chips %puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 TURFGRASS VOL. 9, N 0 .2 May 2003 ASSOCIATION Glenmaura Hosts NE PA Classic Glenmaura National I G olf Club w ill host the Northeastern Pennsylvania Classic of the Nationwide Tour. This tournament w ill be held June 9 through [June 15. Todd Ahner, Superintendent Andy Jubinski, Golf Olde Homestead Golf Course I Course Superintendent at New Tripoli, PA G le n m a u ra is once again looking for volunteers to Todd Ahner, our host for the May meeting, has been the golf course su­ assist with the course perintendent at Olde Homestead since its inception. He began his career preparations. with Ted Zabrinski at Brookside C.C. in Pottstown in 1985. He then attended Penn State where he graduated #1 in his class in 1989. After graduation, he Anyone interested in assumed the superintendent’s position at Timber Trails G.C. in the Poconos. I helping out can contact In 1991 he was hired to be construction superintendent at White Tail G.C. Andy at 570-457-8733. in Bath, where he stayed until 1994 when he took the construction job at Olde Homestead G .C ., where he remains to this day. . During his tenure he has "grow n-in" the original 18 holes and then con­ structed two additional holes to take the place of the holes lost to the con­ struction of the par-three course opened in 2002. Todd is married to Jamie, and they have two daughters, Alysse who is six, and Ashlyn, who is 4. When NOT working, he enjoys hunting anything that moves and fishing either in the Pennsyl­ vania streams or deepwater fishing of the New Jersey coast. Todd is very fiscally responsible and has been known to be able to squeeze a nickel and come up with a dime. Axe him .....he w ill ‘splainl! (Submitted by a non-paid independent reporter in PA.) President's Message....... It was a great day at Green Pond! Thank you, Roger, for a terrific golf course and super hospitality. I apologize for making you suffer m Officers & Directors 2003 while my teammate and I hacked up the course. Actually, my TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT teammate didn't play too badly, but I know I was pretty heavy when RonGarrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. the alternate shot holes came into play. Thanks go out also to Eric 570-655-2383 Rgarrison@aol.com Reed, Jason Bamdt and my teammate, Steve Chirip for setting up the meeting and the golf format. Thank you, Lee Kozsey, for sponsoring VICE PRESIDENT Eric Reed, Valley C.C. lunch and our educational session of the meeting. 570-788-4277 We w ill be at Olde Homestead in May. Another great golf course Barley5@aol.com that many of us can't wait to get at. Hopefully, many of you will be TREASURER able to have the opportunity to join us! Following the southern swing Mark Eisele, CGCS, C. C. at Woodloch Springs below the Blue Mountain in April and May, we w ill head north to 570-685-2980 eiselemk@ltis.net Woodloch Springs in June. As I have mentioned before, the golf and educational programs scheduled are top notch. It’s going to be a SECRETARY great year for the PTGA and its members. Jason J. Barndt, Berwick Golf Club 570-759-6480 A lot of you have started, or will be starting, aeration processes. Best grassman72@hotmail.com of luck to everyone, and hopefully the weather has settled down, DIRECTORS allowing us to recover and get our courses back into prime shape as quickly as possible. Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. 570-894-3131 It looks like we have a bumper crop of dandelions this year...and the clover w ill be flowering real soon. It's a nice contrast of color isn 't John Downer, Elkview C.C. it? Who needs azaleas and dogwoods? 570-222-9247 As always, if you would like to help in keeping this organization Joseph Henry, Hideaway Hills G.C. growing, please contact any of the Board of Directors or our Executive 610-681-6000 jrcmhenry@earthlink.net Secretary and express your interest. See you 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 & PUnS STAFF EDITOR From the Editor’s Desk...... Eric Reed Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky Extraordinary thanks to Rodger Zellner and Todd Krauss for coming through on late notice to host the April meeting. The golf course was Editorial Committee Jason Barndt in outstanding shape and everything was done first class. Green Pond Jeff Koch is a public facility that would rival the amenities of most private clubs in Jim MacLaren our area. PTGA O ffice We w ill be conducting the drawing for the scholarship and research RR 1, Box 219 golf raffle towards the end of May. Please try to have your ticket stubs Harding, PA 19643 and any proceeds back to Melinda by May 20. You may also bring Phone/Fax: (570] 3 8 8 -2 1 6 7 them to the May 20 meeting at Olde Homestead. Eric Reed Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or 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. Management Practices Associated with Anthracnose and Abiotic Stress on Golf Course Turf By Bruce B. Clarke and James A. Murphy, Rutgers Cooperative Extension PART II: ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM cut or a 1/32-inch reduction in the mowing height. Improve Cultural Practices Moreover, no detrimental effect has been observed Since it is apparent that nitrogen deficient turf is by rolling greens as often as three times per week. more susceptible to anthracnose than w ell-fertilized Although some agronomists have suggested that plants, turf managers should be sure to maintain grooved rollers may increase wounding, compared to adequate nitrogen levels. Annual bluegrass typically smooth rollers, the impact of roller type on requires 1-1/2 to 4 lb N/1000 sq ft/year depending on anthracnose is currently unknown. However, any the age of the green and the intensity of traffic. attempt to reduce wounding (e.g., avoid aerifying, Spoon- feeding turf with 0.1 to 0.125 lb N/1000 sq ft verticutting, or sand topdressing when the disease is may not be enough to ensure proper plant growth active) would presumably reduce the incidence of when turf vigor is low. Moreover, it should be this disease. Other factors that may suppress remembered that some of the nitrogen from foliar anthracnose in the long run include: reducing applications of fertilizers such as urea may be lost excessive thatch and compaction when the disease through volatilization. To improve plant vigor, is not active, removing dew and guttation water in superintendents should consider periodically the early morning hours, and improving air circulation. increasing the frequency of nitrogen applications from every two weeks to once a week. Moreover, Implement an Effective Fungicide Program consideration should be given to applying moderate Although additional research is needed to improve rates (e.g., 3/4 to 1-1/2 lb N/1000 sq ft) of a slow current fungicide recommendations, turf managers release nitrogen source to greens in the fall or spring should be able to effectively control anthracnose by to prevent the "nitrogen bank" in the green from following a few important points. First, on sites that becoming depleted. T o reduce the incidence and have had a previous history of this disease, it is best to severity of- anthracnose, it is also important to avoid apply fungicides on a preventive basis two to three severe water stress. weeks before symptoms typically develop. For many Avoiding drought stress can help improve turf vigor locations on the east coast this may mean starting and may reduce the development of anthracnose. applications in early- to mid-May. On other sites, Care should be taken when training crew members to fungicide treatments may have to commence in hand water. Syringing stressed turf during the day is as April. In either case, the key to good disease control is much an art as a science. Too much or too little to prevent severe epidemics from getting established. syringing can damage turf: In particular, avoiding w ilt Once severe outbreaks occur, adequate disease stress after 3 PM, when the crew goes home, is an control with fungicides is more difficult to attain. important consideration. Also, remember that straight sand topdressing does not retain as much moisture as Prior to 2002, only fungicides within the do mixes with higher organic matter content. If you benzimidazole, strobilurin (Qol), nitrile, and have recently changed to straight sand topdressing, demethylation make sure that you have altered your irrigation inhibitor (DMI) classes have been reported to practices accordingly. effectively control anthracnose (Table 1). Recently, Where possible, raise the mowing height when turf laboratory studies have identified isolates of C. is under environmental stress. Simply raising the cutting graminicola with reduced sensitivity to fungicides height 1/32 of an inch will increase the photosynthetic within the benzill lida zole and strobilurin classes. capability of the turf, thus increasing the Although this has yet to be confirmed in the field, carbohydrate level in the plant. This should also aid in every effort should be made to delay or prevent the recovery once the disease is suppressed with development of fungicide resistant isolates of this fungicides. One approach that can be used to pathogen. For best results, do not apply more than compensate for a slight increase in cutting height is two consecutive applications of any fungicide used the use of lightweight rolling. Research has shown that to control anthracnose. Alternating or tank mixing lightweight rolling can simulate the effect of a double products with different modes of action (i.e., (Continued from page 3) Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, NJ was selected different fungicide classes) is still considered by most as a study site because it had a previous history of turfgrass pathologists to be the most effective anthracnose and the superintendent had reported strategy for preventing this problem. having difficulty controlling outbreaks with When developing a fungicide program for a golf benzimidazole and Qol fungicides. Fungicides course, try to schedule the application of products representing 12 different chemical classes were applied when more than one target disease can be on a preventive basis at various rates and mixtures controlled. For example, applying a DMI or a nitrile every two weeks from 16 May to 19 August. The entire fungicide in late-May may help control both study received a total of 1.5 lb N/1000 sq ft in periodic anthracnose and dollar spot, whereas rotating a increments throughout the growing season. In addition, strobilurin into an anthracnose program in late-June the nitrogen source urea was applied at a rate of 0. 125 or early-July will also help prevent summer patch lb N/1000 sq ft to one- third of each 3 ft x 9 ft plot as a and brown patch. Moreover, be sure to follow label separate split-plot treatment every two weeks from 16 directions carefully regarding appropriate May to 19 August. All chemicals were applied in water fungicide rates and intervals of application to equivalent to 2 gal/1000 sq ft with a C02-powered optimize disease control. sprayer. Urea was applied prior to fungicide treatments Finally, remember that the amount of water and was immediately irrigated into the thatch to applied with a fungicide can affect efficacy. prevent foliar toxicity. Data was collected for disease Products applied in less than 1 gal. Water/IOOO sq severity and turf quality from mid-July to mid- ft w ill almost certainly result in reduced levels of September. control. This is particularly true for the contact The disease developed naturally on 4 July and fungicides that must thoroughly cover leaf and stem became severe and uniformly distributed by 18 July. tissues to be effective. Moreover, contact Disease severity peaked on 10 September (83% turfgrass fungicides should never be watered into the thatch area infected on non-fungicide treated turf). In general, layer fungicides within the nitrile (Daconil Ultrex 82.5SDG at 3.2 oz/1000 sq ft) and the antibiotic polyoxin-D (Endorse Suppression of Anthracnose Basal Rot with Nitrogen 2.5W at 4.0 oz/1000 sq ft) chemical classes provided and Selected Fungicide Chemistries excellent control of anthracnose (96- 100%), compared Due to the increased incidence of anthracnose to non- fungicide treated turf. Of the DMI fungicides, basal rot on golf course greens in the region and only propiconazole (Banner MAXX I.3MC at 1.0 fl the paucity of effective chemical and cultural oz/1000 sq ft), tebuconazole (Lynx 45W at 1.11 oz/1000 sq controls, a field study was established in 2002 to ft), and triticonazole (Chipco Triton 1.67SC at 1.0 fl evaluate experimental and currently labeled oz/1000 sq ft) adequately controlled the disease (98- fungicides for their ability to suppress this disease. A 100% control), whereas myclobutanil (Eagle 40W 1.0 37 year-old commercial putting green at the (Continued on page 5) rrigation aÔists ic e pL Office & Home Phone Top Dressing White Haven 570-443-9596 Bunker Sand é ÇoIf Course Irrigation (^novation Fax 570-443-9590 Infield Mix è Irrigation Additions Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc. è Clubhouse £ Landscape Irrigation White Haven, PA 18661-9674 T u r f <£ Irrigation é R ^ lc ra ft ôyringing Systems è Irrigation Service & Repairs Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner é Prainage Soil Mixes Professional Engineer VERTI-DRAIN & 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 4 ROTADAIRON 8 0 0 -5 5 4 -4 8 6 3 Customer S a tis fa c tio n DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 3 is our #l ¿¡oat E S M Go lf S u p p l y Co. Pete Coughlin A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. pjcoughUni^att.nct 610-760-2895 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTST0N TOWNSHIP, PA 1 8 6 4 0 SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION STEPHEN MICHAEL H * oz/1000 sq ft) provided moderate control (80-100% control) and triadimefon (Bayleton 50W at 1.0 oz/1000 sq ft) proved ineffective at the rate tested. The phosphonate fosetyl-AI (Chipco Signature 80WG at 4.0 oz/1000 sq ft), the dicarboximide iprodione (Chipco 26GT 2SC at 4.0 fl oz/1000 sq ft), and the phenylpyrrole fludioxonil (Medallion 50W at 0.25 oz/1000 sq ft) TORO. provided good to excellent suppression of this disease (78-100%). As a group, fungicides within the Qol chemical class including pyraclostrobin (Insignia 20WG at 0.5 oz/1000 sq ft), azoxystrobin (Heritage 50WG at 0.2 TURF EQUIPMENT oz/1000 sq ft), and trifloxystrobin (Compass 50W at 0.25 oz/1000 sq ft) MATT BROWN provided relatively poor control of anthracnose basal rot (3-46% control) MOBILE: 484-357-6312 at this site. Also, the carboximide flutolanil (ProStar 70WG at 2.2 oz/1000 sq ft), the dicarboximide vinclozolin (Vorlan 50DF at 1.0 oz/1000 sq ft), the IRRIGATION dithiocarbamate mancozeb (Fore Rainshield 80W at 8.0 oz/1000 sq ft), and the GEORGE SKAWSKI benzimidazole thiophanate- methyl (Cleary 3336 50W at 4.0 and 6.0 oz/1000 MOBILE: 610-554-9366 sq ft) did not significantly control this disease. In fact, on 55% of the rating EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com dates, flutolanil intensified anthracnose basal rot 17-36%, compared to non-fungicide treated turf. Although date and fungicide dependent, urea significantly reduced the severity of anthracnose. On non-fungicide treated turf, the addition of 0.125 lb N/1000 sq ft every two weeks reduced symptom expression 18-36%. Tank mixtures of selected fungicides and rotational programs (i.e., applying products from different chemical classes every two weeks) provided excellent disease control that was equivalent to or better than single product entries. Turf quality was closely associated with the severity of anthracnose basal rot. Other than a dark green color induced by the DMI fungjcides, no phytotoxjcity was observed. In conclusion, although much still needs to be learned about the etiology and control of anthracnose basal rot, superintendents can effectively manage this disease by improving cultural practices and employing sound chemical application strategies. Future research will focus on the impact of fertility, mowing practices ( e.g., mowing frequency, smooth vs. grooved rollers, etc.), plant growth regulators, herbicides, and improved fungicide application strategies on the development of anthracnose basal rot in annual bluegrass turf. F in c h 'SERVICES, INC. Hst. 1945 www.finchinc.com Laboratory studies are currently underway to determine the relationship between fungal strains of C. graminicola from throughout the United W e stm inste r, MD • 410-876-2211 States, to gain a better understanding about the infection process, and N. Wales, PA • 215-661-0390 to screen isolates of the pathogen for potential resistance to turfgrass N. H untingdon, PA • 724-861-5657 fungicides. Grass Roots, Inc. Summary : ABR Research @ Ridgewood cc 2002 grass roots P.O. Box 336 Mount Freedom, NJ 07970 1248 Sussex Turnpike * Preventive better than Curative Control c/o Mt. Ridge Business Park Steve Chirip Units A-1&2 Technical Sales Rep. Randolph, NJ 07869 * Nitrogen (1/81b @ 14- day interval) reduced disease severity (973) 418-3468, Mobile * DMI, Nitrile, Polyoxin-D = Excellent Control (Daconil) (Endorse) ; (DMI's (570) 839-3399, PA Office (973) 361-5943, N J Office variable) (973) 895-1388, N J Fax * Benzimidazole and Qol's mayor may not provide Service ♦ Technical Support ♦ Quality Products control depending on the fungal strains present * Phosphonate, Dicarboximide, Phenylpyrrole = Good (Signature) Equipment Sale Robert Seltzer Market Sales Representative Year Sale Price Condition T T 7 C C* 15885 Sprague Road 1 JCi i JV j U Strongsville, OH ■ 1 --------- ^ 44136-1799 Bunker Rakes 717.865.4771 Par Aide and Reliable 176 $2 each all in good 800.321.5325 VM 6125 717.865.4771 Office/Fax Brands shape sls2p8@lesco.com Mowers Jacobsen 22" 1980 $250 fair L e e K o z se y Jacobsen 22" 1980 $250 fair Syngenta Professional Products Jacobsen 22" 1981 $250 fair m rm-1___i Jacobsen 22" 1981 $250 fair S y n g e n ta S y n g e n ta C r o p P r o te c tio n , Inc. 3710AmherstCourt 84" National Mower 1979 $500 good * Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Tel. 610-861-8174 84" National Mower 1985 $500 good Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngenta.com Spravers/Spreaders lee.kozsey@ syngenta. com Vicon on a Hahn cart 1982 $500 fair Rollers 3 Toro Triplex units 2000 $500 good ^ w HturfSates & ConsuCtation 3 Toro Triplex units 1999 $500 good f ± V N D R E & S O N . IN C . • TURF KING PRODUCTS 8c CONTRACTED SERUICES If you are interested in any of the above items, please contact: Charlie Saxe at 570-587-4046, Country Club of Scranton JOHN V0JICK V0ICE/FAX 1.888.887.3770 EXTN 671 n CELLULAR 1.607.768.0575 2 M IL L S T R E E T RESIDENCE, V0ICE/FAX 570.222.TURF M O N T R O S E , PA 18801 #1 C h a r lie K o e n n e c k e r C e ll: 3 0 2 -4 2 0 -2 3 6 7 F ax: 6 1 0 -8 6 9 -6 4 9 5 P r o v id in g Q u a lity P r o d u c ts w ith A EGYPT Dean Snyder President N o rthern N u r s e r ie s Professional Turf Products Division , in c . Q u a lity S e r v ic e fr o m s o m e o f th e to p U n ite d H o r t ic u lt u r a l S u p p ly . M a n u fa c t u r e r s s u c h as: FARMS EG YPT FAR M S, INC. RT 115, Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 18091 P.O. BOX 223 Phone: (610) 863-6006 Bayer fj) s y n g e n ta White Marsh, Maryland 21162 Fax: (610) 863-6384 Phone: 800-899-7645 Home Phone/Fax: Local: 410-335-3700 DAN FICK (610) 562-6812 ||j)wAjp$eienee$ SEED (/OFRESEARCH OREGON Fax: 410-335-0164 SALES REPRESENTATIVE Pager: (610) 791-8336 • 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.O. 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 yo u r g o lf course superintendent a n d G C SA A 2003 PTGA Meeting Schedule AER-CORE, Inc. May 20 Olde Homestead Golf Club CONTRACT SERVICES USING: Superintendent: Todd Ahner • Southern Green Soil Reliever • TORO Fairway Aerator June 10 Country Club at Woodloch Springs • BLEC Ground Prep & Seeding Superintendent: Mark Elsele, CGCS • Dakota Topdresser • Drill & Fill by Hines Mfg. July 21 Fox Hill Country Club Superintendent: Ron Garrison, CGCS EQUIPMENT SALES FEATURING • Soil Relieverby Southern Green August 18 Great Bear Golf and Country Club • BLEC Blecavator; Groundbreaker Superintendent: Keith Snyder, CGCS • Greensgroomer Brush • Dakota Topdressers PTGA Clambake • SI SIS • Galaxy Tires September 22 Valley Country Club Superintendent: Eric Reed THIRTEEN YEARS IN THE PTC Joe Valentine Tournament AERIFICATION BUSINESS Q ualifier • PROVEN TRACK RECORD October 7 Glenmaura National Golf Club • COMPETITIVE PRICES Superintendent: Andy Jubinski • THOROUGHLY TRAINED PTGA Championship/Annual Meeting OPERATORS For Service or Demo Please Call: 610-327-3390 Dennis DeSanctis, Sr. N a tu r a l O rg a n ic P ro d u c ts Joel Simmons Food for Thought P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Remember the steam kettle. Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 Though up to its neck in water, 800-732-TURF it continues to sing. AMERICA'S PREMIUM HIGHLIGHT GOLF HOLES, TOP-DRESSINGS IMPROVE VISIBILITY, FOR GREENS & TEES! & MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY PO RO US CERAMIC PARTAC ® SOIL CONDITIONER U.S. GOLF HOLE GOLF COURSE THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION TO UNSIGHTLY DIVOTS AT TELEVISED TOURNAMENTS! TARGETS TOP-DRESSINGS PARTAC fisher son COLORED CERAMIC | company, inc. GREEN SAND Superior Products for the DIVOT REPAIR MIXES Turf and Horticultural Professional PARTAC® GREEN SANDS BLEN D ED W IT H PARTAC® PREM IUM Mark Reed (610) 282-2381 fax (610) 282-2392 TOP-DRESSING FOR EXCELLENT 237 East King St. Malvern PA 19355 DRAG MATS, RAKES & BRUSH ES PH. 1-800-262-2127 FAX (610) 644-7791 www.fisherandson.com GERMINATION AND W IN DSC REEN & BALL N ETTIN G DEEP GREEN C O LO R! CONSTRUCTION, CART PATH, AND DIVOT REPAIR MIXES T he B est D ivot R epair M ixes Available! PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, N.|. 07838 TerraFkmif Drainage Systems TYPAR® & TerraBond" TU R F BLANKETS & GEOTEXTILES 800 247-2326 - 908-637-4191 /FAX 908-637-8421 A N D MANY MORE GOLF SPECIALTY PRO D U C TS 9 POCONO ROUNDUP Hominiicij NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION April Golf Results Green Pond Country Club, Par 71 Please remember to inform our Executive Secretary, Melinda Wisnosky (570-388-2167) whenever you Format: 6 holes scramble, 6 holes better ball, 6 holes change your address, telephone number, e-mail, alternate shot etc. Keeping us up-to-date will ensure that you re­ ceive your mailings on a regular and timely basis. 1* 70 Charlie Koennecker and Jeff Lipics 2nd 73 Paul Brandon and Eric Reed 3rd 73 Charlie McGill and Scott Smith When mailing a check to the office, please be sure to note what the check is for. If it is a company check, be sure to write down which member it con­ cerns. It makes recordkeeping a whole lot easier! Thank you! POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.