Managing root-knot nematodes in warm-season turfgrass

A nematologist outlines the life cycle and behavior of these microscopic organisms, a new method for diagnosis, and current tools for control.

Nitrogen fertilizer costs and turfgrass response

Are some pricier nitrogen sources a better value in the long run? Researchers looked into the claim, measuring turf’s responses to 10 N sources and the cost to achieve such responses.

Turfgrass nutrition recommendations: SLAN vs. MLSN

Michigan State researchers compared greens fertilized according to the different philosophies to see whether one resulted in better turf quality.

Verdure: What to dew about dollar spot

A Penn State study looked at the influence of dew removal and mowing frequency on dollar spot control, testing the practices alone and in combination with fungicide use.

Turfgrass drought survival and recovery

Just how little water is enough to pull turf through drought? Researchers investigated the minimum irrigation requirements of three turfgrass species.

Fine fescues vs. foliar shade

Not all shade is created equal. Researchers examined various fine fescues’ responses to foliar shade alone, which can have a different impact on plant growth and development.

Improving turfgrass survival of ice encasement

Could priming turf with certain chemicals give it a leg up on winter stress? Researchers investigated the impacts of various treatments on annual bluegrass recovery from prolonged ice cover.

Fine fescues for golf course putting greens

With fine fescues already furnishing lower-input fairways and roughs, researchers evaluated the grasses’ performance as putting greens under minimal management.

Robotic mowers and turfgrass cut quality

Robot vs. rotary: Research at the University of Kentucky compared the mowers’ effects on leaf cut quality and leaf tip chlorosis.

Combination fungicides for improved turfgrass disease control

Treatments with more than one active ingredient can reach a broad range of pathogens with increased efficacy and reduced resistance risk. Learn about different options and which diseases they target.

Effects of golf cart traffic and drought on turfgrass

Suboptimal growing conditions can make managing cart traffic even more challenging. Here, a look at different turf species’ responses to combined drought and cart stress at different mowing heights.

Verdure: An ode to Tom Watschke

The turfgrass scientist’s early work helped shape our understanding of turf physiology and tolerance to high temperature stress. Plus: Watch a national morning show’s 1990 interview with Dr. Watschke.

Turfgrass responses to prolonged heat stress

Research on 34 cultivars and accessions from 14 cool- and warm-season grasses offers greater guidance on selecting surfaces to withstand extended periods of heat.

Rhodesgrass mealybug in turf

The invasive insect is an emerging pest of both cool- and warm-season greens. Entomologists detail its life cycle, cultural and biological controls, and findings from recent insecticide experiments.

Heavy metal effects on golf course greens

Certain products and soil conditions can expose turf to elevated levels of copper and zinc. Researchers examined the impacts of the heavy metals on two warm-season turfgrasses.

Verdure: Mind your prills and granules

What percentage of fertilizer granules get picked up by the mower, and does the loss affect turf health? A multisite study took a close look at granular fertilizer applications.

Dollar spot: Evaluating biological and oil-based fungicides

Researchers discuss findings from their tests of eight commercially available alternative controls for dollar spot in turfgrass.

Verdure: It’s not easy being green

Mike Fidanza, Ph.D., explores matters of color in turfgrass, from stand uniformity to the evolution of visual evaluation methods (complete with the musical stylings of a famous frog).

Spring management of annual bluegrass weevil

New findings on the reproductive phenology and feeding patterns of ABW during spring emergence suggest a need for changes to management practices to achieve more effective control.

Wetting agents for water conservation

Researchers tested 10 wetting agent treatments’ ability to sustain quality turf under deficit irrigation. Here’s how the different products and chemistries stacked up.