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20 June 2008
2007
Univ. of Hawaii Turfgrass Survey Complete
 Thank
you to all those individuals that completed the 2007 University of Hawaii
Turfgrass Industry Survey. Participation from the golf course industry was
strong, with over 56 individuals identifying “Golf Course” as
the type of property that they maintain. Data collected indicate that
over $110 million dollars was spent on golf course maintenance
(including labor) in 2007. These figures are much lower than what has
been reported for other states on the mainland. When compared on a per-acre
basis however, the cost of golf course maintenance in Hawaii is significantly
greater than what has been reported elsewhere. More
Salt
Applications Provide Effective Control of Hilograss
 Over the past year, six different research trials have been conducted
at the University of Hawaii investigating the efficacy of salt applications
for control of hilograss (Paspalum conjugatum) and goosegrass (Eleusine
indica) in seashore paspalum fairways and roughs. Results suggest
that sequential granular applications of table salt (83% 0.5-0.25 mm diameter)
at 10 lbs NaCl per 1000 sq. ft. provide greater than 90% control of hilograss
without injuring seashore paspalum turfgrass. Delivering the same amount
of salt as a solution will provide effective control, however carrier volumes
to deliver sodium chloride at rates of 10 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. greatly exceed
80 gallons per acre; thus spray applications are impractical. No salt treatment
evaluated provided effective (>70% control) of goosegrass.
No salt treatment negatively affected soil quality in this research.
While increases in soil sodium absorption (SAR) and electrical conductivity
were reported, levels were below thresholds that would impede turfgrass
growth. Additional research is needed to determine precise volumes of
water needed to leach salts from the rootzone as part of a weed management
program on different soils. More
Seashore
Paspalum Traffic Tolerance
 Research
evaluating the traffic tolerance of various seashore paspalum cultivars
at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific has concluded. The traffic
tolerance of ‘Seadwarf’, ‘Sea Isle 1’, and ‘Salam’ seashore
paspalum exceeded that of ‘Tifway 419’ hybrid bermudagrass.; however,
the traffic tolerance of ‘Sea Isle 2000’ seashore paspalum was
greatly inferior to ‘Tifway 419’. Traffic tolerance in this study
was associated with shoot density. More
Effects of PGRs and Nitrification Inhibiting Fertilizers on Seashore Paspalum
 Studies investigating the effects of various plant growth regulators
and nitrification inhibiting fertilizers on ‘Seadwarf’ seashore
paspalum growth have concluded. Applications of Primo Maxx at 11 fl.
oz per acre significantly reduced clipping yields, compared to the untreated
control, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after initial treatment. An experimental product
yielded similar results. Applications of Trimmit at 32 fl. oz per acre did
not reduce clipping yields compared to the untreated control. Nitrification
inhibiting fertilizers applied at a rate of 0.5 lb N per 1000 sq. ft. did not
increase clipping yield compared to the untreated control.
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