Fine fescues for golf course putting greens June 2021 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 June 2021 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 June 2021 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 May 2021 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 May 2021 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 May 2021 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 April 2021 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 April 2021 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 April 2021 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 March 2021 Researchers discuss findings from their tests of eight commercially available alternative controls for dollar spot in turfgrass.
Verdure: It’s not easy being green March 2021 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 March 2021 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 February 2021 Researchers tested 10 wetting agent treatments’ ability to sustain quality turf under deficit irrigation. Here’s how the different products and chemistries stacked up.
Verdure: Nitrogen, a plant growth regulator and shade ... oh my! February 2021 Do different shade levels influence N plus trinexapac-ethyl’s effects on turf?
Do wetting agents influence putting green speed? February 2021 Claims that the products produce faster and firmer surfaces haven’t been thoroughly vetted, leading researchers to investigate seven wetting agents’ effects on green speed and more.
Reducing turfgrass damage from dog urine January 2021 Man’s best friend can be rather unfriendly to turf. Two studies looked into potential strategies for mitigating damage: more tolerant turf varieties and use of water repellents.
Verdure: B is for boron January 2021 A plant scientist and a pair studies offer insight on this essential plant nutrient and the effects of boron fertilization on turfgrass.
Effects of air and sand injection on soil physical properties January 2021 Air and sand injection have earned reputations as less disruptive methods of turfgrass cultivation. Researchers put the practices to the test.
Poa annua: Alternative control options December 2020 Lemon juice for Poa control? In the quest for non-herbicidal treatments, researchers tested several outside-the-box options. Here’s how they fared.
Effects of shade on warm-season turf water-use rates December 2020 Researchers gauged how moderate shade influenced the evapotranspiration rates of four bermudagrasses and two zoysiagrasses.