North Carolina Turfgrass - July/August 2017

July/August 2017

A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

Unique Perspective Drones Offer Improved Site-Specific Management of Athletic Fields Plus, Check Out TCNC’s New Career Hub!

Speaking

Only the Truth:

FIGHTING FAKE NEWS and FALSE INFORMATION

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12 18 table of contents July/August 2017

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18 green light on sports

eye on business Check Out TCNC’s New Career Hub, for Both Employers and Job Hunters

Unique Perspective Drones Offer Improved Site-Specific Management of Athletic Fields

12 cover story Speaking Only the Truth: Fighting Fake News and False Information

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From the President, Damon Dean

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Welcome, New TCNC Members and NCCTP 10 TCNC Corporate and Deluxe Members

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NCCTP Program

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Industry News

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Calendar of Events

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NC State Turf Team

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Index of Advertisers

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from the president

Check Out Our

NEW CAREER

HUB! The

turfgrass industry as a whole is getting better since the recession, but we have a ways to go. The one problem I hear constantly is how hard it is to find staff/ crew members. Having good employees prevents a lot of headaches and stressful times.

Our companies are only as good as our employees. Especially during busy seasons, being short-staffed is a nightmare.

On our website, TCNC has a job board — called Career Hub — to help with all staffing positions. There are many different categories of jobs in the turf industry. On the job board, you can search and post positions in the turf industry.

The website also has Turf Talk to start up a conversation with other members to find out what they are doing for staffing positions in their areas.

Contacting and forming relationships with other professionals can give you ideas on to handle the problems you are facing. See page 8 of this issue of North Carolina Turfgrass. Take advantage of all the services we provide to help your businesses.

This was why the TCNC was formed!

After staffing problems, there are turfgrass problems. Growing seasons (and, to a degree offseasons) bring all types of issues for turf managers.

Solving problems is what makes this business fun

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and interesting. I have found if you have a question about anything, the answer is only a phone call, text or email away. Our industry supporters are everywhere and willing to help.

I want to end with a THANK YOU! The relationships in our industry are second to none.

If you are having a problem and need advice, the answer is out there. Get involved and ask questions!

Damon Dean, CGCS 2017–2018 TCNC President

eye on business

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New TCNC Members

Welcome, NEW TCNC MEMBERS! William “Lindsay” Adams

Matthew Carver

Reid Hobbs

Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NC

JRM, Inc. • Clemmons, NC

Regal Chemical Co. Wilmington, NC

Timothy Clark The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Reginald Andrews RCG Turf Farms • Council, NC

Clark Bartholomew Duke University • Durham, NC

Jason Cloninger The Club at Longview Weddington, NC

Kevin Bean

Joshua Dew

Town of Southern Pines Southern Pines, NC

Town of Southern Pines Southern Pines, NC

Johnathan Holmes Diamond Creek Golf Club Banner Elk, NC

Zack Mason Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC

Danny McLeod McLeod Lawn Services Fuquay-Varina, NC

Ryan Bowles

Richard Enoch

The Club at Longview Weddington, NC

Enoch Farms • Mebane, NC

Joseph Myers

Bob Erickson

Cooper Boyce

NC State Athletics • Raleigh, NC

NC State Landscape Construction Services Raleigh, NC

Bryan Fouts

Garrett Newman

NC State Athletics • Raleigh, NC

Brandon Britt

Southern Ag • Hendersonville, NC

Triangle Chemical Co. Wilmington, NC

Seth Hibbett NC State Athletics • Raleigh, NC

Lompoc, CA

Chris Norris NC State Athletics • Raleigh, NC

Steve Pettis NC Coop. Extension Hendersonville, NC

Graham Purcell Town of Southern Pines Southern Pines, NC

Johnny Sacco City of Brevard • Brevard, NC

Brian Salter Brian Salter • Newport, NC

Derland “Brinkley” Wagstaff NC State and Eastern Turf Zebulon, NC

Donna Waldrep Sod Solutions, Inc. Mount Pleasant, SC

John Walter The Biltmore Company Asheville, NC

Congratulations, NEW NCCTP! Michael Braswell, NCCTP Givens Estates Asheville, NC

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TCNC Corporate & Deluxe Members

Thank You to Our DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Thank You to Our CORPORATE MEMBERS

North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina 110 Horizon Drive Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27615 (919) 459-2070 fax (919) 459-2075 www.ncturfgrass.org

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE American Turf Grass Corp.

Barefoot & Associates, Inc. BASF Corporation Buy Sod, Inc. Carolina Farm Credit

TCNC’s membership level for companies that wish to provide more support by adding ten or more employees to their membership has attracted five Corporate Members —

Carolina Green Corp.

City of Brevard City of Raleigh P&R Country Boy Landscaping

PRESIDENT Damon Dean Keith Hills Country Club West End, NC (910) 893-1372

Duke University Fairway Green Fayetteville Tech Community College

VICE PRESIDENT

Givens Estates

Gene Queen Nature’s Select Premium Turf Services Winston-Salem, NC (336) 768-7999

JRM, Inc. Keith Hills Country Club Leap Frog Landcare, Inc. Myatt Landscaping Concepts, Inc.

PAST PRESIDENT Billy Cole Raleigh Country Club Raleigh, NC (919) 427-0312

Nature’s Select Premium Turf Services NC A&T State University

DIRECTORS

NCSU Landscape Construction Services

H. Dean Baker Kinston Country Club Kinston, NC

Pennington Seed – ProTurf Division SAS Institute Landscaping Dept.

SiteOne Landscape Supply Smith Turf & Irrigation Sod Solutions, Inc. Southern Ag Southern Seeds, Inc. The Club at Longview Town of Cary Public Works Town of Southern Pines Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.

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

TCNC OFFICERS

Diamond Creek Golf Club

Quality Turf

Lee Campbell IMI Association Executives leec@imiae.com (919) 459-6087

The Corporate Level of membership receives extra benefits, including a listing in each issue of the magazine. As we begin offering sponsorship opportunities, they will be given first opportunity to sponsor; additionally, you may see banner ads for these companies on the website in the future. All ten members under the corporate membership receive full membership, with voting rights and their own subscription to the magazine.

If you would like YOUR company to upgrade to a Corporate Level of membership, please contact the office to see how easy it can be! Just email info@ncturfgrass.org.

James (Bo) Barefoot, NCCTP Precision Labs Raleigh, NC David Bradley, NCCTP Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. Hendersonville, NC Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green, Inc. Raleigh, NC Michael Hrivnak, NCCTP Canopy Lawn Care Raleigh, NC Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP Coastal Floratine Dunn, NC

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cover story

Speaking

Only the Truth:

FIGHTING FAKE NEWS and FALSE INFORMATION

By Rick Brandenburg, Ph.D., and Terri Billeisen, Ph.D., Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

It’s

getting increasingly difficult these days to identify legitimate news stories when so much of the information we receive is fake news, alternative facts, science denial and on and on. Although motivation for these stories is often political, several other factors can also play a role. The 24/7 news cycle has an obligation to fill airtime with topics that will keep audiences captivated and constantly tuned in. Additionally, the internet and social-media sites allow users to have instantaneous access to everything you did and did not want to know about a topic. In reality, this information is literally a keystroke away, and when it is incorrect, it can have serious repercussions.

So, why write about this topic for a turfgrass magazine? We have one main reason: it simply affects our industry.

The prevalence of “bad” news stories in our world today can have a tremendous impact, and those stories often influence policy-making decisions in our field. If you haven’t been paying attention the

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past few years, the number of “news” articles and editorials related to bee kills, climate change, glyphosate use, groundwater contamination and other similar topics all are areas of concern in turfgrass management. Recently, two separate events illustrated how much incorrect information the public consumes on a daily basis.

One, I posted a response on the “Nextdoor” neighborhood social network addressing concerns over glyphosate use in a home lawn. Several people indicated it was a dangerous approach that threatened the health of our children, contaminated groundwater and was killing “all the bees.” My response included actual facts about glyphosate, both as a product and its use, and it was immediately blasted by dozens of people who attacked me both on a personal and professional level.

It was vicious!

The second incident occurred a few months ago when, in the period of one week, I had more than a dozen requests from lawn care operators for information about the safety of glyphosate. Their clientele, were concerned about the use of

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glyphosate in their home lawns. Most of their concerns came from information they had obtained from seemingly “reputable” sites on social media.

So, to start, I want to make two points very clear. First, you can find evidence within about two minutes on the internet to support your argument, regardless of the absurdity of the perspective you take.

Don’t believe me? Try it. There is more false information on the internet than one can imagine, and at times, the falsehoods seem to outnumber the truth. The second point is simply this: you cannot win an argument on social media. Don’t even try. It’s not professional, and it brings out the worst in people. It often becomes an ugly fight that produces no real winners or has any lasting value.

If there is one thing I want you to take away from this article, it’s that there is a lot of negative information floating around on social media that hurts our industry, and to properly respond to it and minimize its impact, we need to be professional. It is important that we are courteous and knowledgeable in our response and to always find good, reliable sources

In today’s social-media environment, there is a constant flow of information that indicates that products used in turf management are a hazard to people, pets and the environment, and there is no real system to check their validity. (Photo courtesy of M. Waldvogel.)

Concern over bee kills and the use of specific insecticide groups have become global concerns. (Photo courtesy of M. Waldvogel.)

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cover story | continued

Due in part to society’s isolation from farming, the use of pesticides and fertilizer is outside the comfort zone of many people.

(Photo courtesy of B. Royals.)

of information to ensure that we know as much about the products we use as possible.

This is often going to be difficult. All of us, somewhere deep down inside, have the desire to be “right,” or “correct,” or viewed as an authority on a subject.

Sometimes this can drive us to a point

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where we seek information that supports our side of the argument, regardless of its source (or validity!). It happens to us all, and the internet makes it very easy for us to find information that supports our argument. It’s called “confirmation bias”; we actively seek information that makes us the expert. Now, there is nothing truly

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wrong with wanting to be an expert, but it is very important that we obtain our information from sources that are accurate and factual, not just supportive.

In our industry, our motives and ethics are often called into question by socialmedia blogs and sites regarding pesticide, fertilizer and water use. It is imperative that we respond with information that is accurate and science-based because it is our responsibility as professionals.

We need to take the high road and communicate good science to the concerned citizens, even if it disagrees with their viewpoint.

The public is being inundated with information that is not always accurate, and in many cases, it is misleading and used to market particular products. There have been numerous ads for food products that indicate non-GMO, when in fact there are no GMO varieties even in commercial use for that particular food.

It’s not lying, but it’s certainly misleading.

cover story | continued

So, what are some key points to focus on as we move forward?

• Get your facts from reputable sources.

• Continue to educate yourself; make sure you know what you’re talking about.

• Identify issues with which the general public is concerned, and learn as much as you can on that subject. Do you really know if neonicotinoid insecticides are responsible for global bee declines?

How dangerous is glyphosate? If a homeowner asked you, what real facts could you give them?

• Be professional. Don’t argue — just present quality information, and leave it up to them to decide. If they don’t want to believe you, then move on.

• Be proactive. Develop your own information bulletins for your brochures, websites or blogs.

• Have some empathy for people who have concerns about pesticides, nutrients, water use, habitat destruction and other social issues. Even if they don’t have the best of information guiding their thoughts, their concerns are real and serious to them.

For our part, we are in the process of creating new online content to help improve how information we receive can be delivered to turfgrass-management professionals and the general public. By fall 2017, we will have a new turfgrass entomology webpage that addresses topics of concern and organizes all current information in one industry-specific website.

In addition to providing Fact Sheets on each individual turfgrass pest, the site will also provide a Turfgrass Entomology blog that will be updated throughout the growing season with insect reports from around the state.

These learning materials will not only help consumers identify insect pests and diagnose turf insect damage but also determine how best to treat individual issues. We hope that by providing an additional, reliable online resource, we can improve communications between everyday citizens and certified turfgrass professionals. We want to give turfgrass managers another tool with which to combat the constant flow of misinformation.

It’s not an easy task ahead of us, but I think we need to be more serious and active in addressing societal concern than we have been in the past. Social media has changed a lot of things (including how people spend their free time), and we can’t afford to have an attitude that negative publicity and bad science are simply going to die a slow death. Scientists are starting to take a more aggressive role in providing information to end users that tell the real story. Our industry needs to do the same.

About the authors Rick Brandenburg (Facebook: ‘Turf, Bugs, and Rock n’ Roll’) is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Entomology at North Carolina State University and has addressed insect management along with social and environmental issues for more than 30 years. Terri Billeisen completed her post-doctoral work in turfgrass entomology in December 2016 and is now an Extension Associate at North Carolina State University.

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green light on sports

Unique Perspective

DRONES Offer Improved Site-Specific Management

OF ATHLETIC FIELDS

By Travis Roberson, MS Student, Weed Science, and David McCall, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Tech

S

ports turf managers often do a remarkable job of maintaining fields at high standards, often with budgets that do not align with expectations. Field managers are constantly tasked with doing more with less. In many instances, problems that arise in a localized area within a field result in widespread management decisions that impact a series of similar fields nearby.

A recent example is the development of large patch on bermudagrass athletic fields in the Mid-Atlantic. Certain con-

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ditions contribute to this disease, such as poorly drained soils. However, many sports turf managers fire up their sprayers to apply a fungicide across affected and neighboring fields to prevent further spread. In reality, the affected areas were likely more susceptible to disease for a reason, but it is often difficult to tell that reason by routine scouting.

A bird’s eye view can reveal issues or clues that may otherwise be missed. This unique vantage point is the same reason that coordinators often call plays from high up in the press box during football

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games. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, is not new in our society or even in turf management, but we are in the midst of rapid change in how these devices can be used to our benefit.

A primary focus of my research program at Virginia Tech is to develop novel approaches for studying disease epidemics and environmental stresses using aerial imagery collected from drones. This approach allows turf managers to have a better understanding of underlying issues that may lead to more effective, sitespecific management, thereby reducing

PHOTO 1

Snapshot overview of a golf fairway with spring dead spot.

PHOTO 2

Quadcopter equipped with a MicaSense Rededge sensor taking flight on a golf course fairway.

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total inputs and reducing the bottom line in the budget. Below are brief project descriptions from two graduate students in my lab about how they are using drones to improve turf management.

Jordan Booth, CGCS, uses drones to develop spring dead spot distribution maps. We are using these maps to make fungicide applications only where needed and to gain a better understanding of the principle factors that drive disease development. Travis Roberson is developing unique methods to monitor for drought stress using both visible light and nearinfrared light, starting with ground-based measurements and using aerial imagery to estimate across larger areas.

Mapping spring dead spot with drones Precision agriculture (PA) is defined as the application of technologies and prin-

ciples to manage spatial and temporal variability associated with all aspects of agricultural production to improve crop performance and environmental quality.

PA uses information obtained from a variety of sources to implement site-specific management practices.

One source of information used in PA is the use of small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), given their low costs of operation and great flexibility in mounting and operation of image-acquisition equipment. UAVs can provide a rapid, high-resolution view of large acreage in a matter of minutes and offer a safe, affordable option when compared to piloted aircraft. The information obtained by UAVs has led to informed decisions and reduced inputs generally associated with PA. Primary turfgrass-management practices are very similar to crop-based agriculture, including irrigation, fertilizer application and pest control. As in crop production, turfgrass managers are inter-

ested in ways to improve efficiency and plant health while managing a budget.

Water management, pest control and cultural practices need to be balanced to provide a safe, high-quality turfgrass surface while minimizing expenses.

Like all agriculture, PA must be adapted and tailored to turfgrass management.

This new field of advanced management practices in turf is known as Precision Turfgrass Management. We are researching how Precision Turfgrass Management, and specifically the use of UAVs, can benefit sports turf managers by reducing inputs and increasing efficiency associated with pest control.

Bermudagrass is the preferred choice for sports fields in the southern U.S. as well as the transition zone. There are a variety of bermudagrass hybrids for use in sports turf, offering distinct advantages. Hybrid bermudagrasses grow vigorously in nearly all types of soil, exhibit excellent tolerance to heat and drought and produce a

PHOTO 3

A comparison of maps generated from data collected from a drone flight. On the left is an aerial image of a normal color image, and on the right is an aerial image based on the green-red ratio vegetation index closely related to soil moisture.

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dense, uniform turf that is resistant to traffic and wear.

One of the most limiting factors of successful bermudagrass management in the U.S. is the prevalence of spring dead spot (SDS). SDS is the most destructive disease of bermudagrass in climates where bermudagrass enters winter dormancy.

Outbreaks are most severe under highmaintenance conditions. While symptoms, including circular patches of dead

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turf and slow turf recovery, occur in the spring of the year, the disease infects the turf in the late summer or early fall of the previous growing season. This makes the timing of fungicide applications difficult to predict because symptoms are not present during application.

Suppression of SDS with conventional chemical control has proven inconsistent. Like with all pests, certain products have greater suppression efficacy than

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others. Unfortunately, the most effective fungicides are also the most expensive.

In many instances, this makes the most effective chemical programs cost-prohibitive. Many turfgrass managers opt to make applications of less expensive, less effective fungicides or no preventative applications at all.

Our research aims to study if the use of UAVs and Precision Turfgrass Management could help with disease suppression.

To design the study, the following questions were asked: • Would UAVs be able to quickly and accurately generate disease incidence maps?

• Would it be possible to apply the most effective SDS fungicides precisely and accurately, based on disease incidence from the previous season?

• Would precision applications increase disease suppression while decreasing inputs and costs?

These questions are beginning to be answered. Partnering with the Unmanned Systems Lab in the Mechanical Engineering department at Virginia Tech, our team has utilized UAVs to create high-resolution disease-incidence maps.

In spring 2016, disease-incidence maps were generated from five different bermudagrass golf course fairways infected with SDS. Aerial imagery was collected using an Iris+ (3D Robotics, Inc.) multirotor UAV, fitted with a HERO 3 (GoPro, Inc.) digital camera and PixHawk Mini mission planner. Aerial images were mosaicked using Agisoft PhotoScan 1.2.6 Professional. Spring dead spot groundtruth coordinates were obtained to georectify the maps using the Raven Phoenix 300 w/Omnistar HP correction for subdecimeter spatial resolution. The fairways were rated visually and using digital image analysis to determine accuracy and to quantify disease incidence.

In fall 2016, these disease incidence maps were used to make preventative fungicide applications to compare the efficacy of the fungicide Tebuconazole 3.4 F (tebuconazole, Quali-Pro) vs. the efficacy of Velista (penthiopyrad, Syngenta) vs. the site-specific application of Velista based on disease incidence. It is known that Velista is more expensive than Tebuconazole, but it has proven to be more effective in other SDS suppression trials. The applications were rated in spring 2017 and compared to nontreated plots.

green light on sports | continued

This research aims to translate remotely sensed data gathered through UAV imaging into usable information for sitespecific management of SDS on bermudagrass fairways. Additionally, exploration into the spatial distribution of SDS across fairways may enhance our understanding of the disease epidemiology by focusing on changes in microclimate and soil characteristics.

Predicting water deficiencies with unique sensors on drones Water usage receives much scrutiny in our industry because this limited resource drives global food and fiber production.

Drought restrictions are first imposed to non-essential commodities, which includes recreational areas such as sports fields.

This scrutiny has led sports turf managers to explore various methods to minimize their water usage, including the use of underground moisture sensors, installation of more sophisticated, site-specific irrigation designs and wetting agents.

Handheld soil moisture meters are sometimes used in conjunction with hand watering to deliver irrigation only to areas in need. While this method is increasingly common in our industry, it is labor intensive and still possesses the human element of possibly missing an area that is drought stressed.

Measuring canopy light reflectance has shown potential for detection drought stress to turfgrass. The most commonly studied reflectance index on turfgrass status is the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). This index measures red and near infrared light reflectance from turf and has been related to turf quality, canopy structure, water needs and nitrogen needs.

While this index is important for turfgrass research, a primary limitation is not being able to distinguish declining vigor caused by water deficiencies from other stressors. An alternative index (WBI) utilizes water-absorption characteristics within a stable region of near-infrared light and minimizes the influence from other stressors.

Previous research has shown that WBI is closely related to moisture stress in sandy, low-organic soil with creeping bentgrass. We are now investigating how the WBI may be used on bermudagrass to predict water deficiencies on various soil textures. To date, the relationship between WBI and moisture stress appears to be stable from bermudagrass grown across soil textures in greenhouse conditions. This research will continue at both the canopy level and with remotely sensed data collected using drones. In collaboration with the Unmanned Systems Lab at Virginia Tech, we are developing a drone equipped with customized sensors capable of measuring reflectance within the water absorption region. We were able to validate aerial detection of moisture stress using visible and near-infrared light with data collected on the ground at predetermined GPS coordinates.

This article first appeared in the May 2017 issue of SportsTurf Magazine, the official publication of the Sports Turf Managers Association.

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NCCTP Program

NCCTP? The

Fast Facts About The NCCTP Program

comprehensive North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program was developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of their businesses and of the turfgrass-management industry. Administered by TCNC, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.

NCCTP Program Enrollment Requirements

1. Enrollment in the NCCTP program requires a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry and a valid NC pesticide applicator’s license.

2. All candidates must subscribe to the NCCTP Code of Conduct as detailed on the application form.

3. Enrollment fees are as follow: Program application $150; Exam $50; Study Materials $50.

Reasons to Earn Your NCCTP Designation Today!

The Exam

• It confers immediate credibility by confirming your knowledge of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.

• The Turfgrass Management Subclass License in the Landscape Contractors’ Licensing proposal is based on the NCCTP program and exam. NCCTPs will be grandfathered into the proposed Landscape Contractors’ Licensing legislation, avoiding the headaches of additional testing.

• The price of earning your NCCTP was dropped by about 50% this year to help make the program more affordable to industry professionals.

• NCCTP exam prep courses are planned for this fall and winter to help you get ready for the exam.

• You’ll be able to promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional and use the NCCTP logo on your business correspondence.

• You’ll get pins, uniform patches and vehicle decals to promote your status as a NCCTP. • You get association support with promotional tools and adverting publicity opportunities to help promote your status as a NCCTP. • You’ll get public visibility for customer referrals from TCNC’s website.

For more information on how the NCCTP can help your business, contact info@ncturfgrass.org today!

1. Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam.

2. At the time of the exam, all candidates must be TCNC members.

3. The exam covers 9 core areas: Turfgrass Characteristics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.

4. Candidates have 6 hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.

5. Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Morrisville during normal business hours.

6. Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed.

7. Please allow 2–3 weeks for exam grading and reports.

Maintenance Requirements

1. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive a phone call followed by a packet containing several important items, such as their NCCTP plaque, patches, vehicle decals and license plate, etc.

2. Maintenance of the designation requires continued membership in TCNC as a means of demonstrating continued support for the industry.

3. A $50 renewal fee is billed every July 1 to maintain the designation. Funds provide support for the NCCTP program and related promotional activities.

The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission. For additional information, contact TCNC at (919) 459-2070.

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NCCTP Certification Application/Enrollment Name __________________________________________________________________

Title _____________________________________________________

Company _______________________________________________________________

Pesticide Applicator License ________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

Day Phone _______________________________________________

City, State, Zip __________________________________________________________

Fax Number ______________________________________________

TCNC Membership No. __________________________________________________

E-Mail ____________________________________________________

Qualifications MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or am applying here, to be a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina.

EXPERIENCE: Please list your turfgrass management job experience during the last full year. Attach additional page(s) if necessary.

Company ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person(s) _______________________________________________________

Title _____________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________________

Title _____________________________________________________

Your Duties: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PESTICIDE LICENCE: A current North Carolina pesticide ground applicator license (or equivalent from other state) subclass L, turf and ornamental is required. Please document current status of your turf and ornamental pesticide applicator license by attaching a copy of your most recent Dept. of Agriculture license renewal statement showing education units completed. A minimum of 20 credits every 5 years is required to maintain your NCCTP status.

DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics and pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program.

EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required examination within six months.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation.

Signature _________________________________________________________________________________

Date ___________________________________

By signing this enrollment application, I verify that all information above is true and correct.

NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50 (per exam), Renewal Fee: $50 TCNC Membership: $125

Amount Enclosed: $ _________________

Charge my Credit Card:

Visa

Master Card

AmEx

Card Number ___________________________________________________________

Exp _____________________

CSV# _________________________

Name on Card __________________________________________________________

Signature _________________________________________________

Card Billing Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail Completed Form with Payment to: Turfgrass Council of NC • 2501 Aerial Center Parkway, Suite 103 •Morrisville, NC 27560 or fax to: (919) 459-2075 A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f Nor t h Ca r o lina 27

NCCTP Program | continued

North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional

CODE OF ETHICS

Duty to the Public Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations and information based upon honest experience and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.

Applicant… Please initial in the spaces below.

I agree.

Duty to the Environment Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products and materials in a manner consistent with the label and that is safe for the environment.

I agree.

Duty to the Laws of Our Land Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry, and support enforcement of these laws.

I agree.

Duty to Fellow Professionals Refrain from the use of false, misleading or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business-management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry. Abstain from untruthful debasement of, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.

I agree.

Duty to the Association Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession. Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry or profession.

I agree.

industry news

Casey Reynolds APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Turfgrass Producers International

T

urfgrass Producers International (TPI) appointed Casey Reynolds, Ph.D., as the association’s executive director, effective May 1.

Reynolds previously served as assistant professor and turfgrass extension specialist at Texas A&M, where he coordinated statewide turfgrass research and extension programs. Prior to joining Texas S&M, he served as a turfgrass research and extension associate for North Carolina State University from 2003–2013.

Reynolds grew up in rural North Carolina, and although his family didn’t farm, they lived on a farm with livestock, pastures and a huge garden. His summer jobs were all plant-related, and a golf course

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internship in 1996 prompted his interest in turfgrass. He says, “It’s amazing some of the things we ask turfgrasses to do — and they do them.”

He earned his B.S. in Crop Science, his M.S. in Crop Science and Business Management, and his Ph.D. in Crop Science, all at NCSU. Reynolds is passionate advocate of the benefits of turfgrasses, and he is intent on delivering the message of their usefulness in urban environments.

He has been married to Diane Silcox Reynolds since 2013. Diane has a Ph.D. in entomology and works for Adama, an agrichemical company.

Asked what sod producers should know about him, Reynolds said, “I’ve heard so

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many great things about TPI, I’m excited to be working with them and eager to connect with them. I’m looking forward to supporting them on all fronts, especially in making sure their voice is heard on the issues TPI sees as most important to the turfgrass industry and beneficial to the membership.”

Reynolds can be contacted at creynolds@turfgrasssod.org.

Turfgrass Producers International is an independent, not-for-profit association with nearly 800 members in over 40 countries comprised of turfgrass sod and seed producers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers and various individuals involved in education and/or turfrelated research.

continued | greenof light on sod calendar events

October 18–20

November 13–15

February 3–8, 2018

LANDSCAPES 2017

Carolinas GCSA Annual Conference & Show

Golf Industry Show

(formerly the PLANET Green Industry Conference) Kentucky Epo Center Louisville, KY

October 19–20 GIE+Expo — Green Industry Equipment Expo and School of Grounds Management Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

October 20–23 ASLA – Annual Meeting & Expo (American Society of Landscape Architects) Los Angeles, CA

Myrtle Beach Convention Ctr. Myrtle Beach, SC

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

January 16–19, 2018

February 12–15, 2018

STMA Conference and Exhibition Fort Worth, TX

January 30, 2018

TPI International Education Conference & Field Day (Turfgrass Producers Intl.)

Westin LA Paloma Resort Tucson, AZ

TCNC Annual Meeting & Educational Conference Providence Country Club Charlotte, NC

DIGITAL

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

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2017 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-790-3718, Fax 615-794-4524.

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nc state turf team

index of advertisers Barenbrug USA ........................................17 www.barusa.com

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Daniel C. Bowman, Ph.D. Professor (919) 515-2085 dan_bowman@ncsu.edu Arthur H. Bruneau, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus (919) 515-5855 art_bruneau@ncsu.edu Richard J. Cooper, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Management Specialist (919) 515-7600 rich_cooper@ncsu.edu Emily Erickson CENTERE Assoc. Director (919) 513-2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu Travis Gannon, Ph.D. Assistant Professor (919) 513-4655 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu

Matthew C. Martin Extension Associate (910) 675-2314 matthew_martin@ncsu.edu

Rongda Qu, Ph.D. Professor (919) 515-7616 rongda_qu@ncsu.edu

Susana Milla-Lewis, Ph.D. Associate Professor (919) 515-3196 susana_milla@ncsu.edu

Rob Richardson, Ph.D. Professor, Extension Specialist (919) 515-5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu

Grady Miller, Ph.D. Professor & Ext. Specialist (919) 515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu

Thomas Rufty, Ph.D. CENTERE Co-Director Professor (919) 515-3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu

Charles Peacock, Ph.D. Professor & Ext. Specialist (919) 515-7615 charles_peacock@ ncsu.edu

Wei Shi (919) 513-4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu Fred H. Yelverton, Ph.D. CENTERE Co-Director Professor, Ext. Specialist (919) 515-5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu

Marty Parish Superintendent Lake Wheeler Turf Field Lab (919) 498-4808 mbparish@ncsu.edu

Brouwer Kesmac ......................................23 www.kesmac.com Buy Sod .......................... Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Carolina Fresh Farms .................................9 www.carolinafreshfarms.com Carolina Green Corp................................29 www.cgcfields.com Carolina Turf Farms, Inc...........................16 www.carolinaturffarms.com Divots, Inc. ...............................................29 www.divotssand.com Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply .....15 www.ewing1.com Golf Agronomics Supply & Handling ......22 www.golfag.com Green Resource ........................ Back Cover www.green-resource.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL, Inc. .............................7 www.stihldealers.com Modern Turf, Inc. .....................................22 www.modernturf.com

ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

HORTICULTURE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Rick Brandenburg, Ph.D. Professor (919) 515-8876 rick_brandenburg@ ncsu.edu

Joe Neal, Ph.D. Professor, Ext. Specialist (919) 805-1707 joe_neal@ncsu.edu

NC Sod Producers Association ...............21 www.ncsod.org

Danesha Seth Carley, Ph.D. NC IPM Coordinator (919) 513-2717 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu

Progressive Turf Equipment, Inc. ..............9 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Morgan Sand Co. .....................................24

Jim Kerns, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Extension Specialist (919) 515-4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu

PBI Gordon Corporation .........................25 www.pbigordon.com

Smith Seed Services.................................29 www.smithseed.com

SANDHILLS RESEARCH STATION

Lee Butler Extension Coordinator Turf Diagnostic Lab (919) 513-3878 lee_butler@ncsu.edu

Jeremy R. Martin Research Operations Manager (910) 974-4673 jeremy_martin@ncsu.edu John Michael Phillips II Turfgrass Unit Manager (910) 974-4673 johnmichael_phillips@ ncsu.edu

Southern Seeds, Inc. ................................10 southernseedsinc.com Southern Specialty Equipment ................24 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod...................................................3 www.supersod.com The Turfgrass Group ... Inside Front Cover, 5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com Turf Mountain Sod ...................................14 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms ....................................21 www.vandemarkfarms.com

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