chips v- puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 ASSOCIATION VOL. 6, NO. 7 OCTOBER 2000 GAZING IN THE GRASS WITH FRANK S. ROSSI, Ph.D. CORNELL UNIVERSITY THE 2000 SEASON All Wet!: Most of the Northeastern U.S. Gettin’ Mossy!: Significant amounts of experienced abundant rainfall and below available moisture combined with low fertility normal temperatures. Several months were and low mowing heights resulted in substantial either the wettest or coldest on record. amounts of algae and moss on putting greens. Although there were several weeks during the Additionally, chronic use of DMI fungicides such season where ET exceeded precipitation, in as Banner, Bayleton, Rubigan, etc. that have general, there was available soil moisture that growth regulating effects can result in thin turf provided relief for irrigation systems following that allows moss and algae to invade. Silvery the drought of 1999. Still, there were several Thread moss, the major moss species on putting weeks in early August where humidity was greens in the Northeast, is a simple green plant exceptionally low and irrigation was required. that can establish itself from one cell. It rarely Many turf managers reported significant produces spores, but the size of one cell may moisture stress during these low humidity mislead you to think it arises from spores. periods. Nevertheless, there are two methods available for moss control that either desiccate the moss Mow, Mow, Mow, You Go!: The consistent or disrupt it physiologically. Many are using theme from many turf managers this season Dawn Ultra dish detergent, peroxide-type was “if you couldn’t grow grass this year, you products, or other herbicidal soaps that break need to find another profession”. Clearly, a through the mosses one cell think leaves and major challenge for school districts, lawn, dry it out. However, it generally returns into the landscape, and golf course crews was to keep area where it was killed. The use of copper- up with the mowing. The large expanses of based fungicides such as Kocide (CuOH) or fields, volumes of lawns, and amount of rough Junction (CuOH + Mancozeb) has been shown area seemed to surge with growth with each to provide more long term reduction in moss passing week. The wet soil conditions made it populations, but appears to be very pH very difficult to get onto the turf, the wet turf dependent as a result of the availability of made for a sloppy cut, and as a result obeying copper at pH’s below 6.0. It appears that the the one-third rule became almost impossible. best success with these compounds is achieved Many turf managers look to the summer when the soil pH and the spray solution is months to rest mowers. Non-irrigated areas around 6.5 or less and then rainfall (pH 4.5-4.9) experience summer dormancy that typically or irrigation water with pH below 6.0 is applied to slows growth. However, this season it just kept release the copper from the hydroxide (OH) growing, and growing and growing! The (Continued on page 3) positive side of this was many areas of consistently healthy turf with excellent root fix systems (where the soil was moderately well drained) that contributed to a conspicuous lack of grub damage (many reports of high grub • Whyis PDI Necessary? populations were reported with little damage). Also, adequate moisture and warm soil • Learn to Love Pressure releases a significant amount of nitrogen from organic matter as a result of an active microbial • Election Results community. President’s M esag.. OFFICERS & W ell, this is my first Presidents’ Message, and I am really excited to be heading this Association fo r the next couple of years. I know that I have DIRECTORS TURFGRASS some big shoes to fill, but with your help, I think we can get it done. I want you to know that anytime you feel the need to vent or ‘chew the fat’ about the Association, please feel free to call or email me. My lines are always open. ASSOCIATION 2000 Now on to some deserved ‘Thank-You’s’. First of all, I would like to thank Jim MacLaren for his many-many years of dedicated service. I look forward to ‘bouncing’ ideas and utilizing Jim ’s vast PRESIDENT knowledge of this Association. Gene Huelster Pocono Farms Country Club Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank Ron Garrison. He has filled-in, helped train me (blame him), and done whatever it took to keep this VICE PRESIDENT Association together. Your many years of hard work and dedicated service is Darrin M. Batisky much appreciated, Ron. Thanks, my friend; now just sit back and RELAX!!! Glen Oak Country Club I want to close by saying, ‘W elcome Aboard’ to the two new members of the SECRETARY/TREASURER Pocono Turfgrass Association Board of Directors, Eric Reed and Steve Tony Grieco, CGCS Chirip. Your fresh blood and new ideas are going to be a welcome change to this Association. DIRECTORS G ene Huelster Jason J. Barndt Berwick G olf Club Mark Eisele From the Editor’s Desk. Country Club at Woodloch Springs John Downer As the 2000 golf season ends for most of us, the weather was one of Elkview Country Club regional variability. The only commonalities were below average temperatures and increased rainfall (as compared to 1999). As I talked with Gary Phillips several people across our region a lot of you were faced with abundant Racqueteers Sports Complex moisture and untim ely rain. Some of the rain events washed out many, many rounds of golf and in turn revenue was affected. However, at Glen Eric Reed Oak the weather was characterized as tim ely rain, below normal Valley Country Club temperatures with several dry periods mixed-in. We had the same number of rounds of golf for the 2000 season as we had for 1999. We never Steven Chirip imagined topping the 1999 rounds of golf, but with cooperative weather it Egypt Farms was at least equaled. I guess what I’m eluding to is that as in any of our courses or businesses each one is different and m ico-climates exist to create variability amongst most every golf course and business aspect. Comparing CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF two 18-hole golf courses is not an “apples to apples” comparison. Likewise, two businesses that may sell sim ilar products are not always very similar, EDITOR and comparing these two is not easily accomplished. Many factors need to Darrin Batisky be considered for comparisons to equate. For example: two 18-hole courses have different budgets and standards (directly effecting the bottom line); Managing Editor, even if their budget final numbers are close to each other, course A may Melinda Wisnosky have different line items then course B; how about course features that R.R. 1, Box 219 impact maintenance; areas (acreage) maintained; and clim atic differences Harding, PA 19643 (as discussed above); just to name a few. So the next tim e someone tries to 570-388-2889 compare your business or golf course with another, start by asking several Fax: 570-388-2167 qualifying questions so that you can begin to compare “apples to apples”. EDITORIAL COMM ITTEE Darrin Batisky Jim MacLaren Tony Grieco, CGCS (Continued from page l) form. There have been reports of injury to annual bluegrass, however, to date, it has always grown out of it. Best tim e appears to lb be late season (fall) with four applications of 5 oz of Junction per 1000 at 2-week intervals in 2 gallons of water per 1000. W e have NO VARTIS observed significant accumulation of copper in the soils and root tissue, but little injury when the pH of the soil or irrigation water is John D. Fowler Novartis Crop Protection, Inc. around 6.5 to 7.0. T u rf a n d O r n a m e n t a l 3 2 5 M ill P o n d L a n e Sr. M a r k e t in g S p e c ia lis t O x fo rd . PA 1 9 3 6 3 w w w .c p .n o v a rtis .c o m Worm Holes: Earthworms have emerged from the soils in record Tel 610 998 2896 Fax 8 0 0 3 3 4 9 4 8 1 E x t 5 8 9 9 numbers this season again a natural phenomenon related to high Fax 6 1 0 9 9 8 2 8 9 7 soil moisture. Clearly, an active earthworm population is the sign of jo h n .f o w le r@ c p .n o v a rtis .c o m a healthy soil with adequate aeration and organic matter. In fact, there have been several research reports that have linked high earthworm populations with the use of natural organic fertilizers. In addition, earthworms play an important role in thatch management, mixing soil particles with decaying plant material. S till, golfers complain about “mud smeared fairways” with thin tu rf from the earthworm casts. There are short term, long term, and illegal solutions to this inconvenience. Short-term cultural solutions include increasing the mowing height 0.25” to mask the casting and mow the turf when it is dry so as to elim inate smearing of muddy casts. Long­ term solutions include aggressive sand topdressing that irritates the worms forcing them to seek emergence elsewhere. Also, long term use of acidifying fertilizers or sulfur applications on poorly buffered soils that reduced surface pH w ill discourage earthworm activity. Sadly, many golf superintendents are applying insecticides such as Sevin (carbaryl) or the Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) Turcam (bendiocarb) that w ill kill earthworms to reduce complaints. Be warned this is illegal. If you are found to be making an application of these insecticides targeted at earthworms this w ill result in revoking of your pesticide certification. Fistful of Dollar Spot: Turfgrass managers across the Northeast were reporting reduced control with many of the typical fungicides labeled for dollar spot control. For example, in most years, Daconil or other form ulations of chlorothalonil, provide 10 to 14-day dollar spot control, yet this year appeared to provide 3 to 5 day suppression. This was also true for several of the DMI fungicides. Clearly, weather conditions were ideal for the disease with plentiful moisture and copious amounts of morning dew from condensation and from plants leaking sugar-rich guttation fluid from the leaf tips. However, I am beginning to wonder about the widespread use of Heritage (azoxystrobin) and its known enhancement of dollar spot symptoms, i.e., that the regular use of Heritage is creating a more favorable environment for the organism to persist by either reducing antagonistic organism, or possible effect of the plant. Finally, the question about fungicide resistant dollar spot comes up for those who do not regularly rotate fungicide chemistry; still this does not explain resistance to the contact m aterials with chlorothalonil. In the end, the dollar spot explosion may just be related to ideal weather patterns, sim ilar to other diseases such as gray leaf spot that thrive PHILADELPHIA TURF COMPANY on extended leaf moisture. 4049 LAN D IS V IL E ROAD, BOX 065 D 0Y LE S T0W N , PA 18901 -0865 OFFICE 215-345-7200 FAX 215-345-8132 Wondering about winter: The odd warming periods we are experiencing this fall might be concerning if combined with MATTHEW W. BROWN GEORGE J. SKAWSKI, JR. excessive moisture. However, it appears from most weather records Commercial Products Irrigation Products Voice Mail Voice Mail that we are on the dry side. Dry, cool falls create optimum hardening 215- 340-5401 215- 340-5450 conditions. Moderate but not excessive moisture stress is ideal for TORO, enhanced winter hardening. Other factors related to winter hardiness include: (Continued on page 4) Thatch. Excessive thatch accumulation w ill reduce winter survival as a result of plant crowns and other perennial structures being elevated from the soil/ thatch interface and less buffered from extreme temperatures. In addition, thatch levels above 1 inch can promote desiccation and turfgrass disease incidence. Late season core cultivation that incorporates the soil from the (C entury^Ra in A id / cores into the thatch layer can assist with solving this problem and actually Featuring improve drainage by breaking through layers. Disease Management. Two research projects from Japan suggested that low temperature pathogens could “sense” weak plants that might be more Rotors «Valves • Central Control Systems susceptible to infection. Subsequently, as indicated several tim es to this point, 800 - 347-4272 maximizing plant health through proper acclimation with water management, fe rtility and mowing height, could result in reduced snow mold. Nevertheless, species such as perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass are highly susceptible and w ill require preventative management to ensure survival. Traffic. O f all the management factors that are under the control of the Earthworks N a tu ra l O rg a n ic P ro d u c ts turfgrass professional, minim izing traffic during periods when the soil is frozen or just when turf is not actively growing can be the most difficult. Players want Joel Simmons to use the turf and that conflicts with what is known regarding maintaining P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirjt.com healthy plants. W hile there is lim ited data on early season play, estimates 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 suggest that active play during the “shoulders” of the growing season can 8 0 0 -7 3 2 -T U R F require many weeks of active growth for recovery. Therefore, if possible, minim ize traffic when the plants are dormant or the soil is frozen. Turf Covers. The use of synthetic protective turfgrass covers, for enhancing winter survival, has provided variable results over the years. Recent studies from Laval University in Quebec have indicated that snow is the best insulator and should be kept on as long as possible. The next best thing is any cover that uses an air layer to insulate the turf from extreme temperature and moisture. Keep in mind that covers accelerate green up in the spring and can result in IRRIGATION SUPPLY INC reduced winter hardiness if temperatures drop suddenly. So you want to upgrade existing sprinklers but don't want to dig up your old TORO* or Rain Bird sprinkler bodies... j g ^ j r offers ELECTION RESULTS! PRESIDENT: Gene Huelster the solution RG6700 Series a f o ll e s ! VICE PRESIDENT: Darrin Batisky SECRETARY/TREASURER: Tony Grieco, CGCS PAST PRESIDENT: Ronald Garrison, CGCS NEWLY ELECTED TO THE BOARD: Eric Reed Steven Chirip ACTIVE BOARD MEMBERS: Jason Barndt Conversion Kits designed to upgrade existing Mark Eisele TORO* or Rain Bird* sprinklers while still providing the superior performance you would 4 John Downer expc-a i'rorn... J M M M I JtfK k J M B Gary Phillips \ w w x ^ à lt à g u a r ( i^ x ^ m “WHY IS THE PDI NECESSARY?” The following are excerpts from the presentation made by tendents are the environmental stewards of the prop­ the Membership Standards Resource Group at the annual erty they manage. By requiring that Class A members Chapter Delegates meeting held on September 8-10, 2000. have a valid pesticide license or pass the GCSAA- developed pesticide test, GCSAA members w ill illus­ Several years ago, members began to understand that su­ trate their commitment to environmental stewardship by perintendents exist in a changing professional environment. meeting and, in most cases, exceeding the require­ W ith the increased emphasis on televised golf and the eco­ ments of applying plant protectant products. This proac­ nom ics of the game, more is expected now from superinten­ tive step w ill make a large impact when GCSAA meets dents than ever before. And more w ill be expected in the fu­ with environmentalist groups and regulatory agencies. ture. Our members said and continue to say that golf course The ongoing education requirement demonstrates superintendents want more appreciation and recognition, that Class A superintendents are actively seeking edu­ compensation, retention and opportunities. cation to stay abreast of the latest developments. Serv­ The Membership Standards Resource Group was formed ice points are given for activities and contributions out­ to look at how to achieve these goals in the future. They side of traditional educational events. Support of were to determine if action was possible to address these GCSAA’s local chapters is crucial to help ensure a vi­ issues and determine what process should be followed to brant local support network for superintendents. Serv­ pursue the goals if they were adopted. ing golf-related and civic organizations also help build The MSRG needed inform ation to effectively address leadership and management skills; assigning points for whether or not we could have an impact on the key problems these and other service-related activities provides an faced by golf course superintendents - appreciation, com­ additional incentive for participation. pensation, retention, and career opportunities. The PDI’s mission illustrates the main reason The research by SRI, International clearly showed what for its proposal: “To improve the knowledge, skills and golf course superintendents do - tasks - and which of these abilities of the professional superintendent that contrib­ tasks employers valued most. In order to effectively market the superintendent of the fu­ ute toward improved playing conditions and the enjoy­ ture, we have a triage approach. The foundation of this proj­ ment of the game of golf.” ect continues to be education, both formal and through con­ We feel strongly that individual golf course su­ tinuing education. The classification standards are built from perintendents and the profession as ‘m tole has a great this foundation and create an opportunity to drive the public deal to gain from this initiative. By better understanding relations initiative. the link between continuing education and increasing The classification system documents what superintendents are doing on the job, thus providing members with the tools our value to our facilities in the eyes of our employers, they need to communicate their value to employers. This our members are positioned to gain appreciation, com­ system w ill also provide GCSAA with the opportunity to inte­ pensation, retention, and job opportunities. grate this inform ation into our national public relations cam­ For a complete copy of the proposal, look at paign. the PDI section under the Learning Center by logging Classification illustrates that expertise, knowledge and onto w w w .gcsaa.org or call the GCSAA Service Center skills support the competencies established through at 800/472-7878. GCSAA’s research and member superintendent focus groups. Although there is not a guaranteed proficiency within the competencies, the proposed sliding scale w ill provide employers with an assurance that Class A members meet a If you would like an electronic version of this document, baseline proficiency within most of the competencies out­ please contact Judith Ferguson, GCSAA Education De­ lined through required experience and education. partment Coordinator, at 785/832-4469, or e-mail your The application of pesticides in the golf course mainte­ request to: jferguson@ gcsaa.org. nance practice often attracts the most attention from govern­ mental agencies, the media and the public. Demonstrating expertise regarding these applications provides assurance that Class A superintendents are knowledgeable about the most recent procedures and methods fo r the safe handling and use of these products. Furthermore, golf course superin­ P*p 6 * PATTERSON SCHOLARSHIP We are now accepting applications for the Pat­ Nothing Runs Like A Deere terson Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually, the recipient chosen is awarded $500 and given honorary membership to the Pocono Turfgrass Association. DALEANDREW FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. Service: (215) 661 -0390 The requirements for consideration are: 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TURF North Wales, PA 19454 FAX: (215) 661-9161 Web Site: www.flnchinc.com PARTS: (800) 78-DEERE ♦ Applicant must be a second year student in a two-year program, or a fourth year student in an undergraduate program in a turf related major. I Lee A. Kozsey ♦ Applicant must submit in writing why he/she feels that I Senior Territory Sales Lead he/she should be considered for the scholarship. Zeneca Professional Products ♦ Applicant must include what he or she feels his/her con­ 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 tribution to the turfgrass field w ill be. Telephone (610) 861-8174 ♦ Applicant must submit a letter of endorsement from his/ Mobile (610)730-9185 Fax (610)882-9358 her employer in the turfgrass field. This endorsement E-mail lee.kozsey@AGNA Zeneca.com may come from an employer from an internship pro­ gram. ZENECA Voice Mail (888) 875-9990, X0163 A business unit of ZENECA Inc. ♦ Applicant’s request for consideration and his or her em­ ployer endorsement must be submitted together on or before January 1st, 2001. VERTI-DRAIN & 570-602-3054 ROTADAIRON BOO-554-4B63 ♦ Applicants requesting consideration for the Patterson DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 570-602-3053 Scholarship should send requests to: E S M G olf S upply C o. The Pocono Turfgrass Association A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. 950 SATHERS DRIVE. PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA 18640 33 Fawn Drive SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION Drums, PA. 18222 STEPHEN MICHAEL Any questions Please call Jason Barndt at: (570) 759-6480. PARTAC GOLF COURSE PARTAC PEAT P r e m iu m s o d f o r g o lf c o u r s e s TOP-DRESSING CORPORATION Kelsey Park Chip Presendofer A T Sales A ssociates, Ltd. Great Meadows, NJ 07838-9721 1011 Church Road 1 800 247-2326 - - Oreland, PA 19075 Local (908) 637-4191 Tel 215-886-6011 Fax (908) 637-8421 Fax 215-886-1203 Pager 800-983-3430 It’s every player’s responsibility... * Layout and Design * Typesetting * Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface * Laser color separations Repair ball marks I I h Ì * Scitex® electronic photo retouching 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 * Full electronic prepress services * Foil stamping, embossing Replace or fill divots Rake bunkers Wfß 570-822-8181 FAX: 570-823-3579 * Complete bindery including saddlestitch and perfect binding A message from your golf course superintendent and GCSAA f> ^ 7 LEARN TO LOVE PRESSURE When you’re racing to put out fires, it’s hard to relax and N orthern N urseries, i n c Pnftssianal TurfProducts Dnekn make calm, unhurried decisions. Here’s how to stay in control when you’re on edge: RT 115, Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 18091 Phone: (610) 863-6006 Look ahead, n ot back. During tough times, you may want to bemoan Fax: (610) 863-6384 your bad luck or pin blame on people or events. But that just wastes DAN FICK (610) 562-6812 tim e and makes you more upset. Instead, focus on what to do next. S a l e s R e p r e s e n t a t iv e Pagen (610) 791-8336 Example: You discover you’ve accidentally deleted hours of work on your computer and there’s no way to retrieve it. Don’t curse and com­ plain. Instead, start planning how you’ll reconstruct the lost data. D istance yo urself. If you’re immersed in a crisis, take a break and re­ visit it with a fresh outlook. Example: Rather than waiting to hear if you’ve salvaged an endangered, big account, divert yourself with other tasks. Dwelling on a potential dis­ GOLF CARS INC. LEASING * SALES • SERVICE aster w ill merely induce stress. PAUL SZYMANSKI SALES 4180 SKYRON DRIVE BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 Play the s c ie n tis t. Experiment with new approaches to solve problems. 215*340-0880 OFFSCE • 215-340-1634 FAX Example: You’re worried about meeting a deadline, so you try different TURF1 ways to boost productivity and compare the results. Source:Communication Briefings as adapted from O ffice Hours, The Eco­ nomics Press, (973)227-1224. Shaun M. Barry Aventis Sales Representative CHIPCO® Professional Products Aventis Environm ental Science 1133 Rt. # 2 7 Somerset, Nj 08873 Tel. (732) 846-8173 Fax (732) 846-8113 e-mail: Shaun.Barry@aventis.com Ca r r y a l l T u r f Ed Zimmerman Market Sales Representative KOONZ LESCO, Inc. KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. play to win1 1121 Lehigh Street No on knows irrigation like Koonz Allentown, PA 18103 800-772-8486 800.321.5325 V.M. 6284 610.432.2919 Office D jAfc B/?IR D Waste Water Treatment GREEN-RELEAr. & Recycling System P*# POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO PENN STATE DEFEATS MICHIGAN TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION IN CUTTER CUP COMPETITION The 2000 Cutter Cup match against Michigan State PTGS DONATION University was held at Meadowbrook Country Club in De­ In 1999 the PTGA approved a donation to the New Jersey troit, Michigan on October 6. The event was hosted by TGA fo r the Ralph Geiger Turfgrass Education Center. It superintendent Michael Edgerton. The Penn State team was dedicated on November 17, 2000. The building is a state was represented by Rob Boyer, Rick DiMaggio, Joel of the art facility consisting of classrooms, a laboratory, Dustan, Brian Stiehler and J Woodring. Michigan State computer room, and a boardroom. This beautiful building can was represented by Sean Flynn, Andy Morris, Andy be visited during the Rutgers Fields Days the first week in O’Haver, Greg Schmidt, and Stephen Young. Despite the August. Mark your calendars. cold weather and wet conditions, a great tim e was had by both teams. LYONS RECEIVES FOLLOWSHIP The golf course was in excellent condition and very Eric M. Lyons was recently awarded the first George W. challenging due to the fast greens and tough pin posi­ Hamilton, Jr. Followship in Turfgrass Science. The award tions. The match play format, sim ilar to the Ryder Cup, was presented on November 15 at the Penn State G olf Turf ended in a tie with both teams earning 2.5 points. In the Conference in University Park, PA. The followship is event, one point is given for a win and a half point is awarded to Penn State graduate students who demonstrate given for a tie. Since Penn State was defending the cup, excellence in turfgrass science. Eric is a graduate of it was retained for another year. University of Northern Iowa and is a Ph.D. candidate studying A fter the tournament, the PSU team and caddies had a turfgrass root physiology under Dr. Dave Huff. Eric is in his tour of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Facility at MSU, third year of his graduate program and sponsored by a followed by dinner and an evening on the town hosted by research training grant through National Science Foundation. the Michigan State Team. Excerpt from article written by Brian Stiehler POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.