Summer 2014
It is mid-August, 2014 and I am still wondering where summer is in the Northeast and most of the mid-Atlantic region? Temperatures (both air and soil) have remained below normal, essentially since the last week of October. At the same time, most locations have had above normal rainfall and it has come in a timely fashion (as in every three days or so). I have not seen any summer dormant cool season turf due to high temperatures or lack of moisture yet this season! Perhaps a first in my over 40 years of being in the business! Is it still possible? Of course, but with the cool soil temperatures and the lack of hardly any roots sloughing off this summer, any high temperatures that occur should not cause significant physiological stresses.
That being said, those turf managers that have cultured turf in a proactive fashion, i.e. a pre-stress conditioning approach using foliar feeding, growth regulators, and products containing bio-stimulants, can sleep comfortably and not be too concerned about environmental stresses for the balance of the year.
On the disease front, an early outbreak of pink patch/red thread occurred in early June and was chronic for about six weeks on perennial ryegrasses and fine fescues. However, Kentucky bluegrass was also attacked in some locations. Perhaps the biggest disease issue has been dollar spot. Dollar spot began showing up in early June (as it does in most years), and has continued to be quite active to this date. Many fungicides have not kept the disease under control for as long a period of time as in most years. Those that have shortened the time interval between applications have experienced good to excellent control, but not without paying the price for more expensive products coupled with the labor and equipment needed for the applications. Some basal anthracnose is out there, but not any more severe than the norm.
Although there have been some reports of etiolated leaf growth, it does not appear to be directly linked to the use of growth regulators or bio-stimulants. Consequently, recommendations that are being made to discontinue the use of such materials does not appear to be scientifically grounded.
Insect problems are somewhat spotty, but where they are occurring, are causing some significant problems.
My educated guess is that if we were having a more stressful summer with regard to soil moisture availability, the insect issues would probably be worse than they currently are in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. BTA seems to be the most common problem, especially for annual bluegrass turf.
My advice is to stay vigilant, relax (but not too much), keep a close eye on weather prognostications, be sure to vent to keep oxygen flowing into the rootzone, carefully map locations of poor drainage, and take the opportunity to strategically plan for the upcoming late summer and early fall.
