Microdochium patch is an important turfgrass disease in cool‐humid regions and is caused by the pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fries) Samuels & Hallett. Control of the pathogen is necessary to provide acceptable putting‐green‐quality turf, and fungicide applications are the predominant method of control. Increasing pesticide restrictions have generated interest in alternative management techniques of Microdochium patch. This research evaluated the effects of three nitrogen and five iron sulfate rates on Microdochium patch development on a trafficked, sand‐based, annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting green in Corvallis, OR for over 2 yr in the absence of fungicides. Data included turf quality, area under disease progress curve, and soil test results of saturated paste extract pH, cation extractable sulfate, and DTPA‐sorbitol extractable iron. This research provided evidence that low rates of urea (4.88 kg N ha−1) applied every 2 wk did not lead to an increase in Microdochium patch severity and that iron sulfate applications decreased Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass putting greens. Despite the disease suppression observed, no treatment received a turf‐quality rating considered acceptable. Low turf‐quality ratings where disease development was low were attributed to turfgrass thinning or blackening of the shoots resulting from iron sulfate applications. Soil tests provided evidence that the highest iron sulfate level used in this study (97.65 kg ha−1) applied every 2 wk would likely lead to a lower soil pH and an increase in soil sulfate levels.

Microdochium patch is a turfgrass disease that occurs in cool, humid regions caused by the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels & Hallett [Teleomorph = Monographella nivalis (Schaffnit) E. Müll]. Fungicide applications are the predominant method of control; however, pesticide restrictions have generated concern regarding the use of traditional chemicals to manage turfgrass pests. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of the cultural practice of rolling in combination with applications of mineral oil, S, and/or phosphorous acid (H 3 PO 3) on the suppression of Microdochium patch on an annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting green. A 2-yr field trial took place from September 2013 to June 2014 and was repeated from September 2014 to June 2015 on a sand-based annual bluegrass putting green in Corvallis, OR. Experimental design was a 2 × 4 × 2 × 2 randomized complete split-plot design with four replications. Factors included rolling, the fertility products S and H 3 PO 3 applied alone and in combination, mineral oil treatment, and year. Mineral oil suppressed Microdochium patch although applications led to turfgrass thinning. The combination of S and H 3 PO 3 provided greater Microdochium patch disease suppression compared to applying either alone. Rolling also suppressed Microdochium patch in the second year of this study. Further research to determine how to best utilize these combined cultural practices to manage Microdochium patch is warranted. Abbreviations: AUDPC, area under disease progress curve. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.

Little information exists on establishment vigor differences among fine fescue taxa (Festuca L. spp.) and on the effects N fertilizer levels or clover (Trifolium L. spp.)‐inclusion during establishment. Five replicated field experiments in Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon were conducted from 2019 to 2021. Data collection continued for 9 mo after planting to investigate differences among four fine fescue taxa and determine optimal N fertility or clover‐inclusion programs for the establishment of fine fescue taxa. Six N fertilizer levels ranged from 0 to 122.5 kg N ha−1 during the 8 wk after planting, and two treatments included clover‐inclusion + 0 kg N ha−1 at seeding. The three taxa of the Festuca rubra complex—strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), slender creeping red fescue [F. rubra ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier], and Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin)—were similar to one another and required the shortest amount of time until 90% establishment (i.e., faster establishment) compared with hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey). Providing 24.5 kg N ha−1 at seeding hastened establishment of all fine fescues compared with no N fertilizer (0 kg N ha−1). Applying 49 kg N ha−1 at establishment provided faster establishment than the 24.5 kg N ha−1 treatment; however, treatments receiving 73.5–122.5 kg N ha−1 during the first 8 wk after planting provided a similar rate of establishment as 49 kg N ha−1. Inclusion of clover with fine fescue resulted in slower establishment than fertilizer levels of ≥24.5 kg N ha−1.

Traffic simulators are often utilized when researching turfgrass wear tolerance and recovery. However, the availability of a durable traffic simulator capable of producing dynamic force is limited. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to: (i) evaluate a novel traffic simulator with improved durability and capable of producing dynamic force and (ii) evaluate the biophysical effects of the traffic simulator on a native soil turfgrass system. The Baldree traffic simulator is a modified Ryan GA 30 (Jacobsen, A Textron Company, Charlotte, NC) riding aerification unit, equipped with fabricated, spring loaded steel plate feet studded with screw in cleats. The effects of this unit on a ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] system established on a Tifton loamy sand (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults) were evaluated at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. Factors included location (1 and 2) and traffic rate (0, 12, and 24 passes applied over a 6 wk period). Field data included soil bulk density, turf density, and percent green turf cover. An in‐ground force plate at the McPhail Equine Performance Center, East Lansing, MI was used to quantify vertical and net shear ground reaction force produced by the Baldree traffic simulator when operated in the forward and backward direction. The Baldree traffic simulator produced more cleat marks per pass than the Brinkman and Cady traffic simulators. At the low traffic rate the Baldree traffic simulator increased soil bulk density, while turf density and percent green turf cover decreased; therefore, the tool can be used to simulate heavy traffic conditions with a minimum number of passes.

Homeowners typically use commercial “patch and repair” products to seed bare or damaged lawn areas in the spring. Commercial products typically contain inert matter, fertilizer, and turfgrass seed, which is dominated by perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] mixtures, with a few fine fescues (Festuca spp.). Our objective was to assess the establishment potential of low‐cost patch and repair ingredients in the spring that include low‐input fine fescues. Field experiments were initiated in Indiana and Oregon in April 2019 to investigate seven mulch ingredient treatments and two starter fertilizer treatments. All treatments included the same fine fescue seed mixture. All mulch ingredients, including the untreated (no mulch) control, eventually reached a similar turf cover; however, the rate of establishment was influenced by the mulch ingredient. Conversely, starter fertilizer had a minimal impact on the establishment rates but increased final turf cover. Compost‐derived mulch consistently resulted in faster turf establishment, which was generally ≥6 d sooner than other mulch options, with the exception of potting soil, no mulch, and, at times, topsoil, which may provide similar results. The results indicate if the newly seeded area is adequately irrigated, then neither mulch ingredient nor starter fertilizer may be necessary, thus providing more financial savings for consumers. The results also indicate there are multiple financially feasible options for homemade patch and repair ingredients for homeowners and lawn professionals to use in the establishment of low‐input turfgrasses from seed.