Dr. Patton discusses how various management practices can influence the cold tolerance of these grasses. The presentation also includes cultivar selection, winter preparation, site conditions and recommendations on how to reduce the risk of winter kill while also saving money for your golf course.

Larry Lennert of Aquatrols instructs attendees on how to conduct a simple water audit and how to determine the precipation rate and uniformity of control of your irrigation system. The presentation also includes updates on the latest soil moisture-monitoring technology available to golf course superintendents. The goal of the presentation is to provide attendees with a short list of easily implemented ideas that can help improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water use and waste.

Four USGA Green Section agronomists provide tips on winter greens management in all corners of the country. The presentation includes contending with such issues as diseases, winter traffic and winter damage on bentgrass, Poa annua and Bermudagrass greens. Their group presentation will provide superintendents in all parts of the country and Canada with the latest management information available in order that they can supplement their current maintenance practices.

Dr. Rossi discusses the latest findings from his ongoing greensmower research. The presentation includes the effects of reel mower use on putting surface performance and the chances of promoting stress-induced diseases.

Dr. Toni Riggin Bucci how state and federal laws influence the registration process and ultimately product availability. She also discusses how federal regulations like the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Food Quality Protection Act and Pesticide Registration Improvement Act and how public and political pressures can influence the chemical registration process.

Dr. Rossi discusses the primary reasons for winter-related damage and turfgrass loss. He also will provide research-based solutions on avoiding and minimizing winter kill, dessication and winter pathogens. He also will provide advice for dealing with such problems when they do occur.

Dr. Martin reviews the history of demethylation inhibitor fungicides and discusses those that have been registered recently. He also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each of the DMI fungicides for disease control in cool-and warm-season turfgrasses, supporting his points with data from recent research trials. He concludes by discussing where these products fit in modern turf disease control.

Dr. Rossi discusses the role golf courses must play in reducing chemical pesticide and fertilizer use, as well as the risks of not doing so. He will discusses the pros and cons of reduced chemical use as they relate to turfgrass conditions and supports his discussion with scientific research data.

Dr. Sorochan discusses how mowing less and rolling more can reduce stress and improve turf quality and putting conditions on bentgrass and Bermudagrass greens. He also discusses how modifying mowing heights and rolling frequencies can affect green speed, turf quality, drainage and algae growth. The presentation also addresses how use of vibratory rollers can help get sand topdressing past the surface, reducing the amount of sand picked up by mowers.

Dr. Martin reviews the history of demethylation inhibitor fungicides and discusses those that are recently registered. He also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each of the DMI fungicides for disease control in cool-and warm-season turfgrasses, supporting his points with data from recent research trials. He concludes by discussing where these products fit in modern turf disease control.

Jey Bengivegna of Toro Irrigation discusses factors to consider when uniformity of coverage, field adjustment, modification, and addition or removal of sprinkler heads is desired. Attendees will come away with a basic understanding of how to calculate flow, determine friction loss, as well as the effects of elevation change, pipe sizing and sprinkler head selection and placement.

Cory Blair, CGCS, discusses the importance of accurate record keeping, financial planning and networking and how it relates to keeping your job as a golf course superintendent. He also will discuss how to cope if your lose your job and strategies for finding new employment on or off the golf course.

Andy Moore discusses how superintendents can get back to the basics in the face of tightening budgets as well as increased fertilizer and chemical costs. The discussion focuses on the roles played by soil and water as the foundations of a superior playing surface. Attendees also learn how to assess soil and water quality and how to take corrective actions to deal with soil and water issues at their own golf courses.

Dr. Shetlar focuses his discussion on cutworms, sod webworms and armyworms, including their seasonal biology and why it seems they disappear and reappear throughout the season. He also discusses control products and options, including resistant turf cultivars, biological controls and new insecticide technology, including one that might offer season long control with one application.

Dr. Gaussoin discusses the relationship between trees and turf management strategies to enhance growth of turf under shady conditions. The presentation also is designed to help attendees become more knowledgeable about management strategies to improve turf growth under trees and develop a protocol for enhanced turf growth and playability.

Dr. Wong discusses how and why fungicide resistance develops and offers strategies for delaying and managing resistance development. The presentation also includes an introduction to fungicide biochemistry and modes of action, the process of resistance development and practical strategies to deal with it.

Dr. Karnok clarifies the definition and purpose of biostimulant products, as well as examines the pros and cons of such products and their effects on golf course turfgrass. The presentation also includes advice for superintendents who want to implement their own efficacy testing procedures.

Christopher Gray, general manager and director of golf at Marvel Golf Club in Benton, Ky., discusses use of biodiesel and vegetable oil as alternatives for diesel fuel. The presentation also includes methods for producing alternative fuels and ideas for securing low-cost fuel sources.

Dr. Vincelli focuses on the unintended effects of fungicide use on turf and the ecosystem on and around golf courses with the purpose of providing turf managers with the tools necessary to better understand the importance of using fungicides selectively and wisely.

Dr. Nikolai focuses on the effects of lightweight rolling on mowing height, mowing frequency, green speeds and turfgrass quality. He also includes information on creating putting green management programs to fit a variety of budgets.

Dr. Turgeon discusses the nature and composition of thatch, its influence on turfgrass growth and development. He also focues on the various methods for controlling it, including core cultivation, vertical mowing and topdressing.

Dr. Christians discussed basic information about the biology of Poa annua and a survey of current research for methods of controlling annual bluegrass in creeping bentgrass.