new jersey turfgrass association Clippings & Green World Summer 2010 | VOL 76 njta A CONFERENCE and EXPO DEDICATED TO THE GREEN INDUSTRY PROFESSION Celebrating 40 Years of Partnership with Rutgers University New Jersey GREEN EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference December 7-9, 2010 Trump Taj Mahal • Atlantic City, NJ 35th Annual www.njturfgrass.org CLIPPINGS is just the place to showcase your business listing. Contact the NJTA office today... (973 ) 812-6467 New Jersey Turfgrass Association AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Kevin P. Collins Surfactants,’'Innovative Products for Effective Resource Management” 37 Oneonta Road Carmel, NY 10512 Ph: 609-841-2077 Fx: 845-228-1728 Kevin.Collins@aquatrols.com COOMBS SOD FARMS, INC. John Coombs Sod - Bluegrass, Bluegrass Low Mow, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue 84 Route 77 Elmer, NJ 08318 Ph: 856-358-4763 Fx: 856-358-3612 coombsfarms@yahoo.com LEBANON TURF Dennis Smith Fertilizer, Grass Seed, Biostimulants, Organics 586 Park Road Bangor, PA 18013 Ph: 610-599-1998 Fx: 610-599-1999 dsmith@lebanonturf.com SYNGENTA Lee Kozsey Manufacturer of Plant Protection Products 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020 Ph: 215-796-0409 fx: 610-882-9358 lee.kozsey@syngenta.com TURF TRADE Kevin Grundlock, Alan Phillips Fertilizer, Seed, Plant Protectants, Ice Melt 517 Franklinville Road Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 Ph: 856-478-6704 Fx: 856-478-0842 kgrundlock@theturftrade.com aphillips@theturftrade.com P A T R O N D I R E C T O R Y Tell our readers who you are and what you do only $100 www.njturfgrass.org President’s Message by Keith Kubik, NJTA President On August 12, a joint hearing was held by the State Assembly and Senate Environmental Com­ mittees at the Toms River Municipal Building. The four bills discussed at the meeting were designed to reduce pollution in New Jersey’s bodies of water, specifically Barnegat Bay. The bills addressed storm water runoff, soil erosion, and turfgrass fertilizers. I was honored to be part of a panel asked to testify on the fertilizer preemption bills in front of the Senators and Assemblymen on behalf of the turfgrass indus­ try. The panel included golf course superintendents, lawn care operators, large manufacturers, local blenders, wholesale and retail suppliers, and others looking to be heard. The panel from the industry did not argue against a fertilizer preemption bill. Assemblyman McKeon pointed out that the industry has shown a history of working for the environment as evidenced by our voluntary reduction of phosphorus in fertilizers by 70%. The issues we addressed were meant to point out some of the probable unintended conse­ quences, both agronomic and economic, based on the way the bills were written. During my testimony, I focused on the NJTA’s sup­ port of the Rutgers Best Management Practices for Nutrient Management of Turf in New Jersey. The NJTA has long supported Rutgers research. In addi­ tion to supporting the science, the NJTA makes sure our members have the opportunity to learn about what was discovered. We accomplish this through our educational opportunities at GREEN EXPO, the Rutgers Field Days and the Rutgers Research Golf Classic. The New Jersey Turfgrass Association made it clear that we did not want to see good agro­ nomic practices legislated away. Table of Contents Clippings 2010 NJTA Patron Directory President’s Message From the Executive Director Field Days 2010 Wrap Up Brief Review - Golf Classic Contractor’s Home Improvement Act Turf Expo to Offer Powerful Line-Up Expo Registration Form: Attendees Rutgers Professor: Dr. Richard llnicki, PhD NJTA Membership Application Rutgers County Extension Contacts Calendar of Events 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 13 14 17 19 19 Green World Some Like It Hot: Ramblngs on the Summer of 2010 in the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory Richard J. Buckley, Director Plant Diagnostic Lab 6 Please keep us informed of any changes to your member profile (Company/Address/Email) Call/Email/Mail... NJTA 25 US Highway 46 West Wayne NJ 07470-6801 (973) 812-6467 execdirector@njturfgrass.org 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 The second part of my testimony referenced the New Jersey Tufgrass Industry Economic Survey from Rutgers NJAES. Each Senator and Assem­ blyman was provided with a copy of the survey. I expressed concerns that the NJTA had with the potential unintended economic impacts of the bills on the turfgrass industry. I highlighted the fact that the survey found that the turfgrass in­ dustry contributed over $3.2 billion to the state’s economy and provided almost 54,000 jobs. My expectation going into this meeting was that we would be allowed to speak and then be asked politely to return to our seats. Much to my surprise, the legislators asked the panel several questions. The dialogue indicated to me a desire on their part to get the bills as close to perfect as possible. When the time came to vote on the fertilizer preemption bills, two Senators and two Assemblymen abstained from the vote because of potential gaps in the legislation. Another two Senators and two Assemblymen voted the bills through committee, but stated that changes had to be made before a vote is called for on the As­ sembly and Senate floors. This was a small vic­ tory. The NJTA will continue to monitor the situation and update our members as information be­ comes available. READY TO..? by Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP, NJTA Executive Director The 35th Green Expo is just a few weeks away....December 7 - 9, 2010. Are you ready to... > Learn and Earn > Network > Socialize with Friends > Talk to Vendors at the Trade Show New Jersey GREEN EXPO This conference and trade show is a premiere turfgrass event where you can ‘learn and earn’ pesticide credits at the many sessions. Turf and Landscape Conference The registration packet should now be in your hands... (and we’ve even enclosed the form in this issue of Clip­ pings). Fill it out now and get ready to be there. Or go online to our website and use the online registration form. Save some money if you’re already a 2010 NJTA member — plus you can even renew for 2011 on the form. If you are not a current member of NJTA, you can join with your registration (come for 3-days and your membership is included) and still take advantage of the member discount. I hope to see all of you there!! EASTERN IRRIGATION & PUMP COMPANY Servicing the Golf Course Industry Parts and award-winning service throughout the tri-state area and New England Glenmoore, Pennsylvania P: 610.942.2210 F: 610.942.9556 www.eipgolf.com Field Days 2010 Wrap-up - Solid Field Days this year by Pedro Perdomo In the past several years we have had a temperature spike right around the time of the Field Days, but we were able to hold our registrations numbers at a good level. This year, well let’s just say that I thought the extend­ ed blistering heat and lack of rain would cause our numbers to drop significantly. 1 guess the program that has been put together at Rutgers has great value to the attendees because our numbers barely changed. Also, it just goes to show the professionalism of our attendees. We did get a little bit of rain before the event that helped green up the plots and make that disease stand out. The grin on Dr. Bruce Clarke lets you know that there was alot to talk about. The equipment show at Adelphia was also well received this year. Thank you to all the Rutgers speakers and the vendors that dem­ onstrated equipment. Vendor support was solid as well. We changed the sponsorship set up this year and received several more sponsors with the new program. Sponsoring at the highest level this year were Storr Tractor and Grass Roots, two long time supporters of the Association. For their continued dedication to the association I thank them. Vic Gerard Golf Cars also donated the use of their beverage cars and people movers which definitely make the day run a little smoother. Thank you. And let’s not forget the other vendors that spon­ sored the event, including Davisson Golf, Inc., DuPont Professional Products, Harrell’s, Syngen­ ta, Wilfred MacDonald. Thank you all for believing in the value of the field days. How many of you were aware that we had a Silent Auction? We still need to do a little work on this one to improve participation, but we made $2,000.00+ for the Rutgers Turfgrass Foundation. Next year we will try to get a few more items in a wider variety of prod­ uct types to see if we can’t get everyone involved. So make sure you look for the silent auction when you register next year. Companies donating to the silent auction this year included: Bayer ES, Syngenta, Biobasics, RBA Group, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab, OCPE, Cleary Chemicals, and John Deere. Thank you for supporting the silent auction. I was out sick during a good portion of the prepara­ tions for this year and it is quite evident that special care was taken to insure that all details were account­ ed for. Maybe I can just sit back with a margarita next year. Cece, thanks for making the field days such a smooth process. A special thanks goes out to the farm supervisors George Zimienski and Bill Dickson and their crews for once again making sure that everything went well. Several Master Gardener volunteers were also on hand to assist with parking, drive the beverage carts, and to serve as tour leaders. Last but not least, I also want to thank you all for attending this year’s event and I look forward to see­ ing all of you again next year. It seems like we’ll never get a field day when the temperatures are in the low 80’s, but at least we can share the day listening to the latest and greatest treatments and innovations and compare notes over a hamburger or sausage sand­ wich. njta Green World Some Like It Hot: Ramblings on the Summer of 2010 in the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory Richard J. Buckley, Director, Plant Diagnostic Laboratory NJAES, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Rutgers University Applied Turfgrass Research from Rutgers, the State University, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association The summer of 2010 is in the books and will go down as one of my favorites. I love to bake in the sun. I grew up in a house without air-conditioning and spent my summer days with my teacher parents roasting like a rock lobster on the Delaware beaches. The summer of 2010 was good for me - hot and dry. The summer of 2010 was also good for the Plant Di­ agnostic Laboratory (good for me too!), which means 2010 was not so good for grass. In July and August alone, the laboratory evaluated over 900 turfgrass samples for disease and insect pest diagnosis. Ev­ ery year we see an assortment of diseases and insect pests in the turf samples. It is part of the fun of work­ ing in a diagnostic facility. This year was no excep­ tion - we had something for everybody at one point or another this summer. We diagnosed a myriad of diseases including all those caused by the fungi Py- thium and Rhizoctonia; summer patch and take-all; dollar spot, copper spot, anthracnose, gray leaf spot and fairy ring. Bacterial wilt and “mad tiller” disease were interesting manifestations on golf courses, but all in all, the primary problem this summer was heat stress. Heat stress occurs typically for cool season grass­ es above about 86°F and comes in two forms. In­ direct heat stress is when the temperatures slowly rise above and then remain above optimal tempera­ tures for turfgrass for prolonged periods of time. This chronic stress condition impacts the plant’s physi­ ological processes and metabolic functions to the point of plant injury or death. Typical symptoms of indirect heat stress include a gradual loss of root bio­ mass and a subsequent yellowing and thinning of the canopy. Direct or acute heat stress is when turfgrass are subjected to sufficiently high heat to immediately cause cell death. Acute heat stress is normally of short duration, but results in significant physical injury to the plant. At high temperatures cell membranes rupture and proteins and cellular enzymes are de­ natured. Typical symptoms of acute heat stress can include yellowing and thinning of the turf area like we find with indirect heat stress, but most often results in rapid death of large turf areas. Individual plants are tan and appear water-soaked due to the rupture of the cell membranes. The tan color is distinct - like sunburn on a pepper in your garden - and the water soaking is similar to the look of spinach wilting in a frying pan. The summer of 2010 had both. Starting in April we have seen temperatures in New Jersey exceed their monthly averages. We had the warmest April and June; the 6th warmest May and the 2nd warmest July. All in all, 8 of the last 12 months have been warmer than normal. The critical period of indirect heat stress began in earnest in June. By April 6th this year, however, we already had the first day above the 86°F threshold. In fact, we had maximum tempera­ tures above 86°F three days in April, seven days in May, and 19 days in June. And according to climate summaries by the New Jersey State Climatologist, Dr. David Robinson, on his website: In July alone, 23 days had maximum temperatures that equaled or exceeded 90°F; twelve of those days temperatures of 95°F or higher was reached, and from July 4th-7th the century mark was hit or topped. In New Bruns­ wick, NJ it was 105°F on July 6th, which tied the mark for July 6, 1999. July 6, 1999 has always been a day of infamy for the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab. If you’ve been in my classes over the years, you’ve probably heard me mention it. We received 140 turf samples over the next two days that we diagnosed with acute heat stress. Something similar happened again this year and the lab did not slow down un­ til mid-September. Almost makes you want to plant some Zoysia! ...continued on page 7 Some Like It Hot: Ramblings on the Summer of 2010 in the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab­ oratory Richard J. Buckley, Director, Plant Diagnostic Laboratory NJAES, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Rutgers University Obviously, acute heat stress hurts golf turf more than landscape turf. Short cut grass with smaller root sys­ tems just can’t take it as well as taller turf with more well developed roots. In the landscape, tall fescue handled the heat the best this season and in many situations the Kentucky bluegrasses did OK too. Ca­ sual observations of many landscape areas indicate that much of the fine fescues and perennial ryegrass­ es were killed off along with the annual bluegrass in the golf turf samples we saw in the lab. As for disease in the summer of 2010, I already stat­ ed that we saw some of everything. We always see at least one or two examples of every disease every year. The “real disease” theme this summer; how­ ever, was the number of summer patch samples we diagnosed. With summer patch, like all diseases, we look to the weather for clues as to why it was so bad. Summer patch is a root-infecting disease. The fun­ gus Magnaporthe poae that causes summer patch lives on the roots of mostly healthy grasses. If soil conditions favor fungal growth, the infection proceeds and spreads from root to root, which causes the roots to dysfunction. Healthy plants can tolerate some dis­ ease activity, but eventually the loss of root function causes the plants to weaken. Outside environmental stresses ultimately knock off the weak plants and we finally recognize the disease as distinct patches or rings of dead grass. Magnaporthe poae grows best when soil tempera­ tures are between 65oF and 82oF. During most sea­ sons in New Jersey, the window for fungal growth begins in the spring around mid-May. This year, and despite the warmth of late winter and early-spring, soil temperatures started to peak above the 65oF thresh­ old right on time. The other variable that the fungus needs to succeed is adequate soil moisture. We all witnessed first hand the lack of rain that accompanied the heat this summer. The departures from normal Green World njta rainfall amounts officially began in April, so one would assume that means dry soils too. However, once again, according to climate summaries by the New Jersey State Climatologist, Dr. David Robinson, on his website; March was the wettest on record, as was the 12-month period ending with March. This period of extreme wetness provided a substantial cushion in terms of full reservoirs, abundant ground water and above average stream flow at the onset of this dry growing season. In other words, proper soil tempera­ tures and plenty of soil moisture for fungal growth. So the fungus that causes summer patch had a good year, which means one should expect a lot of disease. Not always - excellent environmental conditions for a fungus don’t always mean we are going to see loads of disease. In fact, in the mid-Atlantic and northeast region, Magnaporthe poae almost always has a good spring, but we don’t always have a lot of summer patch. The thing that makes this season different was the heat. For summer patch to occur - and we are talking summer patch the disease, which means patches of dead grass - we need external stresses to burden and kill the infected plants with their dysfunc­ tional root systems. The summer of 2010 was very, very good for the disease indeed. An extended pe­ riod of indirect heat stress and several days of acute heat in July was just what the doctor ordered What do we do now? Renovate! Turf areas dam­ aged by heat stress should be/have been seeded or sodded by now. The best practices for renovation is a topic for another article, but I will say that when renovating a turf area, choose the best seed or sod available. Pick a species suited to your site condition and intended use and then choose improved variet­ ies with good heat and drought tolerance as well as disease and insect pest resistance. ...continued on pg 15 2010 Field Day Pictures... • People • Plots • Picnic • Sponsors • Signs • A Brief Review of the Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic by Shaun Barry Ayous read this, the 2010 Rutgers Turfgrass Golf Classic will be a fond memory of a great day. This fundraiser happens every year and next year’s event will be held on May 2, 2011. We will once again re­ turn to Fiddler's Elbow and we hope to exceed the 300 golfers we had this past May. The reason for this article is to share with you the final results from that event. While our revenue has dipped the past 2 years, we are still very successful. The reason for that success is you. Your support and attendance makes this ‘a day not to be missed’ if your world revolves around the turfgrass industry. Rutgers is one of the leading universities when it comes to turfgrass research and the generosity from the indus­ try influences their ability to keep the people and pro­ grams in place to make that success happen. We are all aware of the devastating effect cutbacks can do to an industry. The state has been forced to make cuts at Rutgers but the impact has been lessened because you made a difference. We raised $91,770.85 and every penny of those dollars are ear-marked for the turfgrass program. When you support the Golf Classic you know where your money will go. It helps Rutgers help you do your job. This may be the best investment that you can make every year.. Thanks very much for your support and I hope you will be able to join us again in 2011. The Contractors Home Improvement Act: Are You in Compliance? by Thom Ritchie, NJ CTE#325, CNLP#135 Thomas E. Ritchie Landscaping, Freehold, NJ Contracts are required on all work in excess of $500 and must contain: A list of materials that will be used on the project • Dates when work is to begin and end. • All fees and payment schedules. • • Warrantees. The phone number of The NJ Office of Consumer Af­ • fairs for customers to report any complaints they might have with a contractor (1-800-242-5846). • to cancellation of the contract (see below). The following statement of consumer rights with regard Notice to Consumer You may cancel this contract at any time before midnight of the third business day after receiving a copy of this contract. If you wish to cancel this contract, you must either: Send a signed and dated written notice of cancellation 1. by registered or certified mail, return receipt required: or 2. cancellation to: Personally deliver a signed and dated written notice of (Name of Contractor) (Address of Contractor) (Phone Number of Contractor) “If you cancel this contract within the three-day period, you are entitled to a full refund. Refunds must be made within 30 days of the contractor s receipt of the cancellation notice. These requirements do not apply to work done on your own prop­ erty, a relative's property, or on the property of a charity or non­ profit organization. The HIC Act also does not apply to other individuals or businesses that are certified, registered and have a required license by a different state agency for their work. This includes Landscape Architects, Licensed Tree Experts, Electri­ cal Contractors and Irrigation Contractors, as long as they are working within the scope of their profession. These requirements also do not apply to any person who is employed by a Public Utility, Community Association or Cooperative Corporation. However, if any of these people do work outside of the scope of their exemption, they would be required to then be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor. For example, an Irrigation Contractor can ’t do planting, build retaining walls or install a paver walk without complying with this act. ...continued on pg 15 On May 13, 2004 the Contractors Home Improvement Act (A 2052) was signed into law by Governor James E. McGreevey and took effect January 1, 2006. It includes many landscaping practices on residential or non commercial properties. As a Landscape Contractor, are we all in compliance with this act? I am a second generation landscape contractor going into my thirty-sixth year in my own business. I have seen many changes in the industry during that time. I still love what I do and hope to continue until someone plants me in the ground one day. These are not easy times in our industry as we continue to deal with increasing economic challenges and a seemingly unending stream of regulations. Since you obviously do not want to be hit with steep fines for not complying with current regulations, I think that it is important to review some of the things that land­ scape contractors need to remember to stay in compliance with the Contractors Home Improvement Act. Failure to comply could be very costly to you and your business. So be aware of the rules and do all that you can to be a professional. Register and renew their registration annually with The Under the provisions of the Contractors Home Improvement Act, all Landscape Contractors are required to: • NJ Office of Consumer Affairs. • minimum coverage of $500,000 per incident. • Registration Fee every year before the end December. • tor (HIC) Registration Number: Pay the Application Fee and pay the Annual License Show proof of Commercial Liability Insurance with a Display the state-issued Home Improvement Contrac­ - In your place of business. - In all advertisements, including classified ads, telephone directories and signs. - In all business documents; contracts, business cards, invoices and correspondence. - On all commercial vehicles. Turf Expo to Offer Powerful Lineup...and More by Chris Carson, Expo General Chairman Turf Expo 2010 will be held on December 7, 8 and 9 at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Atlantic City, and the Show Committee has been hard at work making sure that there is a lot to offer for all members of the turf­ grass community. The education program has been expanded from years past with more information -and more pesticide recertification credits- than ever before. After this extraordinarily difficult year, the program will place heavy emphasis on discussing what went wrong in 2010, and what to do to prevent similar problems in the future. Sessions will be offered on all three days that are sure to interest turf managers from all of the management disciplines, with special emphasis on sports turf, lawn and landscape, and golf course management. A few of the highlights: Tuesday, December 7 Two and a half (2 1/2) hours of core pesticide credits start off the day, and the afternoon breakout sessions will address many of your concerns, includ­ ing weed and insect control strategies for the sports and lawn/landscape professionals. For the golf turf manager, you’ll not want to miss St. Andrew’s Gor­ don Moir discussing The Open Championship of 2010, or the USGA’s Mike Davis presentation on the US Open at Pebble Beach, or the in depth presenta­ tion by USGA agronomists on lessons learned in “The Endless Summer” of 2010. The trade show has been moved to Tuesday after­ noon, from 4:00-7:30, and, in response to your many requests, has been moved upstairs to the Grand Ball­ rooms next to the education rooms. Don’t forget the hospitality rooms sponsored by several of our trade show partners that are a social highlight of Expo... they’ve been moved to Tuesday night as well! Wednesday, December 8 You asked that we eliminate the General Ses­ sion and offer more targeted education, and that’s just what we’ve done. This morning will offer three sepa­ rate breakout sessions, including an in-depth discus­ sion on native area management on golf courses (and a repeat visit from St. Andrew’s Gordon Moir, who will discuss managing a links golf course). For Sports and Landscape attendees, specific and immediately useful information will be presented based on the feedback you’ve given us over the past several years. The Trade Show will be from 11:30-2:30, and lunch will once again be provided on the show floor, along with several education opportunities as well. In the afternoon, important talks on disease, insect and weed issues will be presented, targeted for your par­ ticular area of interest. For example, for the landscape specialists, woodboring insect pests will be looked at, as will the “Top 5 weed problems”. In golf, fungicide programs and nematode issues will be discussed, and an important session on Annual Bluegrass Weevil re­ sistance will be presented. The most anticipated social activity of the show for golf attendees, the Grass Roots Mix and Mingle so­ cial, has moved to Wednesday night. Thursday, December 9 We are offering an exceptionally valuable pro­ gram today: Dr. Bruce Clarke will lead a group of dis­ tinguished experts in a four-hour program titled “The Summer of 2010 Revisited: What Can be Done to Keep Turf Alive and Diseases in Check During Extreme Summer Weather”. This group of interna­ tionally known scientists will be looking at a variety of problems that plagued us this summer, and surely if you are involved in golf course management you will want to attend! ...Continued on pg 12 Turf Expo to Offer Powerful Line­ up...and More ...CONTINUED For the Lawn and Landscape professional, one of your all-time favorite speakers is Rich Buckley, and he and colleague Sabrina Tirpak will be presenting a special four-hour program called “Buckley’s Boot Camp”, which will investigate disease and insect pests of turf and ornamentals, especially those that plagued us in 2010. Expo 2010 will end as it started, with a special core credit session. Two hours will be dedicated specifically to this important topic (1:00-3:00), which will allow you to refresh your knowledge of critical pesticide safety is­ sues and to gain four core credits needed to maintain your applicator’s license. The Expo brochure will be in your hands soon, and also will be online at www.njturfgrass.org. We’ve negotiat­ ed great hotel rates, so why not make your reservation soon, before our room block is filled? All of us at NJTA are looking forward to seeing you in December in Atlantic City for great education, a packed trade show, and fun social activities. It’s a big part of the tradition of our Association... and we’ll be official­ ly celebrating the 40th anniversary of NJTA’s founding as well! Hall of Fame Winners... Framed Photos from the Geiger Center were lined up around the center area on the Trade Show Floor. Joseph Bianco Now and Then... Ken Kubik Now and Then... Dennis DeSanctis Sr. Now and Then... GREEN EXPO 2010 New Jersey GREEN EXPO Turf and Landscape Conference ATTENDEE registration form December 7, 8, 9, 2010 Trump Taj Mahal Casino & Resort • Atlantic City, NJ The New Jersey Turfgrass Association (NJTA) proudly presents the New Jersey GREEN EXPO Turf & Landscape Conference, in cooperation with the: Rutgers University/School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), Golf Course Superintendents Association of NJ (GCSANJ), Sports Field Managers Association of NJ (SFMANJ). ATTENDEE INFORMATION Use this form for yourself and your spouse. Duplicate this form for additional registrants, and provide complete information for each registrant. Thank you. Download additional forms at www.njturfgrass.org. REGISTRATION CHOICES Wednesday, November 17,2010 is final date to register using this form. After this date, you must register ONSITE at the GREEN EXPO Registration Desks. Did you attend the 2009 Expo? YES NO • There is NO Trade Show on Thursday Food Functions include: Lunch on Tuesdav: Dinner at Trade Show Tuesday & Lunch at Trade Show Wednesday. Other Receptions & Hospitality Suites - By Invitation MEMBER NON-MEMBER RATE RATE TOTAL FEE Today’s DATE Name (print clearly) Company Name Title Mailing Address City Ph # E-mail Confirmation sent via email Spouse Name: (print clearly) THREE (3) DAYS: Education, Trade Show, Food $ 280* Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (*Non-Member Rate includes (1) Membership for 2011) $ 200 State Zip Code Fax # TWO (2) DAYS: Education, Trade Show, Food Which Days? Tues Weds Thurs (No Trade Show) $ 150 $ 200 ONE (1) DAY: Education, Trade Show, Food Which Day? Tues Weds Thurs (No Trade Show) $ 100 $125 SPOUSE BADGE: (Entire Event) $ 50 $ 75 Spouse Name $ $ $ $ $ $ BUSINESS CATEGORY Tell us What Category BEST fits your Business: Lawn Maintenance Lawn Care Applicator Landscape Contractor Landscape Designer Manufacturer/Supplier Other Professional (Architect, University) Golf Course Cemetery Sod Producer Parks & Recreation Irrigation Schools & Athletic Fields Student HOTEL RESERVATIONS $74.00 Room Rates in Taj Tower or $94.00 in Chairman Tower. Make Hotel Reservations by calling Trump Taj Mahal Casino-Resort directly or booking online yourself (NEW). Call 1-(800)825-8888 and provide GROUP Code ATURF10. Cut-off date for discounted rates is November 17. 2010. Reservations made after this date are based on space availability and prevailing hotel rates. Make Hotel reservations online using the link below: https:resweb.passkey.com/go/NJTurfgrass2010Attendee 2011 NJTA MEMBERSHIP 2011 New Jersey Turfgrass Association Membership Year: January 1,2011 - December 31,2011 Are you a: NEW or RENEWAL Member? Indiv (1) Member @ $80.00 □ □ Business or Golf Club Membership @ $275.00 (Up to 4 names) Student @$20.00 Name 1. Name 2. Name 3. Name 4. Email Email Email Email TRADE SHOW ONLY: (Includes Food & Core Sessions on trade Show Floor) $ 90 $ 50 All Attendees BOTH TUES AND WEDS All Attendees TUES OR WEDS Which Day/s? Tuesday Wednesday $ 90 $ 50 TOTALS: registrations & membership $ TOTAL REGISTRATIONS TOTAL NJTA MEMBERSHIPS $ TOTAL DUE $ Payment Information: Please Print Clearly Check. Check Number # Purchase Order # Credit Card: Visa MasterCard AMEX (include paperwork) Card No. Expiration Date (Month/Year) Security Code: *3 digit security number on back *Payment cannot be processed without these security code numbers. Billing Address (# only if different) Zip Cardholder’s Name X Signature. CHECK: Make Payable to NJTA • CREDIT CARD: Fax, Register Online, or Mail Rutgers CPE Code. New Jersey Turfgrass Association 25 US Hwy 46 W, Wayne, New Jersey 07470-6801 Phone: (973) 812-6467 • Fax: (973) 812-6529 F.E.I.N.: 23-7453656 Web: www.njturfgrass.org • Email: execdirector@njturfgrass.org Register Online at: www.njturfgrass.org Final Deadline Date for Receipt of this Registration Form is November 17, 2010. After this date, everyone must register ONSITE. Cancellations received prior to November 17, 2010 will be assessed a $50 cancellation/processing fee. We regret that NO REFUNDS will be granted after November 17, 2010. Register Online: www.njturfgrass.org MAIL TOP COPY to GREEN EXPO Office • KEEP SECOND COPY • Date Received: DR. RICHARD D. ILNICKI, PHD - A Rutgers Professor Reprinted from Daily Record and Home News Tribune Dr. Richard D. Ilnicki, PhD, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, died on Friday October 8, 2010 at his home, after a long illness, with his family at his side. He was 82 years old. Dr. Ilnicki was bom in Proctor, Vermont and has lived in South Brunswick since 1932. He graduated with a BS in Plant Science from Rutgers University in 1949, and received his MS in Agronomy and Plant Physiology in 1951 from Rutgers. He completed his doctorate in Agronomy and Weed Science in 1955 from Ohio State University. He then began his career as an agronomist with the US Army. He was hired by Rutgers University in 1958 and, after a 33 year career, retired as Research Professor of Weed Science. He was a former chairman of the Weed Science Society of America as well as former chairman and past president of the Northeastern Weed Science Society. He was a professor at Rutgers courses at Cook College up to and University and taught many Agronomy served on many Cook College Com- following his retirement in 1997. He proud of having graduated 23 suc­ mittees. He loved teaching and was most cessful PhD students, 15 MS students, and 3 Post-Doctoral students who Two who were most outstanding have gone on to have successful careers. were Dr. Prasert Chitipong of Thailand, i who became President of Songkhla University and later served the Sen- ate, and Dr. Ratemo Michieka, who became Vice-Chancellor of Jomo Ke- nyatta University later working for on Kenya’s behalf. He was honored the government and traveling to the UN guished member of the NEWSS in with many awards including distin- the WSSA in 1987, Fellow for the 1986, Outstanding teacher award for WSSA in 1976, distinguished service award for the pesticide association for distinguished contributions to of NJ in 1990, New York Farmers Award and outstanding 4-H alumnus given Agriculture and Weed Science in 1966, a member of a team of scientists by the State of NJ in 1968. He was 1990. Never refusing when asked to visiting the USSR in 1983 and China in serve on a committee, he always gave 100%. Appointed by Gov. W. Cahill to serve on the NJ Turnpike Authority 1973- 1977. He was a charter trustee and former treasurer of the NJ Museum of Agriculture, a 12 year member of the Dayton Cemetery Association, a 25 year member of Pioneer Grange No. 1, and a 23 year member of Mercer County Pomona Grange No. 5. He was a charter member, and past president of the South Brunswick Library, which he helped to build. He served on the South Brunswick Township Committee from 1966-1975 and was elected three terms as the Mayor of South Brunswick Twp. in 1969, 1970, and 1972. He held the title of Director of Public Safety and was a former mem­ ber of the Industrial Commission, the Planning Board, and the Board of Trustees of the League of Municipalities of NJ from 1970-1973. He was passionate about studying the Bible, especially the Old Testament, which he read for hours at a time and could quote much of it from memory. Another interest was the Civil War and he could recite details about all the generals and battles. Upon retiring, hybridizing daylilies became his outdoor hobby; he had over 100 varieties and several crosses which he named after his daughters. He was pre-deceased his parents, Demetry J. Ilnicki and Mary (Choma) Ilnicki, two daughters, Deanna J. Berardi in 1999, and Janet R. Adamko in 2009, and his brother-in-law, John Franck in 2010. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, ’ Helen (Franek) Ilnicki of Dayton; his daughter, Dr. Carolyn B. Ilnicki of Long Valley; two sons-in-law, Cesare J. Berardi of Chester, NJ, and Christian L. Gebbie of Barrington, Ill.; his sister, Ruth Cilo and her husband John of Belle Mead; three grandchildren, Arianna A. Berardi, David C. Gebbie, and Danielle D. Gebbie; a close family friend, Tom Cher- rington of Robbinsville, and 9 nieces and nephews and 17 great neices and great nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Brunswick Public Library 110 Kingston Lane Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. “Dr Ilnicki was always one of my favorite professors at Cook College. He was a great teacher, a wonderful person and a caring mentor. I will miss him dearly.” Jenny Kotecha (Cape May Court House, NJ) Some Like It Hot: ...continued from page 7 Contractors Home Improvement ...continued from page 10 The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program website is a great place to start www.ntep.org. Information on turfgrass species and cultivar selections are also available at the Rutgers websites www.njaes.rutgers. edu/pubs and www.turf.rutgers.edu. Maintenance is Not Home Improvement. Things like pruning, lawn cutting and power washing are not considered home improvements and therefore do not require a HIC registration and license. Of course, work done on commer­ cial or non residential property is also exempt. As for summer patch control, choosing improved bentgrass cultivars for golf course putting greens; pe­ rennial ryegrasses for fairways and sports fields; and tall fescue for landscape turf are cost-effective solu­ tions because bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue do not get summer patch. If you must grow bluegrasses or fine fescues, monitor and maintain a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.0. Use acidifying fertilizers like ammonium sulfate to lower the pH and coarse grades of lime to raise or maintain the pH at 5.5. Avoid nitrate nitrogen forms. Promote root growth and stress reduction with an aggressive aerification program and higher heights of cut. (Landscape turf should be mowed above 2.5 inches for best disease control.) Provide adequate irrigation or hand water­ ing in the summer to nurture the plants through the stress. Lastly, on high value turf, begin a preventive fungi­ cide program when the soil temperatures stabilize at 65oF. Choose acropetal penetrant products from the DMI, Qoi, and benzimidazole chemical classes and repeat the treatments at 28-day intervals from mid- May to mid-August. Use high label rates and mix the product in an adequate dilution to move the products into the root zone or gently water them in. My last point is this: I’ve had several conversations this summer about summer patch outbreaks in turf­ grass that was managed vigorously to prevent the disease. I’ve seen the breakdowns of perfectly ex­ ecuted fungicide programs and heard comments like “I measured my soil pH at 5, so how can I still have the disease?” Remember, it is not uncommon to get control breakdowns when environmental conditions overwhelmingly favor fungus activity and/or when they weaken the plants so much they can’t resist, tol­ erate or recover from the attack. Despite our best ef­ forts, we still get disease and sometimes there is little we can do when the prevailing environmental condi­ tions kill the grass outright - like on July 6th, 2010! Some like it hot............... The Director of The Division of Consumer Affairs in the Depart­ ment of Law and Public Safety may refuse to issue or may sus­ pend or revoke any registration for just cause (e.g., if the contrac­ tor has been convicted of certain crimes, dishonesty, deception, fraud, gross negligence, malpractice or incompetence). The Director of Consumer Affairs has the responsibility to es­ tablish and undertake a Public Information Campaign to educate and inform contractors and consumers about this law; however, I don’t think they will be sending us an evaluation form to assess how well they are fulfilling this responsibility. So as you can see, there are many things that you need to do to be in compliance with the HIC Act and, as with all laws, the rules continue to change. This is why, in my opinion, every Landscape Contractor needs to belong to a professional organization. Orga­ nizations like the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA), New Jersey Nursery Landscape Association (NJNLA) and New Jersey Turfgrass Association (NJTA) work hard to keep their members informed about important regulations and issues that affects their industry. If not for such organizations, we would likely not be aware of or be in compliance with all of the new regulations and laws affecting the landscape industry. The intent of the HIC Act is to protect consumers and the penal­ ties for non-compliance can be very steep. I know of several landscape contractors who have been fined for not having a HIC license. Fines can run as high as $10,000 per incident and can increase with multiple offenses. Moreover, multiple offenses can result not only in big fines, but jail time as well. ...continued on page 19 130 DEVEREUX ROAD GLENMOORE, PA 19343 610-942-3809 FAX 610-942-9556 www.gelcogolf.com GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION & CONSTRUCTION • VIBRATORY PLOWING • IRRIGATION SYSTEMS • GOLF COURSE ALTERATIONS • POND CLEANOUT • FIELD DRAINAGE • PUMP STATIONS • TRENCHING Lt to Rt: Dr. Shaohua Yin (Vice Professor, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agri­ cultural University), Dr. Liebao Han, (Current President of the International Turfgrass Society and Professor, Beijing Forestry University), Dr. Bruce Clarke (Director, Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science), Dr. Zhihui Chang (Vice Professor, Beijing Forestry University, and Dr. Zhimin Yang (Vice Professor, College of Horti­ culture, Nanjing Agric. University) at the GCSANJ Summer Social - September 11, 2010. For diseases, weeds or pests, BASF is at the top of the class. Contact Dave Schell at (410) 800-8762 — david.schell@basf.com or Ted Huhn at (443) 206-1095 — theodore.huhn@basf.com. betterturf.basf.us BASF The Chemical Company Always read and follow label directions. ©2010 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. Join NJTA Membership for 2011...use form below. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ r e b m e M ) n o s r e p 1 ( 0 0 . 0 8 $ l a u d i v i d n I - I I I r e b m e ) n o s r e p 1 ( M 0 0 . 0 2 $ t n e d u t S - V I □ □ r u o y s e b i r c s e d t s e b : n o i s s e f o r p r o s s e n i s u b y r o g e t a c h c i h W e s r u o C f l o G ) 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 r e i l p p u S / r e r u t c a f u n a M t n e d u t S r e h t O s d l e i F n o i t a e r c e R & s k r a P c i t e l h t A & s l o o h c S 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 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 0 0 . 5 7 2 $ r e n t r a P s s e n i s u B - 0 0 0 6 . r e n t r a P $ s i h c a E s s e n i s u B l ) s r e b m e m 4 o t p U ( - I I ) e r o m r o 5 ( d d A I □ □ r o t a c i l p p A e d i c i t s e P n r a e s y a D d l e i F & O P X E N E E R G n o p i h s r e b m e M A T J N f o s t i f e n e B s e e F n o i t a r t s i g e R s g n i v a S o t s e i t i n u t r o p p O s t i d e r C e s n e c i L s r e g t u R t a h c r a e s e R & n o i t a c u d E o t s s e c c A n o t n e r T n i t c a p m r e t t e l s w e N i n o i t a c u d E & h c a e r t u O y l r e t r a u Q s g n i p p i l C f r u T s ’ y t i s r e v i n U s r e g t u R f o A T J N n i s e i t i n u t r o p p O g r o . s s a r g f r u t j n . w w w s e i t i l i c a f d n a t r o p p u S m a r g o r p : e t i s b e W g n i t e k r a M s n o i t a c i l b u p y r o t c e r i D p i h s r e b m e M s p i h s r a l o h c s e s i a r t a h t s t n e v e n i e t a p i c i t r a P n o i t a d n u o F s s a r g f r u T J N e h t r o f * * * * * * * * * * w e N l a w e n e R : w o l e b l e v e L p i h s r e b m e M a t c e l e S e s a e l P ) 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 r e n t r a P s s e n i s u B r o l a u d i v i d n I : p i Z : e t a t S : x a F : 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 : e l t i T : e n o h P : l i a M - E : y t i C 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 . s r e b m e m e r o m r o 5 r o f t e e h s r e h t o n a e s u , d e d e e n f I : r e n t r a P s s e n i s u B . e t e l p m o c e s a e l P i n o i t a c o s s A s s a r g f r u T y e s r e J w e N I N O T A C L P P A I I P H S R E B M E M d n a ­ o r p , y r t s u d n n o ti a c u d e i t h wi p hi s r e n t r a p s s a gr ur T r u o h g u o r h f t e h t nt e m n o r i v n e e h t e c n a h n e t e o m o r p o T : I N O S S M I y. e s er J w e N f t o y si r e iv n U e a S e h T t t , s er tg u R d n a , p hi s r e d a e l , i m s al n o si s e f 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 x E m A d r a C r e t s a M 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 : e d o C y t i r u c e S t i g i D 3 : ) / Y Y M M ( : # t n u o c c A : e t a D . p x E : ) 1 3 r e b m e c e D - 1 y r a u n a J ( s e u D l a u n n A A T J N : 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 : e r u t a n g i S d e z i r o h t u A : t n u o c c A n o e m a N r o t c e r i D 9 0 0 2 / 9 d e t a d p U P M C T A M , e v i t u c e x E , y d o b a e P e c e C $ : d e s o l c n E t n u o m A l a t o T : * 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 n o i t r o p s i h T * ( n o i t a c u d E & h c a e r t u O 9 2 5 6 - 2 1 8 ) 3 7 9 ( : o t 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 x a F g r o . s s a r g f r u t j n w w w . : e t i S b e W 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 m a N . 1 : l i a M - E : s s e r d d A : e n o h P : e m a N . 2 : 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 . 3 : p i Z , e t a t S , y t i C : e n o h P t s e W 6 4 y a w h g i H S U 5 2 1 0 8 6 - 0 7 4 7 0 7 6 4 6 - 2 1 8 ) 3 7 9 ( : e n o h P J N e n y a W : o t l i a M We’ve launched our Web Site! www.GrassRootsTurfOnline.com grass roots Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Turf Equipment Specialists Focused on Service, Technical Support and Quality Products Since 1978 Golf Division: 973-252-6634 Lawn & Sports Turf: 973-252-5455 Jacobsen A Textron Company Wilfred MacDonald, Inc 19 Central Boulevard South Hackensack, NJ 07606 888-831-0891 www.wilfredmacdonald.com 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 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 Screening for Neotyphodium Endophytes Sport Turf 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 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 Contractors Home Improvement Act ..continued from page 15 However, the HIC Act does not just apply to Landscape Con­ tractors. It is for all people doing repairs, renovations and new improvements to residential properties. As landscape contractors, we also have to pay and charge NJ Sales Tax on all “soft” landscaping or planting projects. Of course, the “hard” landscaping jobs like walks, patios, walls are exempt from the sales tax as long as the customer fills out an ST-8 tax form. Another important point to remember is that if we plant any­ thing, we also need to register with the NJ Department of Agriculture and disclose where we buy our plants. We also have to pay the NJ Department of Agriculture an annual fee to help cover their cost for inspections. Landscapers are “plant dealers”, and commercial nurseries are “growers.” This is required to make sure that all plants are inspected for infestations of injurious insects and plant diseases. If found, they must be controlled before spreading to other areas of the State. This is not a new requirement, but I see many land­ scapers who are not aware of these rules and they need to be informed. The NJ Department of Agriculture is required to inspect all places where plants are sold. The NJ Department of Consumer Affairs considers lawn aeration as a home improvement even though this is con­ sidered by landscapers to be a routine maintenance pro­ cedure. Grading, laying sod or seeding a new lawn is a property improvement and thus would require registration with NJ Consumer Affairs and a Home Improvement Li­ cense. Some Landscape companies that mainly do mainte­ nance are not aware that they need to be licensed as a Home Improvement Contractor when they plant a tree, shrub, or seed and sod a lawn. By law, however, they need a HIC license or they risk being fined. For more information about the HIC Act and the HIC license, go to the NJ Consumer Affairs web site at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov I hope that you found this information helpful. We must all do what we can to be professional in our jobs and raise the level of professionalism in our industry. By doing so, we will gain the respect we deserve from consumers. If any of you reading this article are not registered as a home im­ provement contractor and are doing work that falls under the scope of this act, please do not take the chance of being fined for noncompliance - register today! CALENDAR 2010 NJTA Events Tuesday, December 7 - Thursday December 9, 2010 35th Annual Green Expo Taj Mahal Resort Atlantic City NJ 2011 NJTA Events Monday, May 2, 2011 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club Rutgers Extension Offices & Numbers RCE of Atlantic County RCE of Bergen County RCE of Burlington County RCE of Camden County RCE of Cape May County RCE of Cumberland County RCE of Essex County RCE of Gloucester County RCE of Hudson County RCE of Hunterdon County RCE of Mercer County RCE of Middlesex County RCE of Monmouth County RCE of Morris County RCE of Ocean County RCE of Passaic County RCE of Salem County RCE of Somerset County RCE of Sussex County RCE of Union County RCE of Warren County Please notify the NJTA office if any of the above numbers have (609) 625-0056 (201) 336-6780 (609) 265-2900 (856) 566-2900 (609) 465-5115 (856) 451-2800 (973) 228-2210 (856) 307-6450 (201)915-1393 (908) 788-1339 (609) 989-6830 (732) 398-5262 (732) 431-7261 (973) 285-8307 (732) 349-1246 (973) 305-5740 (856) 769-0090 (908) 526-6293 (973) 948-3040 (908) 654-9854 (908) 475-6505 changed. Thank you. 973-812-6467 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 2010 Board of Directors Keith Kubik, President Matt Sweatlock, Vice President Rick Krok, Secretary Shannon Sked, Treasurer Dr. Karen Plumley, Immediate Past President Shaun Barry, Director Patrick Dolan, Director Brian Feldman, Director Darrell Marcinek, Director Pedro Perdomo, Director Thom Ritchie, Director Chris Carson, Expo Chairman Dr. Bruce Clarke, Advisor Dr. Jim Murphy, Advisor Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP, Executive Director Sign Up for the 2010 GREEN EXPO Use the Form Inside or Sign Up online at: WWW.NJTURFGRASS.ORG