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~~The following is the C.D.G.A. scouting report as posted by Derek Settle, PhD~~
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April 20, 2012 Scouting Report
Nice
Temps, Needed Rain Arrives, 1st Crabgrass Seedlings, 1st Sod Webworm
Injury, Poa annua Seedheads, Microdochium Patch, and Tim says Embark
Chicago/Northern Illinois Update: Derek Settle
As
April's go, things feel pretty normal. Did I say that? Daytime
temperatures felt comfortable with 60-70° highs and most nights felt
chilly - as they should. Our lows were 30 something and most days, a
light jacket would do. A more normal pace of temperature accumulation
calmed us. Only once out of a span of seven days did we record frost in
the north suburbs. Meanwhile, south suburbs saw not one. Nevertheless,
new pests did arrive and reminded us that they do have early life this
season. 1. Like our first crabgrass seedlings to appear (preemergents
are needed earlier in 2012!). 2. Like sod webworm moths and their larvae
which spelled the letter V on Sunshine's greens this week (v for
victory?). 3. Like pink snow mold's reappearance which for obvious
reasons has been renamed Microdochium patch (it's April and it isn't
snowing!). 4. Like Poa annua, now shining flower-wise on most courses
(Poa seedheads!). 5. Like a disease look-a-like or frost induced reddish
creeping bentgrass (not leaf spot of bentgrass!).
Overall in
the landscape, I noticed deciduous trees seemed to be leafing out all at
once and a couple eye-poping woody ornamentals were done - lilac and
crabapple flower gone. Otherwise, most things look really healthy as
progression to 'all green' continues. Soon Mother Nature will say "Ta
da!"
Click here to view the April 20, 2012 Scouting Report.
Have a nice weekend as we continue to enjoy cooler/normal temps.
Derek Settle, PhD
Director of Turfgrass Program |
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