Virginia Turfgrass Journal - March/April 2019

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

March/April 2019

Zoysiagrasses: An Update

Plus: Highlights from M-A-T-E 2019

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Bermudagrass: TifTuf, TifGrand, Celebration, Patriot, TifSport, Tifway and T10 St. Augustine: Raleigh • Zoysiagrass: Zeon and El Toro • Paspalum: SeaStar Centipedegrass: TifBlair and Common • Bluegrass: Tournament • Fescue/Bluegrass Mixtures

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | March/April 2019

14 12 Upcoming Events: Save the Date for Come to the Valley And Field Days

14 Cover Story:

Zoysiagrasses: An Update 20 Recent Event: Highlights from M-A-T-E

20 Departments 6 President’s Message

from Scott Woodward

8 Director’s Corner

from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

10 VTF Report

from Betty B. Parker

26 Calendar of Events 26 Virginia Tech Turf Team 27 Index of Advertisers

Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) 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, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright ©2019 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. 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 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)

4 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

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President’s Message Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net

M-A-T-E

2019

Scott Woodward 2019 President

I

would like to thank all the attendees, vendors and sponsors that attended MATE this year. We had a great educational program which was presented by the VT Turf team. Some of the highlights were the Turf Classes for golf, sports turf, lawn/landscape and sod production, our keynote speaker, Dr. Rossi and our annual Corn Hole Tournament/Reception.

Unfortunately, due to the threat of snow and ice, we did not get the attendance we had planned on for days two and three. This has happened for the same reason in the past which has led the board to believe that some changes are needed. The VTC Board and the M-A-T-E Committee members are in discussions on what those changes should be in order to ensure we have a more attended conference by all. More to come on this subject and be assured that the 2020 MATE Conference is something you are not going to want to miss!

I wish all of you a warm, dry and prosperous spring!

Sincerely,

Scott H. Woodward VTC President

Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editor Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Scott Woodward Woodward Turf Farms (540) 727-0020 Vice President Michael Skelton Culpeper County (540) 727-3412 Treasurer Jimmy Viars, CGM Gloucester County Public Schools (804) 815-2779 Secretary Phil Bailey, CGCS Cypress Creek Golfer’s Club (757) 357-7995 Past President Rick Owens, CGCS Laurel Hill Golf Club (703) 674-6934 VTC DIRECTORS Wes Bray Scott Caskie Tony Montgomery Jesse Pritchard, CSFM David Smith T.J. Skirsky Craig Zeigler ­ VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. David McCall Ph.D. Executive Director/ Director of PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 464-1004 Virginia Turfgrass Foundation Betty Parker (757) 574-9061

6 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

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Director’s Corner

Believe it or not…

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

“B

elieve it or not, here is an industry group seeking regulation.” The significance of that statement is magnified greatly when one considers who said it and to whom it was directed. (For clarification, we are asking for proper enforcement of existing laws, not for more regulations.)

A Richmond-based official with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) made that comment after we briefly discussed the need for more regulatory resources. Virginia already has pesticide and fertilizer codes that protect the environment and the applicator

while allowing businesses to function.

We should know. We were part of a diverse coalition that helped shape many of them. While the existing code is good, problems with inconsistent enforcement have become manifest in recent years. Turf and landscape industries are getting a black eye in some regions of the state because of this inconsistency. The root of the problem lies in VDACS inability to hire enough inspectors who are the proverbial “boots on the ground.”

The statement was made to a newly hired VDACS specialist who is tasked to work with industries such as ours on commercial pesticide certification.

8 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

I am very pleased that we have developed great relationships with persons in state agencies such as VDACS. We do not always agree on specifics, but we are of one mind regarding the need to protect the environment and the need to allow industry to function. Disagreements are handled in an amiable and productive manner because we respect one another – a respect built on decades of conversation.

We saw many anti-pesticide and anti-fertilizer bills introduced during the recent General Assembly session.

The bills failed for various reasons, but their presence revealed a deep issue. Namely, several legislators from urban areas believe our industry is misapplying fertilizers and pesticides.

Is that belief based on fact? I don’t know. But I do know persons who hold that belief write laws that affect us. At least one prominent legislator points to specific companies he believes are part of the problem.

If improper applications of pesticides and fertilizers are happening, our focus must be on asking for proper enforcement of existing regulations.

Too often, elected officials see increased regulations as the solution.

I will keep you posted. c

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VTF Report

“ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”

Betty B. Parker VTF Manager

Ecclesiastes 3:1

I

got involved with the Foundation in the early 90’s because my husband was heavily involved with the Council and our lives were very much intertwined in the work and social events of the turfgrass industry.

We camped with ODGCSA, took our vacations wherever the turf conferences convened and were enriched by the many friends that we gathered in our travels. This industry is special to both of us. I have had the privilege of working for the Turfgrass Foundation for 27 years under good and not so good times. I blame Dick Fisher for persuading me to undertake this job, but the volunteers that have served this organization so well have each held a spot of admiration in my heart. These individuals serve you and their industry because they believe that what they do matters.

They give of their time, talents and resources because they recognize the earth they live on is theirs to promote and protect. And yes, I really believe that.

My husband is an urban farmer. I recognized that early on in his work: creating and caring for many golf courses. In his retirement he continues to glorify nature with his crazy big garden, chickens and bees. This year he built a greenhouse where he can sit on cold January days and talk basketball with fellow coaches without the discerning eyes of his wife.

And now it is the season to join him in our retirement.

The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation is getting a facelift! After 29 years the Board of Directors has undertaken the huge task of evaluating the next phase of this organization. Make no mistake, our mission has not changed:

educational organization 501(c)(3), therefore contributions are tax deductible. The contributions will perpetually accumulate interest, which will be utilized to fund the programs.

The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation was formed to provide a stable source of funds for innovative turfgrass research, teaching and Cooperative Extension programs.

We are well on our way to doing just that, but the final lap needed a shot of energy. This industry owes a great deal of gratitude to the VTF Board: Jeff Everhart, Dean Whitehead, Eric Frazier, C.D. Prillaman, Jim Wilson, Mike Skelton and Allison Moyer. They are doing double time to complete this final lap. Please bear with the bumps in the road as we ramp up our efforts.

You will see a new Foundation emerge, representative of the entire Turfgrass industry, and transparent in our goal of supporting Turfgrass research.

Thank you all for the opportunity to work with you. It is my time to join my husband in retirement, and I can’t wait for the new season!

The Virginia Turfgrass Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, scientific and

Betty Parker

10 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

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Upcoming Events

Field Days Virginia Beach / June 25/ Hampton Roads AREC Blacksburg/ August 20/ Virginia Tech

V

irginia, we have you covered! This summer we are working with Virginia Tech experts to provide two great field days. One will be at the coast and the other in the western hills. The coastal event will be held in Virginia Beach on June 25 at the Hampton Roads AREC. In addition to exploring turfgrass research for eastern Virginia, we will be offering pesticide and fertilizer recertification classes.

The western field day will be held on August 20 at the Virginia Tech campus. Come for one of three emphases: lawns, sports, and landscaping. We are producing a comprehensive event to examine the latest research for a broad industry group. As with the coastal field day, this field day will offer pesticide and fertilizer recertification classes. c

Details about both field days are on our web site:

www.vaturf.org

Come to the Valley October 8–9 at Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum

A

re you interested in learning more about the landscape design process? Do you want to help landscape the entry of a great state park? Have you ever considered becoming a Certified Turfgrass Professional? Do you need to be certified or recertified for pesticides and fertilizers? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, please consider attending Come to the Valley. This two-day event

will be held at Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum October 8 and 9. The first day is dedicated to Certified Turfgrass Professional (CTP) training and to the Landscape Design Process. The latter culminates with installing a landscape designed during the morning session. CTP training continues on the second day but that is also the day dedicated to pesticide and fertilizer classes. c

Plan on gaining new skills, enhancing old ones, and meeting new friends by attending Come to the Valley. Details are at

www.vaturf.org 12 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Cover Story

Zoysiagrasses: An Update

By Tom Samples and John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, Department of Plant Sciences

Z

oysiagrass, one of the earliest grass species to be used as turf, is native to Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the Philippines where the weather varies greatly depending on season. This relatively slow-growing, sod-forming and warm-season species forms a durable, uniform turf in full sun and light, open shade.

Many zoysiagrass varieties produce no viable seeds and must be established from sod, plugs or sprigs. Depending on the planting date, sprigging rate, and plug diameter and spacing, the vegetatively propagated varieties often require more than a year to totally cover the soil surface. Leaves and stems developing from nodes on stolons and rhizomes usually

grow upright at an angle of about 90 degrees, a trait contributing to very good to excellent stand density. Zoysiagrass leaves are often stiff and stems are very tough due to high levels of lignin and hemicellulose. These attributes result in excellent wear tolerance.

The slow rate of growth of lateral stems compared to that of bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass causes zoysiagrass turfs to take longer to recover from damage from traffic, disease or insect activity. Generally, zoysiagrasses have very good drought, heat and salinity tolerance. The nitrogen (N) requirement of the species is usually lower than that of bermudagrass. In TN, an annual N rate of no more than 2 lbs.

Bermudagrass Stolon

Zoysiagrass Rhizomes

Meyer zoysiagrass sod

Zoysiagrass rhizomes and bermudagrass stolon

Photo credit Dr. Frank Hale

Photo credit: Dr. Alan Windham

Hunting billbug larva.

Large patch disease on zoysiagrass.

14 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Thatch layer in zoysiagrass

Countries in which zoysiagrass is native

of N per 1,000 sq. ft. per yr. is most often recommended in residential turfs maintained at a cutting height of 1½ inches or higher. Plants often do produce substantial amounts of thatch, and intensely managed and highly fertile zoysiagrass turfs may require dethatching every two or three years.

Insect pests of zoysiagrass include white grubs (larvae of several species of Scarab beetles), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and hunting billbug (Sphenophorus venatus vestitus). The disease large patch (Rhizoctonia solani), commonly referred to as Zoysia patch may also be problematic.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a common weed problem in zoysiagrass turfs. Perennial weeds with fleshy, subsurface and energy-rich bulbs such as wild garlic (Allium vineale), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia) can also compete with zoysiagrass for water, nutrients, light and space and may periodically require herbicide treatment.

An appropriate preemergence herbicide can be applied in late summer or early fall to control winter annual weeds such as annual bluegrass (Poa annua), common chickweed (Stelaria media), purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule). Similarly, the emergence of seedlings of many summer annual and perennial weedy grasses and broadleaf weeds can be prevented by applying

Palisades zoysiagrass

an appropriate preemergence herbicide in late winter or early spring. In addition to insect and disease resistance, the growth rate, low-temperature hardiness, leaf width, color and shade tolerance also vary among species and varieties.

Species Zoysiagrass, named in honor of the 18th century Australian botanist Karl von Zois, was introduced into the U. S. from East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It has been previously reported that, in the mid-1890’s, Z. japonica, sometimes called Japanese or Korean lawn grass, was introduced into the U. S. from the Manchurian Province of China.

Zoysia matrella was believed to have been introduced into the U.S. from the Philippine Islands in 1912 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) botanist, C. V. Piper. As a result, this species is occasionally referred to as Manilagrass. Recent research regarding the history of zoysiagrass suggests that Z. matrella may actually have been introduced into the U. S. from Japan in 1892, and that Z. japonica was introduced into the U.S. from Korea in 1894.

A third species, Korean velvet grass or Mascarene grass, was most likely introduced into the U. S. from the

Zeon zoysiagrass

Zenith zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass as greens research site – Knoxville

Zoysiagrass green research plot

Zoysiagrass seed in inflorescence

Zoysiagrass seeds

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 15

Cover Story continued

Mascarene Islands (which are located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar) or from a plant collection (listed as plant introduction 9299) of USDA explorer David Fairchild in 1902 from Yokohama, Japan. Originally referred to as Z. tenuifolia, this very fine textured species is now recognized as Z. pacifica. Rankings of low-temperature hardiness, leaf width and rate of growth by species are: Z. japonica > Z. matrella > Z. pacifica.

Varieties Vegetative, Clonal Types. Improved, vegetatively established varieties marketed in Tennessee include ‘Cavalier’, ‘Diamond’, ‘El Toro’, ‘Geo’, ‘Meyer’, ‘Palisades’, ‘Royal’, ‘Zeon’ and ‘Zorro’. El Toro, Meyer and Palisades are medium-coarse, low-temperature-hardy varieties. Meyer, released in 1951, is one of the oldest varieties in the marketplace and remains the most widely maintained zoysiagrass in the state.

El Toro, released in 1986, resembles Meyer. However, El Toro is more shade tolerant, faster growing, has slightly wider leaves, is less dense and produces less thatch. In 1996, Texas A&M University released Palisades, a variety noted for good winter hardiness and improved shade tolerance.

Cavalier, Royal, Zeon and Zorro are dense, fine-textured and relatively low-growing varieties. Cavalier, released for production in 1996, has long and slender leaves, good salt and traffic tolerance, and like Palisades, improved shade tolerance. Cavalier is also resistant to fall armyworms and large patch.

Royal, a variety released by Texas A&M University in 2001, has dense rhizomes and tillers, excellent salt tolerance, good shade tolerance and recovers more rapidly from injury than several other varieties. Royal may also transition from winter dormancy earlier than other varieties. Zeon, released in 1996 by Bladerunner Farms, is very tolerant of extended periods of drought, is adapted to both clayey and sandy soils, and develops a dense turf at a cutting height of ½ inch, one reason the variety is being maintained on golf course fairways. Zeon has good insect resistance, including hunting billbug, and shade tolerance.

Although the variety Zorro, released by Texas A&M University in 2001, has limited cold hardiness, it is fairly tolerant of low light conditions, recovers fairly quickly from damage, has excellent salt tolerance, and resists several diseases and insect pests. The variety Emerald, released in 1955 by the USDA, is a hybrid between Z. japonica and Z. pacifica. An objective of crossing the two species was to combine the darker green color, fine texture and excellent stand density of the Z. pacifica parent from Guam with the cold hardiness and more rapid growth rate of the Z. japonica parent from Korea. Although less tolerant of extreme low temperatures, Emerald is denser, finer textured and more shade tolerant than Meyer.

The variety ‘Innovation’, a cross between the Z. matrella variety Cavalier and an ecotype of Z. japonica named ‘Anderson 1’, a derivative of Chinese Common, is a joint

release by Texas A&M University and Kansas State University.

Cold tolerance, fall color retention and spring transition of the variety are equivalent to Meyer, and plants have a finer leaf texture and are more resistant to bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus). Newer vegetatively established zoysiagrass varieties continue to gain acceptance and market-share in TN and other states located in the turfgrass ‘transition’ zone, and will most likely eventually replace both Meyer and Emerald.

Seeded Types. The inflorescence of seed-producing Z. japonica plants consist of a flower stalk called a peduncle supporting the entire inflorescence to which racemes with 10 to 50 seed-containing spikelets are attached. Each seed is suspended on a short (1½ to 6 mm) pedicel and alternately attached along each spikelet. Presently, seed of ‘Chinese Common’ Z. japonica imported from China, Japan and/or Korea is marketed in the Southeastern U.S. The color and leaf blade width of ‘Zenith’, a seed-producing Z. japonica variety released in 2000 by Patten Seed Company resemble Meyer.

‘Compadre’ (formerly named ‘Companion’) is another Z. japonica variety that yields viable seeds. It also resembles Meyer, and may transition from winter dormancy slightly earlier than Zenith. Chinese Common, Compadre and Zenith are not intended to be maintained in moderate to heavy shade. Zoysiagrass seeds are often pre-treated (primed) and may be coated before packaging in an effort to improve the uniformity of seed germination and seedling growth, respectively. There are approximately 601,440 zoysiagrass seeds per pound.

Classification of Species/Varieties Historically, and based on morphological characteristics such as leaf blade width and inflorescence as well as traits including the level of shade tolerance, individual varieties have been categorized as being japonica, matrella or pacifica species or “types” within the genus Zoysia.

Recently, genetic research conducted at North Carolina State University in collaboration with the University of Florida, the USDA- Agricultural Research Service in Tifton, GA and Blue Moon Farms, LLC revealed that an “interconnectedness” exists among species. Because zoysiagrasses are cross fertile, plant breeders are able to develop improved varieties with traits of keen interest from each species as well as valued and overlapping traits that both species share.

A total of 62 varieties and collections from five different zoysiagrass species (Z. japonica, Z. matrella, Z. machrostachya, Z. minima and Z. sinica) were included in this study.

DNA markers were used to investigate the genetic makeup of each of the 62 zoysiagrass samples which fell into one of three categories identified by the researchers as Clusters. Cluster I included true Z. japonica varieties and Cluster III, true Z. matrella varieties, while Cluster II consisted of hybrids between the two species. Cluster II was divided into two subgroups. The researchers labelled the

16 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Leaf Width and Relative Shoot Density, Shade Tolerance and Cold Hardiness of Zoysiagrass Species Maintained as Turf in the U. S.a Species Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. pacifica

Leaf Width > 2.5 b 1.5 – 2.5 < 1.5

Shoot Density Medium Medium High

Shade Tolerance Fair to Good Good Good to Excellent

Cold Hardiness Moderate Poor Very Poor

a Source: Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July–Aug. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37 b Varieties of Z. japonica can be grouped based on leaf width. Varieties in one group (for example, ‘Carrizo’, ‘Chisholm’, ‘Crowne’, ‘El Toro’, ‘Empire’, ‘Palisades’ and ‘Zenith’) usually have a leaf width > 3.5 mm, and rhizomes and stolons with much longer internodes compared to those in the second group. Leaves of varieties in the second group (for example, ‘Cutlass’, ‘DeAnza’ and ‘Meyer’) are usually more narrow than those in the first group. Cutlass and DeAnza are often referred to as Meyer types.

Zoysiagrass Variety Accession, Registration and Patent Numbers, Date of Release by Agency, Company or University, and Species Designation Based on Morphology or Genetic Research Conducted at North Carolina State University.

Variety, Accession (AN), Registration (RN), Plant Introduction & Patent Protection (PP) #s Vegetative Types BA-189 PP23716 Belair AN R52-25, RN 104 Cashmere (P1) PP6529 Cavalier (DALZ8507) PP10788 Crowne (DALZ8512) PP11570 DeAnza (Z88-8) PP9127 Diamond (DALZ8502) PP10636 El Toro (UCR#1) PP5845 Emerald (RN 7) Empire (SS-500) PP11466 Empress (SS300) PP11495 GNZ, OakZ (ZT-11) PP7074 GS90-18 PP9089 Himeno PP13267 JaMur PP13178 Marion PP14147 Matrella (FC 13521) PI 48574 Meyer, Amazoy (RN 12, Z-52) Midwest Miyako, PP10187 Palisades (DALZ8514) PP11515 Rollmaster Royal (DALZ9006) PP14395 Serene PP14175 Shadowturf (Ivey-1) PP20266 Southern Gem PP15218 Toccoa Green (BA305) PP18415 Trinity L1F PP25203 Victoria (Z88-14) PP9135 Leisure Time Zoysia/ LTZ (Y2) PP17824P2 Zeon PP13166 Zorro (DALZ8510, 9601) PP14130 Seeded Types Chinese Common Compadre (ZMB-2) Zenith (ZNW-1)

Year of Introduction, Agency, Institution or Company

Species/ Morphology

Species/ Genetic Markersa

2005, University of Florida 1985, USDA 1989, Pursley Turf Farms 1996, Texas A&M University 1996, Texas A&M University 1995, University of California 1996, Texas A&M University 1984, Univ. of California, Riverside 1955, USDA & U. S. Golf Assoc.

1999, Sod Solutions 2000, Sod Solutions 1989, Greg Norman Turf 1995, Japan 2002, Zoysian Japan Co., Ltd. 1996, Bladerunner Farms 2008, Heritage Turf 1941, Alabama AES 1951, USDA/ U. S. Golf Assoc.

1963, Indiana Agric. Expt. Sta. 1998, Japan 1996, Texas A&M University 2008, Winrock Grass Farm 2001, Texas A&M 2008, Heritage Turf 2007, Ivey Gardens Greenhouses 2008, Heritage Turf 2005, University of Florida 2014, Bladerunner Farms 1995, University of California 2006, Bladerunner Farms and Patten Seed 1996, Bladerunner Farms 2001, Texas A&M University

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica x Z. pacifica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica Unknown Z. matrella Z. japonica Unknown Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. matrella Z. matrella

Z. matrella Z. japonica Z. matrella Hybrid II Hybrid I Hybrid I Z. matrella Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid I Hybrid I Hybrid II

1993, Seed Research of Oregon 1993, Patten Seed

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica

Z. japonica Z. japonica Z. japonica

Z. japonica Hybrid I Hybrid I Hybrid I Z. japonica Z. japonica Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid II Hybrid I Z. matrella Hybrid I Z. matrella Z. matrella Hybrid I Hybrid II Hybrid II Hybrid II

a Source: Milla-Lewis, S. and J.A. Kimball. 2018. Rooted in research. Genetic research shines light into Zoysia’s family tree. C. Reynolds (ed.)

Turf News. Turfgrass Producers International. May/June, Pp. 48-51

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 17

Cover Story continued

subgroups Hybrid I and Hybrid II. Hybrid I contained Z. japonica x Z. matrella hybrids with a higher concentration of genetic material from Z. japonica. Hybrid II contained Z. japonica x Z. matrella hybrids with a higher concentration of genetic material from Z. matrella. In addition to benefiting turfgrass breeders, this new information should help turfgrass industry professionals develop effective zoysiagrass sod production and turf management plans according to variety-specific requirements.

Golf Greens Interest in breeding, producing and marketing zoysiagrasses for use on golf greens is growing. Presently, Diamond, a variety of Z. matrella with fine to dwarf leaf texture, resistance to large patch and fall armyworm, and excellent stand density released by Texas A&M University in 1996, is being maintained on a number of golf greens in the U. S. Breeders and researchers are developing and evaluating new zoysiagrasses (e.g., ‘Primo’, ‘Prizm’, ‘DALZ1308’ and ‘Trinity’) for suitability as ‘sustainable’ putting surfaces.

In 2011, Prizm was identified as a distinctly different vegetative patch or clonal plant with fine leaf texture and a deeper green color compared to other plants growing

under cultivated conditions near Proteet, TX and originating from crosses among Zeon, Trinity, and two unpatented plants ’29-2 B9’ and ‘380-1’. DALZ1308, a new and yet to be named ultra-dwarf zoysiagrass developed at Texas A&M University specifically for putting greens is a hybrid between Z. minima and Z. matrella with very fine leaf texture, high aerial shoot density and improved winter color retention.

The species Z. minima is native to New Zealand where it grows along the coast to ~ 2000 ft. above sea level on sand dunes and in sandy and gravelly soils.

Comparing Varieties National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). The results of the NTEP Zoysiagrass Tests can help determine if a particular variety of interest is well adapted to a local area or region and a specific level of maintenance. There have been a total of five NTEP Zoysiagrass Tests. The first test or trial initiated in 1991 contained 21 entries of which four were seeded. Entries were evaluated from 1992 to 1995 by university researchers at 21 locations (AL, AR, AZ, CA4 sites, FL- 2 sites, GA- 2 sites), ID, IL- 2 sites, Kansas- 2 sites, KY, MD- 3 sites, MD, MS, MO, NE, OH, OK, TX- 3 sites and VA) throughout the U.S.

18 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Cover Story continued

Evaluators used standard procedures and formats to determine such traits as overall quality, color, leaf texture, spring transition, establishment/seedling vigor, drought tolerance, frost tolerance/winter kill, and both insect and disease resistance. The 2013 National Zoysiagrass Test is currently underway. Thirty-five named and experimental varieties are being evaluated in AL, AR, AK, CA, FL- 2 sites, GA, IN, KS, MO, NC- 2 sites, TN and TX- 2 sites. Progress reports for 2014 – 16 have been published and are now available online at http://ntep.org/zg.htm. Information regarding the performance of several zoysiagrass varieties entered in the 2013 NTEP National Warm-Season Putting Green Test is also available online at: http://www.ntep.org/ reports/ws13g/ws13g_15-1/ws13g_15-1.htm.

Accession/Registration Number or Experimental Designation, Year of Introduction by Agency, Institution or Company and Species of Several Zoysiagrass Varieties Presently or Formerly Commercially Available In the U. S.a Variety, Accession (AN), Registration (RN) & Patent Protection (PP) #s

Year of Introduction, Agency, Institution or Company

Species

Aloyzia PP22168

2011, Aloyzia Blue

Z. japonica

BK-7

1987, Craft Turf Farms

Z. japonica

Carrizo (6136) PP17808

2006, Bladerunner Farms

Z. japonica

Chisholm (DALZ 0102) P1666039

2012, Texas A&M University & Kansas State University

Z. japonica

Cutlass (LR-1) PP25380

2013, Bladerunner Farms

Z. japonica

Geo (BK-9) PP20150020273 P1

2010, Sod Solutions

Z. japonica x Z. pacifica

Icon (MAC03)

2011, DIG Plant Company

Z. macrantha

Innovation (KSUZ 0802) Patent application filed 5/7/2018

2015, Kansas State University & Texas A&M University / Sod Solutions

Z. japonica x Z. matrella

Marquis (TC 2033)

1991, Turf Center

Z. spp.

N/A (DALZ1308)

N/A, Texas A&M University/ Bladerunner Farms

Z. minima x Z. matrella

Prizm (M60) PP29143

2017, Bladerunner Farms

Z. matrella

Primo (M85) PP27289 P2 2016, Bladerunner Farms

Z. matrella

Omni (CD2013)

1991, Bladerunner Farms

Z. matrella

Sunburst (Z-73)

1952, USDA

Z. japonica

ZoyBoy (Z-3) PP8553

1994, Quality Turfgrass

Z. japonica x Z. matrella

a Source: Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017.

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July-Aug. https:// dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37

References Alderson, J. and W. C. Sharp. 1995. Grass Varieties in the United States, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., Lewis Publishers, CRC, New York, NY Anon. 2018. Zoysia for Greens. http://www.bladerunnerfarms.com/site/wp-content/ uploads/2018/01/BF-Green-Grass-Slick.pdf Anon. 2017. Registration of ‘KSUZ 0802’ Zoysiagrass.

Journal of Plant Registrations. https://dl.sciencesocieties. org/publications/jpr/abstracts/11/2/100 Anon. 2016. Zoysiagrass Plant named ‘M85’. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/PP27289.html Anon. 2016. Zoysiagrass Plant named ‘M60’. https://patents.justia.com/patent/20170339816 AOSA [Association of Official Seed Analysts]. 2017. Rules for Testing Seeds. Vols. 1-4. Washington, D.C. 20002 Chandra, A., J. D. Fry, A. D. Genovesi, M. Meeks, M. C. Engelke, Q. Zhang, D. Okeyo, J. Q. Moss, E. Ervin, Xi Xiong, S. Milla-Lewis, J. T. Brosnan, J. Griffin, and L. Parsons. 2017. Registration of ‘KSUZ 0802’ Zoysiagrass.

Journal of Plant Registrations. Madison, WI Engelke, M. and D. Stone. 2003. Management of Zoysiagrass on Golf Courses, GCSAA Seminars 2004, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in partnership with Jacobsen, a Textron Company, Lawrence, KS Hanson, A. A.1972. Grass Varieties in the United States, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.D.A., Agriculture Handbook Number 170, Washington, D. C. Kelsheimer, E. G. 1956. The Hunting Billbug a Serious Pest of Zoysia. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society. 69: 415-417. fshs.org/proceedings-o/1956-vol-69/ 415-417 Kimball, J. A., M. C. Zuleta, K. E. Kenworthy, V. G. Lehman, K. R. Harris-Shultz, and S. Milla-Lewis2013. Genetic Relationships in Zoysia Species and the Identification of Putative Interspecific Hybrids using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Inflorescence Traits. Crop Sci. 53(1):285. January McCarty, L. B. 1995. Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns in SP 45 Florida Lawn Handbook, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Milla-Lewis, S. and J. A. Kimball. 2018. Rooted in Research.

Genetic Research Shines Light into Zoysia’s Family Tree.

Edited by C. Reynolds. Turf News. Turfgrass Producers International. May/June, Pp. 48–51 Patton, A., B. M. Schwartz and K. E. Kenworthy. 2017.

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, and Improvement in the United States: A Review. Crop Sci. (57) July–Aug. https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/ publications/cs/pdfs/57/supplement1/S-37 Patton, A. 2010. Selecting Zoysiagrass Cultivars: Turf Quality and Stress Tolerance. Golf Course Management.

May. Pp. 90–95 c Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 19

Recent Event

Education is Key at

M-A-T-E 2019 Keynote Speaker Dr. Frank Rossi shared valuable turf information.

Photos by Eddie Coutras and Tony Montgomery

“W

hat a great speaker!” and “He needed more time!” were just two of many comments heard in the Expo halls during the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo. Virginia Tech professionals pulled together a fantastic education program at the 2019 Mid Atlantic Turfgrass Expo. The speakers and topics were second to none. The only downside to the conference was the media-induced weather hysteria. Fear of a local snow/ice Armageddon forced many to leave immediately after classes ended. That early departure left trade show aisles emptier than we prefer. The Board of Directors and the M-A-T-E Committee are taking a hard look at what can be done to prevent similar results in the future.

VTC President Scott Woodward leads off the General Session

The ever-popular Corn Hole Tournament. The winners were: First Place — Greg Barnes & Jake Teeter Second Place — Brian Jones & Laine Waitman Third Place — Charlie Grizzard & Jason Watson

Susan Barksdale receives the Friend of the Industry Award posthumously for her father Robert Barksdale. Family friend Joe Hammer shared memories of Robert’s service to the turfgrass industry.

20 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Dr. Mike Goatley congratulates scholarship winner Emeline Daly (VA Tech)

Past President Rick Owens presents the 2018 R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award to Dr. Erik Ervin

Corn Hole Tournament Winners show off their gift cards

Dr. Mike Goatley congratulates scholarship winner Tyler Morris (VA Tech)

Past President Rick Owens presents the 2019 R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award to Dr. Shawn Askew.

Winners of the Turfgrass Flag Challenge: Rodney Taylor ($300); Julia Gordon-Black ($100) and William Milburn ($50)

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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Recent Event continued

2019 Diamond Sponsors

2019 Platinum Sponsors

Lunch Sponsors

Fellowship Breakfast Sponsors

Nick Hamner is taking a much needed rest after organizing and moderating the 3-day Mechanic’s Seminar

Friend of the Industry Sponsors Betty Parker announced her retirement after serving as the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation’s Executive Director since its inception

Flag Challenge Sponsors

2019 Gold Sponsor

Once again, the Mechanic’s Seminar was a hit

22 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Recent Event continued

Virginia Tech Turfgrass students promoted distinctive clothing

Our host city always makes sure we know what is available for our attendees.

Shawn Askew and David McCall prepare to announce winners of the WS Bill Connelly Scholarship contest

Jeff Everhart meeting with a customer at Woodward Turf Farms booths The American flag was proudly displayed on the Trade Show floor

Kate Sullivan preparing to make a new contact at the McGill Premium Compost booth

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 23

Recent Event continued

Awards VTC Award C.D. Prillaman

R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award (for 2018) Dr. Erik Ervin

Lifetime Membership Award

R.D. Cake Silver Tray Award (for 2019)

Nick Hamner

Dr. Shawn Askew

President’s Award Ray Weekley

Friend of the Industry Award Robert Barksdale (Posthumously presented to his daughter, Susan Barksdale)

Whoever said less is more?

When it comes to inventory, bigger is better. And when seeds are all you do, and you’ve been doing it for as long as we have, you tend to know what to stock and when to stock it.

At Chesapeake Valley Seed, we don’t just offer one of the largest and most diverse seed inventories on the East Coast, we also have the capabilities to customize any blend—just for you.

Relationships are what we like to grow most.

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24 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Recent Event continued

Scholarship Winners Thomas Hutcheson Memorial Scholarship

Thomas Hutcheson Memorial Scholarship

RLCA Scholarship

Tyler Morris

Emeline Daly

Ethan Luther

(VA Tech)

(VA Tech)

(VA Tech)

Robert P. Ruff, Sr. Scholarship

Robert P. Ruff, Sr. Scholarship

Robert P. Ruff, Sr. Scholarship

Alexander Kaval

Keri Knott

Connor Gillespie

(VA Tech)

(VA Tech)

(VA Tech)

Corn Hole Tournament Winners First Place Greg Barnes Jake Teeter

Second Place Brian Jones Laine Waitman

Third Place Charlie Grizzard Jason Watson

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 25

Calendar of Events

Virginia Tech Turf Team Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D.

August 20

May 14 Pesticide Recertification Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, VA

Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Field Day Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA

June 18

October 8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9

Pesticide Recertification

Come to the Valley

Hampton, VA

Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, VA

June 25 Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Field Day Hampton Roads AREC Virginia Beach, VA

For additional turf events, visit: www.vaturf.org

Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-5807 askew@vt.edu

Jeffrey F. Derr, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 (757) 363-3912 jderr@vt.edu

Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D.

Native grass & wildflower seed

Virginia Tech 420 Smyth Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-2951 goatley@vt.edu

David McCall, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-9598 dsmccall@vt.edu

With Support from:

ernstseed.com sales@ernstseed.com 800-873-3321

26 | Virginia Turfgrass Journal March/April 2019 www.vaturf.org

Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D.

Virginia Tech Dept. of Entomology 216 Price Hall 170 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 (540) 231-6129 tkuhar@vt.edu

Index of Advertisers Agronomic Lawn Management.............. 27 www.FertilizerWithALM.com

Ernst Conservation Seeds........................ 26 www.ernstseed.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc............. 18 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Buy Sod, Inc................. Inside Front Cover www.buysod.com

Harmon Turf Services, Inc........................ 9 www.harmonturfservices.com

Smith Seed Services................................... 6 www.smithseed.com

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

Home Field Fertilizer / Meadowspring Turf Farm....................... 25 www.meadowspringturf.com

Smith Turf & Irrigation............ Back Cover www.smithturf.com

Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc...... 11 www.centralsodmd.com Chesapeake Valley Seed.......................... 24 www.chesapeakevalleyseed.com Collins Wharf Sod Farm............................ 8 www.collinswharfsod.com East Coast Sod & Seed............................. 27 www.eastcoastsod.com

Leading Edge Communications............. 13 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com Luck Ecosystems........................................ 3 www.luckstone.com McGill Premium Compost...................... 27 www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com Mid-Atlantic STIHL................................... 5 www.stihldealers.com

Digital Marketplace Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

The Cutting Edge of VA.......................... 11 www.tce-va.com Trimax Mowing Systems............................ 7 www.trimaxmowers.com Virginia Sand & Stone............................. 11 www.virginiasand.com Weed Man................................................ 27 www.weedmanfranchise.com

Agronomic LAwn mAnAgement

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www.FertilizewithALm.com we Are Accepting new empLoyment AppLicAtions.

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Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

www.cgcfields.com

McGill Sports Turf Premium Compost improves turf aesthetics by adding beneficial microbes to soils, improving nutrient update, increasing porosity in heavy soils while improving water holding capacity in light sandy soils. Create a healthier soil environment and safer playing surface by applying 1/4” – 1/2” of STA Certified Premium Compost. McGill collects organic residuals to manufacture a branded line of premium compost soil amendments, serving the Carolina and Virginia markets since 1991.

For more information go to www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com or call 919-362-1161 634 Christian Chapel Church Rd. • New Hill, NC 27562.

For franchise information go to www.weedmanfranchise.com or call (888) 321-9333

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 27

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