Alabama Turf Times - Summer 2019

Summer 2019

Residual Control of Fall Armyworms Plus, Save the Date for Deep South Turf Expo October 1–3, 2019

A BreAkThrouGh In SuSTAInABIlITy

“ While researching TifTuf TM, i was impressed by the cultivar’s tolerance to adverse conditions, particu- larly drought, low fertility, traffic and cool weather. in the trial work i conducted, TifTuf TM was the first cultivar to green up in the spring, the last to go dormant during drought conditions and the most tolerant to traffic. Other notable characteristics of TifTuf TM include fine leaf texture and high turf density, as well as aggressive growth and establish- ment rates.”

Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., Oregon State University

As water restrictions tighten in many drought-stricken areas of the U.S., golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, property owners and sod producers increasingly value drought-tolerant turfgrass. Selected for its superior drought and wear tolerance, TiFTUF™ has been rigorously developed and tested for more than two decades by a team of researchers led by Dr. Wayne Hanna and Dr. Brian Schwartz at UGA’s Tifton Campus.

TiFTUF™ was bred in 1992, as one of 27,700 experimental bermudagrass genotypes. in 1999, ninety of the most promising genotypes were planted under a rainout shelter and evaluated through 2001 under deficit irrigation.

Under this drought stress, TiFTUF™ (tested as experimental name DT-1) maintained its quality and green color the longest. in 2011 continuing drought study testing established that TiFTUF™ requires 38% less water than Tifway. Since then, TiFTUF™ has been further tested in 19 drought-stress trials, 2 sports field wear tolerance trials and 4 irrigated, non-stress trials at The University of Georgia, The University of Florida, North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University as part of the Federal Specialty Crop research initiative (SCri) grant. it has now been determined that TiFTUF™ will become the University research standard by which all drought tolerance will be determined. in 2013, TiFTUF™ was entered into the National Turfgrass evaluation Program (NTeP) bermudagrass trials where it is being evaluated in 20 locations across the United States until 2017. NTeP results from 2014 reveal that TiFTUF™ scored the highest quality ratings in the following test locations: North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma and California.

TiFTUF™ also ranked in the highest statistical group for quality in Alabama, Georgia, indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and Missouri.

Fine textured and dense, TiFTUF™ exhibits several additional stellar qualities, including superior wear tolerance, early spring greenup, excellent fall color retention and extremely rapid grow-in. if you’re seeking a truly superior turfgrass for performance, aesthetics and sustainability, you’ve just found it.

“ With its combination of drought tolerance, aggressive growth and superior fall color, it has a great place in the industry.”

Grady Miller, Ph.D., North Carolina State University “ it also survives winters in Kansas. With 94% survival, it is no different than Latitude 36 TM, Yukon, Patriot TM and Riviera.”

Jared Hoyle, Ph.D., Kansas State University “ TifTuf TM performed very well on our large-scale Linear Gradient irrigation System at the university of florida. it maintained good quality with signif- icantly less water compared to the other commer- cially produced cultivars.”

J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida “ We found evidence that TifTuf TM used less water than Tifway 419 and TifSport. it’s just a very tough and drought-tolerant grass. As soon as it quits raining, TifTuf TM is still performing well, unlike others that can start to fail.”

Brian Schwartz, Ph.D., University of Georgia “ With today’s extreme environmental conditions, there has never been a greater need for a superior drought- and wear-tolerant grass like TifTuf TM. its aggressive grow-in under cold and drought conditions makes TifTuf TM the environmentally and financially successful turfgrass choice. This rigorously tested grass that maintains its color and quality will create the most sustainable, environmentally friendly lawns, sports fields and golf courses around the world.”

Ken Morrow, Co-Founder of The Turfgrass Group

USDA drought-tolerance trial (left to right): TiFTUF™, Latitude 36™ and Celebration™.

Engineering Better Turfgrass One Blade At A Time

For more information on licensing opportunities, please contact: The Turfgrass Group, Inc. (770) 207-1500 or (770) 710-8139 www.THeTUrFGrASSGrOUP.com

Cover Story >>> Continued

Summer 2019

Top Features 12

Recent Events — 8 Lawn and Landscape Field Day Poa Annua Classic

Upcoming Event — 10 Deep South Turf Expo, October 1–3, 2019

ATA Member Spotlight – 12 Steve Sanderson Cover Story — 14 Residual Control of Fall Armyworms Turf Tips — 19 Weed Science Research Update:

Pylex – A New Carotenoid Inhibiting Herbicide

14

Departments 6

From the President’s Pen

6

ATA Annual Sponsors

9

News from ATA

22

Calendar of Events

22

Advertiser Index

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

19

www.AlaTurfgrass.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 © 2019 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 Jefferson City, MO. 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

PROVIDING THE BEST SELECTION OF TURF AND LANDSCAPE PRODUCTS, COMPETITIVE PRICES, AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. 5215 FAIRGROUND DR. | MARION, MS | 800-395-2580 5

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

BW I CO M PA N I E S

From the President’s Pen >>>

Summer

is Almost Here

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

W

ow, it’s hard to believe that summer is almost here. Hopefully, every ATA member came through the spring storms unscathed. Please remember those that weren’t so fortunate and continue assisting in whatever manner possible, and praying for them. That may be one of the best characteristics of the green industry; we definitely look out for one another.

A big thank you for all of those that came out and supported the Landscape Field Day in Decatur and the Poa Tournament at FarmLinks. We need to continue to support these annual events and especially our sponsors. If you get one thing from my tenure as president, it is that the ATA is successful due to our sponsors and of course you as a member.

Speaking of the Poa, we plan to make a few changes to it next spring, and hopefully everyone will like what we propose to do. It will give everyone more time for fellowship and possibly to brag about their excellent driving and putting skills! More details to come as we get them in concrete. On a sad note, we will not be having an event this year tied to the Mole Cricket Classic. Lack of attendance, poor planning, and some bad luck have left us with really no other option, but to cancel the event. We hated to do this, but while breaking even on an event is ok, we could not feasibly continue to lose money on it. There may be a possibility that it could be brought back in the future, and if anyone has an idea, or suggestion, please let us know.

As for the second half of 2019, ATA members should keep in mind the Deep South Turf Expo which is October 1–3 in Biloxi and the ATA’s Sponsor Appreciation Sporting Clay Shoot at the Lower Wetumka Sporting Club on December 9. At the ATA board meeting later this summer both of these events along with our normal list of business will be discussed. As the calendar rolls forward into 2020, we of course will host our ever popular ATA Road Shows. Planning for the Road Shows will soon take place and again let me encourage you to suggest any topics you want to hear. Forward your suggestions to any board member, Melanie Bonds or me. I also want to get out an early message about next year’s Sport Turf Field Day. Kevin Tingle and the City of Florence will host this event and we are excited to take this action packed, hands-on educational production to their facilities. Kevin asked about hosting it and we are grateful for his offer.

Lastly, I want to thank each ATA member for all that you do promoting the turfgrass industry within our state and beyond. I hope to see you soon!

6

Kim Byram

2019 ATA Annual Sponsors Gold • Bayer Environmental Science • Beard Equipment Company • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Harrell’s, Inc. • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation • Simplot, Inc. • Textron Golf

Silver • BWI Companies • Corteva – Dow Agrosciences • Ewing • Residex • SiteOne Landscape Supply • Syngenta

Bronze • AGRI-AFC, LLC • Agromax • Aquatrols • BASF • Diamond R Fertilizers • Humphries Turf Supply • Nufarm, Inc. • PBI-Gordon • Southern States Turf • Sur-Line Turf

Kim Byram

• Walker Mowers

ATA President

• Wright Mowers

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.alaturfgrass.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 Melanie Bonds Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton

GroWers oF QuAlITY TurF sInce 1987

coosA VAlleY TurF FArms llc MeMber of

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Kim Byram University of Alabama

Vice President Deven Peek

Full Bloom Landscapes, LLC

Secretary/Treasurer Joe Collins, CSFM Samford University

Past President Tres’ Wilkinson South Dallas Turf

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Golf Tim Etheridge Dothan Country Club

Industry Scott Wanzor PBI-Gordon

Institution David White

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lawn Care Darrel Arnold

Heritage Lawn & Tree Care

Park & Recreation Heath Puckett City of Decator

Sod Randall Murphy

TIFWAY 419

Fescue

www.coosaValleyTurfFarms.com (256) 927-4228 • (256) 927-4758 FAX • cvtf@tds.net 900 county road 492 • centre, Al 35960

Murphy Turf Farms

At Large Ben Anderson

Arrowhead Country Club

Tony Culberson Bayer, Inc.

City of Alabaster

EX OFFICIO/EDUCATION ADVISORS David Han, Ph.D. Auburn University (334) 844-3980 handavi@auburn.edu

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System (205) 879-6964, Ext. 19 jacobjc@auburn.edu

New, Used & Refurbished • Ease of Operation • Low Operating Costs • Single Axle Truck Use

Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers

Wide Range of Solutions

Jim Brewster Office Phone:

(877) 366-5399 Mobile Phone:

(352) 284-8029 jim@ssequip.net www.ssequip.net 7

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

Ben Williams

Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc.

Recent Events >>>

Lawn & Landscape Field Day 2019

T

he Ingalls Pavilion in Decatur provided a terrific venue for the 2019 Lawn and Landscape Field Day. As many of you know, the Lawn and Landscape Field Day rotates every other year with the Sports Turf Field Day. We thank our Committee Chairs of this year’s event: Heath Puckett, CGCS with the City of Decatur and Deven Peek, Full Bloom Landscapes LLC for all their hard work arranging the meeting.

Many thanks to our speakers; Tom Shannon; of Site One, who spoke on “Basic Irrigation Maintenance and Troubleshooting,” Dave Han with a “Refresher on Sprayer and Equipment Calibration,” and James Horton who gave a timely presentation on “Designing Eye-Catching Seasonal Flower Beds.”

This event would not be possible without our sponsors and exhibitors. Greenville Turf & Tractor prepared a mouth-watering barbeque lunch. Other exhibitors and sponsors include: Dixie Auto Parts Site One Landscapes

Huntsville Tractor & Equipment

Walker Mowers Wright Mowers

2019 Poa Annua Classic Returned to Farm Links

T

his year the Poa returned to beautiful FarmLinks Golf Club in Sylacauga to raise money for the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. The Poa has for many years played an important role in supporting turfgrass research through the ATRF. Prior to the golf tournament, the education program featured Tommy Eden, Esquire, of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP. Mr. Eden’s father owned a nursery in Auburn for many years, and his brother owns and operates a lawn and landscape company, so he is grounded in our industry.

The following areas were treated with a wealth of information and a humorous presentation.

All of these topics provided valuable and timely information for employees and anyone who manages them.

FarmLinks never showed more to advantage than it did during the Poa tournament this year. Thanks so much to our hosts, golf course superintendent Robert Mitchell and his assistant Hunter Brewer. We also want to thank our sponsors listed below:

•R ecognizing and Avoiding the Top Nine Employment Litigation Landmines (Effective and Defensible Progressive Discipline & How to Win)

FMC

Rhyne’s Select Turf

Koch Turf & Ornamental

Southern States Turf Division

• I t’s about Respect — Harassment Prevention Training for Employees and Supervisors

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

•T he Practical Coach Supervisor Training — Coaching Your Supervisors to Maximize Productivity and Job Satisfaction

Tournament winners: (l-r): Shannon Marion, Hunter Brewer and Gib Fox. Andy Turner not pictured.

8

Lunch Sponsor: Greenville Turf and Tractor AGRI-AFC Bayer

Buckler Sand/ Endurant Paints

Moghu USA LLC — PoaCure

Diamond R Fertilizer

Nufarm

Congratulations to the-first place winning team: Hunter Brewer, Gib Fox, Shannon Marion and Andy Turner. Closest to the pin prize winners were Rodney Guy, Sanders Hancock, Andy Turner and Jake Maddox.

Alabama Turfgrass Association

Legacy Scholarship Program Call for Applications General

The Alabama Turfgrass Association Legacy Scholarship Program offers educational aid to the children and grandchildren of ATA members. Two scholarships will be awarded each year in the amount of $1,250 each.

Applications will be reviewed by the Alabama Turfgrass Association Board of Directors. All decisions of the committee will be final. All scholarship award checks will be made payable to the university. The ATA Committee reserves the right to make their selection.

<<< News from ATA

Eligibility

1. O ne or more of the applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents or grandparents must have been an Alabama Turfgrass Association member for five or more consecutive years and must be a currently active ATA member. Competition is open to natural or adoptive offspring of ATA members. Children or grandchildren of deceased members are also eligible if the member was currently active at the time of his or her death.

Criteria

1. A pplicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership and outside employment.

2. T he studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s composition of an original 100-word essay relating to his/ her goals. The essay must be original and not previously submitted to ATA.

How to Apply

3. P ast winners are ineligible to apply the following year. They may reapply after a one-year hiatus.

Students may complete the application on-line at alaturfgrass.org or they can mail or e-mail the application to ATA at the address below. Deadline October 15.

Transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended may be mailed or emailed to the address below.

The 100-word essay must be mailed or e-mailed to the address below.

4. A lthough any number of students from the same family may apply, only one student per family will be eligible to receive an award.

Scholarship Committee Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70, Auburn, AL 36831 Or e-mail: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org

2. T he student must be enrolled fulltime at an accredited institution of higher learning. Rising high school seniors will not be considered.

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

9

Upcoming Event

>>>

Monday, September 30 12 pm

Deep South Four Ball Classic Golf Tournament (2 man/4 ball) at The Preserve Golf Club – lunch not included

Tuesday, October 1

Deep South Turfgrass Fraternity Comes Together in October 2019!

8 am – 4 pm

Registration Open

8 am – 4 pm

Exhibitor Move-in 8 am – 10 am Heavy Equipment Move-in 10 am – 4 pm Exhibitor Move-in

By Melanie Bonds, ATA Executive Director

10 am

Skeet and Trap Tournament at Coastal Rifle and Pistol Club

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

2019

will be a great year at the Deep South Turf Expo! I was explaining my job to a new acquaintance a few weeks ago and told him why I enjoyed my work and of the many friendships I had made in the industry in the past twenty years. He said, “Oh, you mean it’s like a family.” That description fits the bill, but here’s a little secret. Sometimes it’s even better than family — after all, I don't have to make Thanksgiving Dinner for you guys and gals. Perhaps fraternity describes our groups better. We are bound by many connections: academic histories, work, service on boards and to our communities, and as colleagues in many ways.

This year we are making some changes that will make this year’s Expo the best ever. We invite all the attendees out to The Preserve on Tuesday afternoon where some of our “family’s” best cooks are serving up great food in a tail gate setting. There will be a band and an opportunity for everyone to relax before the classwork begins the following day.

Our education schedule speaks for itself. On Wednesday we have organized the program a bit differently. We have three keynote speakers: Dr. Bruce Clarke from Rutgers, Dr. Beth Guertal of Auburn and Rodney Smith, Jr. with Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Dr. Clarke is an extension specialist of turfgrass pathology in the department of plant biology and pathology at Rutgers, and is the director of the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science. Our own Dr. Beth Guertal hardly needs an introduction here. She is professor of turfgrass and nutrient management in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, and was named the Auburn University College of Agriculture’s first Rowe Endowed Professor.

Our other keynote speaker has an original slant on the turfgrass industry.

Rodney Smith came to the United States from Bermuda in 2009, where he studied at Alabama A & M. In 2015 Rodney observed an elderly man struggling to cut his yard in Huntsville, AL and was inspired to begin cutting lawns for people who needed help. From this beginning, he founded Raising Men Lawn Care Service with the goal of both helping people and enlisting young volunteers whose parents want them to learn about volunteerism. Mr. Smith is extraordinarily inspirational, and his message of unity is one that can benefit all of us!

An integral piece of our Expo is the Trade Show which gives our sponsors an opportunity to showcase their products. Guys, without our exhibitors we wouldn’t have an Expo. They do so much for us, and all they ask is an afternoon of your time on the trade show floor. Please commit this year to seeing all our exhibitors and thanking them for all they do for our Associations. In order to encourage your attendance, we plan to give away great prizes throughout the afternoon. Our Annual Business meetings will feature cash giveaways for those attending.

Mark Langner of Aqua-Aid said it best to me recently. “Our Expo is all about coming together!” This works in many ways. We hope you will come together with us in October at the 5th Annual Deep South Turf Expo! See you there!

10

10 am 11 am 10 am 5 pm

Golf Tournament (2 man/4 ball) – 2nd day at Fallen Oak* (all players must have pre-registered on Monday*) Golf Tournament at the Preserve (Scramble), one day event – Grill lunch Sports Field Tour – New Schedule this Year: First Stop – Beauvoir – Stay Tuned!

Tail Gate Party/Dinner at The Preserve— All attendees and exhibitors welcome!

Wednesday, October 2 General Session 8 am

9 am

10:15 am

11:15 am

Fertilizers Demystified: Debunking Common Myths and Setting the Record Straight – Dr. Beth Guertal, Auburn University. You’ve heard them all: ‘Potassium is needed for stress,’ ‘Add P when you are seeding,’ ‘Silicon is an essential element needed by turfgrass.’

Well, which of these statements are true, and which are myth – long held beliefs that don’t have any actual research to back them up? We’ll discuss various fertilizer facts, myths and perceptions in this presentation, and the audience can suggest some of their own to be debunked, or shown to be correct!

Water in the managed environment – politics of scarcity – Dr. Justin Moss, Oklahoma State University. This presentation will provide an overview of urban/municipal water conservation programming with specific examples of importance for turfgrass managers. The opportunities and challenges for turfgrass managers related to water conservation programming will be discussed.

“Plant defense activators and beneficial microbes: novel approaches to turf disease control” – Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University. Plants protect themselves from infection through the production of plant defense compounds. These compounds can be activated by chemical, biological and environmental factors to prevent disease. Understanding how plant activators enhance the plants ability to suppress disease can improve your disease control program. Join Dr. Clarke as he discusses commercially available plant activators and the beneficial microbes that are present in the turfgrass microbiome.

Giving Back to the Community – One Yard at a Time – Rodney Smith, Jr., Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, Rodney Smith, Jr., will discuss how his non-profit organization began, its impact on communities across America and his vision for the future.

12:00 pm

Tradeshow Open

5:00 pm

ATA Annual Business Meeting

Deep South Turf Expo Schedule 2019 Thursday, October 3 Lawn Care and Landscape Management

Golf

Sports Turf and Grounds

Sod

8 am

New and Emerging Fungicides for Golf – Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University.

Fungicides are critical for the successful prevention of turfgrass diseases on golf courses. Recently, there has been a resurgence of new products and formulations into the golf market with additional products on the horizon. Join Dr. Clarke as he reviews these new and emerging fungicides for use on golf course turf and their relative efficacy based on extensive university testing.

Improving High School Sports Fields: Connecting with High School Coaches – Michael Richard, Mississippi State University.

This presentation will detail the efforts we are making to impact Mississippi high school coaches with our newest Extension program: Sports Turf Management Coaches’ Clinic. This program was established to educate high school coaches on proper field maintenance practices to provide safe playing surfaces for student athletes. Discussion will include: how the program is run, the curriculum, and the impact it is making. We will also discuss the challenges high school coaches face and how to overcome those hurdles. Lastly, how a consultant/company can build a relationship with a school to provide key services they do not have access to, all while growing their business.

Regulating Growth and Seedheads in Bahiagrass and Ryegrass – Dr. David Han, Auburn University.

We will review products, rates, and timings available for suppressing seedhead formation and overall growth in bahiagrass, ryegrass, and other species. What are the pros and cons of the different herbicides and growth regulators available, how do they work, and what unintended consequences should you look out for when using them to suppress these grasses?

Fertilization practices for sod production – Drs. Beth Guertal, Auburn University and Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University.

Fertilization practices for sod production vary across the deep south. Knowing what nutrient source, application method, and release technology to use can be daunting. This lively session is your chance to ask the hard questions. Join Drs. Guertal and McCurdy as they discuss fertilization and nutrient compositions necessary to grow sod.

9 am

Herbicide Research Update – Dr. Scott McElroy, Auburn University Seminar will discuss recent advances in herbicide usage. Specific topics will include: the benefits of the minor preemergence herbicides, am update on herbicide resistance solutions, doveweed, torpedograss, and sedge control.

Update On Synthetic Turf Research At Auburn University – Jim Harris, Auburn University. This presentation will include a discussion of the first-year results on the comparison of 96 combinations of 4 synthetic turfs, 6 infills and 4 shock pads.

Coexist: The Battle for Space Between Trees, Turf & Other Landscape Objectives – Alex Hedgepath, Auburn University.

How to manage mature tree root systems in the safest way for the health of trees.

How to manage and manipulate canopies to open line of site in the safest way for the health of trees.

Sod Round-Table – Drs. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University, Bryan Unruh, University of Florida and Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International. This interactive group of experts will share their experiences and recommendations on several topics, including fertility, trucking, and turf variety selection. Bring your toughest questions and let’s stump the experts.

10 am

Aquatic Weed Control and Invasives – Dr. Stephen Enloe, University of Florida.

Aquatic weed control is a challenging prospect. Nutrient rich waters coupled with excellent growing conditions and an abundance of aggressive, aquatic plants often make management very difficult. This presentation will examine several key freshwater aquatic invaders and the tools and techniques available to manage them.

From the Ground Up: Construction Roundtable – Nathan Crace, American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and golf course contractor, Chad Lambert of Sur-Line Turf with Dr. Barry Stewart, Mississippi State University, moderating.

Will discuss recent trends in golf architecture and construction, what role superintendents play, the future of the industry, and field questions from audience members.

Educated irrigation choices in the managed landscape – Dr. Justin Moss, Oklahoma State University. This presentation will provide a brief overview of common water quality parameters of interest to turfgrass managers. Examples of water quality reports and interpretation will be discussed.

Also, a brief overview and discussion of pesticides in water and emerging contaminants of concern will be provided.

Turfgrass Producers Unite – Dr. Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Producers International. Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) recently conducted market research in the U.S. and Canada to determine what drives decisions among policy makers when choosing natural grass or artificial turf. This research will serve as the foundation for TPI’s messaging and promotion around natural grass and new resources have already been established for this initiative. This session will focus on promoting natural grass in a meaningful and effective way at the local and national level.

11 am

Emerging Threats: Pythium Blight on Ultradwarf Greens – Dr. Maria TomasoPeterson, Mississippi State University.

Why is Pythium blight on the radar of ultradwarf bermudagrass managers? Historically this disease was associated with cool-season grasses, in particular, creeping bentgrass greens. We will review the emergence of Pythium blight, the disease cycle, and disease management strategies.

Surface Cultivation Tools: Where, When and Why. – Dr. Barry Stewart, Mississippi State University.

There are many different cultivation tools available for use by athletic field managers.

Some cause much surface disruption and require lots of clean up, while others are barely noticed by field users and can be played upon the same day. Some practices like needle tining and slicing affect only a small portion of the total surface area, while others, like fraze mowing, remove the entire surface. This presentation will look at a wide range of cultivation tools, how they work, their effect on soil and grass properties, the duration of their effects, and where they fit in a cultivation program. A review of cultivation tools from the rolling plugger to sand injection will be presented.

Ride-On Applicators: A Tool for Success?

– Dr. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida.

Ride-on applicators are becoming more commonplace in the landscape maintenance industry. This presentation will focus on the reasons these applicators are becoming more popular, along with the challenges of incorporating them into your equipment fleet. Attendees will gain an understanding of the differences between the types of applicators, including low volume delivery and fixed versus variable application delivery rates.

Extending Sod Shelf Life – Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University. Shelf-life and transplant success of sodded and sprigged turfgrasses are negatively affected by disruptive harvest techniques and post-harvest handling/storage conditions. Two primary examples include: internal heating of palleted sod or piles of sprigs, and improper, or delayed, irrigation upon installation. This presentation offers unique insight into the problem and potential solutions.

11

ATA Member Spotlight >>>

“As People Change so do the Markets”

By James Horton

A

part from growing up on a 4th generation family farm that included cotton, soybeans, cattle, horses and later catfish farming, Steve Sanderson’s first real involvement in our industry was a couple of summers interning with manufacturers scouting cotton through the North Alabama area.

After two years at University of North Alabama, he transferred to Athens State College where he graduated in 1981 with a B. S. in Business Administration — Marketing, while still farming full time with his father.

It was at that time Steve realized that he needed a different degree to stay connected with the Ag Industry.

Steve’s great uncle, Will Sanderson introduced him to Dr. Lowell Wilson in the Ag Economics Department at Auburn University. During their first meeting, Dr. Wilson offered Steve a research assistant position with two options. Steve was given the chance to study and conduct research in either poultry production or Christmas tree production. It took Steve only 5

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

ProProducts group at Pinehurst #2

12

seconds to answer that Christmas trees would be great.

Completing his second B. S. in Ag Economics in 1985, Steve thought the manufacturing side of agriculture would be wide open. However, he remembers prices along with production being down and hiring on that side of the business was also down. By this time Steve’s father had retired from farming and started a real estate and construction business. So, Steve returned home and for the next 10 years worked again for the family business. Reminiscing, Steve said it was another good learning experience being involved with a different industry and developing new relationships.

Then another mentor stepped back into Steve’s life.

Johnny LeCroix, who was known to Steve from his farming and scouting days and as a former sales rep for Helena Chemical, was now the Director of Crop Protection Products at Alabama Farmers Co-op. With LeCroix’s encouragement, Steve was hired as a sales rep for local co-op stores. This proved to be a very good

Steve with his wife Rhonda, daughter Reid Erin, and grandson Carson Ray

color-flex

™

Distance Markers

Highly visible yet not intrusive Easy installation Safe for crosscut or diagonal mowing Highly resistant, permanent colored flexible material resistant to extreme temperature changes Six-month warranty www.color-flex.com

877-453-3539

13

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

move for Steve, because this position evolved into Steve being hired as Assistant Director of Crop Protection. He was now involved with the manufacturing and procurement side of the industry and started relationships with the turfgrass and ornamental markets. In 2001–2003 Alabama Farmers Co-op became involved with Agriliance (now Winfield) and that brought Steve and the Co-op into the professional products market with active sales reps and locations throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Atlanta markets.

As the Sales Manager of Professional Products for Agri-AFC, Steve enjoys working in the Turf Industry.

The flexibility of sales and working with his sales reps, manufacturing sales reps, retail and end-users is very satisfying for Steve. However, his days are very busy and as Steve stated “Time management is always a challenge in this business, but I treasure the friendships formed after working with the same company and this industry for over 27 years. I have learned that change is constant in this business and as people change, so do the markets.”

Presently, Steve lives on the family farm in Harvest, Alabama with his wife, Rhonda. He has a daughter, Reid Erin, and a grandson, Carson Ray, who are just a few minutes away. In his free time, Steve enjoys woodworking and usually has an automotive project underway. In 1988, he helped start a chapter of the National Council of Corvette Clubs in Huntsville, which remains of great interest to him.

As a staunch supporter of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, Steve said “I felt privileged to serve a term as a Board member. It’s a pleasure and very fulfilling to be involved in an industry that I grew up in, that is related to agriculture and having ties that go back generations.”

Steve, the ATA membership thanks you for your years of dedicated service. You and those like you, have made this organization what it is today. We’re privileged to have you as a member and a friend!

Cover Story >>>

Are you Getting

Residual Control of Fall Armyworms

from your Insecticide Applications?

By Elijah Carroll, Kendra Carson and Dr. David Held

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

T

he fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), is a significant pest of all turf and pasture grasses throughout the eastern United States. There are several species of armyworms in our area, but this species develops faster (21 days from egg to adult) than the others and has 4–5 generations a year in Alabama. Fall armyworms have a white wishbone on the head and four distinct dots on the end abdominal segment. They do not overwinter in Alabama; however, moths arrive every spring from southern TX and FL and have continuous generations through fall. Outbreaks of fall armyworms are most common in mid to late summer.

By then, multiple generations are overlapping leading to large populations that cause significant damage. Fall armyworms feed in large numbers and, in urban lawns, these masses of larvae can easily scalp a lawn in a day. Despite their small size, they can move between lawns in a typical subdivision, between fields, or from rough to fairway in a short time.

The fast generation time, movement and feeding behavior of fall armyworms means that once or twice a year, turf managers must decide how best to respond to fall armyworm damage. For example, do I use a short residual (and less expensive) insecticide, or do I treat with longer residual insecticides as ‘insurance’ against future outbreaks? Newer insecticides have been marketed for extended residual control.

Two anthranilic diamides, chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) and cyantraniliprole (Ference), are noted for having longer residuals in turfgrass relative to synthetic pyrethroids.

Anthranilic diamides are effective by contact and ingestion.

14

However, our literature review only found two papers concerning residual control of turf-infesting caterpillars with either of these products. One study (Williamson et al. 2013, Int. Turf. Res. Soc. J, 12:1-5) found significant mortality of caged black cutworm larvae on creeping bentgrass treated 88 days prior to exposure with chlorantraniliprole. Another study reported significant mortality of tropical sod webworms on a St. Augustine grass lawn treated 5 weeks prior to exposure with chlorantraniliprole (Tofangsazi et al. 2015, J. Econ Entomol, 108:730735). These studies support the claims of long residual control made in the technical bulletins for these products. However, neither study investigated fall armyworms, or differences in toxicity if larvae were exposured by contact, or consumption, of treated grass. Our study addressed these two questions using fall armyworms in short-mown hybrid bermudagrass.

This study was conducted at the Turfgrass Research Unit at Auburn University from late July to late September using two experiments to determine exposure by contact or ingestion. One field experiment determined the contact exposure of free-range fall armyworms on turfgrass at various times after treatment. Plots of Tifsport bermudagrass were treated with 7 insecticides (Triple Crown, Onyx Pro, Permetrol, Zylam, Provaunt, Acelepryn, and Ference) at label rates. These active ingredients represent synthetic pyrethroids in Onyx Pro and Permetrol; a neonicotinoid in Zylam; an oxadiazine in Provaunt; and diamides in both Acelepryn and Ference.

Triple Crown is a mixed product containing both synthetic pyrethroids and a neonicotinoid. Twenty-four hours after

Fall armyworms were released in the center of each plot then allowed to crawl on treated bermudagrass for a few hours.

Did insecticides reduce fall armyworm movement across treated grass?

Some larvae moved numerically less than larvae on control plots but the differences were not significant. In fact, some

armyworms on treated plots traveled farther than larvae on control plots. At 7 days post treatment, armyworms on plots treated with Triple Crown crawled significantly more than armyworms on the control plots. Similarly, armyworms on plots treated with Onyx Pro at 28 days post treatment crawled significantly farther than those on control plots. Both products include a pyrethroid, which can cause hyperactivity in insects. In 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 hours, a single fall armyworm can move as much as 10 ft. However, on average most larvae moved 2 ft or less.

Did fall armyworms die after crawling on treated grass?

Yes, depending on the product and the age of residue. At one day after application, larval mortality was 70% or greater after crawling on grass treated with Provaunt, Triple Crown, Ference, and Acelepryn for a few hours. However, only Acelepryn or Ference maintained mortality at or above 70% for 7 or 14 days after application, with Acelepryn being nearly 100%. Mortality was 30% or less for larvae that crawled on insecticide residues older than 14 days. Mortality of fall armyworms fed grasses from treated plots also depended on the age of the residue and type of insecticide. It took about 96 hours of exposure to the grass clippings in petri dishes for the effects to be evident. Only 4 insecticides, Acelepryn, Provaunt, Ference, and Zylam provided significantly higher mortality of larvae relative to larva fed non-treated grass for 1 day after treatment. Of those, mortality of larvae fed grass treated with Acelepryn, Provaunt, and Ference caused

15

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

application, ten larvae were placed near the center of each plot. After 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 hours on the treated plots, the distance traveled by each armyworm was measured and recaptured. Recaptured larvae were placed in a labeled petri dish and taken back to the lab where we assessed mortality following the short-term contact exposure. The same methods were used to challenge the same plots again at 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after application.

A second experiment was used to determine mortality of larvae fed treated grass clippings. Plots of Tifway Bermudagrass were marked and treated with the same insecticides as the field study. For this experiment, we added Dipel and Spinosad at label rates. These products only have ingestion as their mode of action. Spinosad had positive activity against tropical sod webworm in a previous study (Tofangsazi et al.

2015). Twenty-four hours after application, grass from each treated plot was harvested using scissors, placed into a labeled bag, and transferred to the lab inside a cooler. In the lab, grasses from each treated plot were added to five petri dishes with one armyworm each, and kept in a growth chamber.

The larvae in the petri dishes were taken out and observed for mortality at 24, 48, and 96 hours later. This procedure was repeated, harvesting grasses from the same plots at 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after application.

Cover Story >>> Continued

significantly higher morality through 7 days after treatment.

The diamides, Ference and Acelepryn provide control through feeding through 14 days after treatment. Fall armyworms fed residues of Acelepryn on treated grass provided 65% mortality 42 days after treatment. This was the only treatment still providing significant mortality at 28 and 42 days after treatment.

What does this mean?

The results of this study and previous studies support the published long residual control of turf-infesting caterpillars by newer insecticides. We didn’t take data for 88 days after treatment as in the previous studies, but Acelepryn in this study provided 42 days of mortality above 60% for feeding larvae or 14 days if they are exposed by contact. This was the best performing product in our experiment, and exhibited good residual control in the mentioned study with tropical sod webworms. Ference, the related product to Acelepryn, provided 14 days of control through either contact or ingestion. Provaunt provided high contact mortality when armyworms were exposed to a fresh (1 day old) residue or 7 day residual when armyworms consumed treated grass.

The pyrethroid products in this experiment provide poorer control (less than 50% by feeding or contact) than is noted in other published studies. We think this may be related to research methods. The armyworms in this test were free range

Daily Regional DeliveRy Tennessee Kentucky

and exposed for 3 hours or less. Other studies, cage caterpillars on the grass for 24 hours. In those tests, larvae may be stimulated to move more in cages, simultaneously increasing their contact exposure. In an urban landscape, but perhaps not a golf course, free-range fall armyworms may be able to crawl to non-treated grass or flower beds in a few hours and survive. Considering this behavior and our use of free-range larvae, methods used in previous studies may overestimate the residual control of larvae from products like pyrethroids.

If the objective is to minimize call backs in lawn care, you may want to consider one of the products that provide longer residual like chlorantraniliprole. Chlorantraniliprole should provide 2 weeks of protection from fall armyworms crawling across the treated lawn, and at least 35–40 days of protection from fall armyworms and sod webworms that consume the treated grass. It is worth noting that chlorantraniliprole also has a good environmental profile with low to no toxicity against beneficials insects and pollinators.

Elijah Carroll is an Auburn University undergraduate student and research assistant in Dr. D. Held’s turfgrass and landscape entomology lab. Kendra Carson is a research technician in the lab, and Dr. Held is a Professor of Entomology at Auburn University.

We thank the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation for supporting this and other turfgrass research at Auburn University.

The Southeast’s

800.782.4083 | midtennturf.com

PReFeRReD SouRCe for SoD & SeRviCe Since 1986

north Carolina South Carolina georgia

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

alabama ••• Residential Commercial golf athletic Fields

16

Blue Tag Certified grasses ••• over 2,500 acres in Production

INTRODUCING

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

Genesis

TM

Genesis Rx 5-7-5 is a comprehensive fertility and soil amendment product specifically developed for construction, renovation, aerification, sprigging, sodding, and seeding. This blend of dispersing granule (DG) components provides a single-product solution designed to save turf managers time in application and reducing fertility program complexity.

StartwithGenesis.com @AndersonsTurf

18

Weed Science Research Update: <<< Turf Tips

Pylex – A new Carotenoid Inhibiting Herbicide

By Clebson G. Gonçalves, Ph.D., Graduate Student at Auburn University and Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Professor, Auburn University

T

enacity (mesotrione) was the first carotenoid-inhibiting herbicide introduced to the turfgrass market. It has developed into a niche herbicide due to the need for repeat applications and potential for bleaching green tissue to a white color, even in tolerant species. Despite these issues, it still remains a viable weed control option, especially in cool-season grasses and centipedegrass.

Carotenoids are lipid soluble pigments integrated into light-harvesting complexes (LHC) along with chlorophyll and perform physiological roles of photoprotection and lightharvesting. Photoprotection is the prevention of oxidative damage, or photoinhibition, to the LHC, allowing plants to maintain efficient rates of photosynthesis. Carotenoids function as photoprotectants by sequestering free radicals before oxidative damage can occur to the chlorophyll and the larger LHC. Carotenoids function as light-harvesting pigments by channeling photons unabsorbed by the chlorophyll molecule to the reaction center for photosynthesis. Thus, two things happen when carotenoids are inhibited — the LHC is destroyed due to light stress and light is not channeled to the chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Pylex (Topramezone) is a new postemergence herbicide that controls susceptible species by inhibiting carotenoid biosynthesis; specifically, it inhibits the enzyme p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) (Shaner, 2014).

Topramezone (Pylex) is labeled for use in turfgrasses for the control of both grass and broadleaf weeds (Anonymous 2006; Smith et al., 2013). The characteristic symptoms of susceptible weeds by HPPD inhibitors is bleaching because of chlorophyll loss.

Weed management

results showed that Pylex in combination with Turflon Ester provided an increase in bermudagrass control compared to Pylex alone, and reduced visual bleaching. This effect would be beneficial since it is always desired to control weeds with minimal reduction of turf aesthetics and quality from the strong bleaching effects of Pylex.

Although Pylex in combination with triclopyr has provided excellent control of bermudagrass, this species is very aggressive and has a high capacity for new infestation by the regenerative underground organs, so reapplication is required for long-term control (Figure 1).

Pylex Application

Pylex is registered for use in most cool-season turfgrasses such as fescue (Festuca sp.), bluegrass (Poa sp.), bluestem (Andropogon sp.), and centipedegrass (Eremochloa sp.) (Haller et al., 2017). Although creeping bentgrass injuries caused by Pylex have been reported (Elmore et al., 2015), reduced rates can reduce injury, opening the door for possible future use of Pylex. Creeping bentgrass injury can be influenced by different factors such as application rate, tank mixes, growing season, soil/air temperature, precipitation, and other environment conditions. The specifics of such factors remain poorly understood.

Turfgrass managers have commonly used low Pylex application rates (<0.5 fl oz/a) and re-applied (weekly or every two weeks) to control crabgrass and goosegrass. This strategy aims to decrease bleaching injuries in creeping bentgrass.

Currently, studies at Auburn University have investigated the optimal growing season for Pylex application and also the integration of field programs with paclobutrazol

19

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

Pylex has become an important tool in turfgrass systems as it effectively controls crabgrass species (Digitaria spp.) and goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] with a low application rate of 12.3 to 36.8 g ai ha-1.

Among the HPPD inhibitors, sequential applications of Pylex have potential for bermudagrass suppression (Brosnan et al. 2011). However, researchers showed that Pylex alone cannot effectively control bermudagrass, suggesting that tank mixtures with other herbicides may be required to provide effective long-term control.

Previous research shows that Pylex combined with triclopyr (Turflon Ester) may be used for bermudagrass control (Brosnan and Breeden 2013; McElroy and Breeden 2006). Researchers at Auburn University seek to determine better Pylex plus Turflon Ester rates for bermudagrass control. The first

Figure 1

Turf Tips >>> Continued

(Trimmit 2SC), Fe chelate (Sprint 330) or a turfgrass pigment (Sarge 2.0) to reduce bleaching injuries (Figure 2).

Pylex applications exhibited ever increasing injury to creeping bentgrass from April to July, likely due to increasing temperatures that stressed the turfgrass during this period. In general, combination with paclobutrazol, Fe chelate, or turfgrass pigment reduced visual turfgrass injuries compared to topramezone applied alone. Treatments that included paclobutrazol application programs were the most efficient because it increased turfgrass quality and reduced bleaching injuries caused by topramezone. The next step in this research

Figure 2

is determining if those field programs could reduce injury from Pylex without reducing weed control (Figure 3).

Future Research

Neither Tenacity or Pylex are simple straightforward herbicides to use. Both provide unique benefits to turfgrass weed control needs. Research is continuing at Auburn to discover how to use this unique mode of action in ways that improve herbicide safety to desirable turf and increase weed control.

We are hopeful that both Pylex and Tenacity will help provide an additional mode of action in the age of growing herbicide resistance to traditional chemistry.

References

April Application

May Application

June Application

July Application

Anonymous. 2006. Impact herbicide label. 11926-3. Los Angeles, CA: AMVAC. Brosnan J.T. and Breeden G.K. 2013. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) control with topramezone and triclopyr. Weed Technology, 27:138-142.

Brosnan J.T., D.A. Kopsell, M.T. Elmore, G.K. Breeden and G.R. Armel. 2011. Changes in ‘Riviera’bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] carotenoid pigments after treatment with three p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase-inhibiting herbicides. HortScience, 46:493-498.

Elmore, M.T., J.T. Brosnan, G.R. Armel, D.A. Kopsell, M.D. Best, T.C. Mueller and Sorochan, J.C. 2015. Cytochrome P450 inhibitors reduce creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) tolerance to topramezone. PLOS one, 10:e0130947.

Haller, W. T., L.A. Gettys and T. Uchida. 2017. Effects of topramezone and bispyribac-sodium in irrigation water on warm-season turfgrasses. HortTechnology, 27:599-606.

McElroy J.S. and G.K. Breeden. 2006. Triclopyr safens the use of fluazifop and fenoxaprop on zoysiagrass while maintaining bermudagrass suppression. Applied Turfgrass Science, 3:0-0.

Shaner D.L. ed. 2014. Herbicide Handbook. 10th edn, Lawrence, KS: Weed Science Society of America. Pp 449–450 Smith A., M. Cox, S.D. Askew and K. Miller. 2013. Topramezone for crabgrass and goosegrass control in cool season turf.

Proc Southern Weed Sci Soc. 66: 3.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

Figure 3

Topramezone 20

Topramezone + Paclobutrazol

Non-treated

G

NOW GROWIN

SERvING TUSCAlOOSA, BIRMINGhAM, CENTRAl AlABAMA & SURROUNdING STATES. Family owned and operated for three generations, we have served the needs of athletic fields, golf courses, landscapers and homeowners for over 25 years.

We grow high quality turf grass on three farms in Alabama and offer fast turnaround times to satisfy our customer’s needs.

As well as Tifway Bermuda, Centipede, Emerald Zoysia and Meyer Zoysia

Contact Us Today!

(334) 872-6644

www.SouthDallasTurf.com SouthDallasTurf@yahoo.com 1690 Kings Bend Road • Selma, Alabama 36701

Ala bama T urf Tim es >>> S ummer 2019

21

Calendar of Events >>>

October 1–3

Deep South Turf Expo Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

Index of Advertisers >>>

October 2

December 9

Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

Lower Wetumpka Sporting Club

ATA Annual Business Meeting

Sponsor Appreciation Sporting Clay Shoot

RD MuRphy LLC Office: (256) 766-6031 Sales: (256) 762-3564 info@rdmurphy.com www.rdmurphy.com

100% Recycled paper

BWI Companies, Inc..................................5 www.bwicompanies.com Color-Flex Distance Markers................. 13 www.color-flex.com

Big Roll TuRf TuBes

heavy Duty papeR tubeS

Andersons................................................. 18 www.andersonsplantnutrient.com

Coosa Valley Turf Farms...........................7 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com CoverSports USA........................................5 www.coversports.com Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc............... 23 www.greenvilleturf.com Geoponics Corporation...........Back Cover www.geoponicscorp.com Leading Edge Communications............. 21 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Mid Tenn Turf.......................................... 16 www.midtennturf.com

Riebeling Farms, Inc. Palmetto St. Augustine Empire Zoysia •

RD Murphy, LLC....................................... 22 www.rdmurphy.com

Centipede Sod • Delivery Available

Regal Chemical Company........................3 www.regalchem.com

251-943-6012

Riebeling Farms, Inc................................ 22

20732 Hadley Rd. • Foley, AL. 36535

Digital Marketplace Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about this company.

Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Su mmer 201 9

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............ 9 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Smith Seed Services..................................5 www.smithseed.com South Dallas Turf Farm.......................... 21 www.SouthDallasTurf.com Southern Specialty Equipment................7 www.ssequip.net Sur-Line Turf, Inc..................................... 13 www.surlineturf.com The Turfgrass Group...Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com TriEst Ag Group, Inc................................ 18 www.hendrixanddail.com Trimax Mowing Systems........................ 17 www.trimaxmowers.com

For franchise information go to www.weedmanfranchise.com or call (888) 321-9333 22

Weed Man................................................ 22 www.weedmanfranchise.com

WE DIDN’T INVENT THE WIDE AREA REEL MOWER. WE JUST MADE IT BETTER. The 8900A PrecisionCut™ Large-Area Reel Mower A wide-area reel mower is not news in this industry. But one that cuts like our 8900A PrecisionCut should get your attention. Using our Quick-Adjust 7 26-inch and 30-inch cutting units, the 8900A delivers increased productivity and performance on fairways and in the rough, while producing a quality of cut that’s unheard of for a reel mower of this size.

B0R010QCU2C70283-00053518

JohnDeere.com/Golf