October 2002 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament 1st Annual O.G.S.A. Assistants Tournament CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Super of the Year! Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Contents. Green is Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament..................................... 16 1st Annual O.G.S.A. assistants tournament............................ 17 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents ’ Association Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news................ 5 Cyber super.................................................................................. 10 Golf course highlight - Weston Golf & Country Club................ 15 Health & safety............................................................................. 9 Looking back.................................................................................. 31 Off the fairway.............................................................................. 12 Ontario Turf Research Foundation 2002 Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament...................... 13 Pesticide Exposure and Human Health (Part Two).................. 20 President's message....................................................................... 3 The referee.................................................................................... 8 Turfgrass Management Research at the G.T.1........................... 6 Turf or consequences.................................................................... 30 COVER PICTURE Weston Golf & Country Club Weston, Ontario Hole #2 Photo by Mark Prieur Advertisers Albion Golf Cars............................................................................ 19 Almack Agronomic Services Inc................................................... 12 Bartlett Tree Experts ....................................................................... 9 Braemar Building Systems............................................................. 8 Burnside Golf Services.................................................................. 19 Chipco - Rovral Green / Aliette ..................................................... 7 Chipco - Rovral Green ................................................................... 14 Floratine Products Group ............................................................ 12 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd.............................................................. 10 John Deere Landscapes ................................................................ 11 Maple Turf Supply......................................................................... 13 Nu Gro Corporation....................................................................... 19 Nutrite Turf....................................................................................... 4 Ontario Seed Company................................................................... 9 The P.E.S.T. Institute ........................................................................ 9 OGSA is committed to Pumptronics Inc.............................................................................. 13 serving its members, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited ................................................ 3 advancing their profession, Turf Care Products - Irrigation ...................................................... 5 and Turf Care Products......................................................................... 32 enriching the quality Vanden Bussche Irrigation and Equipment Ltd......................... 19 Zander Sod Co. Limited ................................................................ 13 of golf and its environment. President's message CGSA to Manage 2004 Conference and Show It’s now official! After months of careful consideration, the OGSA board has negotiated a one year deal to have the CGSA run our conference and show in 2004. It was felt that the CGSA has the staff, knowledge and the experience to manage our ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ conference with the benefit of also knowing the ins and outs of ASSOCIATION Guelph Turfgrass Institute the golf and turf industry. It’s a win-win situation for both 328 Victoria Road South parties and it’s great to see dollars spent to run a conference Guelph, ON N1H6H8 Ph: 519-767-3341 remain within the turf business. No venue has been selected as Toll Free: 877-824-6472 of yet for 2004, but all agree, the registration fee will remain reasonable and that a Fax: 519-766-1704 Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca change from the Regal Constellation Hotel is essential. Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca The OGSA also approved the agreement to co-host the joint conference with CGSA, BOARD OF DIRECTORS when the Canadian conference returns to Toronto in 2005. PRESIDENT Jim Flett PAST PRESIDENT John Gravett 1st Annual OGSA Assistants’ Tourney A Success VICE-PRESIDENT Mark Piccolo TREASURER Rob Ackermann The inaugural Assistants’ Tournament, held at the Whirlpool Golf Club in September, SECRETARY Paul Scenna was an outstanding success. The weather was great and the course was in excellent DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander condition, providing all who participated an enjoyable day. For full details and photos Randy Booker Bob Burrows of the event see page 17. Sean DeSilva Greg O'Heron Keep Informed........ Be a Cyber Super! Jeff Stauffer Over 150 members have signed up to have OGSA correspondence and news bulletins OFFICE delivered directly to their email addresses. Stay in the loop and be the first to hear about ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills ground breaking regional news in the Turf business. Simply email Dorothy at Pat Thomas ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca and say “include me in OGSA’s email correspondence” 1067 Beach Boulevard Hamilton, Ontario L8H 6Z9 “Green is Beautiful” Telephone 905-545-5363 is Printed on Fax 905-545-2647 CAN-USA 1-800-263-8606 Recycled Paper GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL Express Dual COMMITTEE & AngleMaster Jeff Stauffer, Editor Reel Mower Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager Sharpeners Randy Booker Angelo Capannelli Scott Horsburgh Kevin Falls Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Greg O'Heron Mark Prieur Mark Schneider GRAPHIC Green is Beautiful 2002 SERVICES Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher "Qualityyou can See!" and any reproduction in whole or part Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 without the written permission of the 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 publisher is prohibited. e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca • www.graphicservices.ca 2002 OGSA Turfgrass Education Scholarship Applications now available for $1000 Scholarship Deadline Date November 15, 2002 Check our website www.golfsupers.on.ca under Benefits for full details about policy and application or call the office (519) 767-3341 or toll free (877) 824-6472 Welcome! PRECIPITATION IN O.G.S.A. Welcomes our newest members Brian Brooker ClassA ONTARIO REGION Measured at Pearson International Airport Provided by Ministry of the Environment empty table cell Average YEAR 2002 Actual Surf Camisle Golf Course Jamie Camilucci Paul Henry Class A ClassA January (rain) (snow) January 18.5 mm 32.3 cm 14.6 mm 31.4 cm the turf (total) January 45.6 mm 46.2 mm Kenora Golf & Country Club February Ray Harman Class A (rain) 20.8 mm 29.6 mm (snow) February 25.9 cm 7.0 cm Fox Run Golf Centre (total) February 45.5 mm 38.4 mm Graeme Hughes Class C March Maples of Ballantrae Golf Club (rain) 35.1 mm 44.1 mm • For all up-to-date information Blaine Miller Class B (snow) March 19.9 cm 17.6 cm Cambridge Golf & Country Club (total) March 56.9 mm 61.3 mm on Nutrite products & services Mike Partridge Class C April • For a direct link to a Nutrite Taboo Golf Club (rain) 56.0 mm 88.8 mm (snow) April 7.3 cm 12.2 cm Brad Plummer Class F representative in your area (total) April 64.0 mm 103.3 mm Batteaux Creek Golf Club May Tim Schaly Class D (rain) 65.8 mm 80.7 mm Briar Fox Golf & Country Club (snow) May 0.1 cm 0.0 cm Randy Twyman Class C (total) May 65.9 cm 80.7 cm www.nutriteturf.ca Taboo Golf Club June Richard Voigt Class A Westminster Trails (rain) 68.9 mm 59.6 mm 800-265-8865 July or Agrotain International Class E David Hansen (Winnipeg) (rain) 76.6 mm 59.0 mm 519-669-5401 August Andrew Semple (Indiana) Universal Sand & Gravel Class E (rain) 84.2 mm 11.6 mm P.O. Box 160, Elmira, Doug Richardson Ontario, N3B 2Z6 Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news by Bob Burrows Rosedale Golf Club CGSA Fall Field Day Classic The members alike, as well as developing a seminar program, which tournament at Nicklaus North on is aligned with our National Occupation Standards. Watch for September 23rd was sold-out, and with the results of our IPM/BMP survey in the very near future. good reason. The whole day was absolutely I will be hosting a seminar on Friday, November 22 near outstanding. Thanks to the event Pearson Airport with Bob Sexton and his timely seminar organizers, co-sponsors and especially, the “Managing Up: Strategies for influencing Boards, Committees, Toro Company for hosting the reception. and Managers”. Plan to attend, and bring your assistant or your To continue with the success of this event, General Manager perhaps. This seminar awards GCSAA mark September 15th, 2003 on your accredited CEU’s and also conforms to our own National golfing calendar, when we move to “Legends on the Niagara” for Occupational Standards. Watch your mail for the brochure. the next tournament. Congratulations to Mr. Gary Stadnek of Red River College for The three days of pre-tournament Board meetings were quite winning the Toro Future Superintendents award, and to Mr. busy, with a full agenda, including a long-range planning session Pelino Scenna of Burlington Golf Course for winning the Score with a facilitator. The most relevant initiatives were discussions Superintendent of the year award. Mr. Bob Wick, Executive regarding the development and delivery of a National Marketing Director of the WCTA, will receive the John B. Steele campaign to promote our profession to members and non­ Distinguished Service Award. Well done gentlemen! 800S Series The New Standard in Golf Sprinklers is Here! • Constant-Velocity Drive • 4" Pop-Up Height ► Ensures 3 minute rotation. ► Clears taller grasses. • Surge-Guard Piston Valve • Spike-Guard Solenoid ► Slowest opening/closing ► More than twice the surge valve in the industry. protection than the competition. • Indestructible Stainless Steel • Removable Rock Screen Valve Seat ► No special tools required and no ► Never needs replacing. threads to strip. • Fewer Parts • Conversion Assemblies ► Fewer replacement parts ► Upgrade your existing 600 and that cost about 40% less than 700 Series heads easily without competitive parts. using substandard imitations. TURF CARE Contact your irrigation sales rep or Customer Service at 1-800-561-1432 for more details. Turfgrass management research at the GTI by Dr. Julie Dionne, Assistant Professor Turfgrass Management University of Guelph jdionne@uoguelph.ca A new research project funded by the OGSA Entomopathogenic nematodes : an alternative to pesticides to control turfgrass insect pests on golf courses in Ontario For more than a decade it has been The main objective of our research project is to determine the clear that sustainable agriculture and efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode agents in management horticulture, which includes managed of crane fly larvae commonly called leatherjacket (Tipula sp), turfgrass, will need to include reduced black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), and black turfgrass ataenius reliance on pesticides and increased use of larvae (Ataenius spretulus) under both environmentally integrated techniques which include controlled (laboratory) and field (golf course) conditions in natural pest control. While IPM has a Ontario. More specifically, we will : proven value in safe and sustainable turf • Assess the susceptibility of crane fly larvae, black cutworm, and management, there is an ongoing need to black turfgrass ataenius larvae to different species of add to the array of tools that are integrated entomopathogenic nematodes in the laboratory. there. This is particularly true with respect to the development • Determine the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode of low risk alternatives to current pesticides in an IPM context. treatments to control crane fly larvae, black cutworm, and black With the increasing concern about pesticides, deregistration of turfgrass ataenius larvae on golf courses. some chemistries (e.g. organophosphate and carbamate • Develop recommendations for the use of entomopathogenic insecticides) and the potential for complete bans by nematodes on golf courses in Ontario. municipalities, the ability to develop and recommend effective • Survey for naturally present entomopathogenic nematodes on alternatives is critical. The importance of alternative, reduced golf courses. risk methods has become critical in the context of the recent Supreme Court decision and impending municipal bans on This research project focuses on delivery of non-chemical pesticide use. control measures and the reduction of pesticides inputs into Biopesticides based on a nematode-bacteria complex have turfgrass insect pests management program for golf courses. shown promise as a method of controlling several turfgrass pests. This project will provide specific recommendations for the use of These biopesticides have many advantages in an urban setting. entomopathogenic nematodes for control of major turf insect Entomopathogenic nematodes are environmentally friendly and pests on golf courses. It will help the implementation of this do not harm vertebrates. Nematodes kill pests quickly, and they biological control in an IPM context. This research will can be introduced in a water solution using the conventional ultimately contribute to reduced pesticide use in urban sprayers used by turf managers. There is some evidence of the landscapes and golf courses. potential for these nematodes to control cutworms, black This 2 years research project is part of a collaborative effort turfgrass ataenius. Little information is available on the control involving the participation of the Department of Plant of the emerging pest crane fly larvae commonly called Agriculture at the University of Guelph and The Guelph leatherjacket with nematodes. Moreover, the specific Turfgrass Institute (Julie Dionne and Louis Simard), Agriculture recommendations for the use of nematodes to effectively control and Agri-Food Canada at Saint-Jean-sur- Richelieu (Guy Belair), insect pests on golf courses in Ontario is currently lacking. and the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association. Simard, 2001 Simard, 2001 Simard, 2001 Simard, 2001 Tipula Black turfgrass ataenius (Típula sp.) (Ataenius spretulus) You didn’t work this hard to lose it to disease infection. The long hard work has paid off and your course is in great shape. Ensure your efforts don’t go to waste by preventing next year’s disease this fall with Rovral Green and Chipco Aliette. Rovral Green controls fusarium and snow mold to reduce inoculum next spring while Chipco Aliette prevents Pythium root rot to promote plant health through the winter. Protect your hard work and your course into next year with Rovral Green and Chipco Aliette. For more information on Rovral Green and Chipco Aliette, contact Chipco Professional Products or visit our website at www.chipcocanada.com Quebec/Atlantic 514-949-2467 • Ontario/Western Canada 905-319-8981 Rovral Green and Chipco Aliette are trademarks of the Aventis Group. Always read and follow label directions. The referee by Bob Leggiti Rules Chairman, G.A.O. This quiz works on the relief rules from 3. A player is not entitled to clean their ball if it is lifted for lying on the wrong putting green. 23 to 28 and is intended to get people to A) True read the definitions which helps to B) False. understand the rules. 4. A player is allowed to take relief without penalty from interference by which of the following? A) Casual water in a water hazard. B) Out of bounds fence. 1. The stroke and distance penalty is the only option to a player C) Burrowing animal hole in a bunker. in which of the following? D) Ball unplayable in a tree stump. A) Ball unplayable, ball lost in an obstruction. B) Lost ball through the green, ball out of bounds. 5. According to Rule 25-1b, a player is entitled to relief without C) Lateral water hazard, casual water interference. penalty from: D) Embedded ball, obstruction interference. A) A tree stump. B) Casual water visible on the putting green 2. If a player locates their original ball after playing a ball that when the player walks beside the line of putt. was not announced as a provisional ball, they may still C) Soft, mushy earth. complete the hole with the original ball without penalty. D) Overflow from a water hazard. A) True B) False. Answers on page 13. STORAGE FACILITIES - WAREHOUSES • NEW BUILDINGS •WOOD & STEEL STRUCTURES • ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS Experience... That’s the Braemar Difference. For your FREE estimates please call Rick Brenzil, Harold Bundy or Jack Brenzil Toll Free: 1-800-215-1996 RRI, York, Ontario NOA IRO • Telephone: (905) 7723351 • Fax: (905) 7723422 Email: rbrenzil@braemarbldg.com • www.braemarbldg.com Health & safety ROAD SAFETY by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMS Training Think about the questions I am posing. Have you ever had your workers show The importance of safe driving was Are you aware that if you ask a worker to you that they know how to operate the driven home last week take their vehicle to complete an errand vehicle? Or have you trusted that just on your behalf, as the employer or because they have a driver’s license that There had been a light rain. supervisor, that you are responsible for they are competent enough to drive on I was stopped at a traffic light and how they drive? the public road? looked in the rear view mirror to see a Did you ever think of the consequences Be aware that a driver’s license is their vehicle sliding towards a van stopped if your worker was killed or injured while permission to drive. It does not behind me. Fortunately I had left completing the errand? What would the necessarily mean that they are competent enough room in front of my vehicle so consequences be if they were to injure or on every type of vehicle that they are that I could move ahead without moving kill a third party? given to drive. into the intersection. I avoided getting Are you aware that when a worker is Remember that when you asked them to rear-ended by the van after it was hit by operating, either your vehicle or their drive your maintenance equipment you the car. A very quick reinforcement of my own vehicle on club business, they are put them through a rigorous training defensive driving habits! subject to the same rules that would apply program to ensure that they knew how to How many of you, as supervisors or if they were actually on club property? handle the equipment and complete the employers, have ever taken the time to Think about this for a moment. You ask job. Have you done this for your road discuss defensive driving with your a worker to do an errand. They rush to vehicles also? management team or your workers? get the job done. They have a bad Winter will soon be upon us and the How many of you have taken a defensive accident. There is a court case. What is driving conditions get worse. Are you driving course in the last three years? your defence? Have you done everything and your club prepared? Has your club Do you understand your responsibilities that you reasonably could do to ensure ever thought about promoting safe when it comes to the operation of that your worker understood the driving? vehicles on the public road, by your complete operation of either their Take a moment to review your work employees? vehicle or your club vehicle? practices and ensure that you are taking every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of your workers. THE P.E.S.T INSTITUTE Enjoy the autumn. Drive safely! SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION &SERVICETECHNOLOGY LAND SAFETAID EXTERMINATOR Your 1st stop in safety! (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES NORTH YORK: November 25 - 29, 2002 January 27- 31, 2003 February 17- 21, 2003 When Falling Leaves March 10- 14,2003 Will Let Us See... March 24- 28, 2003 Dead, dying, weak and diseased April 14- 18,2003 branches should be removed May 5- 9, 2003 or supported to: MILTON: • reduce wind resistance April 7- 11, 2003 LONDON: • provide less surface for heavy ice and snow For All Your December 2 - 6, 2002 • remove entry points for insect Golf Course Needs! March 17- 21, 2003 and disease pathogens OTTAWA: Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers Take advantage of our FREE March 3- 7, 2003 and Bayco Golf Accessories Inspection program. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Toronto • (416) 657-2059 Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 For more information and a brochure contact: Victor Freiberg Ken Graham P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 www.bartlett.com Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaynet.com BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL David Schmelefske GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Cyber super by Mark Prieur, Assistant Superintendent Markland Wood Country Club Where Am I going? the golfing season coming to a With MapQuest even remembers your last search map that you close very soon, the need to travel (or created the last time that you visited. should I say the itch?) becomes a tradition What site would be complete without a few pop-up ads? Beware in the “off-season.” Going to various the Orbitz and KOA Kampground pop-ups (or just use the Alt-F4 conferences, short courses, golfing or key to close them before they load). Other features include travel destinations can be a little frustrating directions to the location that you specified in a text format, when you do not know exactly where it is aerial photos (of some areas) longitude and latitudes and a map that you are supposed to be or how long it legend. Maps can also be downloaded and saved for future use. will take you to get there. Non-members of CAA will find This site should definitely be bookmarked. www.mapquest.com very useful due to the fact that it is free. At the home page you will be prompted to enter as much Another site of interest is www.maps.yahoo.com. The area information about the destination as you know. This can be as called “Driving Directions” can be used as a start-finish map. specific as the intersection or as vague as the city or state Enter the start (by either address or city) and then enter the (province). From here, MapQuest will find the locale you are finish (the same way) and yahoo spits out exact directions to the looking for and the immediate surrounding area. Here is where destination complete with driving time and a distance it gets fun, the map now can be zoomed, panned (east or west, calculation. (For example “Turn right on Bloor Street and drive north or south), even emailed to someone if you need to hook 4.2 kms.”) Not only is this site free, it is fairly quick considering up with them when you get there. There is also a scale on each the information it must compile. The only warning is it may not map to indicate distances that will aid in travel time calculations. always be the shortest route to your destination. Construction, The map can also be printed so you can have a hard copy. (I non-existing roads or newly developed areas may skew travel used the print button on the Explorer taskbar instead of the times. Having said that, “Examine your map carefully and plan site’s print key due to a software conflict but it printed anyway.) your own route.” is what my Dad used to say. LF-2500 LIGHTWEIGHT FAIRWAY MOWER Create a tournament-quality cut quickly and easily with Jacobsen’s precision reel mower technology and a high performance diesel engine. *Available in 7, 9 or 11 blade reels *2WD or 4WD Burlington Area: 905-637-5216 Toronto Area: 905-338-2404 All Other OntarioAreas: 800-883-0761 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST Fax: 905-637-2009 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1W6 Visit our website @ www.gcduke.com One Call Handles It All John Deere Landscapes It's a superintendent's ideal situation: Keeping the course 100 percent playable throughout the season. Now there's a new team member ready to provide the irrigation supplies, service and support you need to achieve that goal - John Deere Landscapes. Your local John Deere Landscapes branch is among the most comprehensive suppliers of golf course irrigation equipment in the U.S. With a nationwide network of branches and field staff, John Deere Landscapes has the professional expertise and equipment to solve any site challenge. Renovation or new construction? John Deere Landscapes features the industry's most advanced irrigation management tools to control water, labor and energy costs - while helping you achieve that goal of 100 percent playability. Call today: 800-347-4272. Irrigation Systems Featuring Hunter Golf Reliable rotors, valves, central control systems, maintenance radios Pump Stations Customized for your course Fountains and Landscape Lighting AquaMaster and Oase fountains, Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting BoardTronics Controller Board Repairs Replace outdated Toro® and Rain Bird® controller boards: 888-855-9132 Direct Sales Quantity shipments of landscape products and nursery stock: 770-569-8682 Professional Irrigation System More Than 220 Branches Nationwide Repairs, Renovations, New Construction www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com On-Site Consultation: 800-347-4272 Off the fairway PRIORITIES FOR THE FALL GARDEN by Daisy Moore Experts Transplanting and dividing plants within dead flowers and stems of perennials, is continue to profess your existing gardens is ideally done in the mostly a matter of taste. Many dead flower that fall is an ideal fall. The soil is generally easy to work with stalks are attractive when left and allowed time for gardening. and the active root growth of the plants will to show through the snow. Ornamental Despite all the quickly repair any root injury which grasses, hydrangea, rudbeckia and mullein efforts of mark­ occurred during the digging process. The are a few examples of plants which should eting experts, the equipment you need when dividing and be left un-cut due to their ornamental media and gard­ transplanting includes a sharp spade or appeal in winter. I would not recommend ening gurus, many shovel, tags to mark the plants and a cutting any perennial down to the ground gardeners do not wheelbarrow full of compost or organic level. Leaving a few inches of stubble will follow suit. This material. After removing or dividing a help to attract snow cover which will might be because of fatigue or a feeling plant, re-place the divot with a protect and insulate the roots. The that the season is lost. I am not one of compost/soil mixture. Plant spring stubble, combined with the compost, will those gardeners and I encourage all of you flowering bulbs in the gaps you have also give you an indication where the to venture out into the garden while there created for an increased efficiency of the plants are after the snow melts. is still time. job. Use the compost to amend the soil in Bulbs, as was mentioned, can be planted There is little difference in allowable the new area where you are planting. as you divide and transplant perennials. garden activities in the fall versus the Composted manure, composted grass Consider the flowering time and colour of spring. The major difference in the clippings and leaf litter are all valuable the perennial and plant a bulb which seasons is that the cut off point for spring additions to the garden beds. would be a good companion to that. activities is the heat, whereas the cut off It is a good idea to spend a bit of time with Evening primrose, a rapid spreader in point for fall activities is the cold. Roots are each of your plants prior to winter freeze- need of constant dividing, can be under- still actively growing in order to store up. Remove any weeds which may have planted with crocus or daffodils to give an nutrients and water for winter survival and germinated late in the season and invaded early flower show. The primrose leaves will spring growth. The soil is warm and moist, the soil near or even over top of a then disguise the foliage of the bulbs after making it an ideal time to work with perennial. I find that weeds will often they have ceased flowering. Ornamental outdoor plants. invade the early flowering perennials onions are perfect companions to peony or Trees, shrubs and perennials can all be which die back in the summer. If left artemisia. planted in the fall. Nurseries will often sell unchecked, robust growers such as There is lots to be done in the garden in these plants at a discount in order to avoid dandelions or burdock will kill the the fall both to keep the garden attractive the expensive over-wintering procedure, perennial underneath. in the late season as well as to do jobs which especially with trees. Those that are left Surround each perennial, tree or shrub will save you time in the spring. Get as unsold will often be transplanted into with a generous supply of compost, much done now as possible because larger containers to be sold for a higher manure or other organic material. This somehow the activities surrounding the dollar the following spring. Check with a will add life to the soil and assist in growing of grass take priority when the gun local nursery or grower and ask about their promoting a healthy environment for goes off in the spring. Do your best to work inventory of plants. If you are looking to beneficial soil micro-organisms. Bonemeal around the labour shortage caused by staff create a habitat, screen a green from a tee or fertilizers containing higher Potassium going back to school. Hire a gardener, if or to simply gussy up the place, now is the and Phosphorous can also be added at you don’t already have one, and you will be time to find out what’s available and get time of planting. Steer away from using glad you did. values. My garden designs often revolve turf fertilizers, generally, in garden beds. Visit my website: www.daisymoore.com. around available plants. I prepare the bed, The tendency towards higher nitrogen Listen to my radio gardening show, have ideas in mind about which plants with turf blends can lead to imbalance with “Daisy Moore on Gardening”, would be suitable and then make my flowering plants. decisions based on what I see and find. Saturday mornings 9-11 on am 900 CHML Whether, and how much to cut down the Hamilton or am 980 CFPL London. Mark Goodwin Technical Sales Representative Cell: (905) 928 - 9200 Fax: (905)578-7575 Corrie Almack P.Ag. Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Invested In The Wonder Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Fioratine Canada Inc. L0R 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Ontario Turf Research Foundation 2002 Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament Many people from the golf industry golf and camaraderie. The Royal Thanks to Robert Cowan, golf course gathered on a beautiful August day at the Woodbine is a Michael Hurzdan creation. superintendent and his staff, the course Royal Woodbine Golf Club to help It is Etobicoke’s gem, recognized for was in fine shape, despite the dry, support turf research, enjoy a great day of challenging the best of shot makers. summer weather, for the day’s event. Photos by D. Hills Royal Woodbine Golf Club Jim Flett, presenting OGSA cheque to Chris Dew Brett Murray Professional Products Technical Sales Maple Turf Supply PUMPING SYSTEMS 8112 King Rd. W. Business: (905) 857-2000 P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 Bolton, Ontario Mobile: (416) 580-8112 18-1290 Speers Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 2X4 L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 Toll Free 1-888-222-6676 Fax (905) 825-8139 email; paulp@pumptronics.ca www.pumptronics.ca The referee - Quiz answers 16- B Rule 27-1 17- B Rule 27-2a 17525 Jane St., R.R. #1 Kettleby, Ontario L0G 1J0 18- B Rule 25-3b Tel.: (416) 364-5700 (905) 727-2100 Fax: (905) 727-8546 19- C Rule 25-1 b(ii) E-mail: info@zandersod.com Website: www.zandersod.com 20- D Dec 25/2 You didn't work this hard to take a chance now on Fusarium. It’s been a long and busy season, but with a lot of hard work Rovral Green FUNGICIDE the course looks great going into the fall and winter. Ensure your efforts are protected from fusarium with tried and tested Rovral Green. Rovral Green provides both preventative and curative protec­ When all you want to see is green tion from Fusarium to protect the fruits of your labour. For more information on Rovral Green, contact Chipco Professional Products or visit our website at www.chipcocanada.com Quebec/Atlantic 514-949-2467 • Ontario/ Western Canada 905-319-8981 Rovral Green and Aventis are trademarks of the Aventis Group. Always read and follow label directions. Golf course highlight Weston Golf & Country Club 50 St. Phillips Road Weston ON M9P 2N6 Golf Course Superintendent: Ron Ackermann Email: westonturf@bellnet.ca website: www.westongolfcc.com COURSE PROFILE WHAT COUNTY IS YOUR CLUB LOCATED IN? Toronto IS YOUR CLUB PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE, PUBLIC, RESORT, MUNICIPAL? Private Club SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP? 700 members COURSE STATISTICS NUMBER OF ROUNDS? HOW MANY HOLES? 30,000 WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR MAINTENANCE SHOP? 18 Very Modest TYPICAL OPENING AND CLOSING DATE? WHAT IS THE YARDAGE FROM BACK TEES AND FORWARD April 15th to November 30th TEES? WHAT TYPE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM? 6728 back tees; 5105 forward tees Rainbird heads (10 years old)Toro Controls NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT? (new) Ron Ackermann WHAT IS THE SIZE AND LENGTH OF DRIVING RANGE AND RANGE TEE? WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GREENS, TEES AND FAIRWAYS? HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A SUPERINTENDENT? Range 200 yards and tee: 12,000 square feet Greens: 3 acres 11 years Tees: 2.5 acres HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN O.G.S.A.. MEMBER? HOW MANY BUNKERS? Fairways: 22 acres 16 years 77 WHAT IS YOUR PREDOMINANT GRASS? HOW MANY YEAR ROUND STAFF? HOW MANY PONDS, AND/OR HOW MANY TIMES DOES WATER Bentgrass / Poa Annula 6 COME INTO PLAY? HOW MANY USGA GREENS AND HOW MANY LOAM GREENS? 2 ponds, 1 small creek 1 USGA greens, 18 Loam greens HOW MANY SEASONAL STAFF? 30 ,WH0 WAS THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT? WHAT IS THE PREDOMINANT SOIL TYPE? Willie Park Jr. clay HOW MANY MECHANICS AND ASSISTANTS? 1 mechanic, 1 assistant (Owen Russell) WHAT WAS THE YEAR OF ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION? 1915 LONG RANGE PLANS WHAT LONG RANGE PLANSFOR RENVOCATION DO YOU HAVE HOW MANY GARDENING STAFF? IN TEH NEXT FIVE YEARS? 2 WHAT MAJOR TOURNAMENTS HELD? In development process Canadian Open, 1955 Winner: Arnold Palmer 57th Annual Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament Photo’s by Mark Prieur espite the promise of high winds D forgot that the course was located in the Senior (over 50 yrs of age) Low Gross and rain, the day was perfect for the heart of Toronto, surrounded by towering Score. David Svab received the Stained members and guests who gathered to wrap buildings and major highways; we were Glass Award for the best Low Gross Score. up the OGSA golf season at Weston Golf totally engulfed by beauty and tranquillity. Of course we had the traditional draw for Highlights of the evening included the the Texas Mickey and as well this year, a and Country Club, on October 7th. presentation of a plaque by Paul Scenna to digital camera. Our host superintendent, Rob Rob Ackermann, our host superintendent, As usual, our Associate members came Ackermann, who by the way, is just thanking him and all the staff at Weston through with an abundance of donated completing his first season at Weston, had Golf & Country Club for a wonderful day. prizes for the event. Whether you received pulled out all the stops, and presented us Ron Craig of Turf Care Products presented a prize or not, everyone was a winner, as we with an immaculate course with the greens Bruce Burger with the George Darou went home after a day of great golf, great running fast and true. While driving Trophy, which is presented each year to the food , and great company! through the unique rolling terrain, you Ron Craig from Turf Care presenting Bruce Burger with the George Paul Scenna presenting Robert Ackermann with plaque Darou Trophy. Bruce has won this award 2 years in a row. The winners of the tournament flight “A” Flight “B” (Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents) (Associate Members and Guests) Finish Score Winner Finish Score Winner 1st Low Gross 79 Dave Svab 1st Low Gross 75 Trevor Hunter 2nd Low Gross 80 Bruce Burger 2nd Low Gross 78 Brian Rosenberg 3rd Low Gross 81 Paul Brown 3rd Low Gross 81 Tim Trimper 1st Low Net 68 John Parker 1st Low Net 68 Bob Grisenthwaite 2nd Low Net 69 Neil Tandan 2nd Low Net 70 Victor Peters 3rd Low Net 70 Craig Senior 3rd Low Net 70 Jason Harris Longest Drive #1 Dave Svab Longest Drive #14 Trevor Hunter Closest to the Hole #11 Kevin Wingerden Closest to the Hole #8 Brad Bergin David Svab 1st Gross winner 1st Annual O.G.S.A. assistants tournament Photos and article by Neil Tandan, 2nd Assistant Donalda Club uesday, September 24^ marked the T for ‘closest-to-the-hole’ and for ‘longest day was certainly a hot topic of discussion kickoff of the 1st Annual Assistants Golf drive’. The steady breeze and and a big ‘Thank You’ goes out to all the Tournament. The host course was challenging course set-up made good Associate OGSA Members who so Whirlpool Golf Club in Niagara Falls. scores well earned on this day. generously donated gifts. Finally, a pat With a full field of 100 golfers - including Congratulations to Jason Cooper (Prince on the back to Dorothy Hills of the 1st Assistants, 2nd Assistants, Technicians, Lee Acres), who won 1st Low Gross with a OGSA, who shared a great deal of and Distributor Representatives - from score of 77! The winner for 1st Low Net experience with these event organizing near and far, a good day was well in the was Jamie Goodrow (Hamilton G&CC) “rookies”! making. with a 65. Nice one! The remainder of It’s great to see the return of an industry the impressive prize table was awarded via event geared towards Assistants and blind draw. Technicians. Not only does it help to Following the golf, players were able to build personal and professional relax and enjoy each others company and conversation in the clubhouse. Hopefully everyone gained some insight through the exchange of ideas and philosophies during this ‘informal education’ time. Impressive appetites were more than satisfied with the prime rib buffet which included a wide selection of side dishes, 1st Low Gross Winner: Jamie Cooper (Prince Lee Acres) salads, and dessert. Even the Congratulated By Scott White Donalda Club vegetarians were looked after! Whirlpool impressed all those playing in Many thanks must go to all the tournament with the charm of its those involved with making Stanley Thompson design, the the event such a success. First manicuring of its turf and sand traps, and and foremost, thanks to Dave the brilliant floral displays at almost every Agnew, Andrew McQuillan, turn. With the Niagara River Gorge only and their staff for providing an excellent relationships, but participation in the metres away from the 18^ tee, the golf course. Anyone who played that day event is another encouraging sign of the temptation to tee one up and “grip-it-and- can attest to putting some very FAST health and interest of the turf industry in rip-it” over the gorge was strong indeed! greens! Thanks also to the people on the Ontario. With the continued support of The tournament format was individual inside - namely the Pro Shop and the OGSA, the distributors, and all you gross and net scores. Prizes were awarded Banquet Staff - who took care of ‘Non-Superintendents’ (Ha!), the future for the top four finishers in the ‘low everything from scoring to providing the of this tournament as an annual affair is gross’ and ‘low net’ categories as well as wonderful dinner. The prize table this bright. 1st Low Net Winner: Jamie Goodrow (Hamilton G&CC) Congratulated By Scott White Donalda Club Golf course superintendent of the year The Canadian Golf Superintendents Working for 38 years as a Association of the Year Award is a superintendent, he started his career at prestigious acknowledgement of a the Galt Country Club in 1963 and stayed superintendent’s “body of work” for a there for 21 years before moving to the person who is nominated by his peers, Burlington Golf and Country Club, in 1985. Eight of his assistants have moved selected by previous winners and on to become superintendents in their endorsed by the CGSA Board of own right. He has also mentored six Directors. That person is then saluted by individuals who have become either all the key people in the golf industry at assistant superintendents or now work in the Score Golf Awards each year. some other turf related position. We are proud to announce that this year’s recipient of this distinguished “Much of my success thus far, and any success award is Pelino (Paul) Scenna, OGSA I have in the future, I will owe, in large part to member and superintendent of Pelino. I cannot think of a better example of sought out for his advice. He has made Burlington Golf and Country Club. excellence in our industry.” presentations to students as well as to Quote from Tom Brain, Assistant Superintendent, fellow superintendents, and has spoken “Mr. Scenna is the consummate professional." Burlington Golf and Country Club. Quote from Paul Lawrence, President, Burlington on his experiences and knowledge in Golf and Country Club. In 1970, Pelino attended the first Italy, Great Britain and throughout turfgrass short course at the University of Canada. Few superintendents symbolize the Guelph and later in 1975, he returned for best of the profession as does Pelino, who a one week refresher course. He has “I think we all know the generous spirit, the has served as President of the Ontario achieved Master Superintendent status. hearty grin and laugh, the dynamism, the fun and Canadian Golf Superintendents He has given back to the education to be around’guy that Pelino is.” Associations and has also served other community by serving on the turf Quote from Dr. J.L Eggens Professor Emeritus, associations including the Western program advisory board at Seneca University of Guelph. Ontario Golf Superintendents College for five years and at Humber Association and the Golf Course College for three. He also helped develop Pelino Scenna is extremely proud of his Superintendents Association of America, the University of Guelph turf program role as Superintendent and takes equal as a member in good standing. He is also and short course and served four years on pride in touting CGSA and its importance a founding member of the Ontario their advisory committee. Pelino Scenna to all superintendents. He has served the Turfgrass Research Foundation and was association on many committees in the is well regarded by his peers and is often instrumental in the development of that program. He has also been involved with the development of educational programs at the University of Guelph and Seneca College for many years. Pelino is dedicated to the superintendent’s profession and been a CGSA member since 1969, and has attended the Canadian conference each and every year since, for a total of 30 consecutive years. “Early in his career Pelino realized the importance of image and professionalism in our development years, and has spent years promoting this in our industry. We are better because of that ” Quote from Mark Piccolo, Superintendent of Galt Country Club. past and continues today to serve on the events such and the LPGA event in 2000 CGSA Group RRSP (pension) committee and the Ontario Senior Ladies protecting members’ interests. Championships in 2001. Burnside Golf Services a DIVISION OF R.J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED He has been called “a superintendent’s Engineers • Hydrogeologists • Environmental Consultants “Pelino has a passion for your industry. His best friend”. Not only does he maintain work ethic, communication skills and attention an exceptionally well-maintained course Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry to detail are impeccable. ” of his own, but is constantly looking for Quote from Trevor Fackrell, Head Professional, We can help with: ways to improve and experiment with • Approvals for Golf Course Development Burlington Golf and Country Club, and Operations various grasses and irrigation and • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management maintenance practices to show by Pelino is a devoted family man. He has • Sewage Treatment and Disposal two sons, Mark and Paul. Both of these • Environmental Management Plans example how to practice his profession. • Building and Clubhouse Design He looks for and administers unique boys grew up on the golf course and • Irrigation Design and Consulting • Environmental Impact Assessment methods of controlling pests and other when they were young it was not Contact Vito Cirone aspects of maintaining a golf course. uncommon to see Pelino and the boys Tel: (905) 953-8967 People visit him to see his golf course and driving around checking out the course Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com he is generous in sharing advice and in the evening. I know Pelino is Website:www.burnsidegolf.com commentary on other superintendent’s immensely proud of his two sons and courses. today both of them have followed in their Pelino epitomizes the work ethic, dad’s footsteps and become successful in commitment and dedication to his the turf industry. And with talking to employer. The high standards he sets for Pelino over the years, he always tells how the Burlington Golf and Country Club grateful he is to have the love and have impressed not only his own support of his wife Diane who has allowed members, but his course has been named him to pursue a career that he truly loves. as one of the top three best maintained “His pride in his work, his family and his golf courses by Score Golf Magazine. The course and his loyalty to all of these are indeed Burlington Golf and Country Club in the rare attributes to find in one person ” Offices located throughout Ontario Golt Max Suppliers to the NGCOA past two years was selected to host major Quote by B. Sparks, General Manager, Donalda Club. 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 Nu-Gro Corporation PHONE: (416) 236-1001 TOLL FREE: 1-888-311-5431 FAX: (416) 236-4654 MOBILE: (416) 464-4346 ww.albiongolfcars.com BRUCE MCDONALD Brian Rosenberg Technical Sales Representative Cell: (519) 574-2013 Fax: (519) 743-6849 brosenberg@nu-gro.ca Upgrades, Renovations & New Installations From evaluation to implementation, New King City Location Now Open 1.866.703.5464 will Partner with Milton you to succeed in 1.800.263.4112 Achieving your Goals www.vandenbussche.com Pesticide Exposure and Human Health (Part Two) by Donna L. Houghton, Ph.D., Technical Registration Manager, Toxicology; Syngenta Crop Protection Canada. Inc., September 26th, 2002 Note: There was a typographical error in Part One of this article that appeared in the August issue of “Green is Beautiful”. The acronym for “Lethal Concentration 50%” is ”LC50”, not “LD50”. “LD50” refers to “Lethal Dose 50%”. the concept of risk to the general public. • Contact (dermal exposure) I this article, the second of a three n part series, we will address the concept of Putting risk into perspective is critical for • Inhalation (respiratory exposure, what is risk and the allegation that pesticide expo­ the public to understand that pesticides can breathed in) sure is responsible for an increase in cancer be used safely with minimal risk to human incidence. Readers are encouraged to health. Most occupational and bystander expo­ review Part One, which appeared in the April issue, for background information sures to turf pesticides are a result of expo­ In 1982, Scientific American published a sure through the skin (dermal exposure) or prior to reading this article. Part Three, which will appear in the next issue, will paper that ranked various activities accord­ lungs (respiratory exposure). address the subjects of pesticide exposure ing to their annual contribution to the and asthma, neurological effects in chil­ number of deaths in the US1. A listing of In 1992, Harris and Solomon investigated dren, and endocrine (hormone) disrup­ the top ten, in order of the most hazardous exposure to bystanders entering areas tion. Please note that references for the activities to the least hazardous, conveys just complete three part series are footnoted in where the turf had been treated with the the text and a detailed listing is available how distorted the public’s perception of risk commonly used herbicide 2,4-D2. Exposure from “Green is Beautiful” Magazine. truly is. The most hazardous activity that a was measured by analyzing urine for person can partake in, is smoking. More residues of 2,4-D. Exposures occurring 1 The Concept of Risk/Hazard people die of tobacco-related illnesses than hour after herbicide application were well any other cause. The remaining top 10 in below health protection guidelines and 24 Unfortunately, a large portion of the prob­ order are: use of alcoholic beverages, motor hours after spraying, no chemical exposures lem we are facing today with cries from the vehicles, handguns, electrical power, motor­ were measurable. Dislodgeable residues general public for a ban on the use of pesti­ cycles, swimming, surgery, x-rays and rail­ from the treated turf fell from 8% to 1% cides for urban uses, is related to miscon­ roads. Cycling ranked 13th, fire fighting during that period. The “rule of thumb” is ceptions about risk. All activities in which and police work ranked 16th and 17th respec­ that, if treated surfaces are dry, exposure is we participate carry a certain element of tively, use of contraceptives 18th, vaccina­ reduced and is minimal. No detectable risk. However, the public’s perception of tions 25th, and “pesticides” ranked 28th. residues were found in the urine of 20 vol­ risk is distorted because people haven’t unteers with the exception of 3 people who been taught about risk. Risk perception has Certainly, each time a pesticide is handled were barefoot, wearing shorts and contact­ more to do with a combination of the fre­ there is some level of risk. “Risk” is a func­ ed turf within one hour of application quency with which the risk is taken (famil­ tion of the inherent toxicity of a substance (which is against label directions). No iarity with the activity), the level of control a and the exposure one has to it. detectable residues were found in the urine of vol­ person has over the risky situation, how unteers exposed to treated turf 24 hours after much pleasure they derive from it, and an Risk = Toxicity x Exposure application. At recommended application unconscious decision to accept certain risks rates, exposure to turf sprayed with 2,4-D because the benefit incurred outweighs the Looking at this simple math equation, if should present little risk to humans. risk, than it does the magnitude of the risk. the value for exposure is zero (no expo­ Children should never contact treated turf For example, many people feel perfectly sure), what happens to risk? It becomes until it is dry, and should never be in the safe driving a car but unsafe when flying; zero. The most toxic substances known to vicinity during application. when in reality, the risk of being seriously or human beings can be handled safely, with fatally injured in a car accident is far greater minimal risk, if there is little or no exposure. A second study by the same lead authors than being injured or dying in a plane Alternatively, there can be considerable risk examined exposure of homeowners making crash. involved in handling a compound that isn’t their own applications of 2,4-D, and expo­ very toxic if exposure is high enough. By sure of household bystanders3. Residues Most of you reading this article probably keeping one, or both, of these factors as were not detected in the urine of the drink coffee, drive cars, ride bicycles period­ close to zero as possible, the risk involved in bystanders. The only homeowner applica­ ically, and enjoy the occasional alcoholic handling and using pesticides can be mini­ tors that had 2,4-D in their urine were those beverage. Some of you are smokers. Many mized. Pesticide label directions are who failed to wear protective gear and had of you enjoy being out in the sun and don’t designed to do just that. experienced spills of the liquid concentrate always wear sunscreen, and many have used or had excessive contact with the diluted a cell phone while driving. The purpose of Occupational and Bystander Exposure mixture (residues ranged from non- presenting this lengthy list of activities is to detectable to 0.0071 mg/kg bodyweight, point out that people take risks everyday, Scientists measure “exposure” and deter­ which is very low). whether they are driving to work, crossing mine the amount of pesticide that is the street, riding a bike, smoking a cigarette absorbed into the body, because this repre­ In 2001, Stephenson et al. measured or consuming alcoholic beverages. Each of sents the internal dose. This internal dose homeowner applicator and bystander expo­ these activities has a significant level of risk is then compared to doses used in the ani­ sure to liquid and granular (plus fertilizer) associated with it, and each bears a much mal studies discussed in Part One of this formulations of chlorpyrifos (Dursban) greater health risk than you will ever incur article. There are three main routes of applied to turf1. Urine was collected over a from exposure to pesticides used on turf. exposure into the body: 96 hour period beginning immediately Unfortunately, academia and the chemical after application. Of 40 bystander study industry have not effectively communicated • Ingestion (oral exposure) participants, only 4 had trace levels of fuelled by some epidemiology studies of when duplicating the DNA. In the end, it chemical metabolites detected in their pesticide manufacturers, applicators and all comes down to a failure of our immune urine and only 1 had residues above the farmers who have had high exposures, and system to repair damage to DNA, whether lowest quantifiable concentration (25 that are suggestive of an association with the mutations are caused by a chemical, ug/L). (Note: The term “trace” means the certain types of cancers such as prostate can­ ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the sun, metabolite was detected but the quantity cer and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). exposure to cigarette smoke or cancer caus­ was so low that an accurate measurement There are many studies suggesting pesticide ing viruses etc. could not be obtained.) This was expected exposure increases cancer risk in these pop­ given the chemical properties of chlorpyri- ulations and many indicating no effect. If pesticide exposure is contributing to an fos and the fact that only 1.5 to 3% of the These studies have been plagued by small increase in cancer, this should be reflected chlropyrifos applied is dislodgeable imme­ sample sizes (small numbers of study partic­ in age-adjusted cancer incidence rates over diately after application and less than 0.1% ipants) which reduces the statistical power time. The graphs and data presented in this is dislodgeable 1 day after application5,6. of a study, and flaws inherent in using ques­ article are from “Canadian Cancer Statistics Only 1 of 10 applicators who wore personal tionnaires to obtain exposure data rather 2002”, produced by the Canadian Cancer protective equipment (PPE) had trace lev­ than actual sample analysis because the Society, the National Cancer Institute els of metabolites in his urine following studies are “retrospective” in nature; in of Canada, Statistics Canada, application of the granular formulation, other words, the study participants who Provincial/Territorial Cancer Registries and while 3 of 10 applicators who did not wear have already been diagnosed with cancer Health Canada16. You can review this infor­ PPE had detectable residues in their urine are asked to recall what they were exposed mation and more at www.cancer.ca. On (1 trace and 2 quantifiable). Of 11 volun­ to 15 to 20 years earlier. The reason that entering the website, select Research and teers wearing PPE and applying the liquid exposures 15 to 20 years earlier are impor­ Statistics, then Statistics, Canadian Cancer formulation, 2 had trace residues and 3 had tant is that there is a latency period between Statistics 2002 report. (Note, the 2001 quantifiable residues in their urine. the time the causal exposure occurs and report is also displayed on the website). Certainly the use of protective clothing development of the disease. For many can­ More specific data was obtained reduced the extent of exposure. (Note: cers, the latency period is close to 20 years. from Cancer Surveillance On-Line Dursban is no longer registered for domes­ Obtaining accurate responses on a ques­ http://cythera.ic.gc.ca/dsol/cancer/17 tic home and garden uses, the reasons for tionnaire is extremely difficult, if not impos­ (except where noted, see references provid­ which are beyond the scope of this article; sible. In addition, few epidemiology studies ed). however, commercial formulations are avail­ have accounted for confounding exposures able for use on golf courses, industrial sites, to other compounds, including medica­ Canadian demographics are changing. sod farms, ornamental plantings and high­ tions, diesel fuel etc. The Canadian population is increasing and way medians.) so is the average age of the population. As Prior to discussing the results of epidemi­ a result, the overall number of newly diag­ Many people are concerned about their ology studies on pesticide exposure and nosed cases is increasing because there are pets contacting treated turf. In 1991, a cancer, it is critical for the reader to under­ more people around to develop cancer and widely publicized study suggested a relation­ stand what causes cancer and to become because the disease is more prevalent in ship between canine malignant lymphoma familiar with cancer incidence rates. older people. In order to remove aging and (CML) and exposure to 2,4-D7 8. The study Basically, cancer is caused by the failure of population increases as confounding fac­ was highly criticized by experts for its the body’s immune system to repair muta­ tors in cancer statistics, all cancer data is design, as well as its analysis and interpreta­ tions (damage or errors) in our DNA that in standardized for age and presented as the tion of the data. Unfortunately, once incor­ turn cause processes in the body’s cells to go number of new cases (incidence), or deaths rect information is released to the media, it awry. DNA is the molecule we have in each (mortality), per 100,000 of the population. is very difficult to refute or correct. The of our cells that carries our own unique This allows data to be compared from year study data was reanalyzed by researchers at genetic code and also is responsible for cell to year without population increases and Michigan State Veterinary College who division. In a healthy individual, cells con­ average age of the population complicating demonstrated that the data did not confirm tinually die and are replaced. Every time a the issue. Figures 1 and 2 depict the effect a dose-response relationship between 2,4-D cell divides and reproduces itself, there is an of standardizing for age on the incidence use and CML, or even a significant associa­ opportunity for an error to be made when numbers per 100,000 of the population in tion between the two9. Studies are not avail­ the DNA duplicates. Every day, our bodies males and in females, respectively. These able for all pesticides used on turf; there­ repair millions of mutations, most of which graphs also demonstrate that the age stan­ fore, owners should keep their pets indoors are naturally occurring. This is one of the dardized incidence rate (ASIR) for all can­ during pesticide application and until the roles of our amazing immune system. As we cers combined has been relatively flat over turf is dry. As can be seen from the studies age, our DNA repair mechanisms start to the years. While the data presented are discussed, very little pesticide is dislodged falter and mutations that can lead to the from 1973 to 1998, the data prior to 1984 from treated turf, particularly 24 hours after growth of a tumour go uncorrected. are not entirely accurate due to changing application. Consequently, the annual number of newly diagnostic criteria and inconsistencies in diagnosed cancer cases increases as the popula­ cancer registry reporting. Inclusion of tion ages. Cancer can also be caused as a these data gives the impression that cancer Pesticides and Cancer result of exposure to an external stimulus incidence was increasing during this time, that is extremely toxic to cells. If many cells which may not be true. The data from 1984 There has been a growing concern that are killed, the body increases the rate of cell to 1998 are much more reliable. The data exposure to pesticides, either through food division of the remaining cells to try and from 1999 to 2002 are estimated values as residues or when applied to home interiors, compensate for the loss. With an increase the actual numbers have not yet been pub­ turf and gardens, may be a major cause of in the rate of cell division, comes an lished. various types of cancer. Concern has been increased risk that an error will be made If we look at the age standardized Pesticide Exposure and Human Health (Part Two) continued... incidence rates of various types of cancers studies have been conducted to assess a pos­ contraceptives and hormone replacement individually (Figures 3 and 4), we can see sible relationship between thyroid and therapy have been implicated as causal fac­ that, for most cancers, the incidence has breast cancers, the associations demonstrat­ tors; the former by allowing women to delay been flat or decreasing in both sexes since ed have been weak, study sample sizes small pregnancy until a later age and the extent about 1983. The only cancers for which and the conclusions not always consistent. of the latter being dependent on the dura­ increases appear to be occurring are thyroid tion of treatment in addition to other fac­ (not shown on graph), lung, NHL and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) tors. A portion, but not all, of the increase breast cancer in women, and NHL, thyroid in incidence can be attributed to improved (not shown on graph), and prostate cancer The incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lym­ diagnostic techniques (the increased use of in men. (The increase in melanoma among phoma (NHL) has increased in both sexes mammography). Apparent from Figure 3, older men and women will not be specifical­ of the 20 - 49 year old age group between is that the increase in the incidence of ly addressed here as this is believed to be 1984 and 1998, with the incidence, as well as breast cancer seems to be paralleling an due to UV exposure.) These trends are the percentage increase, being greater in increase in the incidence of lung cancer in also apparent in the average annual percent males than females. The risk of NHL women suggesting an association between change in cancer incidence and mortality increases with age. Patients treated with the two diseases. While the incidence of (1991 - 1998) for men and women (Figures radiation therapy for other cancers are at lung cancer in males has declined due to a 5 and 6). One trend not apparent from increased risk of developing NHL, and reduction in smoking among men, the inci­ these graphs is the increase in the incidence those treated with both radiation and dence of lung cancer in women is still on of testicular cancer in men aged 20 - 49 chemotherapy are at even greater risk. the rise. The number of smokers in the years. Looking at these specific cancers Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with female population has not declined to the individually, several comments can be some uncommon types of NHL. HIV is a same extent as among males, which would made. (Note: Lung cancer in women will risk factor for NHL and the incidence explain this statistic. not be specifically addressed as it is widely among AIDs patients is much higher than acknowledged that tobacco use is responsi­ in the general public; consequently, any Prostate Cancer ble for the increased incidence of this dis­ increase in the incidence of HIV and AIDS ease.) will result in a concomitant increase in the The incidence of prostate cancer among incidence of NHL. Since the incidence of men rose very slowly from 1984 to 1988 Thyroid cancer HIV and AIDS is rising more rapidly among (Figure 4). The dramatic increase in the men than women, it would be expected that incidence of this cancer between 1989 and Thyroid cancer is more prevalent in a greater increase in the incidence of NHL 1993 can be explained by improved diag­ women than men. An increased incidence in men would be observed. nostic techniques - primarily the use of of thyroid cancer between 1984 and 1998 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing. has indeed been observed in women 20 - 49 Several epidemiology studies have con­ The increase in incidence occurred just years of age. The magnitude of this cluded associations between exposure to after this new technique was introduced. increase has not, however, been observed in phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4-D and There has been a subsequent decline in males of similar age; the increase in males MCPA, which are commonly used in agri­ incidence since 1993, as existing cases were has been small during the same time peri­ culture and on turf, and the development diagnosed. This is truly indicative of an od. It is interesting to note that the inci­ of NHL 18 19 20 21 . The majority of these stud­ increase due to improved diagnostics. Risk dence of this type of cancer took a jump ies have not measured exposure directly factors include a family history of prostate between 1991 and 1995 in both sexes and and failed to account for concomitant expo­ cancer, high fat diet and vitamin D deficien­ most age groups suggesting improved detec­ sures to potential carcinogens (e.g. diesel cy. Findings in epidemiology studies of tion of this type of lesion; however, this does fuel, prescription drugs) and exposure to occupation and prostate cancer risk have not explain the dramatic increase among oncogenic viruses found or suspected to suggested a slightly increased risk among women compared to men. In the early play a role. In some studies, associations farmers, athletes, power plant workers, fire­ 1990s, the increased use of fine-needle aspi­ were found with certain occupations only; fighters, workers in leather processing ration biopsy may account for a portion of however, more research is required on this industries and soap/perfume manufactur­ this increase. Incidence of thyroid cancer subject because definitive conclusions can­ ing; however, the casual risk factors have not rises slowly with age. Many studies have not be drawn from the epidemiology stud­ been confirmed23,24,25. linked exposure to radiotherapy directed to ies currently available. the neck region during childhood with a Testicular Cancer significantly increased risk of thyroid can­ Breast Cancer cer. External exposure during adulthood The incidence of testicular cancer has and internal exposure to therapeutic or The increased incidence of breast cancer increased steadily in men aged 20 - 49 from diagnostic doses of radioactive iodine, how­ in women may be due to lifetime exposure approximately 6 cases per 100,000 of the ever, do not appear to increase risk. to estrogen which stimulates both normal population in 1984 to 8.5 cases per 100,000 Changes in iodine intake may increase the and abnormal breast cell development22. in 1998. Incidence among men aged 50 incidence of some types of thyroid cancer Lifestyle changes such as having fewer chil­ and over has been flat to slightly declining and decrease the incidence of others. Diet dren, giving birth at a later age and a reduc­ (actual number of cases is low at approxi­ may play a role, with consumption of vegeta­ tion in the duration of breast-feeding or not mately 1-2 per 100,000 each year). The bles (e.g. cruciferous) conveying some level breast-feeding at all, increase lifetime expo­ main risk factors for testicular cancer are of protection. Due to the difference in sure to endogenous estrogen. High fat diets cryptorchidism or undescended testicle (s) incidence between men and women, hor­ and genetics (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) and a family history of the disease, suggest­ monal factors may be responsible. While also play a role. The use of oral ing a genetic component. Approximately 14% of the diagnosed cases occur in men than those reported for pesticide exposed among bystanders, which translates to no with cryptorchidism. There is an increased adults suggesting that children may be detectable exposure to individuals contact­ incidence among men with white collar or more sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of ing treated turf2,4. professional occupations as opposed to pesticides. (Note: The results could also those who would be involved in manufactur­ indicate that parents more readily implicate (Note: The leading cause of death among ing or spraying pesticides. This observation pesticides when questioned about their Canadian children is not cancer - it is suggests socioeconomic status or lifestyle child’s exposure, compared to their injuries29. Many of these “accidental” deaths may be associated with the disease. It does response regarding their own exposure.) are preventable. Injury mortality statistics not suggest that pesticide exposure is The authors concluded that, future include deaths due to unintentional injuries responsible. Exposure to “endocrine-dis­ research must include better methods for such as motor vehicle accidents and falls, in rupting chemicals” has been suggested as a quantifying exposure to pesticides, investi­ addition to deaths due to suicide and assault possible contributing factor; however, it has gation of the possibility of genetic-environ­ (including child abuse). In 1996, 16 deaths not yet been demonstrated that the level of mental interactions etc. These are reason­ per 100,000 occurred in people under age exposure the average public incurs to such able suggestions. The authors also conclud­ 20 due to injuries. This is equivalent to chemicals originating from a variety of ed that reducing or eliminating pesticide 30.5% of all deaths in this age group.) The sources, including those that are natural, is exposure has the potential to prevent at greatest impact we could make regarding sufficient to cause such a response. least some childhood cancers. This is one threats to child health would be to find conclusion that many scientists believe is a methods of reducing the number of fatali­ Childhood Cancers “leap” considering the weaknesses of the ties due to injuries. studies cited. There has been a great deal of publicity Conclusions of Scientific Review Panels and suggesting that the incidence of childhood A year later, 5 researchers from the same Authors of Review Papers on the Subject of leukemia is increasing and that pesticides institution published a review paper that Pesticides and Cancer are responsible. Actually, the incidence of concluded that increases in childhood can­ leukemia in children is not increasing in cer can be explained by improved diagnos­ In 1997, the National Cancer Institute of Canada or in the US. Incidence of leukemia tic techniques27. Linet et al. examined inci­ Canada’s Advisory Committee on Cancer in Canadian boys has remained relatively dence and mortality patterns among 14,540 Control (ACOCC) addressed the issue of flat around a mean of 4.6 cases per 100,000 children under the age of 15 years that were public exposure to pest control products to during the period from 1984 to 1998. diagnosed with cancer from 1975 to 1995. determine whether a significant level of risk Incidence has also been relatively stable They concluded that there was no substan­ existed that would necessitate the Canadian among girls (approximately 3.9 cases per tial change in incidence for the major pedi­ Cancer Society changing its priorities which 100,000) during the same period. The inci­ atric cancers and rates have remained rela­ are currently focused on tobacco control dence of leukemia peaks in children 1 to 4 tively stable since the mid-1980’s. The mod­ strategies. ACOCC established an Ad Hoc years of age at approximately 8 cases per est increases that were observed for panel on pesticides and cancer30. While the 100,000 and declines afterwards to approxi­ brain/central nervous system (CNS) can­ Ad Hoc panel concerned itself primarily mately 2.5 cases per 100,000 in children 10 cers, leukemia and infant neuroblastoma, with pesticides used in the agricultural sce­ to 14 years of age. were confined to the mid-1980’s. Linet et. nario, the published conclusions of this al. stated that this pattern suggests that panel were that: Epidemiology studies suggesting an associ­ increases likely reflect diagnostic improve­ ation between pesticide exposure and child­ ments or reporting changes that occurred • No association was found between hood leukemia are flawed due to small sam­ during this period. pesticide use and cancer ple sizes and lack of statistical power, recall • Several factors may reduce cancer rates: bias (asking a mother after her child has The subject of pesticide exposure and - Reduction in smoking been diagnosed with cancer to remember children’s cancer risk is an emotional one - Increased consumption of fruits and what she was exposed to during her preg­ and determining whether or not a relation­ vegetables nancy and what her baby was exposed to ship exists is quite complicated28. Even - Control of infections after birth), failure to quantitatively meas­ researchers from the US National Cancer - Avoiding intense exposure to sunlight ure exposure to pesticides and report the Institute have differing opinions on the sub­ - Increasing physical activity identity of those pesticides, estimating expo­ ject; however, those who believe that there is - Reducing alcohol consumption sure from birth certificate data or parental a connection concede that exposure has occupational title instead of actual sample not been well defined and that the available The following year, world-renowned epi­ measurements, and failure to control for studies investigating pesticide use and the demiologist, Sir Richard Doll reviewed the confounding factors such as other expo­ development of pediatric cancers have published literature on potential causes of sures, just to name a few. many additional flaws including small sam­ cancer and drew conclusions very similar to ple sizes and case-control bias. More those of the Ad Hoc panel31. He conclud­ In 1998, Zahm and Ward of the US research is required; however, in the mean­ ed that smoking, alcohol, pharmaceutical National Cancer Institute published a time we should reduce the exposure of chil­ products, infection, electromagnetic radia­ review paper summarizing data in the liter­ dren to pesticides by ensuring label direc­ tion (ionizing, UV, lower frequency), occu­ ature on pesticide exposure and cancer risk tions are followed, not reduce the use of pation, industrial products, pollution (air, in children26. Their paper states that, while pesticides. As was seen from the Harris and water, food), physical inactivity, reproduc­ the studies reviewed were limited by a lack Solomon (1992), and Stephenson et al. tive hormones and dietary factors (not pes­ of pesticide exposure information, small (2001) data, applying the correct applica­ ticide related) were all causes of cancer. sample sizes and the risk of recall bias tion rate of a turf pesticide, and restricting Smoking and dietary factors were consid­ (plagued by memory and other complicat­ contact with treated turf for a 24 hour peri­ ered the most important, responsible for ing factors), the risks reported were greater od will result in non-detectable residues approximately 30%, and 20 to 50% of fatal Pesticide Exposure and Human Health (Part Two) continued... cancers, respectively. Occupation, industri­ environmental tobacco smoke, smokeless In 1987, Ames et al. developed a ranking of al products and pollution (including pesti­ tobacco, exposure to UV light from solar carcinogenic substances to provide insight cides) combined, were thought to be radiation, sun lamps and tanning booths, into the real risks that threaten our quality responsible for a total of 3 to 4% of all fatal crystalline silica and tamoxifen. Tamoxifen and length of life33. Often the threat to our cancers. Doll stated that there is no sound, is a drug used very successfully to combat health is not from rigorously tested prod­ scientific evidence to suggest that pollution breast cancers that grow in response to ucts like pesticides, but from other sub­ from all sources, including pesticides, is a estrogen. Tamoxifen also increases the risk stances to which we have unconsciously significant cause of cancer. of endometrial cancer, a form of uterine accepted the risks involved for the benefits cancer, which is why it is listed; however, the obtained. Table 1 lists a few of the sub­ The 9th Report on Carcinogens, published risk of developing endometrial cancer is so stances Dr. Ames has ranked using his in 2000 by the US Dept, of Health and small in comparison to the benefit gained Human Exposure/Rodent Potency Human Services/National Toxicology among women with breast cancer that the (HERP) Index. We test carcinogens on ani­ Program, listed over 50 compounds known drug is widely used and will not be banned. mals not humans and measurements are to be human carcinogens*. Not one pesticide Things come full circle to risk vs benefit. expressed as the rodent carcinogenic poten­ was included on this list. The criteria used cy. To relate a product’s carcinogenic The major causes of cancer listed in the to define “Known” were that “there is suffi­ potential in rodents to its carcinogenic “9^ Report” were: potential in humans, the Rodent cient evidence of carcinogenicity from stud­ - Smoking Carcinogenic Potency values are converted ies in humans which indicates a causal rela­ tionship between exposure to the agent, - Dietary imbalances, insufficiency of many to HERP values. The higher the HERP % substance or mixture and human can­ micronutrients, insufficient consumption of the greater the carcinogenic risk to fruits and vegetables humans. As you can see, the carcinogenic cer....” - Hormonal factors, primarily influenced by potential of beer and coffee are far greater On the list are items such as aflatoxins pro­ lifestyle than that of Lindane, an organochlorine - Chronic infections, mostly in developing insecticide or chlorothalonil, a fungicide duced by a fungus that grows on nuts, alco­ hol, asbestos, arsenic, coal tar, diethylstilbes­ nations that is commonly used on turf. - Inflammation terol (DES), tobacco smoking, - Genetic factors Table 1. HERP Percentage Values for Common Substances Daily Exposure Carcinogenic Component HERP % Beer (257 g) Ethyl alcohol 2.8 Coffee (13.3 g) Caffieic acid 0.1 Bacon (100 g) Diethylnitrosamine 0.003 Lindane, daily dietary Lindane 0.000001 intake Chlorothalonil (Daconil), Chlorothalonil 0.00000001 daily dietary intake Conclusions Reviews of sound, scientific, peer-reviewed data, indicate that allegations suggesting occupational and bystander exposure to pesticides is associated with increased cancer incidence, is currently unfounded. Unfortunately, the media’s presentation of possible associations has cre­ ated an irrational fear about pesticides among the general public. As mentioned in Part One of this article, any pesticide ban approved by a municipality is a political decision based on emotion and not one based on sound science. This fact should be clearly communicated to the constituents of the municipalities involved. ... Part 3 of this article that will address allegations that pesticide exposure causes asthma, neurological effects in children and disruption of hormone systems, will appear in the next issue... Figures 1 and 2 New Cases and Age-Standardized Incidence Rates (ASIR) for All Cancers, Canada, 1973-2002 Note: All cancers exclude non-melanoma skin cancer (ICD-9 173). Rates are standardized to the 1991 Canadian population. Source: Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, CCDPC, Health Canada Figure 3 Age-Standardized Incidence Rates (ASIR) for Selected Cancer Sites, Females, Canada, 1973-2002 Note: Rates are standardized to the age distribution of the 1991 Canadian population. See Table 8.1 for data points. Source: Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, CCDPC, Health Canada Figure 4 Age-Standardized Incidence Rates (ASIA) for Selected Cancer Sites, Males, Canada, 1973-2002 Note: Rates are standardized to the age distribution of the 1991 Canadian population. See Table 7.1 for data points. Source: Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, CCDPC, Health Canada Figures 5 and 6 Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) in Age-Standardized Incidence (1991-1998) and Mortality (1991-1998) Rates for Selected Cancer Sites, Canada Note: See Table 9 for percent change for all sites. Sites are ranked in decreasing order of incidence. Source: Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, CCDPC, Health Canada Pesticide Exposure and Human Health (Part Two) References: 1. Upton, A. C. 1982. The Biological Effects of Low-Level Ionizing Radiation. Scientific American, Feb., Vol. 246, No. 2, pp. 41 - 49. 2. Harris, S. A and Solomon, K. R. 1992. Human Exposure to 2,4-D Following Controlled Activities on Recently Sprayed Turf. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, B27(l), pp. 9-22. 3. Harris, S.A. et al. 1992. Exposure of homeowners and bystanders to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Journal of Environmental Science and Health, B27(l), pp. 23-38. 4. Stephenson, G. R. et al. 2001. Homeowner-applicator and bystander exposure to chlorpyrifos applied to turfgrass. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 9, pp.45-49. 5. Sears, M. K. et al. 1987. Dislodgeable residues and persistence of diazinon, chlorpyrifos and isofenphos following their application to turfgrass. Pesticide Sci., Vol. 20, pp. 223-231. 6. Black, K G. and Fenske R. A. 1996. Dislodgeability of chlorpyrifos and fluorescent tracer residues in turf. Comparison of wipe and foliar wash sampling techniques. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 31, pp. 563 - 570. 7. Hayes, H. M. et al. 1991. Case-control study of canine malignant lymphoma: positive association with dog owner’s use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicides. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 83, No. 17, pp. 1226-31. 8. Hayes, H. M. et al. 1995. On the association between canine lymphoma and opportunity for exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Environ. Res., Vol. 70, No. 2, pp. 119-125. 9. Kaneene, J. B and Miller R. 1999. Re-analysis of 2,4-D use and the occurrence of canine malignant lymphoma. Vet. Hum. Toxicol., Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 164-170. 10. Valacer, D. J. 2000. Childhood Asthma - Causes, Epidemiological Factors and Complications. Drugs, Vol. 59, Supp. 1, pp. 1-8. 11. Health Canada 2002a. Measuring Up - A Health Surveillance Update on Canadian Children and Youth - Asthma Prevalence. LCDC. Health Canada, Health Protection Branch - Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/brch/measuring/mu r e.html 12. Health Canada. 2001. The Prevention and Management of Asthma in Canada: A Major Challenge Now and in the Future. A Report from The National Asthma Control Task Force. www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/publicat/asthmaOO/index.html 13. Folkerts, G. et. al. 2000. Do Common Childhood Infections “Teach” the Immune System Not to be Allergic? Immunology Today, Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 118-120. 14. Von Ehrenstein, O. S. et al. 2000. Reduced Risk of Hay Fever and Asthma Among Children of Farmers. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 153-157. 15. Riedler, J. et al. 2000. Austrian Children Living on a Farm Have Less Hay Fever, Asthma and Allergic Sensitization, Clinical and Experimental Allergy, Vol. 30, No. 2., pp. 194-200. 16. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2001. National Cancer Institute of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, www.cancer.ca 17. Cancer Surveillance On-Line. 2002. Health Canada, Health Protection Branch - Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Cancer Bureau, Canadian Council of Cancer Registries, Health Statistics Division Statistics Canada. Cancer Incidence over Time, http://cythera.ic.gc.ca/dsol/cancer 18. McDuffie, H.H. et al. 2001. Non-Hodgkin’sLlymphoma and Specific Pesticide Exposures in Men: cross-Canada study of pesticides and health. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev., Nov; Vol. 10, No. 11, pp. 1155-1163. 19. Tortajada, J. et al. 2001. Risk Factors for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. An. Esp. Pediatr., Sept. Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 230-238. 20. Waddell, B.L. et al. 2001. Agricultural Use of Organophosphate Pesticides and the Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Among Male Farmers (United States). Cancer Causes Control. Aug. Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 509-517. 21. Fabbro-Peray, P, et al. 2001. Environmental Risk Factors for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: a population-based case-control study in Languedoc-Roussillon, France. Cancer Causes Control, Apr. Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 201 - 212. 22. Houghton, D. L. and Ritter, L. 1995. Organochlorine residues and risk of breast cancer. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 71-89. 23. Van Der Gulden, J. W. and Vogelzang P. F. 1996. Farmers at risk for prostate cancer. British Journal of Urology. Vol. 77, No. 1, pp. 6 - 14. 24. Krstev S. et al. 1998. Occupational risk factors and prostate cancer in US blacks and whites. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 421430. 25. Sharma-Wagner, S. et al. 2000. Occupation and prostate cancer risk in Sweden. Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 517-525 26. Hoar Zahm, S. and Ward, M.H. 1998. Pesticides and Childhood Cancer. Environmental Health Perspectives: Vol. 106, Supp. 3, June 1998, pp. 893 - 908. 27. Linet, S. et al. 1999. Cancer Surveillance Series: Recent trends in childhood cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 91, No. 12, pp. 1051-1058. 28. Kaiser, J. 1999. “No meeting of minds on childhood cancer”. Science, Vol. 286. Dec. 3,1999, pp. 1832 - 1834. 29. Health Canada. 2002b. Injury & Mortality, Health Surveillance Update on Canadian Children and Youth, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Protection Branch, Health Canada, www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/lcdc/brch/measuring/mu w e.html 30. Ritter, L. for the Ad Hoc Panel on Pesticides and Cancer, National Cancer Institute of Canada. 1997. Report of a Panel on the Relationship between Public Exposure to Pesticides and Cancer. Cancer, Vol. 80, No. 10, pp. 2019 - 2033. 31. Doll, R. 1998. Epidemiological evidence of the effects of behaviour and the environment on the risk of human cancer. Recent Results in Cancer Research, Vol. 154, pp.3-21. 32. 9^ Report on Carcinogens. 2000. US. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program, (http://ehis.niehs.nih.gov/roc/toc9.html). 33. Ames, B. N., Magaw, R. and Gold, L.S. 1987. Ranking Possible Carcinogenic Hazards. Science. April issue. 34. Waddell, W. J. 1998. Epidemiological studies and effects of environmental estrogens. International Journal of Toxicology, Vol. 17, pp. 173-191. 35. Safe, S. H. 2000. Endocrine disruptors and human health - Is there a problem? An update. Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 108, No. 6, pp. 487493. 36. Safe, S. H. 1997. Xenoestrogens and Breast Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. Vol. 337, No. 18, pp. 1303 - 1304. 37. Hormonally active agents in the Environment. 1999. Committee on Hormonally Active Agents in the Environment, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. (http://books.nap.edu/html/hormonal agents/) 38. Guillette, E. A. et. al. 1998. An anthropological approach to the evaluation of preschool children exposed to pesticides in Mexico. Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 106, No. 6, pp. 347 - 353 Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Conestoga Golf Course cereal bowl sized hunks of turf from every At year’s Canadian Open, I was this tournament he’s ever been to. standing beside the eighteenth hole when The marshals were quite different from ours. There must have been a hundred of Neil Lancaster made me (and every other them, and I didn’t see a single one in the recreational golfer in Canada) as giddy as a rough looking for balls or reading the bunch of schoolgirls at a Backstreet Boys’ newspaper on the first tee. I did follow two appearance. You know; when they do one of them on a twenty mile hike down into a of those “intimate and interactive” things at valley and back up a mountain just to end MuchMusic and every screaming, crying, up 100 yards from where we started just have their own golf cart. Now I know that it hyperventilating teenage girl in Toronto because I assumed they knew where they was hotter than the third level of Haiti out cuts school and takes the subway were going. Maybe they were like our there, but whoever made the decision that marshals after all. no jackets were required should have downtown to faint at the feet of the boy One group of people we don’t usually realised that a sleeveless undershirt band, which happens to be the flavour of deal with are the TV crews. These folks showing through a white sweaty dress shirt the month. That’s exactly how we all felt is not the world’s most professional look. It carry themselves with all the style and when an honest to goodness professional would seem to me that as long as John Daly charisma of an unemployed carney and golfer played the hole the way I would had to walk and play golf in long pants and ensure that there is a non-stop hum of golf have. Left, lefter, chip, chip, putt, putt, carts and minor injuries to spectators. a collared shirt, they could have ridden on putt, whoops, there goes a couple hundred They’re like a bad wedding photographer a cart in a jacket. grand I could have used. whose goal is to capture the moment with Compliments to the Superintendent and To his credit, after slicing his way into little or no regard for those actually living crew at Angus Glen, the course looked every Canadian Open highlight reel for in the moment. There are eight million terrific. Also, kudos to the RCGA for the next ten years, the affable golfer was signs telling us that we’re not allowed to moving the Canadian Open around, quick to laugh and shrug it off as just the carry cell phones, pagers, or radios in the allowing us to showcase to the world, both way it goes. I’ve seen an awful lot of gallery. I always assumed that this was to the quality and the quantity of fine courses otherwise reasonable people, who, after avoid distracting the golfers, but now I’m in this country. And one last note for any of blowing a hole in an ordinary Saturday sure it’s just to avoid interference with the you planning to attend next year’s morning penny ante match, launch into a ones that every single TV crew member has tournament, even if you own more than tantrum that would shock Charles Manson. ringing, buzzing or crackling constantly. one bell telephone, that will not get you The golf spectator, all those people were Which brings me to the semi-fossilized into their private tent - trust me. outside the ropes with me, is an unusual RCGA members, who each apparently breed of cat, but they are clearly the same people we deal with on a day to day basis on our courses. They left garbage everywhere, in crotches of trees, next to signs, or just dropped it in the rough. They walked wherever and whenever they wanted. It was a full time job for the hundreds of volunteers just to keep the spectators from wondering into places where they would not certainly be killed. There’s a whole subculture of people who yell “it’s in the hole” or “you’re the man” after every swing, just to see if they can hear their voice on TV when they get home and watch the tape. Some idiot actually yelled “it’s in the hole” on the tee of a par 5. These are not people who get a lot of dates. There was a member of the grounds crew assigned to follow the last group around to remove flags, tee blocks or anything else that could be stolen by the crowd. It was just like me after the Kitchener-Waterloo Truck Driver’s Association tournament. I saw one guy actually cutting a piece of sod out of the rough to add to his lawn at home. I overheard him telling his companions that his backyard is a quilt of Looking back FIFTEEN YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes Golf Club Mike Cote, Bottonville, Andrew Masek barbecue being held at the Toronto The Board of Directors of the OGSA (f), Oakdale, Robert Field (f), Board of Trade, Gordon Witteveen. The in 1987 were as follows: Robert Kennedy Burlington, Gary Roos (f), Oakdale, organizing committee, headed by Doug (pres.), Garden City, Thom Charters Steve Sherwood (f), Bridgewater, Ken Suter, raised $18,000 (vice.), Islington, Barry Endicott (past Siems (b), Islington, Larry Brassard (e), An “ Official Launch Reception “ was pres.), Millcroft , Rhod Trainor, St. Robert Michel (f), Rosedale, Pat Hebert held at the Credit Valley Golf Club to Thomas, Neil Acton (editor), Brooklea, (b), Roseland and Gord Thompson, introduce the Guelph Turfgrass Institute Ron Heesen, Beachgrove, Gordon Meadowbrook. Research and Information Centre. Nimmo, Sarnia, Scott Dodson, Chedoke, The Georgian Bay Superintendents Hosted by the OTRF guests included Ed Farnsworth, Deerhurst, Mark Hagen, Association had another successful Clare Rennie, OMAF, Al Ruggles, OGA, Wyldewood, Dave Gourlay (jr.), Toronto season with meetings at Brooklea, Neil Des Rice OTRF Director. Annette Ladies and John Taylor, Twenty Valley. Acton, Circle Pine, Ray Richards, Anderson was introduced as the Turf The office secretary was Cindi Charters. Horseshoe Valley, John Hughes, Blue Extension Specialist. The 6,345 square On the move: Thom Charters moved Mountain, Kim Hanley and Barrie, Ed foot building will cost $800,000 and from Islington to Weston, Jerry Richard Doda. The $15.00 fee included golf, should be open next year. from Brooklea (assistant) to Toronto Golf dinner and prizes. The 14^ Annual President, Club (assistant), Dave Gourlay, Toronto The GCSAA International Conference Greenchairman Tournament was held at Ladies to Beacon Hall, Brian Guthro, and Show was held in Pheonix, Ron Oakdale hosted by Paul Dermott. The Tyandaga to Riverside, Bernie Martin Heesen, Beachgrove, Bob Heron, top 3 winning teams were 1. The National (assistant), Ancanster to Tyandaga, Ken Mississagua and Gordon Witteveen, 106, 2. Weston Golf Club 104 and 3. Bay Seims, Mississauga (assistant) to Toronto Board of Trade, presented talks. of Quinte 102. Islington, Charlie Terry, Siddal to Dave Gourlay Sr. was the recipient of the Dean Morrison was the president of the Cranberry Village, John Anderson, Owen Distinguished Service Award. Craig CGSA and Barry Briton was the vice Sound to IBM, Nancy Pierce, Univ, of Evans and Ted Ellis received their president. Ted Bishop of Niagara Falls Guelph to Toronto, Stewart Mills, Certified Status (CGSA). received the OGSA Scholarship upon Ancaster to Essexs, Don McFaul, Glen The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium was graduating from the ODH course at the Abbey to Ancaster, Steve Stasnya held at the University of Guelph with over University of Guelph. Kimmo Salonen, (assistant), Beach Grove to Owen Sound. 200 in attendance. Jerry Richard, Doug York Downs, hosted the Canadians Gavin Kellogg moved to Bowmanville and Hoskins, John Bennett and Tom Seniors Ladies Championship. Jim Sutton replaced him at Elliot. Nigel McBroom gave talks on construction Rennie and Al Schwemler moved to the projects they have been involved with. In memorium, Mr. Loyde Reilly, a life Board of Trade as assistants. The OTRF Fundraising Tournament was member of the OGSA, passed away on New members: Bruce Clark, Midland, held at the National, Ken Wright, with the September 5th. 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