The first reports of Hyperodes weevils have come into our offices. High adult populations have been seen on fairway edges, greens, and tees. This pest is becoming a more widespread problem in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Populations have been reported throughout Pennsylvania, the northern and eastern panhandles of West Virginia, including Morgantown and Berkley Springs, east to Baltimore, Maryland, and as far south as Williamsburg, VA. In the southern parts of our region these pests have been attacking bentgrass.

Several superintendents fighting this pest issue are participating in a corporative study with Penn State University. Adult Hyperodes weevils will be collected this spring and then screened for resistance to specific insecticides. This work will help to examine current control strategies as well as better define Best Management Practices (BMP) for future control of these destructive insects. Dr. Paul Heller of Penn State University is the lead contact working with many other cooperators in the Northeast. Stan Zontek participated in a coordination meeting at Penn State University of all the scientists who are working on this insect pest. Our goal is to provide the industry with the best possible prevention and control options.

Throughout the region equipment is getting back out on the golf course. The most frequently practiced turf management strategy is mowing, and using sharp mowers is essential to growing healthy grass. This past winter a great deal of interest was generated by research presentations focusing on mower setup and adjustment. Do you know the clip rate of the mowing equipment used at your facility?

Clip rate of mowing equipment is directly related to mower efficiency and quality of cut of a reel mower. Mower setup that is significantly outside of the recommended clip rate of the machine may lead to adverse performance in the field. Pushing mowing equipment beyond its capabilities can be extremely problematic. Scalping, poor quality of cut, and even slower green speeds as well as more Anthracnose are just a few examples of problems associated with inefficient mower setup. Take the time to contact equipment distributors or manufacturers and request the best possible setup criteria for the mowing equipment at your course. It will pay off later in the year!

This Web site update is written a little more than three weeks away from the end our early payment discount deadline for Green Section Turf Advisory Service visits, Thursday, May 15, 2008. Check with our office on whether or not your course has taken advantage of this $300.00 savings.

Always remember that the agronomists of the Mid-Atlantic Region are part of your agronomic support team. If you have a question or concern, especially now, give us a call or send an e-mail. You may contact the agronomists of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Stan Zontek ( szontek@usga.org ) or Darin Bevard dbevard@usga.org ) at 610/ 558-9066 or Keith Happ ( khapp@usga.org ) at 412/ 341-5922.