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| ~~The following is the C.D.G.A. scouting report as posted by Derek Settle, PhD. Don't forget to follow the link!~~ |
July 27, 2012 Scouting Report
Three
periods of Bentgrass Decline: Soil Temps Hover at 80°, Anthracnose,
Pythium, Fairy Ring, Drought, Peter says Turf Field Day and Tim likes
Flowers
Chicago/Northern Illinois Update: Derek Settle
As
July ends, we've learned a few things that a record-hot-brutal-summer
can teach you! It turns our July, 2012 had three periods of bentgrass
decline. In Chicago the first of our stressful periods began with the
wondrous July 4th weather (a string of 100s pounded a cool humid
landscape). Let's not forget the blessed rain! Severe thunderstorms are
quite common for the upper midwest in summer and Chicago is wettest in
July or August - just flip a coin to see. Quite probably it could be
August in 2012...unfortunately. But I digress. Back to physiological
decline of creeping bentgrass. It is something that is well documented
by plant physiologists by use of controlled growth chambers. They found
extended periods of supraoptimal temperatures meant presto - a slow to
rapid decline of creeping bentgrass plant health. Soil temperature is
key because it directly effects the rootzone environment and roots are
not only responsible for water and nutrient uptake, but also other
things like production of plant hormones and storage of photosynthetic
carbohydrates. Once we realize bentgrass isn't creeping bentwondergrass,
pieces of a sometimes confusing summertime puzzle make sense. A newer
disease to blame? Nope. Instead the senario is likely: physiological
decline predisposes bentgrass to some new and unusual 'diseases' or
disorders. However, as was true in other unusual Chicago growing seasons
(1988 and 1995) certain cultural practices help greens BIG time. Read
on for more physiology...
Click here to view the July 27, 2012 Scouting Report.
Have a wonderful weekend - moderate Sat/Sun temps. Oh, and rest up for the month of August?
Derek Settle, PhD
Director of Turfgrass Program |
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