Virginia Tech professor Dr. Shawn Askew said because the biology and ecology of Poa has not been adequately studied, the project will investigate seed persistence in the soil seedbank, seedling-emergence patterns and phenological development to identify best management strategies.
“Stakeholders have told us a major limitation with resistance management is the lack of effective non- chemical tactics,” said Dr. Matt Elmore, Rutgers University assistant professor.
Research needs to evaluate cultural tactics such as grass species and variety selection, mowing regimes – height and frequency, grass-clipping removal at mowing, as well as irrigation and nutrient management, said Dr. Bryan Unruh, University of Florida professor. Fraze mowing, which removes the top inch of soil along with weed seeds, is another approach to be evaluated, Brosnan added.
“Socioeconomic factors, such as technology expectations and prices, play a major role in the adoption of best management practices,” said Dr. David Ervin, Portland State University professor. Te project will conduct focus groups and a national survey to understand the behavior of turf managers and the factors influencing decision-making by them.
Weed-resistance management may be expensive in the short-run, but it can pay off in the long-run, said Dr. George Frisvold, University of Arizona professor. Understanding the long-term economic implications of management practices and being proactive are imperative.
All findings from the project will be disseminated through an extensive outreach program, including field days, small- group trainings, webinars and bulletins in all the states for stakeholder interaction, said Dr. Jay McCurdy, Mississippi State University assistant professor.
Te project also includes disseminating the research findings through classroom education and student training to reach the next generation of turf managers, said John Kaminski, Pennsylvania State University professor.
According to the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds, annual bluegrass ranks third among all herbicide-resistant weed species globally, with resistance to at least nine different herbicide modes of action.
One stakeholder, pointing out the seriousness of the problem, said, “We just completed our putting green renovation costing $3 million, driven largely by the fact Poa annua was the prominent grass, which created chronic ‘life support’ attention.” Another said, “Finding solutions to this problem could save homeowners, public entities, golf courses and sports complexes millions of dollars.”
With a strong clientele network in place, the team has been able to identify the needs of the industry and other stakeholders as we move forward with the research, Bagavathiannan said. And while the project will directly benefit sod farms, golf courses, athletic fields and residential turf systems, it also will improve social and environmental benefits to the general public.
TPI Turf News March/April 2019
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