Mississippi Turfgrass - Winter 2026

WINTER 2026

The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

An Updated Roundup on Glyphosate PLUS

Highlights from the

DEEP SOUTH TURF EXPO

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CONTENTS • The Mississippi Turfgrass Association Magazine

RECENT EVENTS

8 MTA Annual Meeting 12 Deep South Turf Expo

8

COVER STORY

16 An Updated Roundup on Glyphosate FEATURE ARTICLE

20 Minimizing Spring Dead Spot DEPARTMENTS

5 Index of Advertisers 6 From the MTA President 11 News from MTA

12 Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More:

THETURFZONE.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 © 2026 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.

4 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

20

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Agra Turf, Inc.......................................... 11 www.agrainc.com

Bayou Bend Turfgrass............................. 11 www.bayoubendturfgrass.com

DryJect...................................................... 7 Greene County Fertilizer Co................... 19 www.greenecountyfert.com

Harrell’s LLC.................. Inside Front Cover www.harrells.com

Office: 205-333-1776 www.surlineturf.com • email: surline1@gmail.com

Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.......Back Cover www.jerrypate.com

SPECIALIZING IN: Leading Edge Communications.............. 14 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Athletic Field Construction and Renovation Golf Course Construction and Renovation

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............. 10 www.progressiveturfequip.com

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

Riebeling Farms, Inc............................... 11 riebelingfarmsinc@gmail.com

Smith Seed Services................................. 5 www.smithseed.com

Sur-Line Turf, Inc...................................... 5

Laser Grading • Super Topdressing No-Till Planting • Sodding • Sprigging On-Site Custom Built Turf Covers Fertilizer • Seed • Turf Colorant Sod Staples • Bunker Nails • Bunker Liners Sod • Sprigs • Sand • Mixes Infield Mix • Infield Conditioners Warning Track Stone • Mound Clay

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The Aquatrols Company...Inside Back Cover www.aquatrols.com

The Turf Zone.......................................... 15 www.theturfzone.com

The Turfgrass Group.................................. 9 www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Trimax Mowing Systems...Inside Back Cover www.trimaxmowers.com

BLEND

FROM THE MTA PRESIDENT

Mississippi Turfgrass Association Box 9555 MS State, MS 39762 Office: (662) 325-0517 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

TIME FLIES! In

MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS EDITOR Dr. Jay McCurdy MTA OFFICERS PRESIDENT Zak Holloway (662) 386-8042

the blink of an eye, the year has come to an end. With winter months approaching and the growing season coming to an end, I encourage everyone to take some time to be with family and loved ones.

I’m excited to serve as your next president of the Mississippi Turfgrass Association. I would like to thank Scott Hampton for his time and devotion in serving as president over the last year. As you all know, we can’t thank Mrs. Linda Wells enough for all her time and dedication to the association as well.

There is no better way to end the year than seeing an outstanding attendance at the Deep South Turf Expo. We’ve had great support at all events this year and I hope to see everyone at our upcoming events in 2026!

UPCOMING EVENTS

VICE-PRESIDENT / PRESIDENT ELECT Josh Smith City of Columbia, MS (601) 441-8029 SECRETARY-TREASURER Dr. Barry Stewart Mississippi State University Office: (662) 325-2725 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Scott Hampton Laurel Country Club (601) 467-2718 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

Turf Workshop FEBRUARY 18, 2026 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Lion Hills Center Columbus, MS

Hope everyone had a great holiday season!

Zak Holloway Mississippi Turfgrass Association President

Yard Dawg Classic JUNE 9, 2026 MSU Golf Course Starkville, MS

Chance Meredith / Sod Rep Winstead Turf Farms (901) 430-5620 Jimmy McPherson / Golf Rep MSU Golf Course (662) 610-3260 Stephen Robertson / Central Region Rep Bay Pointe Golf and Country Club (662) 418-7888 Reuben Wedgeworth / South Region Rep Greenpoint AG (601) 498-0750 Mitch O’Banion / Lawns & Landscape Rep Grass Roots Turf (601) 573-7537 Scott Kuhn / Industry Rep Simplot (870) 315-2796 EX-OFFICIO Dr. Jay McCurdy / Faculty Advisor Mississippi State University (662) 325-2331

6 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

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RECENT EVENT

MTA ANNUAL MEETING

The

MTA Annual Meeting, held in Biloxi in conjunction with the Deep South Turf Expo, was conducted by President Scott Hampton. He presented a slideshow of events and meetings held in 2025 before beginning the business meeting. Scholarships were awarded to Jackson Aldridge and Eli Basham, students at East Mississippi Community College. Drew Micek and Justin Shales received scholarships for Mississippi State University.

The MTA Outstanding Turf Professional recipient is Brad Suggs. Brad is the Director of Agronomy for the Golf Clubs of Mississippi. Elvin Ulmer received the Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award. Elvin is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Laurel, Mississippi. Larry Cagle was recognized with Honorary Membership. Larry is owner of Cagle Sod Farm in Booneville, MS.

Elvin Ulmer, left, receives the Bud Thigpen Distinguished Service Award from President Scott Hampton

EMCC scholarship recipients, Eli Basham (left) and Jackson Aldridge (right) with Instructor Will Arnett (center)

MSU Scholarship winners, left to right: Justin Shales, Drew Micek, Dr. Barry Stewart-Advisor

8 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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RECENT EVENT • Continued

Will Arnett, left, presents outgoing president Scott Hampton with President’s Plaque

President Scott Hampton (left) with Larry Cagle, Honorary Membership Award

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10 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

NEWS FROM MTA

2026 MTA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Zak Holloway (662) 386-8042 VICE-PRESIDENT / PRESIDENT ELECT Josh Smith City of Columbia, MS (601) 441-8029 SECRETARY-TREASURER Dr. Barry Stewart Mississippi State University Office: (662) 325-2725 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Scott Hampton Laurel Country Club (601) 467-2718 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 Chance Meredith / Sod Rep Winstead Turf Farms (901) 430-5620

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Jimmy McPherson / Golf Rep MSU Golf Course (662) 610-3260

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Stephen Robertson / Central Region Rep Bay Pointe Golf and Country Club (662) 418-7888 Reuben Wedgeworth / South Region Rep Greenpoint AG (601) 498-0750 Mitch O’Banion / Lawns & Landscape Rep Grass Roots Turf (601) 573-7537 Scott Kuhn / Industry Rep Simplot (870) 315-2796 EX-OFFICIO Dr. Jay McCurdy / Faculty Advisor Mississippi State University (662) 325-2331

Specialty Distribution

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Email: butchpugh@gmail.com

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 11

RECENT EVENT

DEEP SO U TH TU R F E X P O

CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

President Will Arnett introduces Dr. Eric DeBoer of Louisiana State University. Welcome LTA! Drone view of the DSTE Trade Show

A T I ME T O RE F L E C T O N T H E P A S T AND LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE

By Melanie Bonds

2025

marked the ten-year milestone for the Deep South Turf Expo. The Expo came on the scene in 2015. It was formed in response to expressed needs by the turfgrass industry in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle. Many remembered the days of the regional Southern Turfgrass Conference and longed to again have an event where members could reminisce with old industry friends and organize new networking opportunities. Also, primarily driving the creation of this regional turfgrass conference was the academic community and vendors in this region.

In a joint effort, the following organizations planted seed money and appointed members to an independent DSTE Board. Original partners in this effort are listed below. The Louisiana Turfgrass Association joined the DSTE non-profit in 2025.

Alabama Turfgrass Association Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association Mississippi Turfgrass Association Gulf Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association Louisiana-Mississippi Golf Course Superintendents Association The first DSTE was held in 2015, but much work had gone into planning before that. Bylaws were drafted outlining the number of board members each association could appoint as well as how the profits from the Expo were to be shared. The percentage of profits for each association was based on the income previously received from their individual conference and shows. Prologue Association Management was hired to manage the Expo.

12 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

When the DSTE was inaugurated in October 2015 it consisted of a turfgrass conference, trade show, golf tournament, sporting clay competition and a sports field tour. Before a decision was made on the location of the conference and show, various sites were visited including the successful Carolinas GCSA Show. Tricia Clem worked extensively with James Harwell, Executive Director for the Gulf States Horticulture Show at that time, to find out how their popular show was structured. One takeaway was that these associations were rooted to one place, and when possible, worked around the same dates each year.

After researching various sites, it soon became clear that Biloxi, Mississippi was the site that could accommodate the DSTE’s size and potentially be a destination draw for many of the attendees.

Contracts were signed with the Beau Rivage to be host hotel and the Mississippi Coast Convention Center to accommodate the conference and trade show.

A major reason for the Expo’s viability for the past ten years is the dedication and commitment our educators showed from the start. The educational committee consists of David Han, Ph.D. (Auburn), Jay McCurdy, Ph.D. (Mississippi State), Scott McElroy, Ph.D., (Auburn), and Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., (University of Florida).

Throughout the years this powerful team has recruited some of the best and brightest professors in the industry to provide meaningful, valued education programs at the DSTE. Our sponsors also embraced the Expo and offered funding and encouragement. We appreciate the commitment of the DSTE Boards and the wise planning they put into the formation our show.

Cornhole Fun DSTE President Will Arnett presents trophy to first place team with Mike Hill and Specialty Turf Supply Perfect weather for a golf tournament and tailgate picnic at The Preserve Golf Club.

This year was my last year as paid staff for the DSTE. I cherish all the wonderful people I have met there and in the host organizations over the last 25 years. They count as family to me. The time spent at the Expo is packed, but most meaningful is the excitement of greeting friends and always, always making a new friend or two.

Sometimes there is so much going on it’s hard to keep track, but I believe you will know you are at the Deep South Turf Expo if…

• You find yourself driving your golf ball on a crystal blue day in autumn at the DSTE Golf Tournament at the Preserve Golf Club.

• You find yourself sitting on the veranda at The Preserve watching the day soften into twilight, enjoying music and having a feast provided by our sponsors at the epic Tail-gate picnic.

• You are the recipient of the latest updates in turfgrass research provided by industry leaders supplemented by networking with colleagues at the trade show.

• You win your silent auction item after a hard-fought battle and see Miss Linda’s smiling face when you check out.

• You’re in a gang of folks at the registration desk on Wednesday morning, but you don’t mind waiting because there is always a nearby colleague to catch up with.

• You see that whirlwind Tricia, straightening out anything that ends up tangled.

Larry Arnold, Steve Ashburner, Melanie Bonds

• Perhaps you find yourself being drafted as a board member to one of the Associations with no idea how it happened.

• Perhaps you find yourself dancing with Dr. McElroy. (It’s rumored that he is a GREAT dancer.)

• Perhaps you have lost your car in the Beau Rivage parking lot and are running late and it is very stressful, but the beautiful coastline calms you once you escape.

• Perhaps you find yourself saying goodbye to dear colleagues and friends, not sure when you will see them again, but hoping it is next year!

In 2026 the Deep South will transfer all conference and exhibitor activities to the Beau Rivage. It is truly turning a new page and there is great optimism for success in the future. I think I can safely say that the Deep South Turf Expo is a royal flush of a show and will continue to grow.

Before ending this, I would like to reiterate how much the DSTE Board has contributed to organization and continuing to provide clear leadership for the conference. The Preserve Golf Club has been wonderful to host our successful golf tournament over the years. I want to thank everyone, but I don’t think there is enough space here (and I am afraid I will leave someone out), but special thanks to our staff, Tricia and Mike Clem, Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Wells, Amanda and Stephen Miles and Kayla Cook for the hard work they put into making this a successful event every year. Love you guys! • THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 13

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COVER STORY

AN UPDATED

ROUNDUP GLYPHOSATE ON

HISTORY, USE, ISSUES, AND ALTERNATIVES

By Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. and Adam Nichols Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads Ag. Res. & Extension Center

G

lyphosate continues to be in the news, primarily because of the court cases concerning glyphosate and human health.

There are still thousands of lawsuits related to glyphosate and human health (https://www.lawsuit-information-center. com/roundup-lawsuit.html). In this article we discuss some background information on this herbicide as well as alternatives to this chemical.

A. What is glyphosate?

The glyphosate molecule is similar to the amino acid glycine.

The chemical name is N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, a relatively small molecule compared to newer herbicides. It is the active ingredient in products such as Bayer’s Roundup PROMAX, as well as in generic products sold under a variety of trade names.

Since the chemical is off patent (patent expired around 2000), other companies besides Bayer can sell this herbicide under their own trade name. Some examples of other trade names for products that contain glyphosate include Glyphosate, Gly Star, Glypho, and Prosecutor, among others, for terrestrial use. There also are formulations that can be used in aquatic sites, such as Accord, AquaMaster, and Rodeo.

Bayer does not market glyphosate to homeowners, only to commercial applicators. However, glyphosate is still available to homeowners, with one example being Hi-Yield Super Concentrate Killzall Weed & Grass Killer, which is sold in quart containers. Homeowners also can purchase the commercial formulations, such as Razor Pro, Prosecutor, Roundup ProMax, and Roundup QuikPro as there are no restrictions on homeowners purchasing those products. A disadvantage to homeowners is that the commercial products are sold in quantities often too large for homeowner needs, such as 2.5 gallon jugs which can treat 5 acres.

To add some confusion, there are products being sold that do not contain glyphosate but use the Roundup name and are primarily targeted towards homeowners. For example, there is Roundup for Lawns, which contains MCPA, quinclorac, dicamba, and sulfentrazone. These four herbicides are selective in lawns for 16 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

general weed control compared to the nonselective herbicide glyphosate. There is Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, which contains triclopyr, fluazifop, and diquat and is an alternative to glyphosate for weed control in driveways, along fences, and certain other areas. Roundup Dual Action contains triclopyr, fluazifop, and diquat, along with imazapic to extend the residual control.

B. Formulation The initial formation of this herbicide was an isopropylamine salt of glyphosate, which is still widely used, although other salt formulations are available now, such as the potassium salt and the dimethylamine salt. This becomes important when comparing products. We need to look at the amount of glyphosate acid in products, not the amount of active ingredient, since the different salt formulations differ in their molecular weight. For example, Roundup PROMAX contains 5.5 pounds per gallon of the potassium salt of glyphosate (ai) or 4.5 lbs/gallon glyphosate acid (ae). Prosecutor Pro contains 4.0 lbs/gallon of the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (ai) or 3.0 lbs/gallon glyphosate acid (ae). So Roundup PROMAX contains 50% more glyphosate acid than Prosecutor Pro per gallon and applications rates in terms of fluid ounces of product per acre are lower that for Prosecutor Pro. Besides glyphosate, there are other chemicals in commercial formulations, usually water and a surfactant. As an example of a formulation, Roundup PROMAX contains the potassium salt of glyphosate at 48.7% by weight, surfactant(s) at 8.8%, and water plus minor ingredients at approximately 42%.

Surfactants can aid in the absorption of herbicides by weeds.

One example would be POEA (polyoxyethylene tallow amine).

Concerns have been raised about the toxicity of this surfactant to aquatic organisms such as tadpoles, salamanders, and frogs.

Aquatic formulations of glyphosate either do not contain a surfactant or contain a surfactant that has not shown to be an issue.

That is why certain formulations of glyphosate are not labeled for aquatic use – not due to the toxicity of glyphosate but due to toxicity concerns about the surfactant to amphibians and other aquatic organisms. For glyphosate products that do not contain a surfactant, one generally needs to add an approved one for optimum weed control.

C. History Glyphosate was found to control weeds by a Monsanto scientist in 1970. The herbicide was patented in 1971 and was introduced commercially as Roundup in 1974. Glyphosate use has increased over time, especially when Roundup-Ready crops were introduced, starting with Roundup Ready soybeans in 1996. These soybean lines, and later corn, cotton, and other crop cultivars, were developed to be resistant to glyphosate through biotechnology. For these genetically-modified crops, glyphosate could be applied overtop for selective weed control. Bayer purchased Monsanto in 2018 and continues to market glyphosate to commercial applicators.

D. Mode of action Glyphosate inhibits the enzyme enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, needed for synthesis of the aromatic amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine in plants.

Animals, including people, do not make these amino acids as they need to get these chemicals in their diet. Plants though must make these amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. So glyphosate inhibits a process that occurs in plants but not in animals. Result – a chemical that controls plants with low acute toxicity to animals.

E. Use Glyphosate is a nonselective postemergence herbicide, meaning that it controls essentially all weeds. The recent development of certain weed species developing resistance, such as glyphosateresistant horseweed, has pushed researchers and growers to find alternative means to control these weed species. However, most weed species are still susceptible to glyphosate.

Glyphosate is systemic, so it moves into and controls underground portions of weeds (roots, rhizomes, tubers, etc.), making it the preferred product for perennial weed control in many situations. This chemical binds to soil particles and has essentially no soil activity, so crops can be planted a week after application.

Glyphosate is used for preplant weed control/site preparation, lawn renovation, spot treatment of weeds in landscape beds, as a directed spray application in fruit and nursery production, and for noncrop weed management, such as guard rails, railroad lines, and parking lots, among other uses. It controls grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, making it a broad-spectrum herbicide.

F. Acute toxicity of glyphosate One measure of acute toxicity is the LD , the dose required to kill 50% of the test animal, usually rats. The higher the LD , the lower the toxicity. The acute oral LD for glyphosate is greater than 5,000 mg/kg (Bayer 2023). For comparison, the acute oral LD (rat) for aspirin ranges from 200 to 1,500 mg/kg according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) and ThermoFischer (2025), making aspirin significantly more acutely toxic than glyphosate.

50

50

50

50

Another point to keep in mind is that risk associated with a given pesticide is based on the toxicity of the chemical along with the exposure level.

G. Health issues about glyphosate It has been suggested that glyphosate causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a type of cancer, and other diseases, although the link between glyphosate and cancer is inconclusive (see the review articles Boretti 2024, Gonzalez-Moscoso 2023). In a 2020 publication, Boretti states that the link between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Roundup is shown to be extremely weak.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health organization, lists glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen in Group 2A, along with burning of wood, eating red meat, high-temperature frying, night work shifts, being a hairdresser or barber, exposure to inorganic lead compounds, spraying insecticides, and manufacture of art glass, among others (IARC 2025).

In February 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the interim decision registration review decision (ID) for glyphosate (EPA 2025). As part of that decision, EPA found that when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label, glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen. EPA scientists had performed an independent evaluation of available data for glyphosate and found no risks of concern to human health from current uses of glyphosate, no indication that children are more sensitive to glyphosate, no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans, and no indication that glyphosate is an endocrine disruptor. On March 20, 2020, the glyphosate ID was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated the human health portion of the glyphosate ID and the EPA determined that withdrawal of the glyphosate ID was appropriate. The EPA is currently updating its evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate to better explain its findings and to include the current relevant scientific information.

Another issue that has been mentioned is that glyphosate may affect bacteria in the gut microbiome. Certain bacteria can be adversely affected by exposure to glyphosate. One concern is an impact on the gut bacteria in honeybees, potentially increasing susceptibility to pathogens (Mottaa et al. 2018, Castelli 2021.)

H. Alternatives to glyphosate We do not have a ready alternative to glyphosate that provides the same level of weed control and use, especially for perennial weeds. There are other chemicals that have little to no soil residual and that affect both grasses and broadleaf weeds when applied postemergence and thus can address some of the uses for glyphosate.

Conventional alternatives There are contact nonselective chemicals available for control of annual weeds and suppression of perennial weeds that do not have soil residual. This group includes pelargonic acid (Scythe) and diquat (Reward, Diquat), which are targeted towards commercial applicators. These chemicals work very quickly, with injury to weeds often within hours when applied under warm, sunny conditions. Keep in mind that contact herbicides have no effect on underground plant parts, so perennial weeds will regrow from underground tubers, rhizomes, or bulbs, requiring additional applications. Also, large plants of annuals can be harder to control as thorough coverage of weed foliage is required.

Ideally, annual weeds are treated when they are less than four inches tall. In addition, annual grassy weeds can be harder to control than annual broadleaf weeds as their growing points are less exposed compared to broadleaf plants.

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 17

COVER STORY • Continued

Ortho Ground Clear is a combination of pelargonic acid, the contact herbicide mentioned above, along with imazapyr, a preemergence and postemergence herbicide. Imazapyr poses a risk to desired trees and shrubs due to the potential for root uptake and systemic injury, thus significantly limiting where it can be applied in homeowner situations.

Another contact herbicide that we have evaluated is Spruce, a product targeted towards homeowners. This product, from Proctor and Gamble, contains geraniol (an alcohol in geranium, rose oil, citronella oil), cornmint oil (from wild mint Mentha arvensis), and sodium lauryl sulfate (surfactant found in coconut and palm kernel oil). It is not EPA registered, but is exempt under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Also, Spruce is not approved for organic use. Spruce did not perform well in our trial, although we did have some difficult-to-control weed species in that study.

Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, mentioned earlier, contains two systemic herbicides, triclopyr for broadleaf weeds, and fluazifop for grassy weeds, along with the contact herbicide diquat. We have not seen the same level of perennial weed control as we have seen with glyphosate products. Also, this mix-

ture will have a degree of residual activity, potentially poses a concern if seeding a treated area soon after application.

In my opinion, the best alternative to glyphosate is glufosinate, another nonselective postemergence herbicide that is inactivated upon contact with soil. It works faster on weeds than glyphosate, but it is not as systemic as glyphosate. So glyphosate generally provides greater control of perennial weeds, especially perennial grasses, compared to glufosinate. Glufosinate will generally provide better control of perennial weeds than contact herbicides. Commercial formulations of this active ingredient include Cheetah Pro and Finale, among others. One homeowner formulation of this herbicide is BioAdvanced Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate which is sold in a ready-to-use container as well as a one quart concentrate, so the quantity sizes are appropriate for homeowners.

In the study we conducted at the station in 2025, the contact herbicides Scythe and Spruce caused rapid injury to the weed species in the trial. But by 12 days after treatment, the weeds recovered from that injury. Glufosinate (Cheetah Pro) and glyphosate (Roundup Quik Pro), both with systemic action, showed significant weed control at 12 days (Figure 1). We showed those plots at our Turfgrass Field Day in June of this year.

Figure 1. Plots from a study conducted at the Hampton Roads Ag. Res. & Extension Center in 2025.

Cheetah Pro 12DAT 1

18 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

Roundup QuikPro 12DAT 1

Scythe 12DAT 1

Spruce 12DAT 1

Organic alternatives These are chemicals that are OMRIapproved (Organic Materials Review Institute) for weed control. All of the products we have tested are contact herbicides and thus much less effective than the systemic herbicide glyphosate for perennial weed control. One such chemical is 20% acetic acid, sold under such names as Weed Pharm but this formulation carries a danger label. There are long-chain fatty acid products such as ammonium nonanoate (AXXE) and Suppress (capric/caprylic acid). Scythe is similar to these fatty acid products but Scythe is not approved for organic use. There are products based on plant oils, such as citrus oil (d-limonene) sold as Avenger.

There are other plant oil-containing products sold, using clove oil, cinnamon oil, or others but some of these products are not approved for organic use. These plant oils have also acted as contact nonselective herbicides.

Keep in mind that you must use products labeled for weed control. Mixing vinegar, table salt, and dishwashing liquid and applying it as an herbicide is not a legal treatment.

I. Decision making Read the literature cited in this article and determine for yourself the benefits and risks to use of glyphosate and the other chemicals mentioned.

Be careful about articles you read on the internet, in newspapers, and in other media. Sometimes claims are made about chemicals that are not supported by scientific research. Ask to see data from published, peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.

If you plan to continue using glyphosate, as we continue to do here at the research station, follow information listed on the label. For example, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Roundup PROMAX is a long sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks (https://www.cdms.telusagcg. com/ldat/ld0RI000.pdf) Read and follow all label directions. Make sure the product you use has a label for the site to be treated. •

REFERENCES GLYPHOSATE IMPACT on human health and the environment: Sustainable alternatives to replace it in Mexico. Chemosphere (Nov 2023). DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139810.

Bayer. 2023. Roundup Promax Safety Data Sheet. https:// www.cdms.telusagcg.com/ldat/mp0RI003.pdf.

Boretti, A. 2024. Comprehensive risk-benefit assessment of chemicals: A case study on glyphosate. Oxico.l Rep. 2024 Nov 7;13:101803. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101803.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographson the Identification of carcinogenic hazard to humans. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-ofclassifications. Accessed October 3, 2025.

Boretti, A. 2020. Glyphosate and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Asian Journal of Organic & Medicinal Chemistry 5(4), pp.

340–347. doi: 10.14233/ajomc.2020.AJOMC-P301.

Mottaa, E.V., K. Raymanna, and N.A. Morana,1. 2018.

Glyphosate perturbs the gut microbiota of honey bees. Proc.

Nat. Acad. Sci. 115( 41):10305–10310.

Castelli, L,. S. Balbuena, B. Branchiccela, P. Zunino, and J. Liberti. 2021. Impact of Chronic Exposure to Sublethal Doses of Glyphosate on Honey Bee Immunity, Gut Microbiota and Infection by Pathogens. Microorganisms . DOI:10.3390/ microorganisms9040845.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025).

PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2244, Aspirin. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/ Aspirin#section=Acute-Effects. Accessed October 3, 2025.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 2025. Glyphosate. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/ glyphosate. Accessed October 3, 2025.

ThermoFischer. 2009. Safety data sheet for acetylsalicylic acid. https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=A C158180500&productDescription=ACETYLSALICYLIC+ACID +50GR&vendorId=VN00032119&countryCode=US&languag e=en. Accessed October 10, 2025.

LIED BIOLOGICAL Gonzalez-Moscoso, M., D. Meza-Figueroa , N, V. Martínez-Villegas, and M. R. Pedroza-Montero . 2023

Jeffrey Derr and Adam Nichols are located at Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach.

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GreeneCountyFert.com This article was originally published in Virginia Turfgrass Journal, November / December 2025 and is reprinted with permission. • 19

FEATURE

MINIMIZING

SPRING DEAD SPOT

By M. Aaron Tucker, Assistant Professor, Auburn University and Wendell J. Hutchens, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas

20 • MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS • WINTER 2026

Introduction Spring Dead Spot (SDS) is one of the most persistent and damaging diseases affecting warm-season turfgrasses that undergo winter dormancy. First documented in 1954 on a bermudagrass lawn in Stillwater, Oklahoma, SDS continues to challenge turf managers across the southern and transition zone of the United States (Wadsworth & Young, 1960; Tredway, 2009). This article outlines the biology of the disease, key infection periods, and the latest cultural and chemical strategies for effective management.

Pathogen Biology SDS is caused by soil-borne fungi in the genus Ophiosphaerella, specifically O. herpotricha, O. korrae, and O. narmari. These pathogens differ in geographic distribution and turfgrass host preference. In Alabama, O. korrae is likely the most prevalent species (Hutchens et al., 2025).

Disease Cycle and Symptoms

Cultural Management Strategies

The fungi that cause Spring Dead Spot are ectotrophic rootinfecting pathogens, colonizing the outer surfaces of roots, rhizomes, and stolons, leading to necrosis. This damage predisposes turfgrass to winter injury, with symptoms emerging in spring due to the combined effects of fall infection and harsh winter conditions.

Effective cultural management hinges on understanding the disease’s biology. Thatch and organic matter serve as reservoirs for pathogen survival. Practices such as core aerification, verticutting, and fraze mowing during the summer remove thatch and dilute organic matter, thereby reducing inoculum and mitigating spring symptoms (Hutchens et al., 2025).

SDS is a monocyclic disease, with a single infection cycle per year. Infection occurs in late summer to early fall, when evening temperatures cool and soil temperatures drop consistently below 70°F. Symptoms appear in spring as circular or semi-circular patches of dead turf, ranging from six inches to several feet in diameter. Severe outbreaks can result in large, coalesced areas of turf loss, with recovery taking two to three months after greenup—making proactive management essential.

Conversely, cultural practices such as verticutting and aerification on symptomatic turf in spring can actually hinder recovery. Mechanical stress on already damaged turf slows regrowth, so spring cultivation should be avoided. Proper fertilization, particularly nitrogen applications in late summer/fall and spring, supports plant health and recovery (Tredway, 2021; Hutchens et al., 2022). Ammonium sulfate has shown efficacy against O. herpotricha, while calcium nitrate is more effective against O. korrae—highlighting the importance of pathogen identification (Tredway, 2021).

THE MISSISSIPPI TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE • 21

FEATURE • Continued

Chemical Management Strategies Chemical control with fungicides is most effective when timed correctly. Applications should occur during fall as soil temperatures drop consistently between 65-55°F. Current research is refining this window using the Battaglia-Hutchens cooling degree-day model to optimize timing (Battaglia et al., 2024).

The modern demethylation-inhibiting (DMI) fungicide mefentrifluconazole offers strong SDS suppression, while older DMIs like propiconazole and tebuconazole provide moderate efficacy (Clarke et al., 2020). Select succinate dehydrogenase-inhibiting (SDHI) fungicides—like isofetamid, penthiopyrad, and pydiflumetofen—also provide excellent control but carry a higher risk of resistance. Rotating SDHIs with DMIs is recommended to preserve efficacy.

Precision Application Technologies Advancements in GPS-guided sprayers allow for targeted fungicide applications. Mapping disease areas in spring and early summer enables precise fall fungicide treatments, reducing both cost and environmental impact (Booth et al., 2021; Henderson et al., 2025).

Conclusion Understanding pathogen biology, the disease cycle, and optimal application timing is essential for managing SDS. Continued research is uncovering pathogen-specific responses to cultural and chemical strategies, offering promising avenues for more refined and effective control.

Literature Cited Battaglia, M., Hutchens, W. J., & Roberson, T. (2024, November). Development of a Fungicide Application Timing Model for Spring Dead Spot Using Cooling Degree-Days. In ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Booth, J. C., Sullivan, D., Askew, S. A., Kochersberger, K., & McCall, D. S. (2021).

Investigating targeted spring dead spot management via aerial mapping and precision-guided fungicide applications. Crop Science, 61(5), 3134-3144.

Clarke, B. B., Vincelli, P., Koch, P., & Chou, M. Y. (2020). Chemical control of turfgrass diseases 2024.

Henderson, C., Haak, D., Mehl, H., Shafian, S., & McCall, D. (2025). Precision mapping and treatment of spring dead spot in bermudagrass using unmanned aerial vehicles and global navigation satellite systems sprayer technology. Precision Agriculture, 26(2), 38.

Hutchens, W. J., Booth, J. C., Goatley, J. M., & McCall, D. S. (2022). Cultivation and Fertility Practices Influence Hybrid Bermudagrass Recovery from Spring Dead Spot Damage. HortScience, 57(2), 332-336.

Hutchens, W. J., Anders, J. K., Butler, E. L., Kerns, J. P., McCall, D. S., Miller, G. L., & Walker, N. R. (2025). Fifteen years of findings: Advancements in spring dead spot research from 2009 to 2024. Crop Science, 65(1), e21367.

Tredway, L. P., Tomaso-Peterson, M., Perry, H., & Walker, N. R. (2009). Spring dead spot of bermudagrass: A challenge for researchers and turfgrass managers. Plant Health Progress, 10(1), 32.

Tredway, L. P., Soika, M. D., Butler, E. L., & Kerns, J. P. (2021). Impact of nitrogen source, fall fertilizers, and preventive fungicides on spring dead spot caused

by Ophiosphaerella korrae and O. herpotricha. Crop Science, 61(5), 3187-3196.

Wadsworth, D. F., & Young, H. C. (1960). Spring dead spot of bermudagrass.

Plant Dis. Rep, 44, 516-518. •

22 • This article was originally published in Alabama Turf Times, Fall 2025 and is reprinted with permission.

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