* If you have any suggestions to add to this list of resources, or run into any glitches, please e-mail Douglas Karcher, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University. I would like to thank Ron Calhoun for his help with the photograph images. Be sure to visit his MSU Turfgrass Science Page.
The purpose of this article is to review for Michigan turfgrass managers the available resources pertaining to turfgrass management and to supply them with the information needed to make use of these resources. The above table summarizes the contact and cost information for the resources covered in this article.
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Several statewide Extension members specialize in turf and ornamentals. Questions and problems concerning turfgrass management should first be addressed to regional Extension agents. If an immediate answer cannot be given, Extension agents consult with MSU faculty and specialists to find a thorough answer, free of charge. The agents listed below represent the turf and horticulture Extension specialists in the state of Michigan.
The Turfgrass Hotline message is updated every Friday at 6:00 p.m. from April to October. Messages are provided by Dr. Paul Rieke, turfgrass professor, and Thom Nikolai, research specialist. This information is available for the cost of a phone call.
Suggestions for Turfgrass Hotline content should be e-mailed to Thom Nikolai. To reach the Turfgrass Hotline, call 517-355-5221.
Weekly subscriptions may be purchased for either mail service or fax service. Subscription fees cover one growing season. Subscriptions to Landscape Alert may be obtained via the internet or by writing to:
For additional information, call 517-355-0117.
Most of the turfgrass websites on the internet can be found on The Ultimate Turfgrass Links web page.
A subscription to the Turfgrass Information Center provides discounts on search fees, document duplication fees and provides the subscriber with on-line access to the database. The TIC will be accessible on the world wide web in the very near future. In the meantime, subscribers can access TGIF using a telnet option.
For more information about the Turfgrass Information Center, or for a subscription, contact Peter Cookingham at 517-353-7209, or by e-mail at Cooking1@pilot.msu.edu.
Specimens must be fresh, representative, and received rapidly for accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic Submittal Forms are available at the County Extension Office and the clinic. It is vital that the plant history, chemical history, cultural practices, nature of injury, and any other relevant information is provided. Turf specimens should be one square foot section of grass dug as deeply as roots hold soil. This section of turf should show gradation from healthy to severely diseased turf. Turf should be collected and sent quickly. If mailed, pack turf tightly with newspaper in a crush-proof box or plastic bag. Do not add moisture to the sample. Whole plants should be submitted, if feasible, for the diagnosis of non-turf plant specimens. If not, collect leaves, branches, stems, and roots from plants showing symptoms. Be sure to enclose 1/2 - 1 cup of soil from the roots. A general diagnosis includes: visual diagnosis, culturing for disease, microscopic analysis, disease identification, soil pH and soluble salts, plant/disease control recommendations, identification of cultural/environmental problems, plant/weed identification, and mushroom identification.
For more information, a clinic representative may be contacted at 517-355-4536 or FAX at 517-353-1781.
For more information, contact Ron Detweiler at 517-353-9082. * back to the summary table
Information pertaining to sampling procedures and soil sampling kits may be obtained through County Extension offices. Regular soil tests have about a one week turnaround time. Turnaround time for other analyses depends on the test being performed. Rush results are available for a fee. Facsimile reporting is available upon request.
For additional information, contact a laboratory representative at 517-355-0218 or FAX at 517-355-1732. * back to the summary table
Year round consultation is available from the USGA agronomist. If questions or problems arise, calls are welcome at any time. Particularly vexing problems are discussed with other staff agronomists who face similar situations in their region.
For additional information, or to schedule a visit, Bob Vavrek, regional agronomist, may be contacted at 414-797-8743 or FAX at 414-797-8838.
* If you have any suggestions to add to this list of resources, or run into any glitches, please e-mail Douglas Karcher, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University.