Page 16 - GreenMaster Winter 2022

uFEATUREuDR. SARA STRICKER, GUELPH TURFGRASS INSTITUTE COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Update Turfgrass
Fiesta Damage: Turfgrass damage from granular treatment 14 days after treatment; turf surrounding damaged areas was very deep green in colour.
Iron applications can result in darker green turfgrass. Fiesta applied at different rates creates shades of green.
For 35 years, the Guelph Turfgrass
Institute (GTI) at the University of Guelph has been a national leader in research, extension work and professional development for the study of turf.
After the generous support of the turfgrass industry, individuals, and organizations, the GTI’s new G.M. Frost Research and Information Centre has officially opened its doors at its new location on the University of Guelph campus, where research will continue to support Canada’s golf, sports, sod, and residential turf industries.
In celebration of the GTI’s new home and milestone age, a grand opening public field day event was held on September 16th, 2022, where GTI alumni, turfgrass professionals and
homeowners were invited to tour the new facility and research plots. Participants spoke with GTI researchers and experts to learn about current studiesandhowtheyareaddressing the needs of the industry.
“We’re excited to continue our work in this new state-of-the-art research and teaching facility,” says Dr. Eric Lyons, Director of the GTI. “We are tremendously grateful for the support from individual donors, organizations and the industry who made our new location possible.”
Field research continues at the new site, which aims to answer questions about pest management, agronomy, cultivar selection, and new technologies in relation to the turf industry. These are some highlights from the 2021 field season:
COMPARING GROWTH REGULATORS ON USGA PUTTING GREEN
Applying plant growth regulators (PGRs) can reduce mowing frequency and enhance playing surface consistency. This study compared prohexadione-calcium, Primo Maxx (trinexapac-ethyl), an experimental growth regulator, and combinations thereof on growth and quality on a ‘T1’ creeping bentgrass green. The products were applied on two schedules: every 4 weeks or after 300 growing degree days had accumulated.
The PGR treatments reduced turfgrass growth and improved turfgrass quality and colour ratings compared to the untreated water control. When applied according to
16 • CGSA • GreenMaster