CHIPS % PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in PO C O N O TU R FG R A SS A SSO C IA TIO N 1936 TURFGRASS VOL 8, NO. 9 February 2003 ASSOCIATION Did You Know? A square yard of well- I maintained golf course turf contains an average of 300 earthworms Despite the extreme cold temperatures, the Second Annual S.N.O.W. Meet­ ing at Elk Mountain Ski Resort was well attended. Thirty skiers enjoyed the perfectly groomed slopes. Those in attendance appreciated the warm hos­ The average number pitality of the halfway house. Frequent stops were the key for the day. Just I of steps on a putting getting to the mountain proved to be an adventure for a great many of the green is 56. That means travelers. Route 380 North had remnants of cars and trucks and those trav­ an 18 hole golf course elers who would have to delay their plans to wait for a tow truck. As luck would have it, on January 24 the same day as our Superintendents averaging 200 round a Need Other Weather meeting, a few of the local ski shops held a demon­ d ay withstands nearly stration day. A few of the superintendents took advantage of the demo 2.5 million spike marks day and got to try what is new and advanced in skiing technology. This a c­ a aday and 72.5 million tivity was nothing new for our commercial people. During the growing sea­ a month. son, superintendents are always looking for a good demo day, week, or as long as we can keep the new equipment at our courses. Numerous friends and family members attended this outing. Andy Jubinski thought it was a great idea to bring his club’s Controller to the outing. Ray commented that it is great that turf conversation and camaraderie can be held even in a winter freeze. He was very impressed. This proves that even in the lowest temperature and deepest snow, grass is always on our minds. These are two of the many photos that were taken on our S.N.O.W. day. One of these is from the top of the mountain. This sight was set up by John Vojick, who was late getting to the top with the camera. This sent the crowd into a freezing frenzy, and some decided to escape to lower altitudes and a warm building. Those who stayed are shown here. How many can you recognize? The answer to "Who are they?” will be in the next issue of Chips and Putts. The photographer for the Top of the Slope Gang was “Mother Goose". (Continued on page 5) President’s Message....... Hopefully, most of you had a rare opportunity over the past few PRESIDENT RonGarrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. weeks to actually get a glimpse of what lies beneath the everlasting 570-655-2383 blanket of snow....TURFGRASS! For what it is worth, it was a great Rgarrison@aol.com experience, even if it was very short-lived. VICE PRESIDENT It has been one of the "long winters" that we all had been hoping Eric Reed, Valley C.C. for, early and frequent snowfall to keep play off the course and 570-788-4277 Barley5@aol.com replenish all our watersheds. “We need a long winter to recharge ourselves and our courses after a very long and difficult summer." TREASURER Mark Eisele, CGCS, C. C. at Woodloch Springs However, this "long winter" has gone on long enough. The snow- 570-685-2980 pack (I can’t believe I am saying snow-pack) has limited many of us eiselemk@ltis.net from getting our winter projects completed, or for that matter, started! SECRETARY Well...spring is not that far away. Is it? Let's hope. Jason J. Barndt, Berwick Golf Club The PTGA Board of Directors has met a few times over the past few 570-759-6480 grassman72@hotmail.com months and has really put together a strong meeting schedule at some great golf courses. There will be some very good speakers and DIRECTORS topics at these meetings. We hope to see many of you in attendance Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. this year. 570-894-3131 We will continue to encourage all of you to get involved with helping John Downer, ElkviewC.C. to keep the PTGA growing and getting stronger. As always, if you 570-222-9247 would like to help our organization, please contact any of the Board of Joseph Henry, Hideaway Hills G.C. Directors or our Executive Secretary to express your interest. 610-681-6000 jrcmhenry@earthlink.net See you all at the meetings! Andrew Jubinski, Jr., Glenmaura National G.C. 570-457-8733 Ron Garrison, CGCS Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. 570-868-8113 djschell@epix.net Richard Sweeney, CGCS, Glen Oak C.C. 570-586-5791 r.j .sweeney@att .net CHIPS & PUHS STAFF EDITOR Eric Reed M a n a g in g Editor Melinda Wisnosky Editorial C o m m itte e Jason Barndt Jeff Koch From the Editor’s Desk...... Jim MacLaren PTGA Office I took time from plowing and shoveling to write this message. All this RR 1, Box 219 snow is going to make spring all the more enjoyable. I like the snow Harding, PA 19643 cover, but it's getting a little out of hand. Phone/Fax: (570) 388-2167 Anyway, on a positive note, this year’s monthly meeting schedule is coming together nicely so I hope to see you all at a meeting. Finally, I'd like to mention that we could always use help with the newsletter, so if anyone has any ideas for topics to write about, let us know. ^ t r e i CM? Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the Eric Reed 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. M a n ag em en t Practices Associated with Anthracnose and Abiotic Stress on Golf Course Turf By:Bruce B. Clarke and James A. Murphy Rutgers Cooperative Extension Anthracnose is a destructive disease of weakened or Recent Epidemics senescent turf. The disease occurs throughout the world on almost all turf grass species but is particularly During the past few years, we have seen an increase in severe on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and the incidence and severity of anthracnose on golf creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). The causal courses throughout the east coast and mid-western agent, Colletotrichum graminicola (Ces.) G. W. Wils., states. In many cases, epidemics have been so severe spends most of its time as a saprophyte in the thatch that fungicides were unable to effectively control the or in infested plant material. However, when environ­ disease when used at labeled rates or at recom­ mental conditions are conducive to infection (i.e., mended intervals of application. This often has resulted high humidity or extended periods of leaf wetness) and the plants are under stress, the fungus may be­ in extensive damage and major disruptions in play, par­ come pathogenic and infect leaf: stem, or root tissue. ticularly on greens. As a result, many superintendents The disease can occur almost any time of year but is have begun to question why anthracnose has become most common between April and September in the so difficult to control. To answer this question, we con­ Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States. Although close-cut sulted with other agronomists and pathologists from the greens are most frequently affected, anthracnose affected regions. From these discussions, it became ap­ can occur on turf maintained at any mowing height. parent that certain management practices commonly employed on golf courses could enhance abiotic stress and thus predispose turf to anthracnose. Although it is Symptoms and Signs doubtful that any particular factor is responsible for the recent increase of anthracnose in the United States, it is Anthracnose first appears as small patches of yellow likely that various combinations of factors may en­ to reddish-brown turf, 1 to 2 inches in diameter. As the hance the severity of this disease and make it more dif­ disease progresses, large irregularly shaped areas may develop on infected greens, tees, or fairways. ficult to control. On individual plants, the pathogen may first infect older or senescing leaves causing yellow leaf lesions. Factors Contributing to Abiotic Stress and/or Anthrac­ When plants are weakened by mechanical or envi­ nose ronmental stress, the pathogen may also attack stems and leaf sheaths resulting in a "basal stem rot". Lesions Plant Stress on the stems and leaf sheaths are at first water- soaked, but quickly turn black as the tissue is de­ Even though C. graminicola can attack both annual stroyed. At this point, the main shoot may be easily bluegrass and bentgrass turf, anthracnose is more often pulled from the infected crown and the entire plant a serious problem on the former species. Annual blue­ may die. Upon close examination with a magnifying grass is at best a weak perennial that is known for its glass or 10 x hand lens, affected foliage and stems are often covered with small, black reproductive prolific production of seed heads, particularly between structures called acervuli. late-April and early-June. While seed heads are un­ sightly and may adversely affect the playability of a green, they are also a sink for carbohydrates (sugars), Acervuli first appear as small black protrusions just un­ derneath the epidermis. Once mature, however, and thus often deplete the carbohydrate reserves of these structures produce long black spines (setae) the plant by early summer. If environmental conditions that are frequently used as a diagnostic feature for are also stressful at this time ( e.g., hot, humid weather), anthracnose. Each acervulus contains dozens of one- then annual bluegrass may be particularly susceptible celled, crescent-shaped, asexual spores called co- to anthracnose. nidia. It is the conidia that are moved by wind, water, or other mechanical means to uninfected turf and Fertility cause infection. Of the 17 essential nutrients required for plant growth, (Continued on page 4) PlantStar Fert i gat i on. . .Solutions to Grow On! PLANTSTAR, Inc. in association with CARBTROL Corp. Premium sod for golf courses Announce the introduction of its ADVANCED WASHWATER RECYCLE SYSTEM Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. Engineered system provides: Designed to integrate: ^ 1011 Church Road • Zero pollutant discharge »Vehicle wash Oreland, PA 19705 • Best available technology • Fueling • High reliability and low maintenance • Chemical mixing/sprayer storage Tel 215-886-6011 Fax 215-886-1203 Pager 800-983-3430 Let us show you how INTEGRATED CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT can work for you! To learn more about PlantStar and our services, call us at: 8 0 0 » 2 7 7 »STAR www.plantstar.com (Continued from page 3) particularly from mid-day to late afternoon, is some­ nitrogen is often the element that has the greatest im­ thing that should be avoided. Wilt at this time will ex­ pact on plant vigor. Over the past twenty years, there acerbate damage induced by high temperature has been a strong trend towards reducing the stress. Tree root competition is also a factor that has amount of nitrogen applied to golf course greens, been associated with decreased turf vigor and po­ tees, and fairways. In some cases, this has resulted in tentially enhancing anthracnose. turf that is deficient in nitrogen at certain times during the growing season. Mowing The practice of "spoon feeding" turf with a 0.1 to 0.125 Low mowing height has been reported to increase lb N/1000 sq ft, when plants are of low vigor, may not many turfgrass diseases ( e.g., summer patch, leaf be sufficient to maintain a healthy, disease-free play­ spot, bentgrass dead spot, etc.). Many of the superin­ ing surface. Moreover, deficiencies in phosphorous or potassium may also predispose turf to anthracnose. tendents that have had severe outbreaks of anthrac­ Some superintendents have also abandoned the nose over the past few years have been maintaining practice of applying moderate rates (e.g.,314 to J- greens at or below 118 inch. Where annual bluegrass 1/2 lb N/1000 sq ft) of a slow release nitrogen fertilizer is a major component of the putting surface, low on greens in the fall or spring, thus further reducing the mowing can deplete the carbohydrate reserves of supply of this important nutrient. On fairways, clippings this species often already weakened by environ­ removal has become a common practice. However, mental stress. if fertility levels are not adjusted to compensate for Mowing frequency may also affect anthracnose. The the nutrients removed, then nutrient deficiencies may increased wear caused by double and triple cutting, develop. Clipping removal can remove 25 to 60% of particularly at a very low cutting height, can result in the applied nitrogen per season. greater wounding and may potentially enhance the incidence of stress related diseases. Note that double Irrigation cutting at a higher cutting height is preferable to Drought stress appears to predispose turf to anthrac­ mowing at a lower height to achieve greater putting nose. Not only can low soil moisture reduce plant speed. Several of the agronomists questioned also felt vigor, thus weakening the plant's natural defenses that the use of grooved front rollers increases wound­ against disease, but C. graminicola can readily colo­ ing, compared to smooth rollers. The impact of nize weakened turf: The tendency to maintain dry turf grooved rollers on anthracnose, however, is currently and soil fo improve playability and to enhance the unknown. competitiveness of bentgrass may actually stimulate disease development on annual bluegrass. Wilt stress, Pesticides After reviewing the scientific literature, it is apparent that few good fun­ gicide studies have been conducted for the control of anthracnose. This is partially due to the inability of researchers (until recently) to consis­ tently reproduce the disease artificially in field trials where uniformity of infection is required to accurately assess fungicide efficacy. Similarly, TORO. studies conducted on golf courses naturally infested with C. graminicola have also yielded limited information, often because of the simultaneous TURF EQUIPMENT occurrence of other turfgrass diseases. As a result, only six or seven reli­ MATT BROWN able studies have been reported over the past 15 years. From this infor­ MOBILE: 484-357-6312 mation, it would appear that only four fungicide classes or groups can effectively suppress anthracnose. IRRIGATION GEORGE SKAWSKI Information pertaining to the influence of plant growth regulators and MOBILE: 610-554-9366 herbicides on anthracnose is also very limited. However, it would appear EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com from a study conducted in Kentucky that products such as Primo or Di­ mension may slightly increase this disease. Clearly, more research is re­ quired before more definitive conclusions can be drawn. See next months issue on: Addressing the Problem IP T E I (Continued from pag e 1) The results of the day were the best. No accidents and No injuries. Steve "Crash" Chirip returned again this season for some perfect runs and departed early to prepare for a weekend with the family. Since cell phone service is almost none existent at Elk Mountain, the day is an es­ cape from reality. A great time was had by all. A special thanks goes out to all the vendors who supported this endeavor: Andre and Son, Grass­ roots, Philadelphia Turf, Plant Food Co., Syngenta, and United Horticul­ tural Supply. Please support all our suppliers as they enjoy lending their Lee Kozsey support to us. Remember to line up equipment demos early. Syngenta Professional Products I would like to thank the Social Committee Members, Darrin Larkin, Su­ perintendent of Panorama Golf Course, John Vojick of Andre and Son, sy ngen ta Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. 3710 Amherst Court and Steve Chirip of Plant Food for all their help. Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Tel. 610-861-8174 Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngenta.com lee.kozsey @syngenta.com SEAN P. CULLEN T e rrito ry M a n a g e r STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY T u rf & In d u s tria l D iv is io n 6 1 0 /4 9 5 -7 4 4 1 201 W in d s o r R o ad 8 0 0 /7 2 7 -1 0 2 4 P o tts to w n , PA 1 9 4 6 4 FAX 6 1 0 /4 9 5 -7 5 1 0 The Reason for Drought the Last Few Years fisher son company, inc. From: Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State University S u p e r io r P r o d u c ts f o r t h e T u r f a n d H o r tic u ltu r a l P r o f e s s i o n a l M ark R e e d ( 6 1 0 ) 2 8 2 - 2 3 8 1 fax ( 6 i o ) 282-2392 In the most recent issue of Science Drs. Hoerling and Kumar with the 237 East King St. Malvern PA 1 9 3 5 5 1-800-262-2127 FAX (610) 644-7791 www.risherandson.com National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a PH. research article on the reason for drought from 1998-2002 ¡Hoerling, M. and A. Kumar. 2003. The perfect ocean for drought. Science 299:69 1- 694.) The droughts that occurred during 1998 through 2002 and spanned the United States, southern Europe, and Southwest Asia were linked to cold sea surface temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific and warm sea surface temperatures in western tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. These two phenomena worked together to produce widespread drying through the mid-latitude. The climate changes that occurred starting in 1998 changed what had been the wettest decade since the 1890's. For more information you can go to NOAA. ROTADAIRON 5 7 0 -2 8 8 -9 0 0 4 Nothing Runs Like A Deere VERTI-DRAIN 8 0 0 -5 5 4 -4 8 6 3 DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 5 7 0 -2 8 8 -9 0 2 3 E & M Golf S upply C o . TOM BR A G O D A LE A N D R EW A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. 2 0 2 WOODWARD HILL RD., EDWARDSVILLE. PA 1 8 7 0 4 SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (215) 661 -0390 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TURF North Wales, PA 19454 Web Site: www.finchlnc.com FAX: (215) 661-9161 PARTS: (800) 78-DEERE WILLIAM SMITH ‘TurfSaits & ConsuCtation Shaun M. Barry 'Aventis Sales Representative CHIPCO Professional Products f •i V TURF NDRE&rS0N* INC- KING PRODUCTS & Aventis Environmental Science CONTRACTED SERUICES 1133 Rt. #27 Somerset, NJ 08873 JOHN VOJICK VOICE/FAX 1.888.887.3770 EXTN 671 Tel. (732) 846-8173 CELLULAR 1.607.768.0575 2 MILL STREET Fax (732) 846-8113 RESIDENCE, VOICE/FAX 570.222.TURF MONTROSE, PA 18801 email :Shaun. Barry@aventis.com * La yo ut and Design • Typesetting It’s every player’s responsibility... • Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface • La ser color separations Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching Replace or fill divots • Full electronic prepress services 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 Rake bunkers 1 8 1 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stam ping, embossing °*AN0i& 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 A Good Old-Fashioned Winter By Stanley J. Zontek, Director It's hard to believe that as little as five months ago This calendar can double as a golf calendar. By this region of the country was suffering through one of now the Golf Committee should be arranging the worst droughts in history, along with well above their spring and summer events so you will know average temperatures. It was hot and dry. Now, it’s when not to aerate, topdress or otherwise inter­ cold and wet. Who says superintendents’ prayers are fere with play. never answered. All this goes to show is that this re­ 4. Improve communications. Now is the time to re­ gion of the country seems to be in a period of new working relationships with other golf course weather extremes. department heads. The golf professional, club In another four short months a new U.S. Open manager, general manager and golf course su­ Champion will be crowned, crabgrass should be perintendent all need to function as a team. Now growing well, and goosegrass germination will be fol­ is a good time to reach out and say, “I am doing lowing closely behind. Begin planning now for next my planning work for the upcoming spring and season. The following are a few suggestions: summer. I would like to have your input on....” 1. Soil Tests. If you haven’t taken soil tests for a few Invoices for the 2003 Greens Section Turf Advisory years, take them this spring. Service visits have been sent out along with course 2. Water Tests. Now is a good time to run a winter profile sheets. Please take a few minutes to complete water test from your lakes, wells, stream or any these forms and consider subscribing for the coming other water source (except city water). The winter year. IT IS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR FOR THE is a good time to establish baseline numbers on GREEN SECTION TURF ADVISORY SERVICE. Celebrate water purity when the water should be at its pur­ with us this year by taking a visit! est. The only exception may be sodium levels from If you have not received an invoice or a course pro­ runoff due to salt treatment of roads. By running a file sheet, give our office a call at: 610-696-4747. Pat water test now and another test in mid-summer and Marti will be able to answer any administrative you will have a good idea of the ranges of water questions. quality used to irrigate your golf course. As always, if there are any agronomic questions, 3. Management Program. It always is a good idea you can visit with Stan, Darin and Keith via phone, fax, at this time of the year to begin marking on the and e-mail or stop us at any of the conferences we calendar when you think you may need to make will be attending this winter. that first application of a preemerge herbicide, Stan Zontek (szontek@usga.org) or Darin Bevard that spring application of an insecticide for sur­ (dbevard@usga.org) at 610-696-4747 or Keith Happ face or root-feeding insects, when various preven­ (khapp@usga.org) at 412-341-5922. tative fungicide sprays may need to be applied, etc. Investing in a large wall calendar is an excel­ lent management tool to keep things organized. N o r t h e r n N u r se r ie s , inc . John Fowler Syngenta Professional Products , t .y Professional Turf Products Division N a tu r a l O rg a n ic Products 4 RT 115, Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 18091 S y n -gJ Le n ta * .^ Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. 325 M iHPondLane Oxford, PA 19363 Joel Simmons Phone: (610) 863-6006 Tel. 610-998-2896 Fax: (610) 863-6384 Fax 610-998-2987 P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com www.syngenta.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Home Phone/Fax: Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 DAN FICK (610) 562-6812 john.fowler@syngenta.com SALES REPRESENTATIVE Pager: (610) 791-8336 800-732-TURF POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Reminders The Simplot Partners/Pocono Turfgrass Winter Educa­ Congratulations! tional Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2003. The location is the Galleria at the Split Rock Lodge. For more information or to put in your reser­ vation, call Jim MacLaren at 570-443-7154. Pesticide Our Congratulations and Best Wishes go out to Carl Credits will be issued at this meeting. Swartzlander, Golf Course Superintendent at Frosty Valley C.C. Carl has retired after 40 years in the The Dues Notices have been sent out. The deadline business. for returning your dues payment is April 1,2002. Any­ one not making the deadline will not have his name in our Membership Directory for 2003. Don’t wait. Send in your dues today! Though for the Day Please make every effort to sell your raffle tickets. Character is what you really are— We are counting on you to make our major fund­ Reputation is what others think you are. raiser a great success! POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.