STOP 1. Dr. Paul Rieke

Transcription

1 STOP 1 Dr. Paul Rieke Bentgrass Variety Evaluation. Twenty bentgrass varieties, both seeded and stolonized, were established in They are mowed daily at 1/4 inch (Plot C-3) and 1/2 inch (A-l). Nitrogen is applied at two rates, 4 and 7 lbs. per year. This test is to compare seeded bents with selected stolonized bents. Area A-l is maintained at lawn, tee, or fairway height of cut (1/2 in.) and area C-3 at greens height (1/4 in.). Established in 1968, seedings of some varieties were not successful and these were overseeded in May, All stolonized varieties established readily (Table 1). Bentgrass varieties established in 1961 may also be seen. Toronto, Penncross and Cohansey continue to rank superior in overall performance under greens conditions. TABLE 1. Bentgrass Varieties (6' x 10' plots.; 3 reps; planted September 30 (C--3) and Oct. 4, 1968 (A-l) Visual Quality Rating Seeded Planting Stock (1-best; 9-poorest) or Available Variety 11/22/68 3/15/69 Stolon Origin in U. S. A.? Astoria Seed Oregon Yes Bardot Seed Holland No Boral Seed Sweden No Brabantia Seed Holland No BT 306 Browntop Seed New Zealand No Cohansey Stolon New Jersey Yes Emerald Seed Sweden No Exeter Seed R. I. Yes Highland Seed Oregon Yes Holfior Seed Holland Yes Kingston (velvet) Seed R. I. Yes MSU-18-AP Stolon MSU No MSU-28-AP Stolon MSU No MSU-38-AP Stolon MSU No Nr Seed Holland No Penncross Seed Pa. Yes Pennpar Stolon Pa. Yes Seaside Seed Oregon Yes Toronto Stolon Ontario Yes

2 STOP 2 John King Sod Rooting Study, Comparisons of the rooting, after transplanting in 12 x 12 inch fiberglass screen-bottomed frames, of Merion Kentucky bluegrass sod produced on mineral and organic soils are being made. The two sods were produced under similar management systems and were in good marketable condition when transplanted on August 6, A "seedbed* 5 was prepared on the underlying sandy loam soil and a ratio fertilizer was incorporated into the surface 2 inches at a rate of 1 lb. N per 1,000 sq. ft. The sod received from 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water daily at midday for the first three weeks and was irrigated as needed thereafter. Regular mowing at 1 1/2 inches was practiced. The sod rooting frames were lifted vertically with a block and tackle arrangement. Table 2 gives the average (over 4 replications) vertical lifting force in pounds per sq. ft. required to break the roots. Sod requiring more than 25 lbs. lifting force is considered well rooted. To date, the rooting of sod grown on both mineral and organic soil has been satisfactory. This study will be continued over a two year period. Table 2. Average (4 reps) vertical lifting force (lbs/sq. ft.) required.. Sod Type Dates /20 8/27 9/3 10/7 11/6 5/5 7/8 8/11 ilineral Organic Earlier research (1966 and 1967 seasons) on the rooting capability of organic vs. mineral grown sod verified several recommendations for successful sodding. These results were obtained from a series of seven 21 day tests where the sod was transplanted into 10 x 10 x 18 inch deep, glass faced root observation boxes. Data on root organic matter production and counts of roots visible on the glass face of the boxes were obtained. The effects of water rates, soil moisture content at the time of sod laying, depth of sod cutting, and the soil type upon which the sod was laid were investigated. Proper water management is the most critical factor in successful sodding. Rooting occurred most rapidly when the sod was laid on moist soil. For 2-3 weeks after laying, the sod should be watered daily at rates that

3 keep the sod from drying out and the underlying soil moist but not saturated. This is usually 1/3-1/4 inch of water daily but can vary with weather and soil conditions. Laying sod on a 1:1 topsoil-subsoil mixture or on topsoil resulted in increased root production compared to a clay subsoil. Proper soil preparation and fertilization is as important for sodding as for seeding. Greater root organic matter production occurred when sod was harvested at a standard (3/4 ) rather than at a thin (3/8 f ) depth. Sod grown on organic soil produced more root organic matter than sod grown on mineral soil. STOP 3 Dr. Joseph II. Vargas Systemic Fungicide Evaluation. Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homecarpa) is a very common problem on bentgrass greens and other areas where bentgrass is grown. It occurs throughout the growing season in Michigan but is most prevalent during the cool weather of the spring and fall. Brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani) is a less common disease in most of Michigan with the exception of the southern portion of the lower peninsula. This disease occurs during the hot humid weather of summer. It was quite extensive in the Lansing area this summer but unfortunately, it did not develop on the experimental plots. This experiment is an attempt to control these two diseases x^ith some of the systemic fungicides. The systemics differ from the ordinary contact fungicides in that they are taken up by the plant where they can (a) prohibit the further spread of a disease which may be present, or (b) prevent any new infection from taking place. Because of the systemic properties of these chemicals, it is hoped that they will be long lasting and reduce the number of applications normally required to control these diseases. This should help reduce the high labor costs involved in more frequent applications. The results after two applications are given in Table 3.

4 Table 3. Dollar Spot Control on Toronto Creeping Bentgrass. Chemical Rate (oz/1000 sq. ft.) Spots on 7/22 before spraying Spots on 8/12 after 1 or 2 sprayings TBZ TBZ TBZ 1 1/mo * TBZ 2 1/mo * MF MF MF MF /mo * MF /mo * MF /mo * MF Phenmad 1 ( ) ( ) Thirmad 2 1/ Check *Sprayed once on 7/22 All others sprayed twice on 7/22 and 8/5.

5 STOP 4 Dr. James B. Beard Winter Desiccation Control. Eighteen types of covers were evaluated for effectiveness in ti«winter protection of a Toronto creeping bentgrass turf cut at.25 inch. Materials evaluated included polyethylene, Saran-94%, WX246, S-782-1, S-782, Soil Retention Mat, Saran-63%, Famcomat, Poly-1, topdressing, Wiltpruf, and Tuff.lote. The specific characteristics investigated were (a) insulating value, (b) desiccation prevention, (c) spring greenup, and (d) physical stability. Evaluations have been conducted under both controlled climate and field conditions. WX246, S-782 and the Soil Retention Hat have given good insulation, desiccation protection and spring greenup. The spring greenup and winter desiccation protection of Saran-94%, Famcomat, and the polyethylene cover were excellent but the temperature insulating value was inferior. Wiltpruf was not any better than the untreated check plot. The initial year of study indicates that it is feasible to develop a combination cover for both low temperature and desiccation protection.

6 STOP 5 Robert Shearman Red Fescue Variety Evaluation: Red fescue is best adapted to droughty, sandy soils and shaded areas maintained at a low intensity of culture. Fortyfive red fescue varieties were established in two tests in Twentyone are included in the Northeast Regional Test (Table 5) and twenty-four more in the second test (Table 6). Experimental strains established in 1964 are in area E-5. As yet no variety has been developed with strong resistance to leafspot. Jamestown has been equal or superior to Pennlawn in appearance. Wintergreen had excellent color and quality until it and all varieties were attacked by leafspot in July. Pennlawn has good tolerance to drought and low temperature. TABLE 5. Fine Leaved Fescue Varieties I Northeastern Regional Test (5* x 8' plots; 3 reps; planted Sept. 13, 1968; Plot area E-3) Commercially Rate of Establishment Available Variety (F=*fast; M=medium; S«slow) Origin in U. S. A.? Arctared M Alaska No* Barfella Chewings M Holland No BL-127 Chewings H New Zealand No Boreal F Alberta, Can. No* C-26 S 0. M. Scott's No Cascade Chewings M Oregon Yes Common Chewings M New Zealand Yes Duraturf M Ontario, Can. No Erika Chewings 11 Sweden No Golfrood M Holland No Highlight Chewings F Holland No Illahee M Oregon/USDA Yes Jamestown S R. I. No* Oasis u Holland No Olds F Alberta, Can. Yes Pennlawn M Penn. Yes Ruby F Holland Yes S-59 M England No Sceempter Chewings F Holland No Tjelvar F Sweden No Wintergreen M MSU No* *Has been released.

7 TABLE 6. Fine Leaved Fescue Varieties II (5* x 8 1 plots; 3 reps; Sept. 13, 1968; Plot area E-4) Rate of Establishment Commercially Variety (F=fast; M»medium; S^slow) Origin Available in U.S.A.? Bargena M Barenbrug's No Bergere M France No Brabantia M Holland No Cottage M France No Dawson S England No Echo F Denmark No Elco M Denmark No N2-65 M Northrup King No Oregon D M Oregon No Oregon K M Oregon No Polar S Sweden No Rainier M Ore./USDA Yes Reptans F Sweden No Rubin M Sweden No Sceempter F Holland No Steinacher F Nungesser No Syn 1-64 M MSU ' No Wintergreen M MSU No* *Has been released.

8 STC-P 6 Prof. Stuart C. Hildebrand Bluegrass Variety Evaluation. The Kentucky bluegrasses are best adapted to unshaded areas having moist soils with a pk near neutral which are maintained at a medium to high intensity of culture. Two bluegrass variety tests containing 66 entries were planted in 1968 (Tables 7 and 3). Several experimental strains in addition to those reported are under test. Rate of establishment, origin, and availability of seed, as well as can be determined, are reported. Ratings in 1969 indicate that Merion, Fylkin^ and Pennstar have excellent general appearance throughout the season. TABLE 7. Bluegrass Variety Evaluation I (Northeast Regional Test) (4' x 6' plots; 3 reps; planted Sept. 13, 1968; Plot Area F-4) Rate of Establishment Commercially Variety (F«fast; M«medium; S=slow) Origin Available in U.S. A-34 S Warren Yes Arista M Holland No Ba 6124 M Scott Seed Co. No Belturf S USD A No Campus?I Holland No Cougar s Washington Yes Delta s Alaska No* FyIking M Sweden Yes Geary F Jacklin Yes K-107 S Penn. No K-162 M Penn. No Kenblue M Kentucky Yes Merion S Penn. Yes Minn-6 M Minn. No NJEP-56 S New Jersey No NJEP-114 S New Jersey No Newport M Wash./Ore. Yes Nuggett S Alaska No* PPI M R. I. No Palouse F Wash. No

9 Park S Minn. Yes Pennstar M Penn. No* Prato S Holland Yes Primo M Holland Yes S-21 F Jacklin Seed Co. Yes So. Dakota Cert. M So. Dak. Yes Sodco S Purdue No* Southport S Sweden No WK-408 M Sweden No WK-411 S Sweden No WK-412 S Sweden No Windsor M Scott Seed Co. Yes Zwartberg M W. R. Grace No *Have been released. Table 8. Bluegrass Variety Evaluation II.* (4* x 6 5 plots; 3 reps? planted Sept. 17, 1968; Plot Area G-4) Variety Rate of Establishment (F=fast; M=raedium; S=slow) Origin Commercially Available in U.S. A-10 (Veg.) Warren Yes A-20 (Veg.) Warren Yes Adorno - Holland No Arboretum M Mo. Yes Atlas F Sweden No Bar 643 M Holland No Baron M Holland No Captan M Holland No Delft S Holland Fusa S Germany No Golf M Sweden Yes Hunsballe Soma M F. Hunsballe No Nike F Denmark No Silverblu M Ore. No SK-46 F Sweden No Skandia II F Sweden No Spaths S No Sydsport S Sweden No Troy F Mont. No 59 M Holland No *Twenty-one named bluegrass varieties and 12 experimental strains were included in this test. The experimental strains are not listed.

10 STOP 7 John Kaufmann Tall Fescue and Ryegrass Evaluations; The tall fescues are not recommended for use in quality lawns in Michigan. They are bunchy, coarse textured and lack low temperature hardiness. The use of ryegrasses in Michigan is limited to temporary use situations where rapid establishment is desired. All the ryegrasses under evaluation have poor mowing quality. Established in 1968 were 10 tall fescue varieties and 17 ryegrass varieties. (Table 9). Manhattan perennial ryegrass has had excellent color and appearance through the first season. Seed of MSU winterhardy Festuca pratense was not available for this planting. Plots of the MSU selection which were seeded in 1962 may be seen in Area F5~a. TABLE 9. Tall Fescue and Ryegrass Varieties (5* x 7' plots, 3 reps; seeded Sept. 17, 1968, Area H-5) Rate of Establishment Commercially Variety (F«fast; M«medium; S*slow) Origin Available in U.S. Tall Fescue: Alta F Oregon Yes Backafall F Sweden No Fawn F Oregon No Kentucky 31 F Kentucky Yes Kenwell F Kentucky Yes Oregon B M Oregon No S 170 M England No Ryegrass: Ariki F New Zealand No Bocage M France No Brabantia M Holland No Combi F New Zealand No Linn M Oregon Yes Manhattan M New Jersey Yes MSU diploid F Michigan No MSU Allotetraploid F Michigan No MSU Syn S Michigan No NK-100 M Northrup King No MR F Holland No Norlea S Canada Yes Pelo M Holland Yes Ruaniu M New Zealand No S-23 M England No Sceempter M Holland No Viris F Sweden No

11 Bluegrass Blends. A blend of two, three, or four improved Kentucky bluegrasses, is definitely preferred to the use of a single variety. Since all available varieties have certain weaknesses, especially in terms of disease resistance, the blending of several improved varieties will result in a better overall turf. No great differences have been observed over a period of seven years among the six blends which contain Merion as a component. A blend is also more adaptable to a range of soil and cultural conditions. STOP 8 A1 Turgeon Broadleaved Weed Control. A general evaluation of several herbicides used alone, in combinations, and in conjunction with non-phytotoxic oils for controlling, broadleaved weeds in turf. Treatments were applied August 15, Activated Charcoal Study. Perennial ryegrass was established in the spring of 1969 and treated in August with dalapon and amitrole. Activated charcoal was applied, one week later, following rotatilling and finegrading of the area. The purpose of this study is to determine whether activated charcoal can be used to reduce the time period between application of non-selective herbicides and seeding.

12 STOP 9 Dave Martin Chemical and Physical Investigations of Thatch. Under certain conditions thatch can be a problem in bluegrass, red rescue, or bentgrass turfgrass areas. Accumulation of this tightly compacted layer of living and dead plant parts creates a favorable microenvironment for disease activity, increases susceptibility to drought, and inhibits adequate aeration and water movement into the soil. A long term study of iierion cultural systems is designed to evaluate thatch accumulation under two clipping heights, clipping return vs. removal, mechanical thatch removal vs. none, and six nitrogen rates compared in all combinations. Laboratory techniques involve a physical and chemical description of the thatch layer. Rates of thatch accumulation between species of grasses are being compared to the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents of the leaves, stems and roots. STOP 10 Dr. William F. lieggitt Preemergence Herbicide Build-up. A turf tolerance study was established in 1964 to observe the effects of repeated applications of eight pre-emergence crabgrass herbicides on desirable turfgrass species. Eight herbicides have been applied, both annually and biannually, to established Herion, common Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue. Red fescue was damaged from yearly applications of bandane, benefin, and DCPA. In addition, injury was apparent from DCPA applied every second year. Common Kentucky bluegrass was seriously injured from yearly applications of bensulide and from all terbutol treatments. Herion Kentucky bluegrass was injured from yearly applications of bandane and bensulide. Research at other institutions has shown that damage to the root systems, of these grasses, often develops from pre-emergence herbicide applications. This type of damage is sometimes detected in the turf as a tendency towards wilting under environmental stress.