The Florida Turfgrass Association’s (FTGA) Annual Conference and
Show was held several weeks ago in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
In the previous Florida regional update, John Foy mentioned some
interesting information on the future of methyl bromide,
discussed by Dr. Bryan Unruh. Several other turf management
topics were discussed as well, and a few of the highlights
included:
* Dr. Billy Crow presented data on several new effective
products that may soon be available for managing nematodes on
golf courses. For years, Dr. Crow has evaluated Nemacur (fenamiphos)
alternatives, since it is no longer available for golf courses;
but he has had limited success. Curfew (1,3-D) is generally
effective, but can only be applied once yearly. Dr. Crow
recently has been working with a biological organism called
Pastueria usgae (named after the USGA, since it was discovered
under a USGA research grant). Excellent results were observed in
greenhouse trials, but mixed results occurred in field trials. A
new company is working on improving methods for applying the
organism that may improve efficacy. Other products are providing
excellent results, but due to licensing agreements, they cannot
be discussed at this time. Dr. Crow is hopeful that commercial
products will be available within the next two to three years.
* Dr. Barry Brecke mentioned that the herbicide MSMA may have a
slight reprieve in its removal from the turf market. It was due
to be removed this year, but the manufacturer is challenging the
EPA to save the chemical. There are alternative herbicides for
many weeds that MSMA controls, but they generally are more
expensive. Also, several major weeds cannot be controlled with
other products, and they include dallisgrass, thin paspalum,
bull paspalum and tropical signalgrass. As a result, maintaining
good golf course playing conditions with fewer tools will be
much more difficult with the loss of MSMA.
* Water quality and conservation was discussed by several
speakers. Water is one of the most important issues facing golf
course superintendents, and restrictions seem to be tightening
each year. I was excited to learn of a resource offered by water
management districts throughout our region. A mobile irrigation
laboratory will provide a free evaluation of your irrigation
system. Simply request an evaluation from your water management
district to see how you can make your system as efficient as
possible.
The FTGA conference is one of many educational conferences that
USGA agronomists attend each year to provide golf courses with
cutting edge information on improving playing conditions and the
environment. These same opportunities are available for golf
course superintendents as well, and it is important to support
their education, as your golf course will reap major benefits.
Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625 |
