Institute of Applied Agriculture

University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland

Module TG 02: Turfgrass Weed Control: * Meets MDA Pesticide Recertification - Category 3C
The presence of unwanted plants or weeds in a lawn or sports turf is one of the most noticeable pests of turf stands. This module covers four main areas of turfgrass weed control. The first area provides an overview of why some plants are classified as weeds, herbicide terminology, and cultural programs used for reducing weed problems in lawn and sports turf. Annual grass control for such weeds as crabgrass and goosegrass using both preemergence and postemergence herbicides will be the second area of discussion and is geared to the Mid-Atlantic region. Broadleaf weed control is the third area of concentration and will cover the major types of postemergence herbicides and optimal conditions for their use. The final topic is on perennial grass and nutsedge control products and programs. Both selective and nonselective herbicides will be covered within this section.
Cost: $90

Module TG 03: Turfgrass Insect Control: * Meets MDA Pesticide Recertification - Category 3C
Though many insects are beneficial there are a few that can cause extensive damage to turfgrasses. This module covers the major insect pests of turf within the Mid-Atlantic region. Identification of white grubs such as Japanese beetle, masked chafers, and June beetles will be covered. Also damage symptoms and control programs for this group of insect pests will be reviewed. Other damaging insects covered in this module are billbugs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Principles of integrated pest management will be emphasized when assessing control options for insect pests.
Cost: $90

Module TG 04: Nitrogen Fertilization: Nitrogen is considered one of the most important nutrients in determining turfgrass quality and is a cornerstone of turfgrass fertilization programs. However concerns over the role of excessive nitrogen levels on environmental and plant quality need to be addressed. This module looks at the different types of nitrogen fertilizers used for turfgrasses and covers the basic principles of nitrogen fertility. A key concept of how nitrogen becomes available for plant uptake and the advantages and disadvantages of different nitrogen fertilizers is thoroughly covered in this module.
Cost: $60

Module TG 05: Turgrass Growth & Development: Turfgrasses, because of their growth characteristics, have the ability to withstand traffic and mowing thus allowing a range of uses from lawn to sports field applications. Turfgrass managers must understand how turfgrasses respond to environmental and management inputs regarding growth and development. This module will cover the many different facets of plant growth from photosynthetic to respiratory activities to the major growth areas of a turfgrass plant. The importance of root growth, tillering, and inflorescence development will be discussed in this module.
Cost: $70

Module TG 06: Turfgrass Species Selection: Selecting turfgrass species and cultivars that are best adapted to known environmental conditions and management inputs is a critical component of best management practices and also implementing sound integrated pest management programs. This module will look at different groups of turfgrasses such as are warm season and cool season turfgrasses and how they are best suited for lawn and sports field applications. Criteria such as shade tolerance, wear tolerance, heat, and drought tolerance are various environmental factors that must be considered when selecting turfgrass species and cultivars. This module also covers management inputs such as mowing height, fertility, and irrigation requirements for different turfgrass species.
Cost: $70

Module TG 07: Turfgrass Soils: The ability of turfgrasses to absorb nutrients and water are critical components in maintaining active and healthy plant growth. As a turfgrass manager knowledge of different soil characteristics such as texture, porosity, and nutrient retention are critical in implementing proper fertility and irrigation programs. This module will cover topics such as biotic factors that influence soil health, the influence of soil pH on nutrient availability, and how soil porosity affects soil water movement and plant water uptake. Additional areas in this module look at the impact of wear and compaction on plant growth, the role of organic matter on a soils productivity, and how soil chemistry affects nutrient availability.
Cost: $70