Summer Killing Fields NJ Green Expo December 8 th, 2009 Adam Moeller USGA Agronomist Northeast Region amoeller@usga.org
A Summary of 2009 How did that impact the rest of the season?
Impacts of Prolonged Saturation Thin putting greens Shallow root systems Excessive ball marks Cart damage Clipping issues Dead grass in fairways, greens, tees Algae and moss Mowing challenges
Drainage Issues Highlighted
Runoff from hillsides and clay soils
Surface drainage can t overcome severe internal drainage problems
Scald, Pythium, Mower Damage
Deep Tine Aeration
Unique Problems in 2009
Bethpage Black Practice Green-June 16 th Golfer Traffic and Saturated Conditions
Bethpage Black Practice Green-June 17 th Golfer Traffic and Saturated Conditions
Bethpage Black Practice Green-July 7 th Golfer Traffic and Saturated Conditions
Dollar Spot Outbreaks A simple agronomic equation Excessive growth + Contact fungicides Early/late season apps? = More foliar diseases hard to document benefits easier to manage dollar spot use inexpensive product Preventative vs. semi-preventative/curative programs? cost less use less A.I. less disease
Annual Bluegrass Weevils
Asses control or lack thereof
Insecticides with Pyrethroids Astro Attain TR Cynoff Dragnet SFR Impinge Onyx Pro-Mate Bifenthrin Talstar Tame Aloft Allectus Deltagard Permethrin 3.2EC Pounce Prevail Scimitar Photo: J Zimmers
Mower and Traffic Damage in Early August
Scald and Direct High Temperature Injury
Summer Patch and Scald
once we re past the August 15 point, pressures usually abate a bit
The Year of the Excessive Rainfall OR The Year of Excessive Cultivation Damage
The Perfect Core Cultivation Program
Back to Reality Sand issues Labor issues WEATHER PATTERNS!!! Equipment problems Golfers Photo: J Zimmers
Common Factors Contributing to the Damage q Poorly draining root zones or those with excessive moisture holding capacity q Bad microenvironments q Damage was worst on Poa annua
A Weakened Green Pushed Over the Edge
Coring on a worst draining green on the course
Damage on Perimeters and Wet Areas
Damage Where Brush Operator Turned
Coring Flares up Summer Patch
Tip burn from kiln-dried topdressing sand Photo: D Marcinek
Impact of Topdressing on Canopy Temperatures Danneberger, Ohio St Univ. 2006
When is the best time for Cultivation? It depends April-June August
Advantages to Coring In Late August q Rapid recovery due to warm soil temps q Plenty of available labor q Possible lull in golf calendar? q Poa annua emergence
Take home point: > 90 % emergence occurred by early December Kaminski and Dernoeden, 2007 Crop Sci.
Cultivation Planning Challenges
Cultivation At Night??? Photo: T Pepe
Cultivation Planning Challenges A Backup Date is Essential!!!
Long Term Solutions Drainage!!!
Realistic expectations for root zone performance
Long Term Solutions Rebuild to sand-based greens $5-8 ft 2 Lost revenue? Tolerance of course closure? Not aware of any serious damage on a sand-based green that drains well
Aggressive cultivation and topdressing needed to maintain highly functional root zones!!!
Sand By-Pass Systems 24-48 hr course closure $2-2.50 ft 2 Need to manage drain lines w/hand water and supplemental N Internal drainage and regrassing?
Drill and Fill Aeration
Deep Tine Aeration
Improving Sunlight
Environmental Changes under Shade Relative Humidity Increased Restricted Air Movement Temperature Moderated Competition from Tree Roots = INCREASED DISEASE PRESSURE AND REDUCED WEAR TOLERANCE
Winter Tree Removal Photo: J Zimmers
Thank You Adam Moeller USGA Agronomist Northeast Region amoeller@usga.org
Adam Moeller USGA Agronomist Northeast Region amoeller@usga.org