new jersey turfgrass association Clippings & Green World njta Spring 2009 | VOL 72 MAY: Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic AUGUST: RUTGERS TURFGRASS RESEARCH FIELD DAYS December: Green Expo Turf and Landscape Conference Turf Equipment & Irrigation Solutions Storr Tractor Company Branchburg, NJ 908-722-9830 One great result. visit www.toro.com TORO Count on it. www.njturfgrass.org President’s Message by Dr. Karen Plumley, NJTA President Legacy Benefits There have been many references in the news lately to the issue of “legacy costs”, but for the New Jersey Turfgrass Association our legacy continues to bring us nothing but benefits. So many benefits, in fact, that the New Jersey Turfgrass Association will be kicking off a 40th anniver­ sary celebration at our Green EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference in December to commemorate them. In preparation for the event, we have formed a “40th An­ niversary” Subcommittee, chaired by Ken Kubik, to plan the festivities. You can see the beginnings of our efforts to mark the anniversary in this issue of Clippings, start­ ing with a list of alumni of the turf/agronomy program at Rutgers on page 11. We know the list is incomplete, so please help us complete it. In addition, we will also be recognizing our Hall of Fame winners (see page 16), alum­ ni, former board members and others who have helped to make the nearly 40 year old partnership between the New Jersey Turfgrass Association and Rutgers University so successful. It was the foresight of those like Dr. Henry Indyk, our first executive director, and Leo Cleary, our first president, which helped to build the foundation of our cur­ rent industry-academic partnership that is today successful beyond measure. A true test of such a partnership comes in times like these, which many agree, are tougher than most. Yet in spite of it all, the partnership continues to thrive. Witness: o The continued success of the Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic presented by the New Jersey Turf­ grass Foundation to support research and scholarship at the university (Many thanks to Shaun Barry and Rick Krok, co-committee chairs, and the rest of their committee for bringing us another outstanding outing.) o The upcoming Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Days, whose logistics are facilitated by NJTA, where Rutgers faculty and staff will showcase their world class research efforts. o The upcoming Green EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference, the largest turfgrass educational conference in the state where Rutgers faculty and staff, as well as other prominent turfgrass professionals from around the continued on pg 4 Table of Contents Clippings President’s Message From the Executive Director 2009 NJTA Patrons What’s A Field Day? Where R. U.? Meet Dr. Ning Zhang 3 4 4 5 8 9 Meet Board Member: Shannon Sked 10 Rutgers Turfgrass Alums - Missing? Turfgrass Research Wins Again 11 12 Finding Opps in Economic Downturn for Landscape & Lawn Care Professionals 14 NJTA Hall of Fame Award - 1978 Rutgers County Extension Contacts 14th Annual Golf Classic Photos Calendar of Events 16 17 20 23 Green World Integrated Management of Important Turfgrass Insect Pest in New Jersey 6 CHANGE YOUR RECORDS TO REFLECT OUR ACCURATE MAILING & BILLING ADDRESS. As of 3/1/09, do not use the address below: PO Box 340, Milltown NJ 08850 All Mail should go to: NJTA 25 US Highway 46 West Wayne NJ 07470-6801 New Jersey Turfgrass Association 25 US Highway 46 West Wayne, NJ 07470-6801 Phone: (973) 812-6467 (973) 812-6529 Fax: www.njturfgrass.org President’s Message continued country share their knowledge and expertise with at­ tendees from New Jersey and surrounding states. o Our membership rolls, which continue to hold steady demonstrating the value our members see in their association. All of these are examples of how the turfgrass com­ munity continues to benefit from the partnership born almost forty years ago between NJTA, Rutgers Uni­ versity and the turfgrass industry. Virgil once said that “your descendents shall gather your fruits” and those of us in the turfgrass industry most assuredly continue to gather the delectable fruits of our predecessors to this day. PATRONS Clippings & Green World would like to THANK our Patrons for their continued support. Add your name and/or business name to a growing list of supporters: • DeLalio Sod Farms Inc - Len DeLalio • DuPont Professional - Karen Hartman • F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc. - Marie Pompei • Syngenta - Lee Kozsey • Stephen Kay Golf Design - Stephen Kay Call (973) 812-6467 to become a Patron or email: execdirector@njturfgrass.org RATE: $100.00 for one or more 2009 issues. Loyalty Reigns by Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP, NJTA Executive Director The fund-raising event of the year, the Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic, is over. With the current economy and the wet weather a few days before, the committee was concerned. However, the enthusiasm and participa­ tion was tremendous! Loyalty to support this event definitely reigned! There were over 300 attendees and 265 of them golfed... even in the rain. We added the new education hour, “Rutgers Turfgrass Research”, with credits available from NJ, PA, NY, and GCSAA. Thirty certificates were signed to earn pesticide credits. Thanks to the Rutgers’ professors who designed the talks and pow­ er point presentations for this. The Silent Auction showcased donated products, golf, dinners, and much more..all to add to the bot­ tom line of supporting research programs, grants, special projects, and scholarships for the Center for Turfgrass Science. It’s great to be part of the turfgrass community where friends and colleagues are loyal to the end. And, if you were a golfer, we hope you enjoyed wearing your Oakley sunglasses -- of course, on the next sunny day. Thanks for all you do for turfgrass! Fisher & Son COMPANY, INC. The “Green Industry" Supplier since 1928. Superior Products for the Turf and Horticultural Professional! Tom Currie Tom Defino Randy Rider 800.262.2127 Exton, Pennsylvania 19341 800.262.2127 * fax 610.363.0563 110 Summit Drive fisherandson.com Andersons BASF Bayer Civitas Earthworks Grigg Brothers Lebanon Lido Chem Plant Health Care PROKoZ Redox Syngenta TriCure What’s a Field Day? by Pedro Perdomo Field Days Chairman As a Rutgers grad and member of the NJTA, I have been to many field days over the years. While having a conversation with a friend recently I came to realize that there are still a few people that haven’t attended and are not familiar with what Field Day has to offer. I thought I would take a few lines to give an overview and encourage all interested parties to attend. The Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Days are an an­ nual event where the Rutgers Farms that devote space to Turfgrass research invite the public in to see what is new and exciting in the Turfgrass world. The two day event is divided into Golf and Fine Turf on one day, with the second day concentrating on Lawn and Landscape and Athletic fields. The number of people attending can get quite large so we split the attend­ ees into three smaller groups. Don’t worry though, because the groups will be rotated and everyone will have the opportunity to visit each and every scheduled stop. Visit the event and you will quickly notice that there is a real world approach to doing research at Rutgers. Questions that the industry may have on such things as cultural management of disease, managing water use on greens and fairways, how to avoid failure of crabgrass pre-emergent applications, and what are the best grass varieties to use for specific situations are answered here. The researchers will highlight what they have found and what other questions still need to be answered. For those of you needing pesticide cred­ its you will find a healthy amount of pesticide credits for New Jersey and many neighboring states. If you get the opportunity to attend this year make sure you bring your questions. You may also want to bring a notepad to write down all of the tips that you will get during the day. Also, bring your appetite be­ cause the barbeque style lunch has become a field day tradition. And save room for the brownies. Above: HORT FARM II Below: ADELPHIA FARM njta Green World Integrated management of important turfgrass insect pest in New Jersey Albrecht M. Koppenhöfer, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Benjamin A. McGraw, Postdoctoral Associate, Turfgrass Entomology 1 Dept. Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 1 Presently: Assistant Professor, Dept. Golf & Plant Sciences, State University of New York, Delhi, NY 13753 Applied Turfgrass Research from Rutgers, the State University, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association The turfgrass entomology program at Rutgers Uni­ versity pursues various avenues to develop information that turfgrass managers can use for safer and more en­ vironmentally sound and sustainable management of insect populations in most turfgrass situations. These include testing of new chemical products and their ef­ fects on beneficial insects, biological controls, phero­ mone-based mating disruption technology, and better sampling/monitoring techniques for pest insects. Entomopathogenic nematodes for white grub man­ agement Entomopathogenic or insect parasitic nema­ todes are microscopic roundworms that are being studied and commercialized as biological control agents of numerous insects including white grubs in turfgrass. Our research has shown that white grub species vary in their susceptibility to nematodes. The commercially available nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora has generally provided around 75% control of Japanese beetle grubs when applied in early to mid-September. However, other white grub species such as oriental beetle, European chafer, or masked chafers appear to be less susceptible to Heterorhab­ ditis species. Additionally, we found that Japanese beetle and oriental beetle grubs were less susceptible to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as they aged from 2nd to 3rd stage larvae. Therefore, the best time to apply most EPN species against white grubs should be from mid-August into early September when grubs are young and temperatures are optimal for nematode activity. We have extensively studied Steinernema scarabaei, a new species we recently isolated from infected Japa­ nese beetle and oriental beetle larvae in turfgrass areas in New Jersey. S. scarabaei holds great promise for curative and long-term suppression of white grubs. It appears to be rather specialized to white grubs as hosts and is highly virulent to larvae of numerous white grub species. S. scarabaei can provide long-term suppres­ sion of white grubs at extremely low rates for at least 2 years after applications. Applied against oriental beetle in September, S. scarabaei persisted for 4 years after application, providing 50-100% oriental beetle control at 1 month after application (MAT), 96-100% in the following spring (8 MAT), 62-91% at 13 MAT (following grub generation), and 31-94% at 25 MAT. S. scarabaei also showed excellent efficacy and per­ sistence over the range of typical turfgrass soils from sandy loam to clay loam. Attempts to mass produce this nematode have been unsuccessful so far. There­ fore, we are examining the biology of the nematode to overcome problems with its commercial production. Synergistic combinations of nematodes and chemical insecticides In the absence of highly effective, commer- cially-available nematode species/strains, combining nematodes with synergists may be a feasible alterna­ tive for curative white grub management. The most feasible and reliable synergists for nematodes ap­ pears to be the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid (Merit). We found that imidacloprid interacts syner- gistically with several nematode species on the mor­ tality of various white grub species, had no negative effects on nematode reproduction in infected larvae, and was compatible with the nematodes in tank mixes. Combinations of the nematode H. bacteriophora and imidacloprid were as effective as imidacloprid alone even at rates as low as 25% of the regular rates for each agent against oriental beetle and Japanese beetle grubs when applied in late August. We found a similar synergistic interaction on white grub control in combinations of H. bacteriophora and chlorantraniliprole, a recently registered turf insecti­ cide (Acelepryn) from the new insecticide class of the anthranilic diamides. continued on page 7 Integrated management of important turfgrass insect pest in New Jersey Albrecht M. Koppenhofer, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Benjamin A. McGraw, Postdoctoral Associate, Turfgrass Entomology 1 Dept. Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Development of tools for annual bluegrass weevil IPM The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) (formerly ‘Hyperodes weevil’) is a serious and expanding pest of close-cut an­ nual bluegrass on golf courses through much of the North­ east. The standard control practice is a preventive applica­ tion of a pyrethroid insecticide targeted at the adults in late April/early May before the females lay eggs. Even though there are only 2-3 ABW generations per year and usually only the first generation causes significant damage (early to mid-June) many superintendents apply 2-6 treatments per year, often covering much of their fairways, tees, and greens. Not surprisingly, incidences of pyrethroid resis­ tance are in the increase. We have found that various commercially available spe- cies/strains of entomopathogenic nematodes can provide good control of the first generation larvae when applied before damage appears. The most promising species at this point appear to be Steinernema carpocapsae, Stein- ernema feltiae, and H. bacteriophora which have given up to 92% control. However, results have been variable. The most consistent of these species thus far has been S. carpocapsae. Species combinations and split applications (1 week apart) may give even better control but need to be further studied. We are also finding that naturally oc­ curring strains of S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora are important natural mortality factors of ABW larvae in fair­ ways that do not receive preventive ABW applications. Whether using biological or newer and safer insecticides chemistries, our ultimate goal is to allow superintendents to effectively manage ABW populations with spot treat­ ments only when and where necessary to prevent damage. To this end we are also developing more effective moni­ toring tools based on non-destructive sampling techniques that will allow superintendents to predict ABW problems and dramatically reduce insecticide use. This, in turn, would allow natural enemies of ABW and other turfgrass insects to play a more significant role in suppressing insect pest populations, thereby further decreasing the need for insecticide applications. We are examining the use of a standard leaf blower in­ verted to be used as a vacuum to monitor for ABW adults as they emerge on fairways in spring. The vacuum method Green World njta has so far proven to be highly effective in defecting adult presence on short mown turfgrass areas. Additionally, when vacuum sampling is conducted over a two to three week period around peak adult activity, the number of adults captured in an area strongly correlates to future lar­ val densities, allowing turfgrass managers to forecast dam­ age. Oriental beetle mating disruption The oriental beetle is the most important white grub spe­ cies in New Jersey and surrounding areas. Our previous research has shown the feasibility of using a sprayable sex pheromone to disrupt oriental beetle mating and reduce larval damage. However, sprayable formulations need to be applied at least twice during the pest’s flight period and can contaminate clothing coming in contact with treated surfaces. Our research has shown that a granular form of the phero­ mone last longer than the sprayable formulation and does not contaminate shoes or clothing. In 2007, a single ap­ plication of uniformly distributed granules reduced male trap captures >90% for 5 weeks (total seasonal reduction 97%), but reduced larval populations only by 69%. How­ ever, since white grub species other than oriental beetle are often present in NJ turfgrass areas, the efficacy of the mating disruption should be above 90% to be cost effec­ tive. Therefore, at least one more season of trials will be necessary to optimize this technology. The cost of mat­ ing disruption, once the pheromone is produced in large quantities should be lower than that of new chemical in­ secticides. Fig. 1. Steinernema scarabaei- infected oriental beetle larvae. Fig. 2. Oriental beetle - male pursuing female. Where R.U.? Mission Statement: "The New Jersey Turfgrass Association's mission is to promote the Turfgrass Industry and enhance the environment through education, professionalism, leadership, and our partnership with Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey." In 2010, the NJTA will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. Since the "Rutgers Partnership" is part of our mission, we want to know the status of the R.U. alumni. Whether it was a Certificate, B.S., Master's or Ph.D, we want to know "Where R.U.?" We are planning to launch the 40th Anniversary celebration at the 34th Annual GREEN EXPO Turf & Landscape Conference at Trump Taj Mahal on December 8th-10th, 2009. This Expo will highlight the long tradition of the NJTA and Rutgers working together. We want the alumni to be a part of it. Please fill out the info below and: > Fax it to the NJTA at (973) 812-6529 > Mail it to the NJTA at 25 U.S. Highway 46 West, Wayne, NJ 07470-6801 > Email it to execdirector@njturfgrass.org □ Bachelor’s Degree □ Master’s □ Ph.D Name: Year of Graduation: Check all that apply: □ Certificate Major:. Club/Company: Address: Telephone: Fax: Cell: Email: Home Address: Home Telephone: If you have any question, please contact Keith Kubik at Keith.Kubik@GrassRootsTurfOnline.com R.U. Rah! Rah! Meet Dr. Ning Zhang Dept. of Plant Biology and Pathology Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 59 Dudley Road, Foran Hall 201 New Brunswick, NJ 08901 phone: 732-932-9711 x162 zhang@aesop.rutgers.edu http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~plantbiopath/faculty/zhang/zhang.htm Hello, I would like to introduce myself to the turf- grass industry in New Jersey. My name is Ning Zhang and I am a new faculty member in the turf- grass program at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University. I am a mycologist by training and have studied genetics and molecular diagnostics of various groups of plant pathogenic fungi. I received my Ph.D. from Louisi­ ana State University and had postdoctoral training at Penn State and Cornell University before joining the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology and the Center for Turfgrass Science at Rutgers in January 2009. I have two primary research interests: (1) The devel­ opment of a rapid and accurate turf disease detection system called a “pathochip,” and (2) studying the population biology of Rhizoctonia species and other pathogens that attach turf. The first area will focus on a new technology that could be used to identify multiple pathogens in turfgrass samples. I have had experience developing a pathochip for vegetable dis­ eases and look forward to applying this concept for the detection of turfgrass pathogens. I am very inter­ ested in developing molecular tools for the rapid de­ tection and identification of important fungal patho­ gens of turfgrasses, which will hopefully facilitate and improve disease management. The second area of interest deals with gaining a better understanding of the diversity of fungal populations. To date, little is known about the variability of Rhi­ zoctonia species that attack turf. So I will be compar­ ing isolates of Rhizoctonia from throughout the US to learn more about the biology and ecology of this important turfgrass pest. From these population stud­ ies, I will try to address key questions associated with plant disease origin, spread and fungicide resistance for this and other turfgrass pathogens. I look forward to meeting many of you at meetings and field days over the coming year and hope that I will have the opportunity to speak to you about my research interests in turfgrass pathology. Meet a Board Member... Shannon Sked Shannon Sked was elected onto the Board of Directors of the NJTA this past December 2008. Shannon is in se­ nior management of TruGreen LandCare, which offers full service landscape services to commercial clients and is a sister company of TruGreen Lawncare. He is involved in business management in the green industry in NJ, CT, and PA. Shannon is a graduate of Rutgers University (Natural Resource Management, CC 2000); with honors as a George H. Cook scholar, Rutgers Undergraduate Research fellow, and Censor of Alpha Zeta agricultural frater­ nity. He then went on to graduate studies to earn a Master Thesis in Science in Entomology at Penn State Univer­ sity. He has been involved in the green industry, focusing on sustainable land management in the landscape field since 1992 in N with prior experience as a scientist for the Department of the Navy as well as serving in several positions for landscape contracting companies in NJ. He is a Certified Turfgrass Pro­ fessional with PLANET and a Board Certified Entomologist with the Entomological Society of America. Shannon is mar­ ried to Megan Sked with two young boys, Seamus and Aidan ages 2 and 3. They reside in Bordentown and are active in many organizations throughout the state. Shannon hopes to bring a perspective to NJTA as it relates to synergizing mo­ mentum between landscape management and how it relates to the turf industry. The Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory provides accurate and timely diagnoses of plant problems. Below is a sample of services performed: Disease and Insect Pest Diagnosis Plant and Weed Identification Insect Identification Fungus and Mold Identification Nematode Assays Screening for Neotyphodium Endophytes Fungicide Resistance Screening Other Services Available by Contract For more information please call us at 732/932-9140 or visit the web for sample submission instructions and forms at: www.rcre.rutgers.edu/plantdiagnosticlab. NJ AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION RUTGERS COOPERATIVE RESEARCH & EXTENSION THE STATE UNIVERSITY Of NEW JERSEY RUTGERS COOK COLLEGE The Rutgers Soil Testing Lab The Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory performs chemical and mechanical analyses of soils. The following services are routinely performed: Landscape Level 1 Fertility Test: Nutrients, pH, recommendations Level 2 Problem Solver (soil/plant suitability test) Level 3 Topsoil Evaluation Greenhouse Saturated (Organic) Media Extract Analysis: Nutrients, pH, electrical conductivity, inorganic nitrogen Sport Turf Level 1 Fertility Test: Nutrients, pH, recommendations Level 2 Complete Test: Nutrients, pH, estimated CEC & cation saturation, soluble salt level, organic matter* * * content, soil textural class Level 3 Sand Root Zone Test *Organic matter content would be determined by loss-on-ignition for golf course greens, as described by USGA guidelines. For more information please call us at 732/932-9295, or visit us on the web at: www.rcre.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab. www.rcre.rutgers.edu/services Rutgers Turfgrass Alumni - Who’s Missing? If You know Names Not on this List - Send Any Info to execdirector@njturfgrass.org Four Year Rutgers / Cook Students who Graduated with a B.S degree in Plant Science Craig Tolley, 1990’s Steve Cronin, 1990’s Carie Mansue, 1990’s Chris Boyle, 1990’s Bob Wolverton, 1990’s Tim Andresean, 1990’s Pedro Perdomo, 1990’s Howard Nakase, 1990’s Gary Gentilucci, 1990’s Victor Frederico, 1990’s Sean Klotzbauch, 1990’s Margret Stegman, 1990’s (Horticulture / Turf Industry Option) or Equivalent at the Time of Graduation. Matt Koch, 2005 Mary Provance-Bowly, 2005 Rosemond Pierre, 2005 Paul Scapellato, 2005 Brian Ducy 2005 Brad Hart, 2006 Michael Schaeffer, 2006 Bruce Culver, 2006 Dan Purner, 2006 Chris Hendrickson, 2007 Danielle Skoba, 2007 Tim Sibicky, 2007 Alex Tekulsky, 2007 Pete Stone, 2007 Chris Skivar, 2008 Justin Hughes, 2008 Dale Cruzan, 2009 Kate Venner, 2009 Rolland Gesimondo, 2009 Zane Raudenbush 2009 Chris Charnesky 2009 Keith Eilertsen, 2010 Stephanie Alea, 2010 Bobert Mathias, 2010 Ryan Pettitti, 2010 Will Rearson, 2010 Michael Morvay, 2010 Eric Koch, 2010 Patrick Burgess, 2010 Gregory Bohus, 2010 Dennis DeSanctis, Jr, 2002 Mike Lyons, 2005 Brian Ducy, 2005 Jeff Borajkiewicz, 2003 Lauren Giordano, 2004 Dave Kobrick, 2004 Ryan Kocsis, 2005 Mike D’Ascanio, 2004 David Neufeld, 1990’s Robert Shortell, 2004 Mike Laudato, 2003 Jim Devaney, 2005 Mary Beth Clarke (Rue), 1970’s Peter Crowl, 2003 Victor ????? (Married Laura Betts), 1980's John Ralli, 2003 Chuck Fatum, 1950’s Joe Flaherty, 1960’s Mike Hosfield, 1960’s A1 Neuberger, 1960’s Bernard McGuiness, 1960’s A1 Turgeon, 1960’s Charlie McCrea, 1960’s Bill Dickson, 1960’s Joe O’Donnell, 1960’s A1 Rathjens, 1960’s Chris Carson, 1970’s Bruce Clarke, 1970’s Marie Pompei, 1970’s Bruce Neary, 1970’s Phil Catron, 1970’s Laura Betts, 1980’s Brian Minemier, 1980’s Karen Plumley, 1980’s Joe Clark, 1980’s Rick Krok, 1980’s Josh Honig, 1990’s Brian Feldman, 1990’s Keith Kubik, 1990’s Chris Boyle, 1990’s Scott Fritz, 1990’s Chris Young, 2005 Turfgrass Research Wins Again At Fiddler's Elbow by Shaun Barry 2009 was supposed to be another record breaking year for the Rutgers Turfgrass Research Classic. It was the 14th edition of this event and the results have grown each year. In the life of fundraisers that is a long run. Normally tournaments capture the interest of support­ ers and great things happen in the first few years. Then as time passes interest wanes and other worthy causes get their attention. That has not happened because Dr. Bruce Clarke and Dr. Bill Meyer are totally committed to the success of the Classic. Each one appeals to their base and those companies have responded. It is not just because a world-renowned scientist or turfgrass breeder is making the request but also because they recognize the strength of the people and the research done at Rutgers. The As it turned out, 2009 was not a record year. It however may have been the most successful event that we have ever had. This has been a year in which the whole world has felt the pain of a terrible recession. Many of the top companies in the world have closed their doors, re­ ceived bail-outs from the government or filed for bank­ ruptcy. Unemployment will soon exceed 9% and golf tournaments at the PGA and LPGA level are losing sponsors and some are ceasing to exist. It definitely was not the best atmosphere to ask anyone to support anything but it had to be done. The 16 member golf committee had many meetings to discuss what to do. We lowered our expectations but not our efforts. Bill and Bruce were rewarded for their persistence. Some sponsors were unable to support the event at all and some reduced their level of support but most found a way to repeat their generous donations. The committee also decided that we needed to give the golfers an extra reason to come out and participate. The nice bag that players received in 2008 was replaced by Oakley sunglasses. This choice doubled our cost for a gift but it was extremely popular. We lost money on every golfer but the size of the field exceeded all of our expectations. We ordered 275 pairs expecting to have Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic 25 left-over if we got lucky. When the number of golfers passed the 300 number we had to decide on a response. Unfortunately for the golfers from Rutgers, they were chosen to be the ones not receiving sunglasses. That allowed us to present all of the other golfers with their gift and no one was disappointed. Well maybe a few of the Rutgers people were, but they understood why we had to make this decision. The only thing that came close to be disappointing was the weather. Our event occurred in the middle of 5 straight days of rain, There was enough rain to cause us to cancel but the committee decided we should play. It was a good choice. For 15 holes it was fairly dry. The final 3 holes however tested everyone's rain suits and the last green we played was start­ ing to puddle. After a nice hot shower the weather was forgot­ ten and everybody was ready for some great food, bidding on the silent auction and hearing who had played well enough to win the prizes. Bruce Clarke thanked all of our sponsors and attend­ ees but he paid special attention to our Premier Spon­ sors. Their help is what allows this tournament to make money. Many of these companies have been Premier Sponsors for all 14 years. Storr Tractor and Syngenta fall into that category. The other sponsors at this level were Bayer ES, John Deere, Maxwell Turf, Penning­ ton Seed, Proseed Marketing and The Scotts Co. Just below them were the Eagle Sponsors and they were BASF (with three teams), Lebanon Turf, Paige Electric and Mountain View Seeds and we also had an increase in our Birdie and Par level sponsorships. Hopefully the economy will turn around and they will be able to move up next year but their support at any level is truly appreciated. Bruce introduced Dean Rob­ ert Goodman who spoke briefly and then people started enjoying a well-deserved meal. continued on page 13 Turfgrass Research...At Fiddler's Elbow ...continued After dinner we thanked our host Dave McGhee who does everything possible to make this a successful day. In an effort to move things along quickly, I hurried through my announcements and thank-yous. In doing so I forgot to acknowledge the people who allowed us to play that day. These fellows are Tom Breiner, Bob Fellner, Mark Loos and Gary Shupper. Tom is the head superintendent at Fiddlers and Gary, Mark and Bob are responsible for their own course at this 54 hole com­ plex. It was through their knowledge and efforts that kept the courses playable. Without them we would have had to cancel. I apologize for the over-sight gentlemen especially since it was right there on my agenda. Hope­ fully this thank-you isn't too late. The Once dinner was over we closed the silent auction and started with the prizes. There were no holes-in-one but the winners of the closest to the pin contests came close, All of the winning shots were within 10 feet. Walking away with a Cal­ laway golf bag for their wins were Tony DiBartolomeo 111, Pete Giauque, Bill Goodrich, Rick Krok, J.P. Olson, and Chris Walick. Our long drive winners won a pair of Callaway golf shoes. Earning those hon­ ors were Roger Christenson, Christine Dyhr, Doug Gray (twice), Darrell Marcinek CGCS, Steve McDonald and NJTA President, Dr. Karen Plumley. In the team events we will start with the Rutgers Cup. For the third year in a row the group from Maxwell Turf on Long Island gets to place their name on the trophy. Their gross score of 71 on the Forest Course was great playing. The team included Doug Heron, Paul Bidorn, Ken Lockridge and Steve Rabideau. The only year that they haven't won was the first year when John Farrell led his team to victory. As Doug was leaving he told me that they were coming back next year to win it again. With their track record I have to believe him. We also rewarded the top three teams from each course. This is the scramble event and there were lots of good Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic scores from many teams and most of the winning teams won on a match of cards. The first place teams were Jeremy Daubert, Brian Lescrinier, Mark Peterson and Dave Walsh ( Harrell's ), Jack Ayers, Bob Dilk, Joe Memdolia and Ethan Pauxtis (Grasslands Oregon) and George Buruch, David Bushman, Jim Grassi and Den­ nis Smith (Lebanon Turf). We had Mark Kuhns CGCS ( President of GCSAA ), Jason Dorn, Dan KilPatrick and Tim Moraghan ( Bal- tusrol GC ), Rick Krok, Nancy DiRienzo, Mike Pastori and Grover Snyder (Paige Electric) and Rick Fritz, Bill Goodrich and Mark Labree ( Bayer ES ) finish in sec­ ond place on their courses. Finishing in third were Steve Craig, Brad Fox, Gordon Kauffman and Joe Kinlin ( Grigg Brothers) Ken Kubik, Scott Bosetti, Tim McAvoy and Mark Mielder ( Grass Roots ) and Dr Mike Agnew, Dr, Bruce Clarke, Steve McDonald and Dr Mike Fidanza ( Syngenta) This last team was an unexpected win­ ner but it proved to be a popular victory. A team with three Ph,D's and one educator is not expected to win anything and the look of surprise on Dr Clarke's face was priceless. I can only imagine what will happen if he ever beats Dr Meyer in their fundraiser contest. The evening ended nicely with most of the field there until the end. They walked out into more rain but they took lots of great memories with them. It is a day not to be missed and hopefully you will join them in 2010. Note: When Dave McGhee reads this I hope he will thank everyone at the course for all of their hard work in making this a success. In particular please thank Doug Graubard for his constant help and for smiling every time I came to him with a change to our players list. Weather like this will always cause disruptions but Doug and the pro-shop were terrific and they need to know we appreciate their professionalism. Finding Opportunities in an Economic Downturn for Landscape and Lawn Care Professionals by Shannon Sked, Branch Manager Board Certified Entomologist (ESA) Certified Turfgrass Professional (PLANET) TruGreen LandCare As a professional organization, NJTA is comprised of various proficient businesses within the greater green industry. And while we, as a combined force, offer benefits for all during times of market downturns, we each face the current economic situation with an de­ gree of uncertainty. We are facing drastic fluctuations in fertilizer costs. We have had to develop creative marketing techniques to try to find our niches. But as a subset of the greater industry, those of us in the land­ scape and lawn care professions are faced with a sales environment unlike anything experienced in decades. We are fortunate to have a variety of services we pro­ vide, and of which we can redirect our focus as the economy adjusts itself. We are malleable in our busi­ ness as our client base adjusts its spending habits ac­ cordingly. From arbor-care and silvaculture to turf management, we have a variety of services to tran­ sition our sales focus as the market demands. This diversity in services offered affords us the great op­ portunity to retain a healthy revenue flow, employ a healthy workforce, and retain healthy bottom line profit percentages; even if our absolute operating profit suffers. As trends toward “green initiatives” become more commonplace, we can alter our opera­ tional programs towards a more sustainable land man­ agement approach. As legislation puts restrictions on products we used to have available in our tool-belt, we are able to utilize this trend and focus our ornamental pest control efforts to market Integrated Pest Man­ agement principles. As clients’ budgetary constraints limit capital improvements, construction projects, and enhancement installations, we can still streamline our service lines to be more focused on general landscape and lawn maintenance. I believe it is critical for us to count our blessings in this respect and find the opportunities available for entrepreneurs to do what we do best; get creative and develop our employees into true professionals. An ex­ ample of using such an opportunity lies in the NJTA Annual Green Expo, where landscape and lawn care professionals have the unique occasion to network and learn key principles that will steer our businesses in a positive direction. Examples of this include: • The Education Sessions: where Rutgers professors and other experts give us the best information avail­ able; as well as safety compliance instruction and pes­ ticide credits - but much more than mere “training” we may be used to receiving. • The Trade Show Floor: where local vendors dis­ play cutting edge technologies available to landscape and lawn care businesses in order to assist us in sell­ ing new services and increasing field productivity through technological advancements. • NEW THIS YEAR: Round-robin discussion tables: where you can directly interface with other profes­ sionals and discuss various topics that are critical to your business - the concept of collective intelligence is the cornerstone of the discussion tables. These are just a few of the great opportunities at the NJTA Annual Green Expo to network and develop tal­ ent afforded to participants yearly. The Green Expo is just one example of how we, as landscape and lawn care entrepreneurs, can find opportunity even among all the concerns related to the current economic condi­ tions. I invite each of you to participate in this year’s show in December. It is just one form of an available opportunity. There are many things we can do collectively, as a sub­ set of the green industry, to help ensure we all thrive as a business without compromising our competitive spirit. I am very interested in hearing your ideas. I offered one here (taking advantage of our own Green Expo and Trade Show right here in NJ) to start the dialogue. If you have any ideas of what we could do as a professional organization to negotiate the cur­ rent economy, please feel free to reach out to me di­ rectly (shannonsked@landcare.com). I will compile your ideas and seek trends, working closely with the Board of Directors and the Expo Committee, in order to ensure we capture best management ideas for our Round-robin discussion tables at the Green Expo. Ad­ ditionally, if there are any forums that we can use to communicate these collective novel concepts, please feel free to make suggestions. Here’s to noticing and taking advantage of opportuni­ ties as they arise in 2009! Rutgers Golf Classic Photo Gallery Some Photos Courtesy of Jim Snow, USGA NJTA’S HALL OF FAME AWARDby Keith Kubik The New Jersey Turfgrass Association’s Hall of Fame Award is “presented annually to a person in recogni­ tion of a continuing lifetime commitment of dedication, service, and achievements contributing to the ad­ vancement of the turfgrass industry of New Jersey.” This award was first given in 1974. As the NJTA nears our 40th anniversary in 2010, we felt it was appropriate to highlight the past winners of our highest award. The following is a reprint from the “New Jersey Turfgrass Association 10th Anniversary Commemorative Book (1980). Wiley Miner (1978) “From his early beginning as a farm boy with a likely potential of becoming a professional in basketball, Wiley Miner gained wide fame as an inventor of time and cost-saving machinery and as a leader in the sod industry. A native of Nebraska, Wiley developed an alfalfa dehydration plant and later invented the master stem crusher; a vertical hammermill used throughout the world. In the early 1960’s, Wiley migrated to New Jersey and organized the Princeton Turf Farms. Reflecting his intense interest and closeness to “soil and plant” his initial 18 acre venture grew to 2,500 acres in Missouri, Maryland, and New Jersey. Wiley also found time to invent and develop a sod harvester which revolutionized the harvesting of sod, spearheaded a Sod Certification Program, and helped organize the Cultivated Sod Association of New Jersey and the American Sod Producers Association; serving as President of both Associations. Wiley Miner also played a viable role as one of the early organizers in the development of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association and served as the Association’s first Treasurer.” Customize your nutrition program AND reduce your budget! Create your own program using Contec DG with the TNT (turf nutrition tool) program calculator. You can download it FREE at www.ContecDG.com. See how you can provide MORE baseline nutrition and reduce your nutrition budget! Contec DG Dispersing Granule Technology Dissolves into the turf within 10 minutes after contact with moisture. • Eliminate mower pickup • No golf ball or shoe pickup • Reduces player downtime Contact Seeton Turf, Fisher & Son Co., Terre Company, or your Andersons territory manager John Pope 215-441-8420 Andersons GOLF PRODUCTS www.ContecDG.com Rutgers Extension Offices & Numbers RCE of Atlantic County (609) 625-0056 RCE of Bergen County (201) 336-6780 RCE of Burlington County (609) 265-2900 RCE of Camden County (856) 566-2900 RCE of Cape May County (609) 465-5115 RCE of Cumberland County (856) 451-2800 RCE of Essex County (973) 228-2210 RCE of Gloucester County (856) 307-6450 RCE of Hudson County RCE of Hunterdon County (908) 788-1339 RCE of Mercer County (609) 989-6830 RCE of Middlesex County (732) 398-5262 RCE of Monmouth County (732) 431-7261 RCE of Morris County (973) 285-8307 RCE of Ocean County (732) 349-1246 RCE of Passaic County (973) 305-5742 RCE of Salem County (856) 769-0090 RCE of Somerset County (908) 526-6293 RCE of Sussex County (973) 948-3040 RCE of Union County (908) 654-9854 RCE of Warren County (908) 475-6505 Please notify the NJTA office if any of the above numbers have changed. Thank you. 973-812-6467 Rutgers Extension Offices & Numbers Rutgers Golf Classic Photo Gallery Ask a Colleague to Join the New Jersey Turfgrass Association -- Pass It On! x E m A d r a C r e t s a : e d o C t i g i D - 3 : e t a D . p x E , r o t c e r i D e v i t u c e x E P M C T A M y d o b a e P , e c e C e c n a n e t n i a M n w a L / e p a c s d n a L r o t a c i l p p A e r a C n w a L e s r u o C f l o G □ s d l e i F c i t e l h t A & s l o o h c S r e i l p p u S / r e r u t c a f u n a M □ n o i t a e r c e R & s k r a P r e c u d o r P d o S y r e t e m e C n o i t a g i r r I □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ ) y t i s r e v i n U , t c e t i h c r A ( l a n o i s s e f o r P M t n e d u t S r e h t O □ r e b m e M ) r e b m e m : l e v e L 1 ( 0 0 l a u d i v i d n I . 5 7 $ r e b m e M ) r e b m e m 1 ( t n e d u t S 0 0 . 0 2 $ □ □ i p h s r e b m e M a t c e l e S e s a e l P 0 0 . 0 5 2 $ r e n t r a P s s e n i s u B ) s r e b m e m 4 o t p U ( 0 0 . 0 6 $ ) . r e n t r a P s s e n i s u B a s a ) s ( r e b m e M ) e r o m r o 5 ( r e n t r a P l a n o i t i d d A s s e n i s u B h c a E d e r e t s i g e r e b t s r i f t s u M ( - - I I I □ □ l a w e n e R w e N i n o i t a c i l n o i t a i c o s s A s s a r g f r u T y e s r e J w e N p p A p h s r e b m e M 9 0 0 2 t s e b h c i h w : n o i s s e f o r p y r o g e t a c e n o k c e h C r u o y s e b i r c s e d s e c i v r e S r o s t c u d o r P s e d i v o r P y n a p m o C s s e n i s u B t s i L r u o Y : p i Z a s i V ) A T J N o t e l b a y a p ( k c e h C n o i t a m r o f n I t n e m y a P : r e b m u N t n u o c c A : t n u o c c A n o e m a N : e r u t a n g i S d e z i r o h t u A : n o i t u b i r t n o C n o i t a d n u o F s s a r g f r u T J N : s e u D A T J N : * n o i t u b i r t n o C ) . e l b i t c u d e d - n o n s i : d e s o l c n E t n u o m A n o i t r o p s i h T * ( l a t o T e v i t a i t i n I e v i t a l s i g e L g r o . s s a r g f r u t j n . w w w 9 2 5 6 - 2 1 8 ) 3 7 9 ( : o t x a F g r o . s s a r g f r u t j n @ r o t c e r i d c e x e : l i a : e t i S b e W ) y l r a e l C t n i r P e s a e l P ( n o i t a m r o f n I l a u d i v i d n I / y n a p m o C y e s r e J w e N s s a r g f r u T n o i t a c o s s A i : e t a t S : x a F : e n o h P : l i a M - E : e m a N r e b m e M y r a m i r P : e m a N y n a p m o C : s s e r d d A : y t i C : e l t i T M - E : x a F : x a F : x a F : p i Z , e t a t S , y t i C : l i a M - E : s s e r d d A : e n o h P : e m a N . 2 : s : s l i e a r d d A - E M : p i Z , e t a t S , y t i C : e n o h P : l i a M - E : e m a N . 3 : p i Z , e t a t S , y t i C : s s e r d d A : e n o h P t s e W 6 4 1 0 8 6 - 0 7 4 7 0 7 6 4 6 - 2 1 8 ) 3 7 9 ( : e n o h P y a w h g i H S U 5 2 J N e n y a W : o t l i a M n o i t a m r o f n I r e b m e M l a n o i t i d d A r e n t r a P . s r e b m e m e r o m r o f t e e h s r e h t o n a e s U s s e n i s u B : e m a N . 1 Rutgers Turfgrass Research FIELD DAYS August 4 & 5, 2009 Be there! SIGN UP FOR FIELD DAYS! USE THIS FORM, WATCH YOUR MAIL, OR REGISTER ONLINE. 2009 RUTGERS TURFGRASS RESEARCH FIELD DAYS Mail Check (Payable to ‘NJTA’) to: 25 US Hwy 46 W, Wayne NJ 07470 Fax this form with Credit Card Info or Purchase Order # to: (973) 812-6529 Call if Questions: (973) 812-6467 • Click to register: www.njtirfgrass.org NJTA Use Only: Date Received: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Golf and Fine Turf Day Hort. Farm II 102 Ryders Lane, North Brunswick, NJ ** No entry to Farm until 7:00 a.m.** 7:30 AM 8:00 -8:30 AM 9:00 AM 1:00 PM 1:00 -2:00 PM 2:00 -2:30 PM 2:30 PM Optional Early Bird Optional Registration Open Core Session 1st 80 to sign in Tours Begin Tours End Lunch Core Session Repeat of 8 AM Field Day Ends Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Lawn, Landscape & Sports Field Day SFMANJ Trade Show & Equipment Demos Adelphia Research Farm 594 Halls Mill Road, Freehold, NJ **Vendors can arrive at 6:30 a.m.** 7:30 AM Visit Vendors Registration & Trade Show Open 9:00 AM 1:00 PM 1:00 -2:00 PM 2:00 - 2:30 PM Optional Core Session 2:30 PM Field Day Ends Tours & Equipment Demos Begin Tours & Demos End Lunch BOTH DAYS: Pesticide Recertification and GCSAA Education Credits Offered REGISTRATION FEES Each Day (Tuesday or Wednesday) **Onsite Registration or Postmarked After 7/17/09 Before 7/17/09 EARLY Non-Member Registration: $ 50 Before 7/17/09 EARLY Member ** Registration: $ 40 After 7/17/09 or OnSite Non-Member Registration: $ 65 After 7/17/09 or OnSite Member ** Reqistration: $ 55 * * This includes the following associations: New Jersey Turfgrass Assn, Sports Field Mgrs Assn of NJ, Golf Course Superintendents Assn of NJ, NJ Landscape Contractors Assn, Cultivated Sod Growers Assn of NJ, NJ Nursery Landscape Assn. Membership is subject to verification. Check which association you are a member of: □ NJTA □ SFMANJ □ GCSANJ □ NJLCA □ CSGANJ □ NJNLA Circle Which Day(s) Attending: BOTH DAYS TUESDAY ONLY WEDNESDAY ONLY Member OnSite or After 7/17 EARLY Member x $ 40 Each Day x $ 55 Each Day EARLY Non-Member x $ 50 Each Day Non-Member OnSite or after 7/17 x $ 65 Each Day EARLY Order Rutgers Hat x $ 10 Each OnSite or After 7/17 Rutgers Hat x $ 15 Each 2009 Individual NJTA Membership x $ 75 Each Use this box to add your total from all separate lines. TOTAL MONIES DUE FIELD DAYS REGISTRATION INFORMATION PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY • FIELD DAYS will be held Rain or Shine. Register ONLINE at www.njturfgrass.org * Use ONE Form for no more than 2 Attendees. Today’s Date: First & Last Name/s: (1) Company: Address: City: Phone: **E-mail for Confirmation:. (2) Fax: State: Zip: ** We need your email to send confirmation and directions, plus any updates and future events. Thanks very much. p R O G R A M F E E S R E G I S T R A T I O N Payment: Total Amount Enclosed: $ Check # Account Number: Exp. Date (MM/YY): Name on Account: Billing Address: Authorized Signature: Credit Card? □ Visa □ Mastercard □ American Express Security Code: *AII registration fees are non-refundable. Purchase Order # Purchase Orders must be signed by NJTA. Send PO or Voucher with registration form. Billing Zip Code: Meet a Board Member... Dennis Granahan After graduating from the University of Maryland’s Turfgrass and Golf Course Management Program in 1997, I started my career in golf course maintenance at the Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, NJ as an assistant. From there I moved to The Country Club in Brookline, MA and then to the Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY. I finally broke the ranks as a superintendent at Navesink Country Club in the winter of 2006. Some career highlights include the opportunity to work closely with PGA officials to elevate the Westchester Country Club to PGA standards for the annual Barclays Classic tournament and help prepare Echo Lake Country Club for the 1999 New Jersey State Open. Prior to pursuing my desired career path, I was employed in the Economics Department of the U.S. Labor Department. In 1991, I received an economics degree (earth and environmental sciences minor) in 1991 from Wilkes University. Moreover, serving in the National Guard between 1989 and 1995, helped me develop the leadership skills that have carried over to my current career. I currently reside in Lincroft, NJ, with my wife Raquel (a.k.a. Rocky) and two sons - Reily Paul and Owen Manius. When We Meet, We Change Our World New Jersey GREEN EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference Meetings are the birthplaces of ideas, the drivers of business results, the connecting points for people, and the catalysts for sparks of innova­ tion. Attendees and Vendors continually experience the positive return on investment when attending well-conceived, strategically-executed meetings. Be part of one - the 34th Annual GREEN EXPO in December. At the 2009 GREEN EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference, we’ll demonstrate ways to enhance the value of your business. Through compelling educational content and vibrant trade show connec­ tions, you’ll quickly discover that your world will change and what you do is essential to the success of your turf and landscape business. SAVE THE DATES! December 8-10, 2009 Atlantic City, NJ CALENDAR 2009 NJTA Events Monday, May 4, 2009 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day 1 Golf and Fine Turf Hort Farm II, New Brunswick NJ Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day 2 Lawn, Landscape & Sports Fields Adelphia Farm, Freehold NJ Tuesday, December 8th - Thursday December 10, 2009 34th Annual Green Expo Taj Mahal Resort Atlantic City NJ Additional Events Tuesday, November 10 - Thursday November 12, 2009 6th Annual GCSANJ Crystal Conference Crystal Springs Resort Hamburg NJ For info: www.gcsanj.org GARDEN STATE GOLF Magazine & Divot Communication Proudly Support New Jersey Turfgrass Association Official Magazine of New Jersey Turfgrass Association For Advertising Information Contact Us - 800-639-1941 www.playnortheastgolf.com new jersey turfgrass association New Jersey Turfgrass Association 25 US Highway 46 W • Wayne, NJ 07470-6801 Phone (973) 812-6467 • Fax (973) 812-6536 Email: execdirector@njturfgrass.org • Website: www.njturfgrass.org 2009 Board of Directors Dr. Karen Plumley, President Keith Kubik, Vice President Matt Sweatlock, Treasurer Shaun Barry, Director Patrick Dolan, Director Brian Feldman, Director Dennis Granahan, Director Rick Krok, Director Pedro Perdomo, Director Thom Ritchie, Director Shannon Sked, Director Michelle Williams, Director Chris Carson, Immediate Past President & Expo Chairman Dr. Bruce Clarke, Advisor Dr. Jim Murphy, Advisor Richard Buckley, Advisor Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP, Executive Director