MTC Turf News - Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

Dancing Elves, Bad Luck and Hexenringe, aka

Fairy Rings PLUS

Welcome New UMD Turf Pathologist

DR. SHAHOVEISI

31°28’36.5” N x 83°31’33.3” W

Marks the Spot

UGA Tifton, GA

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL 303 S. Talbot Street #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com www.mdturfcouncil.org MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 Fax: 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2022 MTC OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Brandon Sands Park Maintenance Coordinator M-NCPPC, Dpt. of Parks & Rec. Prince Georges County 7401 Bock Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 240-821-7139 (c Brandon.Sands@pgparks.com

14

VICE PRESIDENT

CONTENTS

Patrick Coakley Dura Edge Products 1121 Oakwood Lane Bel Air, MD 21015 410-241-3013 (C pcoakley@duraedge.com

• SPRING 2022

SECRETARY

14 COVER STORY Dancing Elves, Bad Luck and Hexenringe, aka Fairy Rings

DEPARTMENTS 6 President’s Message 6 MTC Board Advisors

22 FEATURE ARTICLE Making the Most of Team Member Check-Ins

7 Index of Advertisers 8 Executive Director’s Corner 10 News from MTC

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM

Cheryl Gaultney 12 Pressie Lane Churchville, MD 21028 410-734-0650 (h 410-322-8275 (c Sandqueen10@aol.com

TREASURER

Katy Cooper 303 S. Talbot St #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 410-745-9643 (o & h 410-745-8867 (f 443-496-0750 (c treasurer@MDTurfCouncil.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vernon W. Cooper 303 S. Talbot St #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 410-745-9643 (o & h 410-745-8867 (f 443-742-6618 (c ExecDir@MDTurfCoucil.com

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC 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, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright © 2022 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs.

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

4

MTC TURF NEWS

Ben Ellis – Superintendent Fort Belvoir Golf Course 2806 Brewster Rd. Waldorf, MD 20601 571-340-0122 (c Golfturf54@gmail.com

Three-Year Director Terms Fred Johnson MNCPPC- Dept. of Parks & Recreation 301 Watkins Park Drive 240-882-4539 (c 301-218-6833 (o Frederick.Johnson@pgParks.com

Stephen King McHale Landscape Design 6216 Leapley Rd. 240-319-5689 (c stephenk@mchale landscape.com Shaun Meredith Calvert Co. Rec. & Parks 175 Main Street.

Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-1600 (o 410-610-9007 (c Shaun.Meredith@ CalvertCoountyMD.gov

Two-Year Director Terms Amanda Stillwagon Calvert Co. Rec & Parks 175 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-610-3959 (o 704-877-8810 (c Amanda.Stillwagon@ Calvertcountymd.gov Matt Coates MNCPPC-Hyattsville 7721 Polk Street Hyattsville, MD 20785 301-918-4716(o 202-579-6939(c Matthew.Coates@pgparks.com Logan Freeman – Superintendent Mountain Branch Golf Club 1827 Mountain Road Joppa, MD 21085 208-866-6380 (c Lfreeman@mountainbranch.com

One-Year Director Terms Brian Haga Scientific Plant Services P.O. Box 62 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-321-0970 (o 410-371-2325 (c Brianh@spsonline.com Scott Orndorff Landscape Supply 671 Commerce Dr. Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301-458-5625 (c scott@landscapesupplyva.com Jamie Roell Anne Arundel Co. Rec. & Parks 1010 Kinder Farm Road Millersville, MD 21108 410-222-6250 (o 410-222-6138 (f 443-370-2582 (wc 410-215-1425 (c Rproel09@aacounty.org Jamieroell57@gmain.com Perry Whaley Newsom Seed P.O. Box 510 1788 Scaggsville Rd. Fulton, MD 20759 240-554-0359 (o 540-671-8226 (c Perry@NewsomSeed.com

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

KEEP MAKING A DIFFERENCE MY

name is Brandon Sands, and it is my honor and pleasure to serve as your new MTC President. I have been in the Turf Industry for 25 years and look forward to serving all of you. The MTC community of turf professionals, industry sponsors, and partners is one I have always relied on for support.

I want to thank our immediate Past President, Ben Ellis, for his outstanding leadership of the MTC and his contributions to the turf industry. His shoes will be hard to fill.

The world challenges us all every day; environmentally, economically, and politically. Despite the challenges we face, three things can be assured in the turf world — the sun will shine, the weather will be unpredictable, and we will need the grass to grow. Our industry is also facing budget issues, regulatory pressures, staffing shortages, etc.; and it is mine and the MTC’s shared vision to address these issues via outreach, professional development, and partnerships. These challenges impact the companies we work for and the communities we work in and it is our responsibility to help navigate this landscape. We can get through it together. Recently, we have joined forces with MASTMA to provide an unmatched service to the sports turf industry. Together we will support each other by hosting field day events, educational seminars, and re-certification opportunities for all turfgrass professionals. So, get out there, and let’s all make a difference.

I’m proud of our successes over the last years and I am excited for the year ahead. I encourage everyone to participate and network with peers as much as possible. None of us are as strong as all of us. If you are in residential or commercial lawn care, public parks, private country clubs, a service provider or a vendor that supports the industry, we all face the same day to day issues and the MTC is here to support you.

Thank you to our members for their continued participation and support, we are over 1000 members strong as we enter 2022. In the year ahead, we will continue providing updates to our industry, outreach opportunities, as well as develop our online presence. I look forward to seeing you out in the field. If we haven’t met, come say “Hi” and introduce yourself to me. Keep making a difference! Stay involved and stay safe my friends. Let us make it our best year yet, by making 2022 a year to grow more.

Brandon Sands MTC President

MTC BOARD ADVISORS

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rick Boldissar Turf & Seed Section 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 Work: 410-841-5968 • Cell: 443-791-2896 Rick.boldissar@maryland.gov Kelly Love Pesticide Regulation 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5710 • kelly.love@maryland.gov Judy McGowan Urban Nutrient Management 50 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5955 • judy.mcgowan@maryland.gov

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Dr. Mark Carroll Environmental & Pesticides 2132 Plant Science Bld. College Park, MD 20742 Campus: 301-405-1339 • Farm: 301-314-6303 mcarroll@umd.edu Dr. Thomas Turner, Professor Emeritus Turfgrass Nutrients / Extension 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721 Farm: 301-314-6302 • tturner@umd.edu Dr. Peter Dernoeden Professor Emeritus 18086 White Oak Dr. Milton, DE 19968 301-314-6300 • pd@umd.edu David Funk Turf Farm Manager 395 Green Meade Dr. College Park, MD 20740-3721 301-314-6300 • dfunk@umd.edu

INSTITUTE OF APPLIED AGRICULTURE: DIGITAL MARKETPLACE – Scan these QR codes to learn more about this company.

Geoffrey Rinehart Turfgrass Management 2113 Jull Hall 4196 Stadium Dr. College Park, MD 20742 301-405-4692 • rinehart@umd.edu Dr. Kevin Mathias Professor Emeritus College Park, MD • jkm@umd.edu

MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE: Catherine Abramavage Central Sod Farms 920 John Brown Rd. Centreville, MD 21617 410-827-5000 • Catherine@CentralSodMD.com 6

MTC TURF NEWS

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7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

WE HAVE A FULL YEAR PLANNED TO SERVE YOU! WOW!

Each year your MTC Officers and Board of Directors strive to make every event and function bigger and more exciting than the last, we were successful doing that even when we could not meet face to face due to the entire COVID mess.

Hopefully masks and social distancing are a thing of the past as your MTC Officers, and Board are hard at work to address all your needs.

We are starting the year with a new President, Brandon Sands, of MNCPPC. If you haven’t met Brandon yet, make sure to go back and check out his President’s message on page 6.

On March 3, Brandon and two (2) other Board Members represented the MTC at the Taste of Maryland when people from all the varied Agricultural disciplines in Maryland have a chance to meet and hobnob with the Governor, his Department Heads, and many Maryland Legislators. It was a great time to meet and network for your industry.

We were also asked to assist the University in their final evaluations of the last four (4) candidates to fill the big shoes of Dr. Pete Dernoeden our Turfgrass Pathologist for over 35 years. The final selection was made with a unanimous decision by the University Selection Committee. Our new Turfgrass Plant Pathologist is Dr.Fereshteh Shahoveisi. She will officially start May 1 but she is already making contacts. See her appointment announcement on page 11 or see the official announcement on our web page at www.MDTurfCouncil.org.

Right after Dr. Shahoveisi arrives, the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) is bringing back the “Shields Golf Tournament” on Friday, May 13, 2022, after being shut down for two (2) years due to COVID. All new this year after many years at Glen Dale Golf Course, the Tournament is moving to the University of Maryland Golf Course with a bull roast at the College Park American Legion immediately after. Registration is only $130.00 per person and Hole Sponsorships are just $300. Here is your chance to support the IAA. More details can be found on page 10.

May 31 is the deadline to apply for the Jim Claxton Memorial Scholarship offered by the Turfgrass Producers of Maryland (association of Sod Farmers & Suppliers). Jim was a good friend to everyone in the industry and a strong believer in education.

Eligibility requirements and official application can be found on pages 12 & 13.

8

MTC TURF NEWS

Next the MTC will be offering a “Procrastinators Fertilizer and Pesticide Applicator Recertification Class” VIRTUALLY on June 24, 2022. If you have not completed your required CEU’s this may well be your LAST CHANCE. If your license expires on June 30, 2022 and you have not completed your CEU’s you will have to go though the entire exam process to get your license back so sign up today. If you also need CEU’s from DC, DE, VA, WV, or PA, we will also apply for these CEU’s, but we must apply 30 day in advance so do not delay getting your application back to the MTC office. An application for the Procrastinators Class was mailed to everyone with your dues renewals. Feel free to make additional copies or contact the MTC Office for assistance. Class is Free for MTC Members or $75 for Non-Members.

Once you are all set with sufficient CEU’s for July 2021 to June 2022 fiscal year, you can attend the MTC’s “Early Bird Fertilizer and Pesticide Applicator Recertification Class” LIVE on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the Talbot Agricultural and Educational Center” in Easton, MD. Just like above, if you also need CEU’s from DC, DE, VA, WV, or PA, we will also apply for these CEU’s, but we must apply 30 day in advance. So when you get the application please do not delay getting your application back to the MTC office. Feel free to contact the MTC Office if you have any questions. Class is again Free for MTC Members or $75 for Non-Members.

Lastly, we will complete the year with another outstanding MTC Annual Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show on Tuesday, December 13. Once again, we will be the guest of Turf Valley Resort & Golf Course in Ellicott City, MD. Watch for specific details as we get closer. Yes, we have another beautiful “Quilt for Research” to raffle off at the Conference.

As you can see, we have a full year planned to serve you, our members, so please feel free to contact us if we can ever assist you or your Turfgrass Organization.

Vernon W. Cooper

Maryland Turfgrass Council, Exec. Dir.

NEWS FROM MTC

A

Shields Tournament

fter a two-year hiatus, the Shields Memorial Tournament will resume this spring on Friday, May 13, 2022 at the University of Maryland Golf Course. After so many wonderful years at Glen Dale Golf Course, the tournament moves to UMD this year to continue the tradition of supporting academic programs at the Institute of Applied Agriculture. As in the past, the event will continue the “sixsome” format and will include contests and prizes followed by a bull roast at the nearby College Park American Legion.

S C HEDULED FOR

Registration is $130 / person and can be done through the IAA website (iaa.umd.edu) or via Event Brite:

FRIDAY MAY 13

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shields-memorialscholarship-tournament-tickets-293163529007 Anyone or Organization wishing to Support the IAA further can also SPONSOR a HOLE for just $300 each. Contact Geoff to become a sponsor at 301-405-4692 or rinehart@umd.edu to become a hole sponsor.

The IAA and, in particular, the turfgrass and golf course management programs, have been appreciative of the industry’s support in the past and are grateful for continued support. •

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MTC TURF NEWS

Dr. PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING

Dr. Fereshteh Shahoveisi TO THE Turfgrass Pathologist position at the University of Maryland, College Park

Shahoveisi will have a Research, Teaching and Extension appointment. Dr. Shahoveisi is already forming great alliances within the turfgrass industry in the Mid-Atlantic, including Dr. John Kaminski (a former grad student of Dr. Pete Dernoeden) who is now the Turfgrass Pathologist at Penn State University, in addition to man other industry professionals.

Upon her arrival, Dr. Shahoveisi plans to visit industry professionals in order to develop relationships and to further understand the needs of the turfgrass managers in the region. Please welcome her when she comes to visit, and feel free to ask for her help, as she will be a resource for turfgrass pathology issues found around the State.

The official University of Maryland announcement for the Turfgrass Pathologist can be found on the front page of our web page at www.MDTurfCouncil.org The announcement of the appointment to the University and to the Turfgrass Industry was made by Dr. John Erwin Professor and Department Chair, of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture.

A special “Thank You” for the hours and dedication from everyone involved in this process. We are excited to have Dr. Shahoveisi as part of the Maryland Turfgrass Team and we look forward to what she will bring to the industry throughout her tenure with the University.

— Your MTC Officers & Board of Directors

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SPRING 2022

11

NEWS FROM MTC • continued

The Jim Claxton Memorial Scholarship Turfgrass Producers of Maryland, Inc. “Save the Bay — Sod Today”

Administered by the Turfgrass Producers of Maryland The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund was initiated in 2011 in order to honor Jim and his contributions to the Mid-Atlantic turfgrass industry, while financially supporting students in pursuit of a college degree.

Jim worked as a salesman for Newsom Seed from the early 1990’s until shortly before his passing in 2013. He made great contributions to turfgrass-related businesses during this period, especially businesses directly involved in turf production.

The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund allows for an award to be issued to a winning applicant prior to the Fall college semester in the amount of $500.00. If the Scholarship Fund allows, additional applicants may be awarded. Previous winners of the Jim Claxton Scholarship may re-apply. Preference may be given to students enrolled in a turfgrass related field or with experience in turfgrass production.

Eligibility Requirements: -A pplicant must be a current high school senior, or enrolled in a two or four-year college / university program. Proof of enrollment may be requested by the Scholarship Committee after application submittal.

- Applicant should reside in the Mid-Atlantic area or be enrolled in a college/university in the Mid-Atlantic area.

- Applicant should have earned a high school or college level GPA of at least 2.50.

- General application, current transcript, one-page essay, and up to two letters of recommendation must be submitted by mail or email by 5/31/22.

Essay Prompt: Please submit a one-page essay outlining your career objectives in your chosen field, and your connection to the turfgrass industry.

Application Checklist: -

General Application Form (Page 2) Resume One-Page Essay (prompt outlined above) Transcript Up to two letters of recommendation (1 letter is required)

Sending Your Application: We are accepting applications by mail or email.

To email, send your application and all accompanying documents to sara@newsomseed.com and ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com by 4:00PM on 5/31/22.

To mail your application & documents, send to: Turfgrass Producers of Maryland P.O. Box389 St. Michaels, MD 21663

All applications MUST be received or postmarked no later than May 31, 2022.

12

MTC TURF NEWS

Turfgrass Producers of Maryland, Inc. “Save the Bay — Sod Today”

JIM CLAXTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2022

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Last Name:__________________________ First Name:________________________ Middle Initial:__________ Date of Birth:_________________________ Gender:____________________________ US Citizen? (circle): Y N If not a United States Citizen, state your type of US residency:______________________________________ Current Address:______________________________________________________________________________ City:________________________________ State:_____________________________ Zip Code:_____________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Cell Phone Number:_____________________________Home Phone Number:__________________________

Current / Intended Field of Study or Major:_______________________________________________________ College or University Attending:_________________________________________________________________ College / University Address:___________________________________________________________________ City:________________________________ State:_____________________________ Zip Code:_____________ Will you be taking 12 or more credit hours this coming semester? (circle): Y N

List any academic awards, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, etc. not found on your attached resume that you would like the Scholarship Committee to know about (if applicable).

Add additional pages if needed. _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Applicant Signature:________________________ Date:_________________ Please contact Sara at sara@newsomseed.com if you have any questions about the application.

SPRING 2022

13

COVER STORY

Dancing Elves, Bad Luck and Hexenringe aka

Fairy Rings

By Peter H. Dernoeden, Ph.D – Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland

The

cause of fairy rings was the subject of much folklore in Europe in Medieval times. Most agreed that the rings likely were caused by elves dancing in rings, but Germans thought they were burned into the ground by dancing witches (Hexenringe). Entering a ring could result in very bad luck, including loss of an eye or even crumbling into dust; this was especially true on Halloween. Children could avoid trouble after entering a ring, by running around the ring nine times; ten times could put you into much more trouble.

More scientifically oriented nineteenth century Americans attributed the rings to the activities of ants or snails or perhaps lightning. Shantz and Piemeisel, excavating fairy rings in Eastern Colorado in 1917, were the first to suggest that fairy rings killed vegetation by rendering infested soil impermeable to water.

Even today, the presence of fairy rings conjures interest and mystery, until they start killing your grass (Photo 1).

Fairy rings are commonly found in turf and pastures and may be caused by 50 or more species of fungi. Fairy ring fungi belong to a group known as the basidiomycetes or “mushroom fungi,” which includes puffballs. Among the more common mushrooms associated with fairy ring are Agaricus spp, which are closely related to the fresh-white mushrooms you buy in the grocery store. Lycoperdon spp. and Vascellum sp. (known as puffballs) are the primary cause of fairy rings on golf greens.

There are many other basidiomycetes commonly found around homes, golf courses, mulched and wooded areas, including bract/polypores (major wood rotter’s); birds nest, club, toothed, earthstars morels, stinkhorns, jelly fungi and artillery fungi. The basidiomycetes play a major role in nature through their ability to degrade organic matter. In particular, they break-down the toughest type of plant organic matter called lignin. Lignin is the strengthening material in cell walls and it occurs in its largest amounts in wood (Photo 2).

Most of the fungal body (a network of filaments called mycelium) of a fairy ring resides in thatch and below ground.

At some point in time, usually beginning with warmer rainy weather in spring, these fungi produce above ground, spore producing fruiting bodies (i.e., basidiocarps = mushrooms and puffballs). The entire reproductive process remains a mystery

14

MTC TURF NEWS

to this day; specifically, how can a mass of mycelium in soil transform itself to produce elaborate, fleshy above ground reproductive structures? The typical mushroom has a cap and stem. The underside of the mushroom cap is composed of gills, upon which spores are produced. Puffballs do not produce caps and spores are borne within white, fleshy and egg-shaped fruiting bodies. Puffballs often have fleshy warts or spines on their surfaces. Mushrooms and puffballs turn brown as they age, and when they crack or are crushed they release large numbers of spores. Spore color is helpful in identifying basidiomycetes; they can be white, yellow-brown, pink, purple-brown or black.

Spores or transport of infested soil spread fairy ring fungi, but it remains a total mystery how a single spore or fragment of mycelium can give rise to perfect green circles or sickle-shaped arcs in turf. Somehow, the fungus initiates growth at a central point (via spores or mycelial fragments) and continues outward in all directions (i.e., radial) at an equal rate (Photos 3, 4, 5, 6).

The presence of fairy rings can remain evident all year, especially in lawns. It is not unusual for rings to disappear and then reappear at a later time. They are more notable and numerous in wet years but are most destructive when weather conditions become hot and dry. Fairy rings are among the most destructive turf diseases, but they are not pathogens. Some species do form symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships; this symbiosis is largely associated with trees.

Fairy ring fungi cause the formation of rings or arcs of dead or unthrifty turf, or rings or arcs of dark-green, luxuriantly growing grass. Fairy rings are classified into three types according to their effects on turf: Type 1

Those that kill or badly damage plants in rings or arcs.

Type 2

Those that stimulate grass, causing the formation of rings or arcs of dark green turf.

Type 3

Those that do not stimulate grass and cause no damage, but produce fruiting bodies (i.e., mushrooms or puffballs) in rings or arcs.

Obviously, larger elves were required to lift the 25 ton stones and place them in a circle vs. the fairy ring in the foreground. Courtesy M. Schlossberg.

Fleshy, pink fairy ring mushroom with stipe-stem and prominent spore (pink) bearing gills.

3

Giant Calvata is a puffball fungus found in low maintenance lawns and elsewhere.

4

5

1

2

Mushroom fungi are nature’s degraders of organic matter, like these ligineous dead surface tree roots.

White, fleshy puffball with spines (Lycoperdon sp. ) from a golf green fairy ring. Courtesy of L. Treadway.

6

‘Deadly’ Amanita mushrooms are common and form mychorrizal relationships with pine trees.

SPRING 2022

15

COVER STORY • continued

Fairy rings vary in size from 1 to 20 feet or more in diameter and become larger each year. Indeed, in parts of Europe, rings as great as 2000 ft. in diameter have been observed in pastures and are believed to be over 100 years old. Rate of outward movement, as well as overall ring diameter, is determined by soil and weather conditions. In general, rings grow more rapidly in light-textured (i.e., sandy loams) and moist soils than in heavy clay and dry soils. Rings fade in the autumn or winter, but bare zones remain visible until turf recovers via stolons, rhizomes and/or tillering. Fairy rings are most conspicuous during hot and dry summer periods, but can fade rapidly with the advent of rainy weather. When soil moisture is abundant, dark green arcs or rings may be evident, while the dead zone is absent. With the advent of warm to hot and dry weather, however, the dead zone appears.

The most destructive rings are of the Type 1 variety. Type 1 rings are very common in lawns and on golf courses. In lawns, roughs and fairways, Type 1 rings initially appear as circles or arcs of dark-green grass, but the dead zone does not appear until dry periods in summer. Classic Type 1 rings are distinguished by three distinct zones: an inner lush zone where the grass is darker

Circular dead zone Type 1 fairy ring on a golf green.

Courtesy of M. Fidanza.

Classic Type 1 fairy ring with a lusher inner vs. outer zone bodering the dead zone . Rings do not cross one another. Inset shows mycelium in thatch and on roots.

16

MTC TURF NEWS

green and grows luxuriantly; a middle zone where the grass may be wilted or dead; and an outer zone in which the grass is slightly (i.e., less lush vs inner green zone) stimulated and/ or darker green. The distance from inside of the inner zone to outside of the outer zone may range from a few inches to a foot or more wide. The distinct double green zones, with a dead zone are uncommon on golf greens. On greens, a single green zone usually develops first, which may or may not wilt and develop a dead zone (Photo 7).

Darker green, stimulated zones classic to higher cut lawns and roughs are the result of the breakdown of organic matter, which releases nitrogen and results in more vigorous leaf growth. The outer green zone is caused by the breakdown of thatch and organic matter by the fairy ring fungus, which liberates nitrogen. The inner green zone, which is wider and more prominently dark green, develops in response to the release of nitrogen as bacteria and other microbes degrade aging or dead mycelium of the fairy ring fungus. Mushrooms or puffballs are produced at the junction of the bare and outer green zones.

Rings, however, may produce few or no mushrooms, especially on golf greens (Photo 8, 8a, 9)

7

9

8

Older, Type 1 fairy rings often are over 20 ft. in diam.

8a

Probing a dead zone in summer will reveal that soil is bone dry.

COVER STORY • continued

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH

Neil Jones, Territory Manager – Virginia & Eastern NC njones@buysod.com • 910-975-0002

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MTC TURF NEWS

Type 2 fairy rings are commonplace and can appear in early spring and remain evident until winter. Type 2 rings tend to come and go, but are most prevalent during wet summer periods. Type 2 fairy ring can develop into a Type 1 fairy ring during hot and dry periods. Fruiting bodies develop within the darker green zone following rainy weather in summer. Type 3 rings of mushrooms or puffballs growing in a ring or arc are mostly found in infrequently mowed fields and lawns, and usually appear rapidly after a rainy period. Classic Type 3 rings generally do not develop a stimulated green zone (Photo 10, 10a, 11, 12).

In lawns, roughs and pastures, a fairy ring is broken when its mycelium encounters an obstacle such as a rock, pathway or unfavorable soil condition.

In general, two fairy rings will not cross one another; that is, at the point of intersection the growth of each ring stops. This obliteration at the point of contact is caused by the production of self-inhibitory substances, which also antagonize other members of the same or different microbial species. On slopes, the bottom of a ring usually is open, giving the appearance of an arc or crescent. This may be due to the downward movement of self-inhibitory metabolites that prevent development of fungal mycelium on the lower side of the ring (Photo 13).

When a plug of soil is removed from the edge of an active fairy ring, a white thread-like network of mycelium sometimes may be seen in the thatch layer or clinging to soil and/ or roots. When environmental conditions are optimum for fungal growth, white mycelium may be seen on the surface of the thatch layer. Oftentimes, however, no mycelium is evident in the soil or thatch. Fairy ring infested soils, however, invariably have a mushroom odor, even if fungal mycelium is not evident. In all turfs, to include greens, thatch layers in active rings are lightbrown or fawn-colored rather than the more normal dark-brown color (Photos 14,15,16).

Numerous, circular green rings (never crossing) caused by a Type 2 fairy ring fungus.

Type 2 fairy rings in Zoysia entering dormancy. Note mushrooms on peripheries and that rings do not cross.

10 10a

11

On slopes, the bottom of the ring often is absent, presumably due to the downward movement of self-inhibitory substances.

To judge depth of mycelial growth, moisten plug and incubate in plastic bag in a warm place for 24 – 48 hrs to reveal depth of growth. Courtesy of L. Tredway.

12

Type 2 fairy rings on a fairway in Scotland. Note how lush the growth from release of N.

Type 3 fairy rings with mushrooms and no stimulated zones on a lawn.

(Source unknown.)

13 14

During rainy periods, the white mycelium of fairy ring fungi may (rarely) be seen on the surface of thatch layers.

15 16

Thatch in a fariy ring is light-brown or fawn.

Note outside ring thatch (above knife) is dark brown. Smell thatch for mushroom odor.

SPRING 2022

19

COVER STORY • continued

Type 1 fairy ring fungi kill turf primarily by rendering infested soil impermeable to water (i.e., hydrophobic) and plants die from drought. It is quite characteristic for grass on the outer edge of the dead zone to initially display the blue-gray color of wilt before dying. Very high concentrations of ammonium have been measured (Dr. Mike Fidanza, UM Ph.D.) in the wilting zone of Type 1 fairy rings, and levels can be toxic enough to cause turf death.

This is most notable during rainy periods following a nitrogen fertilizer application. The rapid release of ammonium via the degradation activities of fairy ring fungi causes is a brilliant flaring at the outer periphery of the ring. Some fairy ring fungi are known to produce compounds toxic to roots such as hydrogen cyanide. It is likely, however, that most damage to turf can be attributed to the fungal mycelium (either by its physical presence or as a result of organic “hydrophobic” compounds released as older/dead mycelium is degraded by microbes) rendering soil hydrophobic. The resulting hydrophobic conditions render soil impervious to water penetration (i.e., rain water runs-off ) and dead zone plants simply die of drought. Probing will reveal that soil in the dead zone is bone-dry (Photo 17).

20

On greens, fairy rings often appear first as a green ring or arc, which often develop a dead zone. Flaring is likely caused by the rapid release of ammonium.

17

An anonymous UM grad enjoying his magical mystery polypore.

Don’t Eat Wild Mushrooms!

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MTC TURF NEWS

ProStar (flutolanil) was the first fungicide labelled for control of fairy ring. Over time, it was shown that DMI/SI fungicides (e.g., Bayleton [triadimifon]; Mirage/Torque [tebuconazole]; Tourney [metaconazole]; Trinity [triticonazole]; others {note Banner MAXX; propiconazole is not labelled for fairy ring control}; strobilurins (Heritage [azoxystrobin]; Insignia [pyraclostrobin]; others); Affirm/Endorse [polyoxin D]; and Velista [penthiopyrad] also are effective.

Research has shown that it is not necessary to core prior to applying fungicides targeting fairy rings preventively on golf greens. It is important to note that most successful fairy ring fungicide programs begin in spring with the routine use of soil wettings, prior to the appearance of fairy ring activity. Good fairy ring suppression has been reported by applying an appropriate fungicide in a high water volume (i.e., ≥100 gal. water/ acre) or by simply watering it off foliage. This may be because puffball fairy ring fungi common in golf greens grow closer to the surface. The depth of fungal growth is difficult to estimate.

One way to check is to collect a cup cutter or profile sampler plug from within an active (green, not dead area) ring. Moisten the soil and place the sample in a plastic bag and incubate at a warm (> 75ºF;) temperature. Mycelium may be evident within 24 to 48 hours, thus giving an indication of the depth of fungal growth and therefore the depth to which a fungicide should be watered-in.

Steven McDonald (MSc. from UM: Pres. Turf. Dis. Solns.), has observed effective fairy ring suppression/control in sandbased golf greens, as well as tees and fairways grown on native soils, using a DMI/SI in spring. Fungicides should be applied twice about a month apart once soils warm to about 65F for 4 or 5 days (normally May) and again in June. Steve cautions that some DMIs can have a negative growth suppression and/or discoloration effect (i.e., stunting and a blue-gray discoloration response). Similar results can be achieved by rotating in one of the other aforementioned (non-DMI/SI) fungicides. As I have observed over the decades, different chemistries can work differently for different golf courses. Most superintendents need to do their own on-site testing to find those chemicals that work best on their golf course.

As noted above, effective fairy ring control in greens is dependent on being on a routine soil wetting agent program by mid-May. If green rings appear in the absence of a wetting agent program, it now becomes essential to include a wetting agent combined with coring in a curative program involving fungicides. Wetting agents aid water infiltration by breaking the surface tension of hydrophobic soil. This method of control involves a combination of core or solid tine aeration, deep watering, and use of soil wetting agents. Aeration is beneficial since it opens surfaces and aids in the penetration of air and water. The entire area occupied by the ring, to include a two-foot periphery beyond the ring, should be cored on 2.0 to 4.0 inch centers. The area should be treated with a soil wetting agent plus an effective fungicide, and then irrigated so that water penetrates to a depth below the hydrophobic zone (about 4.0 to 6.0 inches in depth). It should be noted, that tank-mixing a DMI/SI fungicide with a wetting agent can result in enhanced discoloration or even a phytotoxic response. Hence, an alternative fungicide

(e.g., Affirm, Heritage, Insignia, ProStar, etc.) noted above, could be recommended when curatively mixing a fungicide with a soil wetting agent.

The role of the wetting agent is to facilitate entry and percolation, but caution is needed to ensure chemical is not moved below the effective zone.

Follow-up applications of fungicides likely will be needed on two- to fourweek intervals until “ring wilting” no longer occurs. The ring area should be re-treated in a similar fashion at the earliest indication of drought stress; that is, repeat the process whenever the dark-green grass turns blue-gray and begins to wilt. Even using a pitchfork to create openings is preferred to not creating any holes at all.

For lawns, the old idea of using wetting agents and injecting water into wilted areas does not work. In my own experience, I have found that drenching a fairy ring in spring with a DMI (e.g., Bayleton and others) before there is any wilt works really well. The procedure simply involves mixing a few ounces of fungicide and liquid soap (e.g., Joy) in a bucket of water and drenching the outer perimeter of the ring. Homeowners will need work with an LCO to get the job done properly.

Mushrooms are beautiful gifts from Nature and serve many beneficial purposes. Most importantly, these fungi are major contributors to the breakdown of dead organic matter. Along with other microbes, the basidiomycetes slowly and inexorably degrade wood lignin and remove all traces of dead plant life and return it to soil.

Some mushrooms are edible and delicious. Some can give a belly ache or even kill you. Others, upon consumption, can send you on a magical mystery tour. Unfortunately, botanical taxonomists are no longer trained or available to identify mushrooms or any other forms of unusual plant life. Their demise is the direct result of our Land Grant Agricultural University System to give way to molecular biology to solve all unknowns.

Bottom line; never eat mushrooms gathered from outdoors (Photo 18). •

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SPRING 2022

21

FEATURE

Making the Most of

T E A M M E MBER C H ECK - I N S

By Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM

The

very best managers and team leaders are those who checkin with their team members on a regular basis. Yet even experienced leaders can miss opportunities for employee engagement and success without a great game plan for these conversations. Here’s how I help managers make the most of team member check-ins.

CONSISTENT Team member check-ins are often launched with a formal announcement as a “new way of doing things” which rarely sticks longterm. For both managers and employees, this experience will feel awkward for a while.

Unfortunately, many quit check-ins before they become consistent.

In order to have successful team member check-ins, consistency needs to happen first.

By developing a habit of formally sitting down for a conversation, the clumsiness of a new conversation will give way to trust and excitement that is required for growth and improvement. Leaders starting (or restarting) checkins should worry less about what results are we getting from this exercise and more about how often we are completing this exercise.

Just like physical exercise, results come from consistent effort over sustained periods of time rather than extreme effort on occasion.

FREQUENT Team member check-ins also need to happen on a regular basis to help job performance.

Unfortunately, 76% of employees report that their performance is formally reviewed by their manager once a year or less according to Gallup. And deep down, we all know that a one-hour conversation couldn’t possibly increase performance for an entire year.

I like to have weekly check-ins with those I’m coaching. With one-hour weekly conversations, there is ample time and space to discuss all the things we need to cover (more on that in a minute) and frequent enough to responsively adjust to changes as they arise.

Instead of boss reviewing last year’s performance, I’m a coach helping performance for the next play of the game.

Prosperity begins here.

No one knows keeping things green quite like you. Now with even broader resources and capabilities, your Nutrien Solutions location is even more equipped to help you become a more capable growing professional than ever. nutrienagsolutions.com

For support, please contact your local representative.

Tom Walsh MD/Northern VA 410-375-7226 tom.walsh@nutrien.com

22

MTC TURF NEWS

Fred Heinlen Eastern Shore 443-669-4284 fred.heinlen@nutrien.com

Harry Kenney DE, MD/Northern VA 410-375-6148 harry.kenney@nutrien.com

FUTURE-FOCUSED Nobody is perfect. So, when we checkin with the people we lead, the goal shouldn’t be to dissect what mistakes have been made in the past because there is nothing that can be done to solve them. In the same way, reviewing what was accomplished since the last checkin isn’t helpful either. That’s because the goal is to increase future performance. To do so requires focusing on the future rather than the past.

I prefer to discuss what will be accomplished in the coming weeks, months, and years. On a weekly basis, asking about when and how work will be completed is key to realizing performance.

By anticipating obstacles, team leaders can identify opportunities to provide materials, equipment, information, or support to prevent issues from occurring.

And by forecasting months and years into the future, employees can feel that they’re working toward a significant goal and growing their career in a direction that will bring them fulfillment. This is where professional and personal development can be explored and encouraged.

HOLISTIC For too long, team member check-ins have focused solely on work. Employees today want to be valued for more than just their contribution, and team leaders can build successful teams by caring for people holistically. We all know that big issues in our personal life can hinder our performance at work, so creating a place to discuss them in our check-ins is how we can help people as people.

I love Gallup’s model of well-being which identifies five areas in our lives that are interconnected and inseparable: Career, Financial, Social, Community, and Physical. All five areas of well-being should be discussed with team members to ensure they can be their best selves both at work and in life. When team leaders help people find success in all five areas, they become trusted mentors who care and receive the best possible performance from their people.

Starting team check-ins the right way will be difficult, time-consuming, and awkward, but it is the only way to provide the support and encouragement that people need to be their best. If I can ever help you or your organization, please feel free to reach out. • NEAL GLATT is the Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, an online training platform for the green industry. You can learn more about him and his solutions at www.NealGlatt.com.

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