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Using herbicides to control weeds is a well- established method in agriculture. This study compared liquid and dry formulants of Fiesta at different rates to determine pre and post-emergent control of weeds. The control of weeds was determined using visual ratings and point quadrat weed counts throughout the study. The visual ratings showed some significant differences between the treatments at various days after treatment. For the point quadrat weed counts, there were many significant differences between treatments at various days after treatment. Overall, there were statistically significant differences between the weeds but few between the formulants and rates of Fiesta. The liquid and dry formulants of Fiesta performed similarly in pre and post-emergence weed control. NeuDorff, Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Herbicides are often used on lawn height turfgrass to manage weeds. This study compared various rates of Fiesta liquid and dry formulations to determine its effectiveness of controlling broadleaf weed populations on lawn-height turfgrass. To analyze control of weed populations, NDVI readings, point-quadrat weed counts, and visual ratings were used throughout the experiment. There were no significant differences in the NDVI values between the treatments and the control. The point-quadrat weed counts showed some significant differences between the treatments and the control when using percent control and weed presence. Visual ratings also showed some significant differences between the treatments and the control. The different formulations of Fiesta performed similarly and reduced total broadleaf weed presence in this experiment. Dandelion populations showed phytotoxicity in response to herbicide application and control with herbicide application. NeuDorff, Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Maximizing the amount of water that reaches the rootzones is important for maintaining healthy golf greens. This study compared various wetting agent treatments on calcareous and siliceous sand putting greens to determine their capabilities of reaching soil root zones and their impacts on turfgrass properties. To document the effect of the wetting agents on the rootzone profiles over time, soil volumetric water content was taken throughout the study using a TDR probe. Visual ratings and NDVI readings were taken on a weekly basis as an indicator of turfgrass colour quality. Water droplet penetration tests (WDPT) were done periodically throughout the study to assess infiltration of wetting agents into the rootzones. There were few significant differences in TDR values between treatments and controls at various days after treatment on the calcareous sand putting green. The siliceous sand putting green had significant differences in TDR values between treatments and controls at certain days after treatment. There were no significant differences in visual ratings and NDVI readings on both calcareous and siliceous sand putting greens. On the calcareous sand putting green, there were significant differences in WDPT at 0 cm between the treatments and controls. On the siliceous sand putting green, there were significant differences in WDPT at 0-5 cm depths between the treatments and controls. Wetting agent applications improved water absorption on both calcareous and siliceous sand-based golf rootzones. Ontario Seed Company, Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Plant growth regulators are compounds applied on golf courses to control turfgrass height. This study compared Anuew (active ingredient prohexadione-calcium) and Primo Maxx (active ingredient trinexapac-ethyl) as plant growth regulators on a mixed-stand fairway of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass. Visual ratings and NDVI readings were taken as measures of canopy quality and colour on a weekly basis. Fresh weight and dry weight clipping collections were taken every 350 GDD as measures of plant biomass. Visual ratings and NDVI readings showed some significant differences between treatments and control. Clipping biomass (fresh weight and dry weight) showed significant differences between the control and the treatments but there were no significant differences between the two treatments. As the rate of application of Anuew increased, there was less clipping biomass. Anuew and Primo-Maxx performed similarly as they both effectively regulated the growth height of the mixed-stand fairway. Nufarm, Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Moss populations are damaging to a golf course if left unmanaged. This study compared a new compound (Moss-Aside) to the industry standard (Quicksilver) to determine effectiveness of controlling moss populations on a putting green during the fall and winter. Point-quadrat moss counts were conducted pre and post-treatment to determine percent population of moss and turfgrass. Visual ratings using NTEP scale were conducted post treatment for quality measures. There were no significant differences in percent population of silvery thread moss in the fall of 2018. There were significant differences in percent population of silvery thread moss between the treatments and control in the spring of 2019. Visual ratings showed some significant differences between treatments and control in the fall. Neither the Moss-Aside nor the Quicksilver treatments produced a significant percentage reduction in moss populations in fall versus spring. NeuDorff, Guelph Turfgrass Institute

To evaluate efficacy of various combinations of post-emergent herbicide formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Intelligro

To evaluate efficacy of various combinations of post-emergent herbicide formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Intelligro

The objective of this research project was to determine the effect of Fiesta chelated iron alone and in combination with liquid corn gluten meal on germination and emergence, plant survival, shoot and root growth of turfgrass weeds (large crabgrass, white clover, dandelion, and plantain) as well as turfgrass species (perennial ryegrass). Neudorff North America

The objective of this research project is to evaluate efficacy of various combinations of postemergent herbicides formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. The research took place in the fall period of the field season. Suncor

The objective of this research project is to evaluate the efficacy of various formulations of the sponsor’s herbicide products for control of dandelions, plantain, white clover and other broadleaf weeds in established turfgrass. Neudorff North America

The objective of this research is to evaluate and compare plots established with various turf seed mixtures in a low input non-irrigated trial and in a trial with typical proper home lawn maintenance. Scotts

The objective of this research project is to evaluate efficacy of various combinations of postemergent herbicides formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. The research was conducted during the summer field season. Suncor

The objective of this research project was to quantify the response of Kentucky bluegrass turfgrass maintained as home lawn to percentage of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer nitrogen in a blend with urea. Data collected included visual color, quality, and clippings biomass and canopy reflectance (NDVI). Koch Agronomic Services

The objective of this research project was to determine the release and sustainable growth maintenance of different fertilizer on turfgrass maintained at fairway heights. Data collected included visual color, quality, and clippings biomass and N content and canopy reflectance (NDVI). Koch Agronomic Services

The objective of this research project was to determine the efficacy of different seed coatings with three different irrigation regimes. Pennington Seed

The objective of this research project was to evaluate efficacy of various combinations of postemergent herbicides formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Suncor

The objective of this research project was to determine the effect of Fiesta chelated iron on germination and emergence, plant survival, shoot and root growth of turfgrass weeds (large crabgrass, white clover, and plantain) as well as turfgrass species (perennial ryegrass). Neudorff North America

The objective of this research project was to evaluate efficacy of various combinations of postemergent herbicides formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Neudorff North America

The objective of this research is to evaluate and compare plots established with various turf seed mixtures in a low input non-irrigated trial and in a trial with typical proper home lawn maintenance. Scotts

The objectives of this research project were to i. Evaluate the effectiveness of different formulas in time through a fertilization program. ii. Compare efficacy of new formulations against a positive control. iii. Assess the safety of different formulations. Data collected included the duration and strength of the color response following applications of the tested products, turf quality, uniformity, and density, and resistance of the turf to disease and other stresses. Ferti-Technologies Inc.

The objective of this research project was to evaluate efficacy of various combinations of postemergent herbicides formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Suncor

The objectives of this trial were to evaluate efficacy of various post-emergent herbicides formulations in targeted application for control of dandelion and narrowleaf plantain in turfgrass.

The objectives of this trial were to evaluate efficacy of various combinations of post emergent herbicides formulations for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass. Suncor

The objective of this research project was to compare the effects of the sponsor’s organic fertilizer products on performance, root and shoot growth of established Kentucky bluegrass home lawn turf on a soil rootzone under a standard and reduced fertilizer program. Visual assessments were taken for turf colour, quality, density, and uniformity, as well as canopy reflectance readings using normalized-difference vegetation index (NDVI). Total root growth was also measured through sample cores. No significant differences were found between treatments. TerraBioGen

The objective of this research project was to determine the performance of the sponsor’s fertilizer product at various rates on low maintenance home lawn type turf on a poor quality rootzone. Y. Zheng

The objective of this research project was to quantify turf response to a one-time application of urea-based fertilizers on Kentucky bluegrass turf on a soil rootzone. The longevity of turf when treated with urea, coated urea, and various blends was analyzed. Turf performance was assessed through visual ratings for colour, quality, density, and uniformity as well as through the use of a normalized-difference vegetation index (NDVI). Growth of shoots was measured through dry weights of clipping collections taken periodically throughout the experiment.All treatments gave a significant improvement in colour and growth compared to the untreated control. The fertilizer effects were observable within a week after treatment by the canopy reflectance data, and persisted in significant amounts until more than 10 weeks after treatment. The average gain of fertilized treatments over control was at least 2 ranks on the visual colour rating scale (6 to 8), or about 0.07 units on the NDVI. There were significant treatments differences in both strength of response and days to maximum release. The release across all treatments was stronger and slower in 2012 than in 2011. The pattern observed in 2012 was very different than the pattern observed in 2011. Agrium Advanced Technologies

The objective of this research is to evaluate and compare plots established with Cutting Edge Grass Seed to Ecolawn (or similar), Kentucky bluegrass blend and a three way lawn mix in a low input non-irrigated trial with two mowing regimes, weekly and seasonal. Cutting Edge Grass Seed

One of the greatest challenges for sports turf managers is to maintain good playing quality throughout the play season. This article discusses an overseeding project completed on sports fields at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. The project involved four different overseeding rates, perennial ryegrass and supina bluegrass as the overseeded species, and how their establishment was impacted by mowing height and overseeding frequency.

The objective of this research project was to compare the effects of the sponsor’s organic fertilizer products on performance, especially disease tolerance, of established creeping bentgrass/annual bluegrass putting green turf on a sand rootzone with a reduced fungicide program. Assessments on turf performance were done through visual assessments on turf colour, quality, density, and uniformity, as well as through canopy reflectance using normalized-different vegetation index (NDVI). Occurrence of dollar spot disease was also measured through visual assessments, lesion counts, point quadrat counts, and digital image analysis. Other than an effect of fungicide application, no significant differences were found between treatments. TerraBioGen

The objective of this research project was to compare the effects of various rates of the sponsor’s organic fertilizer products on performance, root and shoot growth of established creeping bentgrass/annual bluegrass fairway turf on a sand rootzone under a reduced fertilizer program. Turf performance data was collected through visual ratings of colour, quality, density, and uniformity as well as through canopy reflectance reading using normalized-difference vegetation index (NDVI). Root system growth was also measured by taking core samples and measuring dry weights. No significant treatment effects were detected in the experiment. TerraBioGen

The objective of this research project was to quantify turf response to a one-time application of coated urea fertilizers on Kentucky bluegrass turf on a soil rootzone. The longevity of turf response was compared between slow release and controlled release fertilizers. Turf performance was assessed for colour, quality, uniformity, and density through visual ratings as well as normalized-difference vegetation index (NDVI) readings. Shoot growth was measured through dry weights of clippings that were collected periodically. All treatments except one showed a significant improvement in colour and growth compared to the control plots. Fertilizer effects were seen within 10 days and persisted for the entirety of the 20 week data collection period. The average gain of fertilized treatments over control was 2.5 ranks in visual colour ratings or 0.12 units for NDVI. There were significant differences found between treatments in both strength of response and days to maximum release, again with the exception of one treatment. Agrium Advanced Technologies

Golfers love trees. In some cases it seems some golfers prefer trees to good playing conditions. Many people fall in love with the game of golf because it allows them to go out and experience nature and beautiful landscapes without having to drive 3 hours to a cottage. Indeed, the local golf course is right in the middle of their town or city. Unfortunately trees and healthy turf is a combination we often do not see. This article discusses the relationship between trees and turf in a golf course setting and suggestions for improved turf health.

Consistency is a word often used to describe the playability and the quality of a golf course. As technology and knowledge about diseases, insects, ecology and biology of turfgrasses has continued to improve, the ability to provide more consistent playing conditions has become more achievable. This consistency however, comes at a economic, agronomic and environmental price. The article explores the relationship of these issues, aspects on the golf course that contribute to consistency and playability, and how technology plays into the discussion.

The objective of this trial was to determine the efficacy of a mycorrhizal inoculant to influence establishment of creeping bentgrass at three different phosphorus rates. Root Rescue

The objective of this research project was to quantify turf response to a one-time application of coated urea fertilizers on Kentucky bluegrass turf on a soil rootzone. The longevity of turf response was compared between slow release and controlled release fertilizers. Agrium Advanced Technologies

This article discusses new technologies that can help the turfgrass manager conserve water and better manage turf. The manager can make the most out of new technology through proper calibration, learning the limitations of the instruments, and never using a “Set it and forget it” approach.

The objective of this research project was to determine the efficacy of formulations of Trichoderma harzianum on dollar spot disease and general performance of creeping bentgrass turf maintained as a putting green. Biophytec/Olivier Besnard

Herbicide NEU1173H decreases density and leaf rust when applied to turf. The intent of this study was to determine the crop tolerance of perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescue against the herbicide treatments of NEU1173H. Seven treatments of herbicides were applied to the turfgrass species in a randomized control setting. All three species were exposed to disease outbreaks and were affected by Fiesta treatment. The results showed thinning in the density of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. A correction was found relating weed growth in Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue plots with an application rate of NEU1173H. All turfgrass used in the study saw a decrease in canopy reduction after the application of 400 ml m-2 Fiesta. All the trials of Fiesta showed lowered outbreaks in leaf rust when applied to perennial ryegrass plots. However, by the end of the season, the turf in all treatments had fully recovered to untreated control levels. It has been recommended that further study be done on the disease effects. Neudorff North America

Athletic fields are under significant stress during the playing season, which, in southern Ontario and most of Canada for that matter, is from the time the snow melts until it falls again. The predominate amount of play, however, is during the spring and fall months when most turfgrasses are slowly breaking from or entering dormancy. Play on already slowly growing grasses results in increased mortality and the appearance of thin or bare patches. These areas leave openings for opportunistic weeds to encroach on the field. The article discusses these challenges and the potential for supina bluegrass as an alternative species for overseeding athletic fields.

Low risk herbicides are used to control weeds on turfgrass. This study assessed the use of NEU1173H on turfgrass infested with various weeds to determine efficacy of the product. Plots were rated pre- and post-treatment for turf color and quality, using visual assessments and NDVI readings. Weed presence was assessed pre- and post-treatment with point-quadrat counts and visual ratings. There was some phytotoxicity on the turfgrass as assessed by visual ratings in treated plots 1 DAT. Canopy reflectance was not significantly affected by any treatments relative to the control. There were slight decreases in weed presence from 2010 to 2011. There were few significant differences among the treatments apart from a slight rate effect in the control of broad leaved plantain. Neudorff North America

The objective of this research project was to quantify turf response to a one-time application of urea-based fertilizers on Kentucky bluegrass turf on a soil rootzone. The longevity of turf when treated with urea, coated urea, and various blends was analyzed. Agrium Advanced Technology

One of the best parts about working on a golf course versus working at many other urban outdoor jobs is that the grass cools itself via transpiration making golf courses much cooler than areas surrounded by pavement. The primary function of water taken up by the plant is cooling. This allows the plant to continue physiological functions such as photosynthesis and contributes to growth and recovery. The article discusses correct irrigation practices for summer and best practices to prevent heat scald.

Creeping charlie is an important weed that can infest homelawns. The purpose of the research was to test different rates of a low risk herbicide for efficacy on this and other broadleaf weeds. Neudorff North America

The objective of this research project is to determine the performance of the sponsor’s experimental slow-release compost/fertilizer products on Kentucky bluegrass turf on a soil rootzone. AIM Environmental

The objective of this research project was to determine the performance of the sponsor’s fertilizer product at various rates on low maintenance home lawn type turf on a poor quality rootzone. A significant rate effect was observed.

The objective of this research was to assess the tolerance of new seedings of different grass species to application and efficacy of the herbicide NEU1173H. Plots were located at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, in a tilled area that had been in mixed turf and white clover cover. The treatments were combinations of different grass species, timings, and rates of postemergent herbicide, as well as controls. The effects of timing of application on grass was quite different between species. Fine fescues did better with a later application, while perennial ryegrass did slightly better with an early application. Timing had less effect on Kentucky bluegrass.The early application was likely phytotoxic to the grasses, while the late application allowed the heavy weed pressure to suppress grass growth. Early application led to better grass development in the perennial ryegrass stand. NEU1173H suppressed weeds in a very heavily infested seedbed situation, but there were important differences, particularly between species and timing treatments. Perennial ryegrass was very competitive against weeds, and even the untreated plots were more than 75% grass by the end of the season. Even at the lowest rate of NEU1173H increased grass to more than 95%, and the ryegrass plots showed only slight differences between rates and timings. Kentucky bluegrass was less competitive, though even the untreated plots were 62% grass by the end of the season. The treatments had a bigger effect on Kentucky bluegrass than on the ryegrass, with the highest rate and best timing increasing the grass to over 85%. Neudorff North America

Agrium Advanced Technologies commissioned the following study to test the performance of fertilizer on Kentucky bluegrass turf. Data was collected on the strength and duration of plant colour after the trials. A closer look was taken at the effects on the soil and root zone, as well as the changes in uniformity, turf quality, density, and resistance to diseases. A variety of application rate trials were conducted as well as a controlled trial with unfertilized turf. The results confirmed that there was no discoloration or other adverse effects to the treated plots. A significant difference in canopy reflectance was observed among all the treatments. The turfs showed a strong positive correlation to the first treatment of fertilizer with a maximum NDVI increase of 0.1 unit and a difference in the colour of 3 points. A slight decline was seen midseason likely due to the initial colour response similarities. Overall significant differences in colour and strength were observed among the turf groups that received fertilizer treatment. Agrium Advanced Technologies

Almost every introductory turfgrass management course emphasizes the importance of proper turfgrass identification. Although emphasized, too often the reasons “why” are not explicitly stated. Most end users will likely say that there is one type of grass with the remainder of the vegetation being weeds on any given athletic field. Turfgrass professionals, however, know this is not the case. This article discusses the significance of being able to identify the different species of turfgrasses that are found on athletic fields and parks.

Herbicide, NEU1173H, is used to reduce the weed population in plots without harming the turfgrass. This study was conducted to observe the effects of NEU1173H when applied to turfgrass infected with broadleaved plantains, white clovers and dandelions. Turfgrass plots were treated with 4 different strengths and application rates of NEU1173H, 1 general herbicide and 1 control group. Minimal levels of phytotoxicity were seen on the turfgrass after initial treatment but dissipated after 2 weeks of treatment. Plots were pre and post-treatment were rated for turf colour and quality. The results showed that 35% of the plots were made up of weeds pre-treatment; this was reduced to 16% total post-treatment. The final observation concluded that the largest reduction of weeds was in clovers with only 12% left untreated, dandelions saw 17% untreated and broadleaved plantain had 26% untreated. Neudorff North America

This study tests the efficiency of PC Turf herbicide products when applied at varying rates and volumes. The turf was separated into 10 groups, 8 of which had different strengths and rates of WW1, 1 with a general herbicide, and 1 control. The presence of weeds was rated pre-treatment during treatment and post-treatment. After initial treatment evidence on broadleaf weeds of leaf curling and necrosis. The different trial groups yielded statistically significant differences in a non-linear pattern. The broadleaf weed composed 27% of the plot pre-treatment. After 2 weeks the broadleaf population decreased to 16% and decreased to after 10 weeks where it composed 11% of the plot. Similar patterns were observed in the visual weed ratings with a slight regrowth. The conclusion was made that greater volume and concentrations of x spray resulted in significant weed control, not unlike that of the general herbicide used. Suncor