CONNECTICUT f as CLIPPINGS November, 1987 Up Coming Events CAGCS Annual Meeting-Nov. 10 Century Hills Golf Club CAGCS-GCSAA Seminar—Nov. 23,24 Cromwell, Conn. RIGCSA-GCSAA Seminar—Dec. 14, 15 Seekonk, Mass. GCSAA International Conference and Show--Jan. 30—Feb. 4 Houston, Texas ? ? WHAT'S INSIDE ? ? Weed Eating Fish GCSAA News Grass Catcher Turf Clippings Using Fungicides at Half Rate Tree Fertilization Connecticut Clippings is an offical publication of The Conn. Association of Golf Course Superintendents ditor : John F. Streeter CGCS 160 Nod Rd. Avon Ct. 06001 Volume 21, Number 4 DESPITE RESCHEDULING, CAGCS INVITATIONAL A SUCCESS By Peter Pierson, Executive Director The 1987 CAGCS Pro/Superintendent Invitational was held at the Watertown Golf Club on September 15th. Host Superinten­ dent, Bob Viera, and his crew did a great job of preparing the golf course for play, after having over three inches of rain on September 13th. Host Professional, Mike Carney, and Club Manager, Frank Fenn, did a superb job in hosting the Invitation­ al. Team participation was down from past years, but this was probably due to the rescheduling from June to September due to a conflict with the PGA schedule. Any conflicts of this type will be avoided in the future. The Board of Directors would like to thank all those who participated and extend a thank you to the Watertown Golf Club for hosting the event Top honors in the gross division went to the Pequabuck Golf Club, Peter Pierson, Supt., with a score of 8 under par 64. Highland Golf Club, Tom Handenshield, Supt., was second with 68. Highfield Country Club, Doug Cooper, Supt., was third with 70. Highfield won over Madison and Fairchild- Wheeler with a match of cards. Low net honors went to Springfield Country Club, Doug Stachura, Supt., with a score of 57. Skunkamug River Golf Club, John Motycka, Supt., was second net with a score of 60. Tumblebrook Country Club, David Stimson, CGCS, was third net with a score of 61. Tumblebrook won over the Country Club of Fairfield and Crestbrook Park Golf Club with a match of cards. £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents President: Greg Wojick, CGCS Vice President: Robert Chalifour, CGCS Secretary: Thomas Watroba Treasurer: Michael Wallace, CGCS Past President: David Stimson,CGCS Directors and Committee Chairpersons Education: Mike Reeb, CGCS Golf: Mike Chrzanowski Public Relations: James Mederios, CGCS Newsletter: John F. Streeter, CGCS Membership: Steve Rackliffe Research and Scholarship: John Napieracz, CGCS Representative to the Board: Henry Lesinski Executive Director: Peter Pierson Po. Box 112 Cromwell, Ct. 06416 The object of this association is to encourage increased knowledge of golf course management and greater professionalism through education, research, exchange of practical experience and the well being of each individual member. The following is an articlewhich appeared in The Hartford Courant September 18,1987. (Thank you, Scott Ramsay, Supt. Pauti­ paug Golf Club, for bring it to our attention.) Carp to get crack at pond weeds. By David H. Rhinelander, Courant Staff Writer The grass carp, a fish from the Orient that gobbles up weeds in ponds, will be allowed into Connecticut under controlled conditions, the state Department of Environmental Protection said. It has been illegal to import, possess or release the fish - also known as the white amur - because of fears that it might proliferate and take over ponds and other waterways, driving out wanted fish But DEP experts, having monitored the experimental use of the grass carp for weed control in other states, decided to try it in Connecticut, said William A. Hyatt, DEP's supervisor of fisheries management. Under new department regulations, only sterile grass carp will be al­ lowed. They will be restricted to ponds that have less than 5 acres of surface area, with at least 40 percent of it choked by weeds, and whose outlets are fitted with screens so that fish cannot escape. The grass carp can live 10 to 15 years and grow to about 20 pounds, he said. Some grass carp already may have been stocked illegally in golf club ponds and other private ponds, he said. "We're looking into whether any are in the state and particularly whether any are reproducing," Hyatt said. "The grass carp has caused some problems in the South and has es- caped into the Mississippi and Missouri waterways," Hyatt said. "That gives us some concern about the Connecticut and other rivers, but we want to try the fish here." "No matter what, the fish won't be a panacea," he said. The grass carp feeds on some common weeds, but not all of them, Hyatt said. As the fish eat the weeds, their excrement fertilizes the pond. "The weeds may go down, but the water may turn from clear to green because of the algae that will begin to grow in the fertilized water," he said. In addition, grass carp could make a pond less haabitable for other fish. Some game fish, such as yellow perch and chain pickerel, need weeds, stumpsa, brush and other hiding places to reproduce, Hyat said. No conservation groups objected to the DEP's grass carp regulations, Hyatt said, although some wanted them made more liberal so that the fish could be introduced into larger ponds. DEP fisheries experts will review each request for a permit to release grass carp and then monitor any pond where they are released. "Pond owners will have to convince us the grass carp is the way to go in their situation and then be willing to pay for the fish. I don't know how expensive they will be or how easy it will be to buy them" Hyatt said. GCSAA CONFERENCE SETS SALES RECORD FIVE MONTHS EARLY! 59th International Conference & Show Golf Course Texans have long liked to claim that their state is the biggest and the best. And the 59th International Golf Course Conference and Show — slated for Houston in early 1988 and sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents' Association of America (GCSAA) - is certainly on its way to upholding the Texas tradition. With nearly five months to go before the doors open to the expected 14,000 attendees, the Show's exhibition space reservations are already ahead of the 1987 total. More than 112,000 square feet of display space has been committed to var­ ious manufacturers and distributors from all over the world. This surpasses the previous record of 108,500 square feet in Phoenix earlier this year. "We still have some space available, but it's truly incredible how quickly everyone has responded," said Tuula Wright, sales and marketing manager for GCSAA. "The industry is booming, and exhibitors are anxious to dis­ play their products to the buyers, the golf course superintendent." The show will run Feb. 1 - 8 in the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event will be among the largest shows to be presented following the completion of this dramatic new facility. The GCSAA Conference and Show is a one-stop marketplace for today's golf course superintendents from around the world. More than 60 percent of the exhibitors have indicated that they will be revealing their new product lines and services for 1988 at the Show. ERA ANNOUNCES ACTION ON CADMIUM Use of cadmium in the environment has been prohibited under a federal regulatory order announced Aug. 10 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The sole exception to this regulatory order allows use of cadmium fungicides on golf course greens and tees under certain circumstances. Specifically, cadmium use will be allowed on greens and tees only with a "miniboom" sprayer, and applicaators must wear protective clothing during mixing, loading and application of the product. Homeowners, turfgrass man­ agers and other users of cadmium fingicides will be forced to seek alternative materials for the control of fungi on turfgrass. Additionally, use of cadmium on fairways and other golf course areas except greens and tees is prohibited. The decision to exempt golf course greens and tees relies in part on informa tion provided through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ameri­ ca's Government Relations Program. In May, members of the EPA review team were given a demonstration of the "mini-boom" sprayer at the Congres­ sional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Originally, EPA proposed cancellation of all pesticidal cadmium use. However, as the EPA announcement noted: "At the time of the proposed can­ cellations, EPA assumed that cadmium was applied on golf course greens and tee areas with hand held sprayers only. Since that time, the agency has re­ ceived new information indicating that most golf course applicators use power spray equipment, such as mini-boom sprayers." February 1-8, 1988 George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, Texas ♦ 3£? Seminars + Trade Show ♦ Golf Championships ♦ Annual Meeting For Conference, Seminar or Exhibitor Information: 1-800/GSA-SUPT or 913/841-2240 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 1617 St. Andrews Drive Lawrence, KS 66046-9990 Sterilized Top Dressing 301-335-3700 EGYPT FARMS EXCLUSIVE! ah top dressing ingredients are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by the United States Golf Association, Texas A&M, Penn State, North Carolina State, and the University of Maryland. Many years of research and testing by these leading universities have produced a soil mixture for superior growth; to maintain the best balance of percolation; to resist compaction; for good aeration; and for the retention of usable water and nutrients in the growing medium. Green and tee construction materials & mixes con­ forming to U.S.G.A. specs are also available. Distributed by: Metro-Milorganite, Inc. (914) 769-7600 The Terre Co. (201)473-3393 Wagner Seed Co., Inc. (516)293-6312 low label rates alone, half low label rates alone, and various tank combinations of each of these materials at half low label rates. There was no ad­ ditive effect when these fungi­ cides were used at half rates as tank mixes. Research at Penn State on Pythium blight control has shown that there is no additive effect when Subdue and Banol are combined in a rank mix at one-half label rates. Results from this program, published in the 1984 and 1985 Ameri­ can Phytopathological Society Fungicide and Nematicide Test , showed that Subdue and Band used as a tank mix at half label rates or alone at half label rates gave the same level of Pythium blight control. There was no additive effect when Subdue and Band were used at half rates as a tank mix. The take-home lesson from this is that mixing two or more fungicides at inadequate rates will result in inadequate disease control. When disease pressure is of sufficient magnitude to require fall label rate, and a half low label rate combination is used, the dis­ ease will not be controlled. If the disease is Pythium blight, the consequences can be disas- terous. Furthermore, the use of a fungicide at half label rates will increase the possi­ bility of developing resistance - not reduce it. When considered either way, then, the use of half low label tank mixes of fungicides to ei­ ther increase the effectiveness of disease control or to reduce the possibility of resistance is an exercise in futility. HALF-RATE TANK MIXES ARE TURFGRASS MANAGEMENTS’ EQUIVALENT TO 'RUSSIAN ROULETTE' by Houston B. Couch Professor of Plant Pathology Mixing half low label rates of fungicides for turfgrass disease control in an effort to avoid resistance or increase disease control effectiveness is a waste of money and an open invitation to disaster. When the potential for resistance to a fungicide ex­ ists, it is important to rotate fungicides at full label rates. This procedure will hold the population of the resistant strain of the fungus to a min­ imum. When inadequate rates (i.e., half rates) of the alternate fungicide are used, a high population of "escapes" is allowed to develop and the disease can get out of hand quickly. Using half low label rates of fungicides as tank mixes, then, does not deter resistance - in fact, it is the most effective way to build up resistance to a fungicide. Also, there is no published scientific evidence that tank mixing two or more turfgrass fungicides at half rates for control of the same target dis­ ease will (I) be more effective than either of the materials used alone at half rates, or (II) just as effective as either ma­ terial used alone at full label rate. In fact, the data to date shows just the opposite. At Virginia Tech, we have tested half label rates of all of the commercially available fungicides labeled for the control of Sclerotinia dollar spot. In these trials, we used WHY DO SHADE TREES NEED FERTILIZER Forest trees seem to thrive without the addition of fertilizer, which can give the erroneous impression that trees, in general, do not require fertilizer. However, shade and ornamental trees are subjected to unfavorable soil and environmental conditions which increase the need for supplemental nutrients. Forest soils are rich in humus which is replenished by the decay of plan and animal residues. Leaves are relatively high in accumulated nutrients, and their decomposition is an important source of returning nutrients to the soil. Organic matter increases the retention and availability of most plant nutrients and improves the soil structure by "cementing" or aggregating soil particles. In contrast, domestic and street lawns are usually very low in humus and fer­ tility. Leaves and other debris are removed, thus interrupting nature's recycling program for nutrients and pre­ venting the accumulation of organic matter. The soil ele­ ments which were absorbed and utilized in the formation of plant tissues are not returned to the soil and should be replaced with supplemental fertilization. Tree and shrub fertilization contributes to your landscap­ ing by: • reducing the likelihood and effect of insect or disease infestation • promoting healing, re­ sulting in faster recovery and limited decay from most inju­ ries increasing tolerance to soil compaction from pedestri­ an traffic • • promoting faster growth rates increasing visual appeal and real estate value • stimulating darker leaf color and denser canopies. (This article appeared in the Davey Technical Tips for Professional Grounds Manag­ ers, Vol. 1, No. 1.) Page 4 Wallace Bids for GCSAA Directorship Michael Wallace CGCS, of Hop Meadow Country Club Simsbury CT., has thrown his hat into the ring for a spot on the Board of Di­ rectors of GCSAA. Mike follows a few other Connecticut Superintendents whom have vied for such a position and ultimately made it to the Presidents chair of GCSAA. The Board of Directors of CAGCS, has unanimously en­ dorsed Mike for this position and I know we all wish him well. I'm sure that in the near fu­ ture, Mike will be communicating his thoughts on the national association and will be looking for your input as well. Along with Michael, there will be five other nominees vying for the three available posi­ tions on the board of directors of GCSAA. All of the canidate's names will be on the offical ballot when elections are held during the An­ nual Meeting in Houston on Monday, Feb. 8 1988. Other nominees are as folows: For President— John A Segui CGCS Penn. For Vice Pres.— Gerald L Faubel CGCS Dennis D. Lyon CGCS- Michigan Colorado PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED 28002472326 DISTRIBUTED IN WESTCHESTER & FAIRFIELD BY: J & B TRUCKING JAMES CARRIERE & SONS 914-937-5479 ELSEWHERE IN CONN. BY: AGWAY/PROLAWN PRODUCTS STEVE KOTOWICZ 203-792-3032 VALLEY FARMS NURSERY JOE BIDWELL 203-651-8555 For Director- Joseph G. Baidy CGCS- Ohio Gary D. Bennet CGCS- South Car. Lee C. Dieter CGCS- Va. Wiliam R. Roberts CGCS- Mich. Kenneth A. Sakai CGCS- Calif. Michael Wallace CGCS- Conn. This slate of nominees was submitted to the national associations board by the Nominating Committee of GCSAA. Members of the Nominating Committee were, Eugene Baston CGCS Edward Demnicki CGCS Wiliam Emerson CGCS Wayne Otto CGCS John F. Streeter CGCS GOLF TIP Turning away from the target in the backswing builds power. Turning toward the target in the downswing releases it. To promote a strong coiling and uncoiling action, envision a big clock on the ground, as illustrated. Practice swinging the club back through 4 o’clock. In the downswing, key on swinging the club through 4 o'clock, then through the center of the clock’s face and continue on through 8 o’clock. Connecticut Golfers Fare Well In Met. Team Championship The Conn, contingent of Mike Chrzanowski, Mike Dukette, Frank Lamphier Peter Pierson, David Roule and Ward Weischet held on to capture third place in the recently held Met. Area Team Championships. Teams from such places as Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Mass, and Pa. com­ peted in the one day event held on October 8 in Long Island, New York. Rumors has it that our Conn, team finished only two shots out of first place. Not bad from a bunch of hard working boys who don't find much time to play this crazy game. Just the same, hats off for a fine effort and for taking the time to represent the Connecticut Assocation. CAGCS Tournament Results for 1987 CAGCS Championship 0-12 hdcp. Robert Witowski- gross David Rule- net 13-24 hdcp. Greg Wojick- gross David Stimpson- net 25-36 hdcp. Wiliam Hoerle- gross Mike Wallace- net Affilates Mike Dukette- gross Byron Johnson- net Seniors Frank Lamphier— gross Paul Grover- net Parsons Memorial Robert Wiitowski Mclaughlin Trophy Tom Watroba These Patrons help support our Association. • Allen Lawnmower/Ransomes • East Haven Landscape Products 197 Main Street Agawam, MA 01001 AJbat McLean (413) 786-8111 10 Mill Sl Emi Haven, CT (203) 467-6260 Bud Escob • Alpine Tree Care, Inc. 745 Post Road Darien, CT 06820 Rolf Brandt (203) 655-8008 • Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. 164 Nod Road Avert, CT 08001 Jesre Aadosen (203) 677-0225 Andrew Wilson, Inc. 48 Commerce Street, P.O. Boa. 35 Springfield. NJ 07081 DrcwMoaiscn (201) 467-1400 or (201) 273-8555 • Aqua-Lawn, Inc. 328 Figfar Avenue PairGdd.Cr 06430 Loma Tosh (203) 255-3075 or (203) 255-2774 • Bruedan Corp, of Connecticut 25 West Road. BoSioo. CT 06040 Yamaha & Club Car Golf Cars Scott Lowe (203) 647-1774 • The Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Road Unionville, CT 06085 John Callahan (203) 673-3699 • James Carriere & Sons, inc. Port Chester, NY Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 • Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. Wethosfield.CT 06109 Robert Kamedy Roy Sibley (203) 529-2537 Cloro-Spray 775 Louis Drive, P.O. Boa 2809 Warminster, PA 18974-0357 E J. Sanson, Frank Paladino (212) 338-2153 • Country Club Cars of New England, Inc. 10 Shoham Road East Winds®. CT 06088 Dick Kaunas - Didr Mather (203) 623-3871 • Egypt Farms, Inc. Golf Course Topdressing White Marsh, MD 21162 John Strickland (301) 335-3700 • Glenmore Landscape Service RR3 Boa 199 Hackgreen Rd. Pound Ridge, NY 10576 GlouS. Moore (914) 764-4348 • I & E Supply, inc. 66 Ema Avenue Milford, CT 06460 Steve Smith - Paul Roche (203) 878-0658 • Imperial Nurseries Hort Distribution Center 713 Pigeon Hill Road. Windsor. CT 06095 John Poretri, Jr., Ron Holcomb, Kari Novak • Lesco, Inc. 20005 Lake Road Rodey River, Ohio 44116 Mike Donahue, Frank Downey, Mike Oleykowski (800) 321-S325 Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation Co., Inc. Box 66, Larchmont Lane Lexington, MA 02173 Steve Butler (617) 862-2550 • The Magovern Company Windsor Locks. CT 06096 Cad Wallace, Peter Moran (203) 623-2508 Windsor Locks (203) 348-8211 Stamford • Metro Milorganite P.O. Bo* 267 Hawthorne. NY 10532 John Wistrand (914) 347-4222 • O.M. Scott & Sons Proturf Division Marysville, OH 43041 Al Arisen (203) 336-9890 • Partac Topdressing Kelsey Park Great Meadows. NJ 07838 Bill Carriere (914) 937-5479 Steve Kotowicz (203) 792-3032 • Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. 30 Nashville Road Bethel, CT 06801 Steve Kotowicz - Sales Representative (203) 792-3032 Purple Kings Farm 633 Northwest Hill Road Williamstown, MA 01267 Ralph Mason (413) 458-4646, (413) 458-3184 The Reichert Company P.O. Bo* 273. Riverside. CT 06878 Automotive Lubricant Distributor Frank Reichert (203) 637-2958 Salsco, Inc. 105 School House Road Cheshire, CT 06410 Salvatore J. Rizzo, Jon Mattsoon (203) 271-1682 Shemin Nurseries, Inc. 1081 King Street P.O. Box 64, Glenville Station Greenwich, CT 0683 (203) 531-7352 Somers Turf Supplies P.O. Bo* 294 Devon. CT 06460 Bill Somers (203) 878-2108 / ; ' Terre Co. 206 Ddawanna Avenue Clifton. NJ 07014 Byron Johnson, Jr. (201) 473-3393 Turf Products Corporation 1496 John Rich Blvd. South Windsor. CT 06074 Mark Loper, John Ferry, Shawn Donovan (203) 528-9508 Valley Farms Nursery & Supply Simsbury. CT 06070 Sod - Turf Supplies - Fertilizer Joseph D. Bidwell, Owner (203) 651-8555 Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. P.O. Bo* 198 Lincolndale. NY 10540 Bob Lippman (914) 277-3755 (914) 248-5790HM Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc. 240 Griswold Road WethersBeld, CT 06109 Donald Grant (203) 529-6869 Al Zikorus Golf Course Architect Member ASGCA P.O. Box 187. Canaan. ME 04924 (207) 474-8868 Val-Agra, Inc. P.O. Bo* 8811, 672 Tolland Sl. East Hartford, CT 06108 Henry Lesinski (203) 528-9249 e Denotes CAGCS Member