Michigan Golf Legislative Day "Golf on the Lawn"
June 13th, 2012 »» Details2013 Michigan Turfgrass Conference
January 21st - 24th, 2013»» DetailsWelcome
The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) is a nonprofit organization, which supports research at Michigan State University to find better turfgrasses and better methods of turfgrass maintenance. Incorporated in 1957, the MTF has achieved success in fulfilling these needs through research and education. Located at the Robert W. Hancock Turfgrass Research Center on the Michigan State University campus, the MTF continues its successes in these areas by working closely with the University and the industry.
Our membership reflects the full diversity of turfgrass professionals and aficionados, including homeowners, golf courses, seed and sod growers, municipalities, parks and recreational areas, lawn and landscape contractors, sports turf managers, athletic associations, cemetery associations and other facets of the industry. Membership is offered to everyone interested in the betterment and enjoyment of turfgrass. Homeowners, golfers and athletes who use turfgrass, in particular, are encouraged to join the professionals in supporting turfgrass research by becoming a "Friend of Turf"
The Mission of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is to work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turfgrasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management.
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MSU Turf Team Update 5-14-12
European Crane Fly Damage Appearing Now in Grand Rapids.
Kevin Timmer of Tender Lawn Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeing extensive damage from European crane fly that has appeared since mid April. At these lawn sites the turf is extremely thin or dead in patches, with large crane fly larvae in the soil and on the surface. The large ‘leather jacket’ larvae are expected to continue feeding for 2 – 3 more weeks before pupating in the soil and emerging as an adult crane fly, which looks like a 1.0 inch-long mosquito. Now is a good time to look for crane fly damage in the southern half of the lower peninsula. The thin turf and accompanying excavation by skunks and raccoons looks like grub damage, but can be easily distinguished by the presence of the gray to tan-colored leather jackets (see photo below). Infested lawns can be treated now with Sevin (or another turf product containing carbaryl) now to prevent additional damage this spring. However, to prevent damage late next fall and in spring of 2013, lawn care professionals or golf course superintendents will need use one of the following products and the indicated timing below. Timing is critical, as Kevin Timmer reported damage to several lawns this week that had been treated with imidacloprid in May last year (2011).
Product / Correct Timing for European Crane Fly
Sevin (carbaryl): In May or late fall when turf damage is discovered
The following treatments are preventive:
Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole): May (also protects against grubs and other turf pests)
Arena (clothianidin): Late July and August (also protects against grubs)
Merit (imidacloprid)
Allectus (imidacloprid + bifenthrin)
Aloft (clothianidin + bifenthrin)
Meridian (thiamethoxam): Should provide protection when applied from late July to mid August (also protects against grubs)
Full Report with Photos Available Below:
Gordie LaFontaine/Frank Beckman MTF Interview
Please enjoy this interview with the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Executive Director Gordon LaFontaine.News Notes Now Available in Digital Format!
Michigan Golf Legislative Day "Golf on the Lawn"
This year's Michigan Golf Legislative Day "Golf on the Lawn" will be held at the Capitol June 13, 2012. Please visit michigangolfalliance.com to register and for information as it becomes available.
MSU Turf Diseases Web Site
The MSU Department of Plant Pathology has created a Web site intended to help you learn the key identification characteristics of common and not-so-common turfgrass diseases found in Michigan and the midwest. Correct identification is the first step to proper management.We have created biography pages for each disease to help you better understand why diseases invade. The biography pages include information on habitat, alternative common names (AKA), look-a-likes, management practices and chemical controls. Please visit msuturfdiseases.net to utilize this invaluable tool.
Contact Information
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation
PO Box 27156
Lansing, MI 48909-7156
miturfgrass@gmail.com | Fax: 1-989-936-5911
Please contact Rebecca Schoch at 517-392-5003