% pirns $bCOAg chips OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION VOL. 8, NO. 3 MAY 2002 Glenmaura Seeks Volunteers Glenmaura National Golf Club is seeking volunteers to assist with the golf course preparations for the Buy.com Steamtown Classic, to be held May Charles LaBar, CGCS 27, 2002 through June 2, Water G ap Country Club 2002. Volunteers are On May 21,2002 the Pocono Turfgrass Association's second meeting will be needed at held at the Water Gap Country Club under host superintendent, Mr. Charles approximately 4:30 P.M. LaBar, CGCS. for the following dates: Twenty years ago, the Water Gap Country Club was known as the Wolf Hol­ May 27, May 29, May 30, low Golf Club. This semi-private, Fazio design was built in the 1920's and May 31, and June 1. To tracks through 186 acres of scenic Pennsylvania wilderness. The golf course offer assistance or for has many native dogwood and cherry trees that provide an excellent more information, spring bloom. The peak yardage for the golf course measures 6,237 yards contact Golf Course and plays to a par of 72. The tees, fairways, and roughs all consist of a fes­ Superintendent Andy cue blend that responds exceptionally well in the non-irrigated areas of the golf course. The putting greens are the traditional poa annua and bent- Jubinski or Assistant grass combination an older course naturally develops. Superintendent Jeff Koch at 570-457-8733. Mr. LaBar has been associated with the Water Gap Country Club for 26 years and has admittedly 'been blessed with an excellent crew' during his reign as golf course superintendent. Charlie's previous work experience as a golf course superintendent was in New Jersey at a club named Apple Mountain. That position had helped pave the way for his upcoming retire­ ment from the Water Gap Country Club in October of this year. His assistant, John Martin, is one of the many long-time employees who have remained loyal over the years. With a motto of “work the golf course, and don't sit in the office” as his general work philosophy, Charlie gained the respect and dedication of his crew of 10. Respect from his fellow col­ leagues is also evident and appreciated with the statement, "Charlie is a miracle worker on the golf course,” which was added by Mike Hogan, the golf professional of the Wa­ ter Gap Country Club. Although Mr. LaBar admits “It has been a long road," he Continued on Page 5 President's Message....... Officers & Directors 2002 Wow!! Who would have thought that this platform could cause so TURFGRASS much controversy? I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, and I realize that I ASSOCIATION have an obligation to the Pocono Turfgrass Association and its members to be more "politically correct” and keep my emotions from PRESIDENT Gene Huelster, White Beeches getting the best of me (thanks John and Ron). Those of you who know 201-262-3365 me on a personal level realize that this will be a difficult task. I wanted turfman@ezaccess.net to write about my personal feelings toward the GCSAA and my VICE PRESIDENT reasoning behind those feelings. First, I was passed over for a national Ron Garrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. 570-655-2383 committee position once again. Second, the changes I would like to rgarrison@golfsat.net see in the PTGA will not happen due to our affiliation agreement with GCSAA. What changes? Well, we have some great sales professionals SECRETARY/TREASURER Mark Eisele, CGCS, C. C. at Woodloch Springs who have a wealth of experience and good ideas that, quite frankly, I 570-685-2980 would like to see be able to hold a position on the executive eiselemk@ltis.net committee or possibly become President. That may not sit well with DIRECTORS some people, but that is something we should explore. Jason J. Barndt, Berwick Golf Club O.K., now onto nothing but positive messages. Charlie LaBar is 570-759-6480 grassman72@hotmail.com retiring this year. Congratulations, Charlie! Our May meeting is at Water Gap, and we’ll have a nice presentation for Charlie. Please Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. 570-894-3131 plan to attend on May 21. The Bethlehem Municipal meeting was a success. Thanks, Tom. The last Chips & Putts was the best one I have John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-222-9247 ever seen! The content was great, pictures were placed nicely, and just a great job overall! Keep up the good work. Joseph Henry, Hideaway Hills G.C. As always, I, along with the rest of the Board of Directors, am always 610-681-6000 jrcmhenry@earthlink.net available for you and any questions that you might have. Eric Reed, Valley C.C. 570-788-4277 G e n e Huelster barley5@aol.com Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. 570-868-8113 djschell@epix.net CHIPS & PUnS STAFF EDITOR Eric Reed From the Editor’s Desk...... Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky Editorial Committee I would like to welcome Dr. Mike Fidanza as the newest member Jason Barndt of the Chips & Putts Turf Advisory Staff. Dr. Fidanza is the Assistant Jeff Koch Jim MacLaren Professor of Horticulture for Penn State University at the Berks-Lehigh Valley College. He is accessible at mafl00@psu.edu or at 610-396- PTGA Office 6330. RR 1, Box 219 Congratulations to Charlie LaBar for reaching a plateau in this Harding, PA 19643 profession that statistics show very few of us will reach - - retiring as a Phone/Fax: (570] 388-2167 golf course superintendent. Best of luck, Charlie. The Pennsylvania Drought website was incorrect in the last issue. The correct address is www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/hotopics/ drought. Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the Eric R author a n d /o r person quoted, and may not represent the position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line. Pest Predictions for 2002? ...it’s anyone’s guess! MikeFidanza, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture (Turfgrass) David Sanford, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Horticulture (Ornamentals) Berks-Lehigh Valley College, Pennsylvania State University, Reading, PA According to the Notional Climate Date Center, Kentucky bluegrass. Anthracnose was a serious prob­ most of Pennsylvania has experienced below-normal lem last year, and plant pathologists agree that if your winter precipitation (both rain and snow) which has Poa annua putting greens experienced the disease intensified drought conditions that currently exist. last year, you could expect it again this year. Due to Since records were formalized in 1895, this has been the mild winter, plant pathologists agree that the fun­ the 6th driest winter for the Northeast, and the 14th dri­ gal pathogen that causes anthracnose be active est for the nation. Eastern Pennsylvania is about 9 to right now. 16 inches below normal for rainfall. However, near­ Insects. Due to continued insecticide bans, normal precipitation is expected for the region entomologists forecast more earthworm activity. through May. Although the Southeastern Pennsyl­ Many of the older chemistries suppressed earthworm vania region has had some rain this spring, it is not population growth, but many of the newer products enough to bring an end to the drought emergency. do not. Activity from armyworms and cutworms is dif­ With a mild winter followed by a cold and moist ficult to predict in any year, however with drier spring, what kind of pest problems are we likely to en­ weather we may see greater activity on turfgrass as counter in 2002? vegetation dries out. Also, the drier weather limits Weeds. With a lack of adequate rainfall, we those natural diseases that help control these pests. often see unhealthy, thinner turf areas that are sus­ Since we had a mild winter and the region did not ex­ ceptible to weed invasion. An old rule-of-thumb perience adequate freezes that can suppress some states that crabgrass will germinate when forsythia is insect populations, it is reasonable to expect more in bloom. This year we saw forsythia starting to bloom grubs activity this year. in early March, however the winter drought and Trees and ornamental plants. Mild winters or se­ colder soil temperatures were not favorable for crab- vere freeze/thaws can deharden ornamentals thus grass germination at that time. Typically crabgrass will predisposing those plants to injury. Drought conditions first emerge when the minimum soil temperature at will contribute to root damage in woody plant mate­ the 1 inch depth reaches about 55°F for several rial, particular large oak trees, which may not be­ straight days. An unusual colder spring would delay come visible until next year. Root dieback caused by normal crabgrass emergence. A preemergence her­ drought can lead to the death of some larger trees as bicide applied too early this year may not have their food reserves are depleted. Also, a tree's root enough residual to last throughout the season, so a system damaged by drought is susceptible to the de­ second preemergence application or targeted velopment of root diseases when normal rainfall pat­ postemergence sprays may be needed. terns return. Diseases. For golf courses, Rhizoctonia blight, What Is a degree-day? Since temperature is a dollar spot, and Pythium blight are always a threat. driving force for all biological activity, we can use With a wet spring, we could see more red thread/pink temperature-based information to determine the rate patch and leaf spot occurrence. Leaf spot is espe­ (Continued on page 4) cially severe on perennial ryegrass and slow growing John Fowler Syngenta Professional Products Natural Organic P ro d u cts _ ___ ** __ ^ Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. SVngenta * 325 Mill Pond Lane Oxford, PA 19363 Joel Simmons Tel. 610-998-2896 Fax 610-998-2987 Turf and Horticultural Professional P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com www.syngenta.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Mark Reed (610) 282-2381 fa x (610) 282-2392 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 john.fowler@syngenta.com 237 East K ing St. M alvern PA 19355 PH. 1-800-262-2127 FAX (610) 644-7791 www.fisherandson.com 800-732-TURF f Premium sod for golf courses P lant Star Fert i gat i on. . . to Grow PLANTSTAR, Inc. in association with CARBTROL Corp. Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. Announce the introduction of its 1011 Church Road ADVANCED WASHWATER RECYCLE SYSTEM Oreland, PA 19705 Engineered system provides: Designed to integrate: >Zero pollutant discharge • Vehicle wash Tel 215-886-6011 »Best available technology •Fueling ^ Fax 215-886-1203 * High reliability and low maintenance • Chemical mixing/sprayer storage Pager 800-983-3430 Let us show you how INTEGRATED CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT can work for you! Nothing Runs Like A Deere To learn more about PlantStar and our services, call us at: 800 •111 *STAR www.plantstar.com TOM BRAGO DALE ANDREW AMERICA'S PREMIUM HIGHLIGHT GOLF HOLES, TOP-DRESSINGS IMPROVE VISIBILITY, FOR GREENS & TEES! & MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY PARTAC® POROUS CERAMIC 1 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (215) 661-0390 SOIL C O N D ITIO N ER TARGETS" 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TURF U.S. GOLF HOLE North Wales, PA 19454 FAX: (215) 661 -9161 TH E ULTIMATE SO LUTIO N TO Web Site: www.finchlnc.com PARTS: (800) 78-DEERE GOLF COURSE UNSIG HTLY DIVOTS AT TELEVISED TOURNAMENTS! TOP-DRESSINGS PARTAC® N o r t h e r n N u r se r ie s , in c . COLORED CERAMIC P ro fessio n a l T u r f P ro d u c ts Division , i. GREEN SAND D IVO T REPAIR MIXES RT 115, Sullivan Trail W ind G ap, PA 18091 Phone: (610) 863-6006 jm i PARTAC® GREEN SANDS BLENDED W ITH PARTAC® PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING FOR EXCELLENT Fax: (6 1 0 ) 863 -6 3 8 4 GERMINATION AND DRAG MATS, RAKES & BRUSHES DEEP GREEN COLOR! WINDSCREEN & BALL NETTING H o m e P h o n e/F a x : DAN FICK SALES REPRESENTATIVE (6 1 0 ) 562-6 8 1 2 Pager: (6 1 0 ) 791-8 3 3 6 CONSTRUCTION, CART PATH, AND DIVOT REPAIR MIXES T he B est D iv o t R epair M ixes A vailable ! PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, N.J. 07838 TerraFkwir Drainage Systems TYPAR®& TerraBond 800 247-2326 - AND MANY MORE TURF BLANKETS & GEOTEXTILES GOLF SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 908-637-4191/FAX 908-637-8421 (Continued from page 3) of growth and development of organisms over time. We call this accumulation of temperature over time degree days or growing degree-days or thermal time, and we can use degree-day accumulation to predict pest occur­ rence. How do you calculate degree-days? Degree-day accumulation is a sum of the number of degrees (referred to as “degree-days”) by which each day’s average temperature exceeds the base temperature. One degree-day is equal to l degree above the base temperature in a 24 hour period. A base temperature of 50°F is used in most cases. You calculate degree-days daily and summarize them over time beginning with a specific starting date. For example, a starting date of January 1 is typical for most degree-day models. Here is an exam­ ple: Step One: determine each day’s average temperature. daily maximum temp. + daily minimum temp. = daily average temp. 2 Step Two: determine the degree-day for each day. daily average temp. - base temp. = daily degree-day Step Three: calculate a running total of degree-days for each day. For example: Continued on Page 5 maximum minimum average ave. temp. - base temp, accumulated date temp. temp. temp. (base temp. = 50) degree-day degree-days May 1 75 48 61 6 1 -5 0 = 11 11 11 May 2 70 46 58 58 - 50 = 8 8 19 May 3 73 39 56 56 - 50 = 6 6 25 May 4 81 47 63 6 3 -5 0 = 13 13 38 May 5 74 45 59 59 - 50 = 9 9 47* * total cumulative degree-days for this 5 day period = 47. Where can I get degree-day information? You can determine degree-days on your own or use weather stations to monitor temperature and calculate degree-day accumulation for you. Also, check with your local cooperative extension office because they may have degree-day information available for your area. You may also try the Climate Prediction Center at www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/cdus/ degree_days/. This site lists cumulative degree-days calculated from a base temperature of 50°F for each state, and lists data for Allentown, Philadelphia, Scranton, and Williamsport for Pennsylvania. Remember that we are only interested in growing degree-days. The site also lists cooling and heating degree-day information, which is used to forecast home heating oil needs for the winter months. Another website of interest is www. syngentaprofessionalproducts.com/to/. Follow the direction to GreenCast, which is a service that supplies weather and temperature information, and offers many turfgrass pest predictions. Purdue University has a site that offers weather-based turfgrass diseases forecasts at www.btny.purdue.edu/turfcast.fcgi. Through the PBI/ Gordon Corporation, you can visit www.weedalert.com for information on turfgrass weed emergence specific to your region. And finally, a commercial site, www.skybit.com, can provide daily weather summaries including de­ gree-day accumulation as well as pest alerts for your specific location. Examples of degree-day models for turf. Recently, Dr. Karl Danneberger of Ohio State University con­ ducted a GCSAA Seminar in King of Prussia, PA, on turfgrass ecology. Fie discussed the use of degree-day accu­ mulation to predict pest activity in turf. Although many degree-day models are available for agricultural crops, we do have a few for turf. For example, first generation sod webworm is observed at a range of 1250 - 1920 cu­ mulative degree-days; Japanese beetle adult occurrence at a range of 1590- 1925; and crabgrass emergence at 42 - 78 with the greatest emergence occurring at 140 - 230. Bottom Line. Degree-day and weather-based forecast models are helpful, but the best monitoring tools for determining the presence of turfgrass pests are frequent scouting and visual inspection of your site. References: Danneberger, K.1993. Turf ecology and management. C.I.E. Publishers, Cleveland, OH. Fidanza, M. 1997. Use degree-days to predict crabgrass emergence. Grounds Maintenance. April issue. Orton, D. 1996. Using plants to time pest control. Grounds Maintenance. April issue. Shetlar, D. 2001. Degrees o f freedom. Grounds Maintenance. February issue. Wisniewski, N. 2002. The tu rf traffic report. Lawn and Landscape. March issue. (Continued from page 1) “does loves golf course work..” With the retirement plans starting in October, Charlie's wife of 7 years, Pauline, has plenty of work for him to do. And, if Charlie can manage to slip away from those chores, he will be playing golf, traveling, hunting, and fishing. Charlie has successfully completed a healthy career and you can guarantee, he will complete a healthy retire­ ment. My First Job Change Lee Kozsey Syngenta Professional Products I accepted the White Beeches position on October __ > Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. 27, 2001, and I started on November 12. It was one of the s y n g e n ia * 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 hardest decisions I have ever had to make. Pocono Farms gave me my first Tel. 610-861-8174 Fax 610-882-9358 opportunity as a golf course superintendent, and for that I will always be Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngenta.com grateful. lee.kozsey @syngenta. com White beeches is a William Travis design built in the 1920's. My new job has already given me a number of firsts in my career: my first experience working with a predominantly Hispanic crew, working with greens measuring less than two acres, and living in an apartment in Hackensack. As you can imagine, there was animosity towards me from day one. The previous superintendent had been there for nearly 16 years, so the long-time staff thought I was the reason for his departure. Walking into the shop, I knew we had a choice of either cleaning up that grease museum or burning it to the ground and starting over. I’m not inter­ TORO. ested in doing any jail time. The image of the golf course was a direct re­ flection of the maintenance facility. Needless to say, we had our work cut TU R F EQUIPM ENT out for us. MATT BROWN It has been six months, and I feel we have come a long way. The shop TELEPHONE: 215-340-5401 has been cleaned, somewhat organized, and has been given some much PAGER: 888-896-5094 needed TLC. The course is beginning to take shape. We applied a dormant feed, removed some trees to improve sunlight penetration, rebuilt some IRRIGATION bunkers, and stripped and lowered some collars. Even the crew (fewer now GEORGE SKAWSKI than when I arrived) have shown a new attitude. We have a long way to TELEPHONE: 215-340-5450 go, but I am optimistic that we'll get there. I will keep you up to date on our PAGER: 888-376-2074 progress. EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com Gene Huelster Philosophy of Life by Jim MacLaren You cannot stay in one place - - You either go forward or you go backward. * Layout and Design * Typesetting I t ’ s e v e ry p la y e r s r e s p o n s ib ilit y ... * Mac/IBM desktop publishing 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 C SA A H i Perennial Plant of the Year Each year, members of the Perennial Plant Association vote for an outstanding perennial based on the fol­ lowing criteria: • Suitable for a wide range of climate types • Low Maintenance needs • Easily propagated— true from seed or vegetatively prograted • Exhibits multiple seasonal interest 2002 Phlox “David” 1996 Penstemon digitalis “Husker Red” 2001 Calamagrostis x acutiflora "Karl Foerster” 1995 Perovskia alriplicifolia 2000 Scabiosa columbaria "Butterfly Blue” 1994 Astilbe "Sprite” 1999 Rudbeckia fulgidavar 1993 Veronica "Sunny Border Blue” l“Goldsturm” su 1998 Echinacea purpurea "Magnus” 1992 Coreopsis verticillata "Moonbeam” 1997 Salvia “May Night” 1991 Heuchera micrantha “Palace Purple 1990 Phlox stolonifera VERTI-DRAIN & 570-602-3054 ROTAOAIRON 800-554-4863 DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 570-602-3053 E & M Golf S u p p ly C o . A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA 1 8640 SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION STEPHEN MICHAEL JOHN M. BODOCK Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. S pecialists I n Eq u ip m e n t A nd S upplies for Main ten a n c e O f T urf PHONE: ( 610) 9335801 (800 ) 362-5650 647 NUTT RD. P.O. BOX 447 FAX: ( 610) 933-8890 Ph o e n ix v il l e , PA 19460 Office & Home Phone Top Dressing . ‘T u r f S a le s & C o n su C ta tio n seed » resea rc h White Haven 570-443-9596 Bunker Sand Fax 570-443-9590 Infield Mix ijy f w p f ------- •— - f i V N D R E & S 0 N * (N C J E F F PA TTERSO N • TURF KING PRODUCTS & Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc. T e r r ito r y M a n a g e r /^lderSOIlS CONTRACTED SERUICES White Haven, PA 18661-9674 S T U L L E Q U IP M E N T C O M P A N Y 6 1 0 /4 9 5 - 7 4 4 1 T u rt & In d u s tr ia l D iv is io n 8 0 0 7 2 4 - 1 0 2 4 e x t. 1 5 2 JOHN VOJICK VOICE/FAX 1 .8 88.88 7.37 70 E X TN 671 0 . . . . . C T n c i- T Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner 20 1 W in d s o r R o a d 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 M O B IL E 7 1 7 /9 6 8 - 1 9 6 1 1 C ELLU LA R .60 7.768 .057 5 2 M IL L S T R E E T R ESID EN C E, VOICE/FAX 5 7 0 .2 2 2 .TU R F M O N T R O S E , PA 1 8 8 0 1 Soil Mixes Professional Engineer E m a il: jp a tte r s o n @ s t u lle q u ip .c o m P ^ T il POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO NEXT MEETING’ TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Tuesday, May 21,2002 Water Gap Country Club Lunch: 11:00 A.M. Golf: 12:00 Shotgun Golf Results for the April Meeting Cocktails: 5:00 P.M.— 6:00 P.M. At Bethlehem Golf Course L o s s G ro s s Congratulations! Dave Milore/John Pillar 67 Tony Grieco/John Chassard 73 Bob Seltzer/Rich Sweeney 75 We extend our congratulations to Dr. Mike Fidanza Lo w N et and his wife on the birth of twins, Julia Caroline and Charlie McGill/Sean Cullen 57 Giacome Lorenzo. Dennis DeSanctis/Dennis DeSanctis, Jr. 59 Mark Eisele/Bruce Kluhua 62 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION d o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.