msue pesticide education turfgrass pest management (category 3a) care of turfgrass chapter 2
TRANSCRIPT
MSUE Pesticide Education
Turfgrass Pest Turfgrass Pest Management (Category 3A)Management (Category 3A)
Care of Turfgrass Care of Turfgrass Chapter 2Chapter 2
MSUE Pesticide Education
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Ecological Benefits of Ecological Benefits of TurfgrassTurfgrass
Oxygen Oxygen production production
Reduced erosionReduced erosion
Pollutant Pollutant absorptionabsorption
Reduced Reduced leachingleaching
CoolingCooling
Pesticide Pesticide degradationdegradation
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Turfgrass Disorders:Turfgrass Disorders:Non-PestNon-Pest
Improper species selectionImproper species selection
Lack of air movementLack of air movement
Too hot, dry or wet weatherToo hot, dry or wet weather
Too much or not enough nutrientsToo much or not enough nutrients
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Turfgrass Disorders: Turfgrass Disorders: Non-PestNon-Pest
Soil compactionSoil compaction
Competition from other plantsCompetition from other plants
Excessive wear or trafficExcessive wear or traffic
Too much thatchToo much thatch
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Turfgrass Disorders:Turfgrass Disorders:Non-PestNon-Pest
Improper height of cutImproper height of cut
Too much or little sunlightToo much or little sunlight
Poorly maintained mowerPoorly maintained mower
Improper irrigationImproper irrigation
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Turfgrass Disorders:Turfgrass Disorders:PestPest
Animal PestsAnimal Pests
Insect PestsInsect Pests
WeedsWeeds
Disease PestsDisease Pests
Pest problems are often the result, not the cause, of poor quality turf.
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Requirements forRequirements forHealthy TurfHealthy Turf
WaterWater
TemperatureTemperature
SunlightSunlight
Soil organismsSoil organisms
NutrientsNutrients
Soil type and Soil type and conditioncondition
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Water has the greatest influence on turf health and quality. Cooling takes place through transpiration.
Without sufficient water, I’ll go dormant.
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Temperature & ClimateTemperature & Climate Cool season grasses:Cool season grasses:
– Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, tall fescue, bentgrassfine fescues, tall fescue, bentgrass
Transition grasses:Transition grasses:– Tall fescue, bermudagrassTall fescue, bermudagrass
Warm season grasses:Warm season grasses:– Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, bermudagrass,
centepedegrass, bahiagrasscentepedegrass, bahiagrass
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Michigan is a cool -cold growing zone.
Shoot growth greatest between 60-75F.
Root growth optimum with soil temperatures between 50-65F.
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Temperatures above these ranges affect the entire grass plant.
Respiration
Photosynthesis =
Energy ShortageEnergy Shortage
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SunlightSunlight Required for photosynthesisRequired for photosynthesis
Species and cultivar preferencesSpecies and cultivar preferences
Most grasses require at least Most grasses require at least
partially sunny sitespartially sunny sites
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Shaded turfShaded turf
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Soil TypesSoil Types
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SoilSoil Soil is composed of:Soil is composed of:
– Inorganic particles (minerals)Inorganic particles (minerals)
– Organic matter (remains of Organic matter (remains of organisms)organisms)
– WaterWater
– AirAir
– Soil organismsSoil organisms
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An ideal soil contains:
• 50% organic and inorganic solid particles, and
• 50% open space (soil pores).
Pores are filled with water or air depending on soil type, drainage, and season.
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Soil TextureSoil Texture Percentages of sand, silt, clay Percentages of sand, silt, clay
particlesparticles
Sand Silt Clay
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SandSand Large particles & large poresLarge particles & large pores
– Limited water and nutrient holding Limited water and nutrient holding capacitycapacity
– Limited compactionLimited compaction
– Rapid water infiltrationRapid water infiltration
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ClayClay Small particles & small poresSmall particles & small pores
– CompactsCompacts
– Slow drainage & water infiltrationSlow drainage & water infiltration
– Holds moistureHolds moisture
– Holds nutrientsHolds nutrients
– Poor aerationPoor aeration
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Ideal SoilIdeal Soil Composite of soil particle sizes and Composite of soil particle sizes and
organic matter with:organic matter with:
– Good water and nutrient holding Good water and nutrient holding capacitycapacity
– Good aeration Good aeration
– Resists compactionResists compaction
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Soil pHSoil pH pH is a measure of soil aciditypH is a measure of soil acidity
1 7 13
Very Very AcidicAcidic
NeutralNeutral Very Very AlkalineAlkaline
5 7.5
Range for turfgrass
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pH affects nutrient availability. Determine pH with a soil test. Use lime to raise and sulfur to lower pH.
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NutrientsNutrients Nutrient holding capacity determined Nutrient holding capacity determined
by % of clay particles and organic by % of clay particles and organic matter.matter.
Nutrient levels constantly change in Nutrient levels constantly change in the soil.the soil.
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Even when you suspect turf is showing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, soil testing is the only reliable method of diagnosis.
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Nutrients: OverviewNutrients: Overview Nitrogen (N)Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorus (P or PPhosphorus (P or P22OO55))
Potassium (K or KPotassium (K or K22O)O)
MicronutrientsMicronutrients
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NitrogenNitrogen Used in largest quantitiesUsed in largest quantities
– Dry clippings are about 5% N by weightDry clippings are about 5% N by weight
Turf most responsive to NTurf most responsive to N
Deficiencies:Deficiencies:
– Poor color, growthPoor color, growth
– Symptoms develop easily because N Symptoms develop easily because N levels can change quicklylevels can change quickly 24-4-8
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NitrogenNitrogen Periodic applications needed for Periodic applications needed for
good quality.good quality. Do not exceed 1lb./1,000 sq. ft./appl.Do not exceed 1lb./1,000 sq. ft./appl.
– Do not over apply nitrogenDo not over apply nitrogen– Too much N = weak, lush turfToo much N = weak, lush turf
N can move and contaminate water N can move and contaminate water sources.sources.
24-4-8
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PhosphorusPhosphorus Important for:Important for:
– Root development, maturation, seed Root development, maturation, seed productionproduction
Practically immobile in the soilPractically immobile in the soil– Few soils deficient in PFew soils deficient in P
Deficiency: purpling of bladesDeficiency: purpling of blades– Do not confuse with cold weather Do not confuse with cold weather
colorationcoloration 24-4-8
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PhosphorusPhosphorus Can move with soil particles into Can move with soil particles into
waterways.waterways.
– Stimulates aquatic weed growthStimulates aquatic weed growth
50lbs./acre is adequate.50lbs./acre is adequate.
Except for new turf, apply only when Except for new turf, apply only when indicated by soil test.indicated by soil test.
24-4-8
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PotassiumPotassium Quantity used - second to NQuantity used - second to N Important for:Important for:
– Roots, wear, and stress toleranceRoots, wear, and stress tolerance Deficiency rarely visibleDeficiency rarely visible
– Yellow and dead blade tipsYellow and dead blade tips 3:2 ratio of N:K commonly used3:2 ratio of N:K commonly used
– Visual response: minimalVisual response: minimal24-4-8
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MicronutrientsMicronutrients Used in small amountsUsed in small amounts
– Iron, copper, manganese, etc..Iron, copper, manganese, etc.. May be limiting with pH above 7May be limiting with pH above 7
– e.g., iron deficiencye.g., iron deficiency– Iron applications provide short term Iron applications provide short term
benefitsbenefits
24-4-8
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Soil OrganismsSoil Organisms Contribute to organic matterContribute to organic matter
Aerate the soilAerate the soil
Process nutrientsProcess nutrients
Degrade pesticidesDegrade pesticides
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Prevent chronic problems by carefully selecting and installing turfgrass.
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Select grasses suited to growing conditions and planned use. Many varieties of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue are suitable for MI conditions.
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GrassesGrasses Species and varieties differ in:Species and varieties differ in:
– AppearanceAppearance
– Wear toleranceWear tolerance
– Maintenance requirementsMaintenance requirements
– Pest susceptibilityPest susceptibility
– Site toleranceSite tolerance
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Turf stands composed of several grass types are better able to resist pests and adapt to different environmental conditions.
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Blend:Blend:– 2 or more grasses of the same species2 or more grasses of the same species
Glade + Bristol + Cheri Kentucky bluegrassesGlade + Bristol + Cheri Kentucky bluegrasses
Mixture:Mixture:– 2 or more different species2 or more different species
Kentucky bluegrass + perennial ryegrassKentucky bluegrass + perennial ryegrass
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Some fescue and ryegrass varieties contain a fungus that is toxic to insects chewing on the plant.
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Planting ProceduresPlanting Procedures Eliminate weedy perennial grassesEliminate weedy perennial grasses
– Quackgrass, bentgrassQuackgrass, bentgrass
Rough grade to correct slopeRough grade to correct slope
Amend soil if neededAmend soil if needed
Analyze soilAnalyze soil
– Adjust nutrients and pHAdjust nutrients and pH
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Planting ProceduresPlanting Procedures Work soil to depth of 6 inchesWork soil to depth of 6 inches Remove stones and debrisRemove stones and debris Smooth grade areaSmooth grade area Apply starter fertilizerApply starter fertilizer Plant:Plant:
– Late summer is bestLate summer is best Rake, mulch, water the seedbed Rake, mulch, water the seedbed
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Post-Planting CarePost-Planting Care WateringWatering
MowingMowing
FertilizingFertilizing
Pest managementPest management
} Healthy Turf
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WateringWatering Amount and frequency depends on Amount and frequency depends on
weather conditions.weather conditions.
Keep moist - NOT wet.Keep moist - NOT wet.
Decrease amount and frequency as Decrease amount and frequency as roots develop.roots develop.
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MowingMowing Mow as soon as desired height is Mow as soon as desired height is
passed.passed.
Keep blades sharp and properly Keep blades sharp and properly adjusted.adjusted.
– Dull blades may pull up seedlingsDull blades may pull up seedlings
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FertilizingFertilizing A couple of weeks after seedlings A couple of weeks after seedlings
emerge or roots develop, apply 1/2 emerge or roots develop, apply 1/2 rate of 2-1-1 ratio fertilizer.rate of 2-1-1 ratio fertilizer.
Be sure to include K.Be sure to include K.
Water in fertilizer to prevent Water in fertilizer to prevent burning.burning.
24-4-8
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Pest ManagementPest Management Young turfgrasses can be sensitive Young turfgrasses can be sensitive
to pesticides.to pesticides.– Delay applications until establishedDelay applications until established– Use alternative strategiesUse alternative strategies– If a pesticide must be used:If a pesticide must be used:
Check label for rates on newly established Check label for rates on newly established turfgrassturfgrass
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Maintaining TurfMaintaining Turf Requires:Requires:
– WateringWatering
– MowingMowing
– FertilizingFertilizing
24-4-8
– AeratingAerating
– DethatchingDethatching
– Pest managementPest management
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Management practices must reflect the needs of the grasses, site conditions, and use objectives. Excessive maintenance may be wasteful or damaging.
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Watering
Too much? Too little? How often? When? Rainfall? Irrigation? Dormant?
No consensus, no simple answers.
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The amount of water lost by transpiration and evaporation from the turfgrass stand.
1 inch per week
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No single irrigation method meets season-long needs of a turfgrass stand. Make adjustments to keep the root zone moist, not saturated.
Daily, light irrigation (1/5”/day) has been shown to be effective.
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Irrigated turfIrrigated turf
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MowingMowing HeightHeight
– 2-3 inches for most turf 2-3 inches for most turf – Mowing short...Mowing short...
reduces root growth & vigorreduces root growth & vigor increases weed invasionincreases weed invasion
FrequencyFrequency– No more than 1/3 removed per cutNo more than 1/3 removed per cut
Enduring droughtEnduring drought– Increase height of cutIncrease height of cut– Mow during cool hours-not when wiltedMow during cool hours-not when wilted
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“Don’t Bag Them”
Clippings do NOT contribute to thatch.
Recycle plant nutrients.
Keep pesticides on the lawn.
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When clippings are removed, fertilization should be increased by 25-50%
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FertilizationFertilization Consider:Consider:
– Species and varieties of turfgrassSpecies and varieties of turfgrass
– Site conditionsSite conditionsSun, shade, wet, dry, soil type, slopeSun, shade, wet, dry, soil type, slope
– Utilization of the siteUtilization of the siteWear, utility, “picture perfect”Wear, utility, “picture perfect”
24-4-8
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Fertilizer CharacteristicsFertilizer Characteristics Water solubilityWater solubility Slow releaseSlow release Synthetic or “natural organic”Synthetic or “natural organic” Soil reaction effectsSoil reaction effects Burn potentialBurn potential Fertilizer analysisFertilizer analysis
– Complete: 21-4-8Complete: 21-4-8 24-4-8
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Fertilizer burnFertilizer burn
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Fertilizer BurnFertilizer Burn Don’t apply to wet Don’t apply to wet
or stressed turfor stressed turf
Apply evenlyApply evenly
Don’t spillDon’t spill
Use granules or Use granules or pelleted vs. pelleted vs. pulverizedpulverized
Water-in soluble Water-in soluble fertilizersfertilizers
Use insoluble, Use insoluble, organic formsorganic forms
Apply no more Apply no more than 1 lb./1,000 sq. than 1 lb./1,000 sq. ft. per applicationft. per application
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Clay soils drain poorly and easily become compacted.
Compactedsoils
Relieves compaction, stimulates root Relieves compaction, stimulates root growth. growth.
Core aerators more effective than Core aerators more effective than spike or slit aerators.spike or slit aerators.
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ThatchThatch Exists between green vegetation and Exists between green vegetation and
soil surface.soil surface. Tightly intermingled living and dead Tightly intermingled living and dead
stems, leaves, roots.stems, leaves, roots. A thin thatch layer:A thin thatch layer:
– Reduces compactionReduces compaction– Moderates soil temperature and reduces Moderates soil temperature and reduces
water losswater loss
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ThatchThatch Too much - over 1/2 inch:Too much - over 1/2 inch:
– restricts water, nutrient, pesticide and restricts water, nutrient, pesticide and air movementair movement
– may encourage disease & insect pestsmay encourage disease & insect pests
High N and rapid growth may High N and rapid growth may encourage thatch formationencourage thatch formation
Pesticide use may increase thatchPesticide use may increase thatch
Compactedsoils
Thatch ReductionThatch Reduction
Coring and processing the soil back into Coring and processing the soil back into the thatch is the best way to reduce the thatch is the best way to reduce thatch.thatch.
Composted thatch
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Shaded TurfgrassShaded Turfgrass SatisfactorySatisfactory
– rough bluegrass, fine rough bluegrass, fine fescuefescue
FairFair– tall fescue, perennial ryetall fescue, perennial rye
PoorPoor– Kentucky bluegrassKentucky bluegrass
Varieties make a Varieties make a differencedifference
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Shaded TurfgrassShaded Turfgrass Tree and shrub roots compete for water Tree and shrub roots compete for water
and nutrients.and nutrients.
Tree canopies = umbrella.Tree canopies = umbrella.
High humidity can increase disease.High humidity can increase disease.
Suggestions:Suggestions:
– Trim trees, reduce fertility, use tolerant Trim trees, reduce fertility, use tolerant grasses, mow high, irrigate carefullygrasses, mow high, irrigate carefully
– Plant ground coversPlant ground covers