This edition of the audio blog covers identifying and combatting billbug damage on the golf course. See what billbugs look like, learn how to scout for them, and find control options. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/control-billbugs-before-they-control-your-course/By Advanced Turf Solutions

This edition of the audio blog covers eight of the most common active ingredients in insecticides, the insects each of them controls, reasons to use one active ingredient over another, and more. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/insecticide-active-ingredients/By Advanced Turf Solutions

This edition of the audio blog explores how hygroscopic materials and endothermic processes make ice melt work. Uncover the science behind ice melt products and get the tips and tricks you need to get the most out of them. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/breaking-the-ice-how-hygroscopic-and-endothermic-ice-melt-products-w…

This edition of the audio blog discovers the benefits and potential pitfalls of both dormant and spring seeding as you weigh which seeding method suits you best. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/dormant-seeding-vs-spring-seeding-resources-advanced-turf-solutions-inc/By Advanced Turf Solutions

In this podcast episode, Beth Berry and Christian Baldwin discuss a new technology from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company: ProVista. The two discuss the development and benefits of ProVista, an innovative turfgrass variety engineered to produce dense green lawns with less mowing and fertilization. This podcast was originally recorded for Turf’s Up Rad…

In this podcast episode, Beth Berry interviews Aaron Hathaway, technical services manager at Nufarm. The two discuss how to implement an herbicide strategy for your turf and ornamental business. They also share exciting news about a new alternative to 2,4-D formulations for control of the toughest broadleaf weeds. This podcast was originally record…

This edition of the audio blog takes a close look at turf-type tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Learn what makes each species unique and what seed options we offer for your next project. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/audio-blog-tttf-pr-and-kbg/By Advanced Turf Solutions

This edition of the audio blog discusses the main disease-carrying mosquitoes in the United States and some effective control methods. Mosquito control has many benefits for homeowners, commercial properties, and your business. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/common-mosquitoes-and-control-methods/…

This edition of the audio blog addresses poison hemlock and its nontoxic lookalike, Queen Anne's Lace. Learn how to tell the difference between the two and protect your crews from the dangers of poison hemlock. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/poison-hemlock-or-queen-annes-lace-how-to-tell/…

This edition of the audio blog is all about spring disease applications for your golf course. Diseases covered include red thread, pink patch, snow mold, summer patch, take-all patch, Pythium root rot & dysfunction, dollar spot, brown ring patch, and fairy ring. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/spring-disease-applications/…

This edition of the audio blog explores four active ingredients to prevent white grub: imidacloprid, clothianidin, chlorantraniliprole, and tetraniliprole. Listen to find out which option is right for you. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/white-grub-prevention-management-which-option-is-right-for-you/…

This edition of the audio blog explains how a fungicide's mode of action, chemical family, FRAC code, and common name can all help you avoid resistance. Understanding these four factors will allow you to rotate your fungicides effectively for a sustainable program. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/preventing-fungicide-resi…

This edition of the audio blog explains the differences between prodiamine and Dimension. Find out which pre-emergent is best for you, and learn some best practices for application. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/differences-between-prodiamine-and-dimension/By Advanced Turf Solutions

This edition of the audio blog deals with the basics of soil testing. Hear how soil testing can help you plan your fertilizer program to maximize your applications. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/soil-testing-101/By Advanced Turf Solutions

This edition of the audio blog covers pre-emergent herbicides. From how they work to how you can make the most of them, learn what you need to know for successful pre-emergent applications this spring. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/pre-emergents-101/By Advanced Turf Solutions

This edition of the audio blog addresses the challenges of growing healthy grass on new construction properties. Whether your company has been hired by a new homeowner to care for their lawn or contracted by a builder to establish a new lawn, this audio is for you. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/managing-poor-soil-qualit…

In this podcast episode, Beth Berry interviews Roy Smith, sales manager at Advanced Turf Solutions. The two discuss how to add snow removal and ice melt to your turf and ornamental business. Topics include pricing, customer acquisition, equipment, setting customer expectations, and selecting the best products. Beth Berry is the vice president of tu…

In this edition of the audio blog, we discuss four factors for baseball and softall field managers to consider when it comes to the infield. We’ll look at native versus engineered soil; components of an infield mix; silt-to-clay ratio; and conditioner depth. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/sports-turf-101-infield-basics/…

This edition of the audio blog is about adding tree and shrub fertilization to your lawn care services. Learn why you should consider adding these services and how to deliver them successfully. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/what-you-need-to-know-if-your-thinking-of-offering-tree-and-shrub-fertilization-to-your-customers…

This edition of the audio blog discusses spring, summer, and fall maintenance for zoysiagrass. Learn why this species is so popular in the transition zone and how to achieve the healthiest zoysiagrass throughout the season. Read the blog post: https://www.advancedturf.com/resources/seasonal-zoysiagrass-maintenance/…

On this episode of the Around the Turf Scene Podcast, Beth Berry interviews Chip Houmes from Precision Laboratories. The two talk all things aquatics, from algae control to dye usage. Tune in to learn best practices for pond maintenance on golf courses, commercial properties, and residential lawns. This podcast was originally recorded for Turf’s Up…

On this episode of the Around the Turf Scene Podcast, Rusty Stachlewitz is in the hot seat for achange. Beth Berry picks his brain on all things grass seed, including production, supply, andcoated seed technology. Tune in to hear the “professor of seed” share recommendations formaking the most of the limited seed supply this year. This podcast was …

On this special episode of the Around the Turf Scene Podcast, Justin Stewart and Dave Hillger join Beth Berry to discuss crabgrass prevention. Justin and Dave talk about using Dimension for pre-emergent and early post-emergent crabgrass control. Dimension contains the active ingredient dithiopyr. Listen to learn what makes Dimension unique, includi…

On this episode of the Around the Turf Scene Podcast, Dr. Gregg Munshaw and Brian Winka join Rusty to discuss bluemuda, a growing concept they’ve developed over the past several years. The idea is to grow bluegrass and bermudagrass together in the transition zone to maximize performance year round. It’s a trend that first started on athletic fields…

On our first episode of the Around the Turf Scene Podcast, Nikki Hendrickson joins Rusty to discuss white grub management in turfgrass. Control options for preventing white grubs include imidacloprid (Merit), clothianidin (Arena), and chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn), and curative treatment options include trichlorfon (Dylox) and carbaryl (Sevin). T…

In this bonus episode, Rusty continues his conversation with Entomologist, Nikki Hendrickson. It’s almost time for Brood X, the periodical cicada, the 17-year cicada! Tune in to find out when you can expect their emergence and what kind of damage to look out for, plus information about the cicada killer wasp.…

In Season 3, episode 13 of "What's Killing My Kale," Annie talked with Seth Wannmeuhler, a graduate research assistant at University of Minnesota, about kiwiberries. Seth has become an expert on kiwiberries through is research the last several years in which he seeks to develop a new hardy kiwiberry variety that produces well in Minnesota. In addit…

In Season 3 Episode 12 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Inga Meadows, Extension plant pathologist at NC State University, about disease management in organic tomatoes. It's nearly impossible to avoid disease issues in tomatoes, but there are ways to preventatively manage them, even in organic systems. In this episode, Natalie and Inga…

In Season 3 Episode 10 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Dr. Brent Loy, emeritus professor of plant genetics and cucurbit breeder extraordinaire at the University of New Hampshire. Every year we hear about fruiting in flowering issues in cucurbit crops towards the middle of the summer. Many of the strategies to prevent this from happen…

In Season 3, episode 9 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked to Dr. Paulo Pagliari, an associate professor of soil science at the University of Minnesota, about nutrient management in wet soils. Though this spring has been relatively dry, our climate is becoming wetter overall, and we may still see heavy rainfall and flooding this season. In pr…

In Season 3, episode 8 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked to Local Extension Educators Claire LaCanne (Rice & Steele Counties) and Shane Bugeja (Le Sueur and Blue Earth Counties) about their recent trials to measure soil biological activity. Photo: Claire LaCanne With increasing interest in soil health over the years, at-home trials such as …

Spotted wing drosophila damage on tart cherry. Photo: Annie KloddIn Season 3 Episode 5 of What's Killing My Kale, Annie talked with Gigi Digiacomo, a research fellow in the Department of Applied Economics. They discussed Digiacomo's recent findings about how spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) has impacted the Minnesota berry industry, and weighed the ec…

Spotted wing Drosophila on a raspberry. Photo: Charlie Rohwer, UMNIn Season 3 Episode 6 of What's Killing My Kale, Annie talked with Dr. Mary Rogers, an Assistant Professor studying organic food production systems in the Department of Horticulture. They discussed recent research findings from Dr. Rogers team, as well as other farms and researchers …

In Season 3 Episode 4 of What's Killing My Kale, Annie talked with Aaron Wills from Little Hill Berry Farm. They discussed how climate change is impacting fruit production, and strategies for adaptation. This is the fourth and final episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability to grow fruits and vegetables in MN. You c…

In Season 3 Episode 3 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Erin Johnson and Ben Doherty from Open Hands Farm. They discussed the ways that they have noticed the impacts of climate change on their farm, and strategies they're using for adaptation. This is the third episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability …

We are back with another season of What's Killing My Kale! In Season 3 Episode 2, Annie talked with farmer Laura Frerichs from Loon Organics farm about how climate change is affecting their ability to grow vegetables, and adaptation strategies. This is the second episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability to grow fru…

We are back with another season of What's Killing My Kale! In Season 3 Episode 1, Natalie talked with Kenny Blumenfeld, Senior Climatologist with the DNR about how our climate has changed over the last 100 years, and projections for the future. This is the first episode in a mini series about how climate change is impacting our ability to grow frui…

Author: Natalie Hoidal. Interviewee: Yolanda Chen In episode 26 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Dr. Yolanda Chen, a professor at the University of Vermont. Yolanda has been studying Swede Midge on the East coast, where it has been a devastating disease of cole crops. In particular, her research has focused on organic management strat…

Author: Natalie Hoidal. Interviewee: Angie Ambourn In episode 26 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Angie Ambourn, supervisor of the MDA's pest detection unit. Angie's team has been studying emerging insects and diseases in community gardens across Minnesota, and they've recently detected Swede Midge in gardens across the Twin Cities. S…

Author: Natalie Hoidal. Interviewees: Julie Weisenhorn and Nathan Hecht In episode 25 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with Extension Educator Julie Weisenhorn, and recently graduated horticulture master's student Nathan Hecht. Both Julie and Nathan have been studying how flowering plants near fruit and vegetable plots impact pollination a…

Author: Natalie Hoidal. Interviewee: John Loegering. In episode 24 of What's Killing My Kale, Natalie talked with wildlife biologist John Loegering about vertebrate pest management. They discussed a four pillar IPM approach to wildlife management both in packshed areas and in fields, and talked about balancing the competing interests of supporting …

Author: Natalie Hoidal, Interviewee: Anthony Hanson In episode 23 of our fruit and vegetable podcast What's Killing My Kale? we talked to Anthony Hanson, an Extension post-doc who has been creating degree day maps for various insect pests in Minnesota. Anthony explained how fruit and vegetable growers can use these maps to help make pest management…

In episode 21 of our fruit and vegetable podcast What's Killing My Kale? we talked to Courtney Tchida, farm manager at Cornercopia student organic farm. Courtney has been trying various weed management methods over the years, and has recently been experimenting with solarization using standard plastic as well as used billboards (as in billboards fr…

In Season 2, Episode 2 of our fruit and vegetable podcast What's Killing My Kale? we're talking all about transplants with Alissa Jacobsen, a farmer who currently works at Open Hands Farm in Northfield. Alissa has worked on many farms at different scales and with different types of markets and goals. We covered a wide range of topics including: Tra…

Moongold apricot flowers, 5/7/19. Photo: Annie Klodd.In Season 2, Episode 1 of our fruit and vegetable podcast What's Killing My Kale? we take a deep dive into fruit bud injury with Dr. Amaya Atucha of University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Atucha has a wealth of knowledge on this topic, so it made for a fascinating and useful conversation that we th…

In episode 18 of our fruit and vegetable podcast What's Killing My Kale? we talked to Linda Chalker-Scott, a horticulturalist with Washington State University. The internet lays many claims about the benefits of numerous "alternative" or "natural" remedies for pest management and plant health. How do we know which methods are backed up by science, …

In episode 17 of our fruit and vegetable podcast What's Killing My Kale? Annie and Natalie discuss pesticides labeled for use in organic systems. In this episode, Natalie discusses the importance of thinking about pesticide safety on all fruit and vegetable farms, including organic farms with organic pesticide products. She also lays out the result…

Author: Annie Klodd. Any farmers applying compost, manure, or straw should keep in mind that while these inputs have many benefits for vegetable production, they can also be modes of spread for weed seeds. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the amount of weed seeds that appear in compost and manure and then end up on the field. Photo: Chryseis…

For our September series of "What's Killing My Kale?", we caught up with some of our Extension IPM experts to discuss the main 2018 growing season pest pressures and how to prepare for 2019. In this episode, we discuss weeds with Annie Klodd. You can listen to the podcast here or on iTunes.By University of MN Extension, Annie Klodd, Natalie Hoidal