2019 Texas A&M Turfgrass Ecology and Management Short Course Agenda

Transcription

1 2019 Texas A&M Turfgrass Ecology and Management Short Course Agenda Monday, February 25 Time Topic/Description Speaker 7:30 8:30 Registration and Welcome Breakfast 8:30 9:30 Introduction to Turfgrass Physiology (60 min) Dr. Ben Wherley (60 minutes) Introductory overview of fundamental turfgrass physiology including discussion of photosynthesis, transpiration, the physics of light, and the components necessary to maintain healthy turfgrass. 9:30 10:45 Principles of Soil Science Dr. Tony Provin (75 minutes) An introduction to soil physical and chemical properties that significantly influence appropriate irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide selection and/or use in turfgrass systems. Topics will include soil horizons, soil physical properties (texture, structure, and composition), and soil chemical properties including ph, cation exchange capacity, and soil nutrient transport. 10:45-11:00 Break 11:00 12:00 Soil and Water Testing Dr. Tony Provin (60 minutes) A hands-on activity designed to teach the importance of soil and water testing in turfgrass systems, and appropriate methodology for sampling soil and water using various tools available. Participants will also be given an overview on how to interpret analysis results. 12:00 1:00 Lunch 1:00 2:15 Turfgrass Identification and Selection Dr. Becky Grubbs (75 minutes) A broad overview of 10 primary turfgrass species that can be found throughout the state of Texas and their respective characteristics. Appropriate selection and identification of turfgrass species and cultivars is critical to choosing the right turfgrass with respect to climate, use, and management capabilities, as well as selecting appropriate products (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides). 2:15 3:00 Turfgrass Producers of Texas Brent Batchelor An introduction to the Turfgrass Producers of Texas with discussion around sod production in the state of Texas. 3:00 4:00 Pre-plant Soil Preparation Dr. Tony Provin (60 minutes) Soil preparation prior to turfgrass establishment plays a critical role in the long-term success of that turf. Topics in this session include pre-plant soil testing, appropriate

2 cultivation, and some discussion around the use of soil amendments and outside materials (e.g., top soil, sand, organic material). 4:00 5:00 Site Preparation and Turfgrass Establishment Dr. Becky Grubbs (1 hour) Topics for this session include clearing vegetation, assessing the site for potential challenges (e.g., shading, salinity), selecting an appropriate turfgrass, and using good establishment methods. Establishment practices include appropriate irrigation, timing, and cultivation. Various methods of planting including seed, sod, sprigs, and plugs will all be discussed. Tuesday, February 26 th 8:00 8:30 Quiz 8:30 9:45 General Turfgrass Management Dr. Becky Grubbs (75 minutes) Considerations for general turfgrass management including appropriate mowing, irrigation, and cultivation practices with respect to different turfgrass species and cultivars. Connections will be drawn between appropriate management practices and the cultural control component of integrated pest management (IPM). 9:45 10:00 Break 10:00 11:15 Turfgrass Nutrient Management Dr. Becky Grubbs (75 minutes) Overview of the 17 essential elements required for plant growth, as well as nutrient management trends in turfgrass and in the state of Texas. Topics will include symptoms of nutrient imbalance, likelihood of nutrient toxicity/deficiency, and the relationship between nutrient management and susceptibility to pests such as disease. 11:10 12:00 Environmental Considerations for Turf Management Dr. Jacqueline Aitkenhead- Peterson (50 minutes) Run-off and water movement across turfgrass areas can lead to the displacement of carbon, nutrients, and pesticides in a way that is often detrimental to the larger environment. This session provides insight into factors that influence infiltration and surface runoff, and encourages turf managers to be mindful of the broader implications of their management practices. 12:00 1:00 Lunch 1:00 1:40 Selecting Fertilizer Products Loren Molder

3 (40 minutes) An industry perspective on selecting appropriate fertility products for turfgrass management in the state of Texas. Takes into consideration the unique characteristics of Texas soils and the way those characteristics can influence what products are appropriate and available. 1:40 2:30 Water Quality Concerns in Turf Management Dr. Ben Wherley (50 minutes) Texas water quality is often a concern in turfgrass management. This session provides guidance as to methods for addressing water quality concerns such as sodium or salinity. Methods discussed will include flushing and the application of soil amendments such as gypsum. 2:30 3:20 Calculations and Calibrations Grubbs (60 minutes) This session addresses proper interpretation of pesticide labels and calculations to determine appropriate rate of product to apply to a given area. There will be additional instruction regarding calibration of sprayers and spreaders. 3:20 3:30 Break 3:30 5:00 Sprayer and Spreader Calibrations Dr. Becky Grubbs (90 minutes) A hands-on activity led by multiple faculty to provide direct guidance on calibration of various pieces of equipment for pesticide and fertilizer application. Equipment will include rotary and drop spreaders, backpack sprayers, pump-up sprayers, and mobile spray units. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice conducting a catch-can audit of irrigation systems. Dr. Ben Wherley Reagan Hejl Wednesday, February 27 8:00-8:30 Quiz 8:30 9:30 How herbicides work and why does weed control fail? Dr. Scott Nolte (60 minutes) This presentation will describe the basics of herbicide modes of action, use of pre-emergence vs postemergence, and the difference in systemic and contact herbicides. There are also many reasons that herbicides may not perform as expected and provide less than complete weed control. We will go over the various application, environmental and equipment variables that

4 can cause weed control failures and what you can do to maximize herbicide effectiveness. 9:30 10:30 Choosing the Right Herbicides Raymond Miller (60 minutes) Topics include developing an effective year-round program for pre- and post-emergence herbicide products in turfgrass systems throughout the year. Judicious scouting, appropriate timing, and the importance of rotating modes of action will be discussed as important factors in developing a successful and sustainable program. 10:30 10:45 Break 10:45 11:45 Turfgrass Disease Management Dr. Young-Ki Jo (60 minutes) An overview of key Texas turfgrass diseases such as Large Patch disease and Take-all Root Rot, their symptomology and optimal conditions for proliferation. Preventative, cultural, and chemical control methods will also be discussed. 11:45 1:00 Lunch 1:00 2:00 Laws and Regs Dr. Don Renchie (60 minutes) An update on TDA Pesticide Laws and Regulations. 2:00 3:30 Turfgrass Insects (Pests and Beneficials) Gary Brooks (90 minutes) Comprehensive discussion of key insects found in Texas turfgrass environments including both pests and beneficials, and appropriate responses to both. Discussion around chemical control methods or use of insecticides will also be included. 3:30 3:45 Break 4:00 5:00 TPDDL and Ornamental Disease Management Dr. Kevin Ong (60 mintues) Primary topics will include common ornamental plant diseases found throughout the state and an integrated approach to disease management. There will also be an introduction of the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab and guidance regarding sampling for lab analysis.

5 Thursday, February 28 th 8:00-8:30 Quiz 8:30 9:30 Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Dr. Mengmeng Gu (60 minutes) Crape myrtle is prized for its beauty and its relative freedom from pests in the United States. It is considered to be a $67M crop (farmgate wholesale value) and is planted throughout the South and in many other parts of the United States. A relatively new exotic scale pest of crape myrtle, crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is threatening the utility and aesthetics of crape myrtles in urban landscapes in Texas and surrounding states. Dr. Mengmeng Gu will discuss brief history of CMBS in TX and surrounding areas, symptom, life cycle and control (what works and what does not). 9:30 9:45 9:45 10:45 Travel Athletic Field Management Tour Craig Potts Nick McKenna (60 minutes) This will be a 1-hour tour of Texas A&M Athletic Facilities with discussion of athletic field management while visiting Kyle Field and other TAMU sports fields. Special practices used to maintain healthy athletic fields including appropriate irrigation, cultivation, fertilization, and pest management will be discussed. 10:45 11:00 Travel 11:00 12:00 Golf Management Tour Jon Snider (60 minutes) This is a 1-hour tour of the Miramont Golf Course in College Station, TX. Course superintendent, Jon Snyder, will discuss aspects of golf course management and give a tour of specialized equipment used in golf course management. 12:00 1:30 2:00 5:00 Off-site Lunch TTA + Exam (CPTM) Grubbs/Flowers