Mississippi Turfgrass - Summer 2018

Summer 2018

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

Danny Smith and the

EMCC Turf Program

Controlling Rush Species

Plus,

Mark Your Calendars!

Deep South Turf Expo November 27–29

Summer 2018

Contents • The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine Features

8 Recent Event —

16th Annual Yard Dawg Classic

10 Cover Story —

8

Danny Smith and the EMCC Turf Program

14 Research Update — Controlling Rush Species

18 Save the Date — Deep South Turf Expo, November 27–29 Departments

6 From the MTA President

7 Membership Application

18 Mississippi State Turf Team

18 Calendar of Events

18 Index of Advertisers

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 ©2018 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. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

4 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

10

14

From the mta president

David Leon

Changing of the Seasons

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

W

elcome Summertime! Those long hot days are here and they aren’t going anywhere for a while. If you’re like me, sometimes you get stuck in the summertime rut of those long days out in the field and just look for anything to break the spell. The crisp fall mornings seem a distant memory, but are close enough that you feel like you can reach out and touch them. But there’s one thing that is constant, and that is change. I’m definitely guilty of getting stuck in the rut of doing things the same way over and over. We’re always trying to evolve to give our customers a better product, whether it’s in a lawn, a golf course or any other turfgrass field. You never know, sometimes change can be a good thing.

Don’t miss the great lineup for the Deep South turf Expo this year. It will be held in Biloxi November 27th–29th. Sign up for that event has already opened so don’t miss out. This is always a great opportunity to learn about new products and techniques and share knowledge with other turfgrass professionals.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the directors. Be safe this summer and we’ll see you soon!

David Leon

2018 MTA President

President David Leon Turf & Aquatic Specialties, LLC (601) 529-2458 Vice President Al Osteen (601) 214-9907 Secretary/Treasurer Wayne Philley Mississippi State University (662) 325-2728 Past President Erick Coomer The Bridges Golf Course (228) 860-5292 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

Paul Battle Battle Sod Farm (662) 661-2040 Keair Edwards City of Gulfport (228) 861-5641 David Jumper Ole Miss Golf Course (662) 915-5181 Jeremy Tate Tate’s Turf LLC (662) 209-0023 Robb Webb GreenPoint Ag (601) 594-5798 Reuben Wedgeworth Agri-AFC (601) 498-0750 6 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

Membership Application Mississippi Turfgrass Association • Box 9555 • Mississippi State, MS 39762 • Office: 662-325-0517 • Fax: 662-325-2705 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.

MTA’s objectives are to: Promote quality turf and landscape management.

Sponsor needed research, scholarships for deserving students and conferences on timely topics.

Disseminate information and educational material on turf and landscape culture.

Cooperate with other organizations in advancing educational opportunities in turf and landscape management.

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.

Annual Dues: $75

for individuals and single business representative membership

$100

for businesses requesting two to four individuals receiving the Mississippi Turfgrass magazine (attach names and addresses for additional newsletter mailings, business only)

$15

for students

$___

Donation to the Mississippi Turfgrass Foundation. Help us sustain more than 50 years of turfgrass research!

Membership year runs January 1 through December 31.

Name:___________________________________________________________ Firm or Club Name:__________________________________________________ Street Address:_____________________________________________________ City:_ ________________________________State:_ _____ Zip:______________

Work Association Golf Course Grounds Maintenance

Telephone (Work):_ __________________________________________________

C ity/State Park Maintenance

Telephone (Cell):____________________________________________________

Lawn Care

Email:___________________________________________________________

Sod

P roduct Representative Education Athletic Fields Other

Make check payable to Mississippi Turfgrass Association (MTA) Mail to: MTA, Box 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762 If you prefer, you may pay by credit card:

Visa

MasterCard

Card #_______________________________________________

American Express Expiration Date:________________________________________

Signature:_ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 7

Recent Event

Another

Successful Yard Dawg Classic

First Place Team — Harrell’s, Left to right: Travis Briggs, Dustin Dupepe, Toby Thornton, Wes Tuck

MTA’s

16th Annual Yard Dawg Classic Tournament, held Tuesday, June 26th, was another successful event!

The 2018 Yard Dawg began on Monday night with a dinner hosted by our Gold Sponsors; BWI, Harrell’s, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation and LADD’S. The group enjoyed fried fish, shrimp and the fixins!

Erick Coomer and crew had The Bridges Golf Course in excellent condition and it was fun to play (it was HOT, though)! Thanks to all the teams for hanging in there, and to The Bridges GC for hosting. We’d like to offer a special thanks to The Bridges’ Golf Pro, Eric Kinard, as well.

Following play, everyone recuperated in the cool of the Clubhouse, had lunch and participated in the door prize selection.

MTA is fortunate to be supported by so many loyal sponsors —there is no way we could provide such an excellent product without their help. A BIG thanks to all our sponsors! v

Second Place team — Ben Nelson Golf & Utility Vehicles Left to right: Garrett Garcia, Seth King, David Leon, Brice McLendon

Mississippi Turfgrass Association Thanks Our

2018 Yard Dawg Classic Sponsors BWI HARRELL’S

JERRY PATE TURF & IRRIGATION, INC. LADD’S AGRI-AFC AQUA-AID BEARD EQUIPMENT COMPANY 8 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

BEN NELSON GOLF & UTILITY VEHICLES FMC HUMPHRIES FARM TURF SUPPLY INNOVATIVE TURF SUPPLY LLC MSU TURF TEAM SYNGENTA

Third Place team—Aquatrols/Agri-AFC Left to right: Scott Poynot, Travis Frey, Reuben Wedgeworth, Stephen Miles Closest to Pin Winner: Scott Poynot

Longest Drive Winner: Garrett Garcia

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 9

Cover Story

Danny Smith and the

EMCC Turf Program D

anny Smith is the East Mississippi Community College turf program.

Officially known as the Golf/Recreation Management Technology program of study, it has graduated more than 50 students since its beginning in 2013 and owes much of its success to Smith.

Danny is a native of Macon, Mississippi and a graduate of Noxubee County High School. He attended EMCC before transferring to Alcorn State University where he received his B.S. degree in Agriculture Education.

He is also a graduate of the Turfgrass IPM program at Purdue University. At Alcorn, he served as a Research Assistant in the Horticulture Department.

Danny grew up loving plants and the outdoors, and playing baseball, so he comes naturally to the field of turfgrass. Like most of us, he has worn 10 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

several hats. His former jobs include working at the Golden Triangle Vocational Technical Center, which is presently the Mayhew campus of EMCC. Later he spent 16 years at the Mississippi University for Women or “The W” in Columbus, where he was in charge of campus landscapes from 1990 to 2007. In 2007, he joined the Mayhew Campus of EMCC and was manager of skilled maintenance (painting, plumbing and landscapes) where, in his words, he “spent 70 percent” of his time dedicated to landscape maintenance and “making the place look good.” And the rest is history…

In 2013, EMCC acquired the Columbus Country Club for training purposes. The serving president, Dr. Young, “had a vision for a turf program” says Smith. The Golf/Recreational Turf program at EMCC was

established at that time. In 2015, the director of Golf Operations retired and Danny then took on double duties as an Instructor in the turf program and Director of Golf Maintenance.

Now known as the Lion Hills Golf Center, the previously successful Hotel and Restaurant Management program was amended to offer training in the Culinary Arts. The “Lion Hills” facility is now a flagship operation offering dining, meeting facilities, swimming and tennis, as well as an 18-hole golf course. Derrick Havard (EMCC graduate) is the current Superintendent, with Will Arnett (MSU graduate) acting as Director of Golf Operations and serving alongside Smith as adjunct in the EMCC program. The number fluctuates seasonally, but there are currently six EMCC students working on the course.

Danny Smith

Students of the EMCC program are expected to complete work-based learning experiences in their area of interest. This summer, EMCC student interns are spread as far as Florida, Montana, and Colorado.

Danny says there are a few differences between leading an academic program and managing skilled workers maintaining a facility. For starters, “trained employees tend to be somewhat self-motivated. Students need

motivating.” And Smith has what many would call a knack for motivating them. In his words, “teaching is different… You’re looking for an outcome. In facility management, there’s a focus on appearances.” There’s not always a neat pretty picture or tidy landscape at the end of a student’s academic career. And success looks different for each student.

Danny thinks a lot about success.

“In 2013, we had a class of 12. Five

completed the program,” he said with a smirk. Now he notes that roughly 65 percent of students graduate from the program, owing in part to demand for EMCC students. Meeting that demand is not easy. Smith says that “students aren’t used to waking up at four o’clock in the morning; they’ve never had to do chores at home; and culturally, parents have a harder time letting go.” That’s not all students. Smith says that “in the past couple of semesters, The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 11

Cover Story • Continued

Danny and his son, Dantwan at his graduation

12 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

we have been getting a minority (roughly 40%) who have been working in the field or are “non-traditional” students. Several have had their own businesses and now want to advance their careers.” EMCC will have 14 returning students this fall and likely six or more incoming students.

Danny has been a member of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association for 28 years. When asked about the future of the turf industry, he says he is hopeful. “I think it’s going to Boom!” His optimism is bolstered by the number of universities and schools returning to natural turf systems. He says that teaching curriculum is only now catching up in the discussion of player safety, and that the focus is no longer just about aesthetics. He also believes that pace of demand in the southeast “seems to grow faster and faster than other regions.”

EMCC students are uniquely qualified. Smith says that students spend roughly 50 percent of their time in a classroom, and the other 50 percent is spent doing hands-on learning. “Students can operate any piece of equipment by the time they graduate.”

Danny is also an athlete. He loves baseball — he played at both Junior College and at Alcorn. In fact, he still talks to his high school baseball coach and mentor, Mr. Donnie Goss, on a weekly basis. He wakes up early (3:30 am) to hit the gym for cardio and strength training on most mornings.

He is active in his church and community. He was the 2003 Columbus Little League Baseball Coach of the Year and is President of his church’s United Methodist Men. When asked about what he is proud of, Danny does not hesitate to say his son, Dantwan, who just graduated as a Doctor of Internal Medicine from Ross University.

Danny is a leader, a hard worker and an advocate for the turfgrass industry and its future members. The Mississippi Turfgrass Association is proud to be a supporter of the turfgrass program at EMCC and supports it annually with a scholarship. v

Research Update

Controlling

Rush Species

By Zachary Small and James McCurdy Ph.D.

P

Path rush

Figure

1

Herbicide options based upon current and ongoing research. Note that repeat applications of all products listed are required (roughly 2 to 4 weeks after initial treatment). The addition of non-ionic surfactant or methylated seed oil improves control. Always follow label directions.

Toad rush

Path rush

Speedzone

Fair

Fair

Strike 3

Fair

Fair

Sedgehammer

Good

Good

Katana

Excellent

Excellent

Monument

Good

Fair

Tribute Total

Fair

Excellent

EH1580

Good

Good

Herbicide efficacy is expressed on an increasing scale of poor, fair, good, or excellent.

14 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

1

Table

Treatment

ath rush (Juncus tenuis) and toad rush (Juncus bufonius) are troublesome weeds in maintained turfgrass. Both are increasingly submitted to MSU for identification and recommendations for control. Research is being conducted at Mississippi State University in cooperation with the University of Tennessee to determine potential herbicides for control of both species.

Both rushes are similar in appearance. They are mat forming and grasslike, although neither are actually grasses. Rushes are monocots comprising the family Juncaceae and are more closely akin to the sedge family (Cyperaceae) than they are to grasses.

Rushes of the Juncus species have flat or cylindrical leaves and small flowers arranged in an inflorescence at the terminal end of a stalk arising from the base of the plant. Toad rush is a warmseason annual, while path rush persists as a perennial by rhizomes1. Both are known to inhabit compacted and/or saturated soils that are unfavorable for turfgrass growth2.

Path rush vegetation begins to be visible in the fall, but it is particularly abundant beginning at the first of the year. Path rush flowers throughout the spring and summer. Seed emerge in the fall and winter, taking advantage of open canopy or unhealthy turf areas.

When mown regularly, path rush persists without producing a seedhead, instead reproducing vegetatively by rhizomes.

Toad rush germinates in the spring.

It flowers prolifically in April through early July when heat and drought lead to its demise.

Reliable cultural control options for these species are limited. Relieving compaction and alleviating standing water or poorly drained soil seems important but not altogether effective. In field research, we have observed roots extending more than a foot into dry and compacted soils unsuitable for bermudagrass growth. Rush species have specialized stem (aerenchyma) tissue that helps gas exchange between flooded roots and above ground air.

In greenhouse studies, path rush can withstand volumetric water contents below 16% and bulk densities above 105 lbs/ft3. Furthermore, rush species exhibit allelopathic effects upon competing plants.

Figure

Cultural Considerations

2

Toad rush Rushes often inhabit wet areas such as this drainage swale.

Historically, turfgrass managers have used auxin mimicking herbicides such as 2,4-D to control Juncus species with varied success3. In research conducted at Clemson University, at least two applications of 2,4-D containing products were required for acceptable control of path rush. Path rush appears to be susceptible to winter time applications of glyphosate where dormant turf allows, such as on sod farms. Where labelled, MSMA plus 2,4-D is a somewhat effective application for path rush. Preemergence herbicides provide modest, but unreliable control — most likely due to inopportune application timings.

Figure

Chemical Control

3

Rushes take advantage of weakened or diseased turf. These fairy rings are within a harvested zoysiagrass sod.

Trials of 18 different herbicides were conducted at four locations during 2017. Application timings varied among sites, but all were applied between midFebruary, when path rush is highly visible, and mid-May, when toad rush is starting to flower. Herbicide and adjuvant rates were based upon labelled manufacturer recommendations. Treatments were applied in a water carrier volume of 40 gallons per acre. Rush control was assessed 12 weeks after treatment (WAT). Results are summarized in Table 1.

Figure

My Research

4

Research Update • Continued

The ALS inhibitors Sedgehammer, Katana, Tribute Total, and the experimental herbicide EH1580 reduced path rush populations between 71 and 92%.

The auxin-mimicking herbicide Strike 3, which was included as an industry standard, only reduced path rush 30%.

Toad rush results were inconsistent across sites, but Sedgehammer, Katana, and Monument, as well as the experimental herbicide EH1580 controlled toad rush between 60 and 74%.

There are a variety of possible causes for variation in rush species control:

most notably soil and air temperature, soil moisture, and plant maturity at application. All of these factors impact herbicide activity within the plant.

Research examining the effects of application timing and rates is ongoing. It is apparent that multiple applications of herbicide will likely be required, as well as an integrated approach managing cultural factors contributing to the prevalence of the weed. Some studies suggest that addition of surfactant may enhance herbicide efficacy, but this has yet to be researched thoroughly.

We hypothesized that combining an ALS inhibitor with an auxin mimicking herbicide might provide a synergistic response, thus better efficacy. In a recently completed greenhouse trial, the addition of 2,4-D to halosulfuron did not increase efficacy. It is not known whether this holds true for all possible tank mix combinations being used by turfgrass managers. v

About the Author

Zach Small is a native of Lexington, Tennessee. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Mississippi State University. He enjoys CrossFit, watching MSU Baseball, and beer. His Master’s Thesis Project is entitled Determining Chemical Control Options for Rush Species in Maintained Turfgrasses. Committee members include: Jay McCurdy, Paul Tseng, John Byrd, and Eric Reasor (Mississippi State University), as well as Jim Brosnan (University of Tennessee).

References

1 Balslev, H. 1996. Juncaceae. Flora Neotropica 68. New York Botanical Garden Press, New York. pp. 1-167.

2 Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. p.273.

3 Estes, A., and L.B. McCarty. 2006.

Path rush control in bermudagrass turf. Proceedings of American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. 16 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine • 17

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

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

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

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

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

Alan Henn, Ph.D. Extension Professor Specialty: Ext. Plant Pathologist Phone: (662) 325-4535 ahenn@ext.msstate.edu

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

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

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

Blake Layton, Jr., Ph.D. Extension Professor Specialty: Ext. Plant Entomologist Phone: (662) 325-2085 blayton@entomology.msstate.edu

Eric Reasor, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Specialty: Turf Breeding and Management Phone: (662) 325-8280 eric.reasor@msstate.edu

Maria Tomaso-Peterson, Ph.D. Research Professor Specialty: Turfgrass Pathology Phone: (662) 325-2593 mariat@pss.msstate.edu

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

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

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

Michael Richard Extension Associate Specialty: Sports Turf Mgmt.

Phone: (662) 325-2311 mpr160@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

Calendar of Events

Save The Date November 27–29 Deep South Turfgrass Expo

Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS www.deepsouthturfexpo.org

18 • Mississippi Turfgrass • Summer 2018

Index of Advertisers Agri-AFC,LLC...................................................9 www.agrainc.com

Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc..................17 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Bayou Bend Turf Grass....................................6 www.bayoubendturfgrass.com

RD Murphy, LLC...............................................9 www.rdmurphy.com

Color-Flex Distance Markers..........................9 www.color-flex.com

Riebeling Farms, Inc.......................................9

CoverSports USA...........................................17 www.coversports.com Donkey Forklift.............................. Back Cover www.hol-mac.com Harrell’s LLC....................................................3 www.harrells.com Humphries Turf Supply....................................9 www.humphriesturf.com Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation...........................13 www.jerrypate.com

Simplot Partners.............................................5 www.simplotpartners.com Southeast Turf Maintenance.........................12 www.southeastturf.com Sur-Line Turf, Inc..........................................16 www.surlineturf.com The Turfgrass Group............Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Winstead Turf Farms........... Inside Back Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com