Wednesday February 22 |
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| W1 | Welcoming remarks |
| 8:45am - 8:50am | Paul Turner, Chair of OTS Executive Committee |
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W2
| GTI update and 25th anniversaries of the GTI and STA |
| 8:50am - 9:00am | Rob Witherspoon, Director, Guelph Turfgrass Institute |
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| W3 | Keynote: The history of turf |
| 9:00am - 10:00am | Dr. James Beard, International Sports Turf Institute |
| | Dr. Beard is the one of the world’s leading authorities on turfgrass science. He has spent most of his career in academic research and has pioneered investigations concerning turfgrasses and the ecology of grass. As the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and the Sport Turf Association celebrate 25th anniversaries,it is timely for Dr. Beard to discuss “The History of Turf.” This talk addresses the initial uses of turfgrass from the 15th century through the 18th century, early turfgrass cultural practices plus pre-1950 innovations in turf maintenance and post-1950 advances in turfgrass science. |
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| 10:00am - 10:30am | Coffee sponsored by Enviro-Sol |
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| W4 | Plant responses to climate change |
| 10:30am - 11:15am | Dr. Jonathan Newman, University of Guelph |
| | This talk provides a brief introduction regarding the impact of climate change on plant growth habits in Southern Ontario. Of particular interest will be how grass and weed species may respond to climate change. |
| W5 | Phosphorous losses from turf and urban areas |
| 11:15am - 12:00pm | Dr. Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin |
| | This session will discuss environmental issues associated with phosphorus pollution from urban and turf areas. Learn strategies to minimize phosphorus loss from turfgrass areas and respond to research regarding the accuracy of soil testing. IPM 1.0 |
| Sports Turf / ORFA |
| W6 | Best management practices for sports fields |
| 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Brad Park, Rutgers University |
| | High traffic sports fields that receive little or no synthetic pesticide inputs require strict attention to cultural management. These practices include regular mowing, irrigation (where available), fertilization, cultivation, and seeding. This presentation will describe these practices in detail and show how to integrate them into a practical management plan. IPM 0.5 |
| W7 | How to influence the sports field maintenance budget |
| 2:00pm - 2:30pm | John Lohuis, City of Mississauga (retiree) |
| | Parks, recreation and sports administrators are continually challenged to meet expectations when fiscal resources are dwindling and demands are increasing. Identify key stakeholders and learn new ways of “making the case” to procure necessary resources to be successful. |
| W8 | Panel discussion: Working with purchasing, permitting, specification writing and special events |
| 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Dwayne McAllister, Town of Oakville; John D’Ovidio and Rob D’Ovidio, City of Mississauga; Terry Henderson, City of Guelph; Dennis Wale, City of Brantford |
| | Purchasing compliance agreement – does one exist in your municipality and are you in compliance? How do you get the product that you require and stay within guidelines when writing tenders? How do you make sure purchasing understands what you do and how you do it? What’s your relationship with permitting and how can it improve? Do you have the necessary policies and procedures in place to be successful at hosting special events? Learn how to react to these challenges and more. |
| Lawn Care |
| W9 | Optimizing turf species selection in a pesticide ban |
| 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Dr. Joseph Wipff, Barenbrug USA |
| | With pesticide bans becoming more common and fertilizer restrictions showing no indications of slowing, it is important to optimize the selection of turf species and varieties for specific uses. There are a number of options in the market that will help ease the difficulties and problems caused by these ever increasing bans. This session discusses the different species and varieties that have an impact on specific turf uses. IPM 0.5 |
| W10 | Seeking sustainable solutions: Progress in turf pest management |
| 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Dr. Michael Brownbridge, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre |
| | Ontario’s Cosmetic Pesticide Ban has required the lawn care industry to significantly revise its approach to turf pest management. Research is being done in partnership with the turf industry to address the development of best use practices for existing biocontrol agents, while providing new candidate organisms or bio-derived materials for insect control that are compliant with the pesticide ban. Learn about the progress towards achieving this goal. IPM 0.5 |
| W11 | What happens when Fiesta™ is applied to landscape plants? |
| 2:30pm- 3:00pm | James Dennis, Genivar |
| | Fiesta™ is a new weapon in the landscape maintenance professional’s arsenal– not restricted under the provincial cosmetic pesticide ban and capable of controlling many problematic weeds. But how does Fiesta™ impact non-target plant species? Results are shared from a 2011 study on six common ornamental species. IPM 0.5 |
| W12 | Fiesta™ forum |
| 3:00pm-3:30pm | Dr. Ken Carey, University of Guelph; Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA |
| | 2011 research results of trials with Fiesta™ will be presented including discussion on rates and timing of Fiesta™ on newly seeded turf and efficacy on crabgrass, creeping Charlie, prostrate knotweed and chickweed. IPM 0.5 |
| Golf |
| W13 | Bacterial wilt of creeping bentgrass and its impact ongolf course management |
| 1:30pm-2:00pm | Dr. Nathaniel Mitkowski, University of Rhode Island |
| | Bacterial wilt of creeping bentgrass, caused by Acidovorax avenae, was first identified in the Southern United States and has since migrated across North America with damage ranging from marginal to severe. As a bacterial pathogen, control options are limited but the disease has been managed successfully with an array of cultural practices. Learn how superintendents are minimizing the impact of this potentially destructive turf disease. IPM 0.5 |
| W14 | The sex life of snow molds: What are they doing under the blanket (of snow)? |
| 2:00pm-2:30pm | Linda Jewell, University of Guelph |
| | The fungus Microdochium nivale can attack several turfgrass species, causing pink snow mold and Fusarium patch. Learn how this fungus reproduces and the extent of sexual activity of the fungus. IPM 0.5 |
| W15 | Activated resistance as a method for disease control in turfgrasses |
| 2:30pm-3:00pm | Brady Nash, University of Guelph |
| | Pesticide application has been the main source of disease control on heavily managed turf for decades. Recent changes in societal standards have driven the need for alternative methods of disease control. One such alternative is activated disease resistance; using a plant’s own defense arsenal to combat disease. Activated resistance has shown promise as an alternative form of disease control as some of the chemical activators have provided efficacy comparable to pesticide application. Several activators of disease resistance will be discussed in this presentation as well as some of the pros and cons of activated resistance. IPM 0.5 |
| W16 | Brown Patch and its Rhizoctonia-like relatives |
| 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Dr. Tom Hsiang, University of Guelph |
| | Rhizoctonia-like fungi are responsible for several important diseases on turfgrasses including brown patch, yellow patch and brown ring patch. With changes in climate (either warmer or colder) and with changes in the product that can be used to control turfgrass diseases (more restrictive), some of these diseases may increase in incidence. The characteristics of these diseases and the organisms that cause them will be discussed, as well as their biology and control. IPM 0.5 |
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Thursday February 23 |
| Sports Turf / ORFA |
| T1 | Synthetic turf: Understanding certifications and testing |
| 9:00am-9:30am | Alistair Cox, Labosport |
| | An increasing number of sports governing bodies are setting standards for playing and material qualities of their synthetic sports surfaces. This session will describe how standards are set, what characteristics they cover and how governing bodies certify products and installations. Learn why an increasing number of markets around the world now use these standards as the basis of construction specifications for new fields, courts and tracks. |
| T2 | What lies beneath BMO Field? |
| 9:30am-10:00am | Rob Heggie, BMO Field |
| | This session provides a brief history of the construction of BMO Field and illustrates some of the systems such as SubAir and glycol heating that helped to deliver green, natural turf in April. Also learn about the maintenance challenges of a sports field that is sodded with a native soil sod placed upon a sand based rootzone. Future plans for BMO’s field surface are also discussed. |
| T3 | Problems facing sports field managers |
| 10:00am-10:30am | Brad Park, Rutgers University |
| | Some of the most common problems facing sports field managers include field overuse, poor drainage conditions, baseball and softball skin surface irregularities, and encroachment of summer annual weeds. This talk will take a case study approach to defining these problems and providing solutions that can be accomplished using practical methods. |
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| 10:30am-11:00 am | Coffee sponsored by Fiesta |
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| T4 | Rhizomatous tall fescue and regenerating perennial ryegrasses for sports fields |
| 11:00am-11:30am | Dr. Joseph Wipff, Barenbrug USA |
| | How do these differ from traditional tall fescue and ryegrasses and what are the applications of rhizomatous tall fescue and regenerating perennial ryegrasses on a sports field. IPM 0.5 |
| T5 | An update of the bioherbicide Phoma macrostoma and its potentialuse on sports fields |
| 11:30am-12:00pm | Dr. Karen Bailey, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada; Stuart Falk, The Scotts Company |
| | Phoma macrostoma is a new bioherbicide registered in Canada in 2011. Pre-emergent applications control emerging dandelion and other broadleaved weed seedlings, reducing the weed seed bank and preventing new weed establishment in established turfgrass or when sowing grass seed. This presentation will show how application may be beneficial in the maintenance of sports fields. IPM 0.5 |
| Lawn Care |
| T6 | An update on the bioherbicide Phoma macrostoma and its future use in lawn care |
| 9:00am-9:45am | Dr. Karen Bailey, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada; Stuart Falk, The Scotts Company |
| | Phoma macrostoma is a fungus that controls dandelions and other broadleaved weeds in turfgrass. It may be applied as a spot, pre-emergent, or post-emergent treatment. This presentation shows how this new bioherbicide may be used by lawn care professionals. |
| T7 | Late-season lawn fertilization: Are you doing it right? |
| 9:45am-10:30am | Dr. Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin |
| This session will discuss recent research that has cast doubts on the conventional wisdom of late and dormant fertilization. Optimum timings and rates for maximizing economic, agronomic, and environmental aspects will be presented. IPM 1.0 |
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| 10:30am-11:00am | Coffee sponsored by Fiesta |
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| T8 | Grass selection and fertilization in a post-herbicide world |
| 11:00am-11:30am | Dr. Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin |
| | Choosing the proper grass species matters more than you think for minimizing weed encroachment. This session will discuss how grass selection, soil preparation, and cultural practices like mowing and fertilizing can have a profound impact on weed populations.IPM 0.5 |
| T9 | Optimization of hand weeding as an alternative to herbicides |
| 11:30am-12:00pm | Dr. Katerina Jordan, University of Guelph |
| | There are currently very few options for weed management on home lawns. This talk looks at research focused on non-chemical options, specifically hand weeding and overseeding, and how these practices can be optimized to improve turfgrass health and reduce weed invasion. Recommendations for both practices will be presented as well as how each can be incorporated into a current weed management plan to reduce costs and improve overall health of the turf. IPM 0.5 |
| Golf |
| T10 | The view from a four inch cup cutter |
| 9:00am-9:30am | Reed Tremback, Guelph Turfgrass Institute - Turf Diagnostics |
| | Every year the Turfgrass Diagnostics Laboratory receives over 200 samples from turfgrass professionals across Canada. Samples are submitted as 10 cm (4”) cup cutter plugs along with information supplied by the submitter. What are the limitations encountered when such a small sample of the green is represented? Learn how diagnosticians overcome this limitation and offer a diagnosis. Tips will also be offered as to how submitters can improve the ability for the lab to provide an accurate and meaningful diagnosis of turf problems. IPM 0.5 |
| T11 | Nematodes and strategies for their control |
| 9:30am-10:00am | Dr. Nathaniel Mitkowski, University of Rhode Island |
| | In the past 5 years, the University of Rhode Island has observed substantial increases in the numbers of nematode populations across temperate regions. Dr. Mitkowski discusses the potential for damage on golf courses, why nemotode problems will likely continue and how you can work to control this turf issue. IPM 0.5 |
| T12 | QuickSilver for silvery thread moss control |
| 10:00am-10:30am | Dr. Ken Hutto, FMC Professional Solutions |
| | Get information for silvery thread moss management and control using QuickSilver. An in-depth discussion of QuickSilver will include chemical classification, mode-of-action, and efficacy data review plus application programs focused on using QuickSilver for silvery thread moss control in Canada. This presentation will also offer current research that couples QuickSilver applications with cultural practices for silvery thread moss management. IPM 0.5 |
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| 10:30am-11:00am | Coffee sponsored by Fiesta |
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| T13 | New golf course public meeting requirements |
| 11:00am-11:30am | Violet van Wassenaer, Ministry of the Environment |
| | Under the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban, golf courses must meet the conditions set out in Ontario Regulation 63/09 in order to be excepted from the ban. Effective 2012, the owner or operator of a golf course must hold a public meeting to present the most recent annual report. The requirements for a public meeting and notification of the public meeting will be discussed. IPM 0.5 |
| T14 | Changes to IPM accreditation reporting for 2012 |
| 11:30am-12:00pm | Teri Yamada, IPM Council of Canada |
| | This talk will address changes to the IPMAP, including new forms for the 2012 desk audit. IPM 1.25 |
| Sod Growers |
| T15 | Turf insect primer for sod growers |
| 9:00am-9:30am | Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA |
| | With the advent of the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban, home owners have very few tools to use if they have insects in their turf. This means that there is an even greater need for sod growers to deliver insect free sod to homeowners. This session will be an update on scouting, life cycle and control of the two most troublesome turf insect pests: grubs and leatherjackets. IPM 0.5 |
| T16 | Top business and marketing tips for 2012 |
| 9:30am-10:30am | John Bancroft, OMAFRA |
| | If you are looking for an edge to improve business, these are good tips and tools to start with. Topics range from accessing risk and developing a cost of production, to understanding a value chain marketing concept. This session offers an opportunity to refresh your business management tool box. |
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| 10:30am-11:00am | Coffee sponsored Fiesta |
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| T17 | Where is your soil going? |
| 11:00am-12:00pm | Irina Solntseva, University of Guelph |
| | The findings of an ongoing study funded, in part, by the Nursery Sod Growers of Ontario, will be shared to determine if there is a loss of both organic and mineral portions of soils from sod production throughout Ontario. The study also reviews if there is potential nutrient loss due to erosion and harvesting methods. The goal of this research is to develop best soil management practices to prevent soil quality deterioration and reduce the occurrence of excessive nutrients (especially phosphorus) runoff to Lake Simcoe. |
| T18 | Using reclaimed water to produce Kentucky Bluegrass sod |
| 1:30pm-2:00pm | Patrick Schwieder, University of Guelph |
| | Three individual cultivars and a commercially available blend of Kentucky Bluegrass were established at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute for an irrigation trial with four different types of reclaimed water. This talk will discuss what was learned from the trial and outline some of the challenges of using reclaimed water for sod production. |
| T19 | What’s new in Kentucky Bluegrasses for sod production |
| 2:00pm-2:30pm | Dr. Joseph Wipff, Barenbrug USA |
| | We will take a look at the new and exciting improvements in Kentucky Bluegrass that will be available for sod production |
| T20 | History of Sod |
| 2:30pm-3:00pm | Dr. James Beard, International Sports Turf Institute |
| | This talk begins with the early-usages of sod in 1700’s Scotland, moving to early pasture sod harvesting in the US, followed by a focus on post-WW II evolution of sod production practices, problems, equipment, and research. |
| General Sessions |
| T21 | Circle checks are not just for your equipment |
| 1:30 pm-3:00pm | Terry Piche, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association |
| | The injury and death rate for park workers is three times higher than other workers. The parks’ workforce is varied: permanent, part-time and/or seasonal staff that includes young and new workers with a range of job experience, literacy levels, and health and safety training. Have you prepared for the health and safety of your staff? This workshop will focus on how you can reduce injuries via a “report card of staff preparation format”. Compare your level of preparation to workplace governing authorities’ expectations and industry best practices. |
| T22 | Turf things microscopic |
| 1:30 pm-3:00pm | Dr. Tom Hsiang, Dr. Ken Carey and Aurora Patchett, University of Guelph; |
| | Shahram Sharififar, Natural Insect Control; Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA |
| | This session will take advantage of on-campus laboratory space to allow participants the use of dissecting microscopes to see things not easily seen with the naked eye. This includes mycelium and spores of turf, disease causing organisms, grub rasters, plant parasitic nematodes, insect parasitic nematodes and grass vegetative features. IPM 2.0 |
| T23 | Cultural practices for high school and municipal sports fields |
| 1:30pm-3:00pm | Dr. François Tardif, University of Guelph; Gord Dol, Dol Turf Restoration; |
| | Ken Pavely, Dufferin Lawn Life |
| | This session discusses the results of a three year trial that examined overseeding at the GTI and City of Guelph in-use soccer fields as part of an integrated weed management system with the aim of outcompeting weeds while retaining/restoring turf cover. Also presented is a 2010 study, initiated by Dol Turf Restoration, looking at the relative effectiveness of different aeration methods and the performance of slow release nitrogen products on two different school football fields. First season findings will be discussed. IPM 2.0 |
