Grass Clippings and Herbicides

I have received a few questions recently regarding the use of grass clippings on lawns treated with herbicides. Here is one of those questions: “Our Master Gardener Association will be working on a project in which they hope to use a great amount of lawn clippings to put down as compost in a large area. This will require lawn clippings donated from several different sites. Will they run into a problem with clippings from lawns that have been treated with Imprelis® this year? Would there be chemical residue which remains in the clippings and/or compost which should be avoided?”

The answer to that specific question is that we do not recommend that clippings from lawns treated with Imprelis® (aminocyclopyrachlor) be used in the composting. Even if Imprelis® was applied 6 months ago (applied in April, today’s date October 12) there still could be some Imprelis® residue present in the clippings or the soil. Although any herbicide residue may be minimal from a spring application, we 1) don’t fully understand how long Imprelis® lasts in the soil or the grass clippings and 2) Imprelis® is active at very low rates and thus even if just a little is left it could be enough to cause injury on a susceptible ornamental plant such as tomatoes in the garden or flowers in the landscape.

The Imprelis label states “Do not use grass clippings from treated areas for mulching or compost, or allow for collection to composting facilities. Grass clippings must either be left on the treated area, or, if allowed by local yard waste regulations, disposed of in the trash. Applicators must give verbal or written notice to property owner/property manager/residents to not use grass clippings from treated turf for mulch or compost.”

The Imprelis® label does not state how long not to remove clippings. Eternity, 1 year, 2 months? It simply does not say. Therefore, I recommend not to use clippings from Imprelis® treated lawns in compost.

What about other herbicides? Other herbicides applied to residential turf may have label language as well that restricts clippings from being collected. The Dimension® 2EW (dithiopyr) label also states “Do not use clippings from treated turf for mulching around vegetables or fruit trees.” Like the Imprelis® label, the Dimension® 2EW label also does not specify how long to wait after treating before clippings can be safely harvested. Another herbicide, Drive® XLR8 (quinclorac), states that “Clippings from the first three mowings after application should be left on the treated area”. This label makes it a little clearer when it is safe to harvest clippings. Most labels contain no reference whatsoever to “clippings”.

Therefore, language varies from label to label regarding the use of clippings for mulch or compost following a herbicide application. In most cases I would recommend not using clippings from a lawn treated with herbicide within one-month (approximately 3 mowings) unless the label states otherwise such as with Imprelis®.

Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist

MRTF Turf and Ornamental Seminar - November 14-15

Turf and Ornamental Seminar

November 14-15, 2012

Daniel Turf Center

West Lafayette, Indiana

Registration Form (PDF Format)

Register on-line at http://mrtf.org/php/Registration.php?pid=5487

Registration Deadline: November 2, 2012

CCH's: Cat. 2 - 5 CCH's; Cat. 3a - 8 CCH's; Cat. 3b - 9 CCH's; Cat. 6 - 3 CCH's; RT - 4 CCH's

Wednesday, November 14

8:00-8:30              Registration

8:30-8:45              Opening comments, Aaron Patton

8:8:45-9:45          All About Turf Seed: Identification, Germination, Planting, Aaron Patton

9:45-10:45           Safe Tree Felling: What You Need To Know, Lindsey Purcell

10:45-11:45         Getting Your Hands Dirty: Learning More About Soils, Quincy Law

11:45-12:45         Lunch (on your own)

12:45-1:40           Selection and Inspection of Spray Hoses and DOT Rules, Fred Whitford

1:40-2:00              DOT Regulation Changes: What You Need to Know, Fred Whitford

2:00-3:00              State Chemist News and Updates, Joe Becovitz

3:00-4:00              Weather Effects on Insects: How Do Insects Cope?, Tim Gibb

Thursday, November 15

8:00-8:30              Turf Jeopardy, Aaron Patton

8:30-9:30              New Tools For Managing Landscape and Ornamental Insect Pests, Cliff Sadof

9:30-10:30           Maintaining Grounds: Keeping Native Species In and Invasives Out, Matt Kraushar

10:30-11:30         Perennial Disappointments: Diseases of Perennial Plants, Janna Beckerman

11:30-12:15         Lunch (provided)

12:15-1:15           Promoting Turf Recovery…Fertilizer Strategies, Seeding and More!, Cale Bigelow

1:15-2:15              Identification and Control of Turf Diseases, Rick Latin

2:15-3:15              Herbicide Update: New Resources and Ingredients, Aaron Patton

If you have any questions or have any special dietary needs please contact Jennifer Biehl at 765-494-8039 or biehlj@purdue.edu

When a GPS Unit Malfunctions

This photo was submitted from a golf course where it was found tunneling into a green.  It is obvious that it is creating some damage but the astute manager was able to find and photograph the beetle in association with the damage.  This combination always makes identification and control recommendations much easier.

The insect was identified as a ‘Fancy Dung Beetle’ in the family Geotrupidae: Bolbocerosoma sp.   It is closely related to the Scarabaidae (Japanese beetles, masked chafers, June beetles etc) that we are very familiar with.  Like the Scarabs, these insects often bore down into the soil to lay their eggs.  Usually Geotrupid beetles select areas very rich in decaying organic matter such as in manure and barn yards.  However, just like people, every so often one will become completely lost.  This one apparently has ended up on a golf green by accident.  

You can see that the beetle has created a bit of a burrow and this may be a concern if many of his kind were to do the same thing on a green.  However, I think this may be just a random occurrence and the damage, a very isolated incident. Why it is where it is nobody knows for sure.  I suspect that it’s GPS system is simply out of whack.


Timothy Gibb, Department of Entomology, Purdue University

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.