2010 UT Turfgrass Field Registration -- Now Open!Thursday, July 01, 2010
Registration for the 2010 UT Turfgrass Field Day is now open . The event will be held on September 16th, 2010 at the East Tennessee Research and Education Center in Knoxville, TN. Come learn more about the latest turfgrass research being conducted by the University of Tennessee Turfgrass Team. Attendees will learn not only about the management of turfgrass weeds and diseases, but effective cultural practices for maximizing the quality of both warm- and cool-season turf. A total of 11 TDA pesticide re-certification points will also be available in categories C3, C10, and C12. Please contact Dr. Jim Brosnan (jbrosnan@utk.edu) with any questions about the event.
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A New Era in Turfgrass Research at UTThursday, June 17, 2010
Construction of the UT Center for Athletic Field Safety (CAFS) is about to begin. The construction of CAFS at the East Tennessee Research and Education Center is a historic event in the history of the UT turfgrass program, and the focal point of a long-term partnership between UT and AstroTurf. CAFS will house over 50 miniature sports fields constructed on varying rootzones. Fields will be surfaced with either hybrid bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or synthetic turf. Drs. Jim Brosnan and John Sorochan are about to begin a study evaluating the safety and performance of various cool- and warm-season turfgrass playing surfaces to several different synthetic turf surfaces over the next decade. Results of this study will help sports field managers implement management practices to improve the safety and performance of their fields.
New Publication on MSMA Phase-OutMonday, June 14, 2010 New Weed Control ManualThursday, May 20, 2010
 Our new comprehensive weed management manual, PB-1789: Weed Control Manual for Turf Managers in Tennessee, is now available. This manual was created to provide practitioners with reference material on proper herbicide selection. Information in this manual is based on the results of research trials conducted at the University of Tennessee evaluating the weed control efficacy and turf safety of experimental herbicides compared to commercial standards. Hard copies of this manual can be purchased beginning in mid-June at the UT Institute of Agriculture eMarketplace. Any feedback on this manual can be sent to Dr. Jim Brosnan (jbrosnan@utk.edu). It is the hope of the UT turfgrass weed science team that this manual will be a valuable reference to turf managers statewide!
Under WaterFriday, May 14, 2010
The turn of the calendar from April to May brought over 12 inches of rain in 36 hours, pushing many rivers well above flood stage throughout Tennessee. As we enter the heat of the summer, it is important to discuss the implications of flooding on turf.
Prolonged periods of under water submersion can certainly weaken turf. Dr. Jim Beard has reported that the level of injury following submersion is dependent on several things including:
1. The depth to which the turf was submerged (deeper is worse)
2. Whether or not the water is stagnant or flowing (stagnant is worse)
3. Water temperature (warmer water is more injurious)
Deposition of debris (salt, soil, brush, etc.) can be a major problem after a flood as well. In the event that silt and other debris has been moved on-site, it should be removed as soon as possible.
The stress of this past flood will certainly weaken turf stands going into the summer, making them far more susceptible to weed invasion. In particular, turf weeds such as Virginia buttonweed, yellow nutsedge, purple nutsedge, white clover, and goosegrass may become more problematic throughout the state as they are common in wet soils. It is also likely that turf managers will be forced to control weeds not regularly seen in turf situations that were carried on-site with floodwaters. Be sure to visit the publications page for information on herbicide selection and contact your local Extension professional with questions.
Germantown C.C., Germantown, TN. Photo by Doug Estes
Crabgrass is on the way!Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Spring is the time of year to focus on preemergence control of smooth and large crabgrass (Digitaria spp.). Forsythia bloom is an indicator that conditions are right for the germination of crabgrass seed and that preemergence herbicides should be applied soon in order to provide effective control. For more information, please review our factsheet on crabgrass control.
Photo 1: Forsythia bloom in Knoxville, TN on March 23rd
Latest Information on MSMA RestrictionsMonday, April 12, 2010
Many turf managers have been asking questions about the official restrictions on MSMA applications to control weeds on golf courses, residential and commercial lawns, athletic fieds, and sod farms. Faculty at UT have put together a factsheet explaining the EPA restrictions implemented on September 30th, 2009. We hope that this factsheet will serve as a valuable reference for turfgrass managers throughout Tennessee.
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