James A. Murphy

Miscanthus × giganteus productivity: the effects of management in different environments.

Miscanthus × giganteus is a C4 perennial grass that shows great potential as a high‐yielding biomass crop. Scant research has been published that reports M. × giganteus growth and biomass yields in different environments in the United States. This study investigated the establishment success, plant growth, and dry biomass yield of M. × giganteus during its first three seasons at four locations (Urbana, IL; Lexington, KY; Mead, NE; Adelphia, NJ) in the United States. Three nitrogen rates (0, 60, and 120 kg ha−1) were applied at each location each year. Good survival of M. × giganteus during its first winter was observed at KY, NE, and NJ (79–100%), and poor survival at IL (25%), due to late planting and cold winter temperatures. Site soil conditions, and growing‐season precipitation and temperature had the greatest impact on dry biomass yield between season 2 (2009) and season 3 (2010). Ideal 2010 weather conditions at NE resulted in significant yield increases (P < 0.0001) of 15.6–27.4 Mg ha−1 from 2009 to 2010. Small yield increases in KY of 17.1 Mg ha−1 in 2009 to 19.0 Mg ha−1 in 2010 could be attributed to excessive spring rain and hot dry conditions late in the growing season. Average M. ×giganteus biomass yields in NJ decreased from 16.9 to 9.7 Mg ha−1 between 2009 and 2010 and were related to hot dry weather, and poor soil conditions. Season 3 yields were positively correlated with end‐of‐season plant height ( ρ̂=0.91 ) and tiller density ( ρ̂=0.76 ). Nitrogen fertilization had no significant effect on plant height, tiller density, or dry biomass yield at any of the sites during 2009 or 2010.

Screening fine fescues for aluminum tolerance

Abstract Fine fescues (Festuca spp.) are generally considered acid tolerant compared to other cool‐season turfgrasses. However, there is little information on aluminum (Al) tolerance of fine fescues at both the species and cultivar levels. The objectives of this study were to identy cultivars of fine fescues with superior ability to tolerate Al, and compare the Al tolerance of endophyte infected and endophyte‐free cultivars in Al tolerance. A total of 58 cultrvars of fine fescues belonging to five species or subspecies [14 hard fescue (F. longifolia Thuill), 25 Chewings fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaud), 15 strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra), two slender creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. trichophylla), and two sheep fescue (F. ovina L.)] were selected from the 1993 National Fineleaf Fescue Test and screened under greenhouse conditions using solution culture, sand culture, and acid Tatum soil (Clayey, mixed, thermic, typic, Hapludult). The acid Tatum soil had 69% exchangeable Al...

Nitrogen‐form and endophyte‐Infection effects on growth, nitrogen uptake, and alkaloid content of chewings fescue turf grass

Abstract Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaud) is naturally infected by an endophyte, however, little is known about the biology of this association and the effects on host fitness. A hydroponic study was conducted in the greenhouse to determine if endophyte and/or nitrogen (N) form influenced growth, N accumulation and alkaloid production in ‘Jamestown II’ Chewings fescue. Endophyte‐infected and non‐infected grasses were established in solution culture for 5 weeks using a 1/4 strength modified Hoagland solution, and then grown for 15 d in similar solutions containing 50 mg L‐1 of N as either NH4‐N, NO3 ‐N or a 1:1 mixture of NH4‐N and NO3 ‐N. The presence of the endophyte increased total biomass 54% in this grass, but growth was unaffected by N source. Nitrogen uptake was 58% higher in endophytic grasses, but no differences were observed in N use efficiency with respect to non‐endophytic grasses. Nitrogen form affected both N uptake and N use efficiency, with significantly higher values ...

Screening Kentucky bluegrass for aluminum tolerance

Abstract Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a growth‐limiting factor in acid soils for many turfgrasses. The genetic diversity among turfgrass cultivars for Al tolerance is not well known. One hundred‐fifty Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) genotypes (cultivars, selections, and breeding lines) belonging to seven ecotypes were selected to screen for Al tolerance under greenhouse conditions using solution culture, sand culture, and an acid Tatum subsoil (Clayey, mixed, thermic, typic, Hapludult). This soil had 69% exchangeable Al and a pH of 4.4. An Al concentration of 320 μM and a pH of 4.0 in a modified 1/4 strength Hoagland nutrient solution was used in solution screening and sand screening. The grasses were seeded and grown four to five weeks before harvesting. Differences were identified among cultivars and the seven ecotypes by measuring relative growth. ‘Battan’, ‘Viva’, and ‘Nassau’ were the most Al‐tolerant cultivars based on the rank average of the three screening methods. Among the seven ecotypes, BVM...

Anthracnose Disease on Annual Bluegrass as Affected by Foot Traffic and Sand Topdressing

Sand topdressing is applied to maintain or enhance playability of the turf surface of putting greens. Anthracnose is a devastating disease of annual bluegrass (ABG; Poa annua) putting green turf, caused by Colletotrichum cereale. The disease is more severe on weakened turf and reputed to be exacerbated by management practices that wound turf. A 2-year field study was initiated in 2007 to evaluate the effects of foot traffic (0 versus 327 footsteps m-2, equivalent to 200 rounds day-1) and sand topdressing (0 and 0.3 liter m-2 every week) on anthracnose severity of ABG mowed at 3.2 mm. Surprisingly, foot traffic reduced anthracnose severity as much as 28%, regardless of sand topdressing, during both years. Although sand topdressing initially increased disease severity (up to 7%) in 2007, continued applications decreased severity by 9% later in August 2007 and again in 2008. The treatment combination of foot traffic 5 days week-1 and weekly sand topdressing resulted in the best turf quality by the end of both seasons. Results indicate that the practice of sand topdressing can be continued even under conditions of intense foot traffic and anthracnose disease development on ABG putting greens.

Summer Patch Disease Severity on Kentucky Bluegrass in Response to Fertilizer Source

Abstract Summer patch is caused by the ectotrophic, root‐infecting fungus Magnaporthe poae Landschoot and Jackson. The disease, which often infects high maintenance turf, can be difficult to control because root infection often occurs six to eight weeks before the appearance of foliar symptoms. Disease severity is reduced when turf is fertilized with ammonium nitrogen (N) sources, compared to nitrate or urea sources of N. Thiosulfate, from (NH4)2S2O3 or K2S2O3, is a nitrification inhibitor which may enhance ammonium uptake of turf by slowing nitrification. N‐SURE is a triazone‐based, slow release N source that is commonly used to fertilize turfgrass. Field studies were conducted from 1995 to 1996 on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) grown on a Nixon loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludult) to evaluate the effectiveness of the several N and K sources for their ability to control summer patch disease. Nitrogen fertilizers, N‐SURE, (NH4)2S2O3, and (NH4)2SO4, were applied in combination with either K2SO4 or K2S2O3. The severity of summer patch was greater when the turf was fertilized with N‐SURE in 1995 and 1996 and urea in 1996 compared to (NH4)2S2O3. The N sources, (NH4)2SO4 and (NH4)2S2O3, were strongly acidifying to the upper 10 cm of soil and were very effective in controlling summer patch. The application of K2S2O3 slightly acidified the upper 5 cm of soil but did not suppress the development of summer patch. The ability of thiosulfate to act as a nitrification inhibitor did not appear to play a role in the suppression of summer patch. Since foliar burn may occur if (NH4)2SO4, (NH4)2S2O3, or K2S2O3 are applied to turf without irrigation, the application of water after their use is recommended.

Magnaporthiopsis meyeri-festucae, sp. nov., associated with a summer patch-like disease of fine fescue turfgrasses

ABSTRACT Summer patch is a common and destructive root disease of turfgrasses. In this study, a new Magnaporthiopsis species, M. meyeri-festucae, was identified from the roots of fine fescue (Festuca spp.) turfgrasses with summer patch-like symptoms. It is described and illustrated on the basis of phenotypic characteristics and partial sequences of rDNA 18S, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and 28S regions, and of MCM7, RPB1, and TEF1 genes. A key for all seven described species in the genus Magnaporthiopsis is provided. Distinctions between the new species and related species are discussed. Fulfillment of Koch’s postulates confirmed Magnaporthiopsis meyeri-festucae as a pathogen causing summer patch-like symptoms of fine fescue turfgrasses. This work is the basis for future studies on biogeography, host range, and impact of summer patch pathogens on a broader scale.

221Are Orthopaedic Wards Adequately Staffed to Provide Best Quality Care in Older Patients

Background: International guidelines have identified a number of key recommendations in management of older fracture patients. These include management by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), and early involvement of orthogeriatricians [1]. Adequate resources need to be assigned to orthopaedic wards to meet these recommendations. Methods: All inpatients on an orthopaedic ward (n = 39) were audited at one specific time-point to capture dependence levels and frailty. Staffing levels were compared to a 35 bed specialist geriatric ward. Results: Median age of orthopaedic patients was 77.5 years. The cohort included 18 hip fracture patients (median age 85 years). 90% of patients experienced polypharmacy. 26 (67%) of all patients and 96% of hip fracture patients were identified as FRAIL positive [2]. The average nurse dependency score was 2.7. All patients were under review by physiotherapy (PT), & 78% (n = 30) were referred to occupational therapy (OT). Medical social work (MSW) was deemed necessary in at least 54% (n = 21) of patients. Despite the frailty of these patients there was substantially less access to some elements of the MDT – 15% less PT, 34% less OT, 70% less MSW and 63% less access to a dietician. The most striking difference was seen in access to orthogeriatric care with 95% less access to a consultant geriatrician (0.1 WTE vs input from 2 WTE) and no access to geriatric trained NCHDs. Conclusion: Orthopaedic patients display high levels of frailty and dependence, particularly hip fracture patients. To adequately care for this patient population staffing levels of both multidisciplinary teams and geriatric teams should more closely reflect that available on specialist geriatric wards. References 1. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, 111. Management of hip fracture in older people. A national clinical guideline. 2. NHS Scotland. Think Frailty. Improving the identification and management of frailty. A case study report of innovation on four acute sites in NHSScotland.

First Report of Brown Ring Patch Caused by Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua and Agrostis stolonifera in New Jersey

Waitea circinata var. circinata was first reported as the causal agent of brown ring patch on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) in the United States in 2007 (2). In early April to mid-June of 2009, circular to irregularly shaped yellow rings resembling symptoms of this disease were observed on an annual bluegrass putting green at Rutgers University in North Brunswick, NJ. Severely infected foliage eventually turned brown as the disease progressed. During the same time period, similar disease symptoms were observed on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) from a golf course in Bedminster Township, NJ. The disease reappeared in both locations in April of 2010. Five additional samples with similar symptoms on creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass were received at Rutgers Diagnostic Laboratory from Paramus, Madison, Allamuchy, and Farmingdale, NJ between late April and early May of 2010. Portions of diseased leaf and sheath tissue that displayed symptoms of the disease were disinfested for 1 min in 0.5% NaOCl, rinsed with sterile distilled water, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 50 mg/liter of streptomycin sulfate. At the first sign of fungal growth, single hyphal tips were transferred to PDA. After 1 week at 25°C, white-to-orange mycelial colonies formed in culture and eventually turned brown with age. Minute sclerotia (≤3 mm), which followed the same color development pattern, formed within 10 days. These features are consistent with those described of W. circinata var. circinata (2,3). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA gene was amplified using primer pair ITS1/ITS4 and sequenced with ITS4 (GenBank Accession Nos. HQ166065 to HQ166071). BLASTn analysis of the ITS sequences showed a 99 to 100% similarity to W. circinata var. circinata sequences deposited in GenBank (1,2). Pathogenicity tests were conducted in 2010 using 6-week-old creeping bentgrass seedlings cv. Declaration inoculated with colonized oat grain that had been autoclaved and then infested with the Bedminster Township isolate. Eight colonized oat grains were uniformly spread around the crowns of seedlings grown in 10-cm-diameter pots. Control plants were treated with autoclaved grain. Plants were incubated at 25°C and high humidity maintained by misting the plants three times per day. Within 3 days postinoculation, foliage near infested grain turned chlorotic. All foliage in pots became completely blighted and spherical orange-brown sclerotia were observed on leaf sheaths by the eighth day. W. circinata var. circinata was consistently reisolated from inoculated plants (as confirmed by isolate morphology and ITS sequencing) but not from control plants. The ITS sequence data, morphological characters of the isolates, and pathogenicity tests demonstrate that W. circinata var. circinata is present in New Jersey. To our knowledge, this is the first report of W. circinata var. circinata infecting turfgrass in New Jersey. References: (1) C. M. Chen et al. Plant Dis. 93:906, 2009. (2) K. A. de la Cerda et al. Plant Dis. 91:791, 2007. (3) T. Toda et al. Plant Dis. 89:536, 2005.