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| ~~The following is the C.D.G.A. scouting report as posted by Derek Settle, PhD~~ |
June 29, 2012 Scouting Report
June
Ends HOT: 1st Type 2 Fairy Ring on Greens, Dollar Spot Jumps After
Rain, Japanese Beetles Build, Peter's 1st Dollar Spot Data and Tim says
Tall Fescue
Chicago/Northern Illinois Update: Derek Settle
Summer
just got Record Super Hot. Until now we have been praising our
cool-season turf for its deep roots and good color. "Good, nice, wow,
terrific." And in response our turf has listened by glowing green and
blemish free (given supplemental irrigation). This week things started
to change. Peak summer heat entered our Midwest sky above (early) as an
ominous forecast of 90s to 100s for highs strung themselves together.
Accordingly we began to see signs of plant stress and our miniature
boat-shaped leaf blades on greens, Poa annua, gave its first whelp of
summer.
This recent amber hue is now commonly occurring on Poa
greens in Chicago, yet for the average eye all is well and the putting
green looks fine. However, for superintendents this all-to-familiar-look
means normal plant physiology of fine turf is no longer the same. On
golf surfaces, physiological decline has begun and touche, in response
they're moderating maintenance on greens. On especially hot days we back
off. As far as ball roll or those green speeds you won't be able to
tell as natural plant growth regulators are now in place - high
temperature, midday wilt stress and high light levels. With plant growth
next to nil careful inventory and evaluation of habitual stressors
begins. Like the extra mechanical wear which always rings the cleanup
laps of greens. Like traffic patterns on turf (the stressful effects of
concentrated foot traffic on greens, and harsh traffic patterns of carts
on fairways/roughs). Talk about a hot summer huh. Well it is!
Click here to view the June 29, 2012 Scouting Report.
Have a nice weekend and enjoy your 4th of July. Thankfully rain seems to have returned.
Derek Settle, PhD
Director of Turfgrass Program |
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