U of G UPDATE
Using New Technologies to Solve Old Problems by Eric M. Lyons, Associate Professor University of Guelph and Mike Stasiak, Senior Research Associate
G
olfers love trees. In some cases it seems some golfers prefer trees to good playing conditions. Many people fall in love with the game of golf because it allows them to go out and experience nature and beautiful landscapes without having to drive 3 hours to a cottage. Indeed, the local golf course is right in the middle of their town or city. Unfortunately trees and healthy turf is a combination we often do not see. With the increased pressure to reduce pesticides and implement IPM programs, tree management has become an essential part of any longterm golf course management plan. Trees cause a number of issues including
Figure 1. An example of a fan installed to increase air movement.
restricted air movement. However, the biggest issue with trees is shade. The effect of shade is twofold. First, the plant does not get enough sunlight and therefore photosynthesis is limited. The lack of carbohydrates or energy (the
product of photosynthesis) restricts growth (primarily root growth), making the plants more susceptible to drought, further limiting photosynthesis. In addition, the plants become more susceptible to both abiotic stressors and disease pathogens further weakening the turf. The second effect of shade is a change in the way that turfgrass plants grow. The light that does make its way through a tree’s canopy have different wavelengths than full sunlight. Plants can sense this change in light quality and change their growth habit accordingly. While turf in full sunlight actively tillers, shaded plants will grow more upright and allocate more of their energy into growing taller in order to avoid the shade. The grass is never able to outcompete the surrounding trees for light.
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