MTC Turf News - Spring 2026

AN UPDATED ROUNDUP ON GLYPHOSATE

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES FROM MTC PLUS

G Bringing Value to MTC Membership

reetings MTC membership and supporters, welcome to a typical strange spring season in the Mid-Atlantic. Temperatures have ranged from late below freezing temperatures to rapid rise to see our first 90 degree day already in April. As I write this message, the 2026 Maryland Legislative session has just ended, bringing with it several pieces of legislation that would impact our industry. I encourage you all to read the update provided later in the magazine on how MTC has been effectively representing the turfgrass industry through the support of our lobbying efforts. I want to give a thank you to Rich Reinhardt from Percy Public Affairs for his dedication to our cause and his effective efforts in Annapolis.

The MTC is looking to have a better online presence via social media so be on the lookout for updated Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Google platforms from the MTC. We hope to use these platforms to showcase the great work done by turfgrass managers throughout our membership.

The MTC Board of Directors and Advisors are working to bring value to your MTC memberships. We will use 2026 to work on ideas and events that will be unveiled in 2027. Our goal is to listen to members and sponsors in order to find ways to increase overall value. One of the biggest values of the MTC is having a voice in Annapolis and being at the table to educate legislators and defend the turfgrass industry when needed. Our voice is being heard now, and we look to expand on that into the future.

I hope you all have a great spring and summer, it will no doubt have its challenges but the Mid-Atlantic is home to the best turfgrass managers! Looking forward to our “Procrastinators Recertification” and the accompanying UMD Field Day in June.

Logan Freeman President Maryland Turfgrass Council

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rick Boldissar

Turf & Seed Section

50 Harry S Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

Work: 410-841-5968 • Cell: 443-791-2896 Rick.boldissar@maryland.gov

Kelly Love

Pesticide Regulation

50 Harry S Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401 410-841-5710 • kelly.love@maryland.gov

Tim Zang

Urban Nutrient Management

50 Harry S Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

Work: 410-841-5955

Cell: 410-980-9084 tim.zang@maryland.gov

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

Dr. Mark Carroll

Environmental & Pesticides 2132 Plant Science Bld. College Park, MD 20742 Campus: 301-405-1339

Farm: 301-314-6303 mcarroll@umd.edu

Institute of Applied Agriculture

Geoffrey Rinehart

Turfgrass Management 2113 Jull Hall • 4196 Stadium Dr. College Park, MD 20742 Campus: 301-405-4692 Cell: 253-592-3528 rinehart@umd.edu

Professor Emeritus:

Dr. Tom Turner

Turfgrass Nutrients / Extension 624 Woodsman Way • Crownsville, MD 21032 Farm: 301-314-6302 Cell: 410-353-8859 tturner@umd.edu

Dr. Kevin Mathias

Turfgrass Entomology 66 Eddins Lane • Ruckersville, VA 22968 Cell: 301-233-2211 jkm@umd.edu

Dr. Peter Dernoeden

Turfgrass Pathology 18086 White Oak Dr. • Milton, DE 19968 Home: 302-329-9281 Cell: 302-359-9943 pd@umd.edu

STUDENTS SHINE AT NATIONAL TURF BOWL COMPETITION

College Park, Md. — Students from the University of Maryland (UMD) placed fourth out of 79 teams at this year’s Turf Bowl, an intercollegiate academic competition that tests students’ technical and professional knowledge of the turfgrass industry.

The Turf Bowl challenges students in a wide range of subject areas, including turfgrass management, pest management, and soil science.

To prepare for this highly competitive contest, Geoff Rinehart, lecturer in turfgrass management at the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA), and his team of students met weekly during the fall semester, reviewing material the students learned in classes and doing practice quizzes.

“This is extra learning and extra preparation that’s going to help them professionally,” said Rinehart. “They are getting deeper exposure to the material and learning how to work as a team under pressure.”

The strong performance earned the team $8,000 in prize money, which will be reinvested into student professional development, including travel to future conferences and competitions.

“It feels great to know that our team played a role in the future education of turfgrass students,” said Owen Scott.

Several team members mentioned how proud they felt knowing their hard work paid off.

“The most rewarding part of competing was being able to work as a team and working through problems with contrasting viewpoints and coming to a consensus that we all agree on,” said Carson Thomas. “I felt like I learned new things within the turf industry from my teammates as well as new perspectives from different golf courses and sports facilities.”

The team lauded the support that they received from the faculty and administrators at the IAA.

“None of this would have been possible without the help of Geoffrey Rinehart, Joe Poulas, and Carole Dingess who all contributed to the organization and studying that led up to the Turf Bowl competition,” said Owen Scott.

The recognition is particularly meaningful for a smaller program competing against nationally prominent universities.

“It puts Maryland on the national map,” said Rinehart. “That kind of recognition is good for our students, our college, and the program as a whole.” •

JIM CLAXTON

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund was initiated in 2011 in order to honor Jim and his contributions to the Mid-Atlantic turfgrass industry, while financially supporting students in pursuit of a college degree.

Jim worked as a salesman for Newsom Seed from the early 1990’s until shortly before his passing in 2013. He made great contributions to turfgrass-related businesses during this period, especially businesses directly involved in turf production. The Turf Producers of Maryland award this scholarship each year.

The Jim Claxton Scholarship Fund allows for award(s) to be issued to a winning applicant prior to the Fall college semester in the maximum amount of $1,500. The Scholarship Committee has the right to award more than one applicant if there are multiple strong candidates, but the total amount to be

awarded will be a maximum of $1,500. Previous winners of the Jim Claxton Scholarship may re-apply. Preference may be given to students enrolled in a turfgrass related field or with experience in turfgrass production, along with students who reside in the Maryland or one of its adjoining states. •

2026 END OF SESSION

BILLS OF INTEREST SUMMARY

By Percy Public Affairs / Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC)

APRIL 14, 2026

At the stroke of midnight on Monday, April 13th, the Maryland General Assembly adjourned (SINE DIE) the 2026 Legislative Session in Annapolis, Maryland.

This year, the Maryland General Assembly introduced a total of 3,473 individual pieces of legislation (1406-Senate/2067House) – this included proposed policy bills, legislative bond initiatives, and joint resolutions.

During the 90-Day Session, Percy Public Affairs flagged multiple bills of interest for the Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC). Below is summary of the legislation that MTC took action on in Annapolis.

BILL SUMMARY

House Bill 91, entitled; “Agriculture – Neonicotinoid Pesticides – Prohibitions” – This bill prohibits a person from distributing, selling, or using any corn, soybean, or wheat seeds that have been coated in or treated with a neonicotinoid pesticide. In addition, the bill generally prohibits a person from using a neonicotinoid pesticide to treat outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except as specified. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to temporarily suspend both of these prohibitions under specified conditions.

MTC / MASFMA’s Position: Opposed Bill Status: FAILED

House Bill 164, entitled; “State Buildings and State Highways – Collection and Disposal of Yard Waste” – This bill generally prohibits State employees or contractors from disposing of yard waste collected on the grounds of a State building or a State highway in a single-use plastic container. All such yard waste must be collected in a container that (1) will not be discarded with the yard waste or (2) is a compostable paper bag.

MTC / MASFMA’s Position: Support

Bill Status: FAILED

House Bill 164, entitled; “Gasoline-Powered Leaf Blowers - Purchase and Use – Prohibitions” – This bill, subject to specified exceptions, prohibits, (1) beginning July 1, 2026, the State from purchasing a gasoline-powered leaf blower and (2) beginning January 1, 2031, the use of a gasoline-powered leaf blower by the State and its contractors and subcontractors working on State-owned land. Each State agency in the Executive Branch must monitor and enforce that agency’s compliance with the bill. The bill also establishes (1) a provision relating to the authority of local governments to enact standards relating to gasoline powered leaf blowers and (2) a requirement for the State and its contractors and subcontractors to comply with local standards that are at least as stringent as the bill’s standards when managing State property.

MTC / MASFMA’s Position: Opposed Bill Status: FAILED

House Bill 321, entitled; “Environment – Synthetic Turf Industry and Disposal Study – Deadline Extension” – This bill extends the deadline, from July 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027, by which the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) must submit a specified report relating to synthetic turf to specified committees of the General Assembly.

MTC / MASFMA’s Position: Support Bill Status: PASSED

House Bill 833/ Senate Bill 53, entitled; “Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland – Reestablishment” – This bill reestablishes the Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) must provide staff for the commission. Commission members may not receive compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses. By December 1, 2026, the commission must submit an interim report on the progress and status of the commission to the Legislative Policy Committee. By December 1, 2027, the commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly. MTC was amended into the final bills as a new member of the Commission and will be an active participant.

MTC / MASFMA’s Position: Support with Amendments

Bill Status: PASSED

House Bill 1237, entitled; “Pesticide Applications – Subscription Contract Requirements and Registry Establishment” – This bill requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to establish a Residential Pollinator Protection and Neighbor Notification Registry for the purpose of registering individuals residing in residential areas who are interested in receiving notice of pesticide applications on contiguous or adjacent properties. MDA may charge a reasonable registration fee to an applicant for inclusion in the registry; however, MDA must waive the fee under specified conditions. The bill establishes related requirements for MDA, pesticide business licensees, pesticide applicators, and public agency permittees. In addition, the bill establishes requirements for a pesticide business licensee that has a subscription contract for pest control with a residential customer.

D. Mode of action

Glyphosate inhibits the enzyme enolpyruvyl shikimate-3phosphate (EPSP) synthase, needed for synthesis of the aromatic amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine in plants. Animals, including people, do not make these amino acids as they need to get these chemicals in their diet. Plants though must make these amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. So glyphosate inhibits a process that occurs in plants but not in animals. Result – a chemical that controls plants with low acute toxicity to animals.

E. Use

Glyphosate is a nonselective postemergence herbicide, meaning that it controls essentially all weeds. The recent development of certain weed species developing resistance, such as glyphosateresistant horseweed, has pushed researchers and growers to find alternative means to control these weed species. However, most weed species are still susceptible to glyphosate.

Glyphosate is systemic, so it moves into and controls underground portions of weeds (roots, rhizomes, tubers, etc.), making it the preferred product for perennial weed control in many situations. This chemical binds to soil particles and has essentially no soil activity, so crops can be planted a week after application.

Glyphosate is used for preplant weed control/site preparation, lawn renovation, spot treatment of weeds in landscape beds, as a directed spray application in fruit and nursery production, and for noncrop weed management, such as guard rails, railroad lines, and parking lots, among other uses. It controls grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, making it a broadspectrum herbicide.

F. Acute toxicity of glyphosate

One measure of acute toxicity is the LD50, the dose required to kill 50% of the test animal, usually rats. The higher the LD50, the lower the toxicity. The acute oral LD50 for glyphosate is greater than 5,000 mg/kg (Bayer 2023). For comparison, the acute oral LD50 (rat) for aspirin ranges from 200 to 1,500 mg/kg according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025) and ThermoFischer (2025), making aspirin significantly more acutely toxic than glyphosate.

Another point to keep in mind is that risk associated with a given pesticide is based on the toxicity of the chemical along with the exposure level.

G. Health issues about glyphosate

It has been suggested that glyphosate causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a type of cancer, and other diseases, although the link between glyphosate and cancer is inconclusive (see the review articles Boretti 2024, Gonzalez-Moscoso 2023). In a 2020 publication, Boretti states that the link between non-Hodgkin

lymphoma and Roundup is shown to be extremely weak. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health organization, lists glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen in Group 2A, along with burning of wood, eating red meat, high-temperature frying, night work shifts, being a hairdresser or barber, exposure to inorganic lead compounds, spraying insecticides, and manufacture of art glass, among others (IARC 2025).

In February 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the interim decision registration review decision (ID) for glyphosate (EPA 2025). As part of that decision, EPA found that when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label, glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen. EPA scientists had performed an independent evaluation of available data for glyphosate and found no risks of concern to human health from current uses of glyphosate, no indication that children are more sensitive to glyphosate, no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans, and no indication that glyphosate is an endocrine disruptor. On March 20, 2020, the glyphosate ID was challenged in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated the human health portion of the glyphosate ID and the EPA determined that withdrawal of the glyphosate ID was appropriate. The EPA is currently updating its evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate to better explain its findings and to include the current relevant scientific information.

Another issue that has been mentioned is that glyphosate may affect bacteria in the gut microbiome. Certain bacteria can be adversely affected by exposure to glyphosate. One concern is an impact on the gut bacteria in honeybees, potentially increasing susceptibility to pathogens (Mottaa et al. 2018, Castelli 2021.)

H. Alternatives to glyphosate

We do not have a ready alternative to glyphosate that provides the same level of weed control and use, especially for perennial weeds. There are other chemicals that have little to no soil residual and that affect both grasses and broadleaf weeds when applied postemergence and thus can address some of the uses for glyphosate.

CONVENTIONAL ALTERNATIVES

There are contact nonselective chemicals available for control of annual weeds and suppression of perennial weeds that do not have soil residual. This group includes pelargonic acid (Scythe) and diquat (Reward, Diquat), which are targeted towards commercial applicators. These chemicals work very quickly, with injury to weeds often within hours when applied under warm, sunny conditions. Keep in mind that contact herbicides have no effect on underground plant parts, so perennial weeds will regrow from underground tubers, rhizomes, or bulbs, requiring additional applications. Also, large plants of annuals can be harder to control as thorough coverage of weed foliage is required.

Ideally, annual weeds are treated when they are less than four inches tall. In addition, annual grassy weeds can be harder to control than annual broadleaf weeds as their growing points are less exposed compared to broadleaf plants.

Ortho Ground Clear is a combination of pelargonic acid, the contact herbicide mentioned above, along with imazapyr, a preemergence and postemergence herbicide. Imazapyr poses a risk to desired trees and shrubs due to the potential for root uptake and systemic injury, thus significantly limiting where it can be applied in homeowner situations.

Another contact herbicide that we have evaluated is Spruce, a product targeted towards homeowners. This product, from Proctor and Gamble, contains geraniol (an alcohol in geranium, rose oil, citronella oil), cornmint oil (from wild mint Mentha arvensis), and sodium lauryl sulfate (surfactant found in coconut and palm kernel oil). It is not EPA registered, but is exempt under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Also, Spruce is not approved for organic use. Spruce did not perform well in our trial, although we did have some difficult-to-control weed species in that study.

Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, mentioned earlier, contains two systemic herbicides, triclopyr for broadleaf weeds, and fluazifop for grassy weeds, along with the contact

herbicide diquat. We have not seen the same level of perennial weed control as we have seen with glyphosate products. Also, this mixture will have a degree of residual activity, potentially poses a concern if seeding a treated area soon after application.

In my opinion, the best alternative to glyphosate is glufosinate, another nonselective postemergence herbicide that is inactivated upon contact with soil. It works faster on weeds than glyphosate, but it is not as systemic as glyphosate. So glyphosate generally provides greater control of perennial weeds, especially perennial grasses, compared to glufosinate. Glufosinate will generally provide better control of perennial weeds than contact herbicides. Commercial formulations of this active ingredient include Cheetah Pro and Finale, among others. One homeowner formulation of this herbicide is BioAdvanced Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate which is sold in a ready-to-use container as well as a one quart concentrate, so the quantity sizes are appropriate for homeowners.

In the study we conducted at the station in 2025, the contact herbicides Scythe and Spruce caused rapid injury to the weed species in the trial. But by 12 days after treatment, the weeds recovered from that injury. Glufosinate (Cheetah Pro) and glyphosate (Roundup Quik Pro), both with systemic action, showed significant weed control at 12 days (Figure 1). We showed those plots at our Turfgrass Field Day in June of this year.

ORGANIC ALTERNATIVES

These are chemicals that are OMRIapproved (Organic Materials Review Institute) for weed control. All of the products we have tested are contact herbicides and thus much less effective than the systemic herbicide glyphosate for perennial weed control. One such chemical is 20% acetic acid, sold under such names as Weed Pharm but this formulation carries a danger label. There are long-chain fatty acid products such as ammonium nonanoate (AXXE) and Suppress (capric/ caprylic acid). Scythe is similar to these fatty acid products but Scythe is not approved for organic use. There are products based on plant oils, such as citrus oil (d-limonene) sold as Avenger. There are other plant oilcontaining products sold, using clove oil, cinnamon oil, or others but some of these products are not approved for organic use. These plant oils have also acted as contact nonselective herbicides.

Keep in mind that you must use products labeled for weed control. Mixing vinegar, table salt, and dishwashing liquid and applying it as an herbicide is not a legal treatment.

I. Decision making

Read the literature cited in this article and determine for yourself the benefits and risks to use of glyphosate and the other chemicals mentioned. Be careful about articles you read on the internet, in newspapers, and in other media. Sometimes claims are made about chemicals that are not supported by scientific research. Ask to see data from published, peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.

If you plan to continue using glyphosate, as we continue to do here at the research station, follow information listed on the label. For example, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Roundup PROMAX is a long sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks (https://www.cdms.telusagcg. com/ldat/ld0RI000.pdf) Read and follow all label directions. Make sure the product you use has a label for the site to be treated. •

REFERENCES

Bayer. 2023. Roundup Promax Safety Data Sheet. https://www.cdms.telusagcg.com/ldat/mp0RI003. pdf.

Boretti, A. 2024. Comprehensive risk-benefit assessment of chemicals: A case study on glyphosate. Oxico.l Rep. 2024 Nov 7;13:101803. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101803.

Boretti, A. 2020. Glyphosate and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Asian Journal of Organic & Medicinal Chemistry 5(4), pp. 340–347. doi: 10.14233/ ajomc.2020.AJOMC-P301.

Castelli, L,. S. Balbuena, B. Branchiccela, P. Zunino, and J. Liberti. 2021. Impact of Chronic Exposure to Sublethal Doses of Glyphosate on Honey Bee Immunity, Gut Microbiota and Infection by Pathogens. Microorganisms . DOI:10.3390/ microorganisms9040845.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 2025. Glyphosate. https://www.epa.gov/ingredientsused-pesticide-products/glyphosate. Accessed October 3, 2025.

LIED BIOLOGICAL Gonzalez-Moscoso, M., D. Meza-Figueroa , N, V. Martínez-Villegas, and M. R. Pedroza-Montero . 2023 GLYPHOSATE

IMPACT on human health and the environment: Sustainable alternatives to replace it in Mexico. Chemosphere (Nov 2023). DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139810.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographson the Identification of carcinogenic hazard to humans. https://monographs.iarc.who. int/list-of-classifications. Accessed October 3, 2025.

Mottaa, E.V., K. Raymanna, and N.A. Morana,1. 2018. Glyphosate perturbs the gut microbiota of honey bees. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 115( 41):10305–10310.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2025). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2244, Aspirin. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/ Aspirin#section=Acute-Effects. Accessed October 3, 2025.

ThermoFischer. 2009. Safety data sheet for acetylsalicylic acid. https://www.fishersci.com/ store/msds?partNumber=AC158180500&produc tDescription=ACETYLSALICYLIC+ACID+50GR&v endorId=VN00032119&countryCode=US&langu age=en. Accessed October 10, 2025.

Jeffrey Derr and Adam Nichols are located at Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach.

MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright © 2026 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.