Source: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
BEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR TURFGRASSES IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1010410
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2016
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2020
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
CLEMSON,SC 29634
Performing Department
Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
South Carolinas turfgrass industry contributes2.7 billion dollars annually to the States economy (Jackson, 2012). Much of this industry is heavily dependent on tourists who enjoy the natural resources and beauty found within the state. Pest management has become a never ending challenge for all plant science disciplines. This is especially true for turf where few varieties are bred for pest resistance or stress tolerance and where grasses are often grown outside their naturally adapted regions. Turf clientele also demand almost perfect grass with no disruption in quality, density, or playability. High public awareness resulting from televised golf tournaments and other sporting events also increases the pressure and expectations for turf managers to provide almost perfect conditions year-round while facing budget pressures. New synthetic and non-synthetic (or natural) pesticides have reached almost an all-time high as numerous commercial companies have entered this arena and clientele demand quality playing surfaces with minimum to "no use" of traditional pesticides. A reality of university turfgrass researchers is to help determine which of these products prove effective and worthy of recommendation. Evaluation of such products help elevate the importance of a land grant's mission with the industry and state. The goal of this Research Project is to continue to ensure SC remains a top destination for golf and other outdoor recreation activities while reducing inputs needed to maintain desirable facilities, providing safest pest control products and releasing more stress-tolerant turfgrasses. The long-term goal of this research is to continue investigating and developing best management practices for growing turfgrasses in the hot, humid Southeastern USA. Proposed steps to achieve this include constructing a consolidated state-of-the-art field/laboratory research facility to allow objectives be implemented at industry standards: 1. Provide a turf research facility that accurately reflects the turfgrass types and culture representative of the SC turfgrass industry. This would target the main segments of the turfgrass industry in the state including golf, commercial lawn care, sports fields, and sod production. 2. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses: a. Continue to investigate and develop the potential benefits of management practices for sustaining desirable turfgrasses. b. Continue investigating and developing BMPs for growing turfgrasses in SC. 3. Pest management strategies for turf: a. Explore new weed, disease, and nematodemanagement products or "Programs"for possible use in SC turfgrass industry. b. Explore plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development, inhibition of certain weeds and minimizing mowing maintenance costs. 4. Evaluate potential turfgrass germplasm for improved environmental stress tolerance and/or functionality: a. Evaluate various selections for stress tolerance such as low-light and low-temperatures. b. Evaluate various selections for other desirable characteristics such as color, texture, pest tolerance/resistance, etc.
Animal Health Component
33%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
33%
Applied
33%
Developmental
34%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
21621301060100%
Knowledge Area
216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
2130 - Turf;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
The long-term goal of this research is to continue investigating and developing best management practices for growing turfgrasses in the hot, humid Southeastern USA. Proposed steps to achieve this include constructing a consolidated state-of-the-art field/laboratory research facility so research can be implemented at industry standards:Provide a turf research facility that accurately reflects the turfgrass types and culture representative of the SC turfgrass industry.This would target the main segments of the turfgrass industry in the state including golf, commercial lawn care, sports fields, and sod production.2. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses:a. Continue to investigate and develop the potential benefits of management practices for sustaining desirable turfgrasses.b. Continue investigating and developing BMPs for growing turfgrasses in SC.3. Pest management strategies for turf:a. Explore new pest control products and techniques for possible use in SC turfgrass industry.b. Development of disease management practices and programs for ultradwarf bermudagrasses.c. Explore plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development, inhibition of certain weeds and minimizing mowing maintenance costs.4. Development of integrated control practices for plant parasitic nematodes:a. Evaluate the recent introduction of synthetic and non-synthetic ("organic") products for efficacy on a variety of plant parasitic nematodes.b. Continue biological studies of various parasitic nematodes to better understand their population dynamics, occurrence, and damage thresholds.
Project Methods
1. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses:a. Investigate the potential benefits of cultural management practices for sustaining desirable turfgrasses. As new technology and techniques are being developed by industry,PIs will continue evaluating these for their benefit and applicability for SC golf course superintendents.One example is the use of extracts from various plants to suppress/control sting nematodes.Laboratory and greenhouse experiments identified several plants with the capability of obtaining this goal (Cox, et al. 2006). Current research involves: (1) A PhD student exploring best means of determining the appropriate depth for "sand capping" turf facilities. Various proposed methods will be included in this evaluation. The goal is to provide optimal playable surfaces during rainy periods, yet, not be so cost prohibitive.(2) A MS student evaluating products which appear to increase plant health so plants are better able to handle our harsh summer conditions.(3) A PhD student studying the relatively new disease of bermudagrass greens, Mini Ring. Various causal agent isolates are being collected and characterized/categorized via molecular techniques. Exploring reason(s) why this disease has suddenly appeared also are being investigated as well as management and chemical means of control.b. Continue investigating BMPs for growing various turfgrasses in SC. With the recent influx of numerous cultivars, little research-based information is available on managing their unique characteristics such as grain prevention, thatch/mat prevention/reduction, enhanced rooting, plant growth regulator use, and stress physiology. A MS student is slated to start in 2017 to address these and other related topics.2. Pest management strategies for turf.a. Evaluate new pest control products and techniques for possible use in SC turfgrass industry. As new products emerge for possible pest management, we continue to evaluate their potential for use on SC turfgrass sites. In recent years, PIs have submitted and received three state section 18 labels for products and have contributed data to the federal registration of numerous new ones. Most of these are classified as "reduced risk" by the USEPA. Weeds currently being examined include annual bluegrass, common bermudagrass, goosegrass, tropical signalgrass, dallisgrass, crabgrass, doveweed, various broadleaves, purple nutsedge, American burnweed, bahiagrass, and others. A PhD student will begin in 2016 to address several of these topics.b. Development of disease management practices and programs for ultradwarf bermudagrasses. The use of fungicides as components of the overall management of bermudagrass putting greens continues to be important in the Transition Zone of the southeastern United States. Products that are labeled or in development for disease control will be evaluated on ultradwarf greens maintained under industry standard conditions at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center and when appropriate, verified on in-play conditions on golf courses. Target diseases include spring dead spot, Rhizoctonia leaf and sheath spot (R. zeae), dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa), Pythium blight and root dysfunction (Pythium spp.), leaf spot (Bipolaris cynodontis primarily) and fairy ring infestations (Lycoperdon and other basidiomycete species).Typically, these trials are conducted in small plots (1.5 m2), utilizing 4 replications in randomized complete block design. Materials are applied by water diluent sprays delivered through CO2-pressurized, shielded sprayers or applied as dry granular formulations to mimic industry methods of application. Plots may be infested with isolates of virulent pathogenic fungi from the principal investigators' culture collection. Plots are evaluated visually for percent of plot area affected by disease, numbers of infection centers per plot or by image analysis systems whereby digital photographs are enhanced to better denote diseased vs. healthy areas, and diseased areas digitally quantified. Another approachinvolves developing "Programs" withsequential preventive treatments of fungicides and active components, at low label rates, compared to curative approaches.Severity of different diseases that occur or are induced and turfgrass quality will be assessed throughout a period of time. Disease severity measurements will be used to construct disease progress curves and programs compared by evaluating disease severity at particular dates as well as quantified over time as area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) values.c. Evaluate plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development and possibly inhibit certain weeds and minimize labor and mowing maintenance costs. As fossil fuel, labor, and maintenance equipment costs soar, acceptable alternatives to reduce maintenance costs yet retain acceptable turf are in high demand. A number of products have and will continue to be evaluated for this purpose. One related goal is to develop programs allowing controlled plant growth with the goal of reducing mowing frequency to once monthly during peak growing times compared to current management practices of twice weekly mowing. Study design are typically a randomized complete block utilizing 3 replications. Following treatments to Tifway bermudagrass, plots will not be mowed for 30 days, afterwards, turf evaluation will include turf height, phytotoxicity ratings, and weed counts. The research area will then be mowed to 1.5 inches (38 mm) and treatments reapplied - repeating this sequence for three summer months (June, July, August). Evaluation means will be separated using LSD at α = 0.05.c. Pest management strategies for golf courses. Evaluation trials are continually being performed on new synthetic and organic pest control materials. In recent years, an explosion of 'natural' or 'organic' pest control options have been introduced into the marketplace, often, with little to no prior research to substantiate or refute the manufacturer's claims. A typical research project involves application of synthetic and non-synthetic products to control dollar spot disease of creeping bentgrass. Application equipment involved a CO2 backpack powered sprayer calibrated at 374 L/ha (40 gallons per acre) utilizing 8003 flat fan nozzles.3. Development of integrated control practices for plant parasitic nematodes:a. Evaluate the recent introduction of synthetic and non-synthetic ("organic") products for efficacy on a variety of plant parasitic nematodes. Effective and reliable controls for nematodes in putting greens are very limited.Efficacy trials in the field and in the greenhouse will be conducted to determine the relative benefits these and other products may have for management of plant parasitic nematodes in turf. It is proposed to begin to evaluate season-long 'programs' aimed at nematode management. These programs may include varying products, such as Nortica, MultiGuard Protect, Avid 0.15EC, Indemnify, Nimitz,and the addition of fungicides such as azoxystrobin (Heritage) or other root active broad spectrum fungicides that may improve plant health. The influence of soil wetting agents, application and post-application water volume, and other factors can also be examined in directed studies and in season-long program approaches.b. Continue biological studies of various parasitic nematodes to better understand their population dynamics, occurrence, and damage thresholds. With cooperators at NCSU, we have recently completed a distribution map and relative occurrence of various nematodes in the Carolinas (Zeng, et al, 2012). The logical next step is to better understand and define nematode thresholds to justify possible treatments.

Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Professional turfgrass managers such as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, sod producers, professional lawn care, roadsides, parks & recreation, cemeteries as well as County Extension Personnel, industry representatives, state and federal regulators, and other interested clientele. Changes/Problems:Mainly due to costs of printing and travel, the electronic means of delivering information is dramatically altering traditional means of disseminating information. Webinars also are dramatically increasing to save costs and reduce travel time. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results from these (and other) research have been shared at various turfgrass conference, field days, Extension/Outreach seminars, training sessions, professional meetings, and extensive electronic avenues to interested clientele throughout the state, region, country and world. The PIs are in constant demand nationally and internationally as speakers at these and other training sessions to share research findings and practical field experiences. For example, the workshop the PIs conduct yearly at the Green Industry Show with over 10,000 participants, is consistently rated as the best or one of the best offered. During the reporting period, 2 PhD students (Weaver and Kerr) and 1 MS students (Ledford) graduated along with a post-doc (Brown). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The PI and graduate students developed one of the first virtual field day videos in Spring, 2020 in response of COVID not allowing group meetings on campus. Over 1,000 "hits" were recorded. PI and graduate student also produced two YouTube videos that provided up-to-date research findings on goosegrass control options on bermudagrass golf greens. These videos had over 700 "hits" each. An annual research report is provided containing findings from ~60 field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory research trials. Several refereed journal articles were produced outlining research findings. Numerous trade journal articles were produced outlining research findings and contemporary thoughts on various agronomic practices and problems turfgrass managers face. Numerous speaking engagements at state, regional, national, and international conferences, professional meetings, and training sessions were conducted. An annual pest control guide for professional turfgrass managers is edited and contributed by the PIs. This highly popular publication is also maintained on a university web site. The PIs authored/coauthored the state-of-art publications on Best Management Practices for Carolina Golf Courses which has become the industry standard many other states are patterning similar publications after. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue previous reporting avenues and expand those areas which the demand/requests justify. One Ph.D. student is working toward finalizing his dissertation research. Two PhD and 1 MS students are about halfway through in their research and classes taken. The biggest change in accomplishing these goals is the significant increase in electronic delivery systems whether it be by email, websites, or conducting webinars.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The long-term goal of this research is to continue investigating and developing best management practices (BMPs) for growing turfgrasses in the hot, humid Southeastern USA. Proposed steps to achieve this include constructing a consolidated state-of-the-art field/laboratory research facility to allow objectives 2 through 4 be implemented at industry standards: 1. Provide a turf research facility that accurately reflects the turfgrass types and culture representative of the SC turfgrass industry. This would target the main segments of the turfgrass industry in the state including golf, commercial lawn care, sports fields, and sod production. 2. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses: a. Continue to investigate and develop the potential benefits of management practices for sustaining desirable turfgrasses. b. Continue investigating and developing BMPs for growing turfgrasses in SC. 3. Pest management strategies for turf: a. Explore new weed control products and techniques for possible use in SC turfgrass industry. b. Explore plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development, inhibition of certain weeds and minimizing mowing maintenance costs. A major problem for growers in 2020 was severe turf damage following pronamide (Kerb) applications for postemergence control of Poa annua. PIs were keenly involved in ascertaining the problem, conducting greenhouse and field screening trials to determine the extent and longevity of damage, and making recommendations to avoid future problems. Fortunately, from this investigation, damage was determined to be short-term and transient for affected parties, saving considerable money in avoiding having to replant damaged areas, forcing long-term closure to these properties. A MS student (Ledford) was able to pinpoint daylength requirements for initiating zoysiagrass seedhead production. This knowledge allows turf managers to most efficiently time the use of PGRs to maximize the control of these with minimum products needed. A post-doc student (Brown) spent 2019 investigating, various weed control options for emerging weeds, developing a method of estimating the depth of sand needed to "sand cap" golf fairways to avoid flooding conditions, allowing play (and revenue) to continue, and aiding the PI in developing a laboratory manual for Advanced Turfgrass Management classes. A main concentration effect by the PI is finding economical and safe means of controlling goosegrass (Eleusine indica) in commercial turf. Several biotypes have been collected and greenhouse screening performed on control options. In addition, numerous field trials were and will be conducted on identifying products which provide economically acceptable control with satisfactory turf tolerance. The PI believes this issue will continue to manifest itself into one of the major pests facing the commercial turfgrass industry. Herbicide resistance by this weed has forced using unconventional techniques (e.g., watering-in treatments) to avoid undesirable turf burn, yet, retain acceptable control. Another main concentration effect by the PI is finding economical and safe means of controlling annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in commercial turf. Several biotypes have been collected and greenhouse screening performed on control options. In addition, numerous field trials were and will be conducted on identifying products which provide economically acceptable control with satisfactory turf tolerance. The PI believes this issue will continue to manifest itself into one of the major pests facing the commercial turfgrass industry. New herbicide rotations and tank-mixtures appear to better provide control with less materials applied. The PI is part of a 16 state team that has received a USDA-SCRI grant to evaluation a wholistic approach on the biology and management of this plant. This is the first non-breeding USDA-SCRI grant awarded to a turfgrass-related problem. Research was also completed on biological control of thatch/excessive organic matter. To be economically viable, golf courses need to be open/playable as many days as possible. A stumbling block to this goal is the constant disruptive practices traditionally used to manage thatch. This includes aerifying (coring), topdressing, vertical mowing, and grooming. These practices reduce the playability of treated areas, causing significant economic losses until playing conditions improve. A potential way to address this problem is to explore and hopefully discover a "biological" means of proving thatch control without having to resort to such destructive physical practices. A PhD student (Weaver) began in 2017 which concentrated on this area for their project. Several "natural" products are currently being screened in the greenhouse to evaluate their potential of obtaining the goal with additional field testing slated for 2017-19. Research was also initiated by a MS student (Stoudemayer) evaluating the potential of commercial biostimulants on potentially increasing plant growth with minimum fertilizer inputs. The student is about half through with this project with field and greenhouse studies implemented for this evaluation. Another major disease which has devastated many ultradwarf bermudagrass greens is Mini-Ring (Rhizoctonia zea). The disease typically affects these areas in late summer, causing product imperfections throughout the winter and early spring which are critical economic times for these facilities to remain viable. A PhD student (Dant) discovered in 2016 and confirmed in 2017 that certain fertilizers and rates can effectively reduce/eliminate the disease symptoms without the need of synthetic pesticides. This is considered a major discovery as affected courses now have very economically favorable means of control without relying on expensive and potentially environmentally non-friendly products. This student is currently finishing using genetic markers to identify and classify the various disease causing organism(s) involved with the mysterious problem. Research at Clemson also provided support data for the registration of 5 new products for turfgrass managers to use. This information can assist managers in decision making for using the most effective and safe products and management decisions for various turfgrasses in the state. It eventually helps maintain an environment that is healthy, safe, and attractive. This information has allowed South Carolina to remain the number two golf destination state in the United States.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gambrell and McCarty. 2019. Turf & Weed Research Report. CU Research Service. 275pp.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Marvin, J. W., Kerr, R. A., McCarty, L. B., Bridges, W. C., Martin, S. B., Wells, C. E. 2020. In vitro and Preventative Field Evaluations of Potential Biological Control Agents and Synthetic Fungicides for Control of Clarireedia jacksonnii sp. nov. Journal of Plant Science and Phytopathology, 4, 001-008. www.heighpubs.org/jpsp.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: McCarty, L. B., Zhebentyayeva, T., Saski, C. A., Kerr, R. A. 2019. Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization and Genetic Distinction of Distinct Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Ecotypes. Journal of Plant Science and Phytopathology, 3, 095-100. www.heighpubs.org.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Brown, P. J., Cross, R. B., McCarty, L. B., Kerr, R. A. 2019. Control of Torpedograss (Panicum repens) and Southern Watergrass (Luziola fluitans) in Bermudagrass Turf. Weed Technology, 33, 616-619.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kerr, R. A., McCarty, L. B., Cutulle, M. A., Bridges, W. C., Saski, C. A. 2019. Goosegrass Control and Turfgrass Injury Following Metribuzin and Topramezone Application with Immediate Irrigation. HortScience, 54(9), 1621--1624. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci14187-19.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Brown, P. J., McCarty, L. B., Quisenberry, V. L., Hubbard, L. R., Addy, M. B. 2019. Influence of Increasing Fines on Soil Physical Properties of US Golf Association Sand. HortScience, 54(11), 2063-2066.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ledford, S. 2019. Diamond Zoysiagrass Response and Seedhead Control Using Plant Growth Regulators. pp105.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Weaver, J. 2020. Evaluation of Biological Thatch Control on Golf Greens. pp91.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kerr, R. 2019. Goosegrass Biology, Genetic Diversity, and Innovative Control Measures. pp88.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Weaver, J., McCarty, L. B., Quisenberry, V., Hubbard, L. R., Bridges, W. C. 2019. Evaluating Biological Thatch Control on Golf Greens (vol. 113). CSSA/ASA/SSSA. www.agronomy.org.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kerr, R., McCarty, L. B., Saski, C. A. 2019. Genetic Diversity of Phenotypically Distinct Goosegrass Ecotypes (vol. 72, pp. 159). Southern Weed Science Society. www.swss.ws.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: McCarty, L. B. 2019. Multi-State Survey and Preliminary Screening to Evaluate Herbicide Resistance Epidemica in Annual Bluegrass in Managed Turfgrass Systems (vol. 113). ASA/CSSA/SSSA. www.agronomy.org.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Brown, P., McCarty, L. B., Cross, R., Kerr, R., Gambrell, N. 2019. Postemergence Control of Southern Watergrass and Torpedograss - Final Updates (vol. 72, pp. 242). Southern Weed Science Society. www.swss.ws.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: McCarty, L. B., Weaver, J. R., Gambrell, N., Patrick, C. 2019. Postemergence control Options for Poa annua (vol. 72, pp. 247). Southern Weed Science Society. www.swss.ws.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ledford, S., McCarty, L. B. 2019. Diamond Zoysiagrass Seedhead Control with Plant Growth Regulators (vol. 113). ASA/CSSA/SSSA. www.agronomy.org.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ledford, S., McCarty, L. B., Kerr, R. 2019. Potential Turfgrass Herbicide Safeners (vol. 72, pp. 241). Southern Weed Science Society. www.swss.ws.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Dant, L., Martin, B., McCarty, L. B., Kerns, J. 2019. Effect of Nitrogen Source and Rate on Rhizotonia Leaf and Sheath Spot Disease Development in Interspecific Hybrid Bermudagrass (vol. 113). CSSA/ASA/SSSA.


Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Professional Turfgrass Managers such as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, sod producers, professional lawn care, roadsides, parks and recreation, and cemeteries as well as County Extension Personnel, industry representatives, state and federal regulators, and other interested clientele. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results from these (and other) research projects have been shared at various turfgrass conference, field days, Extension/Outreachseminars, training sessions, magazine articles, professional meetings, and extensive electronic avenues to interested clientele throughout thestate, region, country and world. The PIs are in constant demand nationally and internationally as speakers at these and othertraining sessions to share research findings and practical field experiences. For example, the workshop the PIs conduct yearlyat the Green Industry Show (GIS) with over 10,000 participants, is consistently rated as the best or one of the best offered.PIs also conduct numerous workshops at regional conferences such as the Carolina Golf Course SuperintendentsAssociation Conference and Show with over 2,000 participants. During the reporting period, 2 PhD students (Brown and Kerr) graduated. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?1. An annual research reportcontaining findings from ~52 field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratoryresearch trials was produced. 2. Several refereed journal articles and numerous trade journal articles were produced outlining research findings. 3. A book, Golf Turf Management (CRC Press) was published outlining the authors' years of experience on how to build, plant, grow, manage, and prevent pest problems for golf courses. It is currently the only book available pertaining to this subject and is used by over 20 universities/technical colleges as their primary text. 4. Numerous speaking engagements at state, regional, national, and international conferences, professional meetings, andtraining sessions were conducted. Authors alsoconstantly writepopular articles pertaining to turfgrass management, pest management and new tools available to obtain this in an environmentally "friendly" manner. 5. An annual pest control guide for professional turfgrass managers is edited and contributed by the PIs. This highlypopular publication is also maintained on a university web site. 6. The PIs conducted/coordinated 2 field days in 2019 including one on the latest disease and nematode managementstrategies, one on the latest agronomic practices and trends for commerical turfgrasses and one on the most widely occuringwinter annual weed in commerical turf, annual bluegrass (Poa annua). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue previous reporting avenues and expand those areas which the demand/requests justify. Two Ph.D.students graduated in 2018-19 while twonew graduate students (1 PhD,1 MS) started in 2018-19to help obtain these and other important goals. The biggest change in accomplishing these goals is thesignificant increase in electronic delivery systems whether it be by email, websites, or conducting webinars. The main PI also was awarded part of a sizeable USDA-SCRI grant with 14 other US universities regarding the biology, distribution, herbicide resistance occurence, competitive nature of variousbiotypes and control without the use of synthetic pesticides for annual bluegrass (Poa annua), the most widespread weed incommerical turfgrass in the world. This 3-year grant will steer many future research projects and trends for the PI's program.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The long-term goal of this research is to investigate and develop best management practices for growing turfgrasses in the hot, humid Southeastern USA. Proposed steps to achieve this include constructing a consolidated state-of-the-art field/laboratory research facility to allow objectives 1 through 3 be implemented at industry standards: 1. Provide a turf research facility that accurately reflects the turfgrass types and culture representative of the SC turfgrass industry including golf, commercial lawn care, sports fields, and sod production. 2. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses. 3. Pest management strategies for turf: a. Explore new weed control products and techniques for possible use in SC turfgrass industry. b. Explore plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development, inhibition of certain weeds and minimizing mowing maintenance costs. Research also was initiated for control of the worst winter annual grassy weed in turf, annual bluegrass (Poa annua). We investigated 16 "natural" or homemade-type products for their potential to help control this problematic weed. Although results varied slightly between research trials and sites, baking soda and citrus (limonene) oil provided POST control of immature and mature plants. We plan on expanding this research in winter 2019/2020 to: (1) investigate if this control remains consistent; (2) short and long-term effects of these and other treatments on the desirable turfgrass; and, (3) if we can add other products to these to improve both objective 1 and 2. At a 2019 research and demonstration field day, much interest in this particular trial was experienced by the many end-users attending. Since this weed has resistance reported to all major commercial herbicides, the industry is desperately asking for alternatives. Another major impact involves educating and demonstrating switching to zoysiagrass golf greens instead of bentgrass, a golf course can realize a significant financial savings in maintenance costs per acre plus enjoy the advantages of having better shade tolerance, heat tolerance, disease tolerance with less problems with low temperature kill, remain green for longerperiods throughout the year, and is just a durable grass compared to the traditionally used species. A MS student (Ledford) is currently completing his research on ways of maintaining industry acceptable putting speeds with minimum undesirable zoysiagrass seedhead development. To date, excellent control has been observed with simazine, a very cheap and safe product that the industry has welcomed. Research was also initiated on testing the physiological effects of using various dyes and pigments on creeping bentgrass and hybrid bermudagrass. Claims are being made these products improve stress tolerance of turfgrasses. A large greenhouse study was initiated on screening turf tolerance to iron and zinc, the primary metal ion in these products. The PI has noticed long-term use of products can results in less healthy turfgrass, thus, the rational for the screening studies. A complex greenhouse study was completed showing how high (>500 ppm) Cu can have detrimental effects on bermudagrass, especially during spring greenup. Research was also initiated on biological control of thatch/excessive organic matter. To be economically viable, golf courses need to be open/playable as many days as possible. A stumbling block to this goal is the constant disruptive practices traditionally used to manage thatch via aerifying (coring), topdressing, vertical mowing, and grooming. These practices reduce the playability of treated areas, causing significant economic losses until playing conditions improve. A potential way to address this problem is to explore and hopefully discover a "biological" means of proving thatch control without having to resort to such destructive physical practices. A PhD student (Weaver) is concentrating on this area for their project, screening commercial products such as composted tea, composted cow manure, blackstrap molasses and sand topdressing. This greenhouse/field project should be completed in early 2020. A PhD student (Kerr) also laid the groundwork for investigating "safening" traditionally used herbicides for the control of goosegrass. Goosegrass has become the worst summer annual grassy weed in commercial turf. We see various biotypes in terms of growth habit and herbicide susceptibility, late-season germination, and hard-to-control plants which use to be much easier to control in the past. The student identified and genetically showed various biotypes occur which can be distinguished from each other with genetic tools. The student further saw that plants which germinated in Clemson SC, could mature and produce viable seed that year by late October. This really emphasizes the importance of controlling existing plants well past Labor Day to prevent additional seed inoculum for subsequent years. The student also provided a novel to provide control using an older herbicide but was able to avoid the normal (and undesirable) turf phytotoxicity associated with the product by watering it in immediately following application. Chelated iron was discovered as a means of reducing topramazone (Pylex) turfgrass burn without sacrificing weed control. These simple practices have revolutionized product use and provide the industry a much needed tool in its ever-ending fight with herbicide resistant biotypes. Another industry trend is to open facilities as soon as possible following heavy rainfall. One possible means of helping achieve this is by sandcapping (layering) the turfgrass system. A PhD student (Brown) was able to take a traditionally complicated, hard-to-understand subject much easier to use by developing enduser-friendly graphs to determine the necessary depths needed based on the amount of rainfall being engineered against, the type of sand(s) being considered, depth to the water table, and if any drainage tile are installed. This very unique project has also received much interest from end-users as currently, they just "guess" on the depth needed. Another major disease of many ultradwarf bermudagrass greens is Mini-Ring (Rhizoctonia zea). A PhD student (Dant) discovered certain urea-based fertilizers and rates can effectively reduce/eliminate the disease symptoms without the need of synthetic pesticides. This is considered a major discovery as affected courses now have very economically favorable means of control without relying on expensive and potentially environmentally non-friendly products. Another project initiated in late 2018 is a 3-year USDA-NIFA/SCRI grant with 16 other institutions on a complete study of the biology, occurrence, herbicide resistance, and competitive growth nature of annual bluegrass. A PhD student (Taylor) began in 2019 and will be using these (and other) studies for part of this dissertation research. The overall objective is to better understand the various biotypes of this plant currently occurring, can we manipulate cultural practices to "discourage" the weed, use other plant leachates to naturally suppress it, and see if any spear of influence or competition exists between Poa and desirable turfgrasses. This complex, large study is the first non-genetically/plant improvement-related project approved by USDA-CRIS in the turfgrass specialty area. Research at Clemson also provided support data for the registration of 4 new products for turfgrass managers to use. This includes herbicides and fungicides which are considered lower risk environmentally products compared to traditional ones. All of these and additional studies and information have allowed South Carolina to remain the number two golf destination state in the United States.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Gambrell and McCarty. 2018. Turf & Weed Research Report. CU Research Service. 290pp.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kerr, R.A., L.B. McCarty, W.C. Bridges, & M. Cutulle. 2019. Key Morphological Events following Late-Season Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Germination. Weed Technology. 33(1):196-201.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Atkinson, J.L., L.B. McCarty, F. Yelverton, S. McElroy & W. C. Bridges. 2019. Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) Response to Environmental Resource Availability and Cultural Practices. Weed Science 67(2):214-220.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Kerr, L.B. McCarty, P.J. Brown, J. Harris and J. Scott McElroy. 2019. Immediate Irrigation Improves Turfgrass Safety to Postemergence Herbicides. HortScience 54(2):353-356.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, B. and F. Yelverton. 2018. Poa annua Control: A perpetually moving target. Golf Course Management. 86(8):62-66.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Other Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. 2018. Golf Turf Management. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp.732. Authored 22 chapters in this book.


Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Professional Turfgrass Managers such as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, sod producers, professional lawn care, roadsides, parks and recreation, and cemeteries as well as County Extension Personnel, industry representatives, and other interested clientele. Changes/Problems:Mainly due to costs of printing and travel, the electronic means of delivering information is dramatically altering traditional means of disseminating information. Webinars also are dramatically increasing to save costs and reduce travel time. One continued frustration experienced by the PD is the non-movement in the current administration on developing a modern turfgrass field research facility near campus. The PD efforts are severely hampered by having to work on a 20+ year facility which has had no major upgrades since construction and its usefulness/sizehas been outgrown. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results from these (and other) research have been shared at various turfgrass conference, field days, Extension/Outreach seminars, training sessions, professional meetings, and extensive electronic avenues to interested clientele throughout the state, region, country and world. The PDs are in constant demand nationally and internationally as speakers at these and other training sessions to share research findings and practical field experiences. For example, the workshop the PDs conduct yearly at the Green Industry Show (GIS) with over 10,000 participants, is consistently rated as the best or one of the best offered. PDs also conduct numerous workshops at regional conferences such as the Carolina Golf Course Superintendents Association Conference and Show with over 2,000 participants. During the reporting period, 1 PhD student(Brown) and 1 MS student(Patrick) graduated. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? An annual research report was provided containing findings from ~55 field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory research trials. Several refereed journal articles and numerous trade journal articles were produced outlining research findings. A book was published pertaining to Common Weeds and Wildflowers which provided identification tips and photos, extensive plant biology and worldwide distribution information. This book has already been recognized by the American Society of Agronomy as an outstanding publication. Numerous speaking engagements at state, regional, national, and international conferences, professional meetings, and training sessions were conducted. An annual pest control guide for professional turfgrass managers is edited and contributed by the PDs. This highly popular publication is also maintained on a university web site. The PDs conducted/coordinated 3 field days in 2018 including one on the latest disease and nematode management strategies, one on the latest agronomic practices and trends for commerical turfgrasses and one on the most widely occuring winter annual weed in commerical turf, annual bluegrass (Poa annua). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue previous reporting avenues and expand those areas which the demand/requests justify. One Ph.D. and 1 MS student graduated in 2018 with the MS student continuing a PhD at Clemson University. Two new graduate students (1 PhD, 1 MS) started in 2017 to help obtain these and other important goals. The biggest change in accomplishing these goals is the significant increase in electronic delivery systems whether it be by email, websites, or conducting webinars. The main PD also obtained a sizeable grant regarding the biology, distribution, herbicide resistance occurence, competitive nature of various biotypes and control without the use of synthetic pesticides for annual bluegrass (Poa annua), the most widespread weed in commerical turfgrass in the world. This 4-year grant will steer many future research projects and trends for the PDs program.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The long-term goal of this research is to continue investigating and developing best management practices (BMP) for growing turfgrasses in the hot, humid Southeastern USA. Proposed steps to achieve this include constructing a consolidated state-of-the-art field/laboratory research facility to allow objectives 2 through 4 be implemented at industry standards: 1. Provide a turf research facility that accurately reflects the turfgrass types and culture representative of the SC turfgrass industry including golf, commercial lawn care, sports fields, and sod production. 2. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses: a. Continue to investigate and develop the potential benefits of management practices for sustaining desirable turfgrasses. b. Continue investigating and developing BMPs for growing turfgrasses in SC. c. Develop disease management practices and programs for ultradwarf bermudagrass. d. Develop disease management practives and programs for creeping bentgrass. 3. Pest management strategies for turf: a. Explore new weed control products and techniques for possible use in SC turfgrass industry. b. Explore plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development, inhibition of certain weeds and minimizing mowing maintenance costs. 4. Development of integrated control practices for plant parasitic nematodes: a. Evaluate the recent introduction of synthetic and non-synthetic ("organic") products for efficacy on a variety of plant parasitic nematodes; b. Continue biological studies of various parasitic nematodes to better understand their population dynamics, occurrence, and damage thresholds. Efficacy trials were conducted to evaluate abamectin formulations, rates and timing for suppression of Belonolaimus longicaudatus (sting nematode); trials continued to investigate fluopyram (Indemnify) and fluensulfone (Nimitz Pro G) alone and in mixtures for sting nematode control. Data gathered will assist in development of guidelines for nematode management in turfgrasses grown in SC. An advantage of each of these new products is low toxicity to beneficial organisms, very low use rates and improved efficacy from Indemnify for sting nematode control. Since sting nematode is our most damaging nematode in turf in SC, the recent labeling of Indemnify and its demonstrated high efficacy has proven to be very beneficial for management of this nematode in golf greens. A major problem for growers in 2018 was severe turf damage following oxadiazon (Ronstar) and indaziflam (Specticle) applications for preemergence control of goosegrass, crabgrass, andPoa annua. Project Directors were keenly involved in ascertaining the problem, conducting greenhouse and field screening trials to determine the extent and longevity of damage, and making recommendations to avoid future problems. Fortunately, from this investigation, damage was determined to be short-term and transient for affected parties, saving considerable money in avoiding having to replant damaged areas, forcing long-term closure to these properties. Research at Clemson University also has identified several revolutionary means of providing desirable postemergence goosegrass (Eluesine indica) control without the traditional unacceptable turfgrass burn (phytotoxicity). Chelated iron was discovered as a means of reducing topramazone (Pylex) turfgrass burn without sacrificing weed control. Immediately irrigating-in metribuzin (Sencor) also can be used to obtain these goals. These are a major development using differentproduct modes-of-action on providing control as widespread occurrence of herbicide resistant biotypes to other products are expanding. Research is continuing to investigate the genetics and mechanisms of resistance, seed biology and maturation, and DNA identification of various plant biotypes.Herbicide resistance is one of the major potential issues facing commercial turfgrass managers in the foreseeable future. Another major impact involves educating and demonstrating switching to zoysiagrass golf greens instead of bentgrass.Golf courses can realize a significant financialsavings in maintenance costs per acre plus enjoy the advantages of having better shade tolerance, heat tolerance, disease tolerance with less problems with low temperature kill, remain green for longer periods throughout the year, and is just a durable grass compared to the traditionally used species. A Mastersstudent is conducting research in this area of development. Research was also initiated on testing the physiological effects of using various dyes and pigments on creeping bentgrass and hybrid bermudagrass. Claims are being made these products improve stress tolerance of turfgrasses. A large greenhouse study was initiated onscreening turf tolerance to iron and zinc, the primary metal ion in these products. The PD has noticed that long-term use of products can result in less healthy turfgrass, thus, the rational for the screening studies. Research was also initiated on biological control of thatch/excessive organic matter. To be economically viable, golf courses need to be open/playable as many days as possible. A stumbling block to this goal is the constant disruptive practices traditionally used to manage thatch via aerifying (coring), topdressing, vertical mowing, and grooming. These practices reduce the playability of treated areas, causing significant economic losses until playing conditions improve. A potential way to address this problem is to explore and hopefully discover a "biological" means of proving thatch control without having to resort to such destructive physical practices. A PhD student is concentratingon this area for their project, screening commercial products such as composted tea, composted cow manure, blackstrap molasses and sand topdressing. Another industry trend is to open facilities as soon as possible following heavy rainfall. One possible means of helping achieve this is by sandcapping (layering) the turfgrass system. A PhD student was able to take a traditionally complicated, hard-to-understand subject much easier to use by developing enduser-friendly graphs to determine the necessary depths needed based on the amount of rainfall being engineered against the type of sand(s) being considered, depth to the water table, and if any drainage tiles are installed. Another major disease of many ultradwarf bermudagrass greens is Mini-Ring (Rhizoctonia zea). This disease typically affects these areas in late summer, causing product imperfections throughout the winter and early spring which are critical economic times for these facilities to remain viable. A PhD student discovered certain urea-based fertilizers and rates can effectively reduce/eliminate the disease symptoms without the need of synthetic pesticides. This is considered a major discovery as affected courses now have very economically favorable means of control without relying on expensive and potentially environmentally non-friendly products. Research at Clemson also provided support data for the registration of 4 new products for turfgrass managers to use. This includes two nematicides which the industry hasn't had in over 20 years and are considered lower risk environmentally products compared to traditional ones. Additional research in 2018 has identified more effective and efficacious means of using such products without a 1-time heavy application load event. All of these and additional studies and information haveallowed South Carolina to remain the number two golf destination state in the United States.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & D.W. Hall. 2018. Glossary of Taxonomic Terms. pp. 413-426. In Common Weeds and Wildflowers. Public Service Publishing. 472pp.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Kerr, R., L.B. McCarty, W.C. Bridges, and M. Cutulle. 2018. Key Morphological Events following Late Season Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Germination. Weed Technology doi:10.1017/wet.2018.93. 6pp.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Gambrell and McCarty. 2017. Turf & Weed Research Report. CU Research Service. 310pp.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & D.W. Hall. 2018. Common Weeds and Wildflowers. Public Service Publishing. 472pp.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & D.W. Hall. 2018. Monocots. pp.1-108. In Common Weeds and Wildflowers. Public Service Publishing. 472pp.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & D.W. Hall. 2018. Dicots. pp.109-400. In Common Weeds and Wildflowers. Public Service Publishing. 472pp.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & D.W. Hall. 2018. Moss. pp. 401-402. In Common Weeds and Wildflowers. Public Service Publishing. 472pp.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & D.W. Hall. 2018. Hardwood Saplings. pp. 403-412. In Common Weeds and Wildflowers. Public Service Publishing. 472pp.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Brown, P. 2018. The Dynamics of water movement in porous media in relation to golf courses and sports fields. PhD Dissertation. Clemson University. 137pp.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Addy, M.B. & L.B. McCarty. 2017. DIAMOND ZOYSIAGRASS PUTTING GREENS TOLERANCE TO VARIOUS PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS. Proc. SWSS Annual Conference. 70:215.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Kerr, B. & L.B. McCarty. 2017. TANK MIXTURES AND IRRIGATION TIMING FOR GOOSEGRASS CONTROL. Proc. SWSS Annual Conference. 70:221.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & R.B. Cross. 2017. TROPICAL SIGNALGRASS CONTROL UPDATE IN TURF. Proc. SWSS Annual Conference. 70:252.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Cross, R.B. & L.B. McCarty. 2017. POSTEMERGENCE CONTROL OF SOUTHERN WATERGRASS (LUZIOLA LUITANS) AND TORPEDOGRASS. Proc. SWSS Annual Conference. 70:253.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Tillery, S.W., J.S. McElroy, A.P. Boyd, R. Leon, L.B. McCarty, P. McCullough, S. Kelly, R. Baker. 2017. IMPACT OF METSULFURON AND NITROGEN FERTILITY ON CENTIPEDEGRASS. Proc. Southern Weed Science Society, 70:255.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Breeden, G.K., J.T. Brosnan, L.B. McCarty, N. Gambrell2, A.G. Estes. 2017. POSTEMERGENCE GOOSEGRASS (ELEUSINE INDICA) CONTROL WITH SPEEDZONE. Proc. Southern Weed Science Society, 70:259.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Gambrell, N.J. & L.B. McCarty. 2017. EVALUATING EFFECT OF IMMEDIATE IRRIGATION ON POSTEMERGE HERBICIDES FOR GOOSEGRASS [ELEUSINE INDICA (L.) GAERTN.] CONTROL. Proc. Southern Weed Science Society 70:261.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Brown, P.J., L.B. McCarty, N.J. Gambrell. 2017. THE USE OF PGR'S TO REDUCE MOWING FREQUENCY ON GOLF COURSE ROUGHS. Proc. Southern Weed Science Society Annual Conference. 70:263.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L. & F. Yelverton. 2018. Advanced Weed Management Workbook. Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. Education Conference. San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: McCarty, L.B. & B. Martin. 2018. Advanced Management of Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Golf Greens. Golf Course Superintendent's Assoc. Education Conference. San Antonio, TX.


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Professional Turfgrass Managers such as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, sod producers, professional lawn care, roadsides, parks and recreation, and cemeteriesas well as County Extension personnel, industry representatives, and other interested clientele. Changes/Problems:Mainly due to costs of printing and travel, the electronic means of delivering information is dramatically altering traditional means of disseminating information. Webinars also are dramatically increasing to save costs and reduce travel time. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results from this(and other) research hasbeen shared at various turfgrass conference, field days, Extension/Outreach seminars, training sessions, professional meetings, and extensive electronic avenues to interested clientele throughout the state, region, country and world. The PIs are in constant demand nationally and internationally as speakers at these and other training sessions to share research findings and practical field experiences. For example, the workshop the PIs conduct yearly at the Green Industry Show with over 10,000 participants, is consistently rated as the best or one of the best offered. During the reporting period, 1 PhD student (Shaver) and 2 MS students (Gore, Addy) graduated. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? An annual research report is provided containing findings from ~60 field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and laboratory research trials. Several refereed journal articles were produced outlining research findings. Numerous speaking engagements at state, regional, national, and international conferences, professional meetings, and training sessions were conducted. An annual pest control guide for professional turfgrass managers is edited and contributed by the PIs. This highly popular publication is also maintained on a university web site. The PIs conducted/coordinated 2 field days in 2016-17 which demonstrated research trials to commercial clientele and county extension faculty. The PIs authored/coauthored the state-of-art publications on Best Management Practices for Carolina Golf Courses which has become the industry standard many other states are patterning similar publications after. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue previous reporting avenues and expand those areas which the demand/requests justify. One Ph.D. student is working toward finalizing his dissertation research. Two new graduate students (1 PhD, 1 MS) started in 2017 to help obtain these and other important goals. The biggest change in accomplishing these goals is the significant increase in electronic delivery systems whether it be by email, websites, or conducting webinars.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The long-term goal of this research is to continue investigating and developing best management practices for growing turfgrasses in the hot, humid Southeastern USA. Proposed steps to achieve this include constructing a consolidated state-of-the-art field/laboratory research facility to allow objectives 2 through 4 be implemented at industry standards: 1. Provide a turf research facility that accurately reflects the turfgrass types and culture representative of the SC turfgrass industry. This would target the main segments of the turfgrass industry in the state including golf, commercial lawn care, sports fields, and sod production. 2. Develop research-based Best Management Practices for SC Turfgrasses: a. Continue to investigate and develop the potential benefits of management practices for sustaining desirable turfgrasses. b. Continue investigating and developing BMPs for growing turfgrasses in SC. c. Develop disease management practices and programs for ultradwarf bermudagrass. d. Develop disease management practives and programs for creeping bentgrass. 3. Pest management strategies for turf: a. Explore new weed control products and techniques for possible use in SC turfgrass industry. b. Explore plant growth regulators (inhibitors and promoters) for enhancing turfgrass growth and development, inhibition of certain weeds and minimizing mowing maintenance costs. 4. Development of integrated control practices for plant parasitic nematodes: a. Evaluate the recent introduction of synthetic and non-synthetic ("organic") products for efficacy on a variety of plant parasitic nematodes; b. Continue biological studies of various parasitic nematodes to better understand their population dynamics, occurrence, and damage thresholds. Efficacy trials were conducted to evaluate abamectin formulations, rates and timing for suppression of Belonolaimus longicaudatus (sting nematode); trials continued to investigate fluopyram (Indemnify) and fluensulfone (Nimitz Pro G) alone and in mixtures for sting nematode control. Data gathered will assist in development of guidelines for nematode management in turfgrasses grown in SC. An advantage of each of these new products is low toxicity to beneficial organisms, very low use rates and improved efficacy from Indemnify for sting nematode control. Since sting nematode is our most damaging nematode in turf in SC, the recent labeling of Indemnify and its demonstrated high efficacy has proved very beneficial for management of this nematode in golf greens. A major problem for growers in 2017 was severe turf damage following pronamide (Kerb) applications for postemergence control of Poa annua. PIs were keenly involved in ascertaining the problem, conducting greenhouse and field screening trials to determine the extent and longevity of damage, and making recommendations to avoid future problems. Fortunately, from this investigation, damage was determined to be short-term and transient for affected parties, saving considerable money in avoiding having to replant damaged areas, forcing long-term closure to these properties. Research at Clemson University also has identified several resistant biotypes of Poa annua to sulfonylurea and glyphosate herbicides. A quick and inexpensive bioassay was developed to determine if SU resistance is prevalent and indicates to the commercial producer an alternative means of controlling such biotypes is needed. Research is continuing to investigate the genetics and mechanisms of resistance. A predictive model was developed to help predict the occurrence and potential spread of resistant biotypes. Herbicide resistance is one of the major potential issues facing commercial turfgrass managers in the foreseeable future. Another major impact involves educating and demonstrating by switching to bermudagrass for golf greens instead of bentgrass, a golf course can realize a $7,000 savings in maintenance costs per acre.In limited experience, zoysiagrass greens have the advantages of having better shade tolerance, heat tolerance, disease tolerance with less problems with low temperature kill, remain green for longer periods throughout the year, and is just a durable grass compared to the traditionally used species. Also, research has been finalized on the initial screening of 30+ selections of St. Augustinegrass for improved shade and cold temperature tolerance, two key issues with upstate homeowners. Experiments have been conducted to ensure the desirable characteristic traits remain stable and predictable as well as provide genetic markers to separate these potential lines from current commercial ones. Research was also initiated on testing the physiological effects of using various dyes and pigments on creeping bentgrass and hybrid bermudagrass. Claims are being made these products improve stress tolerance of turfgrasses. After intense investigations, many of the claims by manufacturers have not been realized by this research, saving end-users considerable dollars by avoiding these products which mostly do not perform as advertised. A main concentration effect by the PI in 2016 and beyond is finding economical and safe means of controlling goosegrass (Eleusine indica) in commercial turf. Several biotypes have been collected and greenhouse screening performed on control options. In addition, numerous field trials were and will be conducted on identifying products which provide economically acceptable control with satisfactory turf tolerance. The PI believes this issue will continue to manifest itself into one of the major pests facing the commercial turfgrass industry. Research was also initiated on biological control of thatch/excessive organic matter. To be economically viable, golf courses need to be open/playable as many days as possible. A stumbling block to this goal is the constant disruptive practices traditionally used to manage thatch. This includes aerifying (coring), topdressing, vertical mowing, and grooming. These practices reduce the playability of treated areas, causing significant economic losses until playing conditions improve. A potential way to address this problem is to explore and hopefully discover a "biological" means of proving thatch control without having to resort to such destructive physical practices. A PhD student began in 2017 which will concentrate on this area for their project. Several "natural" products are currently being screened in the greenhouse to evaluate their potential of obtaining the goal with additional field testing slated for 2017. Another major disease which has devastated many ultradwarf bermudagrass greens is Mini-Ring (Rhizoctonia zea). The disease typically affects these areas in late summer, causing product imperfections throughout the winter and early spring which are critical economic times for these facilities to remain viable. A PhD student discovered in 2016 and confirmed in 2017 that certain fertilizers and rates can effectively reduce/eliminate the disease symptoms without the need of synthetic pesticides. This is considered a major discovery as affected courses now have very economically favorable means of control without relying on expensive and potentially environmentally non-friendly products. Research at Clemson also provided support data for the registration of 5 new products for turfgrass managers to use. This includes two nematicides which the industry hasn't had in over 20 years and are considered lower risk environmentally products compared to traditional ones. This information can assist managers in decision making for using the most effective and safe products and management decisions for various turfgrasses in the state. It eventually helps maintain an environment that is healthy, safe, and attractive. This information has allowed South Carolina to remain the number two golf destination state in the United States.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gambrell and McCarty. 2016. Turf & Weed Research Report. CU Research Service. 310pp.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: McCarty, Hubbard, and Quisenberry. 2016. Applied Soil Physical Properties, Drainage, and Irrigation Strategies. Springer International Publ., Switzerland. 314pp.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: McCarty, Hubbard, and Quisenberry. 2016. Soil physical and moisture properties. pp.1-72. (In): Applied Soil Physical Properties, Drainage, and Irrigation Strategies. Springer International Publ., Switzerland. 314pp.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: McCarty, Hubbard, and Quisenberry. 2016. Soil drainage. pp. 73-138. (In): Applied Soil Physical Properties, Drainage, and Irrigation Strategies. Springer International Publ., Switzerland. 314pp.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: McCarty, Hubbard, and Quisenberry. 2016. Rootzone selection. pp. 139-202. (In): Applied Soil Physical Properties, Drainage, and Irrigation Strategies. Springer International Publ., Switzerland. 314pp.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: McCarty, Gore, Brown, Martin, Wells. 2017. Potential Health Benefits of Pigment-containing Products on Creeping Bentgrass & Hybrid Bermudagrass. International J. of Plant & Soil Science 15(3):1-13.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Cross, McCarty, Estes. 2016. Postemergence Tropical Signalgrass (Urochloa subquadripara) Control with Nonorganic Arsenical Herbicides. Weed Technology 30:815-821.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gore, McCarty, Wells, Martin. 2016. Pigment-containing product effects on creeping bentgrass and hybrid bermudagrass. European Turfgrass Conference 5:169-70.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: McCarty & Kerns. 2016. Best Management Practices for Carolina Golf Courses. CGCSA, Liberty, SC. 296pp. Book includes 12 chapters McCarty and Martin were author/co-author.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gore. 2016. Potential Health Benefits of Pigment-containing Products on Creeping Bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var palustris (Huds.)] and Hybrid Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. � C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy].
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Mirmow. 2016. Fall Potassium Fertilization and Winter Traffic Effects on a Creeping Bentgrass Putting Green.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Shaver, B.R., Agudelo, P., and Martin, S.B. 2017. Damage functions for sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) on bermudagrass turf. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. Vol. 13:17. doi:10.2134/itsrj2016.06.0478.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Canegallo, Martin, Camberato, Jeffers, S. 2017. Seashore paspalum cultivar susceptibility to large patch & fungicide evaluation for disease control in South Carolina. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 13: 1-6. doi: 10.2134/itsrj2016.04.0265.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Shaver, Agudelo, Martin. 2016. Use of Abamectin & Azoxystrobin for Managing Stubby-Root Nematode (Trichodorus obtusus Cobb) Damage to Zoysiagrass. Crop Science 56 (3):1330-1336.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Shaver, Marchant, Martin, Agudelo. 2016. 18srRNA and COI haplotype diversity of Trichodorus obtusus from turfgrass in South Carolina. Nematology 18: 53-65.