Silvery-thread Moss Control in Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens with Mancozeb Plus Copper Hydroxide and Carfentrazone Applied in Conjunction with Cultural Practices

Abstract

<jats:p>Carfentrazone is a broadleaf weed control herbicide that is also used for control of silvery-thread moss (<jats:italic>Bryum argenteum</jats:italic>) in creeping bentgrass (<jats:italic>Agrostis stolonifera</jats:italic>) putting greens. Field studies were initiated in June 2006 and May 2007 to evaluate silvery-thread moss control with carfentrazone alone, carfentrazone applied with nitrogen (N) and/or topdressing (TD), N alone, TD alone, and mancozeb plus copper hydroxide. All treatments except for mancozeb plus copper hydroxide and the non-treated control reduced silvery-thread moss populations 16 weeks after initial treatment. Carfentrazone applied alone and carfentrazone followed by N decreased silvery-thread moss populations by 39%. Carfentrazone followed by TD and carfentrazone followed by N + TD decreased silvery-thread moss populations by 73% and 66%, respectively. These data indicate the importance of using cultural practices to control silvery-thread moss on creeping bentgrass putting greens.</jats:p>

Effect of Nitrogen Source and Spray Volume on the Establishment and Colonization of Silvery‐Thread Moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in Putting Greens

“…Additionally, based on our research, superintendents struggling with STM should limit or avoid use of AMS as an N source. Although granular fertilizers have drawbacks for putting green fertilization, previous research demonstrated that granular‐N sources did not increase STM cover in putting greens (Borst et al, 2010; Kennelly et al, 2010; Thompson et al, 2011); therefore, superintendents should consider including them in their N fertilization program, especially in the spring and fall when STM is highly competitive. If superintendents choose to spray soluble N, they should be aware that STM will be more competitive and should implement a STM control program.…”

A Review: Establishment, Dispersal, and Management of Silvery‐thread Moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in Putting Greens

“…The prevalence of B. argenteum in golf course putting greens has received attention from several researchers in recent decades (Boesch and Mitkowski, 2005; Borst et al, 2010; Kennelly et al, 2010; Thompson et al, 2011). Although no published research has directly established a connection between mercury‐based fungicides and the prevalence of B. argenteum on putting greens, some researchers speculate the discontinued use of mercury‐based fungicides plays an important role (Boesch and Mitkowski, 2005; Borst et al, 2010; Burnell et al, 2004; Happ, 1998; Rossi, 2002; Yelverton, 2005) because bryophytes are relatively intolerant of heavy metals (Weber and McAvoy, 2003). Additionally, in recent decades there have been improvements in equipment technology, nutrient management, putting green construction, and changes in golfer expectations that have influenced the intensity and scope of cultural practices utilized by golf course superintendents.…”

“…Turfgrass plants quickly grow through the layer of sand, but the vertical growth rate of B. argenteum is much slower in relation to turfgrass. Borst et al (2010) reported four biweekly topdressing applications reduced B. argenteum cover by 34% in a creeping bentgrass putting green. This reduction may have occurred because topdressing elevated the effective height of cut in relation to the gametophyte, reducing the incidence of fragmentation caused by mowing, compared to a green that does not receive frequent topdressing.…”

“…Several researchers have conducted studies and reviews on the current chemical control strategies for reducing B. argenteum in putting greens (Boesch and Mitkowski, 2005; Borst et al, 2010; Burnell et al, 2004; Kennelly et al, 2010; Thompson et al, 2011). All achieved some level of success, but none were effective at completely eradicating B. argenteum from putting greens.…”

“…All achieved some level of success, but none were effective at completely eradicating B. argenteum from putting greens. Arguably, the most effective control has been achieved with the herbicide carfentrazone‐ethyl, but control has been inconsistent and temporary (Boesch and Mitkowski, 2005; Borst et al, 2010; Kennelly et al, 2010; Thompson et al, 2011).…”