Optimal timing for preventative fungicide application for the management of large patch (Rhizoctonia solani) in warm-season turfgrasses. (Brenden Sledge – M.S. Student)
- Study the most effective soil temperature to initiate preventative fungicide treatments
- Determine treatment timing using the occurrence of average soil temperatures
- Use weekly to bi-weekly disease severity ratings to determine preventative fungicide efficacy
- Determine fungicide application timing for optimal large patch preventative management
Growth dynamics of Rhizoctonia solani in warm-season turfgrasses characterized by disease severity in vivo. (Brenden Sledge – M.S. Student)
- Determine the optimal environmental temperature for the spread of Rhizoctonia solani in warm-season turfgrasses
- Track disease progression in vivo comparing differing establishment temperatures
- Cross reference with field research to determine the optimal time for large patch management
Effects of nitrogen levels and sources on Take All Root Rot (TARR) in bermudagrass. (Brandi Merrick – M.S. Student)
- Investigate effectiveness of amounts of nitrogen fertilizer on bermudagrass infected with TARR
- Investigate effectiveness of nitrogen sources on bermudagrass infected with TARR
- Determine efficacy with monthly to weekly turf quality ratings and end-of-trial root examinations over the course of multiple eight week trials
- Establish Nitrogen requirements for optimal management technique for TARR
Impact of Cultural Management on organic matter (OM) accumulation, root health, and turf quality in bermudagrass putting greens. (Brandi Merrick – M.S. Student)
- Explore efficacy of four types of traditional cultivation methods with consistent top dressing on OM accumulation, root health, and turf quality on bermudagrass putting greens
- Determine baseline response levels to each method with weekly to monthly turf quality ratings over a three year trial period
- Establish cultural management techniques that provide highest root health and turf quality while keeping OM accumulation low
Organic Matter (OM) influence on disease severity of Take All Root Rot (TARR) on bermudagrass golf course putting greens. (Brandi Merrick – M.S. Student)
- Examine bermudagrass golf course putting greens’ response to TARR at various levels of OM content
- Evaluate percent disease severity ratings done weekly to monthly over a three year trial period to determine most susceptible levels of OM
- Establish acceptable levels of OM accumulation relating to disease tolerance and severity of TARR