If you are monitoring growing-degree-day accumulations to plan your spring e sprays, the above-normal winter temperatures thus far mean your spring ethephon spray is fast approaching.

Ethephon growth regulator has evolved to be the standard PGR for Poa annua seedhead suppression on cool-season turf. The most effective ethephon program is to apply your 1st application in late fall, after final mowing. The late fall ethephon application improves the overall consistency of Poa annua seedhead control and adds 5-7 extra days flexibility to your spring application timing compared to not making a fall ethephon application.

If no ethephon application was made last fall, target your initial ethephon spray when you reach your GDD target, or a few days before GDD threshold is reached. In Ohio, the Midwest, this target is 200 GDD’s (using the 32-degree model). Some superintendents use forsythia bloom as an indicator to make this 1st application. Applying your first spray a few days early (before GDD 200 total) will yield better results. To avoid discoloration or phytotoxicity from cold temperatures and frost do not add PGR-113 or Primo when making early spring applications of ethephon.

In addition to improving playability and appearance on putting greens, ethephon will improve summer turf health as carbohydrates normally diverted to seedhead production are now utilized for other beneficial processes in the plant.

To allow maximum absorption into the turf, do not water in ethephon. Allow your spray to dry and delay mowing for 1-2 days for the best results. Adding a Bayer Stressgard fungicide is an excellent combination that gives plant health benefits.

When a liquid fertilizer is needed to maintain color and growth, Foliar-Pak Amperage 5-0-0 is the perfect supplement to your spring ethephon sprays. Amperage 5-0-0 is a blend of nitrogen, iron, manganese, zinc and contains molasses and amino acids to give excellent plant response in cooler temperatures. To avoid an outbreak of leaf spot on regulated turf, timely spring fungicide applications using ArmorTech IP 238 (iprodione) at 4 ounces per 1000 is recommended.

For more information on Proxy and the Bayer Stressgard fungicides speak with your Advanced Turf rep.