Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Seed Corn Beetles

 

Seed Corn Beetles on Greens

 



Tiny mounds of sand on putting surface     


                                         





Seed Corn Beetles are the culprit!

 

We have had several golf patrons inquire about those pesky little mounds that seem to appear from late morning to mid-afternoon on several of our putting greens at Swope Memorial.  This annoyance to a true putt is caused by a new little nuisance called the Seed Corn Beetle. 

 

Despite their name, corn seeds are not the primary food source for seed corn beetles. Rather, they feed on other things they find in the soil including other insects. They are also highly attracted to lights at night. There are two generations per year, typically occurring in May/June and again in August (Purdue University Entomology Dept.).

 

These critters do not feed upon turf.  They burrow into the greens which causes the mounds of sand that appear and become noticeable throughout the day.  For the dew sweepers who play early, their presence is barely noticed as the greenmowers have picked up the sand as we cut the closely mown turf.  But the little bugs get busy after that!

 

We have thrown the proverbial kitchen sink in the form of several different insecticides in an effort to control the pests.  As a new problem to turf, entomologists are currently working toward a solution that we hope can resolve this issue.  Rest assured; we are diligently working on a viable solution!

 

Josh Linn, GC Supt.

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Spring Aerification

 Spring at Swope

(Aerification on #10)

The season is almost upon us, again. It was a mild winter, but a winter none the less. Now that average temperatures are starting to rise, our greens were ready for their bi-annual aerification. This process relieves compaction in our greens, creates ventilation to our root zone, and promotes new healthy growth of our green's turf.

(Aerification on #10)

Aerification is one of our largest projects each year, however this year we were faced with another huge issue. Our main valve to the course, located on 9's fairway, broke as we were shutting down the system in December. We expect these repairs to be difficult, but nothing prepared us for the rats nest of issues that came with this problem. After 4 days of digging, a rented jackhammer attachment, and two sore backs, the valve was succesfully replaced and the course was able to charge up our irrigation system.

(Exposing the pipe and valve fitting.)

(Josh experiencing some delirium while chipping out a concrete patio that held the old valve in place.)

(Removed concrete and existing pipe along with broken valve.)

(Putting the finishing touches on the repair.)

Besides our two massive projects, we also were able to paint and put out our enter/exit signs on the course, paint and install our ball washers, and repaired a handful of cart path pot holes. 

(Josh repairing hole on #5.)

We look forward to seeing you all on the course this season, and remember...


FIX YOUR DIVOTS!