(By Jared Hoyle and Zane Raudenbush, KSU Turfgrass Research and Extension)
An email came across my desk the other day that really drove home the message of why we do what we do. It is difficult as a turfgrass researcher to try and determine what research will make an impact and help the turfgrass industry. I go to many different meetings, conferences, educational events, trade shows, site visits, and spend lots of time talking/emailing/texting/communicating with turfgrass managers and extension personnel to try and determine what the needs are. What are the struggles they face in managing turfgrass? What can we do to help produce a better turgrass? And most importantly what can we do to help the turfgrass industry in this time of budget cuts and financial struggles.
So we take all this information, brainstorm ideas of how we can help the turfgrass industry and design scientifically valid research projects. From there we implement the research project and see the scientific process through, all the way until publication of the results.
So, when you hear a story like this, it is refreshing to know that the KSU turfgrass teaching, research, and extension program is having a positive impact on the turfgrass industry.
Below is a communication from, KSU Turfgrass Graduate Student, Zane Raudenbush, and a Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Zane has been researching Silvery Thread-Moss in bentgrass putting greens. There are many different reasons moss has started to infest putting greens (new mowing equipment, banning of heavy metal fungicides, putting green growing media, etc) but no one can really pin-point why. As a growing problem in the turfgrass industry, Zane thought this was a topic that needed to be explored and has spent the last couple of years researching many different aspects of moss.
Here is the communication between Zane and the CGCS.
Zane,
I recently read your present research concerning the relationship between nitrogen sources and moss. Interesting stuff. I went on your website to dig into it further and was unable to find anything. Is there something more in-depth I can read besides the write-up in CGM – Cutting Edge – December 2013?
Thanks for your help, CGCS
CGCS,
Unfortunately, I have not formally wrote this study up for publication yet. However, I’ll attached a poster that contains more information and results compared to the GCM article. Ultimately, the take home message from our research is that if you are applying soluble N (especially ammonium sulfate) weekly or biweekly and have problems with moss, then you really need to consider starting a moss control program.
I have also examined the impact of differing quicksilver rates and spray volumes on silvery thread moss control. Our research suggests you may be able to achieve adequate control with a rate lower than the specified 6.7 fl oz/A. I saw the same amount of burn from 1.0 fl oz/A. Additionally, we did not begin to see regrowth until 3 or 4 weeks after treatment. The label specifies 2 week application intervals, but I would recommend spraying quicksilver at 2.0 fl oz/A on three week intervals. If you have 3 acres of greens then each app should cost you around $120-150. The lower rate also allows for more applications since you cannot exceed 0.4 lbs ai/A/Year.
Sorry for the delay. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further assistance.
Cheers, Zane
Hi Zane,
I wanted to let you know I had a great year of Moss Control using your Quicksilver protocol! I was pretty good about spraying 2oz/A every 2-3 weeks for the bulk of the summer. I must say the results have been fantastic. Thank you for sharing your thoughts/research with me. I also cut way back on my true foliar program and my acid inject procedures. Best thing that has happened all year at our club. Going forward I think I have a plan to be almost moss free. That is a big THORN out of my backside!
I will be speaking at a Turf Conference in January. I would like to briefly mention your work in one of my talks, with your permission.
Thanks so much! Great stuff
We are always grateful to hear how our research has made a positive impact on the lives of turfgrass managers. We enjoy conducting turfgrass research, but the greatest reward is supporting the industry in a positive way.
This is why we do, what we do. Hope everyone has a safe a fun weekend.
-Jared
Always remember to READ THE LABEL for the correct rate, turfgrass tolerance, and specific instructions before application!!!
***Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for identification purposes and does not imply recommendation or endorsement, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned by Kansas State University.***
Don’t forget to follow me on twitter @KSUTurf.
Also, visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/KSUTurf
