THE COHH o JUNE 1971 AGRONOMY SCHOLARSHIP The Connecticut Section PGA has established an agronomy scholarship pro­ gram. The scholarship will be awarded annually to golf course employees of clubs within the area served by the Conn. Section PGA. The employee must show a desire to become a golf course superin­ tendent. The announcement of the program was made at the Spring Golf Day at the Golf 71 iib of Avon by Charles G. Baskin, a member of the Conn. Section PGA ad­ visory Board. Walter Lowell, president of the local PGA and also an active member of the Conn. Association of Golf Course Superintendents, stated that the agronomy scholarship program is an ex­ cellent way for the Conn. Section PGA to offer a valuable contribution to the game of golf. The Conn. Section PGA has donated a sizable sum of money to get the program started. Presently, they are in the process of soliciting support for the program from other allied golf associations. The Conn. Association of Golf Course Superinten­ dents is in strong support of the scholar­ ship program. CAGCS MEETING June 8, 1971 Date: Place: Willimantic Country Club Willimantic, Conn. Host: Ken Kelliher, Golf Course Supt. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pin. - golf 5:00 p.m. - Board of Directors 6:00 p.m. - Business Meeting 7:00 p.m.7- Dinner and Program - -- -■ ' Program Speaker : Dr. C. R. Skogley Univ. of Rhode Island "MONTHLY INCOME" PROTECTION FOR GCSAA MEMBERS by Earl H. Whitney, C.L.U. Whitney Associates, Inc. The new "Monthly Income” plan takes the place of a previous plan, by providing greater benefits at a lower cost. It is now available to members of GCSAA and provides monthly income benefits ranging from $200.00 a month to $1,000.00 a month. The plan allows an individual to select the waiting period best suited to his (financial needs (a 30-day or 90-day waiting period). Benefits are payable for five (5) years in the event of sickness (or to age 65 if earlier), and for your lifetime if dis­ abled due to an accident. Rates for the GCSAA plan are 20% to 40% lower than are available on a comparable basis from independent in­ dividual sources. For example, at age 35 the quarterly premium for $500.00 a month benefit is $27.75. At age 50 it is $39-50. Both of these plans have assumed selection of a 30-day waiting period plan. One of the important considerations is a Waiver of Premium clause. Under most plans an individual continues to pay pre­ miums for 6 months or 9 months, after he has become disabled. Under the GCSAA plan, one does not pay further premiums while -he is disabled. (continued on page 2) VOL. 4 NO. 2 THE GRASS CATCHER by Charles G. Baskin The Conn. Association of Golf Course Superintendents wil hold their first GCSAA Affiliated Chapter Golf Tourna­ ment at the September 14 meeting at Glastonbury Hills Country Club. The tournament will be open to those mem­ bers of our chapter who are also members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The Conn. Chapter recognizes the importance for , every superintendent to be a member of both the local chapter and the . national organization. The golf tournament is being held in recognition of those super­ intendents who hold membership in both . organizations. It is anticipated that over 50 golf course superintendents will par- ■ ticipate in the tournament. Home and Garden Supply magazine’s May issue had a picture of John Magovern on the cover with a feature story on the Magovern Company. The story tells of the company’s steadly growth to the point where their sales have climbed into the $3.25 milion category. ! The gypsy moths didn’t forget Con­ necticut this year. Most areas are being hit real hard. Many golf courses have had to do extensive spraying to reduce the gypsy moth population and, thus, save a lot of damage to the woodlands. John C. Schread has authored a circular of the Connecticut Agricultural Experi­ ment Station titled "Control of Borers in Trees and Woody Ornamentals.” The circular is No. 241, dated April 1971. It covers several species of borers, including lilac borer, dogwood borer, rhododendron borer and dogwood twig borer which may cause considerable harm or even kill many types of woody shrubs and shade trees. CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS President.................. Vice President ....... Secretary .................. Treasurer ................. .. Charles G. Baskin ........... Robert Viera .............Pierre Coste ..... Charles Traverse Board of Directors Richard Bator William Dest Frank Lamphier John James MacDonald Michael Ovian David Stimson Perry The object of this association is to pro­ mote research, education and an exchange of practical experiences in the field of turf grass culture so that the increased knowledge will lead to more economic and efficient management of golf courses and related turf areas. The CONN CLIPPINGS is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Charles G. Baskin, editor 22 Lee Street Waterbury, Connecticut 06708 MONTHLY INCOME (continued from page 1) This plan has been so designed the club may pay the premium, or the golf course superintendents may pay the premium, or they may be shared by both. Premiums paid by the club are not considered as additional income by the superintendent. Premiums paid by the club are considered to be a business expense item. This is an excellent fringe benefit. Many members have protected them­ selves with life insurance, and are also covered for hospitalization, surgical and major medical benefits, and in a few instances are participating in a pension plan. However, very few clubs have a formal Salary Continuation plan, and very few members have protected themselves from a "Living death” — one that occurs when they are totally disabled. Have you protected yourself? The GCSAA plan makes it possible for you to protect your­ self and your family at low cost. (For further information, write to: Mr. Earl H. Whitney, President, Whitney Associates, Inc. 18 Cleveland Street Orange, New Jersey 07050) — 2 — SUPT. CHAMPIONSHIP FOLLOWING ARE THE PAIRINGS, STARTING TIMES, AND HANDICAPS FOR THE FIRST ROUND OF THE SUPT. CHAMPIONSHIP, GOLF CLUB AT ASPETUCK TUESDAY, JULY 13 If you are not going to attend, please notify Frank Lamphier, Aspetuck Valley C. C. Weston, Conn. 226-3391, so we can make the necessary changes. 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 20 28 36 44 STARTERS 00 08 16 24 STARTERS 11:38 11:46 11:54 12:02 STARTERS 12:18 12:26 12:34 12:42 M. Ovian 7 P. Coste 7 R. Cook 6 L. Kowalski 6 R Viera 9 Karnig Ovian 7 B. Berry 8 B. Kowalski 6 B. Furgess 11 R. Silva 15 E. Anderson 14 B. Bianowitz 13 P. Ryiz 5 R. Kennedy 7 W. Somers 10 F. Downey 14 ,. n time C. Baskin 16 G. Christie 19 W. Dest 17 A. Hawkins 20 R. Tosh 18 D. Stimson 21 K. Knoblock 20 J. Bidwell 19 M Ryan 7 F. Thompson 7 Bob Scully 8 J. Dolan 8 J. Chaney 8 J. Cipriano 9 F. Fenn 8 W. Warner 8 H. Sherman 14 C. Jenkins 26 A. Lentine 25 L. Russell 33 R Barrett 5 E. Bedus 2 R. Witkowski 3 F. Lamphier 2 T. Grywalski 5 J. Perry 5 Kay Ovian 5 Walt Lowell 0 J. Colt 14 E. Sanson 15 P. Carson 16 A. Arison 20 TIME ic R. Parsons 9 F. Wiget 10 S. Kristof 12 T. Polidor 15 A. Dinwoodie 15 L. Dziedzie 11 D. Goodwin 14 P. O Conner 15 F. Rodgers 13 E. Wiacek 14 J. Zwolac 12 G. Bryant 12 S. Bonner 13 G. Gorton 14 B. Guttay 15 R. Whalen 15 STARTERS TIME 12 1 1 1 58 06 14 22 M. Mierzwa 14 W. Queen 14 P. Barrett 17 R. Bator 16 B Chalifour 22 P. Ladzinski 18 H. T. Lindenmuth 20 J. Lynch 19 H. Suchinski 16 J. Wydra 18 A. Wydra 24 B. Whitley 23 J. Callahan 24 T. Scally 28 S. Terhune 30 C. Wallace 34 „ „ . , z 1:38 F. Bachand 30 K. Kelliher 36 R. Osterman 31 E. Zemsky 31 1:46 J. MacDonald 24 H. Meusel 24 STARTERS TIME NO CHANGES IN STARTING TIMES WILL BE MADE WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE. Diffprent nairinqs will be made for the 2nd round according to the 1st round scores. GOLF TOURNAMENT 4 May 1971 Ellington Ridge C. C. Our second annual Supt.-Press day was held on what could be called a day of rather inclement weather. Never-the-less, 47 hardy souls took their monthly walk in the country. For the second consecutive year, the team of Ken Bowden of Golf Digest Magazine and Pete Coste of the Patterson Club emerged the low gross-best-ball winners. As in last years Press day, they nosed out the team of Dick Aultman, (Golf Digest’s Mr. Square to Square) and Frank Lamphier of Aspetuck Valley by one shot. Third place in gross went to the team of George Erlich of WTIC in Hartford and Karnig Ovian of Hop Meadow. In the net division, First place was captured by the team of Joe DiOrio, New Britain Herald and Ed Bedus of Indian Hill. Runners-up were Gordon Smith of the Rockville Journal Inquirer and Mike Ovian. Third was taken by the always tough team of Robin Spencer and John Perry of the C. C. of Farmington. Perhaps next year a nicer day will bring out more members of the press. Now is the time to start asking for another year. Remember, the press has no way of know­ ing of this event unless we of the associa­ tion tell them. Those who have attended the past two years are looking forward to next years event already. Gordon Smith of the Rockville Journal Inquirer will be more than glad to help anyone who is looking for a partner. Just pick up the phone and give him a ring. See everyone next month at Williman­ tic. If there are any questions on the Supt. Championship the following month please ask at this meeting. Kickers winners at Ellington were a1, follows: J. Colt, A. Lentine, D. Aultman, K. Knoblock, G. Christie, B. Furgess, E. Anderson, J. McCarthy, F. Lamphier, R. Barrett, E. Bedus, K. Bowden and R. Spencer. — 3 — THE GYPSY MOTH IN CONN. by Neely Turner Conn. Agricultural Experiment Station The gypsy moth is a major pest of Connecticut woodlands. It is a native of southern Europe and Asia, and was in­ troduced into this country 100 years ago. It spread into Connecticut in 1905, was eradicated, but came in again in such numbers in 1913 that all further efforts at eradication failed. By 1952 it was present in all parts of the State. Caterpillars of the gypsy moth prefer the developing foliage of apple, aspen, birch, linden, oak, and willow as food. After they have fed on one of these favored hosts, they will feed freely on hemlock, pine and spruce trees. A few larvae may mature on black or yellow birch, cherry, elm, hickory, or maple trees. Ash, locust, tulip, and dogwood are rela­ tively immune to attack. The gypsy moth varies greatly in abund­ ance from season to season. It may be present in very small numbers for several years. For reasons not entirely clear, numbers increase sharply, and within a year or two may completely defoliate the trees. After one or two seasons of heavy defoliation, the infestation declines, usually within a single season. The prin­ cipal cause of such a sudden collapse has usually been disease acting on partially starved caterpillars. This same syndrome has occurred in the case of many native pests of woodlands, such as the canker- worm, linden looper, orange-striped oak- worm, eastern tent caterpillar, and forest tent caterpillar. The apparently sudden development of an outbreak, and the habit of large cater­ pillars to wander in search of food seem to focus an unusual amount of attention on this pest. Certainly more legislation has been passed concerning the gypsy moth and its control than any other pest occurring in the State. The purpose of this article is to present the significant scientific facts about the insect, and to suggest how these may be adapted to control measures. LIFE HISTORY The gypsy moth passes the winter in the egg stage. The eggs are in masses of from 100 to more than 500. These look and feel like a piece of chamois skin. There may be several layers of eggs covered by brown hairs from the body of the female moth. The caterpillars hatch about May 1, and if the weather is warm enough, start to feed immediately. Most of the feeding is done at night; and during the day, the young caterpillars remain relatively quiet. The fully grown caterpillars are almost 2 inches long, with a brownish or gray background color. There are three light stripes along the back. Each segment except the first has a pair of tubercles; the first five pairs (from the head) are blue; the last six brick red. Feeding is completed between the third week of June and the middle of July. The caterpillars then crawl about seeking a resting place, and transform into pupae. Each pupa is attached to bark or wood and may have a few strands of silk spun around it. Adult moths emerge in from 10 to 14 days. The males emerge first. They are relatively small and dark in color, with a slender abdomen. The females emerge a few days later. They are dirty white in color with faint brown markings; and the large abdomen is covered with buff hairs. The female does not fly. Males fly freely and seek out the females for mating. Eggs are laid near the place where she emerges. In addition to the bark of trees, eggs may be laid on stones, buildings, or any object nearby. The gypsy moth is in the egg stage from late in July until the following May, in the caterpillar stage from May to the first part of July, in the cocoon for about two weeks, and in the moth stage for about a week. METHODS OF DISPERSAL Since the female moths do not fly, natural dispersal is mostly by newly- hatched caterpillars. These are very small and very light, and are covered with hairs. Under proper conditions, they may be blown for relatively long distances by the wind. There is also a possibility that such major storms as hurricanes may blow frag­ ments of bark, on which eggs occur, for several miles. The large caterpillars also disperse by crawling, especially when all the foliage is consumed before they mature. The distance of such spread is not very great. The principal means of artificial dis­ persal is by transfer of egg masses on the bark of trees, on stones, and even on scrap iron. There is also a possibility of trans­ ferring large caterpillars which crawl into cars or trucks parked in or near infested woodlands. Such transfer is of little significance in a state such as Connecticut because all sections of the state are now infested. It is a problem when infested vehicles or material moves into uninfested states to the south and west. FLUCTUATIONS IN ABUNDANCE At the present time, the gypsy moth is known to be established in all sections of the state. A light infestation may per­ sist for many years, and when conditions are favorable, increase sharply in abun­ dance. The usual pattern is that noticeable feeding occurs one year, and massive de­ foliation the next. However, the varia­ tions are not cyclic in terms of regularity of outbreaks. Reasonably accurate methods of fore­ casting the degree of defoliation to be expected have been developed. The basis of the forecast is the counting of all the viable egg masses visible in spots chosen at random, the determination of the size of the egg masses, and an estimate of the proportion of the trees that are favored food. An average of 500 egg masses of normal size per acre in woodland com­ posed of at least 50 percent favored hosts usually produces enough larvae to cause heavy defoliation. Late frosts and cold wet weather during May result in less defoliation. Warm weather with normal rainfall increases the amount of defolia­ tion. The determination of the degree of in­ festation may be made at any time be­ tween August and May. However, it is easier to see the egg masses after leaves have fallen. It is sometimes difficult to estimate the number of new egg masses in a woodland heavily defoliated. The old egg masses remain on bark and stones for several years. They are usually much darker in color than new egg masses, and of course careful examination will show the egg shells rather than viable eggs. CONTROL A reasonable degree of "natural control” exists in Connecticut at present. There are established parasites abundant on eggs, larvae, and pupae. The principal insect predators are beetles, and particularly Calosoma sycofhanta L. introduced from Europe. Deer mice (white-footed mice) and shrews eat large numbers of larvae and pupae. A few species of birds eat gypsy moth larvae. A polyhedral virus and several bacteria cause disease among the larvae. Disease seems to be more common in heavy infestations, and in times of high humidity. Finally, un­ usually low winter temperatures are known to kill eggs. Incipient outbreaks have been prevented by temperatures of —24° F or lower. In such cases, the egg (continued on page 4) THE GYPSY MOTH IN CONN, (continued from page 3) masses covered by snow are usually not affected. Hand Methods What might be called hand methods of control were used generally for the first 30 years that the gypsy moth was present in this country. Limited use con­ tinued in Connecticut through the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps (about 1940). Egg masses were painted with creosote oil colored with lampblack to kill the eggs. The effectiveness was limited by inability to find all the egg masses. Large caterpillars were trapped under burlap bands wrapped loosely around the trunks of infested trees, and destroyed usually by crushing. Pupae were also collected in the same manner. These methods are still useful, par­ ticularly on small shade trees. The amount of labor makes application to large areas of woodland impractical. Spraying The sole purpose of the spraying used in Connecticut InTrecent years has been to prevent defoliation of trees heavily infested at the time of spraying. The basic principle has been to apply a chemical to the young foliage in sufficient quantity to kill the caterpillars feeding there. The "ideal” time is the week after all the eggs have hatched. The calendar date varies from year to year, but is seldom earlier than May 1 or later than May 20. The non-persistent materials now in use are not suitable for earlier application, because they lose effectiveness too early in the season. Spraying after CONN CLIPPINGS Charles G. Baskin, editor 22 Lee Street Waterbury, Conn. 06708 — 4 the larvae are half grown may also be unsatisfactory. Application from the ground using either a mist blower or large hydraulic sprayer has been most effective in con­ trolling gypsy moth on shade trees, and in protecting premises of houses built in woodlands from wandering larvae. In addition to shade trees, sprays have been applied to a narrow band of woodland trees surrounding the lawn or opening. Spraying by aircraft is the only feasible way to treat large areas of woodland. The State Board of Pesticide Control, State Office Building, Hartford, has authority to regulate such spraying. Materials which may be approved by the Board at present are carbaryl (Sevin®) and, when supervised by a government agency, trichlorfon (Dylox®), or Gardona®. At this time, the Board has not desig­ nated materials which must be used in custom application for control of the gypsy moth. Among the non-persistent materials available, and legally labelled for grounr1 application are: 1. Carbaryl (Sevin®) of relatively low toxicity to people, birds and fish, but highly toxic to honey bees. 2. Methoxychlor of equally low toxicity to people, not particularly toxic to bees, but somewhat higher toxicity to wildlife. 3. Bacillus thuringiensis (B T), a bacterial preparation which is pathogenic to gypsy moth larvae when used in sufficient quantity. Two applications may be necessary in heavy infestations. There seems to be no hazard to either people or wildlife connected with this material. Other non-persistent chemicals are be­ ing developed, but have not yet been labelled for use in controlling the gypsy moth. THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUPPORT OF THE CONN. CLIPPINGS: The Chas. C. Hart Company Wethersfield, Conn. Robert Kennedy, CAGCS member 529-2537 Tom Irwin Co. Rowley, Mass. lohn P. Callahan, CAGCS member 677-7054 The Magovern Company Windsor Locks, Conn. John Colt, CAGCS member Lloyd Russell, CAGCS member Curtis Stimson, CAGCS member 623-2508 O M Scott & Sons Marysville, Ohio A1 Arison, CAGCS member 336-9890 Irrigation and Equipment Supply Co. Milford, Conn. Richard Hosking, CAGCS member Richard Smith, CAGCS member 874-1096 Stolens - C-l, Arlington C-19, Congressional 246-6279 FIRST CLASS 7 A / »- hfliZS’’ 208 Nan Drive Orange, Conn. 0647?