Tennessee Turfgrass - June/July 2020

JUNE/JULY 2020

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

ALTERNATIVE WEED CONTROL IN TURFGRASS United and Essential:

TTA’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

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12 The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS JUNE/JULY 2020

12

Feature Article — United and Essential: TTA and COVID Response

20

Member Spotlight — TTA Board Member Ryan Blair

22

Cover Story — Alternative Weed Control in Turfgrass

20

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President

6

From the MAGCSA President

8

News from TTA

10

Calendar of Events

11

The Turfgrass Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

19

Index of Advertisers

27

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More:

TH E T U R F Z O N E .C O M

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020

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FROM THE TTA PR ESIDENT

Doug Ward

COMING TOGETHER In

our last issue’s message, I commented on continuing open communication and the sharing of new ideas as being some of the best defenses our industry may have against the virus that was steamrolling across the country.

TTA and its allied associations sending communications to the Governor’s office at the onset of the pandemic helped define our industry as an essential business — one that could not afford to just lock its doors and resume business months later expecting all things to still be in viable condition. I, for one, believe our message was clearly heard!

Steady streams of information and creative ideas that have been shared between colleagues and partners in the industry have been put to good use in making our workplace environments a safer place for employees and those they serve.

While everyone has been well versed in social distancing, the use of face masks, etc...

I have seen some innovative strategies with the staging of employee activities along with the use of improvised devices to minimize golfer contact with commonly touched accessories on courses – all ideas that have been freely shared amongst peers and others and have undoubtedly been beneficial in creating a safer environment for all.

While it seems as if the COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat loosened its grip on our world, challenges will continue to crop up and further adjustments to conform to rules and regulations will likely be necessary. A few adjustments that I already anticipate are:

• Even with the permissible number for large gatherings increasing, many of our local industry meetings will remain on hiatus.

• The window for acquiring points for state pesticide applicator’s certification has been significantly widened (September 30) to allow for accrual over the summer months.

• Since the University of Tennessee has closed all facilities to the public, the Annual U.T. Turf Field Day will be replaced by a series of online webinars held on the first Tuesday of each month from May through October of 2020. You can find more details about the webinars online at www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org.

At this point, it is exciting to see our industry coming together and generally navigating through the pandemic with professionalism and a community effort.

Even though we may be becoming numb with all the talk of COVID-19, it will serve us well to remain current with all the updated information and be generous in sharing our ideas that could help others to live in safer conditions.

Here’s to seeing safe and healthy days ahead.

Doug Ward TTA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 928-7001 info@ttaonline.org www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club (615) 292-6752 Vice President Chris Sykes Tellico Village (865) 458-5408 Secretary/Treasurer Ryan Storey Vanderbilt University (615) 343-6694 Past President Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc (731) 642-3092 Executive Director Melissa Martin Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 928-7001 TTA 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ryan Blair, CGCS Bart Cash Ashley Gaskin Cal Hill Jeff Huber Brad Jean Jeff Kuhns Jason Sanderson Darren Seybold Mark Stovall Paul Webb Jeff Wyatt TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Joe Hill Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten

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FROM THE MAGCSA PRESIDENT

Andrew Foster

Essential?

N

othing like the government to tell you that your job just isn’t that important. In the Memphis area we had some city mayors saying golf is nonessential and some city and county mayors saying it is essential. With the help of Melissa Martin, GCSAA, TGCSA, TTA and many of our local superintendents we sent multiple letters and phone calls to our elected officials. I also know that the National Golf Course Owners Association and the Professional Golf Association played a big role in getting everyone on the same page. Every course had their own hurdles to overcome, we were closed and had to furlough some of our employees. With the help of the government loan we were able to hire them back in a short amount of time. We were also allowed to open back up with strict guidelines.

Some of the restrictions were clubhouse and golf shop closed with takeout only. All ball washers, bunker rakes, and flag sticks were taken in to reduce touch points and no golf carts.

DAILY REGIONAL DELIVERY

At the time this was written we have flag sticks in with an object in the hole to prevent the ball from going to the bottom of the cup and allowing carts but only single riders unless living in the same household. Our golf shop and clubhouse are open with reduced capacity and following CDC guidelines. As far as the MAGCSA we are trying to do the best that we can and still have our members safety in the forefront. We will have some webinars and zoom meetings and see what the rest of the year brings. Who’s to say what the new normal is going to be? Every day. What I do know is that we finally have good Bermuda growing weather and golfers a plenty. If we can keep all the cart traffic diverted and the hand sanitizer full, we might have a good year after all!

Andrew Foster MAGCSA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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NEWS FROM THE TTA

Pesticide Recertification Deadline Adjusted Due to COVID-19 IMPORTANT NOTICE

The

Tennessee Department of Agriculture is aware of questions regarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for pest control professionals. While managing the COVID-19 outbreak, it is critical that the department take steps to protect the health of pesticide applicators, employees, and the public.

Commercial and private pesticides applicators are required to complete a certain amount of training before renewing their certifications on June 30. This protects public welfare by ensuring that chemicals used in homes and businesses are applied by trained and certified individuals. The primary source for training is the University of Tennessee. However, the university has temporarily halted in-person training.

A new rule filed with the Secretary of State extends the certification period to September 30, 2020, or 30 days from the end of the emergency declaration depending on which comes first. The rule also deems General Pest and Rodent Control licensees as authorized to make Category 14 pesticide applications for control of COVID-19.

For more information, visit

www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/ pesticides/certification.html

Congratulations to our Spring 2020 Turfgrass Science Graduates!

We are proud of all the accomplishments of these fine students. We also recognize the hole they are leaving in our program, and it reminds us to keep reaching out to attract students!

Michael Aleman

Koltan Drake

Amanda Potter

Jeremiah Barker

Tyler Eller

same as Colin, but he’s one of us!

Josh Beu

Conlan Burbrink 10

Colin Jennings

he didn’t get his BS in our program, but he is one of us!

James Maples

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Benjamin Pritchard

Michael Puckett

Cody Thomas

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Webinars hosted by the UT Team

Tuesday, AUGUST 4 Zoysiagrass for Golf and Sports Turf: What’s Possible

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 1 Disease Control Overview 2020

Tuesday, OCTOBER 6 Herbicide Programs for TN: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

For the latest updates regarding events, please visit

www.ttaonline.org

UNITEDAND ESSENTIAL:

FEATURE STORY

TTA’S COVID RESPONSE Masks are required (Anthony Lewis)

O

ur industry has come together in the face of unprecedented challenges to protect our workers, courses, sports fields, jobs, and the people we serve. So many of you have made quick changes and adjustments to create safer environments and we are proud of the hustle and innovation of our Tennessee turfgrass professionals. Take a look at how we’ve adapted to keep our state’s turfgrass managers working and successful.

RYAN STOREY, TTA Secretary/Treasurer, Sports Turf Manager at Vanderbilt University

What adjustments have you made to operations during this time?

We have cut out all overtime and people that can work remotely have been asked to do so until further notice.

What safety measures are you taking to protect yourself, your staff, and others who use your fields and facilities?

We have to wear a face covering at all times when on campus unless we are in our private office. We have increased the number of hand sanitizer stations throughout campus. We have also purchased and distributed multiple style masks to all employees.

What advice/encouragement do you have for TTA members in this challenging time?

Do whatever you can to remain essential. I am doing things a turf manager would not normally do (removed 364 bikes on campus, doing inventory of items students left behind, etc.). If a layoff is coming, I would hope they see value in an employee who is multi-faceted and can/will do tasks that may not be associated with everyday maintenance but are necessary to get through tough times.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Floor stickers

JIM BROSNAN, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Turfgrass Weed Science, The University of Tennessee

I

certainly have been proud of what I’ve seen both from an advocacy standpoint in defining our work as essential to staffs taking a leadership role in implementing distancing procedures to facilitate operations remaining open.

The joint letter to Gov. Bill Lee’s office (page 18) that was spearheaded by TTA helped ensure maintenance operations, particularly on golf courses, were declared essential such that work could continue during the stay-at-home order. The association showed real leadership in submitting a single document signed by TTA, TGA, TGF, Tenn PGA, and TVSTMA. This is one reason that supporting an association like TTA is so important.

From a university standpoint, the first major change was obviously moving all classes online. UT mobilized this process fairly rapidly and while I’m sure there were a few bumps in the road, the process was successful from what I’ve heard/seen.

Like many of the other turfgrass operations in the state, we have been tasked with becoming more intentional with scheduling work at our research farm in order to keep social distancing a priority. This has taken a little while to get accustomed to but all of our turfgrass research programs are moving forward normally.

Probably the biggest hurdle the turfgrass program faced in light of COVID was how to handle our annual Field Day event in August. With UT facilities being closed to the public and restrictions in place (both on campus and in Knox County) on

large gatherings, we needed to decide how to move forward in providing continuing education and networking opportunities for those in the turfgrass industry this year. We landed on the concept of TN Turf Tuesdays, a series of online webinars hosted on the first Tuesday of every month from May-October 2020.

You can learn more about that initiative here:

www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/ Pages/TurfTuesday.aspx.

This has been a fun endeavor for our team and something that we think we can build on for the future.

One thing that was communicated to me earlier this year is that regardless of how one feels about the COVID situation, it’s the biggest challenge that all of us will face in our careers.

I think it’s important to recognize that! We may see continued maintenance as “doing what we’ve always done,” but getting those simple things done under such trying times are little victories that shouldn’t be taken for granted. We are not only navigating a rapidly changing landscape about what’s acceptable from a safety standpoint but also helping our teams navigate through stress/mental health challenges (both at work and in some cases at home) that are unprecedented.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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FEATURE STORY

DOUG WARD, TTA President, Belle Meade Country Club

In most cases rakes have been removed from bunkers to eliminate possible contamination issues.

Many facilities are checking employee temperatures at the beginning of work shifts

Coolers are not being on course / Ball washers have been taken in as well

To prevent handling the flagstick many courses are using various methods to allow easy ball retrieval from the cup.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH

FEATURE STORY CHRIS SYKES, TTA Vice President, Director of Golf, Tellico Village

T

ellico Village is a retirement community with 9,000 residents, with a large number of those residents being avid or sporadic golfers. When COVID-19 hit Tennessee, Tellico Village understood that the community’s entire population was considered “at risk.”

After assuming the role of Director of Golf in January of this year, Chris Sykes knew he would have to find the right balance between legislation and doing what’s best for his staff and the community. “We had to take a careful, cautious approach while weighing local, state and CDC guidelines,” Chris said. “No one had a pandemic playbook, but now we do.”

Like many other courses, Tellico Village implemented many new procedures: increased signage encouraging social distancing and handwashing; golf shop closed; single rider carts; removing touch points from the course which included pencils and scorecards; disinfecting carts between users; sanitizing range balls and baskets; removing rakes and ball washers and other changes.

Chris says the network of golf course professionals that he collaborated with to make these changes was essential to staying informed and prepared for changes that often came hourly.

Getting hit with a pandemic within months of accepting an operations role has surely been trial-by-fire, but Chris says, “The industry really came together. It’s a great, tight network and we all learn from each other.”

As of early June, Tellico Village is slowly and thoughtfully returning to some pre-COVID practices, and with their phased approach, are prepared to make adjustments in any direction going forward. However, one thing hasn’t changed – golfers are going to golf. “We actually stayed very busy throughout this time, and overall our members were very positive about the changes we made. They were just so happy to be out here,” Chris shared.

Sanitized and bagged range balls

Golf cart partition

Barrier installed at golf shop counter

Increased signage

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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FEATURE STORY — JOINT LETTER TO GOVERNOR LEE It is our concern, that if the closure of non-essential businesses occurs that the consideration of Turfgrass industry be exempt from this ruling, in that, as with all agricultural we are managing living crops that are critical to maintain to insure their survival and long term well-being for public good. Some points to that effect are as follows:

March 24, 2020 Governor Bill Lee State Capitol, 1st Floor 600 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd Nashville, TN 37243 Dear Governor Lee, On behalf of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, which is represented in large body by the Golf Course, Sports Turf, Lawncare and Sod production businesses, thank you for your leadership in this challenging and unprecedented time as our State and nation work toward curbing the spread and severity of COVID-19. It is certainly our wish that through taking proactive measures of social distancing and the closure of non-essential businesses to mitigate the spread of this contagion we will ultimately create a safer environment for all citizens.

• The turfgrass industry has a large impact to the State economy ($5.6 billion in 2013). If basic maintenance is halted, it is our fear the value of all turf operations (golf courses, sports fields, lawns, etc.) would be severely compromised.

• Healthy turfgrass equates to a healthy environment – it is proven that turf filters runoff pollutants and plays an important role in cooling the environment during warmer months.

• Maintained turf, especially in public spaces, can promote an overall feeling

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of order in times of uncertainty. It also is likely to reduce violence, graffiti and litter in common areas.

• Spring is, above all, a critical time for turf professionals to manage their crop which will have a large bearing on the success or even the survivability of their operation.

• The turfgrass industry is, by nature, an outside operation with few close proximity situations with significantly less risks attached to it as compared to other businesses.

Our industry is in this together and fully support your office and Tennessee’s public officials as we unite to contain COVID-19. It is our hope you will endorse our request to continue in performing our essential functions of maintaining a viable and healthy environment through properly managed turfgrass for our communities of the State. We look forward to your reply and invite your office to contact us at any time to clarify any items above if there are questions.

Sincerely,

Doug Ward, President Tennessee Turfgrass Association Golf Course Superintendent Belle Meade Country Club Andrew Foster, President Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association Golf Course Superintendent Windyke Country Club John Wagnon, President Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association Franklin Parks & Recreation Whit Turnbow, President Tennessee Golf Foundation Chad Anderson, Executive Director Tennessee Golf Association

•

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Clayton Hromadka, Executive Director Tennessee PGA

THE TURFGRA SS TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE José Javier Vargas Almodóvar Research Associate II Turf & Ornamental Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org Twitter: @UTweedwhisperer

Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-8603 jbrosnan@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org Twitter: @UTturfweeds

Frank Hale, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 fahale@utk.edu ag.tennessee.edu/spp

Tom Samples, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Extension The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-2595 tsamples@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @tnturfman

John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @Drjohnstier

Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org Twitter: @gbreeden1

Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu Twitter: @DicksonTurf

Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @UTturfpath

John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu Twitter: @sorochan

Alan Windham, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 https://ag.tennessee.edu/spp/ Twitter: @UTPlantDoc

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON

TTA BOARD MEMBER

RYAN BLAIR What is your title/who do you work for?

I am the Golf Course Superintendent at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is owned and operated by McConnell Golf. We are one of 12 Private Clubs owned and operated by McConnell. By joining a McConnell golf property you are not only a member of the home course you join, but also all the McConnell properties. This gives you access to some amazing courses all throughout the Carolinas.

How many years have you been in this position?

I have been at Holston Hills for 20 years this summer, which at times is hard for me to believe. Everyone has always told me time goes by faster the older you get, and I am starting to be a believer in this theory.

How did you decide to pursue a career in turfgrass management?

I have always enjoyed being in an outside environment and working on things with my hands. At a young age I was introduced to golf by my father who was an avid golfer. I loved to tag along and play golf with my dad and enjoyed being out on the course. As I got older and started looking for my first job, I found myself working on the golf course crew at my hometown course. Every summer, starting in high school until now, I have been working on a golf course. There were times when I thought about other career paths, but I was always drawn back to my love for being out on the course. You always hear you should do what you love and after a few years at the University of Tennessee I switched to the Turf Program.

Chris on the course

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

What path led you to your current position?

I consider myself very fortunate to be in the position I am in today and meeting the right people along the way is always a big factor in someone’s career development. While in high school I never thought college was right for me. I was happy at the little nine-hole course I was working and really enjoyed the daily job. After a year or so I had a few members and my parents pushing me to think bigger if I really wanted to work on a golf course for a living. One summer I kept asking people, “What is the best golf course in our area?” and “Where can I learn the most?” Everyone told me the Honors Course, so without knowing anyone there or anything about the course, I just drove over one day. Meeting David Stone and working there for a few years was an eye opening experience and the people I got to meet along the way I am still friends with today. In year one the Management team was David Stone, Jeff Huber, Scott Wicker, and Chris Sykes. What a dream team. When I graduated from the University Tennessee I took a position with Chris Sykes who had just taken the Superintendent position at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville. I learned a lot those years at Cherokee and Sykes really let me be involved in everything going on at the Club. When the opportunity arose at Holston Hills I was fortunate that I was able to stay in Knoxville and get my first head Superintendent position.

What is the best part of your job?

To me the best part of the job is having the flexibility to do so many different jobs throughout the day. I did not want to become a Golf Course Superintendent due to my love of spreadsheets or committee meetings. I have always enjoyed being out mowing greens in the mornings and seeing the sunrise. Today I have the flexibility to do so many jobs that every day is a brand new day.

How many employees are part of your team?

In a normal year we budget for around 12 full time employees with another 6 or so people in the summer months. This year we have really reduced our team numbers as we continue to work through the COVID-19 situation. We have had to get very creative with staff scheduling as everyone is really working hard to maintain our normal standards through these difficult times. A strong team is the key to a well-maintained course and I am grateful for the guys here on staff and all they do on a daily basis. Working on a course is not easy and the team here really work well together and I am constantly surprised by all we can accomplish.

What inspired you to serve on the TTA board?

Having enjoyed being a part of the TTA for years, I really wanted to get involved and see what I could do to make the association better. I really want the association to grow and I feel there is no better way to do that than being more involved on a personal level. I wanted to promote the people in our industry more, so I have become heavily involved in the TTA awards, some of our social media outlets, and working on new ways to promote the TTA. Each person on the Board has their passion and it is through these people we can make the TTA stronger.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the turfgrass industry right now?

My biggest challenge right now is the ever changing labor force.

Trying to find people that are team oriented that want to be successful continues to be a challenge. Going forward we are really looking at non-traditional ways of hiring people and the schedules they work. I think gone are the days of everyone on the crew working the same 8-hour days. We are going to really have to change the way we think to bring in people in a very competitive labor market.

Do you have a mentor in the industry?

My two biggest mentors in the industry would have to be David Stone and Chris Sykes. David really gave me that first opportunity to see an industry I didn’t know even existed until I started working at the Honors. Chris has always been a mentor and close friend. From our early years working together at the Honors to building a staff from scratch at Cherokee, Chris was always pushing me to improve. It was his drive and passion to improve and be the best that still motivates me to this day.

What do you do in your free time?

Since I really enjoy what I do, I am at the course quite often, but to me it is not work. In my free time I do enjoy playing golf and visiting other golf courses. As a parent of two kids I am always on the move somewhere or moving them around from place to place. I do still enjoy hiking or being on a mountain bike, but I often just find myself doing stuff with the family Tell us about your family.

My wife April and I have been married for 21 years, we met while both attending the University of Tennessee. We have two kids, Ella who just turned 16 and is about to get her driver’s license and Jack who is 13 and is the golfer in the family.

What would your advice be for people entering the turfgrass industry now?

My advice would be to get involved in all aspects of the industry.

You will find out that everyone knows everyone else in some aspects and when you are looking for a job or a career change these connections are going to be an invaluable resource. Also the career path of a Golf Course Superintendent is not a 9 to 5 job. You have to love what you are doing and have a drive to make each day better than the last. It is so true you have to love what you do, then the time you spend at work doesn’t really feel like work, but rather just an enjoyable day at the office.

Sunrise over Hole 10 green at Holston Hills

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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COVER STORY

ALTERNATIVE

WEED CONTROL

IN TURFGRASS

By D.E. Carroll & J.T. Brosnan

In

certain regions of the United States and Canada, legislation has severely restricted traditional synthetic herbicide use in residential and commercial landscapes.

Specifically, residential use of synthetic pesticides deemed “cosmetic use” in the Ontario Province, Canada, has been banned. Other aspects of the turfgrass industry such as sports and golf are able to receive exemptions through government approval, stated reduction goals, integrated pest management certification, and increased transparency requiring reporting and in-person meetings to discuss pesticide application. (Ontario Regulation, 2018). Similarly, in Montgomery County, Maryland, the use of synthetic pesticides perceived for use cosmetically is banned. Only natural, non-synthetic herbicides listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) may be used for this purpose (County Council for Montgomery County, Maryland, 2019). Many local governments, such as the city of New York, banned glyphosate use on public land such as school districts, parks and in municipalities, except for maintenance of invasive plants in native area. (The New York City Council, 2019).

In the United States, many active ingredients in organic pesticides are considered minimum risk, categorized as section 25b products, and are exempt from the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) registration process.

Products must meet six criteria for inclusion in this category.

Because labeling in this category is typically not federally regulated, labeling of non-synthetic herbicides is not consistent and may include wording such as “organic” or “natural”, despite these products not undergoing typical organic product registration. Although not required by federal law, independent agencies perform organic standard research to determine which products receive organic seals on labeling (Figure 1).

Additionally, individual states may still require a registration process for minimum risk products and may limit herbicide use in some areas to only products listed by independent testing agencies. An example of a natural product research agency that maintains a list of products compliant with internal organic

22

standards is OMRI. OMRI is a non-profit organization, and thus not considered a regulatory agency. Conversely, the Environmental Protection Agency is considered a regulatory agency and although not federally required, also tests natural products and lists those meeting organic criteria.

Active ingredients on these lists include chelated iron, acetic acid, corn gluten meal, and a variety of soaps and oils. Chelated iron, also referred to as Iron HEDTA, is concentrated iron formulated for increased uptake in broadleaved weeds versus grasses. Once inside the plant, the iron is oxidized and causes necrosis (Charbonneau, 2010). Acetic acid, which is concentrated in household vinegar used for cooking at 5%, is generally concentrated in horticultural vinegar at 20 to 40%. Horticultural vinegar applications can kill weeds by removing the waxy cuticle found on leaves, thus drying out the plant. Citrus oil and soaps such as pelargonic acid or ammoniated fatty acid work in similar fashion by stripping the leaf cuticle to facilitate water loss. Unlike many synthetic herbicides, products with these active ingredients are generally fast acting and results may be observed within a few hours of application (Figure 2).

Products containing these active ingredients are widely available to the public and can be purchased at most big box retail stores and online (Figure 3). Due to the lack of regulation in labeling, many manufacturers produce products of differing trade names that have similar active ingredients included at variable concentrations. For example, horticultural vinegar is available as Green Gobbler concentrated at 20, 30, or 40% acetic acid; Eco Garden Pro (8% acetic acid + 5% sodium chloride); or as WeedPharm (20% acetic acid) among others.

A common misconception is that products labeled as “organic” are non-toxic. This is false. Similar to synthetic pesticides, product labels contain the signal words caution, warning, or danger to alert applicators to toxicity. “Caution” labeling indicates the lowest level of toxicity to humans followed by “Warning” meaning moderately toxic and “Danger” denoting high toxicity. An example of organic herbicide toxicity labeling is horticultural vinegar labeled with a “Danger” distinction because the product is a strong irritant and needs to be used with care. It is critically important that end-users read and follow label instructions for both conventional and alternative herbicides before application.

Most of these alternative weed control products are nonselective and are therefore injurious to desirable turfgrass (Figure 2). To mitigate injury concerns, these alternative options should be used to spot-treat individual weeds rather than being applied via broadcast sprays. Research conducted

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

Figure 1. The Organic Materials Review Institute and Environmental Protection Agency seals of organic certification may be printed on herbicides meeting organic standards outlined by the organizations.

DAYS AFTER INITIAL APPLICATION Before app

1

2

8

14

21

28

35

Untreated control

Avenger

BurnOut

Finalsan

Suppress

WeedPharm

Ranger PRO

Ranger PRO + Fusilade II

Figure 2. Natural, non-synthetic herbicides including Avenger (70% d-limone citrus oil), Finalsan (22% ammonium soap of fatty acid), Suppress (47% caprylic acid + 37% capric acid), and WeedPharm (20% acetic acid) resulted in injury to bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) within one day of application. Photo credit: Maggie Reiter, Ph.D., University of California cooperative extension advisor.

Figure 3. Alternative weed control products purchased from big box retail stores and online.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

23

COVER STORY Figure 4. Grey discoloration of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) three days after Fiesta applied at 25.2 fl oz/1,000 ft2.

Figure 5. Turfgrass injury three days after application of horticultural vinegar applied at 50% v/v.

4

5

GroWers oF QuAlITY TurF sInce 1987

coosA VAlleY TurF FArms llc MeMber of

TIFWAY 419

Fescue

www.coosaValleyTurfFarms.com (256) 927-4228 • (256) 927-4758 FAX • cvtf@tds.net 900 county road 492 • centre, Al 35960 24

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

at the Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA) assessed the efficacy of AXXE (40% ammonium nanonate), horticultural vinegar (30% acetic acid), Fiesta (26.2% Iron HEDTA), Avenger (70% d-limone citrus oil), and A.D.I.O.S. (11.9% sodium chloride) for control of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Herbicide treatments were applied in late July with sequential applications made on two or four week intervals. Three applications of Fiesta applied at 25.2 fl oz/1,000 ft2 every four weeks controlled clover and dandelion within six days of initial application through mid-October. While not considered injurious to the turfgrass sward, increased iron uptake in the desired perennial ryegrass stand resulted in grey discoloration (Figure 4).

Other natural, non-synthetic herbicide treatments including AXXE (15% v/v) and horticultural vinegar (50% v/v) provided some control of both weed populations compared to an untreated check, although both were injurious to turfgrass (Figure 5). Treatments of A.D.I.O.S. (50% v/v) or Avenger (14% v/v) did not control dandelion or clover and were not injurious to desired turfgrass.

Research conducted at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN) in summer 2019 found similar results. A trial initiated in late July assessed the efficacy of eight alternative herbicides (Fiesta, Avenger, Burnout, horticultural vinegar, A.D.I.O.S., Biosafe, Natria, and WeedBeater Fe) for control of white clover. Two weeks after treatment, several alternative products controlled white clover similar to a single application of Trimec Classic (2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba) at 3 pt/A; these alternative treatments included single applications of Fiesta applied at 12.6, 25.2, or 50

fl oz/1,000 ft2; horticultural vinegar (30% acetic acid; 50% v/v); and Avenger (70% d-limone citrus oil; 20% v/v). The desired fine fescue (Festuca spp.) turfgrass stand was discolored following Fiesta treatment and injured by horticultural vinegar and Avenger. Treatments of Natria (3.7% ammoniated soap of fatty acid; 20% v/v), Biosafe (40% ammonium nanonate;15% v/v), WeedBeater Fe (1.5% Iron HEDTA; 100% v/v) and A.D.I.O.S (11.86% sodium chloride; 33% v/v) did not control white clover. Burnout (24% citric acid + 8% clove oil; 6% v/v) controlled clover ~ 50% compared to a non-treated check.

A second trial was conducted in February 2020 at the University of Tennessee to assess efficacy of alternative weed control products for control of winter annual broadleaf weeds in dormant bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). Eleven days after treatment, Fiesta applied at 12.6, 25.2 or 50 fl oz/1,000 ft2; AXXE (15% v/v); horticultural vinegar (50% v/v); and Natria (20% v/v) controlled broadleaved weeds such as hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum), and corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis) ~ 50%. Thirty-three days after initial treatment, the end of the study, Fiesta applied at 25.2 or 50 fl oz/1,000 ft2 with a three-week sequential application controlled these broadleaf weeds 60 to 80%, similar to Roundup Pro at 16 fl oz /A and Cheetah Pro at 82 fl oz/A. At the end of the study, AXXE, horticultural vinegar, and Natria, treated sequentially three weeks after initial application, controlled these broadleaved weeds ~ 25%.

The low control provided by these products at the end of the study compared to the 50% control observed 11 days after treatment indicates that sequential applications should be made every two weeks to obtain the greatest weed control.

Southeast Turf utilizes the best deep aerification equipment available today to address any type of turf aerification need, including Deep Drill and Drill & Fill.

Randy Emens

256-255-5231 • SouthEastTurf.com • seturfmaint@gmail.com 211 Skyline Road • Madison, AL 35758

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

25

COVER STORY Results of these research projects show that alternative weed control products can reduce weed populations compared to non-treated turfgrass, although outside of Fiesta, they are generally not as effective as traditional synthetic herbicides. Alternative products are not translocated throughout

plant tissue, which often results in regrowth of treated weeds. Therefore, sequential applications will be required for sustained weed control, which can be costly. For example, an application of Fiesta at 50 fl oz/1,000 ft2 is approximately $25.40 per 1,000 ft2, compared to $0.76 per 1,000 ft2

for an application of 2,4-D + MCPP + dicamba at 4 pt/A. Changing legislation in certain areas of the United States and Canada may put pressure on synthetic pesticide use in turfgrass. Homeowners and turfgrass managers should be aware that while natural herbicides may be an effective tool compared to not using any weed control product, they are not an equivalent replacement to synthetic herbicides. In scenarios where alternative weed control products are required or preferred, they can be used to control select weed species via spot treatments applied sequentially.

Products containing high concentrations of chelated iron, such as Fiesta, or acetic acid can be used for broadleaf control when applied as sequential spot treatments.

However, these applications can cause undesirable injury or discoloration to turfgrass. More research is needed to better understand alternative methods of controlling weeds in maintained turfgrass.

Investigations pertaining to effects of environmental or meteorological factors on efficacy of these products are warranted.

The authors would like to thank Dr. Frank Rossi, Associate Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at Cornell University, and Vickie Wallace, University of Connecticut Extension Educator and Program Director of UConn’s Sustainable Turf and Landscape Program, for their assistance in developing this article.

LITERATURE CITED Charbonneau, P. (2010) Efficacy of iron chelate herbicide for turf broadleaf weed control. Sports Turf Manager 23(2):25-27.

County Council for Montgomery County, Maryland (2019) Non-Essential Pesticide Prohibitions, Cosmetic Pesticide Use Restriction Bill. 52-14.

Ontario Regulation (2018) Pesticides Act, R.S.O. p.11 Ontario Regulation 63/09.

The New York City Council (2019) A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the use of pesticides by City agencies.

Committee on Health Int. No. 1524.

26

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS JUNE/JULY 2020 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

ADVERTISER INDEX

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A & W Southern Sod Farms................................. 17 www.awssod.com

Buy Sod, Inc.......................................................... 15 www.buysod.com

BWI Companies, Inc.............................................. 17 www.bwicompanies.com

Carolina Green Corp.............................................. 27 www.cgcfields.com

Coosa Valley Turf Farms....................................... 24 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com

Leading Edge Communications............................. 19 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

McCurdy Sod Farms, LLC...................................... 18 www.mccurdysodfarms.com

Mid Tenn Turf......................................................... 8 www.midtennturf.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL................................................. 9 www.stihldealers.com

Modern Turf, Inc................................................... 11 www.modernturf.com

North Georgia Turf Company, Inc........................... 7 ngturf.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.............................. 7 www.progressiveturfequip.com

RD Murphy, LLC.................................................... 18 www.rdmurphy.com

Regal Chemical Company....................................... 5 www.regalchem.com

Sigma Organics, Inc.............................................. 11

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• Construction

• Athletic

• Meyer

• HGT

& Renovation • Golf Courses

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Bluegrass

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1-800-643-TURF www.TriTurfSod.com

www.SigmaTurf.com

Smith Seed Services............................................. 11 www.smithseed.com

Smith Turf & Irrigation............................................ 3 www.smithturf.com

Southeast Turf Maintenance................................ 25 www.southeastturf.com

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Sur-Line Turf, Inc................................................... 26 www.surlineturf.com

The Turfgrass Group............................... Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Tri-Turf Sod Farms................................................ 27 www.triturfsod.com

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc......................................... 25 www.turfmountain.com

Turfgrass of Tennessee........................................ 25 Winstead Turf..............................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com

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To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

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The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 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, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright © 2020 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. 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.

TTA • TVSTMA • TGCSA

27

Saving America’s Water In just 4 years, over 500 million square feet of TifTuf has been installed on residential and commercial landscapes, golf courses, and collegiate and professional sports fields across our country. As a result, over 9.5 billion gallons of our precious water resources have already been saved. TifTuf is absolutely changing the face of the American landscape!

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