With a generous covering of ice and snow, as is our current situation throughout much of the North Central Region, it's a little difficult to think seriously about golf turf management. However, we all know, now is the time to formulate plans for the coming season. Turf conferences and networking with associates is an important component in reviewing past strategies and finalizing future plans. In addition, your local Green Section agronomist is a unique source of information and candid review of maintenance strategies being considered. Feel free to call or email anytime.

True to the past, the Indiana Green Expo, which was held in Indianapolis on January 12 ^th through the 14 ^th , was a big success. Everyone enjoyed the combination of presentations, the equipment show, and catching up with friends. A few points of interest gleaned from presenters include the following:

• There is no real difference in foliar disease activity control when fungicide carrier volumes are between one and two gallons of water per 1000 square feet.
• For root disease activity, the carrier volume should be two to four gallons per 1000 square feet.
• Purdue offers a turfcast site ( www.agry.purdue.edu/turf ) that forecasts disease vulnerability. The site is active between April 1 and November 1.
• There are at least 60 different types of basidiomycetes associated with fairy ring disease.
• Preventative control of fairy ring disease activity is much more effective than curative. Two applications of a DMI fungicide (Bayleton is receiving particularly good reviews) with a one month interval prior to disease activity and watered in approximately ¼" with no wetting agent has offered the best results.
• Curative control of fairy ring disease has been very inconsistent. When necessary, use labeled fungicides other than DMIs and go with a wetting agent.
• Disarm and a DMI have shown good results in controlling anthracnose.
• Segway has been providing good control of root dysfunction related disease(s).

Should the above points generate any thoughts or questions about maintenance at your course, let me know.

Information about our Turf Advisory Service (TAS) will be mailed to all golf courses in our database in early- to mid- February. The 2009 fee structure is $2,300 for a half-day visit and $3,100 for a full-day. A $500 discount is offered with early payment (before May 15 ^th ). Take advantage of this substantial discount and still have the flexibility to schedule the TAS visit anytime during the season. There are no additional costs, and value satisfaction is guaranteed. With the golf course being the primary asset at most operations, a comprehensive review by a USGA agronomist is money well spent. A tight economy further elevates the benefits of TAS as recommendations followed will generate savings that far exceed the visit cost. If your course does not receive subscription information, give us a call. We look forward to working with you in the days ahead.

Source: Bob Brame, bobbrame@usga.org or 859-356-3272