What next? In addition to the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSWH) which showed up in late 2011, we now have another ficus whitefly! This was first noticed in Collier County by keen-eyed Scott Krueger, our DPI plant inspector. This Brazilian whitefly causes horrendous amounts of sooty mold, much like the RSWH. This newest whitefly, believed to…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Role: Phosphorus is the second most essential mineral element required for plant growth.  Phosphorus is required for plant energy metabolism.  In addition, Phosphorus is an integral component of compounds found in plant cells such as sugar-phosphate intermediates of respiration and photosynthesis.  Phosphorus is also vital in the carbohydrate transport system which moves energy to all parts…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Many questions concerning possible winter-kill to turfgrass always arise this time of the year. What Is Winter (Low Temperature) Kill? Low temperature or cold weather damage to plants is a collective term used to describe several forms of injury.  Death by cold is the consequence of damage to cell membranes and the breakdown of metabolism, primarily that…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

A fertilizer label can be confusing to the most veteran turf or nursery manager.  It is important though that you know what you’re buying since the analysis is just the starting point when considering what you are buying.  Some points to consider are the sources of nutrients, percentage of slow release, minor elements and sizing. …

1 Comment Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Adjuvants are intended to enhance the performance or handling characteristics of pest control products.  Proper adjuvant selection or in some cases exclusion can greatly impact the effectiveness of control products used for weed, insect, and disease management.  In addition, consistency of control from site to site can be increased when adjuvants are properly utilized. A number…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Earlier this year Harrell’s ran the first annual Harrell’s Family Photo Contest with divisions and categories for Horticulture, Turf and LCO. We received many outstanding entries. Entrants were competing for the winning division purse of $100 and $25 for each category. We’re happy to announce the following winners: Horticulture Division Winner ($100) and Horticulture Production/Container Winner ($25) Horticulture Beauty/Nature…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Seed manufacturers are required to do seed germination testing and publish the results of the “germ” tests on seed product labels.  However, when grass seed are stored, the seed germination may be affected depending on the length of time the seed are stored, as well as the environmental conditions of the storage area.  “Carry over”…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Late fall applications of fertilizer to athletic fields can be beneficial for maintaining healthy sports turf.  Turfgrass both recovers from summer stress-related conditions and is subjected to heavy play from organized school sports related activities during the fall season.  Late fall fertilization can prolong turf color of cool-season turf, increase carbohydrate reserves and potentially have…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Fall Fertilization is the MOST IMPORTANT application of the year. I can hear many of you saying “what?”.  Yes, if you could only fertilize a lawn once per year, fall would be or should be the time you choose to apply your fertilizer.  Why?  The reason is that during the fall of the year, turfgrasses (both…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Researchers at the University of Florida, led by Dr. William T. Crow, have recently conducted a study to determine the effect of Sting and Spiral nematodes on the root length of selected seashore paspalum cultivars. They were also interested in the population dynamics of sting and spiral nematodes in a seashore paspalum root environment. The…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

The Turf & Ornamental Business has added sales representatives and a product manager. Dow AgroSciences recently named Andy Kaler to the position of product manager for the U.S. Turf & Ornamental (T&O) business division. In his new role, Kaler will execute the portfolio marketing strategy and implement product launches, marketing research and communication plans. In 2008, Kaler…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Are you hearing the term ‘EOP’ being thrown around and wondering what it means? The Early Order Program season is upon us giving golf, horticulture and turf & landscape customers the opportunity to purchase products from Harrell’s, Bayer, Syngenta, Dow, BASF, Dupont, Valent and Cleary’s, among others, at discounts, with extended terms or with other…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this

Anthracnose basal rot is a very destructive crown rotting disease that affects creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass (poa annua) on putting greens. In the Midwest, the disease has been observed more often on creeping bentgrass than on annual bluegrass, but in the East, it affects primarily poa annua. Disease development is most often associated with abiotic…

No Comments Share : Tweet this Share on Facebook Digg this Delicious LinkedIn Email this