Publications from the Michigan State University Turf and Landscape Extension, the USGA Green Section, the Michigan State University Extension/ Water Quality Digest, MSU Pest Management Digest, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have been recently released. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is proud to share recent news and support these exceptional turf related programs at Michigan State University and turf related organizations throughout our industry.

MSU Water Quality Digest

Quentin Tyler named director of MSU Extension

Beth Stuever, Michigan State University Extension - June 9, 2021

After serving for one month as interim director of Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Quentin Tyler, Ph.D., was named director on June 1, 2021. His professional background and forward-thinking vision impressed MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Ron Hendrick, Ph.D.

Maximize profit with the new Drain Spacing Tool

June 29, 2021 | Ehsan Ghane 

Michigan State University Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering has developed a new online app called the Drain Spacing Tool to maximize your profit.

MSU Pest Management Digest

MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics provides testing for hop viruses and viroids

Laura Miles and Jan Byrne, MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics; Carolyn Malmstrom, Kota Nakasato and Ellen Cole, MSU Department of Plant Biology; Rob Sirrine and Erin Lizotte, Michigan State University Extension - June 29, 2021

Hops are known to host several viruses and viroids that potentially impact profitability by reducing yield, quality and/or plant longevity. Several of these pathogens are widespread in Michigan and mixed infections of multiple viruses and viroids in a single plant are frequently found. The perennial nature of hop and common methods of propagation contribute to the the accumulation of these pathogens over time.

Viruses detected in Michigan wheat

June 21 | Jan Byrne and Martin Chilvers

The Michigan State University Plant & Pest Diagnostics lab receives samples from Michigan wheat growers. Samples that are symptomatic are tested for several viruses; this work is supported by funding from the Michigan Wheat Program. Viral symptoms in wheat can include yellowing or purpling, flecking on the foliage, and stunting. Two different wheat viruses, wheat streak mosaic and wheat spindle streak, were confirmed in samples received this growing season. While the names are similar, there are significant differences in the biology of these two wheat viruses.

MDARD Celebrates 100 Years of Service

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) marked a milestone today: the 100th anniversary of the department’s creation. Then known as the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the department was created by Act 13, Public Acts 1921, to promote the agricultural interests of the State of Michigan, effectively transferring powers from existing boards, departments, and commissions on July 1, 1921.