Green World AN INDUSTRYWIDE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Volume 1, Number 2 New Varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass C. Reed Funk and Mohamed K. Ahmed The increasing awareness of the im­ portance of turfgrass in enhancing the quality of our environment has led to a renewed interest in the genetic im­ provement of Kentucky bluegrass. This effort is leading to the development and release of a number of improved varieties. Many of these should be of value for improving New Jersey turf as we learn more of their area of adap­ tation and particular management re­ quirements. Pennstar Kentucky bluegrass was recently released by Pennsylvania State University. It is quite similar in ap­ pearance, disease reaction and season­ al growth cycle to Fylking. Good re­ sistance to both stripe smut and the Helminthosporium leaf spot and crown rot disease gives Pennstar a consider­ able advantage over many of the blue­ grass varieties in current use. Penn­ star is also moderately resistant to cur­ rent races of leaf and stem rust but is moderately susceptible to dollar spot, Fusarium and powdery mildew. This variety produces an attractive, dense, moderately low-growing turf of a rath­ er fine texture. This leafy appearance is maintained throughout May and June when many other bluegrass varie­ ties become quite stemmy producing seedheads and unwanted pollen. Abundant rhizome production results in a strong, tightly knit sod. An at­ tractive, rich, moderately dark green color is developed in early spring which is maintained into late fall. This color persists even under moderately adverse growing conditions such as low fertility and incipient drought. The rather decumbent growth habit and improved disease resistance of Penn­ star allows it to tolerate moderately close mowing. However, it should be pointed out that excessively close mow­ ing places considerable stress on any bluegrass and weakens its ability to resist disease and prevent weed inva­ May, 1971 sion. The rather fine leaves of Penn­ star tend to bend over, especially at higher cutting heights. Thus a neater appearance will be achieved with fre­ quent, moderately close mowing. Penn­ star has performed well in mixtures with other bluegrass varieties as well as with the improved varieties of fine fescue and perennial ryegrass. A mod­ erate amount of seed is presently being sold. Sodco Kentucky bluegrass is a blend of Anheuser and three other bluegrass selections similar in growth habit and general appearance. This variety, de­ veloped at Purdue University, has a rich, dark green color, wide leaves and a rather decumbent growth habit with a moderately slow rate of vertical growth. It is tolerant of rather close mowing and has a firm texture and stiff leaves. An adequate fertility level is required to provide good density. Sod­ co has good resistance to leaf spot, stripe smut and powdery mildew. Even though Sodco is a blend of four blue- grasses, it may be advisable to mix it with other bluegrass varieties for quicker establishment and wider adap­ tation. Such blends may show a varia­ tion in leaf width. Warren's A-20 Kentucky bluegrass has better disease resistance than any other bluegrass variety on the market. It has good to excellent resistance to leaf spot, stripe smut, powdery mildew and leaf rust and moderately good re­ sistance to Fusarium roseum. Mod­ erate susceptibility to stem rust in the Midwest and stripe rust on the West Coast has been observed. Turf pro­ duced by this variety is attractive, dense, leafy, upright, of medium leaf width and has a pleasing, moderately dark green color. Compared with most other bluegrasses, A-20 has a rather stiff leaf. It also shows good recovery from rhizomes after divot removal or sod cutting. Warren’s A-20 will tol­ erate close mowing. Unfortunately, this elite variety will not reproduce true from seed and must be propagated vegetatively like Zoysia. Sod and plugs are presently being sold in many areas. Warren's A-34 Kentucky bluegrass is a vigorous variety with somewhat better shade tolerance than other blue- grasses currently available. When maintained at a 2-inch mowing height, it will tolerate shade up to 65 per cent of the daylight hours during the tree leafing period. Warren’s A-34 also does moderately well in full sun, pro­ ducing a dense, medium green turf with moderately good resistance to leaf spot, strip smut, powdery mildew and rust. Nugget Kentucky bluegrass is the most distinctive variety presently be­ ing increased for commercial use. Limited amounts of seed should be available following the 1971 harvest. Nugget was found in an old turf grow­ ing in Hope, Alaska. This variety pro­ duces a very dense, compact, rather low-growing turf which can be ex­ tremely attractive, especially in mid- to-late spring. Nugget has good to ex­ cellent resistance to leaf spot, powdery mildew and current races of leaf rust. Unfortunately, it appears to be very susceptible to stem rust, dollar spot and aphids. This variety appears to have good tolerance of close mowing and moderate shade when free of dis­ ease and insect damage. Nugget is very slow to start growing in the spring and has very poor early spring color in temperate climates. Baron Kentucky bluegrass is a new variety developed in Holland. It has shown promise of good performance in tests in Northern Europe and Rhode Island. Unfortunately, it has not been widely tested for turf performance in other parts of the United States. Bar­ on has rather broad leaves, a moder­ ately low-growing, turf-type growth habit and a medium dark green color. The variety appears to have moderate­ ly good resistance to Helminthospor­ ium leaf spot and melting-out. Seed of Baron should be generally available following the 1971 harvest. Sydsport Kentucky bluegrass was developed in Sweden where it is re­ ported to have good tolerance of the wear and tear received on athletic fields. Sydsport has rather wide leaves and can produce a rather dense, tight sod of a medium green color. It has moderately good leaf spot resistance but susceptibility to dollar spot has been noted in some tests in the United States. Seed is presently being pro­ duced for the European market and may be sold in this country if test re­ sults continue favorable. Nassau Kentucky bluegrass (for­ merly NJE P-69) is a moderately low- growing, turf-type bluegrass with a very attractive, rich, dark green color which is maintained throughout the entire growing season. It has good density and vigor and has shown good or moderately good resistance to leaf spot, stripe smut, leaf rust and dollar spot. Nassau is a hybrid between a fairway selection from the Bellevue Country Club and Belturf. Seed of this elite new variety should be avail­ able in moderate amounts following the 1972 harvest. NJE P-106 Kentucky bluegrass is a hybrid between the selection from Bellevue Country Club and Pennstar. This moderately low-growing, turf- type variety has good resistance to leaf spot, stripe smut and leaf rust. It has a beautiful, bright, rather dark green color and becomes green very early in the spring. Bluegrass Varietal Blends Turfgrass is grown on a wider range of soil, environmental and use situa­ tions than any other plant species. We want our turfgrass plantings to be per­ manent and durable as well as attrac­ tive and easy-to-maintain. All varie­ ties can be expected to show some weaknesses as plantings become aged. This has caused many turf workers to recommend the use of properly chosen varietal blends. It is hoped that the weaknesses of one variety will be covered up by the complementary strengths of another variety. Research has demonstrated the val­ ue of including varieties such as Penn­ star of Fylking which have resistance to both leaf spot and stripe smut in all mixtures used to produce quality turf. In tests where Merion had been badly damaged by stripe smut, adjacent plots seeded to Pennstar or Fylking either alone or in mixtures with Merion pro­ duced good turf. The standard com­ mon types such as Park, Delta and Kenblue may well be included in mix­ tures for turf which is mowed high and not fertilized heavily. Where turf is cut closely and a leafier turf is desired these varieties will not perform nearly as well as many of the new, improved varieties. Newport generally behaves as a rather shot-lived variety under New Jersey conditions and should be used only in mixtures with more per­ sistent components. Merion Kentucky bluegrass is still a very useful Ken­ tucky bluegrass for our region because of its performance record and avail­ ability of its seed. It may be included in most seedings of Kentucky bluegrass except where shade occurs. “Some Chatter About The Maintenance Turfed Areas” A manager is charged with the re­ sponsibility of looking for new innova­ tions, new methods, new procedures, new materials, in order to operate more efficiently without giving up any quality. Therefore, he is constantly evaluating operations done, and search­ ing for ways that may improve the operation. In my opinion, the single most im­ portant item in maintaining turf is the mowing operation. In order to relieve this costly opera­ tion, considerable acreage has been allowed to naturalize, and seedlings have been planted to speed up the naturalization. In addition, some low growing ground covers that will look attractive, stabilize the soil and yet do not require mowing have been planted on steep slopes. Also, new varieties of grasses are becoming popular and their substitution in present seed mix­ tures has a real potential. Chemical control programs have been estab­ lished. These chemicals suppress the grasses so that the frequency of mow­ ing may be reduced. The Turnpike uses a “team” con­ cept of mowing. Seven teams are em­ ployed consisting of: two tractors equipped with 7-8' P.T.O. flail mow­ ers, three tractors each equipped with high speed flail mowers, two trimming mowers (rotary), one supply or main­ tenance vehicle, and one truck for the transportation of operating personnel. Each team consists of seven operating personnel, and one team leader; and they are responsible to mow approx­ imately 20-26 miles of right-of-way (including interchanges and service areas). A complete round requires approximately fourteen working days. Everything appears to be covered, but still there are other approaches that appear worth trying. Substituting boom mounted mowers to replace the hand trimmers; this unit may be suspended over the guard rail to mow that area 3-4 feet behind the rail. It may also be used to mow water­ ways and swales that are difficult for conventional mowers to handle. Another possible substitution that appears worth trying is a small four- wheel drive truck mounted with hy­ draulic mowers. We have seen such units and have had the opportunity to work with one on a trial basis. This has many advantages. 1. By employing two per team, there is no need to supply a team with two service trucks. In highway mow­ ing, it is a safety measure to have a vehicle standing by; in case of injury, the injured person may be transported for treatment as soon as possible. 2. Mowing teams travel to and from working site to the Maintenance Districts, and these units may be serv­ iced in the Maintenance area rather than in the field. 3. There is a higher rate of pro­ ductivity due to a faster mowing speed. Observations have shown that the mowing unit travels at 5 M.P.H. con­ trasted to 1 to l 1/2 M.P.H. with tractor drawn equipment. (I believe this is due to “driver comfort.”) 4. This unit is effective on flat ter­ rain, but it is questionable on slopes of 2 on 1. It would be necessary to hold one tractor with P.T.O. equipment for slope work. It does appear that one small truck will replace two tractors. 5. Because the operator is sheltered from the weather, an operation can be conducted on days when you are experiencing “drizzle” or light rain. 6. Another advantage worth con­ sidering is the possibility of “air-con­ ditioning.” During the summer months, it can be rather tiresome riding a trac­ tor eight hours a day. We experience “freak” accidents that put equipment out of service; also, men stretching breaks, etc. These things can be quite costly. A small investment to air- condition the vehicle just might pay dividends. Basically, this type of operation would reduce the mowing team from seven men to four; release two service trucks for service in other operations; eliminate two trimming mowers; re­ duce the team from five pieces of auto­ motive mowers to four pieces of auto­ motive equipment. Well, this is idle chatter, so permit me to speculate; I cannot prove a thing, although I hope to try during the sea­ son of 1971 (on a limited scale, of course). David G. Grimm, Horticulturist New Jersey Turnpike Authority ARTICLES WANTED Send to: Box 123 Caldwell, N. J. 07006 Turfgrass Fertilization And Ecology of The 1970’s It is difficult in this modern, high­ speed world to establish and maintain the proper contacts needed to improve knowledge of a relatively specialized side of agriculture such as the growing of high quality turfgrass. However, my company and the rest of the fertilizer industry, who look at the newly-formed New Jersey Turfgrass Association from the fertilizer supplier’s viewpoint, are pleased to be charter members of the Association. This organization has been wise in blending the vital interests of large commercial sod growers, golf course superintendents, landscapers, proud homeowners, other turf grow­ ers, the commercial seedsmen, plant food producers, and pesticide suppliers with the knowledge and research avail­ able from the colleges of agriculture. I believe it is important to note that the title indicates this association is a New Jersey association with the intent to concentrate on our immediate, local problems, although research and ex­ perience from other states are certain to be assessed by all. In turn, the membership is open to anyone outside of New Jersey, and I would hope that any turfgrass knowledge the organiza­ tion obtains would be available to any­ one whom it might help. The fact that the association is to operate in an area with the myriad of environment prob­ lems caused by millions of residents and workers with the nearly saturated population density of New Jersey is no small challenge. It is a source of con­ siderable satisfaction to point with pro­ fessional pride to the many benefits to the urban and rural landscapes afford­ ed by broad expanses of turfgrass per­ forming their triple roles of oxygena­ tion of the atmosphere, prevention of erosion, and the beautification of the Garden State. Yet, it is a fact that many residents of New Jersey have not been made aware of the effort nec­ essary to grow and improve these de­ sirable turfgrasses. With more and more of the population exposed only to the concrete colossus of the shop­ ping mall, it would seem natural that the air and ground purification per­ formance of turfgrass is being forgot­ ten. Some of the new shopping centers are quite attractive, and I admire ade­ quate parking space, but I have never considered blacktop or asphalt aesthet­ ically satisfying, much less a boon to my breathing. The efficiency of a turfgrass sod in scrubbing refuse chemicals (many serve as plant nutrients) out of the en­ vironment has not been properly em­ phasized. While fertilizer manufac­ turers are steadily striving to find the most advantageous balance of nitro­ gen forms—nitrate, ammoniacal, urea, urea-formaldehyde, or natural organic —that may be fed to turf with the least sudden shock or stimulation and with the least amount of labor involved in application, it is still surprising and fortuitous that turf has always been able to hold and/or utilize many rela­ tively undesirable ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and combinations of chemicals. This appears to be one of the reasons turfgrasses are efficient scrubbers. Possibly more drainage waters should be spread over grass areas as an attractive alternative to the present dumping or disposing of such water. In view of the valuable role of grasses, the New Jersey Turfgrass As­ sociation should promote to agencies such as the State Environmental Pro­ tection Department its willingness to advise and assist in use of turf in main­ taining a proper ratio of closed (paved) area to open (turf or landscaped) area for some of the most congested cities of the state. Certainly, it would seem only logical to indicate to the Environ­ mental Protection Department what materials are regarded as essential to the maintenance of healthy turf and what steps could be taken to insure the proper handling and application of these materials. I am sure there is no large popular bloc of “anti-turf” agita­ tion, but certainly much can be done to ease the future picture by proper education and sensible regulation. In this regard I am reminded of the re­ cent successful cooperation of regula­ tory groups, consumer groups, and commercial interests in passing a new fertilizer control law. Oregon Growers Faced With New Cultural Practices As Environmental Oriented Legislature Meets Contributed by Peter Loft Oregon seed growers are being plagued with a host of environmental bills as the legislature swings into mid­ session. The majority of the bills aim at setting a date for ending the cultural practice of burning grass seed straw left in the fields following harvest. Sec­ ond on the list of legislative importance is the effort to repeal the agricultural exemption, which is now in the stat­ utes, to prevent the Environmental Quality Commission from declaring an outright ban on field burning. The Oregon Seed Council, repre­ senting growers at the legislature, has asked the Senate Environmental Com­ mittee to tie legislation to the perfect­ ing of a mobile field incinerator now being built at Oregon State University. The college engineers have developed a concept of burning straw on the ground with a simplified machine which can be tractor drawn and designed to be built in farm shops. Such a solution, the seed council contends, would keep the $30 million grass seed industry in business and, at the same time, im­ prove the environment as the machines become available. Some legislators have pushed for a phase-out date for open field burning and several bills mention the 1973 year as a likely goal. Research in straw usage is also be­ ing researched at OSU and to date the findings show a good quality paper can be made from the million tons of straw produced annually. Seed growers con­ tend the straw should be so utilized to help save our depleting forest lands. Since Oregon is principally a timber state the suggestion of making paper from straw rather than wood has not found enthusiastic backing. A new cubing process for straw is also showing promise to make the resi­ due more easily flowable for handling. Some interest has been shown by Jap­ anese industrialists for use in paper making, animal feeds and other fiber usage. Oregon’s Willamette Valley current­ ly produces over 260,000 acres of grass seed plus an additional 300,000 acres of small grains. Grass fields burned last year are estimated at 230,- 000 acres plus some 25,000 acres of cereal crops burned. Burning has been a standard cultural practice since the early 1940s when it was discovered burning the crop residue destroyed weed seeds, certain diseases uncontrol­ lable by chemicals and as a means of shocking the plant into greater seed production. The past year the seed council in­ augurated a smoke management pro­ gram in cooperation with the state’s fire chiefs and the Department of En­ vironmental Quality. The purpose of the program was to allow burning only when the weather conditions were such the smoke would be wafted from the valley and away from the populated areas. An airplane was provided the DEQ meterologist, at his request, to watch smoke plumes and to test in­ version layers prior to release of burn­ ing permits. The program was a suc­ cess and there was a great improve­ ment in the atmospheric visual condi­ tions over the previous year when growers Were not involved with the state agencies in managing the smoke. The grass fields are burned between July 1 and the end of August on days selected by the Department of Envi­ ronmental Quality. GYPSY MOTH EGG CLUSTER LARVA MALE PUPA AND MOTH FEMALE PUPA AND MOTH The picture you see here will help you to identify a plant pest which was of little consequence in New Jersey in 1966. However, in 1971, just five years later, estimates by authorities suggest that over 200,000 acres of New Jersey woodlands are in danger of being defoliated by the Gypsy Moth. The larva which causes the damage and may be found from late April to early July grows to 1 1/2- 2 1/2 inches long. It can be readily identified by the pairs of red and blue dots on its back. The adult stage is present from late July to early August. Male moths have slender brown bodies and brown wings irregularly crossed with dark lin The wingspread is about 1 1/2 inches. The female moth with her 2 1/2 inch wingspread does not fly. Her body heavy and stout and her wings are white crossed with dark lines. Egg masses are buff colored and about one in. long by 1/2 inch wide. This stage may be found in late summer, fall and winter attached to rocks, trees or shaded objects. If you spot any signs of Gypsy Moth in your area, you are requested to immediately notify your local Agricultural Extension office.