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UGA Turfgrass Information Available on ‘Smart’ Phones!
September 8, 2009
Turf managers spend a lot of time out of the office. Mobile phones with email, internet, and application programs help turf managers communicate and access information. Advanced “smart” phones (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.) allow greater work flexibility while away from the office or in the field.
Downloadable applications are relatively new features for mobile devices. Applications are programs compatible with phones that provide quick and easy access to information.
Several UGA faculty members have created the first mobile program specifically for turf information. “Turfgrass Management”, is a comprehensive program that contains pictures, information, and recommendations for managing turf weeds, diseases, and insects. The application is designed to be user-friendly and easy to search on mobile devices.
Currently, the application is sold for download through the iTunes Application Store for iPhone users and will be available for BlackBerry in September. Other mobile carriers will be added later as application technology expands to new phones and mobile devices.
Since the program is available for download from the internet, potential users for this technology are world-wide. Therefore, content is presented with no regional emphasis.
The application combines information from numerous books in one complete program that can be used on selected cell phones, anywhere. For example, if superintendents are on the golf course and notice a new weed, the application can be used from their phones to search for information and pictures to help identify the weed. Pictures of most weeds include files of the entire plant, ligule, seedhead, stems, and leaf characteristics. Unlike textbooks, the potential volume of content is virtually unlimited and new information can be added at any time. Also, it is easier to carry a mobile device into the field rather than a collection of books, manuals, or color atlases for plant identification.
“Turfgrass Management” also provides control recommendations for weeds, diseases, and insects. Recommendations include listings of product common and trade names available specifically for controlling individual pests. When a weed, disease, or insect is identified from the pictures and information, users can then view control recommendations for that particular weed.
A database is being added for turf managers to search for specific herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or plant growth regulators. This database will allow end-users to search by common and trade names of individual products with information about labeled rates, turfgrasses, and pests controlled. Information found in this program should be used for reference and is not intended to replace application instructions or regulations found on product labels. Users should always read and follow instructions on product labels before applying pesticides.
“Turfgrass Management” will be updated with information, recommendations, and new content for turf managers. New products will be also be added to the pesticide database with application information and pests controlled. Other features of this program include a section where members of the UGA turf team will post lectures, presentations, and popular articles.
Currently the application is sold for $19.99 for download on iTunes but a subscription service will probably replace the one time fee as the content and features expand. The application will also likely be made available for other mobile devices in the next year or two to help expand the potential for this exciting new technology.
Please share this information with others in the landscape & turf industry. For more information:
Call your local Extension Agent at (800) ASK-UGA1 or locate your local Extension Office at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/statewide.cfm
Source:
Patrick McCullough, UGA Extension Weed Scientist
Will Hudson, UGA Extension Entomologist
Alfredo Martinez, UGA Extension Plant Pathologist
Clint Waltz, UGA Extension Turf Specialist
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Spring 2010 Warm-season Turf Update
May 10, 2010
This article is provided by MALTA – www.maltalandscape.com
We've received several calls this week from homeowners and landscapers with questions about their warm-season turf lawns. Many are concerned that their lawn has been a victim of "winter kill" and they are looking for a solution to the problem.
While some winter kill may be possible, it is difficult to define and diagnose. More likely, the turf hasn't completed its spring green-up.
It is important to remember that warm-season turf green-up is dependent on the soil temperature reaching 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on monitoring yearly averages at the 4-inch depth on the UGA Griffin Campus, the soil is approximately two to three weeks behind in reaching temperatures conducive for root growth.
Also, we experienced a lot of rain late last summer and fall. With rainfall comes cloudy conditions and reduced sunlight. Warm-season grasses depend on light to produce carbohydrate reserves needed to recover from winter dormancy. In some circumstances lawns may have been less fit going into dormancy as a result of overcast, rainy days. Hence these lawns were not as prepared for spring re-growth.
We had some unusually warm weather in early April, which stimulated growth, followed by cooling later in the month. A return to cool temperatures coupled with lagging soil temperatures and less hardy grass as a result of last year's conditions, has slowed growth. At the same time, environmental conditions have remained favorable for spring diseases like large patch. While many lawns are showing good green-up, until our daytime temperatures are consistently in the 80's, complete green-up may not occur. Since the last threat of frost is gone, it is now safe to aerate and fertilize all warm-season grasses, which can stimulate growth.
Monitor the turf during the next few months, and if it does not improve by June, testing for disease, insects, and fertility may be required. If the turf does not respond, replacement may be necessary.
Please share this information with others in the landscape & turf industry. For more information:
Call your local Extension Agent at (800) ASK-UGA1 or locate your local Extension Office at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/statewide.cfm
Source:
Clint Waltz, UGA Extension Turfgrass Specialist
Mary Kay Woodworth, Metro Atlanta Landscape & Turf Association
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