June 2007
Volume 3 Issue 6, ISSN 1938-7466
        The California Golf Course Superintendents E-Magazine, a monthly publication for the California GCSA Membership.

Contents
E-Magazine Supporter:





California E-Magazine Supporter

 


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Golf & Turf Sales: Oxnard: John Tarascio
Phone: (805)-981-2866 
Jim's email: oxsales@jdccm.com

Sales Manager: Santa Maria: Russell Maa
Phone: (805) 925-0931 
Russell's email: ccmruss@yahoo.com

Sales Representative; Paso Robles: Tom Baker
Phone: (805) 434-5566
Tom's email: prmanager@jdccm.com
 
 

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Additional information about Precision Laboratories is available at www.precisionlab.com.


         E-MagazinePage 2 of 7
Special Interest Articles:

*   CGCSA News!

*   California GCSA Board Meeting Summary

*   Online Membership Directory 

*    2007 CGCSA Annual Conference, Trade show & Golf Championship

*   Equipment For Sale & Equipment Wanted

*   CGCSA Government Relations

*   Job Opportunities

*   GCSAA News

*   GCBAA Scholarship Program

*   Northern California Supt.'s support Play Golf America Day

*   Member's Profile: Brian Nettz, CGCS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

"California GCSA News"

California GCSA Board of Directors Meeting Summary
May 5, 2007
Agenda item #2-A: Northern California Affiliate Representative Appointment:
     President Bruce Williams declared, Greg Fernald, Golf Business Manager Target Specialty Products, the 2007-09 Northern California Affiliate Representative on the CGCSA Board of Directors.
Agenda item #2-B: California GCSA 2007 Election of Officers.
     Election results:
          Bruce R. Williams, CGCS, California GCSA President
          Kevin Breen, CGCS, California GCSA Vice President
          Kevin Friesen, CGCS, California GCSA Secretary/Treasurer
AGENDA TOPIC #3 Financial Report
     Bank CD; convert part of the Platinum Savings (Research Account) into Washington Mutual Bank CD's to earn more interest.
AGENDA TOPIC # 4: CGCSA Programs
     A. 2007 CGCSA Annual Conference Planning Update
          Education Programs speakers is almost complete. Calif. DPR hours program is set for 12 - 4 pm, Sunday November 11th.
     B. Web Site report & revenue.
          Web site visits are steadily increasing and all companies with web site advertising have renewed.
     C. E-Magazine publication, Advertising.
          E-Magazine advertising continues to grow and all companies with yearly ad's have renewed.
     D. Job Posting SOP
          Job posting on the CGCSA web site SOP was reviewed. SOP was adopted.
AGENDA TOPIC # 5: 2007 California Hospitality Suite
      A. Financial Report: Reviewed 
      B. Pro's & Con's: Reviewed and suggestion made, to be implemented in 2008.
AGENDA TOPIC # 6: Old Business
     B. Job Web Pages - Restricted (Supt.) – Unrestricted (other jobs)
         Reviewed the number of visits to each web page, after the (other jobs) were separated from the Restricted (Members Only) "Superintendents Job" web page. Visit report showed a marked increase in number of web page visits.
     C. Membership Directory planning
          Directory plan was discussed, CGCSA Board of Directors agreed to continue with the development of the membership directory. And approved the expenditure of funds.
     D. Chapter Managers software status (NetFORUM by Avectra’s)
          This topic was tabled, we are waiting for a decision from GCSAA, if GCSAA will be able to furnish the Management software to the GCSAA affiliated chapters.
AGENDA TOPIC # 7: New Business
     A. Northern California Golf Association Research Funding Request.
          Approved NCGA research funding request.
     B. Northern Cal PGA “Play Golf America Day Sponsorship Request.
          Approved Play Golf America Day Sponsorship request.
     C. GCSAA staff speaking at 2007 Annual Conference, in Monterey, CA
          Added Steve Randall, GCSAA Chapter Liaison–Association Management, to 2007 Annual Conference speakers list. 

Online Membership Directory
The California Membership Directory is now available at:
www.calgcsadir.org
Final uploading of chapter membership database is in process of being completed.


2007 California GCSA Annual Conference, 
Trade Show & Golf Championship
Nov. 11 - 13, 2007


Portola Plaza Hotel at Monterey Bay
2 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA  93940
We have a Web-enabled Group Reservation Management System.
Hotel Reservation:  https://resweb.passkey.com/go/GCSA
Or by Phone: (888) 222-5851 (Group Name) "California GCSA"
Hotel room rates: 
Standard Room: $149.00++ 
Deluxe Room: $169.00++ 
Premium Room: $209.00++ 


November 11, 2007
California GCSA Board of Directors Meeting, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
California DPR education classes, Cottonwood room - 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
Welcome Reception & Trade Show, Serra Ballroom - 4:30 - 8:00 pm.


November 12, 2007
Trade Show
Portola Plaza Hotel / Monterey Convention Center, Monterey, CA
Trade Show Booth Selection is now available, ...Select your booth!


November 12, 2007
Education Program, De Anza & Bonsai Ballrooms - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Trade Show Reception, Serra Ballroom - 6:00 - 8:00 pm.


November 13, 2007
California GCSA Golf Championship
Bayonet G.C.



"The Equipment For Sale & Equipment Wanted Web Page"

Newly Designed, Equipment For Sale & Equipment Wanted

Submit Equipment For Sale & Equipment Wanted 
>>>> View Equipment Web Page



California GCSA Government Relations Report
Visit the California GCSA Government Relation Web Page >>>> for more information
California Government Relations Network Alert!
Jim Husting, CGCS
California GCSA
Government Relations Chairman
jchust@sbcglobal.net

California GCSA has joined this coalition against the upcoming CARB proposed regulations on off-road diesel equipment emissions. >>>> for more information

Lobbyist: George Steffes/Capitol Partners, Inc. >>>> Web Site



New Jobs Posted May 30th
California GCSA "Superintendents" Job Opportunities Web Page:
>>>> Superintendents Job Page
The "Superintendents, Job Opportunities" Members Only Area Web Page is password protected.
MEMBERS ONLY may request user name & password from rtillema@comcast.net

Job Opportunities for all other positions, is not password protected.
>>>> Other jobs Page



GCSAA News!
Your GCSAA membership is up for renewal. Your membership expires on 6/30/2007. You should be receiving your first renewal notice in the mail later this month. For questions about your membership renewal or to renew over the phone, please call us at (800) 472-7878. 



GCBAA Foundation Accepting Entries for 2007-2008 Scholarships

LINCOLN, Neb. (April 12, 2007) - The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation announced it has begun accepting entries at select schools for its 2007-2008 GCBAA Scholarship Program.  Students who are interested in a career in golf course construction, design and/or related product development and who are enrolled at 20 participating universities are welcome to submit applications for one-year, $1,000 scholarships and two-year affiliate GCBAA memberships.  Scholarship recipients will also receive mentorship opportunities, allowing them access to several GCBAA-associated programs and events that will encourage their involvement in the course construction industry.  Interested students at participating schools may direct eligibility and deadline inquiries to their respective university golf-related program coordinators.  Program coordinators will also accept students' GCBAA Foundation scholarship applications.

Students at the following colleges and universities with accredited golf-associated programs are welcome to apply:
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Calif. 
University of California-San Diego - San Diego, Calif.

The GCBAA's national executive office is located in Lincoln, Neb. 
For more information, visit www.gcbaa.org or call Pat Heiser at (402) 476-4444. 
For more scholarship information, visit this Press Release web page


From: Golf Course Superintendents Association of  Northern California

Northern California Golf Course Superintendents Support Play Golf America Day

Distribute Free Ball Mark Repair Tools & Demonstrate Proper Repair Methods at Event

Sacramento, Calif.- The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California (GCSANC) will distribute free ball mark repair tools at Play Golf America Day on Friday, May 18, 2007 at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, Calif. The event, slated from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM will include free PGA golf instruction for beginners and a free 9-hole golf experience for new and more advanced players.

Besides receiving a free ball mark repair tool, participants can stop by the California Golf Course Superintendents Association (CGCSA) booth where members will demonstrate how to conduct proper ball mark repair. Joining the GCSANC in this community outreach effort will be representatives from the Sierra Nevada and Central California Chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association. “Once again, we are pleased to be involved with our fellow allied associations at Play Golf America Day,” states GCSANC President Jason Green. “Sharing our collective knowledge about ball mark repair and on-course etiquette with new golfers, translates into more aware players and better playing conditions for others in the future.”

According to Green, the GCSANC has distributed free repair tools for the past several years at growth of the game clinics and classes throughout Northern California and also at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship (Champions Tour) held in October at Sonoma Golf Club. At each event, recipients are given tools packaged within a folder that displays the proper way to repair a ball mark.

Industry leaders applaud the GCSANC and its neighboring chapters for taking the lead in ball mark repair education. “We are fortunate to have our local golf course superintendents sharing their course maintenance knowledge with folks entering the sport for the first time,” said NCPGA Honorary President Mike Mazzaferri. “Their contributions have proven beneficial and serve as a model for other allied golf organizations who are interested in bringing new players to the game in an informed and inviting way.”

For more facts on golf course etiquette visit  http://www.gcsaa.org/news/releases/2002/mar/etiquette.asp.
To learn more about clinics and classes for new and returning golfers, visit www.playgolfamerica.com.

For more information about ball mark repair contact your local golf course superintendent or visit www.gcsaa.org.

"Member's Profile"
        Brian Nettz, CGCS 
Golf Course Superintendent at the Presidio Golf Course, in San Francisco, CA.

Brian has been in the Golf Business for 19 years and was previously employed at the Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses, Seaside CA.

He has a B.S. in Environmental Horticulture, from the University of Minnesota.

Brian maintains membership in the GCSA of Northern California, GCSAA, Minnesota GCSA and San Diego GCSA. His chapter membership involvement consists of GCSANC Vice President and Chairperson Public Relations Committee. He received the GCSANC Superintendent of the Year award in 2006.

His family: Wife, Heidi; Daughter, Mia (2)

He has these interests Outside of Golf: Motorcycles, History Channel, Target Shooting, and College Hockey.

Who would be included in Brian's favorite foursome of golf? Jesus, General George Patton, and Leon ides of Sparta. All overcame tremendous obstacles at pivotal times and changed the course of human history.  Bill Gates and Donald Trump caddy.  They did it their way.

Course Brian would like to visit: San Francisco Golf Club, Favorite course he played: Cypress Point. I walked 18 holes and my feet never touched ground.
His favorite vacation: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I cried getting on the plane.

Strangest thing he witnessed on the golf course: A campfire in the 4th green sand trap, a homeless guy in pantyhose and a Hefty bag for a blanket on a record-breaking cold night. A very sad event he was lucky to live through.

What Brian would be doing if I weren't involved with golf? He had considered becoming a coroner/forensic medicine briefly in college, before it became popular from the CSI series’. He thinks the hours are worse than superintendent hours though.

What's the best part of Brian's job?  Watching the sunrise over the course, building teams, making improvement that generations of golfers will enjoy, I hope. The worst: paperwork.

Any interesting projects planned for the Presidio Golf Course?  We just removed 180 shade trees from the course around greens and planted 300 in other areas.  The project went extremely well.
 

E-Magazine                            Page 3 of 7
JUNE 2007 "Chapter Meetings"

GCSA of Central California, June 4, 2007, Al Glaze Scholarship Tournament
 Online Registration Form: No Online Registration

GCSA of Southern California, June 18, 2007, S & R Tournament
  Online Registration Form: https://californiagcsa.org/scgcsa-s&r-secure-reg-form.htm

GCSA of Northern California, Monday, June 11, 2007, 2007 Superintendent Pro Tournament 
Online Registration: https://californiagcsa.org/gcsanc-june-secure-reg-form.htm

Hi-Lo Desert GCSA, June 20 & 21, 2007
16th Annual Turfgrass Scholarship & Research Benevolent Golf Tournament 
 Online Registration Form: https://californiagcsa.org/hi-lo-s&r-secure-reg-form.htm

San Diego GCSA, June 28, 2007, Annual Invitational
Online Registration Form: https://californiagcsa.org/sdgcsa-secure-reg-form.html

Sierra Nevada GCSA, June 25, 2007, Chapter Meeting 
Online Registration Form: https://californiagcsa.org/sierranevada-secure-reg-form.htm

Green Industry Events & Education
GCSAA Webcast Series
GCSAA's live education webcasts will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer of your choice. 
To increase the event's interaction, we recommend the use of a microphone, but you can ask questions and participate using the text chat feature.
Visit the system check today to learn more about what's required and test your system, free of charge.
** Please note, as of this time, our web cast software cannot be run on a Mac computer. **
Member price: $45
Non-member price: $60
Chapter price: $300 
Education points: 0.2
GCSAA's live education Webcasts Series will not be available in May 2007. AS an alternative: Visit the ON DEMAND Webcast events, Choose any of our recorded webcasts - view them when you want and as many times as you want (within one year from purchase.)

For Details; visit the GCSAA Webcast ON DEMAND Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/archivedwebcast.asp
Or call Kyle Kreighbaum 800-472-7878 x5167 

E-Magazine                              Page 4 of 7
 
"California Air Resources Board Rule Change"
California Government Relations Network  Announcement 
Air Resource Board
Off Road Diesel Workshop Review
February 26, 2007

Below is a synopsis of the CARB workshop on February 26 that was attended by myself and Chuck Talley, from Turfstar Inc. Many thanks to Chuck for putting together the review about the upcoming regulations concerning off-road diesel equipment. Golf courses as well as equipment distributors will be affected by these new regulations. If there are any questions please contact me and I will try and explain what I have learned or forward you on to Chuck Talley for any more information. Further developments on this issue will be forwarded to the Network.

Jim Husting, CGCS
Chairman, Government Relations
California GCSA

Pending emission standards for off-road self-propelled diesel powered equipment above 25 hp targeted to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) and oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) by 2025. Agricultural, forestry, dedicated snow removal equipment is exempt. Equipment operated less than 100 hours a year is exempt as well. However equipment dealers that have demos...must sell them before 100 hours or be subject to registration of said demos. Golf course equipment examples...tractors, fairway and rough mowers and any other equipment over 25 hp.

Requirements starting 2008 include:
Annual reporting of all diesel equipment in your fleet of over 25 hp (to be filed with your local ARB) 
Idling Limits 
Only cleaner vehicles may be added to fleets ( as you replace older units, they must be replaced with newer/cleaner models) 
Requirements vary by fleet size

Fleet size will be determined by the total combined horsepower and classified into three fleet categories:
Small fleet: Total horsepower less than 1,500 and less than 9.5 million in total revenue, or small municipality. PM reduction only. Compliance 2015-2025. 
Medium fleet: 20,000 hp or less and not small California State and US Government. Compliance 2010-2020 PM and NOx.
Large fleet: Greater than 20,000 hp, privately owned. Compliance 2009-2020 PM and NOx.

Most golf courses would fall into the less than 1,500 combined horsepower, however 9.5 million in total revenues could be an issue for some.

The 2008 reporting will establish the baseline for your fleet. Reporting in subsequent years should reflect at 10% total hp annual turnover of equipment to meet the target dates set by the ABR. 

Individuals are encouraged to check out the below links for further information.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/ordiesel.htm

Here is a link to a simple fact sheet about the rule -
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/documents/OffRdRule_at_a_Glance.pdf

Here is a link to the latest proposed regulatory language:
 http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/documents/Reg_Language_post_12-4.pdf

Individuals can sign up for CARB email listserve here to get notice of future meetings, further information, etc. -
 http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/ordiesel.htm

Turfgrass Anthracnose Pathogen
Turfgrass Anthracnose Pathogen: Colletotrichum graminicola

In this Guideline: 

Description of the disease 
Susceptible turfgrasses 
Conditions favoring disease 
Management
 Publication 
Glossary 
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASE
There are two types of anthracnose symptoms, a basal rot that occurs in cool, wet weather in spring and early summer, and a foliar blight that occurs under periods of heat and water stress. The foliar blight is most common in California; the basal rot anthracnose has not been reported in California. 
For foliar blight symptoms, the older leaves are often attacked first, with reddish brown to brown lesions that turn a pale tan color. 

For basal rot, dark infection mats are often visible on the lower leaf sheaths and diseased crowns are often black and necrotic. Leaves are often yellow-orange. 

In both cases, the fungus can produce fruiting structures (acervuli) that have fine black hair-like projections (setae) and are filled with small, crescent-shaped spores. 

SUSCEPTIBLE TURFGRASSES
Anthracnose is most severe on annual bluegrass, Poa annua; it also occurs on Kentucky bluegrass, P. pratensis. Other species are only rarely affected by this disease in California. 

CONDITIONS FAVORING DISEASE 
Basal rot anthracnose is favored by cool, wet conditions (50 - 60°F) while the foliar blight is favored by higher temperatures (80 - 95°F). Both basal rot and foliar anthracnose development are favored by low soil fertility, high compaction, and high soil salinity. Extended periods of leaf wetness contribute to the development of the disease, as do practices that cause mechanical damage to the turf (top dressing and verticutting). 

MANAGEMENT
Anthracnose is best managed by proper cultural practices. Fungicides should be used primarily on golf course greens and other intensively managed turf. 

Cultural Control
Apply adequately balanced nutrients as necessary, concentrating on potassium and phosphorus. Fertilize the turfgrass with low rates of nitrogen (0.1 - 0.2 lb/1000 sq. ft.) monthly, especially during late spring and through the summer. Avoid fertilizing during periods of high temperatures (over 80°F). 

Irrigate deeply and infrequently based on evapotranspiration needs of turfgrass. Allow leaves to dry between irrigations. Irrigate early in the morning rather than during late afternoon or evening. Lightly water (syringe) golf greens during the day to reduce heat and drought stress. 

Reduce compaction through mechanical aerification in fall and spring. Increase mowing heights to reduce stress on affected turf. Increase air movement and reduce shading by selective pruning of trees and landscape that block air movement or light the grass 

Treatment Decisions
Fungicides are most effective when used preventively. For areas where anthracnose is common, begin applications when the soil temperature rises above 65°F (mid to late spring) to reduce the severity of initial epidemics. 

Strains of the anthracnose pathogen resistant to both QoI (strobilurins) and benzimidazole fungicides have been documented in California. If control by fungicides from either chemical class has been ineffective in the past year, switch to a different chemical class or try tank mixing with a multi-site fungicide such as chlorothalanil. 

Repeated applications of fungicides from the same chemical class (benzimidazole, DMI, or QoI fungicides) for summer patch control may contribute to the development of fungicide resistance in anthracnose because both diseases tend to occur at the same time in the season. Practice resistance management strategies for both diseases at the same time.

Common name Chemical class 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many of these products are available for use by licensed applicators only and cannot be used by home gardeners. 

A. AZOXYSTROBIN QoI (strobilurins) 

B. CHLOROTHALONIL Chlorophenyl (multi-site) 

C. FENARIMOL DMI 

D. MYCLOBUTANIL DMI 

E. PROPICONAZOLE DMI 

F. THIOPHANATE-METHYL Benzimidazole 

G. TRIADIMEFON DMI 

H. TRIFLOXYSTROBIN QoI (strobilurins) 

PUBLICATION 

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Turfgrass
UC ANR Publication 3365-T
Diseases
F. Wong, Plant Pathology, UC Riverside
M. A. Harivandi, UC Cooperative Extension, Alameda Co.
J. Hartin, UC Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino Co.
Acknowledgment for contributions to the disease section: 
M. E. Grebus, Plant Pathology, UC Davis


Turfgrass Pythium Blight (Grease Spot) Pathogen: Pythium spp. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASE
Pythium blight, also known as grease spot, kills turf in small, roughly circular spots (2 to 6 inches) that tend to run together. Blackened leaf blades rapidly wither and turn reddish brown. Leaf blades tend to lie flat, stick together, and appear greasy. Roots may be brown and rotten. 
When dew or high humidity is present, especially in the early morning, white, cottony mycelia can be seen in diseased areas. These areas may have a orange to purplish border or smoke ring. Diseased areas may "run" with the pattern of water drainage, or mowing. The symptoms may appear rapidly under favorable conditions, sometimes killing large areas of grass within 24 hours. This is the foliar form of Pythium; the pathogen may also cause seedling damping off or root rots. 

SUSCEPTIBLE TURFGRASSES
All grasses are susceptible to Pythium blight, which can be caused by several different Pythium species. Certain Pythium species attack some grasses more preferentially, although the distribution of these species in California is not known at this time. 

CONDITIONS FAVORING DISEASE
Infection and disease development is associated with daytime air temperatures above 86°F, night temperatures above 68°F and 15 or more hours of relative humidity above 90%. Lush grass with high nitrogen nutrition appear to be more susceptible to the disease as are young/germinating seedlings, so care must be taken during overseeding or establishment in hot weather. The fungus forms thick-walled sexual spores that enable it to survive in soil and plant debris for long periods. 

MANAGEMENT
Proper irrigation is the most important factor in the management of this disease, especially during periods of high nighttime temperatures. 

Cultural Control
Avoid overwatering; irrigate only when needed to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Avoid mowing wet grass or applying high levels of nitrogen during hot, humid weather. Reduce shading and improve soil aeration and water drainage. Time establishment of new turf from seed or overseeding for periods when environmental conditions are not favorable for the development of this disease. 

Treatment Decisions
Due to the speed at which this disease can destroy grass, use fungicides preventively when environmental conditions favor Pythium development, or soon after symptoms are first evident. Apply a fungicide during overseeding or establishment if temperatures are high and the established area is being heaviliy irrigated. Fungicide treated seed is available. 

Resistance has developed to mefenoxam for Pythium in a number of locations in the United States. Practice resistance management by alternating the use of fungicides from different chemical classes. In cases where mefenoxam no longer provides control, switch to a fungicide of a different chemistry.

Common name Chemical class 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many of these products are available for use by licensed applicators only and cannot be used by home gardeners. 

A. AZOXYSTROBIN QoI (strobilurins) 

B. FOSETYL-AL Organophosphate (multi-site) 

C. MANCOZEB EDBC (multi-site) 
  COMMENTS: For pythium blight control but not pythium root rot. 

D. MEFENOXAM Phenylamide 

PUBLICATION 

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Turfgrass
UC ANR Publication 3365-T
Diseases
F. Wong, Plant Pathology, UC Riverside
M. A. Harivandi, UC Cooperative Extension, Alameda Co.
J. Hartin, UC Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino Co.
Acknowledgment for contributions to the disease section: 
M. E. Grebus, Plant Pathology, UC Davis

Nutsedge
Nutsedge
In this Guideline: 

Identification 
Life cycle 
Damage 
 Management 
Publication 
Glossary 
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nutsedges are common weeds in landscapes and gardens in the coastal valleys, Central Valley, and southern areas of California. They thrive in waterlogged soil and their presence often indicates that drainage is poor, irrigation is too frequent, or sprinklers are leaky. Once established, however, they will tolerate normal irrigation conditions or drought. The two most common species of nutsedge in California are yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (C. rotundus). Yellow nutsedge is found throughout California, whereas purple nutsedge is found mostly in the southern portions of the state. 

IDENTIFICATION
Although nutsedges are often referred to as "nutgrass" and resemble grasses, they are not grasses but true sedges. Their leaves are thicker and stiffer than most grasses and are arranged in sets of three at the base, whereas grass leaves are opposite in sets of two. Nutsedge stems are solid, and when looked at in cross section, they are triangular; grass stems are hollow and round, and in cross section they are almost flat or oval. Nutsedge has three long, leaflike bracts at the base of each flower head. Yellow nutsedge has light brown flowers and seed, and purple nutsedge flowers have a reddish tinge and the seed are dark brown or black.

Yellow and purple nutsedges produce tubers, which are incorrectly called "nuts" or "nutlets," thus the origin of its common name. These tubers are produced on rhizomes (underground stems) that grow as deep as 8 to 14 inches below the soil surface. Buds on the tubers sprout and grow to form new plants; thus individual nutsedge plants eventually form patches that can range up to 10 feet or more in diameter. Yellow nutsedge produces round, smooth, brown or black tubers that are about 1/2 inch at maturity. Only one tuber is formed at the end of a rhizome. Tubers of a yellow nutsedge plant have a pleasant almond taste. Tubers of purple nutsedge plants are covered with red or red-brown scales and are formed in chains with several tubers on a single rhizome. These tubers are bitter to the taste.

Be careful not to confuse yellow or purple nutsedge with tall umbrella sedge (C. eragrostis), another perennial sedge that is found in wet, soggy soils. Tall umbrella sedge is a large, light green sedge that does not produce tubers. It spreads by seed or by new plants that form on short, thick rhizomes around the base of the mother plant. If left unmowed, it grows taller than yellow nutsedge, but in a mowed turf it can be distinguished from yellow nutsedge by its wider leaves and stems, its short, thick rhizomes, its lack of tubers, and its tendency to grow in tight clumps that are less than 1 foot in diameter.

Another weed often confused with nutsedges is green kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolia), which is also a major problem in turf and ornamental plantings (see Pest Notes: Green Kyllinga in References). The flower of green kyllinga is visibly different from those of nutsedges, and the plant produces rhizomes but not tubers.

LIFE CYCLE
Yellow and purple nutsedges are perennial plants. Their leaves and flowering stalks generally die back in fall and its temperatures decrease, but tubers and rhizomes survive in the soil and sprout the following spring when soil temperatures remain above 43°F for yellow nutsedge or above 59°F for purple nutsedge. The majority of tubers can be found in the top 6 inches of soil where they can survive for 1 to 3 years. In field crops, research indicates that most plants sprout from tubers, and seeds do not contribute much to the spread of nutsedge; however, no work has been done to examine the role of seed in the spread of nutsedge in the landscape. 

DAMAGE
Nutsedges are a problem in the lawn because they grow faster, have a more upright growth habit, and are lighter green in color than most grass species, resulting in a nonuniform turf. In gardens and landscapes, nutsedges will emerge through bark or rock mulches in shrub plantings and vegetable and flower beds throughout the growing season. 

MANAGEMENT 
Tubers are key to perennial nutsedges’ survival. If you can limit production of the tubers, then the nutsedge will eventually be controlled. To limit tuber production, remove small nutsedge plants before they have five to six leaves; in summer this is about every 2 to 3 weeks. Up to this stage, new tubers have not yet formed. By removing as much of the plant as possible, the tuber will be forced to produce a new plant, drawing its energy reserves from tuber production to the production of new leaves. Continually removing shoots eventually depletes the energy reserves in the tuber because 60% of the reserves is used to develop the first plant and 20% for the second. However, mature tubers can resprout as many as 10 to 12 times. Even though these newer sprouts start out weaker than the previous ones, they will gradually resupply the tubers’ energy reserves unless they are removed. 

The best way to remove small plants is to pull them up by hand or to hand-hoe. If you hoe, be sure to dig deeply (at least 8-14 inches) to remove the whole plant. Using a tiller to destroy mature plants will only spread the infestation because it moves the tubers around in the soil. However, repeated tillings of small areas before the plants have six leaves will reduce populations. Many people mistakenly use systemic herbicides such as glyphosate to try to kill the tubers after the plant is fully grown. Unfortunately, when tubers are mature there is little translocation of the herbicide from the leaves to the tubers, thus tubers are not affected. 

If nutsedge is found in small patches in turf, it may be best to dig out the patch at least 8 inches deep, refill, and then seed or sod the patch.

Biological control of nutsedge using insects and plant pathogens has been researched, but as of yet has not provided consistent control. 

In addition to consistently removing small plants, nutsedge populations can be reduced by shading, drying, mulching with geotextiles, and with properly timed applications of herbicides. 

Drying
During the middle of summer, purple nutsedge can be controlled by cultivating the infested area and then withholding all moisture to allow the sun to dry the tubers. Repeated tilling and drying are required to give good control. This method is only effective in areas where other plants do not need irrigation. Drying is not effective for the control of yellow nutsedge. 

Shading
Nutsedges do not grow well in shade. By changing landscape plantings you may be able to reduce their growth with shade. For example, a highly infested, annually planted flower bed may be better off if replanted with a tall, dense, ground cover or shrub that would shade out the nutsedge. Low-growing ground covers will not shade out yellow nutsedge. 

Mulching
The commonly used black polyethylene plastic mulches do not control yellow or purple nutsedge because the sharp points at the ends of their leaves can penetrate them. Landscape fabrics made from polypropylene polymers are available that effectively suppress nutsedge growth (see Table 1) and have the added benefit of being water and air permeable, unlike polyethylene. If the planting permits, mulching with a landscape fabric, with or without an organic mulch on top, will suppress nutsedge growth. For complete control, however, you will still need to remove any emerging nutsedge plants. 

Chemical Control
Few herbicides have been effective in controlling nutsedge, either because of lack of selectivity to other plants or lack of uptake. 
Apply herbicides when they will be most effective (Table 2). 
 
Table 2. Controlling Nutsedge with Chemicals.
Herbicide Commercial name Apply before plants emerge  Apply to young plant Available to home gardener
dichlobenil Casoron yes no   yes
EPTC  Eptam yes no yes
glufosonate Finale no yes yes 
glyphosate Roundup no  yes yes
halosulfuron Manage  no  yes yes
metolachlor Pennant yes  no no 
MSMA (Crabgrass and Nutsedge Killer)   no yes yes
pelargonic acid Scythe, Quik Weed Killer no  yes yes 

Nonselective Postemergent Herbicides. Nonselective postemergent herbicides that are currently available to help control nutsedge in the home landscape include pelargonic acid (Quik Weed Killer) and glyphosate (Roundup). These herbicides require repeated application and their use will only result in limited suppression of these weeds. 

Apply glyphosate when the plants are actively growing and have not been recently mowed or cut. Be sure to read the label and determine how much time after application before an irrigation can be applied. Do not apply if rainfall is expected within 24 hours of application. Glyphosate works most quickly when the weather is warm and sunny. Activity may be delayed if it is cool or cloudy following application. Pelargonic acid is also most effective when applied on a warm, sunny day. This chemical will not be affected by rain 2 hours after spraying. Because pelargonic acid does not move through the plant, you need to thoroughly cover the entire aboveground portion of the plant with spray to kill it. Do not spray any herbicide when it is windy or other plants may be injured from the spray drift. 

Selective Postemergent Herbicides. Postemergent herbicides that have some selectivity, particularly in turf, are halosulfuron (Manage) and MSMA. These herbicides are rapidly translocated, but to be effective, they must be applied to nutsedges before the 5th-leaf stage, when the plant is still building its energy reserves in the tubers by translocating from the leaves to the newly forming tubers. After this stage, translocation to the tubers slows down or ceases and the herbicide will only kill the aboveground portion of the plant, leaving the tubers unaffected. Halosulfuron is used in such minute amounts that the manufacturer markets it in premeasured, water-soluble bags. Follow all label directions for optimal control of nutsedge, and be sure to add a nonionic surfactant to the spray solution. MSMA is more effective on yellow than on purple nutsedge.

Preemergent Herbicides. Preemergent herbicides available to reduce yellow nutsedge include dichlobenil (Casoron), EPTC (Eptam), and metolachlor (Pennant). Of these, metolachlor is more effective than EPTC and safer around many ornamentals than dichlobenil, but it must be applied by a licensed pesticide applicator. No preemergent herbicides that effectively control nutsedge can be used on turfgrass, but they can be used on selected ornamental plants. Read the label directions to see which ornamentals will tolerate each herbicide. Metolachlor and EPTC must be incorporated mechanically or by irrigation 3 to 4 inches to place the herbicide in the soil so yellow nutsedge will take up the chemical through the shoot as it emerges. The use of preemergent herbicides reduces the number of emerging nutsedge plants, but for long-term control, re-treatment is necessary. 

WARNING ON THE USE OF CHEMICALS 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REFERENCES
Cudney, D. W., C. L. Elmore, D. A. Shaw, and C. A. Wilen. April 2003. Pest Notes: Green Kyllinga. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 7459. 
Dreistadt, S. H., J. K. Clark, and M. L. Flint. 1994. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs: An Integrated Pest Management Guide. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 3359. 
Flint, M. L. 1998. Pests of the Garden and Small Farm: A Grower's Guide to Using Less Pesticide, 2nd ed. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 3332. 
Grower's Weed Identification Handbook. 1978 to 2000. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 4030. 
Principles of Weed Control in California. 1985. Fresno: Thomson Publications, 474 pp.
Whitson, T. D., et al. 1991. Weeds of the West. Jackson: Univ. Wyoming. 630 pp.

PUBLICATION INFORMATION 
Pest Notes: Nutsedge
UC ANR Publication 7432 
Authors: C. A. Wilen, UC IPM Program/UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego Co.; M. E. McGiffen, Jr., Botany and Plant Sciences, UC Riverside; and C. L. Elmore, Vegetable Crops/Weed Science, UC Davis
Editor: B. Ohlendorf
Technical Editor: M. L. Flint
Produced by IPM Education and Publications, University of California Statewide IPM Program 
 

Reinders RX has introduced Moss Buster
Reinders offers organic tool for eliminating moss 

Reinders RX has introduced Moss Buster, the first truly organic product for effective control of Silvery Thread Moss.

"Moss on golf course greens is a relatively new pest concern," says David Minner, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University. "Researchers are not sure why the problem is spreading so rapidly, but they do know that it is quickly becoming a major concern on golf courses across the country." 

Minner admits that he was skeptical when approached about a natural product for moss control. "After the first year of evaluation in our spot spraying trial, I can clearly say that the product is very effective in controlling moss," he said.

Moss Busters is said to be the first 100 percent certified organic product that removes moss by penetrating and rupturing the plant cell wall. The moss will quickly desiccate and turn brown, as will the upper leaves of the grass. Turf will begin to recover almost immediately followed by new growth within 10 to 14 days, depending on watering schedules and seasonal growth patterns. Contact http://www.reinders.com.

E-Magazine                         Page 5 of 7
UCRTRAC

University of California Riverside Turfgrass Research Advisory Committee 
UCRTRAC Accumulative Research Summary

The purpose of this Accumulative Research Summary is to provide the most recent reporting on past and current studies in a brief outline format along with associated Final Reports. It covers studies under the UCRTRAC umbrella, approximately from 1996 to the present.

Section A. Irrigation Water Use Efficiency Including Utilization of Effluent Water
Section B. Impact of Turfgrass Chemicals and Fertilizers on the Environment
Section C. Unbiased Product Testing (fertilizers, pesticides, equipment, etc.)
Section D. Unbiased Cultivar Evaluations
Section E. Production of Quality Putting Greens
Section F. Wear and traffic issues, including safety and playability
Section G. The Ability to Respond to Sudden Research and Education Industry Needs
Section H. Other 

>>>> Link to Research Summaries
 
UC Riverside Weekly Turf Disease Update
For the latest Weekly Turf Diseases found in California, visit: http://www.californiagcsa.org/turf_research.htm


PACE TURF MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR SUMMER
Preventive Approach Advised by PACE TURFGRASS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
A copy of this article is posted in the PACE Newsroom at: www.paceturf.org
For more information, Call: (858) 272-9897, 
Email gelernt@paceturf.org OR visit the PACE web site www.paceturf.org
E-Magazine                                Page 6 of 7
"A Choice Worth Considering"
“California Friendly®” Landscaping:
A Choice Worth Considering
By Ada Phillipus-McAllister

With unpredictable weather cycles and the snow pack level falling short of ideal, now is a great time for Los Angeles businesses to consider the benefits of planting “California Friendly®” plants.

A “California Friendly®” landscape can be a colorful, attractive landscape that uses 2/3 less water. Businesses can both improve the exterior beauty of their properties as well as save money through less outdoor water use. In addition, exterior fire-safety is improved because many of the 200 different species of California native plants are fire resistant.


Western Redbud
This deciduous shrub ranges from 6-20 ft. tall and 10-15 ft. wide. It is desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The Western Redbud can be found statewide in California in the foothills below 4500 ft. elevations in chaparral and woodland communities - Cornflower Farms Information by Gardensoft 
 
 

Identifying features of a “California Friendly®” landscape:

• Beautiful and functional yet water conserving
• Use of drought tolerant and native California plants
• Hydrozoning techniques (group plants with similar water requirements on the same sprinkler station)
• Energy-efficient landscape design (proper tree placement)
• Functional use of grass areas (limit grass areas for purely aesthetic purposes)
• Creative use of hardscapes (patios, walkways, decks, paving, sculptures, etc.)
• Use of harvesting design (berms and retention basins) to reduce runoff
• Well designed sprinkler system that uses drip irrigation, sprinkler heads with matched precipitation rates, and a “smart” irrigation controller


California Sycamore
The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40-50 ft. high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.
Information by Gardensoft 
 
 
 
 

Consider creating your own “California Friendly®” landscape and enjoy the beauty of Native and California friendly plants. 
For more information, visit www.bewaterwise.com



The Irrigation Association Announces Craig Zellers As A Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Falls Church, VA, [April 6, 2007] -The Irrigation Association is pleased to announce that Craig Zellers, of Zellers Irrigation Services, Fairfax, CA, has passed the required IA Certification Examination to become a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor {CGIA). The CGIA program was created in a partnership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America {GCSM). A CGIA is involved in the analysis of turf irrigation water use tailored to the unique conditions found on golf courses. Golf Auditors collect site data, make maintenance recommendations and perform water audits. Through their analytical work at the site, these irrigation professionals develop base schedules for greens/tees, fairways and roughs. To become a CGIA, individuals must attend a course and pass a specialized exam.


Water agency asks East Bay to conserve

25% CUT SOUGHT FROM INDUSTRIAL USERS

By Julie Sevrens Lyons
San Jose Mercury News
Article Launched: 04/25/2007 01:46:16 AM PDT

Hoping to avoid mandatory water rationing next year, directors of the East Bay Municipal Utilities District agreed Tuesday to ask their 1.3 million water users to conserve immediately - with large, industrial users being asked to cut their consumption by 25 percent.

The move comes on the heels of similar decisions in Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Sonoma counties, as water agencies have been left reeling by a rainy season that brought low levels of rain and pitiful levels of snow to most of the state.

The East Bay agency, which serves customers from Hayward and San Ramon to Walnut Creek, declared an official water shortage for the first time in more than a decade - and said that unless water is conserved now, one more abnormally dry year could leave the area facing a water emergency.

The conservation efforts are being encouraged "until further notice."

"We can't predict what's going to happen next year. That's what it really comes down to," said agency spokesman Charles Hardy. An especially wet winter last year has left local reservoirs in decent shape, he said, and "if we knew next year was going to be average, then we wouldn't worry about it. But next year could be dry, and we want to go into it in the best position we can."

The agency will ask residential customers to water their lawns and gardens only three days a week - and never on consecutive days. Watering should be reserved for night or early morning hours, the agency says.

Large irrigators, such as golf courses, cemeteries and Caltrans, will be asked to cut their use by one-fourth. The district's 1,000 largest water users will also be notified and told to upgrade their plumbing and irrigation systems, check for leaks and cut back on their water use. And businesses that use water in their manufacturing processes will be asked to look for ways to recycle water.
The efforts are considered voluntary, but in other regions that isn't the case. City of Santa Cruz Water Department officials have made it against the law to water lawns in the middle of the day, effective May 1. And the 2.4 million customers of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission have been told that if they don't voluntarily conserve now, they could face mandatory rationing by this summer.

"We don't control Mother Nature," Hardy said. "We can't create the water. So we really do have to ask people to conserve."

 

E-Magazine                              Page 7 of 7

Dimension® specialty herbicide provides preemergence and early postemergence control of crabgrass, and season-long control of crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail, spurge and Poa annua. With multiple formulations, including the new water-based Dimension 2EW specialty herbicide, Dimension can be used over the top of field-grown nursery ornamentals and landscape ornamentals, and in established lawns, golf course fairways, roughs and tee boxes, and commercial sod farms. 
Visit www.DimensionHerbicide.com for more information.

Rick Miller, PCA
Specialty Products 
Dow AgroSciences LLC 
9854 Oakplace East 
Folsom, CA  95630-1918 
916-212-8598 

View the; 2002 California Golf Industry Economic Impact Study

Also check the CGCSA Web Site Golf Products Directory for a listing of products, services & companies.

For information on advertising in this E-Magazine, please contact: Email: Bob Tillema, CGCS
View our Advertising Rates Charts



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