Apron FL on Perennial Ryegrass Seed to Control Pythium:
Dave Bittner, Dawson Seed Company. Objectives: Exploring to determine if metalaxyl (ApronÒFL) treated perennial ryegrass seed will perform better that untreated seed monitoring the germination rate, germination time, disease level, plant population, root mass and top growth. The testing will be done on 3 sites, golf courses and sportsfields, on Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland and the BC Interior.
Value: $3,285;
WCTA $2,910.
Determination of Pythium species in Disease Turfgrass by PCR and Traditional Microscopic Methods:
Janice Elmhirst, BCMAFF. Objectives: To determine what species of Pythium are detected by PCR in samples from British Columbia golf greens diagnosed by Pythium root rot disease by traditional microscopic methods; and to determine what pathogenic or saprophytic species of Pythium are detected in samples diagnosed with other diseases or abiotic disorders. This will provide more practical testing for the DNA diagnostic tool developed by Andre Levesque with the funding by the WCTA.
Value $13,850;
WCTA: $2,850.
Benefits of Turfgrass Quality with the use of Ecolite as a Soil Amendment/Topdressing Material:
Dan Rolfe, Belmont GC. Objectives: To determine the benefits of overall turf quality by using zeolite (Ecolite) as a soil amendment/top dress material. The testing on a putting green and will assess root development, visual and functional qualities as well as the recuperative abilities of the turfgrass.
Value: $900;
WCTA $900.
Improvement of Wear and Compaction (traffic) Problems on Sand-Based Fields.
Elisabeth Deom Eldridge. Objectives: Compare the efficiency of new soil amendments in alleviating soil compaction and improving turfgrass wear tolerance on athletic sand fields; and to evaluate amendment treatments for compaction levels (Clegg impact tester) and playing quality across a playing field on the basis of ball and surface characteristics. The amendments included in this project are: crumb rubber, pumice and diatomite (Axis).
Value $8,450;
WCTA: $4,300.
Iron Sulphate, a Blessing in Disguise.
Ktistian Sorenson/Dennis Pellrene at Capilano GandCC. Objectives: Clearly document the effects of monthly applications of iron sulfate to 3 Capilano fairways and some rough areas to determine is these applications of iron can diminish the fusarium incidence throughout the fall; and to determine its effect on worm castings. Tests are also being done as to the effect of speedwell and clover control with higher rates of iron sulfate.
Value: $1,321;
WCTA $1,321.
Renovation of 100% Sand-Based Sportsfield with Zeolite Amendment and Overseed 1/2 Goal Mouth with Poa Supina.
Jim Plasteras, Coquitlam Parks. Objectives: To treat one-fourth of a baseball out field / soccer pitch with 300 pounds/1000 square feet with zeolite (Ecolite) following a core aeration; and to overseed poa supina into the goal mouths to determine quality, establishment hardness (Clegg impact tester) wear tolerance and persistence of the poa supina. The tests are being conducted on a field in Burnaby.
Value $6,000;
WCTA: $500.
The Effects of Soil Amendments/Top-Dressings on Turf Performance, Impute Factors, and Soil Microbial Activity in Sand and Sand/Peat Based sportsfields and in Sand Bases Sod Field.
Ken Ng. Objectives: To evaluate amended sand and sand/peat fields in terms of the following: Turf quality re: above ground quality, root quality and presence or absence of disease (especially Pythium root rot, Fusarium, red thread); impute factors: re: water use and fertilizer; and microbial activity re: overall bacterial and fungal populations and beneficial microbial populations. The tests are being conducted on Vancouver Parks Board fields.
Value: $30,000;
WCTA $2,000.
