RESEARCH REPORT

Ecology, pathogenicity and management of of the samples was attributed to Bipolaris species. from with blight symptoms, was pathogenic at Bipolaris and fungal species associated Curvularia blight was the most prevalent reported 30° C in zoysia, bentgrass, and bermudagrass. with decline of ultradwarf bermudagrasses in disease from late spring to late fall. Turfgrass canopies in Florida consistently reach these Florida. The was isolated off of the major- temperatures used for the previous pathogenicity Ultradwarf Decline

By Dr. Lawrence E. Datnoff, Dr. Carol Stiles, Dr. ity of turfgrass samples brought into the labs (Stowell, studies from late spring through the fall. John Cisar and Matthew O. Brecht, Ph.D. personal comm.; Unruh and Davis, 2001). While While Bipolaris species are more often Candidate, Principal Investigators Curvularia species were frequently recovered from attributed to causing a disease in turfgrass (Couch both healthy and diseased ultradwarf bermudagrass 1995), little information is available about the role Rationale/description of problem: tissue, it is often unclear whether the fungus is the pri- these fungi play in affecting ultradwarf bermuda- mary cause of the turfgrass symptoms or a saprophyt- grasses (Pratt, 2001). In fact, very little is known In the Southeast, an increasing number of ic secondary organism (Stowell, personal comm.). An about the pathogenicity, etiology, and ecology of putting greens consist of the new ultradwarf accurate diagnosis is important to the superintendent Bipolaris and Curvularia species and no disease research has been conducted on the ultradwarf bermudagrasses. Basic information on the biology and ability to cause disease by Bipolaris and Curvularia species in the ultradwarf cultivars is critical for devel- oping accurate and rapid diagnostic procedures and for creating optimum, long-term integrated disease- management strategies that the superintendents can use to please their membership.

Benefits of research to golf course superintend- Figure 3. Incidence of selected fungi by season. Figure 4. Incidence of selected fungi by location ents: Fungal abbreviations are as follows: (NE-northeast, C-central, S-south, NW-north- This research will determine whether or F=Fusarium, Cl= Curvularia lunata, west) in Florida. Fungal abbreviations are as fol- not Bipolaris and Curvularia species are directly H=Hansfordia, Bc=Bipolaris cynodontis, lows: F=Fusarium, Cl= Curvularia lunata, responsible for the disease problems in putting greens A=Alternaria, Ac=Acremonium, and C=Codinaea, Bc=Bipolaris cynodontis, comprised of ultradwarf bermudagrasses in Florida. Rs=Ramicloridium subulatum. Bars with the Rp=Robillarda phragmites, E=Epicocum, same letter do not differ significantly at P≤0.05 Cs=Curvularia geniculatus, Ggg=. By understanding which fungi are pathogenic, diag- as determined by the Fisher’s Protected LSD. Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis, and nostic procedures can be developed to more accurate- H=Hansfordia. Bars with the same letter do not ly identify the true cause of disease, and allow super- bermudagrass ( X C. differ significantly at P≤0.05 as determined by intendents to correctly manage the situation. the Fisher’s Protected LSD. transvaalensis) cultivars, including Champion, Integrated disease management strategies that includ- Floradwarf, and TifEagle. These grasses rival tradi- since management of certain diseases by fungicides ed cultural (such as mowing heights) and chemical tional creeping bentgrass ( palustris) greens and cultural methods are often specific for that type approaches can then be developed for superintend- in part because of their higher shoot densities, faster of fungus. ents, giving them more options for prevention and ball roll and tolerance to lower mowing heights Although Curvularia species are fre- control of the disease problem. (Hanna, 1998). quently obtained from ultradwarf putting green sam- Recently in the Gulf Coast region ples in Florida, they are not routinely diagnosed as Objective 1: Determine the influence of mowing (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi), more pathogens by university diagnostic laboratories. One heights and fungicides on the decline of ultradwarf than 70 golf courses in 2000 and 130 golf courses in reason for this is the ongoing debate about the patho- bermudagrass. 2001 reported significant disease problems in their genicity of Curvularia species (Kim et al., 2000). ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens (Unruh and Brown et al. (1972) demonstrated that various (Editor’s note: The report on objective one can be Davis, 2001). Diagnostic labs, which received turf- Curvularia species could cause disease in cultivars of found in the March/April 2005 Issue of the Florida grass from the diseased greens, attributed the damage Kentucky bluegrass, creeping red fescue, and bent- Turf Digest. Dr. Datnoff was gracious enough to let to spring dead spot (Ophiosphaerella spp.) and grass from 24 to 35° C. In Korea, Kim et al. (2000) us publish his update report on the other two objec- Curvularia blight (Curvularia spp.). Damage in some recently showed that Curvularia inaequalis, isolated tives of the overall project as a timely follow up.)

52 THE FLORIDA GREEN

RESEARCH REPORT

Objective 2: Determine the occurrence of Isolates of Bipolaris and Curvularia Bipolaris and Curvularia on ultradwarf bermuda- species obtained from the statewide survey will be grass greens in Florida golf courses. used to test their ability to cause both foliar and A statewide systematic study was root disease in Champion, Floradwarf, and undertaken to determine the true extent of Tifeagle. These tests are currently under way. Bipolaris and Curvularia and other fungi associat- ed with disease problems on golf courses with Literature Cited: ultradwarf bermudagrass greens (TifEagle, Bell, A.A. 1967. Fungi associated with root and Champion and Floradwarf) in Florida. Every crown rots of Zoysia japonica. Plant Disease other month samples were collected from eight Reporter 51:11-14. golf course greens located in four geographical Brown, G.E., Cole, H., Jr., and Nelson, R.R. regions of Florida, USA (northeast, northwest, 1972. Pathogenicity of Curvularia sp. to turf- central, southeast), with each region having a grass. Plant Disease Reporter 56(1):59-63. Floradwarf and TifEagle cultivar. This research Cisar, J. and Snyder, G. 2002. Evaluation of actually began in 2003 and is ongoing in 2004. ultradwarf bermudagrass cultural management The data shown herein are from 2003 and a por- practices. USGA Annual Report. 14 pgs. tion of 2004. Couch, H.B., 1995. Diseases of turfgrasses. Twenty different species of fungi Kreiger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. and one actinomycete were recovered from the 421pp. two ultradwarf cultivars, including Alternaria Couch, H.B. and Smith B.D. 1987. Relationship sp., Acremonium sp., Biplaris cynodontis, of suscpect nutrition, air temperature, and dura- Bipolaris hawaiiensis, Codinaea sp., tion of leaf wetness to the development of Choanephora sp., Curvularia lunata, Curvularia Helminthosporium leaf spot of creeping bent- geniculatus, Cylindrocarpon sp., Epicoccum grass. Phytopathology. 77(12):1733. (Abstract). sp., Fusarium spp., Gaeumannomyces graminis Hanna, W. 1998. The future of bermudagrass. var. graminis, Hansfordia sp., Leptosphaerulina Golf Course Management. 66(9):49-52. trifolii, Myrothecium leucotrichum, Pestalotia Kemerait, R.C. 2000. A characterization of soil- sp., Penicillium sp., Pythium sp., Robillarda borne fungi associated with peanut (Arachis phragmites, Ramicloridium subulatum, hypogaea L.). Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Rhizoctonia zeae and a Streptomyces species. Florida 338 pp. The incidence of Fusarium sp., Curvularia luna- Kim, J.C., Choi, G.J., Kim, H.J., and Cho, K.Y. ta, Hansfordia sp., Bipolaris cynodontis, 2000. Pathogenicity and pyrenocine production Alternaria sp., Acremonium sp., and of Curvularia inaequalis isolated from zoysia- Ramicloridium subulatum was significantly dif- grass. Plant Disease 85:684-688. ferent depending on the season (P<0.05) Martin, B., Camberato, J., Chunhua, L. and (Figure 3.). Fusarium and Alternaria species Turner, A. 2001. Spring-applied fungicides were recovered significantly (P<0.05) more increase turf quality. Carolinas Green, often on leaves during the winter and spring March/April: 21-23. months than on other plant parts and times of Muchovej, J.J., and Couch, H.B. 1987. the year (data not shown). Acremonium sp. Colonization of bentgrass turf by Curvularia were recovered significantly (P<0.05) more lunata after leaf clipping and heat stress. Plant often on leaves during the spring than on other Disease 71:873-875. plant parts and times of the year (data not Pratt, R.G. 2001 Occurance and virulence of shown). Bipolaris hawaiiensis on bermudagrass The incidence of Biplaris cynodontis, (Cynodon dactylon) on poultry waste applica- Codinaea sp., Curvularia lunata, Curvularia genic- tion sites in Mississippi. Plant Disease 85:1206. ulatus, Epicoccum sp., Fusarium sp., Sivanesan, A. 1987. Graminicolous species of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Drechslera, Exserohilum Hansfordia sp., and Robillarda phragmites was and their teleomorphs. Mycological Papers No. influenced significantly by the location of the turf- 158. grass in the state of Florida (P<0.05) (Figure 4). Smiley, R.W., Dernoeden, P.H., and Clarke, B.B. 1992. Compendia of turfgrass diseases. Objective 3: Ascertain which isolates of Bipolaris APS Press. St. Paul, MN. 106pp. and Curvularia obtained from the statewide survey Unruh, J.B. and Davis, S. 2001. Diseases and are pathogenic and determine disease develop- heat besiege ultradwarf bermudagrasses. ment. Golf Course Management, April 2001, p. 49-54.

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SUPERINTENDENT’S JOURNAL

Bill Davidson, GCS at Naples Grande G.C. organized an Everglades GCSA entry for the Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bill’s son Trace rides with dad. Brian Beckner, LaPlaya G.C. is in the back- ground and his son Preston is in the back of “Keeping it Green” cart. Photo by Romie Davidson.

A St. Patrick’s Day Adventure the community’s door step and to let people know who we are. To accomplish this, I had two 4x4- Nobody Does foot signs made — one said, “If you like playing your golf course, thank your Superintendent” and Green Better Than the other had the Everglades chapter’s name & logo and attached them to our ride. Superintendents A quick stop at a local party supply shop for decorations and we had bona fide mobile By Bill Davidson floats. Some phone calls to friends and I had a small group organized in no time. I wanted this to An annual adventure in March is for be a family event for the kids as well (who else is my family to go to the Naples St. Patrick’s Day better to promote you than your kids?) and when parade. Last year, after seeing the local Republican they found out there were golf carts and candy Club march by, the local boating store promoting involved (It’s a tradition at the Naples parade to its business with a shiny new boat being towed throw candy to the crowd as you pass) it was an down the parade route, and my good friend’s easy sell. Mommy Club pass by; I thought there is nobody The reception we got from the crowd that is greener than golf course superintendents was fantastic! I think most were even surprised to and we should be out there promoting ourselves as see us. If you think about it, a large percentage of well. After a few minutes on our local govern- the people who are here this time of year play golf ment’s Web site, I found all of the contact informa- or have something to do with a golfing communi- tion I needed. Signing up for the parade was sim- ty. One thing most people don’t do well is to pro- ply a phone call and a small entry fee of $100. mote themselves. This was a great, inexpensive My original thought was to get some opportunity to promote our profession, our associ- fairway mowers and triplexes to ride down the ation and the game of golf. It cost less than $800 parade route, but logistics made that too difficult for signs and supplies. Plus, we had a great time so we used carts and trucksters. In promoting what with our kids doing it! we do, I wanted to come up with something that Let’s face it: On St. Patrick’s Day brought the recognition of our hard work right to nobody does green better than superintendents.

56 THE FLORIDA GREEN

2004 Photo Contest Results

and ornamental shrubs and trees planted in formal beds on the course or club entrance. Category 3 – Native Areas: includes beds of native plants including trees, shrubs and grasses used in natu- ralized areas to reduce turf inputs and aquatic vegeta- tion plantings used to create habitat and protect water quality. Category 4 – Scenic Hole: includes any view of a golf hole (panoramic or close up) that demonstrates the scenic beauty of a golf course. Easy Rules Color prints or slides. Prefer prints. Only one entry per category. Digital images: Digital image entries must be taken at a resolution setting of 300 dpi or higher and saved as Jpeg or Tif format images. Images taken, saved and sent at lower resolutions will not qualify for First Place - “Hole No. 2, View from the Tee” by Jim Mandeville, Bear’s Club, North Palm Beach the contest. If you’re not sure. Send a print instead. Photo must be taken on an FGCSA member’s course. Photo must be taken by an FGCSA member or a member of his staff. Attach a label on the back of the print or slide which identifies the category, course and photographer. DO NOT WRITE DIRECTLY ON THE BACK OF THE PRINT. Each print shall be attached to an 8.5 x 11- inch sheet of paper using a loop of masking tape on the back of the print. Slides should be in plastic sleeves for easy access for viewing. Digital images must be accompanied by the same information in an email or document, or on a CD. A caption identifying the category, course and photog- rapher should be typed or printed on the sheet of paper below the mounted print. Judging will be done by a panel of FGCSA members Second Place -”13th Tee Wildflower Bed” by Scott Hornish, Royal Poinciana Club, Naples not participating in the contest. Native areas on golf course require less water and 2005 Photo Contest Rules Mail entries in a bend proof package marked “PHO- other maintenance inputs. They also provide food and Category 1 – Wildlife on the course: includes any TOS DO NOT BEND” to Joel Jackson, 6780 cover for wildlife and visual contrast to the turf. critter on the course that walks flies, swims, slithers or Tamarind Circle, Orlando, 32819. Entries postmarked Congratulations to the winners of Category 3 – Native crawls. after August 1, 2005 will be automatically entered in Areas: Category 2 – Formal Landscaping: includes annuals the 2006 Photo Contest.

SPRING 2005 57

AFTERWORDS

As It Lies for other activities like having a nap not how well they played. the area and could have civilized tee on the sofa accompanied by the soft But, let me begin at the times. We have a former owner of a Who is murmur of the television. I also like to beginning of the day, which for these trash-hauling company in New York, a get out early on a golf course if it is people begins at 4:30 a.m. That’s cor- nice Italian gentleman. In the winter Number going to be a crowded, slow-moving rect. I know because I am at the we have the largest importer and affair. My wife on the other hand course before 4:30 a.m. each day exporter of chocolate in Canada, yes, One? thinks an early tee time is anything because we host 70,000 rounds a year, all of Canada. There’s a retired hair- prior to 10 a.m. and every piece of equipment with dresser and owner of several upscale By Jim Walker My golf course has a wheels on it also is equipped with salons in Connecticut, and a retired long-standing tradition that the first 10 lights. Mowing greens, tees, fairways, jockey and thoroughbred trainer from Being number one in a lot tee times are given to the first 10 peo- roughs, slopes, and even spraying Saratoga, who retired before age 50. I of things in this world is very impor- ple who arrive at the course each projects are done “under the lights." could go on and on, but I think you tant: Number-one-ranked player in the morning. No one knows how long this My crew reports between 4 and 5 a.m. get the picture. world, World Series champs, Super policy has been in effect. Not one each day, and everybody hits the These people are in the Bowl champs, NBA champs, NCAA player or employee knows when it ground running. parking lot before the milk is deliv- champs in started or why. If we don't stay ahead of ered and last call is made at the local football and When I arrived five years the first group, we’ll get buried in watering holes. What in the name of basketball ago, I discussed the concept of doing players and not be able to mow any- God do they do for the rest of the — all can away with this goofy situation with thing. day? I'm telling you, shouting matches have life- my assistant and many of the grey- And there’s another phe- have occurred over who was first, changing hounds who comprised this group. nomenon at Greynolds Park: early third or sixth on any particular day, ramifica- My idea was to let people reserve bird joggers and cyclists. People run since this is all done on the honor sys- tions. The these times in a more civilized manner and bike in the dark. They also wear tem. list goes on like on the phone or in person. It was very dark clothes so they are diffi- Evidently none of the pre- and on. not something I considered long cult to see and that keeps you on vious managers felt this Greek drama There are exceptions, because the hangman’s noose was your toes as you enter the park each in three acts was worth monitoring. however, to being number one. It is quickly thrown over a large limb of an morning before your first wake-up Can you imagine? What do you do at not cool to be the first one to arrive at oak tree adjacent to the putting green. cup of coffee. work? Well, I monitor the first ten a party, or the first one to leave. It is Being a perceptive person and having The other day I arrived at cars in the parking lot so they don't not polite to be the first one finished gone further in school than Jethro 4:10 a.m. and Tin Cup Jr. “aka” kill each other. Keeping track of who with a meal at the dinner table, an act Bodine, I knew that the rope was for Sneaky Pete was already in the park- is number one at Greynolds Park is a which can draw looks and whispers me and the tradition was not to be tri- ing lot. How the heck he got in is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. from others dining with you. There fled with. mystery because I use the back gate, In my 30 plus years of may be more delicate situations in Having been dealt a hand and the security guard doesn't open running golf courses, this is the which a man might not want to finish of lemons, I decided to make lemon- the front gate until 4:30 a.m. When I most bizarre behavior I have ever first, but I digress. ade. Since I failed in my attempt to inquired, the early bird said he left his seen. Maybe you have some goofy All of this leads me to a change tradition, I paid very close car there overnight and entered goings-on at your course too. If so, discussion of being the number-one attention to the ins and outs, whys and through one of the pedestrian gates I would like to hear from you. Just person to tee off each morning at my wherefores, and studied the psycho- which are never locked. remember, all the guys I'm talking golf course. I know many people like logical profiles of the greyhounds. Half of these people are about are retired, so they don't have early tee times so they can finish and Keeping score for these people seems millionaires who should be members anything else to do each day except have a good deal of the day remaining to be measured in how fast they play, at one of several nice private clubs in go home.

GREEN SIDE UP nations are not substitutes for training, coaching, discipline and self control. Rules of the Game Treat others as you would have them treat you — including suppliers — and do it with respect. By Joel Jackson, CGCS boulder for him in the Phoenix Open a One rotten apple spoils the few years ago. I’m talking about some whole barrel, and we’re all in the barrel. I’m not talking about know- common-sense rules to avoid obstacles Always give credit to others: ing the USGA Rules of Golf verbatim, in our career path. the crew for doing the work, a peer for like Rule 36 — immovable hazards. providing problem-solving information, Although knowing that rule did allow The Human Condition the green chairman for spearheading the Joel Jackson, CGCS Tiger Woods to have the gallery move a Tirades, tantrums and termi- approval for a project, a supplier for

58 THE FLORIDA GREEN

AFTERWORDS

making a special delivery, volunteers for helping with ACSP projects. You Public Relations will be seen as unselfish and a true manager and facilitator. It’s harder for a club to fire a nice, friendly and positive person who is seen often and participates in club functions or at least shows his or her face Dress for Success around the course. Working superintendents don’t have to wear blue jeans and a “Good morning Mr. Smith. How are you hitting them? I know you Copenhagen cap to a local chapter meeting. A polo shirt, sport coat and Dockers often bring guests out to the course. I just wanted to let you know we will be from Sears are perfectly fine attire when visiting another course’s clubhouse as a doing our spring aerification next week. guest. “Hello Ms. Jones. Did you see the new butterfly garden on No. 6? The curse of Casual Friday is that it is now Casual Monday, We just joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and we are working Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. Wearing shorts and boat shoes at work doesn’t on becoming certified. Would you like to serve on our Resource Committee? mean you can’t grow healthy turfgrass, provide excellent playing conditions or manage a multi-million dollar asset. After all, a fishing guide is trained Health and Fitness - You Are What You Eat professional too. It’s OK to jump in the hole and fix the leak if you have to. Coffee, donuts, soda, burgers and fries or cereal, fruit, juice and Just don’t go to the clubhouse looking like a ditch digger or a fishing guide salad? — you are the superintendent. You don’t have to deny yourself treats. Just consider variety and moderation in all things, especially alcohol at your club and local chapter func- Communicate or Abdicate tions. Find a way to exercise. It relieves stress and keeps you around for your Don’t’ let the rumor mill do your talking. Tell the truth and tell it family. often to everyone on the staff from the pro shop, valet parker and waitress in the restaurant. Then tell your boss, committee chairman, the influential golfers and Perceptions even the “squeaky wheels.” If you don’t spread the facts, someone will offer to It may look like a barn. It may smell like a barn. But in reality, it is fill the void with their opinions. the turf management operations center. A broom, a blower and a couple of gal- Example: “With the cloudy, rainy weather the greens are a little thin lons of paint may be all the tools you need to make your shop look organized right now. I’ve raised the height of cut, which is recommended by the USGA and efficient. Sloppy is as sloppy does from clutter to record-keeping. Green Section as a first response to thinning. I’ve sent out soil samples to check Mix/load and/or equipment-wash areas that drain directly into ditch- for nematode levels and soil pathogens. I’m going to solid-tine aerify and lightly es, creeks and wetlands look exactly like what they are, pollution generators. topdress and fertilize them also. If they don’t perk up, I’d like to have Bill Smith Pour some concrete. Recycle the rinsate. It isn’t rocket science. It’s called stew- and Tom Jones, the superintendents at Posh Hills CC and the Platinum Club, ardship and gives the perception that you and your club care about the environ- come over and take a look and see if I’ve missed something. It would really help ment. if the sun would come out.” Don’t miss the chance to post announcements in the clubhouse or Ethics write an article for the club newsletter. You don’t have to be a novelist. There are Resist the temptation to respond to comments or questions about boiler plate articles you can copy from GCSAA and others to spread the word another superintendent’s golf course condition, practices or even problems about what’s going on in your department and on the course. Just remember to when asked. You may or may not know all the facts. Usually you don’t and tell who, what, why, when and how and you’ll be fine. their comments are often uneducated hearsay. Don’t agree to make a visit to that course if they invite you without calling that superintendent first. It Business Savvy looks real bad if the other superintendent gets fired, and you end up some- Run your operation like a business, not a bottomless money pit. how involved in that operation. Don’t covet the newest bells and whistles without showing the cost and benefit Don’t get caught in clandestine poaching of your neighbor’s employ- of everything… from purchasing new equipment to using new products. Have a ees. Good equipment managers and technicians are in demand. It’s a free coun- plan in hand, not your hand out every year for more dollars. The devil is in the try and everyone has a right to seek the best deal they can get. However, the details. If you were the owner, wouldn’t you want to know where every dime industry is too small and your reputation is at stake if you don’t give your profes- was going? Be creative in finding ways to lower costs, like reducing out-of-play sional peers at least a heads-up on pending negotiations. He may not like it but turf areas and multi-tasking employees. at least it wasn’t done on the sly. Follow these rules and stay in the game. The score you earn here is Continuing education more than just a number. If you aren’t learning something new, you are falling behind. The best scenario is being able to go to conferences, seminars and chapter It may look like a barn. It may smell like a barn. meetings. Regardless of the formal education, the networking is worth the But in reality, it is the turf management operations effort. Being around other superintendents always raised my spirits and my center. A broom, a blower and a couple of gallons of intelligence on growing good turf. After you go to a conference or even a paint may be all the tools you need to make your local meeting, write a short report or note to your boss and tell him some- thing you learned that will help you do your job. They might get the idea shop look organized and efficient. Sloppy is as that it’s good for you to go to these things. sloppy does from clutter to record-keeping.

60 THE FLORIDA GREEN