Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Turfgrass industry professionals and homeowners. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Turfgrass professionals attending conferences and field days acquired the latest information about turfgrass management options related to all cultural practices. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through attendance at conferenceand field day presentations, posting of information to the www.TurfFiles.ncsu.edu website, printed materials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Published research paper that developed a simulation model for use in comparing irrigation strategies in terms of water usage and changes in turfgrass quality under varying levels of water restriction. This model will be useful for water purveyors to predict impacts of irrigation restrictions during drought conditions. Public service presentations focused on providing information on Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Sustainable Turf and Golf Course Management. Much of this is based on research conducted on nutrient management and fertilizer source evaluations, cultivar adaptation evaluations and development of IPM strategies for dealing with pest and stress problems. Promoted at several green industry events the Turfgrass Irrigation Management System which is a decision aide for outdoor irrigation. This free public access program has helped save millions of gallons of water annually when adopted as part of an irrigation management program by all turf managers and homeowners. The Turfgrass Short Course enrolled 33 students and the overall course rating was 4.7 out of a possible 5.0. A program on IPM Strategies for New Zoysia and Bermuda Cultivars found the following value in this program at the regional conferences: 66% of 111 registered attendees in Wilmington would change/adjust some of their turf management practices and 69% received new information at the conference; in Raleigh 83% of the registered attendees rated the conference as good to excellent, 76% rated the value of the information as very good to excellent, and 82% indicated they could apply what they learned directly to their businesses; at the Western NC conference in Fletcher, 81% rated the conference as very good to excellent and indicated they would absolutely use the information in their businesses. The Sandhills Research Field Day attracted 108 attendees and 86% of those surveyed indicated they would use the information presented. The NC State Turfgrass Field Day at Lake Wheeler Road attracted 827 attendees, 80% of those surveyed indicated they absolutely would use the information presented and 94% rated the event very good to excellent. Continued to update the mobile application to provide information on lawn and landscape care for iOS and Android operating systems to provide 'Push' notifications. There are over 21,000 downloads providing instantaneous information on important turf issues. Pushed information to tens of thousands of North Carolinians on critical issues in turf care. Worked closely with the Green Industry Council, Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, and Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association on various turf industry issues.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Wilkerson, Gail, Greg Buol, Zhengyu Yang, Charles Peacock, Mary McCready, Kurt Steinke and David Chalmers. 2015. Modeling response of warm-season turfgrass to drought and irrigation. Agronomy J. 107(2):515-523
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Academic faculty, staff and students, both graduate and undergraduate, industry professionals, general public. Changes/Problems:Several proposals for funding to support the research objectives were submitted, none were funded. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Information on the water use of several turfgrass species was used to develop a model that can be used by water managers to predict consumptive water use under drought situations.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Wilkerson, Gail, Greg Buol, Zhengyu Yang, Charles Peacock, Mary McCready, Kurt Steinke and David Chalmers. 2015. Modeling response of warm-season turfgrass to drought and irrigation. Agronomy J. 107(2):515-523.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience:Academic faculty, staff and students, both graduate and undergraduate, industry professionals, general public. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes, popular articles on the water use rate study have been published and posted for all interested parties. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?One active project is developing a model for predicting irrigation requirements for water purveyors under drought condition so they can determine if they have capacity to handle demand or must consider water rationing strategies.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Information on the environmental fate of phosphorus from a swine lagoon generated fertilizer found that once intergrated into the soil environment, it was stable and posed no environmental risk. Another study documented the relationship between golf course water use, turfgrass type and soil characteristics in NC.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Peacock, C.H. and J.P. Gregg. 2014. Soil phosphorus stability from a swine-lagoon biosolid fertilizer used for roadside grass establishment. European J. of Turfgrass Science. Pp. 91-96.
Brady, H.M., C. Peacock, M.J. Vepraskas and D.A. Crouse. 2014. An investigation of the relationship between golf course irrigation and climate in North Carolina, USA. European J. of Turfgrass Science. Pp. 33-34.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience:Turfgrass science academic community, turfgrass management professionals, general public. Changes/Problems:Technician was laid off in 2012 and funding for another is not available. This will limit involvement to collaborative efforts with other faculty and graduate student. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue to collaborate on projects related to the above listed goals.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
• Collaborated on a project correlating turfgrass species, edaphic conditions and physiogeographic regions to turfgrass water use. This work will help define actual water use requirements for golf courses in differing regions of the state. • Collaborated on a rainwater harvesting project for stormwater management at a golf course in New Bern, NC. This project looked at alternatives to stormwater disposal through traditional means of stream discharge.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Peacock, Charles H., Daniel C. Bowman and Richard J. Cooper. 2013. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis Tifway) response to slow release fertilizers. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 12:551-559.
Rutledge, James M., Charles H. Peacock. 2013. Drought stress response of eight bermudagrass cultivars. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 12:415-418.
Cooper, Richard J., Grady L. Miller and Charles H. Peacock. 2013. Sprig establishment rate varies among zoysiagrass species and cultivars. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 12:201-206.
Cooper, Richard J., Damian Shea, Charles H. Peacock, Grady L. Miller and Christopher V. John. 2013. Influence of spray volume, post-application irrigation and canopy height on the persistence and distribution of prodiamine residues following application to a tall fescue lawn. International Turfgrass Society Research Jounral. 12:47-52.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Participated in eight programs addressing turfgrass cultural issues for professional practitioners and homeowners. Was project leader for development of a mobile application for Lawn Care information. The application can be downloaded for iOS and Android operating system mobile devices at www.lawncare.ncsu.edu. Taught CS 465-565 dealing with environmental issues related to turfgrass management with a total of twelve students. Provided grower guidance on environmental issues to several golf courses. PARTICIPANTS: Jenifer Jordan-Reynolds - website developer Grady Miller - PI Matthew Martin - Extension specialist TARGET AUDIENCES: Professional turfgrass managers Homeowners PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The mobile application for lawn care information was downloaded over 5,500 times during 2012.
Publications
- Hinton, Jason D., David P. Livingston III, Grady L. Miller, Charles H. Peacock and Tan Tuong. 2012. Freeze tolerance of nine zoysiagrass cultivars using natural cold acclimation and freeze chambers. HortScience 47(1):112-115.
- Kyle Briscoe, Grady Miller, Scott Brinton, Dan Bowman and Charles Peacock. 2012. Evaluation of 'Miniverde" bermudagrass and 'Diamond' zoysiagrass putting green establishment using granular fertilizer applications. HortScience 47(7):943-947.
- Peacock, Charles H. and Jenifer Jordan-Reynolds. 2012. NCSU Lawn Care App. NC CES publication AG-763W. www.lawncare.ncsu.edu.
- Peacock, Charles H., Grady L. Miller and Matthew C. Martin. 2012. Irrigation water quality problems: dealing with a management challenge. NC CES publication AG-759W.
- Peacock, Charles H., Rick Brandenburg, Lane Tredway and Fred Yelverton. 2012. A natural resource management plan for Lonnie Poole golf course at NC State University.
- Peacock, Charles H. 2012. Aerification of heavy clay soils. North Carolina Turfgrass: July/August pages 10-13.
- Rick Brandenburg, Lee Butler, Travis Gannon, Matthew Martin, Grady Miller, Charles Peacock, Rob Richardson, Lane Tredway, Leon Warren and Fred Yelverton. 2012. Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers. NC CES publication AG-408.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Water samples are taken from surface water from thirteen fixed sites on Lonnie Poole Golf Course and one site at Lake Raleigh and analyzed. Measurements such as temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen were taken using a 600 QS Multi-Parameter Water Quality Monitor from YSI Environmental Monitoring Systems. Zoysiagrass freeze trials were conducted using two inch plugs of four Zoysia japonica cultivars (JaMur, Palisades, Empire, and Ultimate) and five Z. matrella cultivars (Pristine, Zeon, Cavalier, Diamond, and Zorro). The plugs were naturally cold acclimated and the cold treatments were frozen using a programmable freezer. Greenup ratings on a 1 to 9 scale were used to rate the plugs at four weeks, with this rating being used to calculate the LT50 for each cultivar. Field evaluations were conducted on two turf species of a biological fertilizer additive that in other trials has been shown to allow up to a 25% reduction in nitrogen application while maintaining adequate turfgrass growth response and color. Water conservation efforts included updates to two websites which aid in determining irrigation requirements (www.TurfFiles.ncsu.edu/TIMS) and in documenting irrigation Best Management Practices (BMPs) (www.TERC.ncsu.edu/water). PARTICIPANTS: Charles Peacock, Project Leader, Department of Crop Science, NC State University, Raleigh, NC Jason Hinton, Research Technician, Department of Crop Science, NC State University, Raleigh, NC TARGET AUDIENCES: Homeowners, landscape contractors, landscape architects, golf course superintendents, athletic field managers, lawn care operators. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A total of 26 golf courses documented their water conservation Best Management Practices and how they could improve their water use efficiency. A seminar for 25 golf course superintendents attended a half-day seminar on Protecting Water Quality. Over 75 people attending a decentralized water/wastewater reuse conference learned about turfgrass irrigation using nonpotable water. Over 50 attendees learned about implementing sustainability practices in the landscape at a meeting. Over 75 attendees at two landscape architect meetings learned about water conservation using the irrigation management website. Over 125 attendees at a regional extension meeting learned about turfgrass BMPs for protecting water quality.
Publications
- Optimizing Residential Lawn Irrigation Under Water Use Restrictions. 2010. Zhengyu Yang, Gail Wilkerson, Charles Peacock and Gregory Buol, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Agronomy Abstracts (http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2010am/webprogram/Paper58903.html)
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research from field studies in the Southern Appalachia showed that multiple natural and anthropogenic factors affect nitrate concentrations in surface waters of golf courses. There was no indication that elevated nitrate levels resulted directly from golf course fertilization. An Environmental Resource Center for golf course information was developed and incorporated as a resource for the Golf Environment Organisatiion (www.GolfEnvironment.org). Drought management of turfgrasses was the subject of several seminars and workshops throughout the state. A website to document water conservation practices on golf courses was developed (www.terc.ncsu.edu/water). PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Professional turf managers, golf course superintendents, homeowners, commercial lawn care operators, commercial landscape contractors. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Several projects focused on developing and making available information water conservation Best Management Practices as well as documenting practices in use. Research was published on relative cold tolerance among bermudagrass cultivars. This information is critical in aiding turf managers in making a selection of bermudagrass cultivars where cold tolerance is an issue. Research was also published showing that a swine-waste material could serve as a more sustainable material for soil amendment rather than using peat moss which is becoming more limited in availability.
Publications
- Comparative Cold Tolerance of Selected Bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) Cultivars. 2009. J.M. Rutledge1, C.H. Peacock2, R.J. Cooper2, A.H. Bruneau2. 1Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054. 2Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 11:829-835.
- Suitability of an Animal Waste-Based Root Zone Mixture for Putting Green Construction. 2009. Aziz Amoozegar, Charles Peacock, and Christopher Niewoehner, Department of Soil Science and Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 11:1033-1040.
- Effluent application to creeping bentgrass in the transition zone: Effluent analysis and potential negative effects from salinity and low oxygen. 2009. Seth-Carley1, Danesha, Sarah Davis1, Daniel Bowman1, Lane Tredway2, Thomas Rufty1, and Charles H. Peacock1. Departments of Crop Science1 and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7620. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 11:1023-1031.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Jan CleanStreams seminar. NC Turf Conference Raleigh, NC Environmental Resource Center for Golf NC Turf Conference Raleigh, NC Developing water conservation and water quality management strategies for turfgrasses in North Carolina NC Turf Conference Raleigh, NC Feb Soil fertility and turf fertilization BMPs for environmental protection NC State Short Course Raleigh, NC CleanStreams seminar North-South Turf Association Charlotte, NC Mar Turf drought - extension agent in-service training Training on using and teaching others how to use, TIMS program Raleigh, NC WaterWise Works media training event Raleigh, NC Apr Audubon program for golf courses Vth International Congress of Golf and the Environment Malaga, Spain May Water conservation for NC - using the TIMS program Plants, Pests & Pathogens Raleigh, NC Water use issues for Cary Town of Cary Water Conservation Group Cary, NC Jun Use of the Turfgrass Irrigation Management System (TIMS) program SERA-IEG 16 meeting Wilmington, NC Jul Sustainability and the environment Rotary Club of Tarboro Tarboro, NC Aug Longevity of nitrogen from various slow release, readily available and organic sources applied to Tifway 419 bermudagrass. Turfgrass Field Day Sandhills Research Station Jackson Springs, NC PARTICIPANTS: Charles H. Peacock - PI TARGET AUDIENCES: All people in NC who irrigate turf areas would benefit from using the Turf Irrigation Management System (TIMS) decision aide. This group was targeted for media exposure. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Delivered the final report on a project to determine the suitability of alternative swine waste materials for performance as a turf fertilizer for NC DOT use. Project found no loss of P during runoff events nor any leaching of P from the applied source which would be of a concern environmentally. Projects were continued on nutrient management involving evaluations of slowly available fertilizers. These included determining the effectiveness of nitrogen combination sources on bermudagrass performance; evaluation of methlylene urea and coated urea products for turf performance; and characterizing nitrogen fate under golf course fairway conditions. These projects provided information on the use of nitrogen fertilizers that potentially have less environmental impact from a surface water and groundwater perspective. Public service presentations focused on providing information on Best Management Practices for Water Conservation and Water Quality Management. Much of this is based on research conducted on nutrient management and fertilizer source evaluations, cultivar adaptation evaluations and development of IPM strategies for dealing with pest and stress problems. Several TV and radio interviews focused on water conservation efforts and highlighted the Turf Irrigation Management System (TIMS) program which is a decision aide for determining the amount of irrigation necessary to sustain a turf area based on evapotranspiration and rainfall data. Over 2000 people are registered users in the state. A news release about this program was also picked up by several newspapers as part of the drought awareness program.
Publications
- Surface Water Quality Adjacent to Golf Courses in the Southern Applachia. 2008. Thomas Rufty, Dan Bowman, Grady Miller, Michael Jennette, Leon Warren, Danesha Seth Carley, Charles Peacock and Fred Yelverton. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Turfgrass Science and Management for Sports Fields. Acta Horticulturae 783:229-238.
- Peacock, Charles H, Grady Miller and Matt Martin. 2008. Lime and fertilizer suggestions for lawns. North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual Publication AG-1. NC Cooperative Extension Service.
- Bruneau, A.H., R.L. Brandenburg, Daniel C. Bowman, Fred H. Yelverton, H. David Shew, Charles H. Peacock and Richard Cooper. 2008. Pest Control for Professional Turfgrass Managers Publication AG-408. NC Cooperative Extension Service.
- Carolina Lawns. 2008 (revision.) Co-editor and contributor. NC Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin AG-69.
- Smith, J. and C. Peacock. 2008. Collation and dissemination of technical environmental information for golf practitioners. Abstract. 1st European Turfgrass Society Conference, Pisa, Italy, June.
- Development of a turfgrass irrigation management system for North Carolina. 2008. Abstract. 11th Annual conference of the North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute, Raleigh, NC.
- A new resource for environmental information for golf. 2008. Charles H. Peacock. NC Turfgrass, Jan-Feb. p. 36-37.
- New TurfFiles decision aid developed to help with water conservation efforts. 2008. Charles H. Peacock, Daniel C. Bowman, Jenifer Jordan-Reynolds, Mark Brooks and David Zahn. NC Turfgrass, May-Jun. p. 24-27.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
A company in North Carolina has developed a pathogen free organic soil amendment referred to as SuperSoil as a composted product using swine-waste solids and cotton gin residue. Field studies on the use of this material as a pre-plant soil incorporated fertilizer were completed. This material was compared to a more traditional inorganic fertilizer source. Studies on establishment performance and nutrient loss in runoff from both soil incorporated and surface application fertilized plots found that there was equal performance of the fertilizers during establishment and no significant difference in loss of phosphorus or nitrogen comparing the organic and inorganic materials in surface runoff. The long- term drought problems of this past summer brought more water restrictions and concerns about reducing irrigation use. A study on nitrogen and potassium ratios on creeping bentgrass and bermudagrass putting greens evaluated varying N:K ratios from 2:1 to 1:1. Turf response
including rooting depth and surface temperatures found no differences between the ratios. However, there was a significant difference between the two grasses as to root response and surface temperature when measured during an extreme heat stress period in August. Creeping bentgrass surface temperatures measured 8 to 10 degrees warmer and rooting depth was greatly reduced compared to bermudagrass. This study will continue with more detailed evaluations in 2008.
Impacts
The use of waste materials as soil amendments or fertilizers fits a niche on reducing the use of less sustainable synthetic fertilizer sources for pre-plant soil incorporation or surface application. These findings support that these materials can be used without environmental concerns of nitrogen or phosphorus loss in runoff. The use of high levels of potassium has been encouraged by turf managers as a way to promote more rooting and reduce heat stress. This study did not support using higher levels than a 2:1 ratio with nitrogen. This is important to turf managers in making decisions about fertilization strategies to reduce heat and drought stress.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
A company in North Carolina has developed a pathogen free organic soil amendment referred to as SuperSoil from hog-waste. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention of sand-SuperSoil mixtures of different bulk densities were compared with sand-peat mixtures commonly used for athletic field construction. On average, saturated hydraulic conductivity values for sand:peat mixtures were numerically higher than the corresponding Ksat values for sand:SuperSoil mixtures. The highest bulk density for each mixture had the lowest water content and the lowest bulk density had the highest water content at saturation. At 3 kPa pressure, the highest bulk density had the highest water content and the lowest bulk density had the lowest water content. The average water content and air-filled porosity for almost all bulk densities of 80:20 and 85:15 mixtures met United States Golf Association standards. Bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) is used as a turfgrass for athletic fields,
golf courses and home lawns in the US transition zone. New cultivars including Navy Blue, GN-1, Tifton-10, Quickstand, Celebration and Patriot were evaluated in low temperature stress treatments in 2003 and 2004. Plugs were removed from the field and exposed to low temperature stress treatments. Data showed that all cultivars survived a -1C exposure with Patriot performing better than the others. A -7C exposure resulted in Patriot, Quickstand, Navy Blue, and Tifton-10 all surviving, but with Patriot and Quickstand more tolerant than Navy Blue and Tifton-10. A study using excised stolons was also conducted with exposure to temperatures of +3C (control), -2C, -4C, -6C, -8C, and -10C treatments. Cultivar differences were most noted between exposure of -6C and -8C. Quickstand, Navy Blue, and Patriot had the greatest survival followed by GN-1 and Tifton-10. Patriot and Quickstand are the most cold tolerant cultivars followed by Navy Blue. There is concern that fertilization on golf courses
may contribute to nitrogen contamination of surface waters. Research was conducted to determine if nitrate concentrations became elevated as water passed through golf courses in the mountains of North Carolina. Surface water entering and exiting five golf courses was monitored over a three-year period, and on one course subsurface water was sampled. Analysis indicated nitrate levels varied during annually from 0.5 to 3.0 mg/l, but higher nitrate typically occurred during winter months (December to March) when no fertilization occurred. Higher nitrate levels occurred in feeder streams entering the courses which could be attributed to natural processes associated with plant and microbial ecology. Nitrate concentrations often decreased as streams flowed through the golf course areas, likely reflecting uptake by vegetation maintained on stream banks. Higher nitrate could be detected in wells located beneath fairways, but nitrate in the subsurface water was reduced to near background
levels in close proximity to surface water bodies, perhaps reflecting de-nitrification. The results indicate that nitrate fertilization on golf courses does not substantially contribute to surface water pollution.
Impacts
A renewable and sustainable source of organic matter for use in soil mixtures for athletic fields and golf courses will mean less dependency on a limited resource such as peat moss. The hog-waste biosolid product evaluated shows promise for use at these facilities for the future for turf managers. Information from these studies will aid turf managers in making more informed decisions about bermudagrass cultivar selection in those areas where cold stress tolerance is a concern. Golf courses now have more information about nutrient fate to counter claims of surface water problems arising from their management programs.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Studies are in progress which will determine the effects of fertilization with the proper nutrients and optimum timing to improve stress tolerance and secondary disease development. BMPs to further refine nutrient management using organic fertilizers are being determined for the fate of P and N and how to protect water quality.
Impacts
These studies will allow turf managers to make better informed decisions about turfgrass cultivar selection for different turf situations where stress and tolerance are important. Also important is the environmental fate of nutrients included as components of organic fertilizers. These studies will provide information about strategies for using these materials and their potential environmental impact.
Publications
- Peacock, Charles H., Mark S. Flanagan and Robert A. Dunn. 2005. Nematode Population Dynamics and Nematicide Efficacy On Bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. International Turfgrass Research Journal 10:746-752.
- Lee, David J. and Charles H. Peacock. 2005. Evaluation of Natural Organic Sources on Nitrogen Release and Turfgrass Quality. International Turfgrass Research Journal 10:956-961.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Brown-patch (Rhizoctonia sp.) is a disease that affects turfgrasses in NC. Turf managers rely on fungicides for disease control and use rates vary depending on disease management strategy. IPM programs strive to minimize chemical inputs. A second season of field experiments confirmed the sensitivity of isolates of Rhizoctonia solani (AG 1), R. solani (AG 2-2IIIB), R. zeae, and Pythium aphanidermatum to exposed to fosetyl-Al, azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin amended with salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), and phosphorus acid at six concentrations. Radial growth of the colonies on an amended agar was measured to determine the relative growth of colonies and compared to the growth of the colonies on unamended controls. Mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) was observed for all four isolates with the azoxystrobin amended with SHAM treatment. Effective concentrations for the 2-2IIIB, AG-1, P. aphanidermatum, and R. zeae were 0.113, 0.04, 0.022, and 0.027 mg L-1, respectively.
Azoxystrobin alone did not reduce colony growth by 50 % in the 2-2IIB and R. zeae isolates. Greenhouse studies showed no significant differences (p<0.05) between three phosphorus acid rates and disease incidence of R. solani in tall fescue. Gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea) is a disease of increasing importance of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in North Carolina. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of herbicide and nutrient treatments on gray leaf spot development. A second season of experiments evaluated herbicide predisposition for five chemical treatments: dithiopyr, fenoxaprop, 2,4-D+MCPP+dicamba, 2,4-D, and dicamba. Similarly, a nutrient suppression and timing study was conducted for the second season which had five nutrient treatments: phosphite (H3PO3), manganese (as MnSO4), zinc (as ZnSO4), potassium (as K2SO4), and silicate (as CaSiO2). Disease incidence and turf quality ratings were evaluated after foliar blighting was observed. The application of
selected herbicides did not significantly increase gray leaf spot incidence. Plots treated with 2,4-D exhibited fewer disease symptoms and greater turf quality. There was no evidence of gray leaf spot suppression with any of the nutrient treatments. Phosphite treatments enhanced gray leaf spot incidence and negatively affected turf quality. Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is well suited for many applications throughout the southeastern United States. Eight cultivars were evaluated for their cold tolerance including Tifsport, Navy Blue, Quickstand, GN-1, Tifway, Patriot, Tifton-10, and Celebration. Control plugs went directly into the greenhouse from the field, while all other treatments were exposed to either a -1C or -4C freeze stress. After a 24 hour period had passed, half of the -1C and half of the -4C treatment plugs were removed and placed in the greenhouse. These studies were conducted in February, 2004 to confirm the previous years results. Growth reduction was least in Navy Blue
at 85% and up to 99% in Celebration, Tifton-10, and Tifway in the 24 hour treatments. The study concluded that low temperature duration and cultivar selection are significant factors in stress survival.
Impacts
These studies will allow turf managers to make better informed decisions about bermudagrass cultivar selection for different turf situations where concerns about cold stress tolerance are important. They also provide information about disease management strategies for brown patch and gray leaf spot, two economically important problems in NC.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Brown-patch (Rhizoctonia ssp.) is a severe disease on turf in NC. Disease control relies on fungicide use but rates vary depending on management strategy. One goal of IPM is to minimize chemical inputs. Phosphite compounds are effective in controlling certain fungal pathogens. This study evaluated the effectiveness of phosphorous acid in vitro and in vivo. Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani (AG 1), R. solani (AG 2-2IIIB), R. zeae, and Pythium aphanidermatum were selected to determine sensitivity to fosetyl-Al, azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin amended with salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), and phosphorus acid at six concentrations. Radial growth of the colonies on an amended agar was compared to the growth of the colonies on unamended controls. Mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) was observed for all isolates with the azoxystrobin amended with SHAM treatment. Effective concentrations for the 2-2IIIB, AG-1, P. aphanidermatum, and R. zeae were 0.113, 0.04, 0.022, and 0.027 mg
L-1, respectively. Azoxystrobin alone did not reduce colony growth by 50 % in the 2-2IIB and R. zeae isolate. Greenhouse studies showed no differences (p<0.05) between three phosphorus acid rates and disease incidence of R. solani in tall fescue. Gray leaf spot, induced by Pyricularia grisea, is a disease of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in NC. The introduction of Rhizoctonia-resistant cultivars may increase the incidence and of gray leaf spot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of herbicide and nutrient treatments on gray leaf spot development. A herbicide predisposition study included: dithiopyr, fenoxaprop, 2,4-D+MCPP+dicamba, 2,4-D, and dicamba. A nutrient suppression and timing study had five treatments: phosphite (H3PO3), manganese (as MnSO4), zinc (as ZnSO4), potassium (as K2SO4), and silicate (as CaSiO2). Disease incidence and turf quality ratings were evaluated once foliar blighting was observed. The application of selected herbicides did not increase
gray leaf spot incidence. Plots treated with 2,4-D exhibited fewer disease symptoms and better turf quality. There was no gray leaf spot suppression with any of the nutrient treatments. Phosphite treatments enhanced gray leaf spot incidence and negatively affected turf quality. Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) cultivar selection in the transition zone is often based on its ability to withstand direct cold temperature stress. Eight cultivars were evaluated for their cold tolerance: Tifsport, Navy Blue, Quickstand, GN-1, Tifway, Patriot, Tifton-10, and Celebration. Control plugs went directly into the greenhouse from the field, while all other treatments were exposed to either a -1C or -4C freeze stress. After 24 hours, half of the -1C and half of the -4C treatment plugs were removed and placed in the greenhouse on February 5, 2003. The remaining plugs were exposed to a 72 hour stress period. All plugs exposed to the 72 hour treatments at both -1C and -4C temperatures perished. Growth
reduction was relatively least in Navy Blue at 85% and up to 99% in Celebration, Tifton-10, and Tifway in the 24 hour treatments. The study concluded that low temperature duration is significant, as well as cultivar selection.
Impacts
These studies will allow turf managers to make better informed decisions about bermudagrass cultivar selection for different turf situations where concerns about cold stress tolerance are important. They also provide information about disease management strategies for brown patch and gray leaf spot, two economically important problems in NC.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) grows under very stressful conditions during hot, humid summers in the southern and eastern United States. The practice of hand-watering and syringing has been utilized for many years as a management tool during this stress period. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of hand-watering and syringing on leaf water potential, canopy temperature, soil temperature, and turf quality of a creeping bentgrass green. A mature ?Penncross? creeping bentgrass green grown on a United States Golf Association specification root zone was treated with a syringing rate of 1.3 mm of water or a hand-watering rate consisting of 5.1 mm of water at 1300h on days when canopy temperatures were greater than 35 ?C. Treatment areas were replicated eight times on 1.5 X 1.5 m plots. Leaf water potential, canopy temperature, and soil temperature was measured before, and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes after treatment application.
Hand-watering plots consistently had higher leaf water potentials than the syringed and control plots. Additionally, syringed plots also had significantly higher leaf water potentials than the control plots. Typical ranges in mean leaf water potentials recorded for treatment dates were: hand-watered plots (-0.6 to -1.0 MPa), syringed plots (-0.9 to -1.3 MPa), and control plots (-1.2 to -1.7 MPa). There were immediate reductions in canopy temperature after hand-watering and syringing (2 to 5 ?C, 5 minutes after application). However, 30 minutes after application, canopy temperatures were back to control plot levels. Therefore, hand-watering and syringing treatments do not provide an extended cooling of the turf canopy, but rather improve water status of creeping bentgrass, as indicated by higher leaf water potentials. Soil temperatures were not affected by hand-watering or syringing in any year. Turf quality on both hand-watered and syringed plots was significantly higher than the
control plot levels for both years. Three studies were initiated in 2002 to evaluate several new nitrogen sources for turf performance and slow release characteristics. Two studies were initiated to development Integrated Pest Management approaches to dealing with disease problems.
Impacts
The practice of supplemental irrigation can occur in many forms. This information is important to golf course superintendents in warm, humid areas in that it demonstrates that hand-watering treatments may provide flexibility within an irrigation schedule by creating a preconditioning effect that allows extended times between irrigation cycles, depending on rooting depth and climatic demands. This may be particularly beneficial late in the season, when cumulative effects of stress are most apparent. Information on performance of nitrogen sources is extremely valuable to anyone applying nitrogen fertilizers to maximize their efficacy and minimize environmental impact which optimizing costs.
Publications
- Peacock, C.H., B.W. Bennett, Jr., and A.H. Bruneau. 2002. Effects of Syringing on Summer Stress Performance of Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L). Science and Golf IV:Proceedings of the World Scientific Congress of Golf (ed. Eric Thain), Routledge, London, pp. 610-619.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Projects were conducted regarding fertilization of perennial turfgrasses. Several new nitrogen sources were evaluated for field performance including a new methylene urea technology, a new coated urea material and an organic nitrogen fertilizer derived from swine waste. Another project evaluated the effects of varying nitrogen:sulfur ratios applied to bermudagrass under a sandy soil condition. This objective was to determine if supplemental applications of sulfur were necessary to maintain adequate tissue levels. Varying sulfur ratios had no effect on bermudagrass growth or nutrient uptake. Studies were completed on the physiological response of creeping bentgrass to irrigation management. This project found that midday irrigations on days when leaf surface temperatures exceeded 37 C were beneficial in maintaining higher leaf water potentials. The response was also dependent on the quantity of water applied. A supplemental volume of 0.5 cm was found to better
condition the plant to withstand heat stress than a 0.2 cm application. This was true even though the turf was already in a well-watered condition where soil moisture was not limiting. It can be surmised that the additional irrigation volumes are probably being absorbed by the more actively functioning roots in the upper part of the root zone or in the thatch layer. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of rolling on soil bulk density, putting green speed, turf quality, root mass, and thatch mass. Experimental `Penncross' creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting greens built on a United States Golf Association (USGA) specification root zone and on a Cecil gravelly sandy loam soil root zone were mowed daily and subjected to four rates of rolling (0, 1, 4 or 7 times per week) with a light-weight roller for a ten week period. Soil bulk density did not change for any rolling frequency on the USGA green. Rolling rates of 4 and 7 times per week increased bulk density on
the native soil green by 4 and 3% in the first year while no changes were detected in the second year. Turf quality was diminished for rolling rates of 4 and 7 times per week. Ball roll increased as the rate of rolling increased. Rolling rate did not alter root mass. Thatch levels were not affected by rolling frequency on the USGA green. On the native soil green, four and seven rolling treatments per week resulted in thatch levels 12 and 11% higher than the control. Rolling once per week appears to offer increased green speed without any deleterious turf effects.
Impacts
Determined that water and heat stress on creeping bentgrass putting greens is best handled by short intense irrigation rather than a light "syringing" approach. This results in the turf better able to handle diurnal stress and fight disease problems therefore reducing fungicide applications which are costly and potentially have an environmental impact. Concluded that using fertilizers or "growth enhancement" materials which included humates were of little to no value in a turf fertilization program, thus saving additional costs of purchasing and applying these materials. Found that additional sulfur applications at up to a 5 g/m-2 S rate are of little value on bermudagrass turf in affecting turf performance or soil pH levels. Thus the cost of purchasing and applying additional sulfur is not prudent. Addressed the issue of rolling putting greens and the effect this has on compaction and turf performance. Found that rolling one time per week was beneficial to turf
performance without affecting soil bulk density and a need for additional aerification.
Publications
- Peacock, Charles H. Irrigation Requirements for Turf Establishment under Supraoptimal Temperature Conditions. 2001. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. Vol. 9:900-905.
- Peacock, Charles H. Response of `Tifway' Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis) to N:S:K Ratios. 2001. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. 9:416-421..
- Bennett, Jr., Benny W. and Charles H. Peacock. Effects of Hand-watering and Syringing on Summer Bentgrass Management. 2001. (accepted for publication in Proceedings of World Scientific Congress of Golf).
- Hartwiger, Christopher E., Charles H. Peacock, Joseph M. DiPaola and D. Keith Cassel. Impact of Light-Weight Rolling on Putting Green Performance. 2001. Crop Science 41(4):1179-1184
- Lee, David J., Arthur G. Wollum, Daniel C. Bowman, Charles H. Peacock and Thomas W. Rufty, Jr. Temperature Effects on Nitrogen Mineralization Under Managed Bermudagrass Turf. 2001. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. Vol. 9:394-397.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
n/a
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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