Alabama Turf Times - Fall 2015

Fall 2015

Understanding

WeeD resistance ATA Member Spotlight on Jason Cooper, Sweetspire Gardens and ATA’s Incoming President

Join Us for the Deep South Turf Expo, October 13–15, 2015...

A New Southern Tradition

Fall 2015

Top Features 10

Save These Dates — 8 Lots of Happenings Ahead!

Upcoming Events — 10 Deep South Turf Expo,

October 13–15, 2015... a New Southern Tradition

ATA Member Spotlight — 15 Jason Cooper,

Sweetspire Gardens and ATA’s Incoming President

Turf Talk — 17 Understanding Weed Resistance 15

Turf Tips — 22 How Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Can Benefit Turfgrass Management

Departments 6 6 24

26 26

From the President’s Pen ATA Annual Sponsors News from ATA 2016 Slate of ATA Officers/Directors

Calendar of Events Advertiser Index

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

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www.AlTurfgrass.org 4

The Alabama Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Alabama Turf Times, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Alabama Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2015 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertion please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

From the President’s Pen >>>

ATA’s Bright Future

As Jeremy Sutton

2015 ATA Annual Sponsors Gold • • • • • •

ayer Environmental Science B Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Harrell’s, Inc. Jacobsen Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Silver • • • •

Ewing John Deere Landscapes Residex Syngenta

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

Bronze • • • • • • • • •

6

AGRI-AFC, LLC Agromax Aquatrols BASF Dow AgroSciences Humphries Turf Supply PBI-Gordon Southern States Turf Sur-Line Turf

I am wrapping up my last days as the ATA president, I want to express how proud I am of this organization. We made some major decisions this past year in deciding to co-host the Deep South Turf Expo. We added some networking events to our calendar of events to help foster relationships among our members. And we extended memberships to our RoadShow Seminar participants. I believe all these things will benefit our members and the association as a whole.

You will find in this issue the details about the Deep South Turf Expo. I encourage everyone to make it a priority to attend this event. The success of the DSTE is in your hands! The exhibitors are supporting this regional show 100%, so it’s now our responsibility as turf managers to show up and support it, too. A wealth of knowledge will be shared in our educational sessions, along with pesticide points and CEUs to be earned, purchases and information to be shared with industry suppliers, friends to be reunited and new friendships to be made.

As mentioned above, we are adding some new events to our schedule.

One is a Tiger-Dawg Tailgate. Come tailgate with your ATA friends on the Auburn University campus for the Auburn vs. Mississippi State game on September 26. Bring your family, and wear your team colors. Another event is a Dove Hunt on December 7 in Montgomery. We know we have lots of hunters among our membership, so come out and enjoy a hunt with your fellow members during this second dove season.

I hope our new members that we invited into ATA this year have realized the benefits of belonging to our association. I have been a proud member of ATA for most of my career, and I feel it has given back to me more than I could ever imagine — friendships, connections, education, leadership opportunities and a fulfillment of supporting and enhancing the turfgrass industry.

If you are new to ATA or if you are not actively involved, I encourage you to come to our meetings and events, get to know other members and network. Once you are connected, you will realize how valuable your investment in ATA is and reap the many benefits it offers you.

In closing, I would like to thank the ATA board of director representatives for their outstanding leadership and dedication to ATA. I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate all that you do for ATA. Your vision has always been on the future of ATA, and your forward thinking is commendable — thank you. Lastly, I would like to thank Tricia Roberts for all her help, support and years of service to the Alabama Turfgrass Association — we couldn’t do it without you!

Keep it green!

Jeremy Sutton 2015 ATA President Montgomery Country Club

Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Jeremy Sutton Montgomery Country Club

Vice President Jason Cooper

Sweetspire Gardens

Treasurer Paul Patterson

Univ. of Alabama Huntsville

Past President John Carter

Carter Sod Farm

BOARD OF DIRECTORS At–Large Kim Byram University of Alabama

David Isbell

Twelve Oaks Landscaping

Mickey Pitts

Beard Equipment Co.

Golf Mark Langner

FarmLinks Golf Club

Industry Chad Lambert Sur-Line Turf

Institution Joshua Slaven Troy University

Lawn Care Tom Luchner

Turf Tenders, LLC

Parks & Recreation Deven Peek City of Prattville

South Dallas Turf

EX OFFICIO/ EDUCATION ADVISORS Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.

Alabama Coop. Extension System 7

Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

Sod Tres’ Wilkinson

Save these Dates! >>>

MARK YOUR CALENDARS to Save These Dates!

September 26

Hey, Auburn and State Fans…

Let’s Tailgate!

Mississippi State will be visiting Auburn’s campus for an SEC matchup on Saturday, September 26. Come by and tailgate with your friends in the industry. The tailgate will be set up on Donahue Drive, directly behind home plate at Plainsman Park and in perfect view of Tiger Walk.

This will be a great opportunity to cheer on your team while networking with other turfgrass professionals.

Everyone is welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you in Auburn!

December 7

2016

ATA EVENTS RoadShow Seminars January 6 New Location!

Auburn, AL

January 13 Loxley, AL

January 20 Birmingham, AL

January 27 Dothan, AL

February 3 Montgomery, AL

February 17 Huntsville, AL

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 2015

Calling All Dove Hunters!

We have the Poa annua Classic for the golfers and the Mole Cricket Classic for the fishermen, and now we are bringing an event for the hunters in our association. If you enjoy hunting or just want to give it a try, we invite you to join us for our newest event, the ATA Dove Hunt.

The hunt will be held on Monday, December 7. A perfect time to break in the second season of dove hunting, it’s just before Christmas rush and in between football games.

The hunt will take place on a farm in south Montgomery County off Highway 80, so it should be centrally located for all our hunters across the state. As with most hunts, we will require all participants to sign a waiver and to provide their own gun and ammo.

The event will kick off with check-in at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately after, and then hunters will be sent to the fields for an afternoon of hunting dove.

Registration is $40, and you’ll be able to register online at www.AlTurfgrass.org. We look forward to hosting the new event for our hunters; feel free to invite your hunting buddies!

March TBA Sports Turf Field Day

May TBA Poa annua Classic Montgomery Country Club

September TBA, 2016 Mole Cricket Classic Orange Beach, AL

October 11-13, 2016 Deep South Turf Expo Biloxi, MS

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Upcoming Event >>>

Deep South

Turf Expo A New Southern Tradition

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

A

fter years of discussions and reminiscing about the good ‘ol days of the Southern Turfgrass Conference, the Deep South Turf Expo has officially become a reality! The Deep South Turf Expo is a collaboration of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Gulf Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association, the LouisianaMississippi Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. With their vision to provide a regional turfgrass show, the Deep South Turf Expo will start a new era of traditions.

The inaugural event is scheduled for October 13–15 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and turfgrass managers from all over the Southeast are expected to congregate for this epic event. Be sure you’re there to be a part of the excitement and happenings!

Keeping with the traditions of our trade organizations, the Deep South Turf Expo will feature educational sessions designed for every segment of the turfgrass industry. On Wednesday and Thursday, breakout sessions will address

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the many issues facing our industry — from career development, to pesticide regulation, to weed/disease/insect control, to maintenance schedules and the newest research in turfgrass management. The program is packed with the finest turfgrass professionals, professors and researchers who are southern turfgrass experts. And, of course, this will be the ideal event to get your pesticide re-certification points and other CEUs required for your profession.

Another great feature of the Deep South Turf Expo is a tradeshow full of companies that provide goods and services specifically for the turfgrass industry. We will have everything from mowers, harvesters, chemicals and irrigation parts to consultants and contractors. If you need it, you’ll be able to find it here! Our exhibitors are thrilled about the concept of a regional tradeshow, and we hope you take advantage of the selection you’ll find at the Deep South Turf Expo and support this effort. The tradeshow will also feature private rooms for you to meet with exhibitors and place orders, a silent auction with great deals and bargains and a “Draw-Down” to benefit the

Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation.

Social events are popular in the South, and we’ve included several opportunities for you to network and enjoy your time on the coast while at the Deep South Turf Expo. On the first day, golfers will enjoy a tournament at The Preserve Golf Club, which has been integrated within an 1,800-acre native preserve full of live oaks, cypress swamps, long leaf pines and native grass prairies. For our marksmen, we will host a Skeet Tournament at Coast Rifle and Pistol Club where you will join in a friendly shooting competition of skeeting and trapping at this fabulous facility in Biloxi. And our seamen will enjoy an afternoon cruising on the historic Biloxi Schooner along the Mississippi Sound. The day will end with the Grand Opening Reception of the tradeshow where everyone can mingle, talk to the exhibitors, make dinner plans and reconnect with friends.

The following day will feature our Surf ‘n Turf Dinner beside the sparkling pool at the Beau Rivage overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. It will be a great event to socialize, make new memories and start a new tradition.

DSTE Exhibitors (to date)

DSTE Sponsors Surf ‘n Turf Dinner Bayer Harrell’s, Inc.

Agri-AFC, LLC Alternative Turf Specialists Aquatrols

Lunch

BASF BWI Companies, Inc. Davison Fuels

BASF

Continental Breakfast Syngenta

First Products FMC Graham Spray Equipment Greenleaf Technologies Growth Products GT AirInject, Inc.

Reception

Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Past Presidents’ Breakfast Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor

Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Sporting Clay Tournament

John Deere Landscapes

Nufarm Americas

Keeling Company

Tradeshow Bags

Moose River Media

Sod Solutions

Net Connection, LLC Nufarm Americas Par Aide Products Pennington Seed Performance Tire & Wheel Residex SePRO Sod Solutions Southern Aggregates, LLC Southern Athletic Fields, Inc. Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc. Southern States Coop Turf Division

Schedule of Events Tuesday, October 13 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Heavy equipment move-in

8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Exhibitor move-in

Specialty Turf Supply, Inc. Sports Turf Services

11:00 a.m.

Standard Golf Company

Sporting Clay

Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Sur-Line Turf

11:00 a.m.

Syngenta The Turfgrass Group Tebro Manufacturing Trimax Mowing Service Turf Fuel – Residex Watermark Golf

Golf Tournament at The Preserve

Tournament at the Coastal Rifle and Pistol Club

11:00 a.m.

Schooner Cruise

11:00 a.m.

Sports Field Tour

6:00 p.m.

Expo Grand Opening Reception 11

Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

The finest accommodations are expected at a Southern gathering, and attendees will not be disappointed with our host hotel, the Beau Rivage, a FourDiamond development by MGM Resorts International that sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Our room rates are $99 and can be secured by calling 1-888-567-6667. There is also a link on our website (www.DeepSouthTurfExpo.org) that will take you directly to the hotel’s on-line reservation page.

All educational and tradeshow functions will be held at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center, which is just five minutes from the Beau Rivage and has adequate space for all our events, needs and requirements. Expect true southern hospitality!

Be part of this new tradition... learn from the industry’s best, reunite with college friends, share success stories with peers outside your “competition zone” and make new friends and business contacts from all over the Southeast at the Deep South Turf Expo. Your invitation awaits! Visit www.DeepSouthTurf Expo.org for more details and to register! v

Upcoming Event >>> Continued

Wednesday, October 14 7:00 a.m.

Continental breakfast available.

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tradeshow open

8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

Concurrent educational breakout sessions (see below)

Professional Development

Pesticide Usage & Safety

Soil & Water Management

Taking Your Career to the Next Level Cory Blair, CGCS, Stoval Fine-tune your networking and communication skills to improve your job today and prepare for your next position or promotion.

Pesticide Regulations, Storage and Protection Kim Pope, Louisiana State University Discuss the rules and regulations governing pesticides, understand labels and learn about the proper storage of pesticides and pesticide applications for user safety.

First and Foremost – Be an Agronomist Mike Goatley, Ph.D., Virginia Tech All turf managers are in the business of producing as many leaves, stems and roots as possible, while doing this under a myriad of stresses from environment, management and traffic. This session will review how to coordinate the science with the art of turfgrass management when it comes to producing the healthiest, best playing surface possible.

9:20 a.m.

Raps about Apps: Using New Technologies for Turf Management Barry Stewart, Ph.D., Mississippi State University Review and actually use the newest and top-rated applications and technology available for turfgrass managers. Emphasis will be placed on free and inexpensive applications for everything from measuring land surface to calibration to soil surveying.

Developing Diversified WeedManagement Strategies Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University Learn everything from fraise mowing to combatting weeds with innovative tank mixtures and application timings. This session will lead turfgrass managers to a new understanding of how to produce better turf using fewer inputs.

Weed Control in Ponds and Waterways Stephen Enloe, Ph.D., University of Florida Learn about the fundamentals of aquatic weed management in ponds and waterways. This strongly interactive presentation will use Turning Point Clicker Technology. Come prepared to engage with the speaker and have some fun!

10:40 a.m.

You Are the Commodity: Marketing & Developing Yourself Bill Brown, Turf Republic Develop an understanding of basic branding and marketing principles with digital media. Gain an understanding of how brands can be affected, both positively and negatively. Discuss the top social-media platforms used by the turfgrass industry and how to successfully use them to build your brand.

Controlling Annual Grasses in Golf Putting Greens Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University Hear about new herbicides and differing herbicides strategies for controlling the most problematic weeds in putting greens, specifically control of smooth crabgrass, goosegrass, and annual bluegrass.

Navigating the Regulatory Waterways: The ABCs of BMPs Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida Water quality is a big deal, and green-industry management practices are regularly implicated in its demise. Review the Best Management Practices from their development through their implementation.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

8:00 a.m.

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12:00 p.m.

Luncheon & Keynote Presentation Habits and Virtues of the Successful Mike Goatley, Ph.D., Virginia Tech Defining success in turfgrass management is often a moving target because priorities change as jobs and lives mature. Dr. Goatley will apply his 27 years of experience and observation in turfgrass science while presenting his list of what he feels are the keys to professional and personal success in the turfgrass industry.

2:00 p.m.

ATA & MTA Annual Business Meetings

2:30 p.m.

ATRF & LMGCSA Annual Business Meetings

3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GCGCSA & AGCSA Annual Business Meetings

6:00 p.m.

Surf n’ Turf Dinner at the Beau Rivage

Tradeshow Talks (in various exhibitor booths) Silent Auction closes • ATRF Grand Prize Drawing

Continued <<< Cover Story

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2015

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Upcoming Event >>> Continued

Thursday, October 15 7:00 a.m.

Continental breakfast available.

7:00 a.m.

Past Presidents’ Breakfast (invitation only)

8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

Exhibitor breakdown

8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

Concurrent educational breakout sessions (see below)

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> FAll 201 5

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

14

Golf Turf

Sports Turf

Lawn & Landscape

The Diverse World of Plant Growth Regulator Usage Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University This session will discuss lower PGR use rates and variable application timings utilizing growing degree days as a means of properly timing trinexapac-ethyl applications. Other PGRs, such as paclobutrazol, will be discussed.

The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of Bermudagrass Cultivars Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Auburn University Learn the basics of bermudagrass cultivar selection, what’s new on the market and the uses and latest research of the various cultivars.

Reducing Costs & Maximizing Inputs with Sound Agronomy for the Landscape Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University Learn how to maintain high-quality turf without excess inputs of water, fertilizer and chemicals. Points will include determining nutrient requirements for southern lawn grasses, identifying and dealing with pest problems before they become severe and expensive, and educating clients to irrigate effectively.

Management of Spring Dead Spot, Mini-Ring and Other Patch Diseases Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Ph.D., Mississippi State University This session will cover current options for fungicide control, how to avoid disease on golf course greens and fungicide application strategies, along with an introduction to a new foliar disease.

Managing Skinned Areas and Turf-Skin Interfaces Ray Sayre, Pensacola Wahoos Discuss the management practices of infield playing surfaces, field alignment and the transition to turf areas from the skinned areas.

Developing Weed-Management Strategies for the Landscape Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State, and Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University This session will discuss preemergence and postemergence herbicides, along with bed maintenance and design that enhances aesthetics while limiting the need for chemical weed control.

Novel Organic-Matter Management Strategies Christian Baldwin, Ph.D., Mississippi State University Discuss how to keep turf at optimal playing conditions throughout the year without comprising the soil physical properties with a modified traditional aerification program.

Developing Efficient Strategies for Managing High-Use Sports Fields Ken Edwards, City of Gulfport Explore the process of developing a comprehensive maintenance plan to deal with issues relating to the management of multiple fields that are often overused due to excessive demand.

Watch Out for the Tawny Crazy Ants Fudd Graham, Ph.D., Auburn University There’s a new ant in town, and he’s cray-cray. Learn about the new Crazy Ant, its threat to our landscapes and how to manage infestations.

Life Lessons from the Golf Course Ken Magnum, CGCS, Retired With a lifetime of experience on a golf course, Ken has witnessed and lived many adventures. Learn about the most influential lessons he learned as a superintendent that helped him and will help you.

Weed Control on Turfgrass Establishment, Grow-In and Recovery Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University All turf requires special management considerations when in a weakened state. Weeds take advantage of weak turf, but the wrong herbicide selection can be just as detrimental. Gain insight into herbicide selection and timings that are safe and effective.

Weed Management for Centipede, St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum Ron Strahan, Ph.D., Louisiana State University Identify and discuss the management of the most troublesome weeds infesting St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass and seashore paspalum.

CEU sign-ups and conference adjournment

<<< ATA Member Spotlight

ATA Member Spotlight on...

Jason Cooper, Sweetspire Gardens and ATA’s Incoming President

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

If

you need someone to “get the job done,” your best man is Jason Cooper, ATA’s incoming president. Jason has worked tirelessly on the ATA board of directors for the last six years. He chaired our Membership and Governmental Affairs committees before taking on the responsibilities of our treasurer and vice president.

If you don’t know Jason, that’s not surprising — he’s very quiet. He is a listener and thinker, which are both great leadership characteristics. Jason is always prepared and addresses each issue and decision with all possible options carefully considered. Jason’s leadership skills were quickly discovered

by ATA, just three years after he joined ATA: we recruited him for the board and haven’t let him leave yet!

Jason and Fran Cooper, with their two daughters, Hannah and Ellis.

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Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

Jason attended Auburn University and graduated with a horticulture degree in 1997. While in college, he worked summer jobs for the Auburn University Facilities Department. He credits Dr. Joe Eakes, his mentor and Auburn horticulture professor, for getting him started on his career path by introducing him to people within the green industry and teaching him the importance of always working on his craft, giving back to the industry and training the next generation.

Jason’s career has landed him great opportunities at Birmingham-Southern College, Southern Scape, LLC, and Richter Landscape Company.

He is now embarking on a new career path as a business owner. On October 1, Jason will open the doors of his lifetime dream, Sweetspire Gardens. This retail garden center will feature landscape materials as well as offer design consulting to ensure the perfect landscape.

Sweetspire Gardens will be located in the Bluff Park area of Birmingham.

Jason has already succeeded working on the next generation of Coopers.

Jason and his wife, Fran, have two beautiful daughters, Hannah (age 8) and Ellis (age 5). They are active members of Mountain Brook Community Church.

Jason enjoys golf and spending time with his daughters, which includes soccer games, gymnastics and tea parties.

They are working on adopting a dog in the near future, but for now, their two beta fish complete their family.

Thank you, Jason, for devoting your time and energy for the betterment of the Alabama Turfgrass Association.

We are a better organization because of you, and we look forward to next year under your leadership. v

<<< Turf Talk

Understanding

Weed Resistance

By James Horton, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

For

the 1950s, and during the 1970s, the number of herbicide-resistant weeds really started growing (excuse the pun).

Worldwide, 246 species of weeds (143 dicots and 103 monocots) have developed resistance to 157 different herbicides. In the U.S. alone, 150 species of weeds are resistant to herbicides, with 21 resistant to glyphosate alone.

Almost all of these herbicide-resistant weeds have occurred in agronomic cropping systems, but the fear for turfgrass managers is that any of these weeds could escape those fields and find their way to turfgrass sites. Of course, some

herbicide-resistant weeds already exist in turfgrass, but the number could increase if turfgrass managers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take proactive steps to prevent this from happening.

What is resistance?

Herbicide resistance is defined by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the inherited ability of a plant to survive and reproduce following exposure to a dose of herbicide normally lethal to the wild type. In a plant, resistance may be naturally occurring or induced by such techniques as genetic

17

Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

a turfgrass manager, weed control is more complex and difficult than ever due to tighter regulations, loss of herbicides, changing laws, old products with new formulations and names, premixes, generics, fluctuating prices and invasive weed species. More recently, yet another issue has arisen, and it has become an important topic at turfgrass conferences, seminars and pesticide-training classes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; weed resistance to herbicides.

This problem, however, is not new to agriculture. It has been around since

Covertalk turf Story >>> >>> Continued Continued

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

engineering or selection of variants produced by tissue culture or mutagenesis.” Several chemical manufacturers and the WSSA think this topic is so important that they have sponsored a group known as the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) to study, track and seek solutions to combat this problem.

Many chemical companies today list “weed-resistance management” as a spe-

18

cific topic in the first few pages of their herbicide labels where you normally find information about precautionary statements, general information, storage/disposal, environmental conditions and biological activity. Given that this topic has gotten the attention of the WSSA and chemical companies, it should surely sound an alarm to those applying herbicides.

Understanding how herbicides work

Before discussing herbicide resistance, it is important to understand how herbicides work. Simply stated, herbicides must follow the progression below in order to work effectively. They must: • Come in contact with the target plant (weed).

• Be absorbed by that plant.

• Move to the site of action in the plant without being deactivated.

• Accumulate toxic levels at the site of action to kill or suppress the target plant.

That seems straight forward, but not every weed is controlled by every herbicide. Why? Currently, there are three known resistance mechanisms that plants employ to survive a herbicide application: • an alteration of the site of action, preventing herbicide interaction with binding sites, thus allowing the target-site protein to remain functional • rapid degradation of the herbicide by the plant’s metabolism at the site of action • the ability of the plant to impede the herbicide movement, move the herbicide away from its target site or move the herbicide to a location where it is ineffective (sequestration) Since these plant mechanisms are inherited abilities, they are subject to change with every new generation of weed seedlings. For that reason, a group of plants within a species that have different biological traits (such as the mechanisms listed above) not common to the population as a whole are known as biotypes.

Herbicide resistance therefore refers to the inherited ability of the weed biotype to survive a herbicide application to which the original population was susceptible. Currently in Alabama, eight biotypes representing six species of weeds are herbicide resistant. See Table 1. Naturally occurring weed species not controlled by a specific herbicide product before any selection pressure or genetic manipulation would be considered naturally tolerant, but not herbicide resistant.

Continued >>> turf talk

Therefore, it is important for every turfgrass manager to read the label to discern whether the herbicide being considered is even effective against the problem weed. If the weed is mentioned under the “List of Weeds Controlled,” that weed is unable to detoxify that specific herbicide, so that herbicide will accumulate toxic levels at the site of action, killing or suppressing the target weed. It’s worth noting that biotypes with low-level resistance to any of the three resistance mechanisms mentioned above may still sometimes be controlled when the herbicide is applied to small plants at high-end label rates.

As you can see, the site of action is where the plant has a chance through genetic diversity to overcome the herbicide’s effect or where the herbicide can expose the weak link in the plant’s herbicide resistance armor.

What’s causing herbicide resistance?

Besides genetic diversity in weed populations, human nature coupled

Table 1. Herbicide resistant weeds of Alabama, reported by year resistance was discovered, per the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds (www.weedscience.org). # Year Species

Site of Action

Active Ingredient

Trade Name

1

1980

Poa annua Annual bluegrass

Photosystem II inhibitors (C1/5)

simazine

Princep

2

1987

Eleusine indica Goosegrass

Microtubule inhibitors (K1/3)

trifluralin

Treflan

3

1988

Xanthium strumarium Common cocklebur

Nucleic acid inhibitors

DSMA MSMA

Many trade names Many trade names

4

2008 Amaranthus palmeri Palmer Amaranth

EPSP synthase inhibitors (G/9)

glyphosate

Roundup

5

2012

Poa annua Annual bluegrass

ALS inhibitors (B/2)

bispyribac-sodium foramsulfuron imazaquin trifloxysulfuron

Velocity Revolver Image Monument

6

2012

Poa annua Annual luegrass

Microtubule inhibitors (K1/3)

dithiopyr pendimethalin prodiamine

Dimension Pendulum Barricade

7

2013

Conyza canadensis Horsetail

EPSP synthase inhibitors (G/9)

glyphosate

Roundup

8

2013

Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed

EPSP synthase inhibitors (G/9)

glyphosate

Roundup

Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

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Covertalk turf Story >>> >>> Continued Continued

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

with a herbicide’s effectiveness is also to blame. Where resistant weeds have been found, it has most often occurred when turfgrass managers were so satisfied with a product and its level of control, they used the same product repeatedly until previously controlled weeds were no longer affected by the product.

It should be stated that herbicides don’t cause weeds to become resistant; it’s an evolutionary process made possible due to the fact that weeds have a very high reproduction rate with a tremendous amount of genetic variation that allows them to survive under a variety of environmental conditions.

Some species are capable of producing thousands to hundreds of thousands of seeds each growing season per plant.

Annual weeds are more commonly listed as resistant weeds than perennials. Perennial weeds, particularly those that reproduce vegetatively as well as by seed, are less likely to

20

develop resistance than annual weeds, which typically reproduce through abundant seed production. Perennial weeds that spread vegetatively have fewer opportunities for new mutations and, therefore, less genetic diversity for resistance. In fact, the most common weed genera that contain herbicideresistant populations worldwide are dominated by annual species. Of the six species of herbicide-resistant weeds in Alabama, all have annual life cycles.

Regardless of life cycle, if conditions aren’t favorable for germination one year, seeds simply lie dormant in the soil, adding to the seed bank, eventually germinating in future years if they survive the elements of nature. The weed seedling population must contain at least one plant with the resistant gene(s); therefore, weed resistance is a selection process, rarely a result of mutation.

Due to the high number of weed seedlings produced each year, certain

seedlings within the population could be genetically resistant to a given herbicide. If only one resistant seedling survives the herbicide treatment and is allowed to grow and reproduce, then its resistant offspring could also reproduce, and over time, a resistant population could become more obvious. If this situation went unchecked, it could spread past the immediate area, causing even larger problems. In farming situations, resistant weeds usually go undetected until about 30% weed control failure for a specific weed is observed.

In general, turfgrass managers and golf course superintendents would see a resistant-weed problem much more quickly because of weeds’ visibility in turfgrass.

So, complacency and lack of knowledge when using a favorite singular herbicide program season after season, year after year, have played a major role in creating weed resistance. Singleherbicide programs or using herbicides

Continued Continued <<< >>> Cover turfStory talk

with the same site of action over a long period of time without supplementing different herbicide/s with a different site of action can lead to herbicideresistant weeds. Once a resistant seedling survives the herbicide treatment, grows and reproduces, the sole reliance on that same herbicide will continue to increase the selection pressure on weeds for resistance.

Mode of action and site of action

All weeds that survive herbicide treatments aren’t necessarily resistant to the herbicide used. By far, the overwhelming statistical reason that weeds survive herbicide applications is due to factors that we as turfgrass managers can control, either prior to, during or after the application. Here is a list of factors that should be considered: • Label information — Does the herbicide control the specific problem weed, as indicated by the product label?

• Age of weed — Were the weeds young or in a flowering/seeding stage?

• Season — Was the application made in time and/or made during the correct season?

• Climate/weather — Was the application made during proper temperatures, wind and other conditions?

• Weed leaf surface — Was a surfactant used, especially for hairy or waxy leaves?

• Irrigation — Was water/rainfall needed after the application to activate the herbicide, and was it applied?

• Rainfall — Did the application remain dry for the required time after application?

• Drought — Were the weeds under water stress (wilted or covered in dust)?

• Nutrition — Were the weeds under stress, stunted or hardened?

• Time of day — Was the application made very early or late in the day (some plants have leaves that droop or fold during low light)?

• Cultivation — Was mowing, verticutting or tilling required or discouraged after application?

• Soil organic matter and texture — Were rates altered for the soil conditions?

• Soil moisture — Was there adequate soil moisture or too much before the application?

• Chemical compatibility — Were chemicals approved for tank mixes?

• Rate — Was the proper rate calculated and used for the area treated?

• Calibration — Was the equipment calibrated correctly before the application?

• Equipment — Were nozzles and pressure checked prior to application?

•W ere the weeds simply missed during the application?

Turfgrass managers should make sure all factors were considered first before claiming they have a resistant-weed problem. If resistance is still suspected, contact your local Alabama Cooperative Extension System agent, and report the problem. Do not let suspected resistant weeds grow and reproduce by seed or proliferate vegetatively. Control the weeds with a labeled herbicide having another site of action, or use appropriate nonchemical weed-control methods.

Lastly, monitor the area closely for several seasons, and continue using herbicides with different SOAs in future weed-control programs.

Solutions • Scout lawns, sport fields, golf courses and parks regularly, and identify the weeds that are present.

• Use the highest recommended rate of the herbicide for the toughest weed species present at the proper application timing.

• Rotate herbicides having different site of actions; don’t make more than two consecutive applications of herbicides with the same SOA. • Use herbicides with multiple sites of action, or tank-mix herbicides with different SOAs. • Use crop oil concentrates, surfactants or liquid fertilizer solutions to increase herbicide uptake.

• Clean equipment when moving to different locations.

• Monitor the turfgrass after the application, and keep good records.

Conclusion The potential for weeds to develop herbicide resistance is real. If we ignore the lessons we’ve learned, new populations of herbicide-resistant weeds will evolve. This issue deserves continued serious, thoughtful and proactive management strategies to mitigate the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, while protecting and sustaining the herbicides resources available today and keeping our turfgrass as weed free as possible. v

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Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

When discussing herbicide weed resistance, two terms — mode of action and site of action — are often mentioned interchangeably, but these two terms do have slightly different meanings.

Mode of action (MOA) describes the overall manner in which herbicide affects a plant at the tissue or cellular level, and it refers to the sequence of events from absorption into the plant to plant death. So, this term describes “how” the herbicide action takes place.

Nine MOA groups are known at this time: lipid synthesis inhibitors, amino-acid synthesis inhibitors, growth regulators, photosynthesis inhibitors, nitrogenmetabolism inhibitors, pigment inhibitors, cell-membrane disruptors, seedling root-growth inhibitors and seedling shoot-growth inhibitors. Two additional MOA groups are listed, but little is known about them, so therefore they are listed as undefined and unknown.

Site of action (SOA) refers to the specific location of the biochemical process in the plant that the herbicide disrupts to interfere with plant growth and development. So, this term describes “where” the herbicide action takes place.

Many of the SOAs affect important plant enzymes or proteins and are well understood, while other sites are unknown.

The WSSA developed a site-of-action numbering system to make it easier for herbicide users to choose herbicides for their herbicide programs that combat the weed-resistance problem.

Weeds have evolved resistance to 22 of the 25 known herbicide sites of action and to 157 different herbicides.

To avoid resistant-weed problems, rotate to a herbicide with a different SOA after two consecutive applications of herbicides with the same SOA.

If not resistance, what happened?

Turf Tips >>>

How Can Plant Growth-Promoting

a b c o t z eria i h R s s a r M g f a r nagement? u T t i f e n e B

By R. Murphey Coy and David W. Held, Ph.D., Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn AL (or plant-growthpromoting rhizobacteria) are not new or even novel, yet their interactions with plants may lay the groundwork for novel solutions to several different issues in turfgrass culture.

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are non-pathogenic, beneficial, free-living soil- and root-inhabiting bacteria that are able to colonize seeds and roots (rhizosphere). Bacterial inoculants have been extensively used in annual field crops (usually as a seed coating or treatment), yet little attention has been given to use in perennial crops like turfgrass.

PGPR

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

What Are Rhizobacteria?

• These bacteria colonize plant roots.

• There are multiple species or strains (like bacterial cultivars).

• They can be good or bad for plants.

• “Good” rhizobacteria can induce benefits in plants.

• Some are not formulated for application to turfgrass.

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Products marketed with PGPR are formulated as single species of bacteria or as blends of multiple species or strains. PGPR products may be available as a liquid or granule, and they are compatible with most chemicals already used. For example, Bayer Environmental Sciences introduced Nortica®, Bacillus firmis, a single-species PGPR granular product for enhanced growth and nematode control in turfgrass. Other PGPR products include Growth Products Companion®, Brandt Noculate®, Nocu-tain®, Nocu-Gro®, Nocu-Start®, Roots Ecoguard®, Flexx® and Healthy Turf®. Often, the bacteria are formulated with a complement of plant nutrients.

What happens when PGPR are applied? The rhizosphere is the layer of soil that is influenced by the plant root, and it has a greater density of organic carbon and bacteria than the rest of the bulk soil. This allows for the plant’s roots to secrete root exudates and metabolites that can be used as plant nutrients. The bacterial community is richer around the rhizosphere, so competition exists between microbes for limited soil nutrients and space that can be colonized on the root. Therefore, to have a positive impact on the plant, bacterial inoculants must survive inoculation onto the roots, multiply and colonize the developing root system.

Photo 1. Average root system after five weeks of Control and PGPR-treated Tifway.

In many cases, PGPR are both endophytic (capable of living within the plant tissue) and epiphytic characteristic (capable of living on plant surfaces). There is also some evidence that solutions containing PGPR may also have direct negative impacts on pests such as plant parasitic nematodes in the soil water.

The mechanisms of PGPR on plants are not well understood, but studies have shown that PGPR somehow mediate the plant’s ability to tolerate abiotic and biotic stress. For example, our recent work with AU blends of PGPR and

Photo 2: 21 Days without water. Blend 20 (left), Control (middle) and Blend 8 (right).

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Al abam a Tur f Ti me s >>> Fall 201 5

bermudagrass has shown an increase of 150% in root length, surface area and volume when PGPR are applied.

Treatment of grass with PGPR may increase drought tolerance. Observational greenhouse studies have shown the ability of certain PGPR blends to keep grass alive and green for several weeks under drought conditions.

PGPR blends have been able to deter fall armyworm (FAW) oviposition on bermudagrass, and FAW adult emergence has been negatively impacted when caterpillars feed on PGPR-treated grass.

Individual strains have been evaluated and demonstrated abilities for N2 fixation and PO4-3 (phosphate) solubilization in acidic and basic soils, and for siderophore (iron-binding) production.

It is a goal of our on-going work to find a partner in industry to help us bring these benefits of PGPR to managed turfgrass. We are also working with colleagues in the college to better understand the mechanisms for abiotic and biotic stress mediation by PGPR in bermudagrass. As of now, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a product, just some incredibly promising data that indicate our AU PGPR strains and blends can play a role in addressing some of the current and future challenges in turfgrass management. v

News from ATA >>>

Alabama Turfgrass Association

2016 Slate of Officers

and Board of Directors

Board of Directors Golf Mark Langner (1 year) FarmLinks Golf Club

Industry Buddy Williams (2 years) BWI Companies

The

membership of the Alabama Turfgrass Association will have the opportunity to vote on the following slate of officers and directors for the upcoming year at the ATA Annual Business Meeting, to be held at the Deep South Turf Expo on Wednesday, October 14.

Please make every point to attend this meeting and vote on the future leadership of your association

Institution Joshua Slaven (1 year) Troy University

Lawn Care Andrew Bice (2 years) Blackjack Horticulture

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Park & Recreation

President

Treasurer

Jason Cooper (1 year) Sweetspire Gardens

Tresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wilkinson (1 year) South Dallas Turf

Vice President

Past President

Paul Patterson (1 year) Univ. of Alabama Huntsville

Jeremy Sutton (1 year) Montgomery Country Club

Deven Peek (1 year) City of Prattville

Sod Paul Salzmann (2 years) Salzmann Farms

At Large Kim Byram (2 years) University of Alabama David Isbell (1 year) Twelve Oaks Landscaping Mickey Pitts (1 year) Beard Equipment Co.

Ex Officio/ Education Advisors Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University (334) 844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. AL Cooperative Extension System (205) 879-6964, ext. 19 jacobjc@auburn.edu

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Fall 201 5

ATA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tricia Roberts (334) 821-3000 mailbox@alaturfgrass.org v

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Index of Advertisers >>> Alabama 811.....................................................................19 www.al1call.com Agri-AFC,LLC..................................................................... 3 www.agri-afc.com Aquatrols Corporation of America...................................20 www.aquatrols.com Coosa Valley Turf Farm................................................ 26 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com Ewing Irrigation..............................................................9 www.ewing1.com Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc......................................16 www.greenvilleturf.com Gulf Coast Organic Inc................................................... 5 www.geogrows.com Harrell’s LLC...................................... Inside Front Cover www.harrells.com Heritage Turf Inc........................................................... 24 Humphries Turf Supply................................................. 15 www.humphriesturf.com Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation..........................................25 www.jerrypate.com KWMI / K & W Products Inc..................Inside Back Cover www.kwmiequipment.com Natur Chem.....................................................................23 www.naturchem.net Nufarm.............................................................................23 www.nufarm.com/usto RD Murphy, LLC............................................................... 7 www.rdmurphy.com Riebeling Farms, Inc...................................................... 24 Smith Seed Services...................................................... 26 www.smithseed.com South Dallas Turf Farm, Inc......................................... 26 www.southdallasturf.com Southeast Turf Maintenance....................................... 26 www.southeastturf.com Southern Lawns..............................................................18 www.southernlawns.net Southern Specialty Equipment...................................... 7 www.ssequip.net Sur-Line Turf, Inc............................................................ 13 www.surlineturf.com The Andersons Technologies, Inc................................ 13 www.andersonsgolfproducts.com The Turfgrass Group..................................... Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Techs Lawn Service LLC........................................18 Twelve Oaks Landscape Co...........................................18 www.twelveoakslandscape.com TriEst Ag Group Inc......................................................... 7 www.hendrixanddail.com

Calendar of Events >>>

September 13–14

Mole Cricket Classic Orange Beach, AL

September 15–17

NRPA Congress and Expo (Nat. Rec. and Park Assn.)

Las Vegas, NV

October 13–15, 2015 Deep South Turf Expo

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center Biloxi, MS

October 21–23

PLANET Green Industry Conference Louisville, KY

October 22–24

GIE+Expo — Green Industry Equipment Expo and School of Grounds Management Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

Digital Marketplace

December 7

ATA Dove Hunt Montgomery, AL

January 19–22, 2016 STMA Conference and Exhibition San Diego, CA

January 21–22, 2016

Gulf States Horticultural Expo Mobile Outlaw Convention Cntr.

Mobile, AL

February 6–11, 2016

Golf Industry Show San Diego Convention Ctr. San Diego, CA

February 22–25, 2016

TPI International Education Conference & Field Day (Turfgrass Producers Intl.)

Hyatt Regency Houston Houston, TX

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