The Stewards of Turf Blog

Two New Labor-Saving Tools

Wed, 27 May 2020 18:41:41 Z

Both Cutless QuickStop and Cutless Shrub and Tree Sculptor will save you 30-70% on your trimming labor.

Cutless QuickStop

Liquid formulation for foliar application
Fast-acting — begins regulating in 1 to 2 weeks
Leaves no visible residue

Cutless Shrub and Tree Sculptor

Strongest granular PGR — ideal for plants and hedges 6 -15 feet in height
Systemic regulation where foliar applications can't reach
Long-lasting — 1 year of regulation

Looking for a granular option for plants less that 6' in height? Learn more about Cutless 0.33G.

For more information, contact your SePRO Technical Specialist.

Maximize Your Time and Labor

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 21:12:17 Z

Maximize Your Time and Labor

With limited support staff, many superintendents are looking to Legacy® Turf Growth Regulator to obtain maximum growth suppression and extend spray intervals as long as possible. Legacy can provide up to 4 weeks of regulation on greens and 6 weeks of regulation on fairways.

An additional benefit superintendents find with Legacy comes from applications to bunker banks and greens surrounds where maintenance is labor intensive.

For a limited time, courses earn a $45 rebate for every container (2.5 gallons) of Legacy purchased.

Learn more about Legacy here!

How to Enhance Your Current Disease Program for Greater Control

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 14:03:11 Z

Protecting your turf from diseases and beat resistance.

Many new fungicides share the same FRAC codes. So, what does FRAC mean? The FRAC code is a number / letter combination assigned by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) to group active ingredients that share the same mode of action (MoA). Repetitive use of fungicides with the same FRAC code are at a higher risk of resistance and cross resistance development.

How can I prevent resistance and protect my turf?

Rotating FRAC groups is key. Not only are you preventing resistance development, but by introducing multiple modes of action, you will improve overall efficacy. Adding just 1 oz / 1,000 ft² of Zio® Fungicide will enhance your program by adding three new modes of action and will provide greater control when tank-mixed with fungicides in your current agronomic program.

Learn how Zio Fungicide protects your turf

What is hiding in my irrigation water?

Your irrigation water could be spreading turf diseases. Golf course superintendents plan their agronomic programs every year fighting aggressive turf diseases like Pythium and brown patch. Often irrigation water and pond management are overlooked.

Click on the video below to learn more about protecting your turf by actively managing irrigation water.

5 FAQs to Maximize the Impact of Landscape Growth Regulators

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 15:13:58 Z

Using a landscape growth regulator such as Cutless Granular can save you time and money, reduce the amount of labor required per property, and allow you to take on more customers. Here are some of the questions we're asked most frequently:

Q: We manage a large property that could benefit from Cutless Granular growth regulation. What’s the most efficient way to apply Cutless Granular?

A: Cutless Granular can be applied with a rotary-type spreader, gravity fed spreader, or air-driven blower. Of these, an air-driven blower such as the Cutless Granular Application System is the most efficient option.

Regardless of application equipment, the main objective of each application should be even coverage of the treatment area. Calibration trays are useful tools to monitor application quality throughout a property and are available free of charge through your local SePRO Technical Specialist.

Q: What should I do before and after application to maximize growth regulation following a Cutless Granular application?

A: Irrigation and pruning are two of the most important considerations when starting a landscape growth regulation program. Cutless Granular should be activated with at least 0.25” of irrigation or rainfall immediately after application. This acts to incorporate the active ingredient into the rootzone so that it can be absorbed by the plant.

Plants can be pruned prior to application; however, growth regulation effects will not be observed until 2-3 weeks following activation of Cutless Granular by irrigation or rainfall. Because of this, plants should be pruned 2-3 weeks after application to their desired size. After this pruning, plants will be regulated and not grow as quickly.

Subsequent pruning should occur on an as-needed basis and can often be accomplished with hand-shears. Labor typically utilized during this period for pruning should be reallocated to other revenue creating jobs to maximize the return on investment in Cutless Granular. All other agronomic practices such as fertilization, irrigation, and insect management should not change.

Q: When should a Cutless Granular landscape growth regulation program begin?

A: A Cutless Granular landscape growth regulation program can be started at any time; however, it’s recommended that a program be started prior to spring growth flush to maximize the growth regulation benefit throughout the entire growing season. Cutless Granular should not be applied to plants that were recently hard cut.

Q: How long will growth regulation effects last?

A: Growth regulation effects from Cutless Granular last 4-6 months. Major variables that influence length of growth regulation include plant species, size, application rate, and prior treatment history.

Two applications may be required to maintain growth regulation effects throughout the season in areas with long growing seasons. A single application may be sufficient in areas with a short growing season.

Q: Where can Cutless Granular be used and can all plant material be treated?

A: Cutless Granular is recommended for application to established, woody landscape ornamentals. Herbaceous plants, recently hard cut shrubs, and newly planted landscapes should be avoided. Landscapes that require frequent pruning, are a safety hazard to maintain, or occupy high visibility areas are excellent candidates for a Cutless Granular growth regulation program.

Cutless Granular Landscape Growth Regulator is an easy to implement solution for today’s labor strapped market. Learn more about how Cutless Granular can help your company or connect with your local SePRO Technical Specialist.

Cool weather effects herbicide efficacy

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 15:17:25 Z

With Easter this weekend and the Masters less than a week away, growing season is certainly right around the corner. However, for much of the US, Mother Nature is pumping the brakes on the start of growing season with cool temperatures dominating the weather pattern.

Alongside cool temperatures and wet weather comes the persistence of winter annual weeds and slow or ineffective herbicide applications. To get the most out of any herbicide application a few things must be considered:

1. Proper weed identification

2. Understanding plant lifecycles

3. Correct herbicide selection

Inevitably weeds will escape a fall preemerge herbicide application. Proper identification and understanding if they are annual, biennial, or perennial is important to deciding if a herbicide application is warranted. In many cases, annual weeds will die soon in response to increasing temperatures. However, it’s a great time to treat perennial winter weeds as many of these rely on underground storage organs to survive the summer months. Herbicide applications today can significantly reduce the formation of storage reserves for these species, decreasing the chance they will reestablish next winter.

Finally, not all herbicides are equally effective when temperatures dip below 60°F. Systemic herbicides can be absorbed or translocated slowly when cool temperatures persist. During these times it is important to add a contact herbicide such as Octane Herbicide to improve speed of activity of systemic herbicides when applied in cool weather. Octane does not rely on translocation for efficacy, rather is effective directly on the foliage it’s applied to. Octane makes an outstanding tank combination partner this time of year for systemic herbicides such as, but not limited to, 2,4-D broadleaf mixes or glyphosate to achieve rapid, complete weed control.

Photo: Left to right - Nontreated, Trimec, and Octane plus Trimec. Photo taken 20 days after application. Notice the dandelion plant treated with Trimec alone is not completely controlled while the dandelion plant treated with Octane plus Trimec has reached complete necrosis.

Researchers Reverse Metabolic Resistance to Pre-emergent Herbicide

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 11:00:00 Z

In a discovery that is welcoming news to many grain growers, an organo-phosphate insecticide known as phorate has been shown to reverse metabolic resistance to the pre-emergent, soil-applied herbicide trifluralin.

Annual Rye Grass was looked at in the study. covercrops.cals.cornell.edu

This is great news, but research is still preliminary. "It's a proof of concept," said Roberto Busi, research fellow at the University of Western Australia and researcher at the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative. "It is not by any means that we are recommending just yet the practice with the specific insecticide or herbicide that we have been working with, but it is a great and important proof of concept that we can reverse resistance to soil applied herbicide."

"The research into new herbicide molecules or in particular herbicide modes of action, is very much decreasing, so we have to achieve more, we have to do more with what we already have. That isn't easy, that is why we have to do intensive research to basically allow farmers to still be able to rely on tools that are simple to use, simple to adopt but they may have an improve [sic]efficacy."

For the full article from abc.net.au, click here or on the link available below.

Magnetized Water, Reduced Irrigation

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 11:00:00 Z

With droughts predicted to worsen in the coming years, the golf industry is on the lookout for new, economical ways to increase water efficiency. And one study, "The Effects of Magnet Treated Irrigation Water on Kentucky Bluegrass in a Greenhouse Environment," documented a 20% reduction in the amount of water needed to sustain healthy turf when a magnetized irrigation treatment was used.

To put that into context, the U.S. golf industry uses around 2.08 billion gallons of water daily; if all courses began using the magnetized water, that would put potential annual savings at 151,850 billion gallons.

"Being a golf course superintendent for 30 years, I was somewhat skeptical at first," said Dean Piller, superintendent at Cordova Bay Golf Course, Vancouver Island, B.C. "So I decided to run a few informal tests here at Cordova Bay before I made any real investment in the products, and I was happily surprised at the results we got. With the Magnation treatment, soil moisture and overall chemistry was enhanced, hydro-phobic turf was restored to a healthy state and dry patches disappeared.... Our irrigation run times were 80,000 gallons less per night; a 2.5 million gallons savings of water per month."

The basic principle behind the magnetized water, according to the article, is the restructuring of water molecules into very small clusters, each made up of six symmetrically organized molecules. This allows for easier entry into turf cell membranes, hydrating turf more effectively

Digital Turf Graphics Move to Golf

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:00:00 Z

New Grounds Technology at the Kentucky Derby. This particular design is 150ft tall. Image Credit: prweb.com

With its professional debut during the San Francisco Giants' home opener game against the L.A. Dodgers on April 9, 2016, New Ground Technology's turf graphics have since been commonly seen in the outfields at Major League Baseball games, and founder Pete Davis is ready to bring it to the Golf Course.

Using a laser-based GPS system and mobile receivers, TurfPrinter digital lawn imaging can "paint" an image in about an hour (and then erase the same image in roughly the same time). Using air to bend the turf (which creates the light/dark contrast needed to create designs), the device really is deceptively simple.

"I came up with [the idea] several years ago, looking at a baseball field," said Davis. "I saw the light and dark stripes, and I went, 'that's really powerful; that contrast is amazing. If I can just figure out a way to put those light and dark stripes down into small squares, where you can get the reflective light to shine into the fans' eyes-- that's where I came up with [the idea]."

For the full article from yahoo sports, click here or on the link available below.

How Many Courses in the World?

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:00:00 Z

34,011 golf facilities in 206 countries. At least that's the number according to R&A's Golf Around the World 2015, a report which took 25,000 hours to compile and is the first official count of its kind. But what does this mean, on a global scale? Well, it means there are only 33 countries in the world without courses (and no, Antarctica is not one of those countries); that almost 80% of the world's courses are contained in ten countries, and that the USA alone, among the top ten countries, holds almost half the total figure with 15,372 currently active courses.

Other top countries include Australia with 1,628 facilities, South Africa with 512 facilities, China with 473, New Zealand with 418 and Argentina with 319. Asia also appears as a growing market, which is no surprise to those aware of current trends; the area has 207 courses currently under construction at the time of the report.

For more information check out the link below.

New Dollar Spot-Resistant Cultivar

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 10:00:00 Z

After 20 years of research, Michigan State University turf experts have released Flagstick, a creeping bentgrass cultivar which has shown resistance to dollar spot in long-term field trials. "Most of the best discoveries are made through observation," said Joseph Vargas, lead researcher in Flagstick's development, referring to observations made by lab technician Ron Detweiler 20 years ago. Detweiler had noticed large patches of grass devoid of dollar spot despite being beside dollar spot-afflicted turf.

"The best place to look for disease resistance is in the middle of a big outbreak," said Vargas. "Developing a dollar spot-resistant cultivar has been a major research focus at a number of universities for the past 20 years. The fact that we at MSU were able to come up with it is very fulfilling."

Check out the full article through the link below.

Goosegrass: Tough to Treat Nuisance

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:00:00 Z

A heavily-infested putting green (photo by S. McElroy).

In the turfgrass world, Poa Annua has to be the king of weeds, but goosegrass (Eleusine indica) takes the crown for second place. Established in the majority of the United States, goosegrass commonly emerges four to six weeks after crabgrass germination and is able to perenniate in warmer climate areas such as Hawaii or southern Florida, tolerating drought, heat and low-fertility soil well.

While normally observed in areas with higher traffic and increased soil penetration resistance, goosegrass stands can be observed in a variety of environments, from the poorest soils to dense stands of turfgrass. At the moment there is little knowledge regarding the biology of the weed and few options for control; especially with the future loss of Illoxan and the susceptibility of turfgrass to effective herbicides.

For an in-depth article on goosegrass and the current control methods available, check out the link available below.

Algae Control in Turf

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 10:41:00 Z

Algae can show up on the golf course in poorly drained soil where close cutting has aided in competition. (image via turfgrass.ncsu.edu)

Containing chlorophyll, but lacking roots, stems and leaves, algae are photosynthetic primitive plants found pretty much everywhere (including polar ice caps and volcanic heat vents). So it's not surprising when algae shows ups up on the golf course, competing with turf for space, light, nutrition and water.

Not resulting from aquatic algae via ponds, streams or lakes, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) is similar to algae in turf, appearing in shaded, damp turf areas and thin or week turf. It is often a precursor to moss infestations.

Junction & Pentathlon for Algae Control

While cultural practices that limit algal growth are important, solutions are available to control algae once it has become established

Pentathlon

With proven performance on algae and major turfgrass diseases such as Brown Patch and Leaf Spots, Pentathlon’s multi-site mode of activity and low risk of resistance development make it an excellent choice as a foundation product in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. With excellent tenacity and no dye, Pentathlon is ideal for use on highly maintained turf grass.

Junction

Active on 11 pathogens and on moss, Junction’s broad-spectrum fungicide provides quick knock-down of Pythium and control of Rhizoctonia, Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Fusarium, algae and moss.

Data (click to enlarge)

AI System for Turfgrass Disease Prevention

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:00:00 Z

In response to growing concerns over water management and pesticide use, the EU funded a project to develop the WaterGolf system, an intelligent system for the maintenance of large areas of turfgrass. While artificial intelligence has been used in agriculture in the past, WaterGolf is the first system specifically for turf, designed to optimize water use while providing turfgrass disease management and prevention, as well as prevention and management of weed growth and fertility problems.

Using a wireless sensor network and embedded AI to support irrigation, it is currently estimated that WaterGolf will cut annual water use by one third. The systems underground sensors are capable of measuring soil humidity, salinity and temperature, while traditional evaposensers measure turfgrass evapotranspiration. Measurements are then transmitted wirelessly through nodes to a coordinating device, where the AI can the offer “suggestions for irrigating different regions of the course, as well as informing of potentially looming turfgrass diseases and weeds.”

The desktop user interface is designed with greenkeepers in mind, allowing for remote access, while a mobile application allows read-only access to notifications and data.

Disease Prevention

Using research on etiology parameters for a variety of common disease, the system is primed to monitor for Pythium blight (Pythium spp.), Yellow patch (Rhizoctonia cerealis), Dollar Spot (Sclerotinia hoemeocarpa), Anthracnose (Bipolaris spp. & Drechslera spp.), Pink Snow Mold (Michrodochium nivale) and Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis).

“The system outputs for fungal disease forecast and management comprise both a disease and turfgrass specific probability calculation equations, and the issue of a compedium of available chemical products for fungal disease treatment and prevention, including their dosage.”

The system also uses Growing Degree Days and soil/air temperature to forecast “the eagerness of the most common green course weeds,” which, for the system, were defined as crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass, white clover, daisy, dandelion and annual meadowgrass/bluegrass).

The first prototype was installed in summer, 2014, at the Motecchia Golf Club in Padua, Italy, and was able to predict the onset of Dollar Spot on the overseeded Patriot hybrid bermudagrass fairways and bermudagrass and bentgrass greens, supplying accurate data for irrigation throughout the summer.

Click on the link available below for the full article from pitchcare.com.

Second Course from Team Behind Bandon Dunes

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 11:00:00 Z

Sand Valley, image via media.jrn.com

David McLay Kidd and Mike Keiser are at it again. The team behind the Bandon Dunes resort in Oregon is developing the second course at Wisconsin Rapids this time around. “This is important to me,” said Kidd, “I’ve wanted to work on the eastern side of the U.S. and have never had the opportunity.” The course, situated on a 1,500-acre sand barren in central Wisconsin, is expected to be ready-for-play by 2018. According to the developer, his goal is to make it playable for the average golfer, while at the same time highlighting the course’s beautiful site; set on a “huge, v-shaped ridge,” it should be quite an experience.

On Course: Phosphorous & Phosphorous Reduction

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 10:48:00 Z

Over time, sediment and organic matter slowly accumulate in the bottom of a water body. This natural aging process, known as eutrophication, is one of the worst enemies of a healthy pond or lake. Phosphorous is a key component of the organic matter, and it's the primary limiting nutrient in the development of harmful algal blooms. Phoslock® can literally reverse the aging process of a water body by removing phosphorous from the system.

Two adjacent lakes in the the Netherlands (Het Groen Eiland and De Gouden Ham), photo taken six months following a Phoslock® application to Het Groen Eiland lake. See Case Study

Traditional reactionary algae management programs involve periodic treatments of algae blooms with aquatic algaecide products. Though this strategy will temporarily clear up the blooms, the nutrients will be recycled through the system to fuel future blooms. More proactive and comprehensive algae management strategies are geared towards water quality improvement to minimize the conditions that are conducive to bloom formation.

Case Study

Crooked Stick Golf Club (2011)

SePRO Corporation, in partnership with Crooked Stick Golf Club, Indiana, initiated a phosphorus mitigation program with Phoslock® on June 23, 2011. The objective of the project was to reduce phosphorus levels and restore water quality in this pond.

Total phosphorus levels were measured at 182 ppb prior to application, dropped 58% to 76 ppb within 48 hours following application and two months later remained at levels 70% lower than pre-applications conditions.

Full Case Study (PDF)

Derived from naturally occurring mineral called lanthanum, Phoslock® has a high affinity to bind with free reactive phosphorous. The reaction forms an inert complex known as rhabdophane (LaPO4) which is extremely stable and insoluble. Completely safe for use in aquatic environments, with no adverse affects on fish, macro invertebrates, or other wildlife, Phoslock is a powerful new tool for routine algae and water quality management.

“The term ‘eutrophic’ means well-nourished; thus, ‘eutrophication’ refers to natural or artificial addition of nutrients to bodies of water and to the effects of the added nutrients….When the effects are undesirable, eutrophication may be considered a form of pollution.”

— National Academy of Sciences, 1969

Robert Trent Jones Jr. on Golf

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 14:00:00 Z

Image via travelwisconsin.com

While local golf courses are becoming “so yesterday,” global, world-class courses are becoming increasingly popular among the wealthy; a trend which has increasingly taken Robert Trent Jones Jr. abroad. With recent assignments to build new courses in Argentina, Hungary, Italy and North Dakota (“that other foreign country,” as he calls it), Jones said the majority of his jobs in the states consist of remodeling existing courses to make them quicker, more streamlined play-experiences.

What are his thoughts about the local country clubs of his father’s day? That they were good for their time, but that today’s young golfers want something different, “My son tells me,” Jones said “‘Dad, why would I join a country club? I want to play different experiences.” He also believes some states, like Wisconsin, may become the new “it” locations for wealthy golfers looking for second homes. Check out the full article below to learn more about Mr. Jones, his history, and his predictions for the future of golf.

Drone Herbicide-Application in Australia

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 10:00:00 Z

Camera drone, image via irrawaddy.org

With all the different uses of drones, and all the different types of invasive, nuisance plants, it was only a matter of time before the two met. The government of the Australian Capital Territory is now employing Yamaha drones to combat the invasive blackberry. “From a distance of over 200 metres away, we will be able to guide the done over the steep topography,” said Shelly Swain, Ranger in Charge, Murrumbidgee, National Parks and Catchments. “The drone’s hand-held control unit will allow us to ensure a precise application of the herbicide.” Equipped with two 10 liter tanks, the drone cuts the time and expense associated with other methods; which is good news, since blackberries have infested approximately 22,239,484 acres in Australia.

Minimal Cell Divisions May Explain Longevity

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 10:00:00 Z

In a recent study published in Current Biology scientists from the University of Bern in Switzerland presented evidence for a potential mechanism that could help explain the extraordinary longevity of some plants (evergreens in particular). Minimal stem cell divisions in the axillary meristems-- the stem cells responsible for branches-- means there is less opportunity for deleterious genetic mutations in somatic cells.

"Meristem aging is not a problem for perennial plants, in other words," said Sergi Munne Bosch, plant physiologist at the University of Barcelona who was not part of the study. "The meristems are the growing units. If they don't senesce, then the plant will keep the capacity to grow and reproduce forever, at least potentially." Most often, he added, structural defects or pathogens will be what kills the plants.

"It's a very interesting paper on the preservation of the integrity of the germ cell line," said Larry Nooden, plant biologist and professor emeritus a the University of Michigan. "Whether it determines longevity, that may be a different matter."

For the full article on how these minimal stem cell divisions play out in perennial plants, click on the article available here or through the link below.

Control Methods: Poa Annua

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 10:00:00 Z

Image via treelight.com

What has the latest research into Poa Annua control shown? According to Dr. Cale Bigelow, assistant professor of agronomy and turfgrass science at Purdue University, much the same as previous research. “Annual bluegrass is such a genetically diverse plant, so the concept that there is a “one-size fits all” solution is unlikely to completely work.” For bentgrasses, September through October is still the best time for application, while similar results are often more difficult to achieve during the spring months.

And, in his opinion, what is the biggest mistake in PGR use? Short term use and not thinking “big picture.” “A single or short period of low application rates will likely not be effective,” he says, “be holistic in your thinking, everything from growing environment (shade and excess soil wetness favor annual bluegrass), to fertility source and mowing height.”

Them’s Fighting Clothes

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 10:00:00 Z

When fighting was classy and men well-dressed, image via cdn.filmschoolrejects.com

At Weston Golf Club-- a 6,657 yard-track, Donald Ross designed course-- members take the dress code seriously, quite seriously. “When I arrived, I observed two men… engaged in a loud, verbal argument,” said patrolmen Joseph Kozowyk, responding to a call concerning a “fistfight in progress.” Stephen and Charlotte Weeple, allegedly, were walking to meet a group of members for a cocktail around 11 pm; however, before arriving at the clubhouse, Tom Ferry, club president, intercepted the under-dressed couple. Accosting them with “profane language to let them know they were in violation of the club’s policy against jeans,” Ferry later apologized, volunteering to take a one-month suspension before later resigning.

In response to the incident an investigation was launched, and the club members who had invited the Weeples for a drink were subjected to wardrobe inspections; found to be failing in their vestments, a three month suspension was issued. If alcohol wasn’t a factor in the initial fracas, everyone involved could use a drink about now.

More Common Aquatic Weeds - GCI

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 12:26:35 Z

The article "Common Aquatic Weeds" was originally published on May 10, 2016, on GCI.com. Available here. Sponsored by SePRO

Pesky aquatic weeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some, such as duckweed and watermeal, float up to the surface of ponds "like a bobber when you're fishing," says Steve Kammerer, director of USGA Green Section Southeast Region. Others, such as hydrilla, dig further into the ground, says Dr. Rob Richardson, assistant professor of crop science at North Carolina State University. Here, experts provide insight on common aquatic weeds how to best treat them.

Duckweed

Description: Duckweed forms a surface film, but depending on the region of the country, it can often be more difficult to control than a submersed plant, Richardson says.

Range: One of the most common aquatic weeds, duckweed outbreaks are documented across the country. Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C., gets it once or twice a year in one of the course's 14 lakes, says superintendent Curtis Macemore. "I think last year I had duckweed one time, just in one lake, that was brought in," he says. "I happened to see it on the duck that day."

Aggressiveness: On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most aggressive aquatic weeds, duckweed varies anywhere from a 3 to an 8, Richardson says. Duckweed sits along the shorelines, Kammerer says. It thrives in warm, shallow, still and fertile waters, he adds.

Management: While Macemore uses a contact herbicie in his non-irrigation ponds, Gary Roush, semi-retired superintendent of Riverside Golf Club in Mason, W. Va., uses Sonar in his. The SePRO product SonarOne, a contact herbicide, or a different Sonar product are recommended by Scott Shuler, invasive weeds management portfolio at SePRO. SonarOne, a systemic herbicide, should be applied on seasonally irrigated ponds with caution in the fall, Shuler says.

Hydrilla

Description: Hydrilla forms tubers in the sediment which Richardson says makes it so persistent. "Hydrilla has more lance-shaped leaves and whorls of anywhere from four to six or seven, typically," he says. "It doesn't have a bract that comes up above the water surface, but it will release really tiny flowers that can float right at the water surface."

Range: Hydrilla is the most widespread in the Southeast. Hydrilla and other weeds thrive in the South largely because the ponds, lakes and waterways are shallower, warmer, higher in nutrients and sunlight can reach them in more growing months than in the North, Kammerer says.

Aggressiveness: "Hydrilla would be a 10 because there's nothing else as aggressive as hydrilla, really, in the situations where it can grow well," Richardson says. "There are some invasive plants that can grow on the water surface and atop it, but not much else that can compete in the water with hydrilla," he says.

Management: For irrigated ponds in the golf season, use up to 60 pounds per acre of Komeen Crystal, Shuler says. For irrigated ponds in the golf season and for non-irrigated ponds in the spring, Shuler recommends using up to 10 pounds per acre of SonarOne.

Watermeal

Description: Often confused with duckweed, watermeal is actually smaller, Kammerer says. Watermeal doesn't contain a small root like duckweed does. "This looks like a really large, nasty pollen grain," he says.

Range: Watermeal is more prevalent in the South than in the North. The growing season for watermeal is longer in states like Georgia and Alabama in states like Ohio. Two or three applications per season might be necessary in the South, where just one will often suffice in the North, Kammerer says.

Aggressiveness: Watermeal can range between a seven and eight, and it's often harder to control than duckweed, Kammerer says. "The reason why that one is actually more problematic it's much smaller, more difficult to contact with herbicides; less herbicides are active on it," he says. "It can actually get through screens and clog up the irrigation heads."

Management: Copper compounds with less copper cation, or elemental copper, per surface acre than copper sulfate, such as Komeen, can be better alternatives, said Kammerer. Many factors determine how much chemical to apply, when to apply it and how often, he says. Such factors include water flow, temperature and turbidity, he says.

Watermilfoil

Description: Variable watermilfoil are often brownish, while Eurasion watermilfoil are typically bright green in color, Richardson says. "The milfoils have feather-like leaves and whorls," he says. "They'll also have a short flowering bract that shoots above the water, but the flowers are really reduced, so it's hard to see the flowers. There will be a small segment of the plant that pops above the water surface."

Range: Watermilfoil is found primarily in the North and survives better in cool water than most aquatic weeds, Kammerer says. "That is the biggest northern aquatic weed issue, bar none," he says.

Aggressiveness: On a scale from one to 10, watermilfoil would be about seven, Richardson says. Like Hydrilla, watermilfoil is an invasive species, so it's often more difficult to control than native species, Shuler says.

Management: Between 40 to 60 pounds of Komeen Crystal applied throughout the season would take care of watermilfoil, Shuler says. Between 6 and 10 pounds of SonarOne applied at the end of irrigation season for an irrigated pond or in the early spring for a non-irrigated pond would do the same, he says.

Patrick Williams is a contributing editor for Golf Course Industry.

Announcing the Winner of our Drone Giveaway!

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 15:40:04 Z

We heard a lot of great predictions about the golf industry at GIS 2017. We also had a lot of superintendents share their thoughts about the solutions SePRO offers.

And, for the moment you've been waiting for -- want to know who won the drone? Watch the video to find out!

GIS 2017 is off to a great start…….just as we predicted!

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 01:46:26 Z

Here are a few of the highlights so far…….

1. We’ve had loads of visitors come through booth 2367 – and we want you to be next! Come by to learn about our newest fungicide, share your story with us, and enter to win a drone. We've heard a lot of people's predictions about the future of the golf course industry. See some of the highlights below:

2. There are so many ways to learn at GIS! Did you check out Lightning Round Learning? These super quick presentations were set up so the slides advanced every 15 seconds. No snoozing here! Did you keep up?

3. Got water problems? SePRO’s own Steward of Water, Michael Shaner, stopped by to answer all of your aquatic questions.

4. The silent auction is heating up -- and it isn't too late to win! https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=eifg

5. Did we mention there's a live green? All kinds of things have been going on at this very real, very big centerpiece to the show -- from Golf Channel coverage to golf cart/skateboard hybrids.

6. What great swag have you gotten? Sunglasses, umbrellas, money, putters, naming rights for the newest Toro? Have you entered to win a drone from SePRO yet? If not, stop by booth 2367 and sign up now!

7. Got turf PGR questions? Specialist Mike Mumper has been at the SePRO booth -- stop by to ask him your toughest questions.

Eugene Ore. Course Hosts NCAA Championship

Tue, 24 May 2016 14:32:16 Z

An image of the Eugene Ore. Golf Course. Credit: golftripper.com

With the women's championship finishing up tomorrow, and the men's championship starting next week, the Eugene (Ore.) Country Club is hosting the NCAA Division 1 Golf Championship for the first time since 1978. And Chris Gaughan, who was a 19-year-old caddie at the course during the 1978 Championship, is now the course's superintendent.

"I have been here 41 years," said Gaughan, who is a long-time GCSAA member. "I have been here since I was a sophomore in high school, and I have done just about every job you can think of on this course. When the Championship was here in 1978, I was mowing in the morning and caddying in the afternoon."

"The NCAA wants the green speeds a bit faster and the rough a bit higher for the men's event, but that won't be a problem," said Gaughan. "What I am concerned about is having enough space to handle all of the divots on the practice range. And, I think we do."

The full article is available here, or through the link below.

Synthetic Greens for Hong Kong Course

Mon, 23 May 2016 14:06:12 Z

A synthetic course constructed by Southwest Greens, credit: southwestgreens.com

Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, located on the shores of Hong Kong, will have a six hole course featuring Southwest Greens' synthetic turf system. Scheduled to open at the end of 2016, course owners hope it will reduce maintenance and water usage while providing a year-round playing surface.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Southwest Greens Construction is excited for the opportunity. "Continuing from our recent success in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy, this project is an exciting addition to our product portfolio," said Kevin Holinaty, President of the construction company.

For the original article click here, or through the link available below.