Weed of the month for September 2014 is Broadleaf Plantain

Broadleaf Plantain  

Biology: Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a perennial, broadleaf weed that can be found in nutrient-poor soils; however, they prefer nutrient rich-soils that are moist and often high in calcium. Broadleaf plantain is a common weed in turfgrass, nurseries, and landscapes as it can tolerate very low mowing heights. It germinates from seed in late spring through mid-to-late summer and occasionally in the fall depending on temperature and moisture. It has a low growing rosette habit and tolerates close mowing. It's ability to surve a range of environments make broadleaf plantain a common turfgrass weed in North America.

Identification: Broadleaf plantain is anchored primarily by fibrous roots. Some describe the root system as having a central, short taproot with branched-out fibrous roots but my experience is that large, fibrous roots are common and that taproots (especially large taproots like a dandelion) are very uncommon. Broadleaf plantain grows with a rosette habit with leaves that can grow flat along the turfgrass canopy or more erect and upright depending on mowing practices. The plant produces leaves that form on long, broad leaf-stems (petioles) that may grow up to six inches long and four inches wide when left unmown or untreated. Young leaves are oval to egg-shaped, generally have 3-5 prominent veins, and are light green in color. As the plant matures, the leaves start to appear darker green, can be smooth or slightly hairy, and abruptly narrowing to the petiole (leaf stalk). Very prominent leaf veins run parallel to the margin and appear to originate from the attachment point at the petiole. Leaf margins are smooth (entire) and appear more crinkled and wavy as the plant matures. Though the leaves can appear waxy and dark- to bluish-green, the petioles often have a reddish color towards their base, or the origin point of the rosette. Broadleaf plantain can produce flowers from June through September on long, leafless flower-stalks that arise from the center of the rosette. Small, whitish petals emerge from the flower-stalk where seeds are produced in an oval-shaped capsule which can contain up to 30 viable seeds. It may often be confused with blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) which is similar in appearance. Additionally, it is thought that many plants characterized as broadleaf plantain may in fact be natural crosses between Plantago major and Plantago rugelii.  

Broadleaf plantain appearance in early spring. it will regrow all its leaves each spring. The purple coloring here is in response to cool, spring temperatures.

Cultural control: None known specifically for broadleaf plantain. Since its primary method of dispersal is through seed, control or removal of the plant prior to seed production could reduce the spread of this weed. However, mowing practices alone to remove the seed stalks will not provide adequate management since the plant can produce viable seed at low mowing heights (produces viable seed at about 2 inches and taller heights of cut). Proper turf management such as higher mowing heights, irrigation, and fertilization will help to produce a dense, aggressive turf which is the greatest defense against invading/germinating weeds. Broadleaf plantain thrives in compacted soils, moist or dry soils, and shady conditions. Some research suggests as well that this plant prefers high calcium soils, but high calcium soils are a common phenomenon in North American because the soil parent material is limestone. Plants can be removed by hand-weeding if there are only a few on the property.

Biological control: None known specifically for broadleaf plantain. Many new organic products contain the active ingredient iron HEDTA (FeHEDTA). Multiple applications of this product are required for control. FeHEDTA containing products injure turf less (can actually make turf darker green), but their efficacy for weed control is yet to be well documented.

Chemical control: Broadleaf plantain can be chemically controlled with several products such as repeat applications of two- or three-way mixtures of 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP, or MCPA which are available in multiple formulations at local retailers. 2,4-D is the active ingredient that does most of the work in these mixtures. Herbicides that contain triclopyr (Turflon Ester) or triclopyr in combination with other herbicides, such as 2,4-D, can also provide good broadleaf plantain control in cool-season grasses.

For more information on weed control, search this blog and check out our Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals Publication.

For archives of past weed of the month postings, visit our Weed of the Month Archive.

Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist

Leslie Beck, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Jennifer Biehl Moves to New Position

After 10 years working in the Turf Program at Purdue, Jennifer Biehl is taking a new position.  She will start her new position as Assistant Director of the Global Supply Chain Management Masters Program in Purdue Krannert School of Management the week of September 16.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns for the Purdue Turf Program or Midwest Regional Turf Foundation  please contact Dr. Aaron Patton; ajpatton@purdue.edu or Dr. Cale Bigelow; cbigelow@purdue.edu.

"I would like to thank everyone in the Turf Industry for a great 10 years.  I have enjoyed meeting everyone and wish you all the best."  Jennifer Biehl

MRTF Golf Day at Highland Country Club in Indianapolis

Join us for the MRTF Golf Day

Monday, October 1, 2012

Highland Golf and Country Club, Indianapolis, IN

Registration Deadline: 9/24/2012
Registration Form (PDF format)

Register on-line for your team at https://www.mrtf.org/php/Registration.php?pid=5489

Continue to shop and add the game package https://www.mrtf.org/php/Registration.php?pid=5542

If you have any questions/comments/concerns please contact Jennifer Biehl at biehlj@purdue.edu or 765-494-8039

Agenda:

11:00 am registration/lunch

12:15 pm shot gun start

  5:30 pm awards reception

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Platinum Sponsorship                                          $3,500

One free team for Golf Outing

One free tee sponsorship at Golf Outing

“Golf Day Scholarship provided by sponsor’s name.” to be given at the Indiana Green Expo to a turf student determined by Purdue Turf Program Staff. 

 Sponsorship posted on Golf Outing web page with link to company prior to the event and following the event.

Recognition on sponsor board at Golf Outing and Indiana Green Expo

Gold Sponsorship                                                 $1,750

One free team for Golf Outing

One free tee sponsorship at Golf Outing

Sponsorship posted on Golf Outing web page with link to company following the event.

Recognition on sponsor board at Golf Outing and Indiana Green Expo

Tee and Golf Day on-line payment at https://www.mrtf.org/php/Registration.php?pid=5544

Tee Sponsorship                                                      $100

Sponsorship displayed on one tee at the Golf Outing.

Sponsorship listed on Golf Outing web page following the event.

Recognition on sponsor board at Golf Outing and Indiana Green Expo

Golf Day Sponsorship                                                $25

A GREAT way to support the MRTF if not able to attend!

Sponsorship listed on Golf Outing web page following the event.

Recognition on sponsor board at Golf Outing

GCSAA awards scholarships to essay contest winners

9/17/2012

http://www.gcsaa.org/_common/templates/EIFGNewsReleaseLayout.aspx?id=6078&LangType=1033 

Turfgrass students Konow, Law and Huttie selected

GCSAA awards scholarships to essay contest winners

Christopher Konow, Quincy Law, and Nicholas Huttie are winners of the 2012 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Student Essay Contest.

Open to GCSAA members who are undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in turfgrass science, agronomy or any field related to golf course management, the GCSAA Essay Contest accepts entries with a focus on golf course management. The scholarship funding is provided by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) through the Robert Trent Jones Endowment. The EIFG is GCSAA's philanthropic organization.

Judges from the GCSAA scholarship committee select winners to receive scholarships, and the first place entry may be published or excerpted in the association's official publication, GCM.

Konow, from Plainfield, Conn., is a first-year student in the turfgrass management certificate program at Penn State University. He won the first place scholarship of $2,000 for his essay: "The effect of green speed on turfgrass health and playability."

Law, from Clear Lake, Iowa, is in his first year of graduate school at Purdue University. With his paper "Carbon sequestration as an aspect of land stewardship," Law won the second place prize of $1,500 for the second consecutive year.

Huttie, from Lehighton, Pa., is a first-year student at Penn State. He claimed the third place award of $1,000 for his writing: "Superintendents and social networking."

"It is our philosophy to reward and recognize the best and the brightest students," GCSAA President Sandy Queen, CGCS, said. "Christopher, Quincy and Nicholas have certainly demonstrated their excellence. On behalf of the GCSAA membership, I offer my sincere congratulations on their achievements."

About EIFG

The EIFG is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. With respect for the game and the environment, the EIFG inspires environmental, social and economic progress through golf for the benefit of communities. Collaboration between the golf industry, environmental interests and communities will lead to programs and services beneficial to all who come into contact with the game of golf. Visit www.eifg.org.

About GCSAA

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 19,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

Gwen Daniel - Obituary

Gwen Daniel

Gwen H. Daniel, Age 91, of Westminster Village, West Lafayette, IN.

Gwen was born on June 28, 1921 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She received her BA degree from Quachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She married William H. Daniel on January 9, 1944 while he was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following his military discharge they lived in East Lansing Michigan, where he completed his PhD at Michigan State University.

They moved to West Lafayette, in 1950 for Bill to join the Agronomy Department at Purdue Universitywhere he served as a Professor of Turfgrass Science for thirty-six years. For several years Gwen worked as a dietician and found it easy to arrange lunch for 400 college men. She was a member of Federated Church and served as both President of the Congregation and President of the Women's Federated Fellowship. Gwen served as President of the Home Hospital Auxiliary and managed the Home Hospital Gift Shop. She also served on the YWCA Board of Directors.

She served as President of her PEO Chapter and the Roundtable Club. She was very active in the life of Purdue Women's Club and served as co-chair of many of those events. She enjoyed being a member of the Purdue Women's golf group. She was the recipient of the Golden Deed Award for Community Service given by the Exchange Club. In 2003 she was nominated by her granddaughter and received the "Woman of Wisdom" Award at the Salute to Women Dinner hosted by the YWCA. In 2003 she also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. Her volunteer work also included the St. Elizabeth Hospice program.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, who died in 1996. She has one surviving sister, Genida Johnson, of Lynchburg, VA. She is survived by a son Donald L. Daniel and his wife, Sandra, and a daughter, Sue Eiler and her husband Edward Eiler, each of West Lafayette, IN. Her grandchildren are James Daniel and his wife Diedre of Louisville, KY; Kent A. Eiler of Washington, DC.; Ross Martinie Eiler and his wife Andrea Martinie Eiler of Bloomington, IN. and Lauren Gwen McClain and her husband Ryan McClain of Cincinnati, OH. Gwen has six great grandchildren.

Gwen possessed a sense of adventure, a zest for life and a love of people that were manifested whether snowmobiling at night in the Rockies, riding a camel in Egypt, getting lost in the Alps, walking The Great Wall of China, cruising the Amazon, bartering in the bazaars of the Middle East or serving as a gracious hostess to countless friends from near and far. The warmth of her smile, the twinkle in her eye, and her laughter will be greatly missed.

Memorial gifts may be made to the William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research Fund at Purdue University or the Westminster Village Foundation. A time to greet family and friends is set for 10:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Federated Church, 2400 Sycamore Lane, West Lafayette, IN.

Send online condolences to www.soller-baker.com.

Published in the Journal & Courier from September 12 to September 13, 2012

Imprelis Update: DuPont Begins Claims Resolution Process

On September 6, DuPont began a process to fairly resolve claims for impact on trees that DuPont™ Imprelis® herbicide may have caused. Below are links to documents useful to turf professionals who applied Imprelis® last fall or this spring. More information is available at http://www.imprelis-facts.com/ and at (866) 796-4783. The deadline for submission of claims is November 30, 2011.

Note on fall fertilization: Fertilizing affected trees and shrubs during 2011 is not recommended, but fertilization of the turf in the fall of 2011 is recommended per normal turf fertilizer recommendations (see recent turf tips on September 1, 2011). When damaged trees and shrubs are surrounded by turf, take care to fertilize outside the drip line of damaged trees so not to stimulate new growth of the trees.

Information From DuPont:

Letter to Lawn Care Professionals from DuPont

Claims Resolution Process Lawn Care Professional Overview

Letter to Golf Course Superintendents from DuPont

Photography Instructions Before Removing Trees

Frequently Asked Questions about the Claims Process

Updated Documents from Purdue University for Use by Turf Professionals

A Homeowner’s Guide to Imprelis® Herbicide Injury in the Landscape

A Turf Professional’s Guide to Imprelis® Herbicide Injury in the Landscape

Purdue Turf Scientists and Their Work Highlighted in Recent Press Releases

Scientists make turfgrass safer for animals, deadly for insects

September 6, 2011

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The right combination of compounds produced by a beneficial fungus could lead to grasses that require fewer pesticides and are safer for wildlife and grazing animals, according to Purdue University scientists. Read More

Purdue 'tool box' could be ace in the hole for golf courses

August 23, 2011

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Below par looks great on the leaderboard but never when it describes the appearance and playability of golf course putting greens. Purdue University researchers are working to help course managers produce winning greens at lower cost and with less labor. Read more.

Avoid use of herbicide Imprelis, Purdue experts advise

July 22, 2011

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Lawn care providers should not use the herbicide Imprelis on residential and other properties such as golf courses as experts try to determine whether it is injuring trees and ornamental plants and can be used safely, a team of Purdue University specialists advises. Read more.

Gray Leaf Spot

Recent weather (remnants of hurricane Isaac) raised concerns about gray leaf spot in the Ohio Valley and the lower Midwest in general.  You may recall that the pathogen does not overwinter efficiently in the Midwest, and inoculum (airborne spores) from storms that originate in the South is significant.

Gray leaf spot is a foliar disease that affects perennial ryegrass and tall fescue.  It is caused by a fungal pathogen (Pyricularia grisea) that readily infects and kills leaf blades.  Leaf infections can progress into the crown area, resulting in death of individual plants.  Moderate outbreaks of gray leaf spot result in clusters of thin, off-colored turf.  However, severe outbreaks will result in the death and decay of extensive areas and ruin the entire turf stand.

Gray leaf spot poses less of a threat that 10-15 years ago, primarily because of the reduction in the acreage of perennial ryegrass in the Midwest and the introduction of cultivars with some gray leaf spot resistance.  However, there are cases where turf managers must be vigilant in addressing the threat this year.

At this time of year, other leaf spot diseases can be confused for gray leaf spot.  If you manage perennial ryegrass or tall fescue, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential.  Otherwise, you may bear an unnecessary expense with costly fungicide applications.  Observing a few leaf spots or the “fish hook” symptom is not enough to draw the conclusion that gray leaf spot is present.  The only sure sign is the presence of very characteristic conidia (spores) that can be viewed only microscopically.

For individuals interested in chemical control, the most effective fungicides are QoI (strobilurin) products such as Heritage, Insignia and Disarm.   Thiophanate-methyl (Cleary 3336) also is very effective.  Chlorothalonil and DMI fungicides have limited efficacy but may be useful when disease pressure is low. 

Details on gray leaf spot are available online at the following link –

http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-107-W.pdf

Rick Latin, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University

Armyworms Invade Indiana

There appears to be a wide-spread outbreak of armyworms [Pseudaletia (=Mythimna) unipuncta (Haworth)] infesting residential turf across southern Indiana. These insects typically have 2 generations per year in this part of the country and we are in the midst of the 2nd generation of larvae. Adult armyworm moths lay their eggs in large masses and when the eggs hatch, the resulting caterpillars begin to feed and move across the infested area. When the larvae are small, this feeding causes little damage and may go unnoticed. However, As development proceeds, the larvae increase in size, consuming larger amounts of turf.
 

Armyworm taken from turfgrass in southern Indiana. Photo courtesy of B. Voges.

Where heavy infestations occur, a typical home lawn may seem to disappear almost overnight!! Feeding damage often appears to radiate out from a central point where the main infestation likely started. Although the damage can be alarming, armyworms are easily controlled with insecticides and the damage they cause, although unsightly, will not permanently damage the turf unless it is already stressed from drought.

A home lawn in southern Indiana showing typical armyworm damage. Photo courtesy of B. Voges.

Fortunately, most of Indiana has been experiencing adequate rainfall for the last few weeks, so turf should be resilient to this damage. Still, expect damage to get worse before it gets better. Good cultural practices including adequate fertility and irrigation will help the turf recover more quickly. The caterpillars we are seeing now will pupate by the end of September and attempt to remain in the soil over winter. Unless we experience an exceptionally mild winter, most pupae will not overwinter successfully.

For control information go to: http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-61.pdf

Doug Richmond, Turf Entomologist

Making Adjustments to Your Fertilizer Program

Although the Purdue University Turf Program publishes information about how to fertilize your turf with nitrogen (N)-based fertilizers including standard rates and timings, there are many factors that influence these rates and timings. It is important that each turf area be fertilized according to its needs. For example, some areas require more nitrogen fertilization because they are highly trafficked and need additional nitrogen fertilization to promote growth and recovery. In another example, some older, well-established lawns may need less nitrogen fertilization because they have more organic matter in the soil (a natural source of some N fertilization). See the table below for more of these examples and make sure to customize your fertilization program to fits your turf needs.

Dr. Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist

Fall Fertilization

Cool-season turfgrass species should be fertilized mainly in the autumn. September and November are the two best times to fertilize a lawn in Indiana. Fall nitrogen promotes good root development, enhances storage of energy reserves, and extends color retention in cool-season lawns. Most of the benefits from late fall nitrogen will be seen next spring and summer with earlier green-up, improved turf density, and improved tolerance to spring diseases such as red thread and pink patch, and reduced weeds.



There are many fertilizer choices available to the homeowner. Organic, inorganic, and synthetic organic products are all available. As with all plants, turfgrasses cannot tell the difference between the sources of nutrients. Some products contain high amounts of slow-release N while others contain none. Although there are exceptions to the rule, it is good practice to use products with a greater percentage of slow-release nitrogen sources during spring and summer months and a greater percentage of quick-release nitrogen sources in the fall.



For the September application, pick a product that contains some quick and slow-release nitrogen. The timing of the September application is anytime of the month after the daytime high temperatures are no longer in the 90s °F. The target application rate for this fertilization should be 1.0 lbs. N/1000 square feet.



The late-fall or November application timing should be near or after the last mowing of the year, but while lawn is still green. Typically, there may be a month or more between your last mowing and the time the grass turns brown or goes under snow cover. Generally the first few weeks of November are when to apply. Earlier Purdue research suggests that the nitrogen must be taken-up by the plant before winter to be most effective. Therefore, a quick-release (or soluble nitrogen source) such as urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, or ammonium sulfate is most effective. The target application rate for this November fertilization should be 0.5 to 1.0 lbs. N/1000 square feet.



More fertilizer program information is available in AY-22: Fertilizing Home lawns at www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/pubs/ay-22.pdf



If you are confused on how much of a particular product to apply to achieve a particular N-rate, use our fertilizer calculator to help determine exactly how much product to use: www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/fertcalc/Fertilization%20calc.html.



Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist

Staying Dry

Many in central Indiana are coping again with drought a second year (See drought monitor images for Indiana (current and fall of 2010). While many pockets of Indiana have had sufficient moisture in the second half of summer (including Lafayette) others are facing dry conditions for a second year in a row.

September is here and so is our typical start to fall fertilization. Many are asking, “should I fertilize drought stressed areas right now?” There are two strategies that could be used. First, you might consider applying 0.75 lbs N/1000 ft2 with some slow release N source. This should help to speed recovery when rains resume but minimize any leaf burn with a lower nitrogen rate and some slow-release nitrogen. Keep in mind that drought stressed plants will not take up nitrogen, and so a response to nitrogen fertilization will only occur after a rainfall occurs and the plant has a chance to take-up the nutrient. Additionally, some injury could occur to drought stressed areas from trafficking equipment across the site while fertilizing. A second strategy would be to wait to fertilize until after the turf greens-up after the next rainfall. Agronomically, the second option makes the most sense. However, some turf professionals may need to begin the fertilization process on some turf areas due to the large number of properties that they manage.



Hopefully, rains will return soon to central Indiana. On the bright side, we could be facing exceptional drought as they are in Oklahoma and Texas. Wow!

Dr. Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist