Weeds identification control in sports turf Tutor - Barry Dore

What is a ‘Weed’? A weed is ‘_____________________’

What is a ‘Weed’? A weed is ‘plant growing in wrong place’

Daisy - Bellis perennis Spoon shaped leaves that forms basal rosette Flower 2cm - yellow central disc, white petals Flowers March-Oct

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale Leaf - lobed, narrow, forms basal rosette Deep tap root One yellow flower 3-6cm

Slender speedwell - Veronica filiformis Stalked leaves join stem in pairs Leaves are kidney shaped Flower - blue with 4 petals, 1cm

Yarrow - Achillea millifolium Narrow dark green leaves 5-15cm long Deep taproot, rhizomes Creamy/white flowers

White Clover - Trifolium repens Shamrock shaped leaves (white mark) White flowers Creeping spread

Creeping Buttercup - Ranunculus repens Alternate leaves on stem divided into 3 lobes Flowers have 5 yellow petals Flowers from April- June

Common Chickweed - Stellaria media Rounded stems Bright green, hairless leaves White flowers Five longer green sepals under petals

Common mouse-ear - Cerastium fontanum Stems/leaves softly hairy Leaves opposite pairs along stem Small white flowers with 5 petals

Self Heal - Prunella vulgaris Vertical flower stems Leaves - oval, pointed tips, round bases Flowers heads - small purple flowers

Common Nettle - Urtica dioica Stingy leaf Creeping rhizomes Upright growth Leaves in opposite pairs

Ribwort Plantain - Plantago lanceolata Leaves form basal rosette Lanceolate leaves with 5 parallel veins Ridged flower stalk

Lesser trefoil - Trifolium dubium Leaves - 3 leaflets Small yellow 0.5cm flowerheads Up to 20 individual flowers

Broad leaved dock - Rumex obtusifolius Upright plant - up to 1m Round basal lobes either side of stem Lower leaves - oblong/oval shaped

Procumbent Pearlwort - Sagina procumbens Central whorl of thin grass like leaves Four opening green sepals with tiny white flower Flowers May-Sept

Annual Meadow grass - Poa annua Folded leaf, pale green, with boat shaped tip Tolerates close mowing e.g. 5mm Flowers all year round

Activity 1 – Group discussion 1. Group A – Conditions that encourage weeds 2. Group B – Methods of controlling weeds 3. Group C – Reasons why you control weeds

Reasons for controlling weeds 1. Unsightly on fine turf surfaces 2. Affect playing surface 3. Weeds compete with turf for food, water, light and space, 4. Prevents weeds from spreading

Spread of weeds 1. Some weeds produce seeds – spread by wind, feet, machinery, animals 2. Some weeds creep by stolons and rhizomes

Conditions that encourage weeds 1. Compaction 2. Poor drainage 3. Poor turf maintenance 4. Bare grass swards

Weed Control 1. Physical – physically dig out the weed 2. Cultural – change environment weed is growing in e.g. aeration to discourage Greater Plantain 3. Chemical – e.g. selective herbicides

Cultural Weed control 1. ___________________________ 2. ___________________________ 3. ___________________________ 4. ___________________________

Cultural Weed control 1. Correct turf maintenance e.g. scarifying 2. Install drainage – reduce wetness 3. Reduce shade to encourage grass 4. Aerate to relieve compaction

Activity 2 Collect weeds and bring them back for identification from the poster

Activity 3 Fill in 15 weed identification sheets Finish them off for next week

Self Assessment 1. Name 8 weeds found in turf 2. State 3 conditions that encourage weed growth 3. State 3 reasons for controlling weeds 4. State 3 types weed control