QHIK %pms OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOL. 4, NO. 9 DECEMBER 1998/JANUARY 1999 TURFGRASS WINTER STRESSES physiological adjustments within the plant that maximizes the ability of the plant to Other Than Snow Mold survive low temperature stress. Two key By Dr. James B. Beard physiological processes during this event involve the accumulation of carbohydrates, interkill is a general term that which in turn result in exosmosis, or the W implement proper practices encompasses all stresses that may damage turfgrasses during the winter period. It is important to properly the outward movement of water from the tissue. The more low temperature hardy species, such as creeping bentgrass and rough stalk diagnose the specific cause of winter injury in order to bluegrass, have the capability to decrease their water content from 85% to the 65-70% range during cold hardening. Accordingly, that will one should select cultural practices during “It is important to properly minimize a diagnose the specific cause of this cold hardening period that promote potential winter injury....” increased carbohydrate accumulation. These reoccurrence in include an elevated cutting height and a low future winters. to moderate nitrogen fertilization program. Low temperature Cold hardened turfgrasses typically have kill and winter desiccation are the most common enlarged stem and crown diameters in the winter stress problems. The low temperature autumn due to the accumulation of pathogens that cause snow mold diseases are carbohydrates. additional major winterkill problems and will not be Low temperature stress tolerance. Both discussed in this particular article. turfgrass species and cultivars vary greatly in Low temperature kill. Both cool and warm season low temperature hardiness. Therefore, on turfgrass species are subject to severe injury caused by sites subject to periodic low temperature low temperature kill. The extent of injury relates to stress, it is important to select cold hardy the size of ice crystal formation within the plant species as well as cultivars. Among cool tissues, which results in mechanical damage to the season turfgrasses species, the perennial living portions of cells. The higher the water content ryegrasses, tall fescues, and annual bluegrass of hydration level in the tissue, the greater potential are typically prone to low temperature kill. for low temperature kill. Thus, any soil management In contrast, roughstalk bluegrass and or cultural practice - such as low cutting heights, high creeping bentgrass are excellent in low nitrogen levels, low potassium levels and/or impaired temperature stress tolerance followed by drainage - that increases the crown hydration level Kentucky bluegrass. during the autumn hardening period will increase the proneness to low temperature kill. Contrary to widely published reports, it is essential to understand that li*> X&a/J, \4/14a&% high crown hydration is not a cause of winter kill, but rather a precondition that contributes to increase proneness to lethal injury. • Calendar of Events Cold hardening. Turfgrasses have a natural ability • Xanthomonas to cold harden during the autumn decline in • Treasurer's Report temperature that occurs prior to freezing, which is at temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees for cool season turfgrasses. Basically, cold hardening involves President’s Message....... OFFICERS & The two years as vice president flew by as Ron Garrison was running with the ball. Now it’s been handed to me. 1 hope I can do as well as Ron. I want to thank DIRECTORS Ron and all the Board members for their work and efforts in keeping the organization growing and going in the right direction. TURFGRASS 1999 Participation in the PTGA is a very important role for everyone, not just the ASSOCIATION Board members. I now you have heard it before, and you’ll continue to hear it PRESIDENT forever. We have several committees set up and are looking for your participation Jack Bird on these committees. The committees and their chairmen are listed elsewhere in The Hideout this issue of Chips & Putts. Please give a call to the chairperson and volunteer time to help out. VICE PRESIDENT We have had two Board Meetings since our annual meeting in October at Fox Tom Wilchak Hill Country Club. Tentative meeting sites for next year are slated. Watch for them Bethlehem Golf Club and mark your calendars. 1 would like to thank Tony Grieco for his fine job in making the transfer of the SECRETARY/TREASURER Secretary/Treasurer position a quick and smooth one. This position takes a lot of Tony Grieco, CGCS time and good pencil work. Silver Creek Country Club The 1998 budget has been audited, and we’re looking good, like a turf association should. We also have the budget set for 1999, and I’m happy to report PAST PRESIDENT we are in good financial shape. Ron Garrison, CGCS I welcome Jason Barndt of Berwick C.C. and Darrin Batisky of Glen Oak C.C. to Fox Hill Country Club the Board. 1 see they are quick learners and are busy chairing their committees to bring you their information on membership, finance, scholarship and research. DIRECTORS Gene Huelster of Pocono Farms C.C. is back with his education committee, and we Jason J. Barndt can count on him for finding some of the best educational speakers for our meetings. Berwick Golf Club Jim MacLaren will be busy editing our Chips & Putts and would have had this issue out earlier if he wasn’t waiting for this article. Sorry, Jim! Anyone with stories, Darrin M. Batisky news or comments, please fee free to fax them to Jim. Tom Wilchak, VP, has got Glen Oak Country Club our golf program together for us and will be busy keeping me straight. Ron Garrison and Tony Grieco are our new GCSAA delegates for 1999. Mark Monahan Gene Huelster (Continued on page 4) Pocono Farms Country Club Jim MacLaren Turf Partners, Inc. From the Editor’s Desk. Mark T. Monahan, CGCS Welcome to either the last edition of 1998 or the first of 1999. Paupack Hills Golf & C.C. We will try to continue the tradition that was set by the re-founder of Chips & Putts, and by the 1998 editor, Tony Grieco, CGCS. Tony is stepping down to devote his time to the position of Secretary/Treasurer. He was also informed he has CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF 27 holes to maintain, instead of 18. EDITOR Some major changes will be apparent. Things to look for will be a profile of the Jim MacLaren “New kids on the block”, i.e., new superintendents who have accepted positions in R.R. 1, Box 219 our area; timely topics of some importance, a compilation of the PTGA board Harding, PA 19643 meeting and in conjunction with that, a brief overview of our financial condition to 570-388-2889 reflect the strength of the scholarship fund. Fax: 570-388-2167 We may have a section entitled “Quotes of the Week”, and we will have a section called “The Diary of a Greenskeeper”, a poor soul scratching out a living in days gone by. Maybe a “Used Equipment for Sale” section, and a monthly section on EDITORIAL COMMITTEE weather. Sankey Brum ley That’s enough for now. More later. Tony Grieco, CGCS Doug Witcraft Jim MacLaren Managing Editor, Melinda Wisnosky 1999 CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 5-7, 1999 February 1999 Eastern PA Turf Conference Industrial Right-Of-Way & Trade Show - Valley Forge, PA Weed Control 814-863-3475 Lancaster Extension Office cni Natural Organic Products no 717-394-6851 P.O. Box 278K • 6574 S. Delaware Drive r^- Martins Creek, PA 18063 January 7, 1999 610*250*9650 co Fax: 250*7840 CD GCSAA-Preventive Maintenance To Be Announced s o ilfirs t.c o m Joel Sim m ons oo Of Turf Equipment-Lake Harmony, PA Turfgrass Management of Prof. 570-894-8055 Penn State Great Valley, Malvern 610-690-2655 January 8, 1999 GCSAA-Maximizing Teamwork February 8-14, 1999 The S co tts C om pan y a n d S u b s id ia r ie s Lake Harmony, PA GCSAA Conference & Trade Show ProTurf 570-894-8055 Orlando, FL Fran Berdine Executive Technical Representative 800-442-7220 The O.M. Scott & Sons Company January 11-15, 1999 Professional Business Group 199 Warn Avenue National Institute of Golf Management February 9-10, 1999 Pine Bush. NY 12566 Telephone: 914/361-4105 Wheeling, WV PA Landscape & Nursery 800-472-7878 Conference Harr isbur g/Her sh ey January 12-13, 1999 610-489-4215 1000 Springbrook Avenue D o n Lip ran d o Moosic, PA Turf & Ornamental Specialist GCSAA-Gold Greens History, Theory 18507 Construction & Maintenance February 16, 1999 800.650.1936 LESCO , Inc. Pittsburgh, PA Lawn Care Association of PA 800-472-7878 Carlisle, PA LESCO 911 Fox Lane Mountaintop, PA 18707 717-236-2050 4217 Fritch Drive 717.868.3592 January 12-14-19-21, 1999 Bethlehem, PA 610.778.4003 Pager 18017 717.868.3597 Fax Pesticide Short Course February 17, 1999 610.866.6665 Penn State Great Valley, Malvern 1999 Winter Grounds Seminar 610-690-2655 Kutztown Grange Hall 610-378-1327 January 19, 1999 Eastern Regional Landscape & February 23-25, 1999 Nursery Seminar Western PA Turf Conference Delaware Valley College & Trade Show CENTURY GOLF PROFESSIONALS 610-489-4315 Pittsburg Expo Mart NEW JERSEY/PENNSYLVANIA PH IL DEMARCO 8 0 0 -6 4 2 -3 7 0 6 VALENTINE & SONS * 6 1 0 -5 2 5 -5 7 1 0 814-863-3475 January 28, 1999 LEGACY Call to d a y for an on-site co n sultatio n. Northeast PA Turf & Grounds Maintenance School Lake Harmony, PA 814-863-3475 PTC IPHILADELPIA TURF COMPANY 4 0 4 9 LANDISVILLE ROAD, BOX 86 5 I DOYLESTOWN, PA 1 8 9 0 1 -0 8 6 5 TURF EQUIPMENT ROSTER BOOK UPDATE IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT & DESIGN SERVICES FLOWTRONEX/PSI PUMP STATIONS OTTERBINE AERATORS When you receive your dues invoice for 1999, you will also receive an update form for the 1999 Roster Book. If you have any changes from 1998, or if your information OFFICE# 215-345-7200 FAX# 215-345-8132 was incorrect YOU MUST give us the proper information. Melinda is not a mind TIME SAVER# 215-343-4314 reader. XANTHOMONAS GREY LEAF SPOT (Biological Poa Annua Control) A Synopsis of Dr. Bruce Clark’s Update from Pennsylvania Talk at the NJ Expo: Grey leaf spot was first observed in With the trepidation of salespeople, that maybe we missed the climatic window of this area in 1991. It was identified as opportunity to apply the X-PO in the fall of 1998, Mr. John Doyle from EcoSoil (San far north as Massachusetts and New Diego) arrived in Pennsylvania (October 20 and 21) to ascertain the situation. Hampshire in 1998. The initial X-PO applications were made starting on September 8, and continued for It seems to be more severe: the six week period, with the final applications made on or about October 22. During • After drought conditions, then peri­ this period, frost was occurring on various sites, so obviously the 65-85 degree window ods of high humidity and tempera­ was not there. Did this have an effect? ture (70-80 degrees) Visual symptoms were observed, maybe by wishful eyes, but the final determination • On taller turf had to be made by a laboratory analysis. Samples were taken from the areas treated with X-PO and shipped overnight by Mr. Doyle to the lab in San Diego to be cross • On more frequently mowed turf sectioned to look for infection. On October 26 the laboratory called to report that • On turf where clippings are not indeed “streaming” was observed in ALL samples, some more than others. This removed (Diseases reduced 50% if showed that infection had occurred. A quantitative determination could not be made, clippings are collected) but since infection had occurred, it would lead one to believe that while the plants were Recommendations: infected, they would not be healthy nor none competitive. Advantage - Bent! • Keep fertility levels low in July and What does this hold for the future? The laboratory will culture these samples and see August if indeed demise of the poa annua will occur over time in a controlled environment. • Give adequate fertilizer after high Aliette will be applied to the samples to cause the infection to cease, if some so desire. pressure period. Also, during Mr. Doyle’s visit, we met with Mr. Dennis Watkins from DCW Consulting & Sky Bit Weather Service to determine when the proper climatic application window is for various sites in the country and how that correlates with information that pertains to X-PO’s activity. It is possible in the future each site receiving X-PO will receive a detailed graph showing when the ideal window is for the application for maximum infection. lb NOVART I S What was accomplished? First off, by meeting with the end users, we were able to get first hand information on what they had done during the applications and how it was applied. Secondly, we were able to see in the field what symptoms were observed. Bringing you the finest in turf Thirdly, we received valuable information from the end users on when they wanted the management products including: demise to occur as it correlates with their various management strategies. Most agree that with proper timing and management, this is a tool that works! All in all, it was a valuable experience for everyone. Infection of the plants has Barricade® occurred. This is what we were after, and it was successful. Maybe we can do better in 1999. Primo® (Continued from page 2) Banner M axx and Gene Huelster will be keeping us TIPS ON SNOW SHOVELING Sentinel® up to date on what is happening with * * the Allied. Take it slow! * Subdue Maxx® There is much more going on, and I Lift small amounts, will do my best to keep you informed. especially the slushy stuff * John W endorf Should anyone have any questions, Use proper posture: keep a * * please give me a call or other members Tel 302-731-5616 straight back and lift with your legs. Fax 302-731-5606 of the Board, and we will do the best we Stop if you feel pain or fatigue. j ohn.wen dorf@ cp.n o varti s. com can to give you an answer. I hope to see everyone in the near future. I hope Tell your wife to finish. you had a Happy Holiday Season. Jack Bird C heck out o u r w ebsite at w w w .cp.us.novartis.com p*#s TREASURER’S SUMMARY JACK PATTERSON THE WEATHER FEATURE REPORT SCHOLARSHIP DCW Consulting & Sky Bit Financially, 1998 was the best year The Jack Patterson Scholarship is Weather conditions for 1998 greatly ever for th e Pocono T u rfg rass awarded annually to a second-year stu­ affected the success or failure of many Association. This was due in large part dent in a two-year program, or to a final routine golf course maintenance activi­ to the budget the Board received last year student in a four-year program or ties. Attempts to compare seasonal dif­ year, which was the best ever. Most graduate school. One applicant is cho­ ferences are best related by evaluating important, however, was the continued sen for the $500.00 scholarship and also weather variables. The most effective support we got from our membership in is awarded an honorary membership in approach is to relate growing degree- dues, meeting attendance, the Pocono Turfgrass Association for days during the season. A typical grow­ ad v ertisem ents, sponsorships and that calendar year. ing season is from April 1 through Sep­ donations. We currently have over tember 30. Knowing degree-day accu­ $7,000 in our checking account and The requirements necessary for consid­ mulation during this period allows one over $6,500 in a CD. Because of the eration are: to compare seasonal variations. 1998 $10 dues increase in 1999, our CD will was an atypical year. Seasonal degree- be worth over $8,000 by spring. • The applicant must be a second year day differences were consistently above Congratulations everyone, not only are student in a two-year program or in normal throughout the summer. we the best looking association, but Crabgrass germination, disease devel­ the final year of a four-year pro­ financially sound as well. opment, and insect development all gram or graduate school. So why did we need a dues increase, were impacted by above average high • The applicant must submit in writ­ and low temperatures. It is easy at this you ask. In the past, this Association ing why he or she feels that he or time to reflect on these variances. How­ has done it’s best to support our she should be considered for the ever, it is much more important to know industry with scholarship and research scholarship. during the season how these tempera­ donations. Because of the limited funds we had available, this support had very • The applicant must include what he ture differences are effecting daily man­ little impact. It is the intent of this or she feels his future plans of con­ agement records of weather variables is Board to build up our investments to the tribution to the field of Turfgrass the foundation of IPM management. point that our interest alone can sustain will be. Using this information properly allows the • The applicant must submit a letter manager to anticipate problems rather than a substantial scholarship while we of endorsement from his employer to simply react to problems. continue to support research that in the Turfgrass field. This en­ The gray leaf spot epidemic on peren­ impacts our area. In the past, donations dorsement can also come from for­ nial ryegrass that we saw develop this came directly from our operating mer employers in the Turfgrass year was a good example of anticipating money. The only way to increase it was field. a potential problem. Weather records to tap our members and frankly, our of 1995 were compared daily to 1998 members felt tapped out. Fortunately, • The applicant’s request and letters weather variables. Not only did conditions when we went to the well once more, of endorsements must be received meet similar conditions of 1995, tempera­ you responded generously, by accepting together by April 15, 1999 for con­ ture averages exceeded those conditions of the $10 increase. This money will go sideration. 1995. Gray leaf spot is a temperature de­ directly into our investments until such pendent disease. The results of these devel­ time that we can sustain our scholarship Send requests to: opments during the season indicated that from interest. We will then have to gray leaf spot would be severe and the onset make a decision to continue to increase Jason Barndt of the disease would be much earlier than in the scholarship or lend additional 1995. This event was predicted by Sky Bit Scholarship Chairman in early August and the forecast was accu­ support to research. Won’t that be a P. O. Box 1484 rate. refreshing change. Albrightsville, PA 18210 The potential to improve the way we As your Treasurer for 1999, I have deal with weather conditions continues provided the Board with a financially responsible budget. If all goes well, I hope to evolve. We cannot change the to continue the trend set by my predecessor weather, but we certainly have the tools and have nothing but good news to to better understand it. • report financially throughout the year. • Vo- You/R em em ber? BOTANY LESSON By Dr. Joe Vargas S E A N P. C U L L E N Black and white TV; when T e rr ito ry M a n a g e r penicillin cured most sexual disease; TV He asked, “Can a plant live longer C H A R L E S V. M c G IL L , J R . Dinners; TV trays; Hula Hoops; without air or without water?” He got D ir e c to r o f S a le s a n d M a r k e t in g Slinkies; when people married first; no response, so he said, “Hold your S T U L L E Q U IP M E N T C O M P A N Y T u rf & In d u s tria l D iv is io n 6 1 0 /4 9 5 -7 4 4 1 when closets were for clothes - not com­ breath while I go for a glass of water!” 2 0 1 W in d s o r R o a d 8 0 0 /7 2 4 -1 0 2 4 P o tts to w n , P A 1 9 4 6 4 F A X 6 1 0 /4 9 5 -7 5 1 0 ing out of; 45, 78 & 33-1/3 records; nickel ice cream cones; penny postcards; made in Japan was junk; gas at $.2^)a gallon; Coke for drinking; pot for cook­ Jerry Purcell, CID ing; AIDES worked in hospitals. GOLF CARS INC. Do you have trouble with guys who LEASING • SALES • SERVICE P U R C E L L & ASSOCIATES wear earrings, stuff called software, PAUL SZYMANSKI SALES 4 1 8 0 S KY R O N DRIVE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS - PUMP STATIONS hardware, main frame, internet, yogurt B U C K IN G H A M , PA 18 91 2 -0 2 4 7 DESIGN, CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT and condominiums. 215-340-0880 OFFICE • 215-340-1634 FAX GJP85@AOL If you do, you should be contemplat­ ing retirement! 29 Holly Drive (215)230-1911 Hatboro, PA 19040-1504 FAX (215)230-1911 FROM A NON-SMOKER TO A SMOKER EGYPT A Dean S nyder President FARMS Cigarette smoke is the residue of your Egypt Farms, Inc. pleasure. It pollutes the air, contami­ P.O. B ox 223 White Marsh, Maryland 21162 nates my hair, and dirties my clothes, Phone: 800-899-7645 not to mention what it does to my lungs. Local: 410-335-3700 IT TAKES PLACE Pager: 800-705-0430 Fax: 410-335-0164 WITHOUT MY CONSENT! I have a pleasure also; I like a beer now and then. The residue of my pleas­ ure is urine. Would you like, without my consent - well I think you get the picture! Thank you for your understanding! UARIUS. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS OUR #1 PRIORITY CARRYALL PA 1 8 0 0 -9 8 9 -7 3 7 4 NJ 1 8 0 0 -9 2 2 -0 7 1 7 DRIVE fTTO W O RK .G EEJ. • Layout and Design • Typesetting • Mac/IBM desktop publishing It’s every player’s responsibility... interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching • Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 • Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message fro m your g o lf course superintendent a n d G CSAA PA#") OFFICE (8 0 0 )3 3 8 -1 4 6 6 MEETING NOTES....Results of the Fox Hill Meeting HOME (610) 3 8 1 -2 5 0 4 FAX (7 1 ? ) 6 4 6 -5 8 4 0 Before we get to the nonsense of awarding the golf prizes to those who win all the PAR-MAR CARS, INC. time anyway, we must reflect on the venue on which the contest was played and those USED GOLF CARS & TURF EQUIPMENT TURF SUPPLIES involved in its preparation. ALASKA STOKER STOVE DEALER First and foremost our thanks go to Carmen Montagna who is the Chairman of the 1 KUKENBEAKER ROAD Green and the man who keeps the ship afloat. The ship, our own Ron Garrison, P.O. BOX 68 MARK B BIERY LONG POND, PA 1 8 334 CGCS, who had the course in championship condition, (the greens were like a baby’s keester), to his first mate Bobby Brown, who I am sure is going through the learning experience of a lifetime. Also, all the support people at Fox Hill C.C. From the Po~ cono Turfgrass Association, we THANK YOU. Net: Ryan Rockovits 68 Charlie McGill 73 Rich Pany 69 Mark Reed 73 Fran Berdine 71 Rich Patterson 73 Kevin Givens 71 Gene Huelster 73 Dave Huttie 72 Chris Givens 73 Gross: Moyer & Son is the region's leading Tony Grieco 76 Closest to the Pin: supplier of fertiqation systems and liquid Ron Wilchak 83 Tom Weinert #3 21’4; fertilizer for the golf course industry. Kelly Kressler 86 Mark Eisele #7 7’0” Mike Cherinko 86 Kevin Givens #11 3’8” If You're considering Longest Drive: fertigation at your club, John Downer #16 344 yards make sure to put us on your short list! 1999 PTGA 800- 345-0419 MEETING SITES ( 215) 723-6000 The first meeting of 1999 will be held at Silver Creek Country Club with Host, Tony Grieco, CGCS. Details will follow. 113 E. Reliance Rd. Souderton, PA 1 8 9 6 4 -0 1 9 8 FAX (2 1 5 ) 7 2 1 -2 8 0 0 $? POCONO RO UNDUP OBSERVATION NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO from Bill Brooks, Superintendent TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Hanover C. C. On FAST Greens! Algae infested greens roll fast and dead COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS greens roll even faster! Make sure there are no green patches Education Gene Huelster in between to deflect the golf ball. Publicity/Editorial Jim Maclaren Golf Tom Wilchak Sergeant of Arms Darrin Batisky ODE TO AERIFYING Finance/F undrai sing Jason Bamdt Round and round the greens we went, Membership Darrin Batisky GCSAA Affairs Ron Garrison, CGCS Now all of our energy is spent. Social/Welfare Gene Huelster Thousands and thousands of little holes, Bylaws Ron Garrison, CGCS Resembles the work of tiny moles. Government Relations Ron Garrison, CGCS It had to be done so we all lent a hand, Scholarship & Research Jason Bamdt Tomorrow they will be filled with Evans & sand. Nomination & Long Range Tom Wilchak In a week or two they will be back as new Allied of PA Mark Monahan And we will all take a break and enjoy a brew. Soon the snow will be covering the ground, WELCOME NEW MEMBERS And we all will take a vacation and won’t be around. The following have applied for and been accepted as members of Then March will arrive with the sound of a wren, the Pocono Turfgrass Association: And we will all be back to do it again! Bennett Wartman —Farm & Golf Ron Martin —Shawnee Inn &CC. Jeff Flamish - Paupack Hill C.C. Alex Stoy - Pocono Farms C.C. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 147 HAYFIELD ROAD POSTAGE SHAVERTOWN, PA 18708-9748 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.