chips * purrs OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org VOL. 11, NO. 4 JULY 2005 0 sassi TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Riverview Country Club Brian Bachman, Golf Course Superintendent Riverview Country Club will graciously host our July meeting. Riverview is located in the his­ toric town of Easton, PA. The development is located on over 500 acres and was designed by Jim Blauckovitch. Jim Blauckovitch did the entire plan for Riverview including course layout, grassing scheme, and the irrigation design. The course opened for play in September of 2004 after 2 years of construction. The two years have proved to be very difficult with the regrassing of holes due to washouts from the heavy rains. Some of the holes had to be regrassed three times during the grow in. The course is part of a planned residential development already underway. This new semi­ private course is a Par-72 layout that measures 6505 yards from the tails. Riverview Country Club features some unique holes such as the 17th which has an island green, and the long Par- 5 13th, which measures out at a respectable 580 yards. In addition to some unique holes, the grassing scheme at Riverview is different as well. Fairways have bentgrass landing areas with low cut Kentucky Bluegrass fairways, which makes for twice the maintenance as both areas are managed at different heights, with different spraying and mowing schedules. Riverview has very large fairways that wrap most fairway bunkers making this a great place to improve your fairways hit in regulation average, as there are more acres of fairway to land on. Golf Course Superintendent, Brian Bachman, has been at Riverview since September 2002. Prior to his position at Riverview, Brian was an assistant at Olde Homestead and he has also worked summers at Center Valley. While at Olde Homestead, Brian was involved in the con­ struction of the Par 3 course and the construction of two new Par 4's. Brian is a 1998 Penn State ■tallito' graduate with his BS in Turfgrass Management. Assistant superintendent, Brett La Barre, started with Brian in May of 2003. Brett is a Lock Haven graduate with his BS in Recreation and Out­ door Management and also holds an Associates degree from Sand Hills in Turfgrass (Continued on page 4) President’s Message....... I feel very fortunate to have been able to host the June meeting Officers & Directors when we did. Seven days later, I would have been ashamed to have 2005 anyone over to see the place. Valley has been reduced to a dried up, brown, crusty shell of what you were able to experience on the 20th. It is amazing how fast poa can check out. PRESIDENT Thanks again to Grass Roots and Atlantic Irrigation for sponsoring the Eric Reed, Valley C.C. meeting. Thanks also goes out to Lee Kozsey for sponsoring prizes for 570-788-4277 Barley5@ptd.net all the par three's and one long drive, which I heard everyone say they blew past but were not in the fairway. Thanks also to Darin Bevard for VICE PRESIDENT attending and speaking. And finally, thanks to all of you who were Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. 570-868-8113 able to make it. With all those people, who'd a thunk the scorekeeper djschell@epix.net would win again? I heard next month, he is offering a "beat the TREASURER Stevester" challenge for anyone who is Interested. John Downer, Elkview C.C. Good Luck to everyone with the rest of their summer. Hopefully, we 570-840-0078 will see you at a few more meetings. j_s_downer@juno.com Eric Reed SECRETARY Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course 570-222-9260 DIRECTORS Assistant Editor Steven Chi rip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 It was great to see all those faces at Blue Ridge Country Club and Andrew Jubinski, Finch Turf Valley Country Club for the May and June meetings. Hopefully the 570-378-3043 glenturf@epix.net weather will cooperate again in July and we will have another large gathering of friends. Jeff Koch, Glenmaura National C.C. As the summer gets into full swing, take the time to recharge the 570-457-8733 batteries from those long hot days and enjoy yourself at a monthly Matthew Brown, Philadelphia Turf meeting. This year has been hot and dry, so also take proper pre­ 215-340-5401 cautions by using sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids and finding a CHIPS & PUnS STAFF cool spot to relax during the day. EDITOR Eric Reed Barley5@ptd.net Jim Gurzler Assistant Editor Jim Gurzler Managing Editor PARTAC Lee Kozsey Territory Sales Representative Melinda Wisnosky Syngenta Professional Products GOLF COURSE Editorial Committee TOP-DRESSING syngenta Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. 3710 Amherst Court America's Prem ium Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Jeff Koch Tel. 610-861-8174 Matt Brown H E A T T R E A T E D To p -D re ssings Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 1-800-247-2326 www.syngenta.com lee. kozsey @ syngenta. coni 908-637-4191 • Fax 908-637-8421 PTGA Office R.R. 1, Box 219 Harding, PA 18643 Superior Products for the Turf & Horticultural Professional Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Bob Seltzer Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent 165 North Center Street * Fredricksburg, Pa 17026 the position of PTGA. Information contained in this 610-704-4756 * fax 717-865-4712 publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. O x Options for Chemical Control of Moss in Putting Greens Dr. Peter Landschoot and Mr. Joshua Cook, Dept, of Crop and Soil Sciences, Penn State Silvery thread moss ( Bryumargenteum) in putting greens is becoming an all-too-common occurrence Pennsylvania golf courses. It can creep into a green virtually unnoticed, until suddenly it seems as though it is taking over the entire playing surface. Once established, moss is extremely difficult to control and almost impossi­ ble to eradicate. Chemical control measures are often tough on turf, and slow in killing the moss. However, a few new products and strategies for moss control are providing some relief for Pennsylvania superintendents. Although chemical control strategies can suppress or kill moss, they must be coupled with changes in the cul­ tural conditions that allowed moss to encroach into the greens in the first place. The most obvious culprits, low nitrogen levels, aggressive mowing practices, and liberal irrigation, can usually be adjusted to some degree. Other causes of moss encroachment, poor drainage, disease problems, shade, traffic, and poor air circulation, represent greater challenges. If the major causes of moss encroachment are not dealt with, even the best chemical control program will not prevent it from coming back. A flurry of moss control research at Oregon State, Cornell, North Carolina State, and Penn State have reveled that several products (some labeled for moss control and some not labeled) have provided good control of sil­ very thread moss when used at proper rates and application timings. The following is a product-by-product sum­ mary of these products and their effects on moss. Summary of Chemical Moss Control Options Chemical controls for moss include products containing metals, soaps, salts, or herbicides. All of these prod­ ucts can damage turf, so be sure to thoroughly test each product on a practice area or nursery before large- scale use. Realize that results of moss control programs can be much more variable than those for diseases and weeds. Factors such as climate, pH of soil and spray tank water, rate of product and dilution rate of water, time of year, and grass type can all influence efficacy and burn potential. Therefore, results obtained at your course may differ somewhat from those described for the products listed below. Metals: Iron sulfate - Iron sulfate has been used to control moss in putting greens for decades. Studies at Penn State showed that iron sulfate applied at 0.15 to 0.2 lb iron in 2 gallons water/1000 ft2on 14 day intervals (4 to 7 applica­ tions) provides good moss control. The pH of tank water may influence efficacy, with slightly acidic water (pH = 5.8 to 6.5) providing better control that alkaline water (pH > 7.5). Iron sulfate can be applied at any time during the growing season, but moss control and turf recovery is better during periods of moderate temperatures (50 to 80°F). Some application difficulties may occur due to clogging of nozzles and tracking of spray residue on turf. Iron sulfate produces a noticeable, but temporary black color on moss and turf. When the black color dissipates, a pleasing green up of the turf occurs. Iron sulfate is not labeled for moss control in turf. Junction® (copper hydroxide) - Junction is a turfgrass fungicide that contains 15% mancozeb and 46% copper hydroxide. Recently, the manufacturer of Junction released a FI FRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for moss control on turf (greens, tees, and fairways). The recommendation lists a preventative and a curative program for moss control. We don't see a lot of value in the preventative program if you don't already have a moss problem. It calls for 1 to 2 oz of prod­ uct applied on 7-day intervals beginning in early spring and continuing to early fall. This is an intensive, costly spray schedule that is difficult to evaluate if you don't have a moss problem. The curative program of 4 oz prod­ uct in 2 gallons water/1000 ft2 applied every 7 to 14 days (seven or more applications) in the fall has shown prom­ ise in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Research at Oregon State, Cornell, and Penn State revealed that Junction applied at 5.0 oz product/1000 ft2 every 14 days beginning in mid-October for a total of five or more applications provides excellent control of sil­ very thread moss the following spring. In our tests, we did not observe any noticeable effects on moss during the fall application period. It is possible that as copper concentrations accumulate in moss during fall, the plants be- Continued on Page 5 P^eíf POCONO ROUNDUP PTGA MEETING SCHEDULE NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO July 19 Riverview Country Club August 15 Water Gap C. C. (Clambake) TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION September 8 Elmhurst Country Club October 5 Irem Temple C.C. November Whitford C.C. w/Philadelphia Continued from Page 1 JO HN M. BODOCK Management. Dr. Andrew McNitt will be speaking at this meeting on the topic of choosing the right topdressing. Dr. Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. S p e c i a l is t s In E q u ip m e n t a n d s u p p l i e s McNitt is an instructor and researcher at Penn State F o r Ma in t e n a n c e O f T u r f University. Two of his main areas of interest are turfgrass soils and golf green construction. Dr. McNitt PHONE: ( 6 1 0 ) 9 3 3 5 6 0 1 has been with Penn State for the past 20 years and (8 0 0 ) 3 6 2 5 6 5 0 FAX: ( 6 1 0 ) 9 3 3 6 6 9 0 6 4 7 NUTT R d P.O BOX 4 4 7 P h O E N IX V IL L E . p a 1 9 4 6 0 currently teaches in both the two-and four-year pro­ grams. We look forward to another well-attended day as we all get a chance to play a new venue. Hopefully, Earthw orks N a tu r a l O rg a n ic P r o d u c t s the weather will be cooperative so that everyone will have a chance to sneak away for some well needed Joel Simmons R&R as the summer hits full swing. Thanks again to 1500 Uhler FU. 800-7i 2'TURF Brian and the staff at Riverview Country Club for host­ Easton, PA 18040 jsiinmons@soilfirst.com Ph: 610-250-9560 Fax: 610-250-7840 ing the Pocono Turfgrass Association this month. w w w .soilfirst.com POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 TORO. TURF EQUIPMENT MATT BROWN MOBILE: 484-357-6312 IRRIGATION GEORGE SKAWSKI NAME & ADDRESS MOBILE: 610-554-9366 EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. come weaker, eventually succumbing to the copper during the winter months. Studies at Penn State showed poor moss control with Junction when applied in warm weather during the summer months. We also found that fall applications are much more effective in controlling moss than spring applications. Our research showed that some yellowing of Poa annua may occur during spring following fall applications of Junction, and this year we observed some yellowing immediately after some of our early fall applications. In all of our tests, this yellowing was minor and no turf thinning occurred. We have spoken with one superintendent in Pennsylvania who experienced strong and objectionable yellowing following an application of Junction, so be sure to put out a test strip on a nursery or practice green before making broadcast applications on your greens. We frequently get questions regarding excess copper build up in soils following multiple application of Junc­ tion. This is probably not a big concern on most greens if the program is only carried out for one or two years. However, more research is needed to determine the number of applications that can be safely applied over consecutive (three or more) years. Another question involving Junction is how the pH of tank water influences efficacy. Generally, the solubility of copper increases as pH of the tank solution decreases. It follows that slightly acidic tank water will probably help to increase moss control. The pH of the tank water in our study was between 6.5 and 7.0 and appeared to be adequate for obtaining excellent moss control. Keep in mind that copper hydroxide is a base, and pH of the tank water will likely Increase after Junction is added. Soaps and Salts: Dawn Ultra™ - Dawn Ultra dishwashing detergent applied at 2 to 8 oz product/1000 ft2during cool or warm weather on 14 day intervals (4 to 6 applications) can control moss In some cases. You may need to apply Dawn Ultra as a drench (in 6 to 12 gal water/1000 ft2) if applications in 2 gallons of water/1000 ft2 are not effective. Trials with Dawn Ultra at Penn State during summer and fall using different rates, timings, and water dilution rates yielded poor moss control. Inconsistent results and burning of turf may be a concern when using Dawn Ultra. This product is not labeled for moss control in turf and probably never will be. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) - Baking soda is useful for spot treatments only. Our studies reveaiea that drenching individual moss patches with a solution of 2 to 3 tablespoons baking soda/auart of water on warm, sunny days provided very good control. In most cases, only one or two applications were required for complete control. If you want to try baking soda, be very careful when spraying the moss patches as some burning of sur­ rounding turf may occur. As with all moss treatments, be sure to test baking soda on a practice area before us­ ing on a green. As you may have guessed, baking soda is not labeled for moss control in turf. TerraCyte™ (sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate) - Terracyte is a granular product labeled for moss and algae control in established greens, tees, and fairways. According to label directions, the product should be applied with a drop spreader at 8 lb/1000 ft2in spring or fall when temperatures are 50°F or above. Because TerraCyte is a fine granular product, coverage of moss Is incomplete and repeat applications are usually required. The label allows for subsequent applications on consecutive days at rates of 2 to 4 lb/1000 ft2. Terracyte should be wa- tered-in immediately following application. At Penn State, we found that Terracyte applied at 8 lb/1000 ft2every 14 days for a total of 4 to 5 applications in warm and cool weather provides excellent moss control. We observed some burning of turf following applica­ tions during high humidity conditions. Consecutive day applications of 4 lb/1000 sq ft increased efficacy, but also increased burning of turf. Burning of turf is more pronounced on dew-covered turf, so be sure to mow prior to application of TerraCyte. Herbicides: Quicksilver™ (carfentrazone) - Researchers at North Carolina State University recently found that Quicksilver herbicide controls moss in putting greens without serious turf injury. Researchers report that Quicksilver applied at 7 oz product/acre in 100 gal water on 14 day intervals for 2 to 3 applications provides excellent control of moss. Quicksilver appears to work under warm (mid 80's) and cool conditions. This product is not labeled for moss con­ trol. Although we have no first hand experience with this product, we will initiate studies this summer. Moss control research at Penn State is funded by the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council. Products were donated by Simplot Partners and BioSafe Systems. & p « tu PATRO N SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aercore Dennis DeSanctis 610.327.3390 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Shearon Golf Charlie McGill 609.466.0666 E&M Golf Supply Stephen Michael 800.554.4863 Koonz Sprinkler James Gurzler 570.788.2061 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 PSA Turf Pete Coughlin 610.760.2895 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Philadelphia Turf Co. 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Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Lebanon Products John Farrell 800.532.0090 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Lesco Stuart Hartman Northern Nurseries Dan Fick 610.863.6006 Northern Nurseries Dan Fick 610.863.6006 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 Plant Food Company Tom Weinert 609.448.0935 Stull Equipment Co. Marc Shotzberger610.495.7441 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 AT Sales Chip Presendofer 215.886.6011 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Egypt Farms Dean Snyder 800.899.7645 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Lesco Stuart Hartman Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Partac Peat Corp. Jim Kelsey 800.247.2326 Grass Roots, Inc. 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