopyralid
Dicamba

Triclopyr
2, 4-DP
2, 4-D

MCPP
MCPA
Formula 40, Dymec, Weedone LV4, Weedar 64, LESCO A-4D, Weeddestroy
AM-40, Opti-Amine, Harball, Barrage HF X
MCPP 4-Amine, Lescopex, Turfgro MCPP 4K, Mecomec 2.5, Mecomec 4 X
2 Plus 2 X X
Banvel, Diablo, Vanquish X
Four-Power Plus, Super D Weedone X X
Trimec Classic, Trimec 899, Trimec 992, Trimec LAF-637, Strike 3, Three
Way Selective, Trimec Bent, Bent Selective, Triplet WS, Triplet SF, Trexsan, X X X
Mec-Amine-D, Mec Amine-BG, Trimec Plus*
Tri-Power Selective X X X
Trimec Turf Ester, Super Trimec, Brushmaster, Weed and Brush Killer X X X
Three Way Ester, Tri-ester, Tri-amine, Dissolve X X X
Weedone DPC, Turf D-DP X X
Tri-ester II, Tri-amine II X X X
Trimec Encore X X X
Turflon X
Chaser, Chaser 2 X X
Chaser Ultra X X X
Chaser Ultra 2 X X X
Cool Power, Eliminate, Horsepower X X X
Lontrel X
Confront X X
Momentum X X X
Momentum FX X X X
Battleship X X X
Millenium Ultra 2, Millenium Ultra Plus* X X X
Strike Three Ultra X X X
Tru Power X X X
Tru Power 2 X X X
Spotlight X
Escalade, Escalade 2, Escalade Low Odor X X X
Strike Three Ultra 3 X X X
Dismiss X
Surge X X X
Quicksilver X
Shutout X X X
Speedzone X X X X
Powerzone X X X X
Drive X
Q4 X X X X
Adapted from the work of Ron Calhoun, Michigan State University. *Trimec Plus and Millennium Ultra Plus also contains the crabgrass herbicide MSMA.
1

15
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
application to 14 or 21 days after emergence actually results in
decreased weed control. This is likely because the herbicides
become less effective as the weeds become more mature and
capable of competing with the germinating turfgrass. There was
some slight phytotoxicity with the 7 day application, but the turf
outgrew this by day 14.
2. Established Turfgrass
The list of available postemergence herbicides for use in estab-
lished turfgrass and their herbicide class are provided in Table 4.
The new Confront label does not allow for use on residential turf.
It is permitted for use in other turfgrass areas (i.e. golf courses
and sports fields). The label restriction is due to the presence of
carry over of clopyralid residues in clipings and compost. The
substitute for clopyralid is fluroxypyr, sold alone as Spotlight and
in combination as Escalade.
Other recent changes in herbicide formulation are the addition
of carfentrazone and sulfentratzone in low concentrations in
combination formulations for more rapid discoloration of broadleaf
weeds. Carfentrazone combos include Speedzone and Powerzone
and the sulfentrazone combo is Surge.
III. PERENNIAL GRASS WEED CONTROL
Perennial grass weeds continue to be a major weed problem for
many turfgrass managers across Ohio. The problem lies in the
control/removal of these undesirable grass weeds. A few of these
grass weeds include:
• Tall Fescue (growing in clumps)
• Bentgrass (as a contaminant)
• Poa trivialis (rough bluegrass)
• Nimblewill
• Quackgrass
• Orchardgrass
A. Non-Selective, Systemic Controls
Glyphosate (Roundup Pro) and Glufosinate ammonium (Finale)
are the two primary nonselective systemic herbicides used in
turfgrass management. Roundup Pro is a Monsanto product and
is a combination of glyphosate and a surfactant. Glufosinate
ammonium (Finale) is a product of Bayer. Finale, like Roundup Pro,
has systemic activity, is foliar absorbed in 2-4 hours and has no
16
soil residual activity. Visual effects from Finale applications are
expressed in 2-4 days after application. The speed of initial dis-
coloration following applications of Roundup Pro and Finale can
be further enhanced with the addition of nonselective contact
herbicides such as Scythe or Reward.
Glyposate has also been formulated for more rapid burndown of
weeds in QuickPro. QuickPro discolors weeds in two-three days.
B. Selective Controls
1. Tall Fescue Control
The Riverdale product, Corsair (active ingredient – chlorsulfuron),
continues to be available for selective tall fescue control in
established Kentucky bluegrass. This product should not be used
on perennial ryegrass.
2. Creeping Bentgrass Control
The new Monsanto product, Certainty (actual ingredient – sulfo-
sulfuron), is available in 2006 for selectively removing creeping
bentgrass from Kentucky bluegrass when fall applied and
selectively removing rough bluegrass from creeping bentgrass
when summer applied.
3. Annual Bluegrass (AB)
a. Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs):
Syngenta’s Trimmit (paclobutrazol) and Primo (trinexapac-
ethyl) and SeaPro’s Cutless (flurprimidol) are all gibberellic
acid synthesis inhibitors and all cell elongation inhibitors
capable of assisting in the suppression of annual bluegrass
and the conversion to a more desirable species. They are
also being used at lower rates to reduce seedstalk length for
enhancement of golf playability. Primo MAXX is a foliar
absorbed PGR used more at lower rates to provide color and
quality enhancement rather than AB control.
Embark T/O and Embark Lite (melfuidide) are used for
growth suppression and seedhead control of annual blue-
grass on golf courses. Caution must be exercised because
Embark can cause phytotoxicity if applied at higher rates
and improperly.
Proxy (ethephon), a Bayer product, is being used primarily
for growth suppression and annual bluegrass seedhead
suppression in some locations of the country (e.g. West
Coast). Primo/Proxy combinations have been used in the
Midwest but seedhead control has been variable.
 b. Herbicides:
Bayer’s Prograss (ethofumesate) is a postemergence
herbicide labeled for eliminating AB from creeping bent-
grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The
best efficacy from Prograss has occurred with multiple
applications in the fall.
Velocity (bispryibac sodium) is an ALS inhibitor labeled in
2005 by Valent for postemergence control of annual blue-
grass in creeping bentgrass. It is presently not labeled for
bentgrass greens. Velocity will kill annual bluegrass in 4-6
weeks depending on rate. It is most efficacious and
recommended for application between June 1 and Sept 15.
It produces a banana yellow flash discoloration on annual
bluegrass and bentgrass in 4-8 days and lasts 14-21
days on bentgrass. Turf can be reseeded ten days after the
final Velocity application.
3. Other Weeds
Yellow nutsedge is a prevalent perennial weed found in many turf-
grass areas in Ohio. This weed is neither a grass nor a broadleaf,
but instead a sedge. Consequently, the annual grass and broadleaf
herbicides have limited impact on this weed. Selective control of
yellow nutsedge in turfgrass areas is limited to the use of Basagran,
MSMA-containing products, or the Monsanto product Manage.
Manage is applied at very low rates (1.0 - 2.0 oz product per acre),
is foliar absorbed, and has displayed excellent safety on all cool
season turfgrass species. Certainty will replace Manage for yellow
nutsedge control by Monsanto in 2006. Manage will be marketed
by Gowan Co. as Sedgehammer.
GRADUATE STUDENT CORNER
EMILY HORNER
FORE! Hopefully this isn’t
something that you hear
too often if Emily is
playing in the foursome
behind you, but if you see
her coming – watch out!
Emily Horner is one of the
millions of hackers that
normally frequent the golf
course. She really enjoys
the game of golf. Her
father had golf clubs in her
hands as soon as she started walking and nothing makes
her happier than a beautiful day spent on a golf course. So,
logically, a career in which she could study the courses she
adores, would be a wise course of action to gain even more
appreciation of the game.
Emily worked for three summers at two different courses in
her hometown of Springfield, Ohio. One summer she spent
at New Reid Golf Course and two summers at Northwood
Hills Country Club, where she also did her internship. In
the fall of 2004 she began working as an undergraduate
research assistant for Dr. David Gardner. Through her
experience in this position, she became interested in a more
“behind the scenes” study of golf course and lawn care
maintenance through research. Emily graduated with her
B.S. in the spring of 2005 from the college of Food,
Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences with a Turfgrass
Science major from The Ohio State University.
Emily is now almost through her second quarter of her
Master’s program at The Ohio State University under the
advisement of Dr. David Gardner. She is studying the spatial
and temporal variance of plant available phosphorus and a
possible relationship to nitrogen input and temperature
variability. In addition to classes and research, Emily is also
a TA and actively participates in the OSU Turf Club in which
she has been a member for three years.
Outside of school Emily is of course a huge OSU football fan
and also an avid movie and music buff. Lately she has spent
many weekends traveling back and forth to Springfield
because she is the proud Aunt to a 7 month old niece,
Isabelle, that she is just crazy about and misses to pieces
when she is in Columbus. If you are ever in need of a fourth,
look her up because there are a lot of courses around that she
hasn’t gotten to play yet.
17
 SPORTS
TURF
TIPS
Spring Weed Management
on Newly Seeded Athletic Turf
Dr. David Gardner, Pamela Sherratt & Dr. John Street, The Ohio State University

Athletic field managers, in many cases, are required to establish Neither of these products are as effective as other herbicides used

turf from seed in the springtime in order to repair damage caused in cool season turf but their safety to turfgrass seedlings makes

by the previous season’s play. With springtime establishment, them a good option. However, research conducted at major

there is often not enough of a difference in the germination time universities has concluded that a recent introduction, carfentra-

of cool season turf and that of crabgrass or annual broadleaf zone (marketed as Quicksilver® by FMC) provides safe and

weeds. This is a significant challenge, because competition from effective control of germinating broadleaf weeds in a newly

these weeds can make it difficult to nearly impossible to establish seeded stand of either Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) or

turf in the spring (Figure 1). perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The label for Quicksilver

has been updated to allow application to these species seven

This competition is confounded by the fact that almost all existing days after emergence. Carfentrazone is a fast acting contact

herbicides will also severely damage or kill the germinating herbicide that has been recommended as an addition to systemic

turfgrass. Most herbicides state on the label that the turf requires herbicides, such as 2,4-D or triclopyr, in order to hasten burn-

mowing three times before it is mature enough to safely down of the weed. It is important to note that since carfentrzone

withstand the herbicide application. However, some key additions is a contact herbicide, it will be effective for the control of

and label changes have occurred in the last year that should germinating annual broadleaf weeds in a newly established

make springtime establishment of turfgrass from much easier turf. However, it will not be as effective if used against mature

than in previous years. broadleaf weeds during an overseeding operation.

There traditionally have been two products labeled for control of A further promising development for springtime weed control

weeds in newly seeded cool season turf: siduron and bromoxynil. at establishment is with Quinclorac (marketed as Drive®).

18
Quinclorac is labeled for application any time before or after emergence actually results in decreased weed control. This is

establishment of tall fescue. And research shows that quinclorac likely because the herbicides become less effective as the weeds

can safely be applied to either Kentucky bluegrass or perennial become more mature and capable of competing with the

ryegrass as little as 7 days after seedling emergence. Results of germinating turfgrass. There was some slight phytotoxicity

research recently conducted at the Ohio State University also with the 7 day application, but the turf outgrew this by day 14.

indicate that not only can a combination of quinclorac and In light of this development, it appears that competition from

carfentrazone be applied to 7 day old seedlings of either of these weeds should be less of an issue during springtime establish-

species, but that delaying the application to 14 or 21 days after ment than it has been in the past.

Figure 1: (LEFT) Perennial Ryegrass, (RIGHT) Kentucky Bluegrass, both seeded in spring. Competition from weeds such as crabgrass is high, particularly
with slower-establishing species such as Kentucky Bluegrass.

19
 GOLF
COURSE
TIPS
Spring brings weird-looking Turf
Joseph Rimelspach, Extension Specialist, Dept. of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University
With the arrival of spring, the turf never seems to look like it should.
Much of this influenced by the cool weather. Plants may appear
yellow, spots occur or funny looking patterns. There are many
reasons for this and no one cause seems to be involved with a
majority of the cases. Historically there are more strange patterns
and unusual symptoms of yellowing and uneven greening of turf
in the early spring then at any other time of the year! The following
are some factors to look for and consider.
Poa annua spring green up, many different weather conditions,
along with the genetic variability of this turf, lead to uneven green
up and variable growth. The more annual types may be more
vulnerable to winter kill/damage and leaf tip yellowing from
fluctuating spring temperatures and frost. It would be advised to
carefully examine the crowns of individual plants to see alive and
healthy.
Basal Rot Anthracnose, this disease has been seen on at least
one sample BUT was just one of several factors present. This is a
problem from the past and not a disease that just started this year.
It there was a problem with anthracnose last year it will over winter
in infested plants and can invade weakened plants if predisposed
by various stress factors. If present, aggressive management
procedures should be initiated immediately. This would include
both cultural practices and fungicide applications.
20
Multi-colored Turf, rapid fluctuating temperatures and wide
swings in temperatures can result in many different colors of
tissue. Such as a darkening of the turf leaves, yellowing, tip die
back, reddening or purple leaf blades – leaf tips – leaf margins –
and seed heads, etc. The red or purple color is often associated
with nutritional deficiencies but is more likely to be a temp-
erature response at this time of year. Also due to cold soils
fertilizer response on turf is slow. Frost on lush spring turf may
result in strange color patterns. Genetic variability is often the reason
why there are patches or circular patterns on off colored turf.
Yellow Tuft / Downy Mildew, has been suspected on several
greens. To date there have been no confirmed cases of this disease.
Overall symptoms may mimic textbook illustrations of yellow tuft
but it is really too early for its development. If the distinct clumping
of meristematic tissue cannot be found consider other factors.
Fusarium Patch / Pink Snow Mold, this disease can rapidly
become active and cause yellowing of turf, especially Poa annua,
during cool wet conditions. Just last weekend, April 2, much of
Ohio had abundant rain and snow. Often damage is short term.
Samples with this disease are usually confirmed all the way until
June, in Ohio.
HORT
SHORTS
COLUMN
Crabapple Diseases
Jim Chatfield, Nursery, Landscape & Turf Team, Ohio State University Extension
For almost 15 years now, my colleagues Erik Draper, Ken Cochran
and myself have ploughed the fertile fields of flower, foliage, fruit
and form features of crabapples, the ornamental Malus. We are
centered in our Crablandia plots at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster,
but also travel further afield throughout the U.S. to the National
Crabapple Evaluation Program plots, from Oregon to Pennsylvania.
This article summarizes a little of what we have learned from this
work, focusing on infectious diseases of crabapple. Hopefully it will
be of use for those trying to understand the pathologically perverse
nature of plant disease.
First things first: to understand infectious plant disease always
keep in mind the disease triangle. This simple but crucial concept
is that the process of plant disease always involves the interplay
of a susceptible host, a virulent pathogen, and an environment
conducive to disease. All are needed for disease to occur. Controlling
disease involves efforts at modifying components of this triangle.
Feel the power of the triangle!
An embarrassment of Riches
Apple scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, is a
significant aesthetic disease of crabapples and an economic
disease of apples. This disease is what makes crabophiles cringe
when they drive through a community in summer and see rows of
defoliated trees greeting visitors to the community. Apple scab
can give crabapples a bad name, starting with olive green to
grayish to brown leaf spots, brown to gray scabby areas on fruits,
and for many crabapple types, ending with leaf yellowing and
considerable leaf drop.
The embarrassment for is that these negatives need not be the
case. There are many crabapples with excellent genetic resistance
to apple scab disease. This is illustrated every year in our Secrest
Arboretum replicated and randomized Crablandia plots in Wooster.
Dozens of crabapple taxa, from Adirondack to Sargent annually
exhibit no or low scab, even when next to defoliated “scab dogs.”
Need a weeper with soft pink flowers – choose Louisa. How about
a pleasingly erratic upright grower with blossoms of fruity red
bleeding into softer pinks and whites – try Strawberry Parait.
A yellow fruited crabapple – Bob White or Holiday Gold. Purple
fruits – Prairifire. Cherry red fruits – Red Jewel. A columnar up
right with snowy white flowers and orange fruits – Adirondack.
With crabapples we have choices with good scab resistance in so
many many different flavors that indeed it is an embarrassment
that Ohioans still plant Royalty Radiant and Hopa. We say – No
Hopa!
For the latest on our OSU crabapple trials (well over $10 million
in crabapples sold annually by Ohio nurseries), send us a self-
addressed stamped envelope (two stamps) and we will send you
our latest data.
21
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
Crabmandu Predicts
One thing we learned early on is that predicting how bad scab will
be in an upcoming season leaves a sour taste when the future
becomes the past. We remember being asked in the winter of 2000
to predict if scab would be bad in the coming season. Thinking of
the disease triangle, we considered that overall scab incidence in
1999 in Crablandia was the lowest in the past seven years. We
know that scab gets started each spring from Venturia inaequalis in
fallen scabby leaves from the previous years. So it made sense to
predict that scab would be less severe in 2000 than usual.
Not. When we retrospectively looked at our data from 1992-2004
we discovered that actually 2000 was the highest scab year of all.
Apparently the relatively lesser amount of overwintering inoculum
was not the limiting factor for how bad scab would be in 2000.
As it turned out, the key was the extremely wet spring of 2000.
Spring moisture and its role in infection periods for scab is what
drives how bad scab will be in a given year. The bad news is that
our ability to predict scab for an upcoming season is as good as
our ability to predict the weather in upcoming season. That is one
reason why our best recommendation for scab control is the use
of resistant varieties rather than trying to perfectly time fungicide
spray applications.
Scab Never Sleeps
One of the realities of nature is expressed in the saying “You can
drive out nature with a pitchfork, but she always returns.” Plant
breeding and selection and propagation of superior cultivars is one
of our most storied horticultural pitchforks. Through our efforts
we try to improve upon landscapes with just any old crabapple.
Certainly genetic resistance to apple scab is one of the features we
look for in such breeding and selection programs.
However, nature is also out there conspiring to tax or best efforts.
From her point of view, the Venturia inaequalis fungal pathogen
is every bit as deserving as the beauty of the genus Malus, and
so she performs her own experiments. And so, through genetic
22
recombination and mutations, the fungus has its own breeding
program. New strains of the fungus appear.
Thus, Indian Magic and Harvest God which were once evaluated
as having good scab resistance decades ago in Ohio trials is now
seen to have a significant scab problem, presumably due to new
strains of the fungus that have evolved. On a more recent note,
Prairifire in our Ohio Crablandia plots never exhibited scab for
several decades – until several years ago. Scab on Prairifire is still
minor in Ohio, but only time will tell what crabapples will be best
in the year 2525. Nature has struck back – and this is one of the
reasons why sustained evaluation trials are necessary.
Scab is in the Eye of the Beholder
One thing specialists have to learn is the realization that their
fanaticism may bring with it a lack of perspective. Rosarians and
crabarians are a far cry from normalians. This is a good thing, but
sometimes too it can be a bad thing with loss of perspective. A
small amount of scab on a crabapple is something that we may
exclaim about but that the average person may not even notice.
Furthermore it is important to remember that scab is not very
harmful to the plant itself.
Defoliation or near defoliation in bad scab years obviously takes
some toll on crabapple health since energy reserves are required
to put out new sets of leaves and photosynthesis is limited by the
loss of leaves.
Nevertheless, scab dogs seem to weather the storm pretty well.
No Hopa actually does have hope for renewal and despite annual
scab comes back year after year, decade after decade. Obviously
scabis an aesthetic problem with leaf and fruit unsightliness
and leaf drop and there is solid research showing that some
crabapples have reduced flowering in years following bad scab
years, but the tree does prevail. And there are many who love the
pastel pink flowers of Hopa despite its foliar foibles.
NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY

Tired of Managing Dollar Spot?

THE SECRET MIGHT BE ALL IN YOUR TIMING – OF YOUR FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS THAT IS ...
Mike Boehm, Joe Rimelspach, Amy Niver, Young-Ki Jo & Todd Hicks, Dept. of Plant Pathology,
The Ohio State University

Spray for dollar spot in the fall before the snow flies or early in of dollar spot, fungicides are usually necessary to provide accept-
the spring as your turfgrass breaks dormancy and significantly able levels of management on most golf courses. Concerns over
reduce the amount of disease you’ll have to worry about the follow- the development of fungicide resistance and environment along
ing June or July? Sound crazy or too good to be true? Perhaps, or we with recently enacted restrictions on fungicide use, has en-
might just be onto something. The goal of this update is to provide couraged research into alternative approaches for managing turf-
an overview of some of the research conducted in my lab regarding grass diseases.
the timing of fungicide applications for managing dollar spot.
Specifically, the research highlighted in this update was conducted
to answer two questions – “Is it possible to make fungicide
applications on healthy turfgrass in the previous fall and/or early
spring and control disease outbreaks the following season?” and
“If it is possible to deploy fungicides in this manner, when is the
best time to make such applications?” Before getting into the
details, I want to stress that this research is “on-going” – it is a
“work in progress.” Second, although the focus of this update
revolves around the use of fungicides and their timing, don’t forget
about the importance that cultural management practices have on
this and most turfgrass diseases. With these disclaimers, away Figure 1. Close up of mycelium of the dollar spot fungus, Sclerotinia
we go… homoeocarpa .

Without question, dollar spot, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia
homoeocarpa, is one of the most economically important diseases
of cool-season grasses (Figure 1). It is routinely cited as the
“most sprayed for turfgrass disease” and typically tops the list
of “golf course diseases most difficult to manage.” Although
increased nitrogen fertility (see Dr. Street’s and Deb Holdren’s
update in the January/February issue of OTF TurfNews), and cultural
practices related to the removal of dew/guttation water and
the maintenance of adequate soil moisture can reduce the severity
In an attempt to help find new ways to effectively manage dollar
spot while at the same time try to minimize the development of
fungicide resistance and extend the “shelf-life” of registered
fungicides, we have turned our attention to exploring the impact
of fall and/or early spring preventive fungicide applications made
to asymptomatic or healthy turfgrass. This work is an extension
of our applied research program focused on the integrated
management of turfgrass diseases and on the biology and ecology
of S. homoeocarpa. The information shared in this update represents

23
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
Recommendations for Making Fall and/or Early
Spring Fungicides to Help Manage Dollar Spot
• Know what fungicide(s) work against dollar spot on
your golf course.
• Apply an effective dollar spot fungicide after the
2nd mowing in the early spring – early to mid-April
in central Ohio. Be sure to leave an adequate number
of check plots so that you can gage the impact of
this application.
• Consider applying an effective dollar spot fungicide
application in mid- to late-fall – approximately 6 weeks
prior to when mean daily low temperatures range
from 20-30 F for one week. Typically mid-October
in central Ohio.
the hard work of many individuals over several years to include
the efforts of Drs. Rick Latin and Bruce Clarke, two turfgrass
pathology colleagues at Purdue and Rutgers Universities, re-
spectively. This work would not have been possible without
the generous support of OTF, numerous chemical companies
and several forward-thinking superintendents – Mr. Keith Kresina
(The Golf Club), Mr. Carl Wittenauer (Brookside Golf & Country
Club), Mr. Scott Schraer (Scioto Reserve Golf and Athletic Club),
Mr. Joe Noppenberger Jr. (Wedgewood Golf & Country Club) and
Mr. Todd Voss (Double Eagle Club).
The Early Years. The first clue that something significant was
taking place with fall fungicide applications and dollar spot came
from casual observations made over several years in which
we occasionally observed a residual or season-to-season “carry-
over” effect from fungicide applications made in our fungicide
efficacy trials – the ones typically seen at OSU’s turfgrass field day.
In summary, plots treated with fungicides effective for dollar spot
occasionally looked “clean” or had reduced disease the following
spring and summer. Our initial observations were made on plots
treated with the demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides prop-
iconazole and triademefon. When we tried to repeat this work on
a calendar-day basis, our results were sporadic.
Fall 2001 to Summer 2002. In fall 2001, my former Ph.D. student
Young-Ki Jo, established replicated field plots on fairways at
Wedgewood Golf & County Club and Brookside Golf & Country Club
and at the OTF Turfgrass Research and Education Facility, here-
24
Plant Pathology Terms
PATHOGEN – an organism (virus, bacteria, fungus,
nematode) capable of causing disease. (Sclerotinia
homoeocarpa is the fungus that causes dollar spot.)
INOCULUM – the pathogen or that part of the pathogen
that comes into contact with the plant. (Mycelium in the
case of the dollar spot fungus.)
INOCULUM POTENTIAL – the amount of inoculum present
that, under the ideal environmental conditions, will lead
to disease. (High inoculum potential = lots of disease;
Low inoculum potential = less disease).
after referred to as the OSU Turfgrass Facility. Treatments in
this study included single fall (either November 8, 9 or 16, 2001
depending on the location of the plots) and single spring (April
26, 2002) applications of propiconazole (two rates used - 1.0 oz/
1000 ft2 and 2.0 oz/1000 ft2 Banner MAXX, Syngenta Crop Pro-
tection, Greensboro, NC), chlorothalonil (3.2 oz/1000 ft2 of Daconil
Ultrex, Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC), thiophanate
-methyl (2.0 oz/1000 ft2 of 3336 F, Cleary Chemical Company,
Dayton, NJ), iprodione (4.0 oz/1000 ft2 of 26GT, Bayer Environ-
mental Science, Research Triangle Park, NC) and an experiment
compound (0.2 oz/1000 ft2 of BASF 505, BASF, Research Trian-
gle Park, NC). In addition to these single applications, preventive
applications of each fungicide were made every 14 or 28-days
according to label recommendations starting on May 22, 2002.
All fungicide treatments were applied with a hand-held, CO2-
powered boom sprayer using 6503 TeeJet nozzles at a pressure of
40 psi, (water equivalent to 2.0 gal water 1000 ft2). A non-treated
control was also included. Dollar spot symptoms were first
observed in the non-treated control plots at the OSU Turfgrass
Facility on May 23, 2002. Dollar spot severity was rated every two
weeks by counting the number of dollar spot infection centers
(DSIC’s) per plot between May 23 and July 23, 2002. Differences
in disease severity among treatments were assessed via analysis
of variance (ANOVA) using PROC GLM of SAS (SAS 9.1; SAS
Institute, Cary, NC). Differences among treatment means were
determined using Fisher’s protected least significance difference
(LSD) at P = 0.05. Although differences existed at multiple
rating dates, only results from the June 24, 2002 rating date
are highlighted in this update (Table 1). Dollar spot severity was
significantly greater at the OTF Turfgrass Facility as compared
to either golf course. In general, the greater the disease severity at
a location, the more dramatic the results – both visually and
statistically speaking. As anticipated, dollar spot was significantly
less severe in plots receiving preventive applications of the
fungicides on a regular interval (i.e. treatments 4, 7, 10, 13,
16 and 19, respectively). At the OSU Turfgrass Facility, where
the dollar spot is sensitive to all fungicides, all treatments,
except the single fall applications of chlorothalonil and thiophanate-
methyl, effectively reduced dollar spot the following season.
On average, the reduction in dollar spot severity was ~ 50% –
better in some cases. Although significant from a scientific
standpoint, this level of disease suppression would not likely
be considered commercially acceptable to most golf course
superintendents. One month later, on July 22, treatments 3-7,
10, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 19 all continued to have significantly less
dollar spot than the non-treated controls (data not shown). The
results from this study clearly revealed that single fall and early
spring preventive applications of fungicides significantly reduced
dollar spot severity the following season.
Fall 2003 to Summer 2004. In September of 2003, Amy Niver
(currently a master’s degree student in my program) and I designed
two follow-up studies as a continuation of the study conducted by
Young-Ki Jo. Dr. Rick Latin, turfgrass pathologist at Purdue University,
joined the effort at this time. There were 18 treatments in the first
2003/2004 study that I will be highlighting. A detailed list of
the treatments used in this experiment is listed in Table 2. The
first six treatments were not treated with any fungicide in fall
2003. The second six treatments received three applications of a
combination or tank-mix of chlorothalonil (3.2 oz/1000 ft2 of
Daconil Ultrex) and propiconazole (1.0 oz/1000 ft2 of Banner MAXX)
on September 26, October 17 and November 7, 2003, respectively.
The last six treatments received a single application of the
chlorothalonil/propiconazole combination on September 26, 2003.
The thinking behind this approach was to have the turfgrass
going into winter with different levels of pathogen activity – not
necessarily disease, but pathogen activity. Specifically, we hypoth-
esized that the dollar spot fungus would be the least active in the
plots sprayed with the three applications of fungicide, very active
in the non-treated plots and somewhere in between in plots only
receiving one application of fungicide. Dr. Latin confirmed our
suspicions by having the good fortune of having a mild dollar
spot epidemic late in fall 2003 and was able to document (data
not shown) that disease pressure was moderate in the non-
treated plots and absent in all plots that had received any type of
fall fungicide application. On May 6, 2004, a single application
of Banner MAXX, Daconil Ultrex or a combination of the two as
described above was applied to half the plots. The goal was to
overlay the treatments we imposed in fall 2003 with an “early”
spring preventive application. We intended to make another such
application on the other half of the plots later in May, however, as
you may recall, central Ohio – and much of the Midwest and East
was hit with a serve dollar spot epidemic on or about May 8th.
Since the intent of this study was to evaluate the impact of
preventive fungicide applications on dollar spot, we decided not
to make these late May applications. Each treatment was
replicated four times per location. The experiment was perform-
ed simultaneously at three locations – the OSU Turfgrass Facility
and Brookside Golf & Country Club in Columbus; and the Purdue
University Turfgrass Research and Education Center in West
Lafayette, IN. Mean daily high and low air temperatures for
Columbus and West Lafayette are depicted in Figure 2.
What did we find? In a nutshell, the results of this study support-
ed our early findings in that both fall and spring applications of
fungicides, significantly reduced disease the following season
(Table 2). Three fall applications of chlorothalonil and propiconazole
were extremely effective at reducing dollar spot to commercially
acceptable levels the following spring. At the OSU Turfgrass
Facility, where disease pressure was very high, even a single fall
application of this fungicide combination significantly reduced
disease by about 40%. The impact of single fall fungicide applications
at Brookside and Purdue were less striking given the overall lower
disease pressure at these locations (Table 2). Not surprising,
the single May 6, 2004 fungicide applications, applied immediately
prior to the outbreak of dollar spot, were effective at reducing
this disease.
In addition to the study just described, a second replicated field
study was conducted in Columbus at two locations (OSU Turfgrass
Facility and Brookside Golf & Country Club). In this study, single
applications of propiconazole (1.0 oz/1000 ft2), chlorothalonil
(3.2 oz /1000 ft2) and a tank mix of the two fungicides (same rates)
were made to asymptomatic turfgrass every two weeks through-
out fall 2003 and spring 2004. Disease was rated the following
season as described above. This study was located adjacent to
the other 2003/2004 study. The same preparations of fungicides,
spray equipment and applicator was used thus allowing the
results of the two studies to be compared to one another.
Biweekly fungicide applications were made in fall 2003 starting
on September 26 and ending on November 21, 2003. Un-
fortunately, applicator error – Boehm’s fault – resulted in an over-
25
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Table 1. Impact of preventive fall and spring fungicide

applications on dollar severity: 2001/2002 field study.
Dollar Spot Infection Centers/Plot a

Treatment Fungicide Applied Date of Application OTF b Wedgewood Brookside

1 non-treated 46.3 1.6 2.8

c
2 propiconazole Nov. 10, 2001 24.3 0.8 1.6
3 April 26, 2002 21.3 0.5 1.9
4 May 22, 2002 i 3.4 0.0 0.5
5 propiconazole d Nov. 10, 2001 12.8 1.0 1.9
6 April 26, 2002 16.8 1.1 1.3
7 May 22, 2002 i 6.1 0.6 0.0
8 chlorothalonil e Nov. 10, 2001 53.8 1.0 2.8
9 April 26, 2002 27.5 1.0 2.3
10 May 22, 2002 i 7.8 0.5 0.5
11 thiophanate-methyl f Nov. 10, 2001 39.3 1.5 3.0
12 April 26, 2002 1.6 1.4 2.5
13 May 22, 2002 i 0.5 0.6 1.6
14 iprodione g Nov. 11, 2001 12.8 1.1 2.9
15 April 26, 2002 18.0 0.4 2.5
16 May 22, 2002 i 0.5 0.1 0.0
17 BASF 505 h Nov. 11, 2001 16.3 1.1 1.8
18 April 26, 2002 25.0 0.8 1.6
19 May 22, 2002 i 0.8 0.1 0.0
LSD(P = 0.05) = 9.1 1.0 3.2

a Dollar spot severity was rated on June 24, 2002 by counting the number of dollar spot infection
centers (DSIC’s) per plot. (4 replicates per treatment per location).
b Wedgewood = Wedgewood Golf & County Club; Brookside = Brookside Golf & Country Club;
OTF = OTF Turfgrass Research and Education Facility.
c propiconazole (1.0 oz/1000 ft2 Banner MAXX, Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC).
d propiconazole (2.0 oz/1000 ft2 Banner MAXX).
e chlorothalonil (3.2 oz/1000 ft2 of Daconil Ultrex, Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC).
f thiophante-methyl (2.0 oz/1000 ft2 of 3336 F, Cleary Chemical Company, Dayton, NJ).
g iprodione (4.0 oz/1000 ft2 of 26GT, Bayer Environmental Science, Research Triangle Park, NC).
h BASF 505 (0.2 oz/1000 ft2 (BASF, Research Triangle Park, NC).
i Preventive fungicide applications made every 14 or 28 days starting on May 22, 2002.

spray of the chlorothalonil and propiconazole combination treat-
ment plots on October 10 and 24 resulting in a double application
of these fungicides on these plots. Biweekly applications resumed
in the spring of 2004 on April 9 and concluded on May 20. All
applications were made to asymptomatic turfgrass as described
previously. A non-treated control was included as a means to
assess the efficacy of all fungicide timing treatments. Dollar spot
severity was assessed throughout May and June 2004 and the
data analyzed as described previously.
The results of this study are shown in Figure 3. I removed the
statistical coding to simplify the figure. Boxes were placed
around those fungicides and application dates that significantly
reduced dollar spot severity. In general, the results of this
study support the findings of the other studies highlighted in
this update – i.e. fall and spring fungicide applications made
to asymptomatic turfgrass can significantly reduce dollar spot
severity the following season. What is new and interesting about
the results of this study, however, is that for the first time, we
gain some important insights as to WHEN such applications
should be made. In regards to the timing of fall applications,
there was a clear “window” of timings – mid-October 2003 –
that correlated to reduced dollar spot severity in May - June
2004. Applications made on September 26 were not effective.
Similarly, applications made in November were not effective. The
data for the spring is equally interesting in that it shows that even
applications as early as April 9, 2004 were effective at bringing
about a reduction in dollar spot later in the same season. Figure

26
4 provides a “zoomed in” snapshot of the prevailing mean daily
high and low temperatures for September 1- November 31, 2003.
The arrow on the figure denotes the dates when the two effective
mid-October fungicide applications were made. The box above the
arrows was drawn to include the temperature trends -/+ 7 days
of each application. The point of Figure 4 is simply to highlight
the weather trends surrounding these two effective mid-October
fungicide applications. As discussed above and shown in Figure 3,
applications made before or after this “window” were ineffective
at suppressing dollar spot the following season. Just why exactly
this is the case is the focus of several on-going studies.
One explanation is that the dollar spot pathogen may be
especially sensitive to fungicides at this time of the year. Lower
pathogen populations going into the winter mean lower pop-
ulations going into the spring and a longer time required for
the pathogen to reach damage- or disease-causing levels. If this
is true – recall I said this research was still a “work-in-progress,
right – then one could make the leap in thinking and explains
why the September 26 and November applications were not
effective. For example, even though we know when dollar
spot symptoms tend to show up and disappear, turfgrass
pathologists don’t have a very good idea as to what, if anything
the dollar spot pathogen is doing in your turfgrass or thatch
when not causing disease. We don’t know when the pathogen
goes dormant or when it “wakes up.” It could be possible that the
September applications were ineffective because the pathogen,
although temporarily inhibited by the fungicides, had the opportunity
for its populations to rebound prior to winter. Along this same

Table 2. Impact of preventive fall and spring fungicide

applications on dollar severity: 2003/2004 field study.
Application Schedule Disease Severity c

Fall a Spring b OTF Brookside Purdue

non - treated not - treated 153 39 14

propiconazole d 2 20 1
not - treated 130 32 16
chlorothalonil e 42 6 4
not - treated 146 33 11
(propiconazole + chlorothalonil) 0 8 1

3 X (propiconazole + chlorothalonil) f not - treated 1 11 5

propiconazole 0 1 1
not - treated 5 12 8
chlorothalonil 1 3 2
not - treated 2 10 5
(propiconazole + chlorothalonil) 0 1 1

1 X (propiconazole + chlorothalonil) not - treated 86 54 17

propiconazole 1 7 2
not - treated 98 38 7
chlorothalonil 11 17 2
not - treated 91 26 11
(propiconazole + chlorothalonil) 0 14 1

LSD (P=0.05) 32 17 6

a Single fall applications were made on 9/26/2003. d Banner MAXX 1.0 fl oz/1000 ft2
b Single spring applications of each fungicide treatment were made on 5/6/2004. e Daconil Ultrex 3.2 oz/1000 ft2
c Disease severity determined by counting the number of dollar spot infection centers (DSIC’s) f Three combination applications (tank mixed) of both fungicides were made on 9/26, 10/17
per plot area. and 11/7/2003.

27
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27
line of thinking, the November applications might not have been
effective because the pathogen had already “hardened off” or
went dormant for the winter at the time the fungicides were
applied, thus having no impact on the population dynamics of
S. homoeocarpa. Since we don’t yet have the tools needed
to monitor populations of S. homoeocarpa in turfgrass, everything
I’ve shared about why fall applications do or don’t work is
pure conjecture. Alternative possibilities exist. We are repeating
this study at multiple locations this season – standby.
Penn State PCNB study reveals insights about the timing of fall
fungicide applications. The world of turfgrass pathology is small
and at a conference in August 2003, I ran into and had a con-
versation with Dr. Peter Landschoot from Penn State University.
As Dr. Landschoot listened to me share our findings, he thought
about a study that he and his colleagues published in 2001 related
to the non-target effects of PCNB (pentachloronitrobenzene) on
putting greens (Landschoot et. al., 2001). The study was initiated
Figure 2. Mean daily high and low air temperatures for September 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004. A = Columbus, OH; B = West Lafayette, IN.
28
in 1996 and ran for four consecutive seasons. The main goal of
the study was to determine the influence of two PCNB formulations
applied at different rates and intervals on foliar discoloration,
nontarget diseases (to include dollar spot) and Poa annua en-
croachment. Specifically, they compared the impact of single and
multiple late fall, winter and early spring applications of PCNB as
well as a single late fall application of iprodione/chlorothalonil
combination treatment and a non-treated control. All liquid app-
lications were made using a 2 gallon per 1,000 ft2 spray volume.
They did not have significant dollar spot pressure in 1997 or
1999 and so they could not collect dollar spot data in these years,
however, they were able to collect such data in 1998 and 2000.
In summary, they found that the single fall application of iprodione
and chlorothalonil included in their study had a significant impact
on dollar spot severity in 2000 but not in 1998. Their data from
fall 1999/spring 2000 in this study echoed our findings regarding
the efficacy of fall applications. However, like our early work that
yielded sporadic results, their observations from fall 1997/spring
1998 did not. Why the sporadic results? In two words, the weather.
After hearing Dr. Landschoot and reading his paper, I asked him
to send me the weather data from fall 1997 and 1999. Figure 5
shows the mean daily high and low temperatures for November 1
- December 31 for these two years. As in Figure 4, I’ve annotated
the dates of the fall iprodione and chlorothalonil applications with
arrows and added a box highlighting weather trends -/+ 7 days
of the each application. Although there were only two calendar
days separating the dates of the applications in 1997 and 1999,
very significant differences in the mean daily low temperatures
were present at the times when these applications were made
– very cold in 1997 and warmer in 1999. Do weather patterns
going into the winter influence the impact of fungicides on dollar
spot? Does the dollar spot pathogen “harden off” for the winter
thereby becoming insensitive to fungicides? The jury is still out on
these questions, but the observations and results collected to date
may help lead us to these answers – and many more questions.
Concluding Thoughts. Several of the 2003/2004 studies were
repeated in 2004/2005 and yielded similar results. Additional
studies were also conducted using additional fungicides – both
at university research facilities and on golf courses. Most of
Figure 3. Impact of the timing of spring and fall fungicide applications on dollar spot severity – 2003/2004. Treatments boxes significantly reduced
dollar spot severity in May and June 2004.
these studies are being repeated in 2005/2006 given the weather
patterns we experienced last summer. Clearly, we seem to be
onto something with this research but only time will tell regarding
its impact on our ability to manage dollar spot and perhaps
other diseases. Thank you to all those that have supported this
work! Stand by and GO BUCKS!
References:
Dwyer, P.J., Jr., and Vargas, J.M., Jr. 2003. Golf Course Management. October
issue. (Available online at www.gcsaa.org/gcm/2003/oct03/10Cutting.asp).
Han, D.Y., Unruh, J.B., and Davis, S.B. 2004. Dollar spot control on ultra-
dwarf bermudagrass putting greens with curative and preventive fungicide
applications. Phytopathology 94:S38. (Available online at www.apsnet.org/
meetings/2004/abstracts/a04ma0253.htm; verified September 9, 2004).
Landschoot, P.J., B.S. Park, and W. Uddin. 2001. Nontarget effects of
PCNB on putting green turf. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal
9:679-685.
Vincelli, P., Dixon, E., Williams, D., and Burrus, P. 2003. Efficacy of fungicides
for control of dollar spot in a mixed creeping bentgrass/Poa annua soil-
based green, 2002. Biological and Cultural Tests.
29
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Figure 4. Zoomed in view of mean daily high

and low air temperatures for September 1
to November 31, 2003 for Columbus, Ohio.
Arrows represent the dates of effective
fungicide applications were made (October
10 and 24). The box above the arrows high-
lights the mean air temperatures -/+ 7 days
around these two application dates.

Figure 5. Mean daily high and low air temperatures for November 1 December 31 (A = 1999 / B = 1997) for State College, PA. Arrows represent the dates
single preventive chlorothalonil/iprodione applications were made (November 21, 1997 and November 23, 1999, respectively). The boxes above the
arrows highlights the mean air temperatures -/+ 7 days around these two application dates.

30
 IN AN ATTEMPT TO HIGHLIGHT THE ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT OF THE OSU TURFGRASS SCIENCE PROGRAM, EACH EDITION OF OTF TURFNEWS WILL FEATURE
A NEW SECTION ENTITLED “OSU TURFGRASS SCIENCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS.” WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS NEW ADDITION TO THE OTF TURFNEWS!”

The Ohio State University

Turfgrass Science Program
Impact 2005
The mission of The Ohio State University Turfgrass Science Program is to investigate, synthesize, and disseminate
knowledge on turfgrass science to students, consumers, and professional clientele throughout Ohio and
the nation. Through these efforts, the functional uses, environmental benefits, and aesthetic values of turfgrass
will contribute to further enhancement of the quality of life for society. The OSU Turfgrass Science Team strives to maintain
national and international excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research and extension-outreach education.

Faculty and Extension Program Specialists of the OSU Turfgrass Science Program

Each professor and extension specialist at OSU was hired for a specific reason and to fulfill a unique set of responsibilities in the
areas of classroom teaching and advising, research and extension-outreach education. In addition, all are expected to provide service
to the university, professional scientific societies and in some cases, commodity groups. A breakdown of the major responsibilities for each
professor and extension program specialist is provided following their name and title. This information is important because it helps
explain the differences in the contributions made by each in support of the OSU Turfgrass Science Program. This approach allows each member
of the team to focus their gifts and talents to better meet the needs of Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry.

Department of Entomology Dr. David J. Shetlar – Associate Professor of Urban Landscape

Dr. Parwinder S. Grewal – Associate Professor and Administrative
Coordinator of the Urban Landscape Ecology Program (0% Teaching:
85% Research: 15% Extension)
The overall goal of my research is to develop pest management
methods that are less expensive and compatible with societal needs.
Today, turf management relies heavily on the use of chemical
pesticides and fertilizers to control agronomic, pathological, and pest
problems. These inputs are expensive and can influence interactions
among various living and non-living components in a turfgrass eco-
system, which may affect turfgrass health and use. I am developing
ecosystem-level approaches to pest management by under-
standing and managing the ecological complexity in turfgrass
landscapes. The overall mission of my extension program is to
develop and deliver ecologically-based pest management information
to users in Ohio and worldwide. I also teach Biological Control of
Arthropods (Entomology 650), Ecological Nematology (Entomology
694), and a new interdisciplinary course on Ecological Landscape
Design.
Entomology (20% Teaching: 20% Research: 60% Extension)
My primary appointment (extension) is to provide resources for
OSU Extension’s county and regional needs concerning information
on insects and mites attacking turfgrass, ornamental plants and
Christmas trees. I provide information for both individual citizens
and professional managers/producers. My duties include compiling
and updating factsheets, bulletins (e.g., L-187 & B-504), web pages,
production of videos, pesticide applicator training, Master Gardener
training, talks, seminars and workshops for various industry groups.
My research program is based on applied evaluations of products
and application programs for managing turfgrass insect pests.
From this base, my long term goals are to: (a) develop long term,
sustainable methods of managing turfgrass insect pests (mainly
using resistance and similar cultural techniques); (b) better under-
stand the seasonal biology of surface pests (e.g., hairy chinch bug,
sod webworms, black cutworm and the billbug complex); and (c)
better define the biological diversity found in managed turfgrass
environments. I currently have two graduate students working on
turfgrass sustainability and biological diversity and one student

31
 working on the hairy chinch bug. I am also involved with a
collaborative project to improve the use of IPM principles in Ohio’s
lawn care industry. I teach Entomology 462, Economic Entomology
for Turfgrass, Ornamentals and Greenhouses.
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS)
Dr. David S. Gardner – Assistant Professor (40% Teaching: 60%
Research: 0% Extension)
I teach a variety of courses in support of the Turfgrass Science and
Landscape Horticulture majors, including HCS 470 – Turfgrass
Management, and HCS 600, which is the third writing course for the
majors. This past year I have also prepared to teach 2 new courses in
2006: HCS/AN SCI 260 - Statistics, and HCS 234 – Landscape Plants.
The goal of my research program is to reduce inputs used to maintain
quality turfgrass in a residential, commercial, or golf course setting.
Currently, my research is focused to gain a better understanding of
shade stress in turfgrass and potential ways to reduce nitrogen fertility
requirements in turfgrass. In addition, I conduct herbicide product
evaluation trials for various industry companies in exchange for an
unrestricted gift. I use the gift money to fund my research program
and to support graduate student research assistantships. The data
collected is furnished to the sponsoring company in a report. I then
disseminate the results of these trials as well as basic weed manage-
ment educational programming to Ohio turfgrass industry personnel
at various extension functions throughout the year.
Dr. T. Karl Danneberger – Professor (45% Teaching: 55% Research:
0% Extension)
My research focuses on the area of turfgrass stress physiology and
ecology. Specifically the impact of low light conditions on turfgrass
growth and health. I am also interested in community dynamics of
turfgrass systems. In addition to my research activities, I am the
undergraduate coordinator for the turfgrass science major. I also
teach Turfgrass Science and Management (HCS 570) and Historical
Perspectives in Golf Course Design and Management (HCS 270).
Pamela J. Sherratt – Extension Program Specialist (0% Teaching:
0% Research: 100% Extension)
I co-founded and currently manage the “Buckeye Sports Turf Program,”
which is part of the interdisciplinary turf program at Ohio State.
The sports turf program has many facets: The Extension/outreach
component encompasses on-site field visits throughout the state,
development of educational materials (on-line & hard copy), and
management of seminars and workshops, such as the annual
sports turf short course in March. The research component, done
in conjunction with Dr. John Street, focuses on such areas as wear
tolerance, grass establishment & over-seeding, surface stabilizers,
Bermudagrass management in the state, hybrid bluegrasses, PGR
32
effects on cool-season grasses, and the microbiology of sports turf
systems. The teaching component is currently focusing on the
development an online Sports Turf Certificate Program. New in spring
2006, a sports turf management class will be offered to traditional
and no-traditional students.
Dr. John R. Street – Associate Professor (0% Teaching: 25%
Research: 75% Extension)
Extension duties include (1) conducting and coordinating state-
wide extension/outreach educational programs for the turfgrass
industry in Ohio; (2) cooperating with OSU county extension person-
nel in providing turfgrass management programs for the professional
turfgrass managers, Master Gardner’s, OSU ENLT Team, and the
general public; (3) developing extension educational publications and
mass media products in turfgrass science/management. Research
responsibilities include (1) the development of applied and basic
research in turfgrass to support extension educational programs
(i.e. Pesticide Applicator Training) and existing research efforts within
the OSU turfgrass team and (2) support the graduate education
program in turfgrass by serving as an academic graduate student
advisor and providing guidance on graduate student committees.
Primary research interests are in (1) Management of sports turf
on high sand-based rootzones with a major focus on methods/
technologies to enhance sod surface stabilization; (2) turfgrass weed
control with emphasis on the evaluation of new herbicide technology
and improving herbicide efficacy; (3) turfgrass nutrition/fertilization
with emphasis on fertility strategies to improve the overall quality
and stress tolerance of cool-season grasses.
Department of Plant Pathology
Dr. Mike Boehm – Associate Professor and Associate Chair (45%
Teaching: 40% Research: 15% Extension)
My research focuses on the biology, ecology and integrated manage-
ment of turfgrass pathogens with a major emphasis on Sclerotinia
homoeocarpa, the causal agent of dollar spot. I am also involved in
two collaborative projects that focus on: (a) the biological control of
Fusarium head blight (scab) of wheat; and (b) the development of
an immunodiagnostic assay for Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal
agent of soybean rust. I teach the following courses: Plant Health
Science Forum (Plant Pathology 395); General Plant Pathology (Plant
Pathology 401); Turfgrass Pathology (Plant Pathology 612); and
Integrated Turfgrass Health and Pest Management (Plant Pathology
613). I provide guest lectures in other courses and advise under-
graduate and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. I am
heavily involved in undergraduate education. My extension efforts
include: collaborating with Joe Rimelspach, Extension Program
Specialist responsible for turfgrass diseases, to define industry-
driven applied research initiatives; co-authoring extension publications;
conducting outreach educational sessions; assisting with routine
clinical diagnosis of turfgrass samples; and making on-site visits to surface geophysics. The prospectus of this research is the develop-
golf courses, sod farms and athletic fields. I serve as the Associate ment of methodology for real-time, non-invasive mapping of soils,
Chairperson of the Department of Plant Pathology and am an water and underground structures within golf courses and athletic
active participant on various university, college and department fields.
committees. I am an active member of the American Phytopathological
Society’s Turfgrass Disease and Teaching Committees and serve OSU Agricultural Technical Institute –
on the Scientific Program Board and Plant Management Network Horticultural Technologies Division
Strategic Planning Board.
David A. Willoughby – Associate Professor, Technology Coordinator,
Joseph W. Rimelspach – Extension Program Specialist (0% Teaching: Turfgrass Management (100% Teaching: 0% Research: 0% Extension)
15% Research: 85% Extension)
Dr. Daniel C. Voltz – Associate Professor, Landscape (100% Teaching:
The position conceives, develops, and executes a comprehensive, 0% Research: 0% Extension)
state-wide Extension Turfgrass Pathology Program aimed at the
delivery of current, science-based information on the control of
turfgrass diseases and the implementation of turfgrass health
management systems. Programs are designed to support the Ohio
turfgrass industry, county Extension personnel, and all Ohio citizens.
Decisions regarding the development, delivery, and management of
the programs are made in conjunction with faculty and staff in the
* * * AWARDS * * *
Departments of Plant Pathology and turf personnel in Horticulture
& Crop Sciences, Entomology, and the School of Natural Resources, Dr. Dave Gardner received a 2005 Pomerene
and with industry professionals in Ohio and elsewhere. The position
is an integral part of The Ohio State University Turfgrass Plant Teaching Award from the OSU College of Food,
Pathology Program and functions in collaboration with Dr. Michael
Boehm, the Plant Pathology faculty member responsible for turf Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
pathology research and teaching. Major focuses are the biology,
epidemiology, and management of turfgrass diseases and disorders
of home lawns, commercial lawns, municipal and park turfgrass Dr. Dave Shetlar received the Leadership Award presented
areas, athletic fields, sod farms, and golf courses. Applied research
by Lawn & Landscape Magazine and Bayer Environmental
is aimed to develop improved understanding of turfgrass ecosystems
and the development of integrated turfgrass plant health manage-
Sciences for his leadership in the green industry.
ment strategies for managing turfgrass diseases in Ohio. Diagnostic
services are provided to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic
Clinic (CWEPPDC) for turfgrass samples.

School of Environment and Natural Resources

Dr. Ed McCoy – Associate Professor (20% Teaching: 80% Research:

0% Extension)

My program at Ohio State encompasses turfgrass soils with an

emphasis on water relations. Driven by information gaps and funding
availability, much of our previous research has focused on water
flow and drainage as related to putting green construction methods.
This, however, is changing and it is my desire to direct our future
efforts in turf water use and irrigation water management. This future
effort would include high sand content soils of putting greens and
athletic fields as well as native soils of fairways and general re-
creational turf. Progress in this new direction will depend on funding
availability. I am also working with the subsurface geophysics group
at Ohio State and intend to further support their efforts in near- OSU Turfgrass Science Team

33
 2005 Research Impact • Dr. Parwinder Grewal was awarded a $1,840,000 grant funded
jointly by the National Human Genome Research Institute, and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and the National
Science Foundation’s (NSF) Microbial Genome Sequencing
Competitive Research Grants Program.
OSU Turfgrass Science professors advised 25 graduate students
and 6 postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists. • Dr. Parwinder Grewal leads the Urban Landscape Ecology
Program (ULEP) at The Ohio State University.
• Upon graduating with his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Young-Ki
Jo was hired as a postdoctoral researcher in, Department of • Dr. Ed McCoy is actively participating in a cooperative putting
Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI green water use study with a researcher at New Mexico State
University.
• Yadwinder S. Deol, M.S. student in Entomology working with
Dr. Grewal, won second place in the oral presentation
competition at the Entomological Society of America Annual
Meeting in Ft Lauderdale. Yadwinder also received a $5,000
award from the OARDC Director’s Graduate Research Grants
Competition.

One means of assessing productivity of university faculty is

to track the number of peer-reviewed publications authored.
In general, the more responsibility one has for conducting
research, the greater the number of peer-reviewed publications.
The adjective “peer-reviewed” indicates that prior to having an
article, book chapter or book published that two or three other
scientists have critically reviewed the piece and approved
it for publication. It is a process designed to validate the
scientific soundness of a contribution. The peer-review is done
in an anonymous fashion so that reviewers are free to be critical
without hurting anyone’s feelings or out of fear for retribution.
Although no system is perfect, the peer-review process ensures
that sound science is published. In lay terms, the peer-review
process could be considered similar to the “Good Housekeeping”
or “J.D. Power’s” seal of approval.

• The OSU Turfgrass Science Team published 11 peer-reviewed

books, book chapters and peer-reviewed scientific journal
articles.

OTF provided $137,128 in programmatic and facility support of

OSU’s Turfgrass Science Team. $52,000 was used to support
operations at the OTF Research and Educational Facility. $79,000
was provided to the following faculty and extension program
specialists: $10,000 each to Drs. Boehm, Danneberger, Gardner,
Grewal, McCoy and Street; $8,000 to Dr. Shetlar; $6,000 to Joe
Rimelspach; and $5,000 to Pam Sherratt.

• The OSU Turfgrass Science Team leveraged the $137,128

provided by OTF to attract $1,575,200 in competitive grants
The OSU Turfgrass Science Team leveraged OTF’s $137,128 to
and industry support representing a 12-fold return on OTF’s attract an additional $1,575,200 in competitive grants and industry
investment in OSU’s Turfgrass Science Team. support.

34
 Providing Quality,
Service and Technology

to Golf and Lawn Care

Markets Everywhere!
Professional Turf ® Products

For more information, contact your Andersons Distributor or Territory Manager,

or call The Andersons Customer Service at 800-253-5296.

www.AndersonsGolfProducts.com
 1100-H Brandywine Blvd
Zanesville OH 43701-7303 Printer Please
Place Your
888-OTF-3445 PRESORT STD
Fax: (740) 452-2552 Indicia Here
www.OhioTurfgrass.org

Return Service Requested

OTF Board of Trustees 2006 OTF Officers 2006 OSU Turfgrass

Science Team
Trustees President
Term Expires 2007 Horticulture & Crop Science
Glen Pottenger, CGCS
Joe Enciso Larch Tree Golf Course
Dr. John Street
Century Equipment
Vice President Dr. Karl Danneberger
Randy Shaver Dr. David Gardner
Strategic Golf Alliance, Inc. Mark Jordan Ms. Pamela Sherratt
Westfield Companies Country Club Ms. Jill Taylor
Trustees Ms. Deborah Holdren
Treasurer
Term Expires 2008
Entomology
Todd Voss
Doug Gallant
Double Eagle Club Dr. Dave Shetlar
Cincinnati Reds
Dr. Parwinder Grewal
Immediate Past President Mr. Kevin Power
Trustees
Term Expires 2009 Dr. Chuck Darrah Mr. Dan Digman
CLC LABS
Mark Grunkemeyer Plant Pathology
Buckeye Ecocare
Director of Education Dr. Michael Boehm
Kim Kellogg Dr. John R. Street Mr. Joseph Rimelspach
Grasshopper Property Maint. The Ohio State University Mr. Todd Hicks

Don Lawrence Executive Director School of Natural Resources

Red Hawk Run G.C.
Kevin Thompson Dr. Ed McCoy
Dan Walter OTF/Offinger Management Co. Mr. Stephen Schneider
City of Blue Ash
Agricultural Technical
Institute (ATI)
Mr. David Willoughby
Dr. Daniel Voltz
1500/0306/061