Mississippi Turfgrass - Fall 2021

FALL 2021

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

Zoysiagrass Putting Greens: What We’ve Learned so Far DON’T MISS THE

DEEP SOUTH TURF EXPO NOVEMBER 1 – 4, 2021

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FALL 2021

CONTENTS • The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

FEATURES

8 Cover Story —

Zoysiagrass Putting Greens: What We’ve Learned so Far

8

Features — 16 Don’t Miss the Deep South Turf Expo 24 U.S. Sod Checkoff is

Striving to “Bring Grass to Life”

26 Recent Event —

Yard Dawg Classic Tournament

29 Upcoming Event —

NOVEMBER 1 – 4, 2021

Turfgrass Research Field Day

MISSISSIPPI COAST CONVENTION CENTER BILOXI, MS

DEPARTMENTS

6 From the MTA President

15 Index of Advertisers

31 Calendar of Events

16

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More:

THETURFZONE.COM

24 4 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

FROM THE MTA PRESIDENT, Keair Edwards

Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 Fax: (662) 325-2705 www.msturfassociation.org

BUILDING MOMENTUM

Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Office: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com

S

ummer has come to an end and fall is upon us. It’s the time of the year where things begin to slow and we can really catch our footing. Though the past year has brought many challenges, our successes were far greater! It was refreshing to socialize with everyone at the Yard Dawg Classic.

Building on the momentum of returning to in-person educational events, don’t forget about the upcoming Deep South Turf Expo in Biloxi on November 1 – 4. Our education committee has gone above and beyond in bringing in excellent speakers and topics that will help you advance your knowledge. And don’t forget the importance of networking with other turf professionals who share the same challenges and concerns.

We will also hold our MTA Annual Business Meeting during this event. We hope to see everyone there.

Additionally, I cannot go without acknowledging everyone’s commitment and resiliency during my tenure as MTA president; It was truly an honor.

Keair Edwards

MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS EDITOR James D. McCurdy, Ph.D.

MTA OFFICERS PRESIDENT Keair Edwards City of Gulfport (228) 861-5641 VICE-PRESIDENT / PRESIDENT ELECT Alan Sullivan Grand Bear Golf Course SECRETARY-TREASURER Dr. Barry Stewart (662) 312-9335 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jeremy Tate Tate’s Turf LLC (662) 209-0023

MTA President

DETAILS ON PAGES 16 – 22

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

NOVEMBER 1 – 4, 2021

MISSISSIPPI COAST CONVENTION CENTER BILOXI, MS

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 ©2021 by the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. Mississippi Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of MTA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

Chris Hussey, Sod Rep Hussey Sod Farm (662) 840-0512 Jimmy McPherson, Golf Rep MSU Golf Course (662) 610-3260 Todd McCullough, Grounds and Landscape Rep City of Louisville (601) 416-3292 Corey Garrison, Central Rep Country Club of Jackson (901) 490-4547 Frank Ogletree, South Rep Hattiesburg Country Club (601) 543-5033 Seth King, Industry Rep. Ben Nelson Golf and Outdoor (601) 672-4796

FACULTY ADVISOR Jay McCurdy, Ph.D. (662) 325-2331

6 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

2021

Early Order Program Walker Sory

walker.sory@simplot.com Cell: (504) 206-5114

Randy Owens

randy.owens@simplot.com Cell: (205) 517-1722

Scott Newman

scott.newman@simplot.com Cell: (901) 201-0320

Discover More At

th.Simplot.com

© 2021 Simplot Turf & Horticulture. All rights reserved. Simplot® is a registered trademark of J.R. Simplot Company. 0821d

COVER STORY

ZOYSIAGRASS PU TTING GREENS : W H AT W E ’ VE L EA R N E D S O FAR

By Tyler Carr, John Sorochan, and Jim Brosnan — Dept. of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee

Z

oysiagrass is a warm-season turfgrass used on lawns and golf courses in the transition zone and southern United States. Zoysiagrasses have become popular in part because they require fewer inputs and offer enhanced cold and shade tolerance compared to bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). On golf course fairways, tees, and roughs, two different species of zoysiagrass are most common: Zoysia japonica (e.g., ‘Meyer’, ‘El Toro’, etc.) and Z. matrella (e.g., ‘Zeon’, Zorro’, etc.) (Patton et al., 2017). Continued turfgrass breeding efforts have sparked an interest in zoysiagrass for use on putting greens.

In 1996, ‘Diamond’ (Z. matrella) was released as a fine-textured zoysiagrass with potential to be used on putting surfaces; however, research from Clemson University determined that ball roll speeds were too slow for tournament purposes (Engelke et al., 2002; Stiglbauer et al., 2009). More recently, three Z. matrella cultivars [‘Prizm’ (M60), ‘Primo’ (M85), and ‘Trinity’ (L1F)] have been released for use on putting greens in addition to ‘Lazer’ (DALZ 1308), a first-generation hybrid of Z. matrella and Z. minima (Doguet and Lehman, 2014; Doguet et al., 2016, 2017; Chandra et al., 2020). These improved zoysiagrasses were planted at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN) in 2018 to study their potential for use on putting greens over multiple seasons.

This article will provide a brief overview of what has been learned in that research effort.

Nitrogen (N) Fertilizer Requirements and Green Speed One of the major topics surrounding zoysiagrass management on putting greens is N fertilizer requirements. A 16-week study in 2020 compared the performance and quality of Prizm, Primo, Trinity, and Lazer when receiving annual N rates of 1.5 or 3 lb N 1000 ft-2 (0.19 or 0.38 lb N 1000 ft-2 every two weeks during summer) supplied as urea. All plots were mowed at a 0.115" height of cut with a walk-behind reel mower (Greensmaster Flex 2100, The Toro Company, Bloomington, MN).

Most golf course superintendents are very familiar with using a Stimpmeter to provide a measure of green speed (i.e., ball roll distance; Radko, 1980). When mowing and rolling five times weekly, green speeds for all zoysiagrasses tested averaged at least 10.5' over the 16-week study period, even when receiving 3 lb N 1000 ft-2 (Figure 1).

FIGURE 1. Ball roll distances for four zoysiagrasses after 1.5 or 3 lb N 1000 ft-2 over 16 weeks in Knoxville, TN. These data are pooled across all evaluation dates.

Treatments with different letters have significantly different ball roll distances (P ≤ 0.05).

8 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

FIGURE 2. Visual quality and color of zoysiagrasses affected by N rates of 1.5 or 3 lb N 1000 ft-2 over 16 weeks during summer 2020 in Knoxville, TN.

10 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

Continued

In general, the 3 lb N 1000 ft-2 rate resulted in superior color compared to 1.5 lb N 1000 ft-2 (Figure 2) while still maintaining green speeds greater than those historically reported for Diamond.

Further testing of other annual N rates between 1.5 and 3 lb 1000 ft-2 will be needed to determine the specific amount of N required to maintain acceptable quality and optimal green speed on zoysiagrass putting greens in Tennessee. Nonetheless, the range of N rates tested in this study provides a starting point for golf course superintendents considering renovating to zoysiagrass putting surfaces.

Bermudagrass Encroachment Aside from managing zoysiagrass for performance, golf course superintendents will likely face encroachment from another warmseason turfgrass, bermudagrass. Controlling bermudagrass in Z. japonica typically involves multiple applications of Fusilade II (fluazifop) + Turflon Ester (triclopyr) (Brosnan et al., 2011); however, the tolerance of greens-type zoysiagrass to this treatment is unknown. A two-year study was initiated in August 2020 at the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas to evaluate the tolerance of Prizm and Lazer zoysiagrass to several postemergence herbicides including Fusilade II (4 fl oz/A), Turflon Ester (32 fl oz/A), Fusilade II (4 fl oz/A) + Turflon Ester (32 fl oz/A), Revolver (26.2 fl oz/A), and Dismiss NXT (8 fl oz/A).

Unlike Z. japonica, both Fusilade II + Turflon Ester and Turflon Ester alone resulted in unacceptable and prolonged injury to both Prizm and Lazer zoysiagrass. Interestingly, Fusilade II applied alone resulted in limited injury (Figure 3). The same negative effects of Turflon Ester and acceptable tolerance of Fusilade II have been previously reported for Diamond zoysiagrass (Lewis

•

COVER STORY

et al., 2010). Additionally, Revolver was safe on Prizm and Lazer whereas Dismiss NXT resulted in unacceptable injury. These treatments will be applied again in 2021 at both locations to make sure responses are consistent over time. As zoysiagrass use on putting greens increases, additional research will be needed to understand tolerance of greens-type cultivars to other herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides used for pest management.

Establishment The single greatest concern golf course superintendents express about renovating putting greens to zoysiagrass is the slow establishment from sprigs (8–12 weeks) compared to ultradwarf bermudagrass (6–8 weeks). A major research focus at the University of Tennessee is to explore methods to hasten zoysiagrass establishment from sprigs. A field study evaluating establishment of Prizm zoysiagrass in April, May, June, and July was initiated in 2020 and is being repeated in 2021. In this study, Prizm zoysiagrass was sprigged at 1200 bushels/A at each timing. One week prior to sprig harvesting, Lexicon (21 fl oz/A) was applied to established Prizm zoysiagrass at Bladerunner Farms (Poteet, TX).

Before planting sprigs, starter fertilizer (18-24-12) was applied to the experimental area at 0.5 lb P2O5 1000 ft-2 and organic fertilizer (6-2-0; Milorganite Classic, Milorganite, Milwaukee, WI) was applied at 0.25 lb N 1000 ft-2 totaling 0.63 lb N 1000 ft-2, 0.58 lb P2O5 1000 ft-2, and 0.25 lb K2O 1000 ft-2. Additionally, Ronstar Flo (80 fl oz/A) was applied immediately prior to planting. During establishment, irrigation was applied five times daily replacing 150% of the previous day’s evapotranspiration, which was estimated using the mesur.io Earthstream platform (mesur.io, Yanceyville, NC).

FIGURE 3. Prizm zoysiagrass injury from treatments containing Turflon Ester (triclopyr; 32 fl oz/A) 21 days after treatment application in Knoxville, TN.

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 11

COVER STORY • Continued

Planting date affected establishment in 2020, as establishment rates increased with planting month (Figure 4). However, Prizm zoysiagrass planted in June and July did not fully establish in 2020, which was likely a result of fall temperatures that were not conducive for warm-season turfgrass growth. Prizm planted in late spring (April or May) had slower establishment rates than the summer plantings but established fully in the same growing season. Planting Prizm sprigs in early summer and at rates greater than those used in this study could accelerate establishment and warrants further investigation, as several golf courses have shown success when establishing zoysiagrass sprigs at rates of 1800 to 2000 bu/A.

The effect of preplant herbicides on Prizm establishment was tested in May 2020 and repeated in May 2021 using the same, previously described, establishment methodology. Treatments tested included Ronstar Flo (122 fl oz/A), Tower (32 fl oz/A), Regalstar II (200 lb/A), Anderson’s Crabgrass and Goosegrass Control (305 lb/A), and an experimental herbicide from PBI Gordon. Anderson’s Crabgrass and Goosegrass Control and Regalstar II both severely prolonged establishment, which was not unexpected given the active ingredients in those herbicides.

An application of Tower before planting hastened establishment compared to the non-treated control (Figure 5).

FIGURE 4. The effect of planting date on turfgrass coverage during establishment of ‘Prizm’ zoysiagrass sprigs when planted at 1200 bu/A in April, May, June, and July 2020 in Knoxville, TN.

FIGURE 5. Confidence intervals (95%) for the estimated number of weeks for ‘Prizm’ zoysiagrass planted at 1200 bu/A to reach 50, 75, and 95% turfgrass coverage with a preplant herbicide application of Ronstar Flo (122 fl oz/A), Tower (32 fl oz/A), Regalstar II (200 lb/A), Anderson’s Crabgrass and Goosegrass Control (305 lb/A), and an experimental herbicide from PBI Gordon in May 2020 in Knoxville, TN. Herbicide treatments with overlapping bars are not significantly different.

12 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

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COVER STORY • Continued

Conclusion

Tyler Carr – @TylerTalksTurf GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

While much has been learned about managing new zoysiagrass cultivars on putting greens over the past 18 months, many things still remain unknown and warrant further research. The University of Tennessee will be diligently working to learn more about these grasses to support golf course superintendents considering a renovation to zoysiagrass in the future. For more information on our work, please connect with us on Twitter (@UTturfgrass) or visit the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Science & Management Website, https://plantsciences.tennessee.edu/turfgrass/. •

John Sorochan – @Sorochan DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR Jim Brosnan – @UTturfweeds PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR

REFERENCES Lewis, D., McElroy, J., Sorochan, J., Mueller, T., Samples, T., & Breeden, G. (2010). Efficacy and Safening of Aryloxyphenoxypropionate Herbicides when Tank-Mixed with Triclopyr for Bermudagrass Control in Zoysiagrass Turf. Weed Technology, 24, 489-494. https://doi. org/10.1614/WT-D-10-00029.1

Brosnan, J., Breeden, G., Elmore, M., & Zidek, J. (2011).

Application timing affects bermudagrass suppression with mixtures of fluazifop and triclopyr. Weed Technology, 25, 591–597. https://doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-10-00165.1 Chandra, A., Genovesi, A. D., Meeks, M., Wu, Y., Engelke, M. C., Kenworthy, K., & Schwartz, B. (2020). Registration of ‘DALZ 1308’ zoysiagrass. Journal of Plant Registrations, 14, 19–34. https://doi.org/10.1002/plr2.20016

Patton, A. J., Schwartz, B. M., & Kenworthy, K. E. (2017). Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) history, utilization, and improvement in the United States: A review. Crop Science, 57, 37–72. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2017.02.0074

Doguet, D., Doguet, D. A., & Lehman, V.G. (2016).

Zoysiagrass plant named ‘M85’. US Plant Patent 27289.

Date issued: 18 October.

Doguet, D., Doguet, D. A., & Lehman, V.G. (2017). Zoysiagrass plant named ‘M60’. US Plant Patent 29143. Date issued: 23 November.

Radko, A. (1980). The USGA Stimpmeter for Measuring the Speed of Putting Greens. In J.B. Beard (Ed.), Proceedings of The Third International Turfgrass Research Conference (pp. 473–476). American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America.

Doguet, D., & Lehman, V. (2014). Zoysiagrass plant named ‘L1F’. US Plant Patent 25203. Date issued: 30 December.

Stiglbauer, J. B., Liu, H., McCarty, L. B., Park, D. M., Toler, J. E., & Kirk, K. (2009).

Engelke, M. C., Colbaugh, P. F., Reinert, J.A., Marcum, K. B., White, R.H., Ruemmele, B., & Anderson, S. J. (2002).

Registration of ‘Diamond’ zoysiagrass. Crop Science, 42, 304–305. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2002.3040

‘Diamond’ zoysiagrass putting green establishment affected by sprigging rates, nitrogen sources, and rates in the southern transition zone. HortScience, 44, 1757–1761. https://doi. org/10.21273/hortsci.44.6.1757

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14 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Agra Turf, Inc...................................................31 www.agrainc.com

Battle Sod Farm...............................................23 battlesodfarm.com

Bayou Bend Turfgrass......................................31 www.bayoubendturfgrass.com

Dave’s Sale and Service...................................28 www.turfeagle.com

GURU Scapes....................................................27 www.guruscapes.com

Harrell’s LLC......................................Back Cover www.harrells.com

Jackson Sand...................................................31 www.jacksonsand.com

Kesmac.............................................................13 www.brouwerkesmac.com

KWMI / K & W Products, Inc...............................9 www.KWMIequipment.com

Leading Edge Communications.......................30 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Modern Turf, Inc...............................................25 www.modernturf.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc......................28 www.progressiveturfequip.com

RD Murphy, LLC................................................15 www.rdmurphy.com

Riebeling Farms, Inc........................................27 Simplot Partners................................................7 www.simplotpartners.com

Sod Solutions...................................................19 www.sodsolutions.com

Sur-Line Turf, Inc.............................................15

Big Roll TuRf TuBes

www.surlineturf.com

The Turfgrass Group.....................................3, 17 www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Turf Care Supply.................................................5 www.turfcaresupply.com/home

Winstead Turf........................ Inside Front Cover

heavy Duty papeR tubeS

100% Recycled paper

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

www.winsteadturffarms.com THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 15

FEATURE

TURNING THE CORNER:

The Deep South Turf Expo Emerges in 2021

By Melanie Bonds, ATA Executive Director

The

Pandemic year of 2020 was extremely challenging for everyone, and much to our dismay we had to cancel the Expo. The Board looked at various formats to host at least a portion of the Expo, but because of the general shut-down, we were unable to plan a viable event. It was very frustrating, but as we return to a semblance of normality, we are re-committed to making this the best Expo in our sevenyear history!

To further that aim we have a wonderful line up of speakers and an unsurpassed education program! Attendees will have outstanding breakouts and our general session will inspire all those in the turf industry who want to continue to learn and grow in their profession! Our education committee (Drs. Beth Guertal, Dave Han, Jay McCurdy and Bryan Unruh) achieved a broadspectrum approach to topics. The general session speakers are highlighted below.

Brad Jakubowski with Penn State University has been involved with the Green Industry for over 30 years, working within the residential/commercial, golf course and sport field areas. He is an Instructor of Plant Sciences and Ph.D. candidate at Penn State

16 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

University. Brad currently teaches a variety of irrigation and turfgrass management courses at Penn State. In his discussion, Weather Apps and Weather Decisions, Let’s Make the Most of Both!, he shares the best in weather apps and web-based information and how to use this information to make the best management, game-time and event management decisions possible!

Bring your phones!

Dr. Jim Brosnan is ready to talk weeds! “Why Do They Keep Talking About Resistance?” is Jim’s topic. A Professor in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee (UT) and Director of the UT Weed Diagnostics Center, his research focuses on controlling unique and problematic turfgrass weeds, particularly those with resistance to herbicides. Dr. Brosnan has consulted at multiple venues on the PGA Tour (including several major championship host sites,) in addition to National Football League franchises. Dr. Brosnan received a B.S. in turfgrass science from Penn State University, an M.S. in plant, soil and insect sciences (turfgrass) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Ph.D. in agronomy (turfgrass) from Penn State University.

Saving America’s Water In just 5 years, over 730 million square feet of TifTuf has been installed on residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and collegiate and professional sports fields across our country. As a result, over 11 billion gallons of our precious water resources have already been saved. TifTuf is absolutely changing the face of the American landscape!

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FEATURE • Continued

Dr. Chase Straw earned his B.S. degree from the University of Kentucky in Turfgrass Science. He will speak on Technologies for Turfgrass Management: Current Trends and Future Applications.

As an undergraduate, he gained experience managing sports fields at the collegiate (University of Kentucky) and professional (Boston RedSox and Cincinnati Bengals) levels. He went on to earn his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Turfgrass Science from the University of Georgia. He spent two years as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Minnesota before becoming Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management and Physiology at Texas A&M University in February 2020. Chase’s research focuses on spatial and temporal variability within turfgrass systems to develop practical strategies for reducing management inputs and improving the overall user experience.

This year we added a break-out on career management. For anyone wishing to advance in their profession (and who doesn’t) don’t miss Armen Suny’s presentation, “Job Search 101.” Mr. Suny is a search and consulting executive with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. He provides executive searches for general managers, golf course superintendents, golf professionals, assistant general managers, and clubhouse managers. He graduated from the famed turfgrass management program at Penn State. Suny has held the positions of golf course superintendent, general manager, vice president of agronomy, PGA tournament director, golf course designer and golf development project workout manager. He has extensive, direct, hands-on experience at major championships, PGA Tour events and top 100 courses.

While beefing up our program with these amazing keynote speakers, the Deep South Turf Expo is committed to providing entertainment and social networking that can be quite as valuable as formal education programs. The Deep South Four Ball Tournament will be reprised and held on Monday at The Preserve and on Tuesday at Fallen Oak. While teams are battling it out over the Four Ball tournament at Fallen Oak on Tuesday, the Preserve Golf Club will host our Scramble Tournament.

Following the Scramble at The Preserve, whether you golf or not, everyone is invited to come out in the late afternoon to attend a Tail Gate Picnic that is being planned by our sponsors.

This event was amazingly well received in 2019 — despite the heat and we are talking about both high temperatures and some of the food options that “kicked it up a notch!”

Lest we forget, in addition to the golf there will be the Skeet and Trap Tournament on Tuesday as well, and the Sports Field Tour. The tour will end as usual at Shuckers Stadium in time for everyone to take part in the Tail Gate at The Preserve.

We are really excited about our program this year! We feel there is pent up demand that will make this one of the best attended Expos ever. Registration for exhibitors and attendees is open on-line at DeepSouthTurfExpo.org. Make plans now to attend. Getting together with friends and colleagues in Biloxi in the Fall is always a special time for our industry and will be even more so by our absence last year! •

2021 SPONSORS

Register online at

www.

DeepSouthTurfExpo .org

Turn to pages 20 & 21 for the 18 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

2021 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS !

2021 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS MONDAY, November 1 12 pm 4 pm – 6 pm

Four Ball Golf Tournament (2 man/4 ball) — The Preserve Golf Club Tournament sponsored by Beard Equipment Company, Greenville Turf & Tractor & Harrell’s, Inc • Drinks sponsored by PBI-Gordon Exhibitor Move-In (Large Equipment Only) — Mississippi Coast Convention Center (MCCC)

TUESDAY, November 2 8 am – 4 pm 10 am 10 am 10 am 11 am 5 pm

Registration Open & Exhibitor Move-In — MCCC Sports Field Tour — meet in bus lobby of Beau Rivage Skeet and Trap Tournament — Coast Rifle and Pistol Club Sponsored by Corteva AgriScience Four Ball Golf Tournament (2 man/4 ball) — Fallen Oak Golf Club Tournament sponsored by Beard Equipment Company, Greenville Turf & Tractor & Harrell’s, Inc • Drinks sponsored by PBI-Gordon Scramble Golf Tournament — The Preserve Golf Club Sponsored by Jerry Pate Company and Ladd’s • Drinks sponsored by Capillary Concrete Tailgate Celebration (All attendees & exhibitors welcome) — The Preserve Golf Club Sponsored by Jerry Pate Company, Ladd’s, Beard Equipment Company, Greenville Turf & Tractor, Simplot, Harrell’s, Inc. & FIS Outdoor

WEDNESDAY, November 3 7 am – 4 pm 8 am – 11 am 8 am 9 am

Registration Open — MCCC Continental Breakfast sponsored by Simplot General Session: Keynote Speakers — MCCC Sponsored by BASF Weather Apps and Weather Decisions, Let’s Make the Most of Both! • Bradley Jakubowski, Ph.D., Penn State University

There are an incredible number of weather apps out there these days and we usually have at least two or three on our phones at one time! Let’s discuss what to look for in weather apps and web-based information and how to use this information to make the best management, game-time, and event management decisions possible. Be prepared to have your phones ready!

Why Do They Keep Talking About Resistance? • Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., University of Tennessee

Does it seem like every weed control talk at a conference is about resistance? This presentation will shed light on why. Learn the basics of resistance, how to see if it’s affected your facility, and how to move forward once it’s become an issue.

Technologies for Turfgrass Management: Current Trends and Future Applications • Chase Straw, Ph.D., Texas A & M University

10 am 11 am – 4 pm 12 pm – 3 pm 3 pm – 5 pm

3 pm

4 pm

4 pm – 6 pm

The turfgrass management industry is under increasing public pressure to improve environmental impacts by reducing management inputs. The concept of precision turfgrass management (PTM) is a viable strategy to achieve reductions by making management input applications only where, when, and in the amount needed. PTM currently relies heavily on new technologies for a more datadriven management approach. This presentation will introduce the concept of PTM, and then provide an overview of current trends and future applications of technologies for its implementation.

Tradeshow Open — featuring Silent Auction — MCCC Annual Business Meetings — DRAWING FOR $$$ — MCCC 12 pm Alabama Turfgrass Association & Mississippi Turfgrass Association 1 pm Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association & Gulf Coast GCSA 2 pm Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation & Louisiana-Mississippi GCSA Educational Breakout Sessions — MCCC Turfgrass Management

Landscape Management

Root-knot and Lance Nematodes on Warm-Season Turfgrasses William T. “Billy” Crow, Ph.D., University of Florida

Irrigation Troubleshooting Using Sight, Job Search 101 Sound, and Smell: Maybe Shovel Too? Armen Suny, Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace Bradley Jakubowski, Ph.D., Penn State University Most turf managers are not spending any appreciable time This presentation is intended to help improve irrigation troubleshooting skills before any digging or in-depth work occurs.

Being able to evaluate what is being seen, heard, or smelled can potentially reduce the amount of wasted work and disruption to the course. And as a last resort, we’ll discuss when digging is required.

on their careers and preparing for the next opportunity. In this program, we discuss common sense strategies that will help potential candidates get the interview and then get the position.

Attendees will learn what our clients are looking for and how to best present themselves to potential employers. Areas covered will include working on your career, how different search committee members look for different things, the cover letter (reading between the lines), resumé presentation and learning how to prepare for and practice for an interview, including how to close your interview.

Poa Annua Panel Discussion Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida, Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University and Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University

Recreational Pond Management: Seven Steps to Get the Most from Your Pond David Cline, Ph.D., Auburn University

Job Search 101 — CONTINUED Armen Suny, Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace

Root-knot and lance nematodes are increasing in importance on warm-season turfgrasses in the southeast. Learn about the behavior of these nematodes, improved sampling procedures for them, and how best to manage them.

Annual bluegrass is not easily controlled with synthetic pesticides alone. Scientists are using the weed’s natural biology and growth characteristics to develop non-chemical control strategies.

Those strategies include clipping removal during seed production, fraze-mowing, and alternative pesticides. Our experts will share results of the USDA-NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative being conducted by a national team of scientists.

Exhibitor Move-Out — MCCC Evening Open

20 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

Proper management of a recreational fishing pond might seem complicated, but if you understand these seven principles you can create an optimal experience. Many recreational ponds serve multiple purposes from cattle watering to irrigation to fishing.

Every pond is unique and may require slightly different management to get the desired results. This presentation will cover principles of proper stocking, harvesting and weed control.

Career Management

THURSDAY, November 4 7 am – 9 am 8 am – 12 pm

8 am

Registration Open and Exhibitor Move-Out – MCCC Continental Breakfast sponsored by Simplot Educational Breakout Sessions – MCCC GOLF SPORTS TURF and GROUNDS Sports Field Variability Water Issues: and its Impact on AthleteBad Water, Too Little and Surface Interactions Everything in Between Chase Straw, Ph.D., Marco Schiavon, Ph.D., Texas A & M University University of Florida Irrigation is the single most important maintenance practice to keep turfgrass alive, even in hot and humid climates where soil water holding capacity is limited. Moreover with water restrictions being progressively enforced, misuse of irrigation water has become a predominant issue for the turf industry. Several strategies have been proposed to conserve potable water when irrigating turf. Strategies to be covered include: use of alternative sources to potable water, deficit irrigation, choosing the right type of grass / cultivars for the environment, wetting agents and sufficient N fertilization.

Goosegrass Control Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University

9 am

10 am

11 am

12 pm

LAWN CARE and LANDSCAPE Ecologically Beneficial Turf — A Changing Landscape Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Mississippi State University and David Held, Ph.D., Sports fields can be significantly different from Auburn University field-to-field and within a single field, depending on their type, construction, usage, and management. Research involving athlete–surface interactions often fails to thoroughly account for variability by grouping these fields into a single category of “natural turfgrass” or “artificial turf.”

This presentation will highlight the between – and within-field variations of sports fields and their influence on athlete–surface interactions, as well as offer several management strategies to improve field consistency and uniformity.

SOD Sod Fertility Beth Guertal, Ph.D., Auburn University

This talk will cover the basics of fertilization for sod production. We will cover how much of various nutrients one should apply, and when and how to apply it. We will also discuss the nutrients Turfgrass provides important ecological services, one does NOT need to apply, and how limiting such as carbon sequestration, noise abatement, application of some fertilizer nutrients can save and temperature moderation. Unfortunately, you money and help to protect your water quality. because the modern “American lawn” is often maintained as a monoculture, it lacks species richness and habitat for pollinating insects. Drs. Held and McCurdy share information regarding how to increase pollinator habitat within urban landscapes through reduced and optimized use of inputs, such as pesticides and mowing. They identify pollinator friendly turfgrass alternatives and discuss amenity for species that meet the societal and cultural demands of traditionally maintained southeastern lawns.

More Than a Beauty Pageant: Comparing Divot Recovery and Wear Tolerance of Bermudagrass Cultivars Jason Kruse, Ph.D., University of Florida

Common Misconceptions Advancements Clients Believe About Lawns in Sod Production Dave Han, Ph.D., Auburn University Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., How do you deal with clients who are sure they Mississippi State University know something about their lawn that is just not true? Whether it’s “all grasses are pretty much the same,” or that “it’s best to irrigate on a calendar schedule,” or that “certain chemicals will or won’t do certain things;” these beliefs can be very well-entrenched. We’ll share strategies to help educate property owners and other clients who may not have a background in horticulture or plant science.

Sod producers increasingly consider new varieties, processes, and inputs in order to turn a profit. Join Dr. McCurdy in this interactive discussion about what’s new in the industry, such as low input varieties, herbicide tolerant cultivars, and new production techniques.

Best Management Practices and Water Quality Protection J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida

Weed Control and Wear Tolerance for Sports Fields Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Auburn University

Pesticide Safety; Before You Do It, Think Through It! Kim Brown, Louisiana State University AgCenter

U.S. Sod Checkoff Program Discussion Casey Reynolds, Ph.D., Turfgrass Producers International

Using Communication Skills to Enhance a Strong BMP Program Tim Hiers, CGCS, White Oak Conservation

New Technologies Strategies for Home in Athletic Field Stripers Lawn Weed Management Doug Schattinger, Pioneer Athletics Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University

This seminar will discuss latest herbicides for control of goosegrass and other grass weeds. Herbicide resistance issues will also be discussed along with development of new strategies to prevent resistance development.

Non-Point Source pollution (NPS) occurs as rainfall moves over the surface and through the ground picking up natural and man-made pollutants and then depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters. In most states, NPS is the leading cause of water-quality problems that adversely affect drinking water supplies, recreation, and marine life and wildlife. Strategies for improving water quality on golf courses will be explored along with a discussion of relevant case study examples of water quality monitoring programs.

Effective communications are essential to a strong BMP program. This includes communications to the members, staff and locales.

Several new bermudagrasses cultivars have been introduced in recent years. Many of these grasses tout improved disease and insect resistance, and drought and shade tolerance. Attendees will learn how these new grasses are being tested for their tolerance.

Weeds contribute to turfgrass stand decline which decreases wear tolerance of turfgrass.

Weeds themselves also have very low wear tolerance leading to soil exposure under sport play conditions. Herbicide and other weed control strategies will be discussed that maximize turf wear tolerance and control weeds.

How can GPS and other precision technologies improve quality and save you time. What different technologies are available and what changes are coming? Where do they work well and where will they frustrate you?

The goal of this presentation is to cover proper pesticide spill management, basic pesticide safety for exposure, personal protective equipment, proper storage, and transportation.

The focus is on different scenarios that applicators have found themselves in and how to handle pesticides safely and correctly.

The U.S. Sod Industry has put forth a proposal for an industry-wide discussion and vote to establish a sod checkoff program to defend, promote, and grow the natural grass industry. Please join us for this informative discussion to learn more, ask questions, and discuss it with fellow sod producers ahead of the upcoming vote.

Managing weeds in home lawns is difficult in the Deep South because of the year-round growing season for weeds, the number of different grasses we use on lawns, and the sheer number of new lawns being planted every year. Throw in the always-present problems of new weeds and herbicide resistance, and staying ahead of weed problems can be a big challenge. We will review strategies and products to help prevent falling behind the curve and keep clients satisfied.

CEU & Pesticide Sign-ins and Expo Adjournment — MCCC Have a safe trip home, mark next year’s event on your calendar: October 24 – 27, 2022

Register online at www. DeepSouthTurfExpo .org THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 21

NOVEMBER 1 – 4, 2021

MISSISSIPPI COAST CONVENTION CENTER BILOXI, MS

REGISTRATION FORM STEP 1 – Attendee Information Name:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________________________________________ State:_________ Zip:________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ INDUSTRY SEGMENT: Golf

Landscaper

Sod Producer

Sports Fields

Landscape Contractor

Landscape Architect / Designer

Right of Way / DOT

Research / Extension

Institution / University

Municipality

Other:_______________________________________________________________________

STEP 2 – Conference Registration Complete Expo Registration

Lawn Care

Early Bird

After 9/1/2021

On-Site

$250

$300

$350

Includes all educational sessions, tradeshow, tailgate celebration and continental breakfasts. There will not be a sponsored lunch this year, but the MCCC will have vendors selling hot lunches. Note: On-line registration closes on Monday, October 25th!

STEP 3 – Ticketed Events Scramble Golf Tournament — November 2* $125 n/a 4-Ball Golf Tournament — November 1 – 2* $250 n/a Skeet & Trap Tournament — November 2

$100

$125

Sports Field Tour — November 2

$50

$75

Tradeshow Only — FOR NON-CONFERENCE ATTENDEES ONLY $75

$100

Tailgate Celebration — November 2 — FREE, BUT LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING *For golf tournaments — Handicap: _____________________ Pairing Requests_________________________________________________________________________

STEP 4 – Payment Total from Step 2 – Conference Registration:.............................................................................................................. $ _______________________________ Total from Step 3 – Ticketed Events:........................................................................................................................... $ _______________________________ Total Due:................................................................................................................................................................... $ _______________________________ PAYMENT METHOD: Cash

Check

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Account #: __________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date:_____________________________ CVC#:___________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________ Billing Zip Code:_________________________________________________ If paying by check, please make out to DSTE and include with registration form. Refund request must be received in writing to the registrar no later than October 15, 2021. Refunds will be issued minus a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for requests after October 15, 2021.

Remit registration form to: Deep South Turf Expo, P.O. Box 2323, Auburn, AL 36831 For assistance with registration, please call 334-821-3000 or email: info@DeepSouthTurfExpo.org Please complete one form per person. Registration is available online at www.DeepSouthTurfExpo.org 22 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

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• •

Tunica, MS 38676 Local: 662-363-2445

FEATURE

U.S. SOD CHECKOFF IS STRIVING TO

“BRING GRASS TO LIFE”

S

od producers in the U.S. have been discussing the benefits of creating a sod checkoff since 1996, but only in recent years has there been more intentional discussion around how the industry can begin that process.

The goal of any checkoff program is to increase product demand and/or expand markets. For the sod industry specifically, the checkoff program will seek to Bring Grass to Life and increase value and profitability per square foot. This can include programs that will increase preference for sod, promote sod to consumers nationally and conduct research to educate and inform industry regulators and politicians.

Dr. Casey Reynolds, TPI Executive Director, has been a powerful voice behind the effort, rallying the industry around the benefits of an industry-wide checkoff.

“The sod checkoff will benefit every producer and farm by increasing visibility and value of sod that includes driving preference for natural grass sod with both consumers and customers, and by uniting the U.S. sod industry to protect and even grow market share in the face of threats from misinformation, building codes that seek to reduce our market, grass bans, and even competitors like artificial turf and others that compete for our space,” said Reynolds.

24 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

How Would a Sod Checkoff Impact You? Checkoff programs are industry-funded initiatives that help improve the market position of agricultural products. A sod checkoff would help showcase the value of natural grass in several ways, including the following: • The checkoff can help fight against regulations like grass bans, fertilizer bans, invasive species lists, building codes, etc.

• Marketing can help combat competitive products in the marketplace.

• Research can help gain insights into generational attitudes toward lawns, which are currently shifting in the wrong direction, and consumer messaging can educate consumers on the benefits of natural grass.

• Scientific research on ecosystem services can change the narrative around lawns and other green spaces and showcase the value that natural grass brings to urban and suburban areas.

• A network can be established for monitoring headlines for negative media and responding to them swiftly, effectively, and in unison with one voice.

• Marketing tools can help farms access and promote their products locally, to achieve a consistent message across the industry.

“The benefits of combining our resources and our voices through a sod checkoff will be seen in everything that we do. In the quality of our products, the stewardship of our resources, the demand for natural grass, and especially on our bottom line. This is THE opportunity to work together and take our industry to a much higher level. With so many opponents, it may be the only chance we have to pass our businesses on to the next generation.”

If passed by a majority vote of U.S. sod producers, the program will be implemented and governed by sod producers who are nominated by fellow sod producers. This group will invest checkoff dollars in national and consumer marketing collateral, agronomic and consumer research, promotional kits that can be customized by growers and customer and regulator education and outreach, to help increase value and profitability per square foot of sod for the U.S. sod industry. The proposed assessment rate is 1/10 of one penny for every square foot of sod sold.

With a checkoff, the U.S. sod industry can bring producers across the country together to change the narrative around the benefits of natural grass. Please consider voting yes in the upcoming referendum, so we can finally give our industry the unified voice it needs to protect and grow markets for many years to come. •

— Bob McCurdy

Getting the Process Started As of January 2021, a draft order that outlines the key points needed for an efficient, successful checkoff program has been written and submitted to the USDA for review. Once approved, it will be published in the U.S. Federal Register for public viewing and commentary prior to a vote in spring of 2022 by the sod industry on its passage.

If you are interested in learning more about the US Sod Checkoff, please visit www.SODCHECKOFF.org.

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 25

RECENT EVENT

YARD DAWG CLASSIC MTA’s

Annual Yard Dawg Classic Tournament, held June 7th at the Starkville Country Club was another success in spite of all the rain during that time. Festivities began the evening before with a Hospitality reception at Georgia Blue restaurant hosted by the Gold Sponsors— Aqua Turf, BWI, Greenville Turf & Tractor, Harrell’s, Innovative Turf Products, LLC, Jerry Pate Company and LADD’’S. Thank You! Justin Lanford and team had the course in great shape and the weather did not dampen the fun! Following play, prizes were awarded.

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

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING! AGRA TURF, INC.

AQUA • AID

BASF

2 021 YAR D D AW G C LA S S IC WIN N E R S — F I R S T F LI G H T — FIRST PLACE TEAM Aqua • Aid

SECOND PLACE TEAM AmeriTurf

Mark Langner Josh Owens Trigg Langner Grant Demos

Scott Poynot Gray McCulla Russ Simontin Robert Main

— S E C O N D F LI G H T — FIRST PLACE TEAM LADD’S # 1

SECOND PLACE TEAM Winfield United

Michael Rosamond Justin Lanford Vick Nickels Benji Williams

Mark Kent David Jumper Stephen Murphy Mark Rather

— PROXY WINNERS — LONGEST DRIVE Tony Polizzi STRAIGHTEST DRIVE Mike Rosamond

26 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

CLOSEST TO THE HOLE (#9) Justin Lanford

CLOSEST TO THE HOLE (#13) Shawn Emmack CLOSEST TO THE HOLE (#16) Charlie Pilkinton

BEARD EQUIPMENT COMPANY BEN NELSON GOLF AND OUTDOOR BWI CORTEVA AGRISCIENCES FERGUSON & COATS DMD FMC

GREENPOINT AG GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR

HARRELL’S, INC. INNOVATIVE TURF PRODUCTS JERRY PATE COMPANY

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•

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THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 27

THE PROGRESSIVE ADVANTAGE Sports field, Park and Estate Mowers

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TDR-X roller mower 10.5’ cut Steep Slope mower: Slope-Pro® 52” cut * available with bolt-on galvanized deck shells

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UPCOMING EVENT

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 29

UPCOMING EVENT • Continued

TheTurfZone.com is the central hub for turfgrass research and information from multiple state turf associations.

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30 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • FALL 2021

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CAL ENDAR OF E VE NTS

SEPTEMBER 22 – 23, 2021

TURFGRASS RESEARCH FIELD DAY Starkville, MS www.pss.msstate.edu/ workshops/turf

NOVEMBER 1 – 4, 2021

DEEP SOUTH TURF EXPO Mississippi Coast Convention Center Biloxi, MS

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JANUARY 14, 2022

TURF ROADSHOW WORKSHOP EMCC Lion Hills Center Columbus, MS Attendees will qualify for Pesticide Recertification (Categories III & X).

Education sessions and updates on all the green industry will be presented by experts in their fields. EMCC Lion Hills Center is famous for their Hotel / Culinary School, so plan to enjoy a terrific meal as well!

JANUARY 17 – 20, 2022

STMA CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW Savannah, GA www.stma.org

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FEBRUARY 9 – 10, 2022

GCSAA CONFERENCE San Diego, CA www.gcsaa.org

(318) 283-2279 www.BayouBendturf.com

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 31

Controlled-Release Fertilizer

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When you choose POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer, your Harrell’s rep can use our proprietary POLYGRAPH® software to dial in just the right prescription for your turf’s nutritional needs. And because POLYON® fertilizer releases based on temperature, rather than moisture, we can predict exactly how it will release over time, right down to the week.

For more information about POLYON® Fertilizer and the POLYON® Guarantee, visit www.harrells.com/polyon or contact your sales representative today!

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