In this FREE Webinar, Matt Nelson of Grigg Brothers discusses the various mechanisms of winter injury and methods to help reduce the potential for damage. Fertility is an important aspect of preparing for winter, and golf course superintendents must balance agronomic objectives with playability. Foliar fertilization programs can help achieve these goals while also helping superintgendents prepare their golf course for winter. This presentation covers some long-standing agronomic beliefs, emerging research and practical suggestions to help minimize the risk of winter kill.

John Kaminski, Ph.D., of Penn State University, provides a background on the pathogen that causes dollar spot and its biology. He also discusses the cultural practices and chemical treatments used to control the disease, as well as research-based updates on common fungicide products used to control dollar spot.

In this FREE Webinar, Frank S. Rossi, Ph.D., of Cornell University describes the widespread turf damage that is occuring this summer at high-end, private clubs and daily fee courses alike. Dr. Rossi also discusses climate change as it relates to golf course management as well as strategies for alleviating the effects of summer stress, including mowing and rolling programs, irrigation practices, biostimulant use, pest-management programs, planning for recovery and preparing for the 2011 season. Dr. Rossi also will provide recommendations for communicating with members and golfers during times of severe turf stress. GCSAA CEU's are not available for this presentation.

In this FREE Webinar, Gordon Kauffman III, Ph.D., of Grigg Brothers, discusses the increasing use of phosphites to manage high maintenance turfgrass area, including its use on as part of an integrated pest management program. His presentation also includes details regarding the derivation of various phosphite formulations from raw source materials, notably the development of chelated salts and EPA-registered fungicides. He also presents specific modes of action, best uses and field research specific to anthracnose managmeent. Finally, he provides an update on the most current information that could potentially lead to future uses for turfgrass managers.

Mike Fidanza, Ph.D., of Penn State University, discusses how although fairy ring is not technically considered a disease, it remains one of the most common and debilitating problems in golf course turf. His presentation also includes a primer on the history of fairy ring, including what he calls its elusive and mysterious biology and nature. He also presents recent research on fairy ring control, including how the rootzone environment might impact development of fairy ring symptoms in turf. Finally, he provides an update on the most recent methods and products used to control fairy ring.

Joe Vargas, Ph.D., of Michigan State University, provides a background on Summer Bentgrass Decline and Summer Patch as well as research-based information on how to prevent and treat these summer turf diseases. He also discusses their causes as well as the role of morning sunshine in preventing diseases in turf. Finally, his presentation covers cultural management practices and chemical treatments against these diseases as well as the role of proper nutrition in disease management.

Herb Stevens, aka The Skiing Weatherman, discusses the importance of weather radar as a short-term tool for golf course superintendents as well as the science behind weather forecasting. He also provides insight into how the forces of nature work and how superintendents can make better use of radar. The presentation includes tips to use on the golf course that will enable attendees to determine whether conditions are favorable for a weather event on any given day.

Drs. Gelernter and Stowell discuss how and why soils that are too wet or too dry can have a negative impact on factors such as putting green firmness, overall turf quality and pest populations. Their findings are based on result sof scientific research conducted throughout the country. They also discuss management practices as well as other tools and techniques that have been useful for improved monitoring and management of soil moisture.

Dr. Wong discusses the importance of fungicides in turfgrass management. His discussion includes a primer on the 12 major classes of turfgrass fungicides, how they work, how they differ and their mode-of-action characteristics.

Dr. Sorochan provides an introduction on photosyntheses and the importance of light quantity and quality. The talk also includes morphological and physiological changes to turgrass under shade trees, as well as turfgrass managmeent (mow, irrigation, fertility and disease management) for turgrass under shade conditions. He also provides findings from the most recent research conducted on managing turf under shade.

Ron Smith, AKA The Safety Guy, discusses the basics of different types of on-the-job safety training. He also focuses on defining safety training, who needs it and why and what the law requires in terms of delivering it and documenting it. He specifically targets what types of safety training are required to be provided by golf courses and superintendents.

Dr. Golembiewski discusses background on fungicide resistance and how it develops. He also discusses which turfgrass diseases are most likely to develop fungicide resistance. His presentation include a review of fungicides, resistance terminology and management strategies designed to extend the life of fungicides used on golf course turf.

Dr. Crow discusses the different types of nematodes affecting golf course putting greens, the differences between them and the types of turf in which they are found. His presentation will include how to make an accurate diagnosis of a nematode infestation, and he also will provide research-based advice on how to control these plant-parasitic pests, including cultural practices and chemical pesticides.

Dr. Clarke discusses the backgrounds of many of the patch diseases prevalent in cool-season grasses and what superintendents can do to minimize the threat of occurrence. His presentation also includes strategies for developing cultural practices as well as chemical pesticide and fungicide solutions. His presentation is based on data from recent research conducted at Rutgers and elsewhere.

Dr. Branham will discuss postemergent control of annual bluegrass in cool-season grasses. His presentation will include bluegrass seed biology and the most effective herbicides at controll annual bluegrass in bentgrass and ryegrass putting greens. He also will discuss resistance, how pre-emergent herbicides can be part of an effective strategy for keeping annual bluegrass from returning and the use and effectiveness of plant growth regulators.