Grassy Weeds in Turf Planted Last Fall


Many samples have arrived in the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab the past few weeks with the common question of “What’s this grass in the turf I seeded last fall?”. Although there could be a host of answer to this question with annual bluegrass likely on the top of the list, most of what I have identified is either annual ryegrass or winter wheat. Annual ryegrass is a common ingredient in poor quality seed mixtures and winter wheat is commonly found in areas planted with wheat straw as a mulch. Both species should die during the warmer summer months without the need to apply a herbicide. Below are some pictures and helpful clues for identifying these grasses in turf that you plant.



 
 
 
 
 
 


Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist
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Don’t Forget to Sharpen Those Mower Blades


Sharply cut leaf blades increase turf health by improving recovery, decreasing water loss, and increasing photosynthesis. Lawns mown with a dull mower blade have poor aesthetics, heal more slowly and have greater water loss. Seedheads are present in many lawns right now and they are typically tougher to cut than the grass blades themselves. As such, it might help to switch to a sharp set of mower blades to help slice through these seedheads.



Homeowners should sharpen mower blades at least twice a year. To make this easy, buy two sets of mower blades and sharpen both sets each winter. Put a sharpened blade on before the first mowing and then switch when you notice that the leaf blades are becoming ragged in appearance as this is an indicator of a dull mower blade.

For professionals, consider sharpening mower blades weekly, bimonthly, or monthly depending on the amount of turf you are cutting. Again, inspecting the turf leaf blade is the best way to determine when your mower becomes dull.

Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist
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Assessing Spring Freeze Injury in the Landscape


As most gardeners have marveled, we're having one of the earliest "spring" seasons this year, with woody plants and herbaceous perennials three to six weeks ahead of "normal."

And then, perhaps inevitably, "normal" spring frost and freeze visited. Being so much further along in their development, plants are quite vulnerable to damage.


 


Home fruit-growers have reason to be concerned: At 28 F, you can expect a 10-percent loss of flowers/young developing fruit. However, at 25 F that loss increases to 90 percent! Here, in the Lafayette area, we hit 27-28 F last Thursday (April 12) morning, followed by 24-25 F Friday (April 13) morning - a double whammy.

Bud counts were exceptionally high until the freeze, so in some cases, even just 10 percent retained fruit might still be a decent crop on our tree fruits. Grapes may also still have ability to crop on shoots that have yet to emerge. Strawberries are a bit easier to protect through frost and freeze, but only if you took measures, such as using floating row covers, recovering with straw, etc.

However, it is only mid April, and additional frosts/freezes are still possible. Bottom line is that unless it is already a complete loss, we won't really know the rest of the story for quite a few more weeks. 
It is easy to check fruit buds for damage by cutting open the bud and looking for dark brown or black centers. Our Purdue Extension fruit specialists put together these videos to help you assess the status of your fruit plants.

Assessing Spring Freeze Damage to Apples
Video: http://youtu.be/YcSRg74Hb_A
Assessing Spring Freeze Damage to Peaches
Video: http://youtu.be/DcS2XGAqoFk
Assessing Spring Freeze Damage to Grapes
Video: http://youtu.be/lNUZu5Bx08M
Assessing Spring Freeze Damage to Strawberries
Video: http://youtu.be/F-QoX1C4_S0
Assessing Spring Freeze Damage to Blackberries
Video: http://youtu.be/EyIhvfY2apM

For ornamental trees and shrubs, plant response has been quite varied, depending on species, location and, of course, temperature and duration of that temperature. Susceptible plants may have wilted leaves, brown or black necrotic spots on leaves, or perhaps dieback of entire twigs. Plants that were in bloom likely have brown petals or dropped flowers entirely. Here are some links to articles from previous spring freezes that will give more information.
http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/ppdl/hot10/5-14.html
http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/ppdl/weeklypics/Weekly_Picture6-25-01-1.html





Note that freeze incidents are normal for this time of year. What is abnormal is the earliness of development, leaving the plants exceptionally vulnerable to freeze. The good news is that woody plants, in most cases, will outgrow the damage.

B. Rosie Lerner, Purdue Extension Consumer Horticulturist

Article originally posted at: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/agcomm/newscolumns/archives/YGnews/2012/April/120419YG.html
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Crabgrass Not Dead After Recent Frosts/Freezes

Despite some recent frosts and freezes across certain spots in Indiana, crabgrass remains unaffected and was not killed. Although crabgrass was not injured, other cold sensitive plants were such as volunteer tomato seedlings in my garden and my Japanese maple.


Recent cold air temperatures cooled down our soil temperatures. Temperatures will be mild for the next 10+ days. When they being to rise again in the next couple of weeks, expect the second flush of crabgrass germination to begin in late April.

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New Publications on Tree Selection, Planting, and Diagnosis

The following new publications about tree selection, planting and diagnosis might be of interest to you. See below for more details.


FNR-FAQ-11-W

Why is My Tree Dying? https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?itemID=20568

This publication explains how trees can be injured and die from damage suffered during construction projects. Author: Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist.

FNR-433-w

Tree Installation: Process and Practices https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?itemID=20135

A helpful how-to guide on choosing, planting and maintaining trees. Includes a 12-step planting process, Indiana native tree and utility-friendly tree charts, Midwest Hardiness Zones and Tree Planting Detail graphics and photographs. Author: Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry. Specialist.


FNR-463-w

Construction and Trees: Guidelines for Protection https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?itemID=20538

This publication provides information on protecting trees within or near construction sites and home building projects from damage or death. Author: Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry. Specialist.

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Early Spring Insect Update

Not surprisingly, the early spring warm-up has resulted in a frenzy of early season insect activity. We were out in the field earlier this week to get a handle on just how far ahead insect activity may be this year and we were somewhat exasperated by what we found…

Billbugs

Billbugs are out in full force in West Lafayette and I’m certain they have already started to deposit eggs into stems. Some of those eggs have probably started hatching which means the larvae are already actively feeding inside plant stems. For those who have been challenged by billbugs in the past, the time to apply chemical controls is NOW! At this time, we would lean toward the neonicotinyls (chlothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid or thiamethoxam) or Acelepryn® (chlorantraniliprole) because the systemic activity of these compounds will provide control of larvae inside the stems. If you are also thinking ahead to white grub control later in the season, make sure to use the highest labeled rates or risk losing the benefits of residual grub control later in the season (expect white grub season to start earlier this year too).

This may be one of those years when we experience two full generations of billbugs even in the northern part of the State, so good control of the first generation will be extremely important. Our turf will be able to tolerate a fair amount of damage from the first generation since growing conditions will likely make recovery less challenging. However, a second generation with damage occurring in the hot dry months of July and August can be much more problematic ¾ just ask anyone who regularly deals with hunting billbugs in Southern Indiana and Kentucky.

Speaking of hunting billbug… experience would indicate that these insects have been out and about for some time now in Southern Indiana and it is very likely that most eggs have already hatched. As with the other billbug species, target the larvae inside the stems at this time using one of the previously mentioned insecticides.

Sod webworms

Overwintered sod webworm larvae have also begun feeding and the birds have, no doubt, keyed in on this activity. If you are experiencing damage related to sod webworms or birds foraging for these insects on short-cut bentgrass, an application of any of the pyrethroids (bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin etc…) should remediate the insect problem. If birds are actively foraging in these areas, try to avoid using granular materials and do not water-in liquid applications.

Cutworms and Armyworms

As Dr. Gibb has pointed out, substantial numbers of adult black cutworms and armyworms are already present and laying eggs in the turf ¾ the larvae will not be far behind. Keep an eye out for indications of damage and treat accordingly. Remember that a tablespoon of lemon-scented dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water can provide an effective and simple sampling tool for these insects when poured over a square yard of turf. A few short minutes of observation after a soap flush can clarify if treatment is required.

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Black Cutworm and Armyworm Moths Are Early Arrivals in 2012

The mild winter experienced throughout the midwest has affected the arrival of our early season moths. Recent reports of both armyworm and black cutworm adults throughout the state signal an early arrival of the caterpillars. The first order of business for these moths is to mate and lay eggs.
Golf course superintendents and athletic field managers are advised to pay close attention to moth activity, current temperatures, and future weather conditions as they begin to search for caterpillars and associated feeding damage. The decision to treat should be based on this scouting activity, caterpillar damage and the potential threat of cutworms and armyworms to sensitive turfgrass areas.

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