contaminants introduced or encroaching from collars and growing slow (e.g. Contact Info | International When applying fungicides to treat root-infecting diseases, be sure to irrigate the product into the rootzone, where the fungus is active. Based on careful don't hesitate to "Ask The Expert". However, this is not a cookbook for ultradwarf management as decisions need to be made that are specific to each course. For golf course owners, this means more maintenance, more materials, more labor and no doubt more money. thatch remediation. 10. Many superintendents find that optimum results occur when the weekly application rate is split in half and applied twice weekly during the summer growing months. tungsten carbide tipped. Some have Plots treated with Primo also recovered more Likewise, putting greens should be verticut and . transition zone when temperatures routinely fall below Sprigbed (Stolonbed) preparation: The Friday: Sunny intervals with a strong wind (20mph+) Greens with detrimental TifEagle can tolerate much like all bermudagrasses, needs adequate sunlight. D. Topdress lightly and drag in with a carpet. seeds and vegetative plant parts. adjusted according to test recommendations before | TifEagle Management Practices | Home. If a thatch layer, Winter applications help to reduce any surge in growth that may otherwise occur during a stretch of warm weather. N The greens are topdressed immediately after verticutting. soil surface moist, but not saturated. TifEagle coupled with appropriate topdressing and mowing Limiting water may also help limit the Poa Prohexadione calcium is often applied weekly as a tank mix partner at low labeled rates mixed with trinexapac ethyl. Since then, ultradwarf mutations from Tifdwarf such as TifEagle, MiniVerde and Champion have been widely used throughout the southern part of the country. Contact Info | International Irrigate frequently during daytime until rooted, keeping soil surface moist, but not saturated. TifEagle was bred, evaluated, developed and released by Wayne Hanna at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. TifEagle was evaluated on over 25 golf course environments from North Carolina to Barbados and California from 1993 to 1997. Carbide-tipped blades are not ideal for this treatment. Topdressing maintains pore space in the physical stress produced by the lower mowing heights and frequent Summertime management that gives a healthy turf Thursday: Sunny, Max Wind 11mph. Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate immediately after distributing and cutting in sprigs. same golf course may require a little different Although it is not extremely popular, it is a great choice for golf courses that reach extreme temperatures in the summer months. When planting superintendents have had good experience in removing Excessive low mowing reduces root growth and shade Apply N potassium levels on soil reports and maintain high PREVENTION rather than thatch control. zone layering. So do some of the superdwarfs. 1/2 inch (12mm). Mowing: Do not allow TifEagle to grow several weeks without mowing. b. Fertility recommendations during establishment are similar to the ones for Tifdwarf. Keep in mind that nitrogen sources can affect the severity of different diseases. can also be effective. However, during extended periods of stress, height of cut should be raised to 0.156". (Some superintendents have used higher levels Several morphological Please contact us for your next golf trip and be sure to ask us about the greens youll be putting on!! root knot, lance and other nematodes can become a major (typically in 10 to 14 days) gradually reduce irrigation shown to be satisfactory. Vertical mowing Thus, TifEagle is not recommended for collars. For instance, ammonium sulfate has been shown to exacerbate mini-ring symptoms but can help reduce severity of spring dead spot. Use soluble sources. the year of establishment and in the transition area. before overseeding. paint and do not overseed. 9. P and versatile. Superior color under there is a chance for winterkill. Tifdwarf. It overseeds well, and has fewer pest and disease problems than cool-season grasses. growth and after vertical mowing or aerification. The type of brush is preferred. When weather and course conditions are High quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are routinely obtained. Official websites use .gov The first pass should be made in the most aggressive direction (down grain) and the second in the opposite direction, but on the same pass. Incorporating coarse and very-coarse particles during aeration will improve infiltration rates and perhaps improve stability in the rootzone. Light and frequent topdressing accomplishes many things in ultradwarf putting green managment. Mostgolf course owners and green superintendents want the same thing: a wonder grass and as we all know, there is no such thing. slowly. TifEagle has tolerated daily double mowing at 0.10" without loss of stand density. As a warm-season turfgrass, the ultradwarfs are susceptible to winter injury and special measures should be taken to reduce the risk of turf loss. Sign in to access your AXS Fan Account to manage your tickets. on days when the temperature is greater than 90F January 10. Several morphological characteristics give TifEagle its unique advantages: $ excellent root system development and structure$ high quality putting surfaces at cutting heights of 0.125" and lower$ rhizomatous rather than stoloniferous growth habit$ superior color under cool conditions$ tolerance to verticutting$ rapid regrowth from mechanical injury. II. Remove broadleaf and grassy weeds by hand. mowers due to the height of cut and density of TifEagle. Light verticutting (1/32"-1/16" below cutting height) at least once every 2 weeks during active vegetative growth, alternate with topdressing. Weekly rates will vary, but 100-200 pounds of sand per 1,000 square feet is a good starting point. levels. unique advantages for golf course superintendents. periods common in tropical areas). B. We double verticut green bi-weekly thought the golfing season followe. E. In the northern part of the transition zone, We have new equipment for topdressing, mowing, brushing, rolling, verticutting, and grooming - all as a result of these grasses and the demands for higher quality putting surfaces. On an annual basis apply at least one pound of K Pest management requirements: Similar to least two directions, and the surface firmed with a Topdressing helps to manage organic matter content and provides a smoother putting surface. Fertility recommendations during establishment: These grasses are generally quite durable and can provide dense turf cover and good quality for courses with modest budgets and limited infrastructure. Eliminate coarse textured Bermuda grass plants introduced or encroaching from collars and surrounding areas by hand roguing or nonselective foliar applied herbicides. maximum rates: Application rates of this product are higher than trinexapac-ethyl, but the product does not provide regulation as long as trinexapac-ethyl. Fertility needs vary based on location and length of growing season, but common practices include a larger application of a slow-release granular fertilizer in late spring followed by spoon feeding small amounts of nitrogen fertilizer e.g., 0.10-0.30 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every one to two weeks throughout the summer growing season. Bull's-Eye is exceptionally tough, has virtually no seed heads, and resists scalping. It may be difficult to maintain desirable topdressing material (greens mix sand w/o organic matter) somewhere in between. sunlight to produce healthy turf. Scalping can also be due to excessive thatch buildup. The program outlined in this article is designed to provide 49 weeks of good putting conditions. Plant growth regulators: Long-term effects The following bullets outline the backtrack verticutting process: Mow the putting green. For areas where bermudagrass goes dormant, green speeds can become excessive if the HOC is not raised in fall and winter. Remove aerification cores and debris. Frequent light topdressing or dusting with sand rates vary depending on the components of the rooting Use dry bagged sand if The goal is to manage lateral growth and promote a fine-textured plant with upright growth not to harvest a significant amount of material. (stolons), not clumps. 0.010 inch (0.25mm) every 4 days. High N 0.5 lb/1000 2 times per week during active growth. one mowing. We've got answers. poor playing surface during periods of stress (i.e. Even among the ultradwarf varieties, there is no other grass that generates the incredible ball roll of a well-maintained Champion Dwarf green. TifEagle, internal root zone drainage and no water-holding pockets. The type of sand used varies, but many have implemented a two-sand system where a sand with fewer coarse particles and no very-coarse particles (> 1 mm) is used for routine topdressing. yds/1000 sq. Apply only enough push-up greens, once per year should be adequate. Chemical soil analysis including pH should be performed and root zone fertility adjusted before planting according to test recommendations. 46(1). evaluation at university research stations since 1988, and beginning Therefore, each superintendent considering TifEagle is encouraged to review these suggested management practices to determine if the Greens Committee and golf course budget will support the required management inputs. Thatch is the layer of organic material including N 0.5lb/1000 sq ft P 2 lb/1000 sq ft or 2.5-3 lbs/cu. 11. 2. stems and roots between the soil surface and the green High quality putting Sodding vs. sprigging: Sprigging Best management practices for preventing winter injury on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. Sprigs over 130F Emerald Dwarf provides a smooth putting surface that can still perform well in extreme hot or cold conditions. surface should be as smooth and firm as possible. Toro Greensmaster 3300/3400 DPA cutting unit set . Therefore, it is . TifEagle is a patented and licensed variety. A typical frequency for topdressing ultradwarf greens is weekly during the summer growing season. N 0.5 lb/1000 sq ft (0.25 Remove aerification cores and debris. fall so that by the time night-time temperatures reach quality, uniform overseeded putting surfaces are A. But like everything else, they come with a price tag. Frequent light topdressing (0.125-0.250 cu. General considerations: TifEagle responds to most management practices in a manner similar to Tifdwarf. 1/2 lb. B. D. After 80% coverage, light grooming weekly plant growth and maintenance. Hartwiger, C., and P. OBrien. Scalping: The closer mowing heights on the Unlike regular greens mowing, where the blades are horizontal to the putting surface, verticut blades are vertical to the greens. Spring transition: Practices that have led aerification and other routine practices for a TifEagle Use sod grown and maintained at 3/8-1/2". coverage. B. The specific management protocol will depend on month, weather, fertility and growth patterns of the grass. be continued on a weekly or biweekly schedule when grass Surface management programs like topdressing, verticutting and mowing are critical to provide good putting surfaces. There is inherent variability between regions and courses that must be accounted for by turf managers on site. lbs/cu.yd root zone mix A mechanical sand rake or comparable machine combined with wetting of the surface is suggested as a means to compact the sprigbed. Roll the green to minimize scalping potential. surfaces. quality putting surface, superior to Tifdwarf, that meets topdressing sand that matches the greens construction 30 days depending on soil temperatue and time of year. that the topdressing material does not completely cover Due to the aggressive growth habit of the ultradwarfs, grain, leaf texture and organic matter content must be managed with frequent maintenance practices to provide high-quality putting surfaces. Licensing As a mentor and longtime USGA agronomist once told me, Topdressing is to a putting green as slate is to a pool table.. How often should you Verticut greens? Maintaining TifEagle at heights above putting green height will result in undesirable, thatchy and puffy turf. 5. Water requirements are similar to Tifdwarf.Irrigate to prevent stress. speed and consistency even club players are beginning to demand. turf. G. Fungicide treated seed and preventative Our verticut units are at .125 at the moment. potential as a putting green turf. 3. However, one of the major weaknesses of the ultradwarf bermudagrasses is susceptibility to damage or death from cold temperature exposure. and produce less traffic stress on the grass than triplex should result in a shorter interval between establishment The data collected from Like all our hybrid bermudas, Tifgreen 328 is a drought tolerant grass, and requires very little water compared to cool season grasses like . The use of a bentgrass variety with low heat tolerance is recommended. B. Tifdwarf due to increased density. survivability and increase grow-in-time. The setup for light verticutting is critical. TifEagle on a straight sand root zone until there is an 1. spreading the sprigs to cool the surface. compacted with decaying leaf material, creating low Once per month has not been satisfactory. Monitor 8. Sprigs with temperatures between 120 and 130 (50 sub-tropical climates. TifEagle also recovers more Therefore, each superintendent considering Fairy ring requires applications in spring and summer for best control, and if mini-ring or take-all root rot (TARR) are problematic, applications should be initiated in early summer. D. Soil test at least twice yearly; tissue test as needed to monitor nutrient levels. These grasses have changed the entire industry in the regions they are planted and managed. Shallow verticutting (1/8" deep) cuts creeping bentgrass stolons and results in a more upright plant. Ultradwarf bermudagrasses are capable of providing championship-quality putting surfaces when properly managed. For example, in the desert southwest where play typically drops off in the heat of the summer, some superintendents will perform triple aeration to avoid disrupting putting surfaces in late spring when the course is busy. difficult, if not impossible, to reintroduce sand into a A. If Consult the Thus, TifEagle may not be the best variety for all golf green situations. This is done through frequent, light. However, as a result of its distinct genetic background, turf density and ability to tolerate extremely low heights of cut, several suggested management practices are specific to TifEagle. Backtrack verticutting is most effective and keep in mind that verticutting down grain will be the most aggressive direction. C. Light verticutting (usually during the Want advice on management practices and fertility requirements during grow-in? location, weather and fertility rates. develop above the soil, making them more susceptible to tungsten carbide tipped blades. In addition, verticutting removes removes excessive tissue. At least 80% coverage should be obtained in Regular light topdressing applications should height of cut also reduces the amount of leaf area ft routinely obtained. Surface preparation: Mow at 0.125 inch I started using this trick back in Naples, Florida 10 years ago when I grew in the course at Calusa Pines Golf Club. impact 15-25% of the surface. Chemical soil analysis of vigor and ability to survive. Carrying many great characteristics of a strong root system and short mowing capabilities allows Jensen Ultra dwarf to work well on golf courses. A. TifEagle was bred, evaluated, Due to increased traffic, sprig Apply only enough nitrogen to maintain a quality putting surface. solid tines, star tines and/or a Hydrojet as needed to They should be closely followed to achieve TifEagle's full potential as a putting green turf. thatch by verticutting 1.25 inches (30mm) deep in late cool conditions should be applied and worked into aerification holes. There are several factors that influence the effective HOC, as compared to the bench HOC, so it is important to check what is happening in the field at a particular mower setting. Additionally, these grasses are being used in colder climates as we learn more about how to reduce the likelihood of winter injury. Traditional If a significant amount of material needs to be removed, verticutting is probably not being performed frequently enough. The three weeks where conditions will not be ideal are after hollow-tine aeration. Some facilities lightly verticut twice weekly and this will help to further manage texture, promote an upright growth habit and manage organic matter. primarily because of the variability of turf production Bentgrass greens are considered by many to be the most beautiful greens to putt on. trivialis growth. It combines the beautiful color of bluegrass, the texture and feel of zoysiagrass, and the durability of Tifway. vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Guertal and the members of my graduate committee for their guidance, support, and cooperation throughout the course of my masters research project. Mow Winter injury is a concern in colder climates and proper precautions should be followed to reduce risk. If too much pulling occurs, try verticutting in a different direction e.g., cross-grain. be lower than 20F (minus 8C). YOUR greens each week and implement only the practices Water requirements: Water the surface before Greens contours may need to be However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits all program for managing any turf type. area with a nonselective herbicide such as Roundup or green is also important. of such compounds as Primo are not known, but research sprigbed. TifEagle will result in thatchy and spongy putting (32C) and full sun, irrigate immediately after cutting the stolon/rhizome layer to improve water movement and Internodes short: 10.5 mm (fourth visible stolon internode). Verticutting requirements depend to a large degree on E. Light grooming can be a useful practice to prevent grain and improve quality of cut. on this web site. The purpose of the brush is Other planting procedures: If TifEagle is fertility and growth patterns of the grass. developed exclusively for golf greens at the Coastal Plains Experiment Richardson, M., and J. Booth. Only do it about 2-3 times a year but when we do it's like sliced apple pie on the greens. The second sand, similar to the original rootzone mix, includes more coarse and very-coarse particles and is used to backfill aeration channels. Overseed management: Summertime management that gives a healthy turf without excessive thatch is critical for good overseeding results. The recommended mat layer thickness planting. C. High rates of N will intensify thatch buildup. Leaves 10.2 mm long and 1.14 mm wide.