Mississippi Turfgrass - Winter 2015

Winter 2015

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

Light Requirements

of Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Green Establishment Step Up to the Plate

for Local Sports Fields

Pesticide Storage and Safety Plus, Highlights from the 2014

MS State Turfgrass Field Day and MTA Conference & Tradeshow

Winter 2015

Contents • The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine Features

8 Upcoming Event —

MTA Hospitality Night, GCSAA Conference & GIS, February 25, 2015

10 Cover Story —

10

Quantifying the Light Requirements of Ultradwarf Putting Green Establishment

14 Sports Turf Tips —

Step Up to the Plate for Local Sports Fields

16 Turf Basics —

Pesticide Storage and Safety for the Pest-Management Professional

19 Recent Event —

MSU Turfgrass Research Field Day and Equipment Expo, August 26, 2014

20 Recent Event —

MTA Annual Conference and Tradeshow, November 10–12, 2014

16

Departments

6 President’s Message

7 MTA Membership Application

18 Calendar of Events

21 News from MTA

22 Mississippi State Turf Team 22 Index of Advertisers

www.msturfassociation.org 4 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

20

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 5

President’s Message

An

Even

Better Toby Thornton

2015 Ahead!

T

hank you to everyone who attended and helped put on an excellent event at the MTA Annual Conference and Tradeshow this past November. It was filled with great golf, speakers, food, entertainment and a chance to meet and get to know some of our turf students, the future of this business. I would also like to give special thanks to Mrs. Linda Wells and the great vendors who support us each year. Your continued support helps make all these things possible.

For those who could not attend, we missed you and hope to see you this coming October 13–15 in Biloxi, where we will meet in conjunction with several other great groups to have our first-ever Deep South Turf Expo.

Our organization is making some changes in the year to come. I will do my best to fill the shoes of past president Josh Quinn and hope to continue the great job that he did. I am very excited to serve as MTA’s president while we transition our conference into the new Deep South Turf Expo. This will be a great event for our association and all others involved. Please make plans to attend.

Well, it’s officially winter. Fall preemergence applications are out. Holiday cheer lingers. And unless you’re covering and uncovering greens, maybe it’s time for you to take things a little less seriously and enjoy some hunting or whatever it is you do. As our magazine goes to press, it’s time to watch our MSU football team – they’re pretty dang good this year. I hope when this issue reaches your desk, we’re celebrating a bowl win!

Toby Thornton 2015 MTA President

Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Fax: (662) 325-2705 www.msturfassociation.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Office: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com Mississippi Turfgrass Editor James D. McCurdy, Ph.D.

MTA OFFICERS

President Toby Thornton Shell Landing Golf Course (601) 507-4254 Vice President Paul Welborn Lawn and Pest Solutions (662) 316-1347 Secretary/treasurer Wayne Philley Mississippi State University (662) 325-2728 Past President Josh Quinn Perfect Turf Lawn Solutions (601) 906-2591 Administrative secretary Linda Wells Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Cell: (662) 769-7558 lmw218@pss.msstate.edu

Directors

Jordan Carlisle LADD’S (601) 818-7586 Jay Coalter Patrick Farms Golf Course (601) 317-1641 Erick Coomer Greenwood Country Club (228) 860-5292 Ken Edwards City of Gulfport (228) 861-5641 Jeremy Ely Sunkist Country Club (228) 669-6745 Chris Hussey Hussey Sod Farm (662) 231-3203

6 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

Adam Strehle Quality Turf Services (662) 719-8029

Membership Application Box 9555 • Mississippi State, MS 39762 • 662-325-0517 (Office) • 662-325-2705 (Fax) www.msturfassociation.org The Mississippi Turfgrass Association is a non-profit organization of individuals interested in promoting and expanding the turf and landscape industry in Mississippi and surrounding states. The objectives of the organization are to: • Promote quality turf and landscape management.

•D isseminate information and educational material on turf and landscape culture.

•S ponsor needed research, scholarships for deserving students, and conferences on timely topics.

•C ooperate with other organizations in advancing educational opportunities in turf and landscape management.

Dues Annual dues are $50 for individuals and single business representative membership * $100 for businesses requesting two to four individuals receiving newsletter * Attach names and addresses for additional newsletter mailings (business only).

Any individual interested in the advancement of turfgrass or landscape management is invited to join the organization. This includes professionals in golf course and grounds maintenance, sod and seed producers, landscape contractors, landscape architects, horticulturists, agronomists, nurserymen, educators, athletic field managers, park managers, and representatives of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of turf and landscape equipment, chemicals, and supplies.

Membership year runs January 1 – December 31.

Name:*_________________________________________________________

Work Association

Firm or Club Name:______________________________________________ Street Address:__________________________________________________

Mail to: MTA, Box 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762

o Golf Course

City:____________________________________________________________

o Grounds Maintenance

State:___________________________________ Zip:____________________

o City/State Park Maint.

Telephone: Work: (____)________________________________________

Cell: (____)________________________________________

o Lawn Care

Email:__________________________________________________________

o Sod

Make check payable to Mississippi Turfgrass Association (MTA)

o Product Representative

If you prefer, you may pay by credit card:

o Education

o Visa

o MasterCard

o American Express

Card Number:___________________________________________________ Expiration Date:__________________________________________________

o Athletic Fields o Other

Signature:_______________________________________________________ The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 7

Upcoming Event

“Hospitality Night” GCSAA Conference & GIS

February 25, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar (Agave Room) 200 River Walk, Suite 200 • San Antonio, TX Located 5 blocks from Convention Center

Catch up with all your peers and classmates!!

Appetizers & Cash Bar • $25/Person; $45/Couple Hosted by: MSU Alumni • LMGCSA • AGCSA • GCGCSA

Questions? Call the Mississippi Turfgrass Association at 662-769-7558 or email lmw218@msstate.edu Send Registration Form to: Linda Wells • MTA • Box 9555 • Mississippi State, MS 39762 Fax to: 662-352-2705 Name_ _________________________________________________________________ Company________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________ City__________________________________State___________ Zip_ ________________ Individual/$25_ ___________ Couple/$45_____________Total Enclosed:________________ Payment Method: Pre-payment is suggested Check

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Make check payable to MTA

Card# ____________________________________ Expiration Date___________________ Signature________________________________________________________________ 8 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

RSVP by February 6, 2015

Cover Story

Quantifying the Light Requirements

of Ultradwarf Putting Green Establishment

By Benton Hodges, Graduate Research Assistant, and Christian Baldwin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University

B

ermudagrass is the most widely used warm-season grass on golf courses, including putting greens, in warm climatic regions of the world. Before bermudagrass putting green cultivars were available, many putting greens throughout the southern United States used only a sand putting surface. The first commercially available bermudagrass putting green cultivar, ‘Tifgreen’, was released in 1956. Tifgreen experienced natural mutations, and from those mutations, turfgrass breeders released ‘Tifdwarf’, an improved putting green cultivar.

Through continued breeding efforts, “ultradwarf” cultivars were developed and released in the late 1990s.

Since the development of ultradwarfs, many golf courses renovated or converted their putting greens to these new cultivars. Some golf courses have replaced their older bermuda10 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

grass cultivars in favor of ultradwarfs, and throughout the Southeast and transition zone, courses are also continuing to convert from creeping bentgrass to bermudagrass putting greens.

Patrick O’Brien, director of the USGA Green’s Section Southeast Region, recently estimated that there are 70 to 80 conversions from creeping bentgrass to an ultradwarf each year in the Southeast. These ultradwarf bermudagrasses have allowed courses to maintain a high-quality putting surface, while improving playability during the peak summer season, compared to creeping bentgrass.

Research studies suggest that when bermudagrass is subjected to shade, the turfgrass plant has elongated stems and internodes, weak rhizomes and a decrease in density, canopy photosynthetic rates and root biomass.

Putting greens are often surrounded by mature trees, significantly reducing the amount of sunlight available for the turfgrass plant. Although trees are valued by golf courses for their aesthetics and functionality, they can adversely affect putting greens’ health and performance. Greens committees, members, players and owners are often resistant to tree removal or thinning.

The shade factor

Prior research

A major challenge for bermudagrass putting greens, however, is turf performance and overall health under shade or reduced light environments.

Solar radiation has previously been measured in the hours of sunlight a plant receives each day. Light intensity is not constant throughout the day,

however, with afternoon sunlight being more intense than morning sunlight.

Due to new technology using quantum light meters and data loggers, daily light integrals (DLIs) have been used to quantify the amount of photosynthetic light (400 to 700 nm) a plant receives each day. By measuring moles of light per day (mols d-1), it is possible to provide quantifiable evidence on the amount of solar radiation a plant receives each day.

A field trial conducted at Clemson University established a DLI requirement to maintain acceptable turf quality for a ‘TifEagle’ bermudagrass putting green. The trial included three shade treatments (full sunlight, 41% shade and 92% shade), which were applied in the morning and afternoon. At the conclusion of the study, the authors concluded that 32.6 mols d-1 were needed to maintain a commercially acceptable TifEagle putting green.

The University of Florida researched ‘FloraDwarf’ and ‘Tifdwarf’ bermudagrass putting green cultivars under reduced-light environments. Within growth chambers, the two cultivars were grown under six different light regimens, ranging from 24.5 mols d-1 to 66.5 mols d-1. Percent turf cover was measured visually, with greater than 60% turf cover being commercially acceptable. At the end of the study, it was determined that 38.6 to 45.6 mols d-1 were required to maintain acceptable turf cover for FloraDwarf and Tifdwarf putting greens, respectively.

Simulated shade on the research putting green.

Research putting green during the study without shade tents. The differences in shade treatments are evident from the variations in grass cover.

Our research We conducted our field trial at R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center in Starkville from June 13 to September 29, 2013. A 50' by 50' foot putting green was constructed according to USGA specifications in April 2013

by Sur-Line Turf (Northport, AL). On June 13, four bermudagrass cultivars were sprigged on 8' by 4' foot plots, including ‘Champion’, ‘MiniVerde’, ‘TifEagle’ and ‘MSB-285’, a Mississippi State experimental cultivar.

Shade treatments of 0%, 30%, 55% and 80% shade reduction were arranged on the putting green. Shade structures, constructed of PVC pipe and shade cloths, measured approximately 6' by 4' and approximately 7" tall, which kept out encroaching sun, but also allowed for adequate air movement. Shade treatments were applied 24 hours after sprigging.

Mowing began four weeks after sprigging. Mowing was performed

three times a week from weeks four to seven and then mowed five times a week for the duration of the study.

Plots were fertilized using a granular urea (46-0-0), triple superphosphate (0-46-0) and muriate of potash (0-060). Irrigation was provided as needed to prevent wilt stress. No additional herbicide, fungicide or insecticide applications were made.

Data collection included percent cover, clipping yield, total shoot The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 11

Cover Story • Continued

chlorophyll concentration, plant height, normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), root biomass, specific root length, root length density and daily light integrals.

Our results Turfgrass color

Normalized differential vegetative index, or NDVI, is a way to measure turfgrass color. In our trial, NDVI was measured using a GreenSeeker NDVI sensor. At 86 days after sprigging, full sunlight and 30% shade treatments were significantly higher than 55% shade, which was significantly higher than 80% shade. Regarding cultivar, Champion had a 13% higher NDVI rating than MSB-285.

Percent cover

Digital image analysis was used to calculate percent cover, which was measured approximately every ten days, starting 26 days after sprigging. Near the conclusion of the study, at 100 days after sprigging, full sun and 30% shade plots had similar cover ratings, which were significantly higher than 55% and 80%. Plots with 80% shade lacked almost any turf cover at the end of the study. When comparing full sun and 30% plots to 55% treatment, a 90% reduction in percent cover was observed.

Root measurements

Root samples were collected at the conclusion of the study (106 days after sprigging). The roots were washed free of soil and analyzed for root length density and specific root length. Following analysis, the roots were dried in an oven and weighed for root biomass. Plots with 80% shade treatments were not analyzed due to the lack of turf cover.

Full sunlight had significantly higher root biomass than 30% shade, which had significantly higher root biomass than 55% shade. Turfgrass root bio12 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

mass decreased by 90% from full sun to 55% shade.

Root length density is root biomass per volume of soil material.

Plots under full sun had significantly higher root length density compared to shaded treatments. Turf experienced nearly a 70% decrease in root length density under 55% shade compared to full sun.

Specific root length (SRL) is measured by taking root biomass divided by total root length. In the absence of shade, all four cultivars performed similarly. However, TifEagle showed a significantly higher specific root length than Champion and MSB-285 under 55% shade.

Daily light integral

Daily light integrals were measured throughout the duration of the study using quantum light meters and data loggers. Light meters relayed data every minute to the data logger to accurately measure the amount of light received each day.

After compiling the data, the amount of photosynthetic light each plot received each day was calculated. Full sunlight received 40.71 moles of light per day (mol d-1), while 30% shade, 55% shade and 80% shade received 31.27, 19.66 and 10.20 mol d-1, respectively.

A statistical regression was used to generate a dose-response curve to determine the amount of light that would provide mean percent turf cover of 70% for each cultivar. MSB285 required the most light with 31.3 mol d-1, while MiniVerde required the least amount of light with 26.9 mol d-1.

Meanwhile, Champion and TifEagle required 29.9 and 30.1 mol d-1, respectively, to reach 70% cover. The average DLI requirement for the four bermudagrass cultivar was 29.4 mol d-1.

Conclusions Golf course superintendents often have a difficult time convincing the greens committee or members to thin or remove trees in order to provide

Table

1

Photosynthetic light amounts (expressed in mol d-1) per treatment.

Treatments

Photosynthetic Light Received Per Day

Full sunlight

40.71 mol d-1

30% shade

31.27 mol d-1

55% shade

19.66 mol d-1

80% shade

10.20 mol d-1

Table

2

Amount of photosynthetic light required to provide mean percent turf cover of 70% for four bermudagrass ultradwarf cultivars.

Cultivar

Light Required

MiniVerdi

26.9 mol d-1

Champion

29.9 mol d-1

TifEagle

30.1 mol d-1

MSB-285

31.3 mol d-1

more light to a putting green. Quantifying the exact amount of light needed to properly establish a putting green will give superintendents the credibility they do not currently have when they go to discuss the possibility of tree thinning or removal. Using relatively inexpensive equipment, superintendents will be able to measure the amount of light and obtain a DLI for each of their own putting greens. Comparing these numbers with the numbers found in this experiment will provide superintendents quantifiable evidence to show that tree thinning or removal is necessary to properly establish a putting green.

The results of this experiment will also help identify any light requirement differences for establishment between bermudagrass putting green cultivars. Finding any light requirement differences between the cultivars will provide superintendents another piece of information when choosing a putting green cultivar. This data will also be valuable for the Mississippi State breeding program. v

Sports Turf Tips

By James McCurdy, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Professor, Mississippi State University

Step Up to the Plate

for

Local Sports Fields

S

chool sports teams and municipal sports leagues are at the heart of many Mississippi communities. Budget shortfalls and lack of agronomic knowledge, however, often mean that fields are managed to the detriment of young athletes. As an Extension specialist, I have found that it’s quite the task to provide insight and advice to the folks managing the 4,000 - plus athletic fields in the state. I hope you can help me deliver important information to this often-underserved group of stakeholders.

A call to arms

Please express interest in local sports facilities, and share your knowledge with local coaches, parents and school board officials. Of all the problems I have seen during site visits, I believe the following are the biggest gaps in understanding.

Drainage

Most sports fields in MS are constructed of native-soil material, which tends to drain more slowly than sandmodified fields or synthetic turf.

Thus, a 1.5% crown is suggested for soccer and football fields. The maximum suggested slope from the base of a pitcher’s mound to the outside of the baseline is 1%, and most outfields have at least a 1% to 2% slope away from the baselines.

A related question is: where does that water drain after it reaches the sidelines or the warning track? Most municipal fields in the Southeast don’t have running tracks, so water should continue off the sidelines. Proper slope is essential during new field

14 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

construction. Little can be done to remediate a poor slope once the field has been grassed or seeded. See to it that your local field manager doesn’t skimp on laser leveling when the time comes for a new facility or reconstruct.

This will save time and heartache in the long run.

Compaction

Fields constructed from native soils often become slick and unplayable when wet, or hard and impervious when dry. “But we aerate every year!” is a comment I hear on most of my site visits. Yet, if it’s not done correctly, a single event may not be enough.

Ideally, the aerification process should extract and remove cores, which are subsequently replaced by sand in order to improve rootzone air, water and nutrient movement. If cores are not being collected and removed,

they can be redistributed by dragging and reincorporating. This is not optimal, but some aerification is better than none. Buying or renting a core aerifying machine, plus the sand to fill 1/2" holes (or bigger), is expensive, but if you are going to aerify, it’s the best means to achieve better soil characteristics and turf health.

Alternatively, many fields do not aerify annually. These fields were constructed with adequate surface drainage or included soil amendments, principally sand, that allow them to drain and retain good soil structure.

In essence, these fields can continue to annually topdress with an appropriate sand, thus diluting organic matter and thatch as the field ages.

Mowing height

Bermudagrass is the most common sports turf species in the Southeast. It

should ideally be mown between 3/4" to 1.5" with reel mowers or a wellmaintained rotary mower approximately twice per week during the summer and fall season. Too many coaches believe that high mowing heights give their team an advantage. If your team practices on a similar height grass, this might be true, but it’s largely a fallacy that may actually diminish the quality and consistency of the sports surface.

Keep in mind that fertility and pest control are also greatly important.

However, the aforementioned construction and cultural practices are by large the lowest of hanging fruit. For more detailed information about all of these things, please refer other sports field managers to the MSU Extension publication: Managing Sports Fields in Mississippi, which can be found at MSUcares.com. v

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 15

Turf Basics

Pesticide Storage and Safety for the Pest-Management Professional

By Sonja B. Thomas, Ph.D., Pesticide Applicator Training Coordinator, AL Cooperative Extension System

As

a pesticide-safety educator, I often receive questions about pesticide rules and regulations, personnel protective equipment and various restricted-use pesticides.

On occasion, though, I receive questions from a pest-management professional (PMP) concerned about the proper way to store pesticides. Explaining that the label is the law and to follow the directions printed on the label is the first advice I share. Understanding that the label is the law, any deviation from the label (unless it is more restrictive) can result in citations and possible jail time.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, section 40 CFR 162.10, requires that each pesticide label list the appropriate storage and disposal information. There are simple and cost-effective solutions to comply with these laws, but build16 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

ing specifics (such as materials, site selection and design) may not be as readily accessible.

When making the decision to organize or create a pesticide storage facility, you must carefully evaluate several key factors, including employee safety, public health and environmental protection. Each label lists the signal words that pertain to the pesticide toxicity levels. Use this information to help guide you during the building process.

Selecting the best location

Several key points should be considered when deciding on a location.

Select a site with minimal risk of flooding, thereby reducing potential contamination of surface and underground waters. Also, to reduce potential harm from product spills or product drift while mixing and loading, the structure should be located downhill, down-

wind and at least 100 feet away from houses, schools, ponds and any other sensitive areas.

Building your storage facility

Your goal is to construct a structure that is fire resistant, waterproof, properly ventilated and temperature controlled. Structures that are detached from main buildings and equipped with a drainage system are best. In the event of a fire or hidden leak, your employees would not be happy to know they were exposed to pesticides.

Building design

The building should provide adequate space for pesticide storage, safety provisions, application equipment and an area for mixing and loading.

Constructing a building with only shelving in mind will leave much to be desired when mobility inside becomes

This disorganized, messy and very grimy mishmash of products is NOT a safe or effective way to store pesticides. This is a big spill or damaging misapplication just waiting to happen.

an issue. I can’t count the number of times I have visited storage facilities with pesticide equipment piled outside the structure. Considering that most PMPs use several chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, flammable chemicals, etc.) as part of their job description, it is critical that separate and ample storage areas be considered when designing your space.

Exterior walls should be concrete, masonry or some other material that is fireproof and waterproof. For easy cleanup, flooring should be slab-ongrade, sloping towards an inside sump drain to minimize runoff leading outside of the structure. Another flooring option would be a room with a builtin curb to contain spills. The floors should be covered with a waterproof, nonskid sealant or any nonporous, impermeable finish.

Shelving

Shelving should be carefully selected in accordance to the formulation of chemicals you use. The best shelving is painted metal with a lip to contain any spills from damaged containers.

Shelving should be spaced at least three feet apart and several feet from the entrance. I suggest adding heavy-duty rollers to the base of your shelving for easy removal and cleanup after a spill.

Ventilation

Storage facilities should be equipped with a mechanical ventilation system and a secure window for access in the event of a fire or other issues. Ventilation reduces vaporization and damage caused to products and containers that are heat or cold sensitive. It also reduces odor buildup by pesticides, gases and fertilizers. There is nothing worse than having to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) just to access your pesticide-storage facility.

Security

Lighting should be fireproof, and exterior doors should be locked. Warning signage should be posted to designate the area as a pesticide-storage facility. The building should always be

locked when not in use, with adequate security fencing that is locked and surrounds the structure.

chemicals do not mix well and can increase the toxicity level of a pesticide.

Employee safety

Pesticides should be stored in their original containers, with labels facing outward for easy identification.

To reduce exposure from continuous handling of containers, never store boxes or large containers in front of shelving with pesticides in rotation.

Treated baits (such as rodenticides and avicides) should not be stored near other pesticides because they can absorb offensive odors, rendering them useless.

Never store a pesticide in any container other than its original packaging. Never store food, drinks or tobacco products in a storage, mixing or loading area. Seeds or any other agricultural products should not be stored with pesticides. Pesticides with “Danger” or “Danger Poison” labels should be stored separately from other pesticides to reduce excessive exposure.

Pesticide shelf life can vary from product to product and is difficult to predict. Some manufacturers will list the shelf life of the product but will not guarantee that product after it has been opened. Writing the purchase date on the outside of your container will help keep older containers in rotation and reduce waste. Avoid storing large quantities for long periods of time; instead, purchase only what you need.

I always say that one of the best ways to train a new employee or intern is to make him or her inventory the pesticide-storage room. This way your products are properly rotated and inspected for damaged containers, and since the employee is required to update your onsite labels and MSDS sheets, he will become familiar with the products that your company uses.

It is good practice to keep an extra inventory or log of your pesticides in a separate location. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, you will be able to claim your losses. This should be updated every quarter or as often as possible.

Commonly, you see personnel protective equipment (PPE) stored with or around pesticides. This is hazardous and should be avoided for many reasons: • Pesticides can contaminate your PPE. • In the event your storage facility is compromised, you will need your PPE to clean up any spills, damage or other issues. This is difficult if you store your PPE in the same room that is compromised.

• Temperature variations can dry out PPE and render them ineffective.

PPE should be stored inside plastic bags and separate from pesticides, such as in cabinets, lockers (if unused), closets or drawers. This should be in a room separate from the pesticide storage, mixing and loading areas to avoid recontamination after cleaning.

Used PPE should be either disposed of or cleaned according to manufacturer instructions.

Wash stations

In the event that a pesticide is inhaled or contacts the skin or eyes, an emergency wash station with clean, running water should be easily accessible. This room should be equipped with a washing machine, dryer and deep sink that are used only for cleaning PPE. Liquid detergent or hand cleanser is essential in a storage area.

The wash station should also house a spill kit that contains an absorptive material such as kitty litter, sawdust, activated charcoal, etc., as well as a neutralizing chemical such as sodium hypochlorite (found in bleach). The kit should also contain a broom, shovel, dustpan and proper bags for transferring and disposing of chemicals. These products should be designated for the spill kit only.

Spill kits can be made or purchased from many retailers. Check the label for proper cleaning procedures. Some

Organizing pesticide containers

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 17

Turf Basics • Continued

Disposal of pesticide containers Disposal of pesticides should be in accordance with the label and your local municipality. Never dump, bury or burn pesticide containers unless given previous approval. The best way to dispose of pesticides is to triple rinse or jet rinse the containers and dispose of them according to the label. Drum-cleaning systems for large containers can be included in your building plans, making

it easier to clean and dispose of larger containers.

Check for local Amnesty/Pesticide Cleanup Days in your area. Not only will this reduce clutter and free up space in your storage facility, but also it will ensure that your pesticides are disposed in a legal and safe manner.

Final thoughts

Several companies are available to help take the guesswork out of building a

pesticide-storage facility. Also, pesticide storage “pods” that are OSHA approved are available for purchase or rent. If you need to store only a minimal number of containers, however, the benefit may not outweigh the cost.

Whether you plan to build a new site or renovate an existing one, an evaluation of site specifics, costs and local, state and federal laws can save you a lot of money and trouble in the future. v

Calendar of Events

February 21–26

Golf Industry Show Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

May 18

Golf Course Management Workshop Dancing Rabbit G.C. Philadelphia, MS

June 16

2015 YardDawg Classic Location TBA

Digital Marketplace

18 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

August 25

Mississippi State Turfgrass Research Field Day Rodney Foil Plant Science Research Center Starkville, MS

October 13–15

Deep South Turf Expo Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Conference Center Biloxi, MS

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

Highlights from the

Recent Event

2014 MSU Turfgrass Field Day, August 26 in Starkville

The

2014 Turfgrass Field day was a success with an excellent turnout, thanks to numerous sponsors, vendors and industry representatives.

Thank you Harrell’s for donating an iPad, which helped earn more than $300 for the MTA scholarship fund.

And thank you to the numerous product supporters that MSU relies on for ongoing maintenance at the turf facility. Also, thanks to the event’s photographers, Ms. Kandice Gray and Mr. Judson LeCompte.

Please join us on August 25 for the 2015 Turfgrass Field Day. v

Thank You to Our Exhibitors

• Agri-AFC • BASF • BWI • Cushman • FMC • Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. • Harrell’s • Helena Chemical Company • Humphries Farm Turf Supply • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation • Ladd’s • Mississippi 811 • Mississippi Turfgrass Association • Nufarm • PBI-Gordon • Redexim Turf Products • Sod Solutions • Syngenta • Williams Equipment & Supply • WinField Solutions

Special Thanks to Our Little Dewey’s BBQ Lunch Sponsors!

• BASF • Cushman • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation • Mississippi Turfgrass Association • Sod Solutions

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 19

Highlights from the

Recent Event

2014 MTA Annual Conference & Tradeshow November 10-12 • Bost Extension Center, Starkville, MS

Congratulations to Our Award Winners (shown below with 2014 MTA President Josh Quinn)

Congratulations to Our Scholarship Winners MTA Scholarships

Michael Denny and Jed McCoy Mississippi State University

Avery Boatman

East MS Community College

Arl Taylor

Hinds Community College David (Bud) Thigpen Memorial Scholarships

Colton Jones and Aaron Tucker Mississippi State University

Thanks to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors!

David (Bud) Thigpen Distinguished Service Lifetime Achievement Award

Rob Webb

MTA 2014 Outstanding Turfgrass Professional

Dr. Maria Tomaso-Peterson 20 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

• Agra Turf, Inc. • Agri-AFC • Agromax • BASF • Beard Equipment Co. • BWI Companies, Inc. • Drexel Chemical Co. • FMC • Greenpoint Ag • Greenville Turf & Tractor • Harrell’s • Helena Chemical • Humphries Turf Supply • Innovative Turf Products, LLC • Jacobsen • Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation • John Deere Golf • Keeling Company • MSU Turf Club • Nufarm Americas • O2YS Corporation • PBI/Gordon Corporation • Redexim Turf Products • SePRO Corporation • Southern Aggregates • Sur-Line Turf, Inc.

Meet Your New Leaders

for 2014–2015

On

November 11, during the MTA Annual Business Meeting at the 2014 MTA Conference and Tradeshow in Starkville, the following officers and directors were elected to lead the association in 2015.

PRESIDENT

Toby Thornton Shell Landing Golf Course 3301 Joy Lane Ocean Springs, MS 39565 (601) 507-4254 tthornton@shelllanding.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Welborn Lawn and Pest Solutions P. O. Box 1146 New Albany, MS 39565 (662) 316-1347 pwelborn3@aol.com

DIRECTORS

News from MTA

Ken Edwards City of Gulfport 114 Reservation Drive Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 861-5641 kedwa37326@aol.com

Jordan Carlisle LADD’S 60 Lampton Lane Purvis, MS 39475 (601) 818-7586 djcarlisle@bobladd.com

Jeremy Ely Sunkist Country Club 2381 Sunkist Country Club Rd. Biloxi, MS 39532 (228) 669-6745 jeremy@sunkistcc.com

Jay Coalter Patrick Farms Golf Course 3403 Greenfield Road Jackson, MS 39208 (601) 317-1641 jtkmcoalter@bellsouth.net

Chris Hussey Hussey Sod Farm 814 Road 1589 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 231-3203 husseysod@hughes.net

Erick Coomer Greenwood Country Club P. O. Box 1717 Greenwood, MS 38930 (228) 860-5292 decoomer@gmail.com

Adam Strehle Quality Turf Services 2617 Cold Springs Road Sardis, MS 38666 (662) 719-8029 qualityturfservices@hotmail.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Wayne Philley Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 (662) 325-2728 (office) (662) 312-5701 (cell) wphilley@pss.msstate.edu

PAST PRESIDENT

Josh Quinn Perfect Turf Lawn Solutions, Inc. 107 Woodhaven Drive Union, MS 39365 (601) 906-2591 perfectturfgrass@gmail.com

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Linda Wells Mississippi State University Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 (662) 325-0517 (office) (662) 769-7558 (cell) lmw218@pss.msstate.edu

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 21

Mississippi State Turf Team

Gary Bachman, Ph.D. Associate Extension/ Research Professor Specialty: Ornamental Hort.

Coastal Res. & Ext. Center Phone: (228) 546-1009 gbachman@ext.msstate.edu

Index of Advertisers

James McCurdy, Ph.D. Assistant Extension Professor Specialty: Turfgrass Extension Specialist and Weed Scientist Phone: (662) 325-2331 jmccurdy@pss.msstate.edu

Agri-AFC, LLC..........................................3 www.agri-afc.com Battle Sod Farm......................................5 www.battlesodfarm.com Bayou Bend Turfgrass...........................18 www.bayoubendturf.com

Clarissa Balbalian, M.S. Diagnostics Lab Manager Specialty: Plant Pathology Phone: (662) 325-2146 cbalbali@ext.msstate.edu

Wayne Philley, M.S. Senior Research Associate Specialty: Turfgrass Breeding and Evaluation Phone: (662) 325-2728 wphilley@pss.msstate.edu

Christian Baldwin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Specialty: Turfgrass Mgmt.

Phone: (662) 325-8280 cmb907@msstate.edu

Mike Phillips, Ph.D. Department Head and Professor Dept.: Plant and Soil Sciences Phone: (662) 325-2311 jmp657@msstate.edu

Harrell’s LLC............................................ 13 www.harrells.com

Donna Beliech Area Extension Agent IV Rankin Co. Extension Service Phone: (601) 825-1462 donnab@ext.msstate.edu

Wayne Porter, Ph.D. SE Regional Extension Specialist Specialty: Horticulture Phone: (601) 482-9764 wporter@ext.msstate.edu

Jackson Sand..........................................5 www.jacksonsand.com

John Byrd, Ph.D. Professor Specialty: Invasive Weed Mgmt.

Phone: (662) 325-4537 jbyrd@pss.msstate.edu

Michael Richard Extension Associate Specialty: Sports Turf Mgmt.

Phone: (662) 325-2311 mpr160@msstate.edu

Keith Crouse, Ph.D. Associate Extension Professor Specialty: Soils Phone: (662) 325-3313 keithc@ext.msstate.edu

Jason Ruffin Research Associate Specialty: Turfgrass Mgmt., Turf Research Facility Manager Phone: (662) 325-2640

Geoff Denny, Ph.D. Assistant Extension Professor Specialty: Commercial Ornamental Horticulture Phone: (662) 325-1682 gcd42@msstate.edu

Barry Stewart, Ph.D. Associate Professor Specialty: Sports Turf Science Phone: (662) 325-2725 bastewar@pss.msstate.edu

Alan Henn, Ph.D. Extension Professor Specialty: Ext. Plant Pathologist Phone: (662) 325-4535 ahenn@ext.msstate.edu Lelia Kelly, Ph.D. Extension Professor Specialty: Consumer Horticulture North MS Res. & Ext. Center Phone: (662) 566-2201 leliak@ext.msstate.edu Blake Layton, Jr., Ph.D. Extension Professor Specialty: Ext. Plant Entomologist Phone: (662) 325-2085 blayton@entomology.msstate.edu 22 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Winter 2015

Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Ph.D. Associate Professor Specialty: Turfgrass Pathology Phone: (662) 325-2593 mariat@pss.msstate.edu Jeff Wilson, Ph.D. Regional Extension Specialist Specialty: Ornamentals, Landscape, Turfgrass, Fruits and Vegetables North MS Res. & Ext. Center Phone: (662) 566-8019 jwilson@ext.msstate.edu

Boshancee Nursery Inc........................21 www.boshanceensy.com CoverSports USA...................................15 www.coversports.com

Humphries Turf Supply............................5 www.humphriesturf.com

Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.... Back Cover www.jerrypate.com Leading Edge Communications..............9 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Oasis Sod Farm.....................................18 www.oasissod.com Riebeling Farms, Inc.............................21 Smith Seed Services.............................18 www.smithseed.com Sur-Line Turf, Inc..................................18 www.surlineturf.com The Turfgrass Group....Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Winstead Turf Farms....Inside Back Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com Mississippi Turfgrass is the Mississippi Turfgrass Association magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTA members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, Mississippi Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTA members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of Mississippi Turfgrass. Copyright ©2015 by the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. Mississippi Turfgrass is published quarterly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of MTA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTA allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTA. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs.

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