University of Guelph Researchers Dig Deep to Help Golf Courses Recover

12.01.11-WCTA-in-PullmanWA200By Anna Wassermann 

Golfers are partial to warm weather — and so are golf course greens. They have particular difficulty surviving the cold, sleet and ice of Canadian winters. Now, with one of the worst winters in recent history wrapping up, researchers at the University of Guelph are digging deep to help develop golf green grasses that won't succumb to next winter's pressures.

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Impact of European Crane Fly on the Turfgrass Industry in British Columbia

12.01.11-WCTA-in-PullmanWA200A Snap Shot of the Impact of the European Crane Fly on the Turfgrass Industry in British Columbia – a 2011 Survey of Turf Managers

By Deborah Henderson

Cranefly larvae damage roots and crowns of turf by direct feeding.  As with invasions of other non-native species, there have been crisis events (Williams et al 1989) but eventually new pests become part of the regular pest management expectation. This pest is actually two invasive species; European Cranefly (Tipula paludosa) and the Common Cranefly (Tipula oleracea).  In order to get a better understanding of how turf managers are dealing with these pests, a survey was offered to participants of the 2011 WCTA Conference and Tradeshow in Victoria, BC, with funding from the WCTA Research fund.

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Alternative Control Methods of Microdochium Patch - Interim Research Update

13.06.28-osu.tagClint Mattox, Alex Kowalewski and Brian McDonald
Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University

Microdochium nivale is the most important turfgrass disease in the Pacific Northwest (Vargas, 1994). Even though this disease can be observed year round, it is particularly devastating in the winter months. During this time of year, the turf is no longer actively growing, often leaving scars until the warmer spring temperatures return with the start of a new golf season. In order to combat this disease, golf course superintendents are required to make applications of fungicides, sometimes monthly from late fall to early spring.

Read more: Alternative Control Methods of Microdochium Patch - Interim Research Update