2022-2023 Trial Sites
Each winter snow mold fungicide trials are held at multiple golf courses throughout Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Minnesota. Sites in recent years have varied from southern Wisconsin to northern Minnesota to offer a range of snow mold disease pressures. The courses listed below are the sites of the 2022-2023 snow mold fungicide trials. The sites are grouped together into the Standard Sites (Wausau and Marquette) and the Minnesota Sites (Biwabik and Brainerd). Protocols entered into the Standard Sites are automatically tested at both Wausau and Marquette, while protocols entered into the Minnesota Sites are automatically entered at both Biwabik and Brainerd. The Microdochium Patch Trial in Madison is a stand-alone trial. Plot size is 3 X 10 ft with 3 or 4 replications. More information on submitting protocols for the snow mold trials can be found here.
Microdochium Patch Trial at the OJ Noer Center – Madison, WI
This trial specifically targets Microdochium Patch (aka Pink snow mold) The site is a fairway height plot of ‘Alpha’ creeping bentgrass that is inoculated with Microdochium nivale and covered with foam insulation to provide an optimal growing environment for the fungus. Please note this trial is separate from the main snow mold trial and inclusion in this trial costs an additional $500 per treatment.
Wausau Country Club – Wausau, WI
Wausau CC is located in the center of Wisconsin. Moderate snowfall and a long duration of snow cover allow for primarily pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) to occur at this site. The trial is located on a fairway maintained at 0.5 inches.
Marquette Golf Club – Marquette, MI
Marquette is located in the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior. Annual snowfall averages 180 inches, and duration of snow cover often lasts for 150 days or longer. Snow mold pressure is intense at this site, with speckled snow mold (Typhula ishikariensis) the primary disease observed. The trial is held on a fairway maintained at a 0.5 inch height.
Giants Ridge – Biwabik, MN
This site is one hour north of Duluth in the arrowhead of Minnesota and has extended periods of snow cover. Annual snowfall averages 62 inches and the primary snow mold is speckled snow mold (Typhula ishikariensis). The trial is held on a fairway maintained at a 0.5 inch height.
Cragun’s Resort – Brainerd, MN
This location is right in the center of Minnesota and experiences long winters with moderate snowfall (annual average of 44 inches of snow). Coupled with very cold winter temperatures, this site has experienced snow scald (Myriosclerotinia borealis) in recent years, but also commonly experiences pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) and gray snow mold (Typhula incarnata).