Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Official Publication of the Vol. 12 No. 4 July - August 1989 Golf course impact on water quality The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has released the following report on the impact of golf courses on water quality. Mem­ bers will be pleased to note that the study concludes that “on the whole, a golf course makes an environmentally sound contri­ bution to any community.” favorable control mechanisms to prevent groundwater contamination. Dr. Stuart Z. Cohen, a former Ground Water Team Leader for the EPA in Washington, notes that “the use of pesticides on golf courses poses less of a threat to the nation’s (Please turn to page 6) FINDING Golf courses do not pose a signifi­ cant pollution threat to the nation's water supplies. This conclusion is based on a review of the scientific evidence that is currently available. Neither groundwater nor surface water is threatened by golf course runoff. Further, studies show that stormwater runoff is near zero from golf courses. GROUNDWATER About half of all people in the United States depend on groundwater for their drinking water, and the figure is 90% in rural areas. Results from ongoing scientific studies show that the use of pesticides on golf courses does not threaten pub­ lic drinking water. Because of the low mobility and quick bi­ odegradation of most golf course pesticides, they simply do not reach groundwater in significant quantities. One Environmental Protection Agency-funded study being undertaken on Cape Cod in Massachusetts provides for a “worst- case” estimate of groundwater contamination. To date, test results have been encouraging, demon­ strating that golf courses and clean groundwater do coexist. Some experts argue that golf turf offers uniquely IN THIS ISSUE NJSGA FIRST FIDELITY OPEN JULY 13-15 Editorials.............................. 2, 9 President's Message.................3 Calendar......................................3 GCSANJ News .......................4, 5 Impact on water..........................6 X Marks the Spot........................ 7 Turfgrass Field Day.....................8 GCSAA News.................................. 9 Jim Gilligan................................. 10 Beatle management..................... 11 Superintendent Profile .................. 12 Strange bedfellows..............................13 Personal Profile..........................................14 Special lawn pest problems........................... 15 Gypsy moth virus ...............................................16 The Back Nine ..................................................... 17 Don’t mess with Federal trees.........................18 Lawn ordinance proposed................................. 18 Patron Directory................................................. 19 The Greenerside 1 EDITORIALS Did we say “drought"? “We” is the public “we” since most of us are reluctant to admit errors or simply to admit being on the wrong side of a guess. Two issues ago “The Greenerside” was discussing reservoirs being down to less than 60% of capacity. Alright! Who rain danced? Who washed their car once too often? Who’s the guilty party? Call this office. You will not be turned in, I assure you. However, we may lock you up until the next drought. With reservoirs at 98% of capacity, it appears that water supply will not be a major factor this year. Too much rain, however, brings its own challenges as we are well aware. The fungal diseases appreciate the extra moisture, the frogs thrive on it, and the mosquitoes absolutely love it. Mosquitoes need standing water for their larvae to grow and develop. Adult female mosquitoes must have a blood meal before they can lay eggs. Now at last count, Northern New Jersey had no shortage of humans for blood meals. With the extra rain and standing water, there is no shortage of habitats for mosquito larvae either. With these two factors working together, we have one of the “best” years for mosquitoes ever. Mosquito control is a government business, private citizens are not permitted to have control programs. The rationale for this is that successful mosquito control requires a wide area program that includes more than just pesticidal treatments. Each county has a Mosquito Commissioner’s Office which is responsible for controlling these pests. In New Jersey, programs are aimed at controlling the larvae through habitat reduction and larvacide programs. If mosquitoes are not flying, who cares. This year, the rain has caused generations of mosquitoes to overlap and the population has “exploded.” The Mosquito Commission­ ers’ Offices have been overwhelmed with calls. They are well aware of the size of the problem and have asked the state for more money to help solve it this year. ECKHOFF AWARD For Excellence In Golf Journalism If you have standing water on your golf course, drain it. If it can’t be drained, contact your county Mosquito Control office and notify them of the situation. Controlling the adults will temporarily reduce the number of bites per night. It is unlikely to control them all. After all, New Jersey is the Mosquito State! We have over 60 species, all of which are looking for a free meal! NATIONAL GOLF FOUNDATION ILONA GRAY Our apologies In the May/June issue of “The Greenerside,” the article entitled “Patch Disease sink or swim . . . another perspective,” neglected to mention that the author. Bob Scott, is an Elanco sales representative. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. ********** In the May/June Editorials, there was a mismatch of golf courses and superintendents. The following should have appeared under the honor roll established by “The Met Golfer” — Hackensack - William Gaydosh and Knickerbocker - Sam Juliano. GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of NJ, 66 Morris Ave., P.O. Box359, Spring- field, NJ 07081 Ilona Gray, Editor Ed Walsh, GCSANJ Newsletter Liaison Glenn Miller, Business Editor Bruce Cadenelli, Jim Gilligan, Paul Powondra Contributing Writers Please address inquiries to The Greenerside, Editor, P.O. Box 3672, Wayne, NJ 07474-3672. For Ad Placement: Glenn Miller, (201)528-6775, P.O. Box 241, Brielle, NJ 08730. Art and Typography by Association Management Corporation, Spring- field, NJ © 1989 THE GREENERSIDE SUPERINTENDENTS GOLF COURSE ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 66 Morris Ave., Springfield, New Jersey 07081 Officers: Steve Finamore, CGCS, President Dave Pease, Vice President Chris Carson, Secretary Len Forlenza, CGCS, Treasurer Ed Walsh, CGCS, Past President Directors District 1 Dick LaFlamme David Mayer District 2 Larry Dodge Marty Mantell, CGCS District 3 Gerald Fountain Bruce Peeples District 4 Tom Grimac, CGCS Rick Broome, CGCS Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives: Steve Chirip Shaun Barry Opinions expressed in this News­ letter are opinions of the authors and do not express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ board and membership. 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Steve Finamore, CGCS President GCSANJ Dear Members: Two important events are coming up in August. Our Second Annual Cruise is scheduled for August 19. It gives our spouses and other guests a chance to share in the camaraderie of our pro­ fession and, from the reports of those who attended last year, all were quite pleased. Committee members Bruce Cadenelli and Bruce Peeples have planned another good evening and I encourage you to send your money in as soon as possible for this is a sure sellout this year. The Invitational is scheduled for August 28 at Essex County Country Club. This includes lunch, golf, and dinner with your club’s golf prof, president, and greens chairman. It is our premiere event of the season and this year’s program is at one of the top layouts in the state. Host John Schoellner is sure to provide us with a great day. The Club officials enjoy this event and it gives them an opportunity to interact with their Golf Course Superintendent in a somewhat relaxed envi­ ronment. See you in August. Buckner DISTRIBUTORS Aqua-Flo, Inc. 320 Basin Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 609-561-1777/800-524-0895 (out of NJ) 4155A Westfax Drive, Chantilly, Virginia 22021 COUNTRY CLUB eep er green sk Turf Pr oduc ts Better Quality Turf Care From The Ground Up. P.O. BOX 189 • DAYTON, NJ 08810 P.O. BOX 180 • LEBANON, PA 17042 HOMOGENOUS BLENDED & SCU FERTILIZERS STRAIGHT & COMBINATION CHEMICAL PRODUCTS CALENDAR July 27 July 27 August 19 GCSANJ July Meeting, Colonia Country Club, Colonia. Host: Chris­ topher Gaynor, (201) 381-3311 MGA Public Links Championship, Spring Lake Golf Club, Spring Lake Heights. Host: Bruce Peeples, (201) 449-3455 August 3-6 MGA, Amateur Championship, Metropolis Country Club, White Plans, NY. Host: MGA, (914) 698- 0390 August 15-17 MGA, Open Championship, Beth­ page (Black) Farmingdale, L.I. Host: MGA, (914) 698-0390 GCSANJ Boat Trip, Manasquan & Barnegat Bay, Brielle. Contact Bruce Cadenelli, (201) 531-3609 GCSANJ Invitational, Essex County Country Club, West Orange. Host: John Schoellner, (201) 731- 1403 GCSANJ September Meeting, Apple Mountain Golf and Country Club, Belvidere. Host: Andrew Kiszo- nak, (800) PLAY GOLF Sept. 20-22 New Jersey Landscape & Equip­ ment Expo, Convention Center, Atlantic City. Contact: S. Howard Davis, (609) 737-0890 25th Annual Turfgrass Equip­ ment, Irrigation and Supplies Field Day, Rutgers Stadium and Golf Course, Piscataway. Contact: Len Forlenza, (609) 871-2055 August 28 October 3 Sept. 12 The Greenerside 3 GCSANJ NEWS THE DIRTY DOZEN GROWS It began a number of years ago with Shaun Barry, John Hyland, and Ken Kubik assisting the superinten­ dent and his staff in staking and roping for the LPGA Chrysler-Plymouth tournament. Over the past three years, this event has become an increasingly struc­ tured affair. On May 7, we had 19 association members spend their day at Bamm Hollow staking and roping. We want to sincerely thank the following individuals who gave up a Sunday to be a part of our team: Shaun Barry, Bill Ritchie, Jay Challenger, Chris Whelan, Dave Pease, Matt Clement, Bruce Cadenelli, John Hyland, Ken Crouse, Bruce Peeples, Mike Hocko, Ron Luepke, Jim Koenigs, Pat O’Neil, Jeff Allen, Gary Steadman, Mike King, Forrest Arthur, and Ed Mellor. This activity is more than a workday; it’s a truly fun event. I think all who participate enjoy the day, and look forward to it each year. We look to smother great turnout at the ’90 tournament. Footnote: Phil Scott informs us that 95% of the gallery rope was discarded after this year’s tournament. We can look forward to an easier time of roping next year. 1989 GCSANJ DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The GCSANJ is presently accepting nominations for the “GCSANJ 1989 Distinguished Service Award.” This award is given annually to an individual who is dedicated to the turfgrass industry, particularly golf course management, and has been an inspiration to golf course superintendents. Past recipients include Al Radko, former USGA Green Section director; Dr. Paul Sartoretto, vice- president and director of Research and Development for the W.A. Cleary Chemical Corporation; and Bob Dickison, CGCS, Golf Course superintendent at the Upper Montclair Country Club and past president of the GCSANJ. Nominations should be submitted in written form to the GCSANJ in care of Ed Walsh, CGCS. RES. 201-992-2335 BUS. 201-227-7183 GOLF COURSE & LANDSCAPE MATERIALS Decorative Stone • White Sand • Topsoil Humus-Tee & Green Mix • Bark Mulch Earthlife Established 1953 460 HORSENECK RD. FAIRFIELD, NJ 07006 4 LPGA: A VICTORY AT BAMM HOLLOW Arizona native Cindy Rarick led from start to finish and won the Chrysler-Plymouth Classic with a five under par 214 at Bamm Hollow Country Club in Lincroft during the second week of May. Phil Scott and his staff were given notice of the tournament only this January. They had to really scramble to prepare for this major event. By all ac­ counts, the course was in outstanding condition. The winner, Rarick, did not have one three putt hole the entire tournament. Phil did have to deal with the exceptionally wet weather which played havoc on the “Parkway” holes. GCSANJ members once again rallied around the tournament as many volunteered their time to help with roping and staking and the transportation com­ mittee. Thank you to all who helped! One unanimous request before next year’s tournament is to please buy new rope!!! A knot or a piece of tape every eight feet on a long par is just not the way to go. Congratulations to Cindy Rarick and to Phil Scott. BRUCE PEEPLES SUPERINTENDENT TURF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT CUSHMAN RYAN BROUWER JOHN DEERE BROYHILL VICON GIANT VAC MAGLINE SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • LEASE Double Eagle EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. 285 Dayton—Jamesburg Road • Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • (201) 329-9292 Personnel Carriers • Burden Carriers • Security Vehicles • Refuse Collectors • Sweepers Scrubbers • Vacuums • Tractors and Implements • Fine Turfcare Equipment Sprayers • Spreaders • Line Markers • Trailers • Batteries MANASQUAN MEETING A GIANT SUCCESS One of the few sunny days in May found GCSANJ members and guests at the Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle enjoying a great day of golf and education. There was a large attendance for this meeting with over 132 playing golf including 20 guests from the Philadel­ phia Superintendents Association. Despite recent soggy weather, Glenn Miller and his staff provided us with a well-groomed golf course and excellent playing condi­ tions. Manasquan River Golf Club has a unique layout with many different lies. The nearness of the Atlantic Ocean adds to the effect. After an excellent meal, the 162 who attended dinner heard from Steve Cadenelli, GCSAA secretary/ treasurer and Pat Jones also of GCSAA. They dis­ cussed the Hall Kimbrell Environmental Audit com­ pany and how member clubs can take advantage of a reduced price for a very thorough environmental self­ audit. A short video was viewed detailing the audit. Golf prizes were then given out to the winners and the “not so” winners! As far as I can tell, Manasquan River Golf Club and Glenn Miller were the big winners that day! BRUCE PEEPLES SUPERINTENDENT Storr Tractor Company Proudly Introduces Kawasaki Mule 1000 Introducing the Kawasaki Mule. A new utility vehicle engineered to make turf care easier and quicker. A mighty 454cc, 18 hp. liquid-cooled engine delivers torque and power smoothly and quietly. For nimble handling, there’s rack and pinion steering and independent front and rear suspension. The Mule seats two. Has a tiltable cargo bed. 1,000 pound total payload. Tows 1,000 more with optional trailer hitch mount. And with its differen­ tial, it won’t tear up the turf. But it will haul seed, supplies, machinery and more. Come in and get a Mule today. Kawasaki Let the good times roll. STORR TRACTOR CO. Somerville, NJ 08876 201-722-9830 GCSANJ NEWS GCSANJ TOURNAMENT RESULTS Here are the official results from the tournament held at the Wildwood CC hosted by Steve Malikowski on April 20. For first place in the four man low net: Forest Arthur, John DeMatteo, Dennis Krychowecky, and Clyde Ashton. In second place were Kevin Norcross, Ken Rickenback, Ron Luepke, and Jonathan Snore. Forest Arthur had low gross with a score of 74. Right behind him was Harry Harsin with a 75. Mark Mason won the closest to the pin on the seventh hole and Fran Owsik won the longest hole on the 16th. Fran also won the longest drive for the day on the 18th hole. Skins were Forest Arthur, 2; Kevin Norcross, 3; Dennis Smalldone, 4; Gail Goodrich, 6; Harry Harsin, 12; Paul Brandon, 13; Fran Owsik, 14; and John Carlone, 15. Glenn Miller hosted the May 25 tournament at Manasquan River. There were a number of excellent rounds shot. Here are the official results: Score Winner Flight Event A 76 A 73 A 82 77 B B 70 B 82 B 73 88 C 65 C 67 C D 68 D 75 77 D Joe Owsik Ian Kunesch Bob Prickett Harry Harson Tony Bolcato Kevin Norcross Chris Gaynor Mark Hartman Joe Fricousky, Jr. Bill Beverlin Joe Meross Sky Bergen Rip Rippel 1st Low Gross 1st Low Net 2nd Low Gross 1st Low Gross 1st Low Net 2nd Low Gross 2nd Low Net 1st Low Gross 1st Low Net 2nd Low Net 1st Low Net 2nd Low Net 3rd Low Net Closest to the pin went to Gene Stiler on the third hole, Jim Waniak on the sixth, and to Bruce Peeples on the 15th. The longest drive went to Joe Henry on the 12th and Ed Schulsinger had the honors for the highest score! Skins were as follows: Paul Granger, Eagle!! on the 11th, Joe Owsik on the 14, Don Gaffney on the 15th, and Paul Granger on the 16th. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to the tournament hosts as well as Shawn Barry, our official score reporter! The Greenerside 5 Golf course impact on water quality (Continued from page 1) groundwater than does the agricultural use of pesti­ cides. Additionally, turfgrass provides a “thatch layer” not found in row crop situations. Thatch binds up pesticide residues and increases degradation of some chemicals. Dr. Harry D. Niemczyk of Ohio State Univer­ sity has found that as much as 99% of recovered pesticides are found in turfgrass thatch. In some areas, golf courses are also helping to mitigate the groundwater pollution effects of hazard­ ous waste sites. Many of the nation’s golf courses fertilize soil using sludge compost mixes prepared by urban waste recycling programs. These sludges might otherwise be disposed of in municipal landfills. Thus, potential groundwater leaching from dump sites is averted by careful community planning and recycling. STORMWATER RUNOFF Stormwater runoff from golf courses is not a significant environmental hazard. Research conducted by Dr. Thomas Watschke, a turfgrass specialist at the Pennsylvania State University, indicates that thick, healthy turf reduces runoff “to next to nothing.” An average golf course of 150 acres effortlessly absorbs 12 million gallons of water during a three-inch rainfall. Dr. Watschke finds that thick, carefully man­ aged turfgrass has 15 times less runoff than does a For Thatch Reduction NEW BREAKTHROUGH IN THATCH AND DISEASE CONTROL In actual tests at MICHIGAN STATE UNIVER­ SITY, researchers headed by Dr. J.R. Vargas Jr. found that BIO GROUNDSKEEPER effectively reduced thatch by up to 46% in just the first 12 weeks. lower quality lawn. As a result, almost all of the pesticides applied to the grass remain in place after peak rainfall. Dr. Richard J. Cooper of the University of Massa­ chusetts argues that turfgrass cover “reduces soil erosion and prevents soil and chemical runoff into water sources.” By comparison, parking lots, streets and even residential areas load nearby waters with hazardous pollutants carried in runoff from road surfaces, gutters and catch basins. SURFACE WATER Golf courses help decrease sedimentation pollu­ tion of rivers, streams and lakes by preventing topsoil erosion. The major polluter of U.S. surface water is sedimentation from soil erosion. However, turfgrass reduces erosion, as compared to alternative land uses. For instance, studies show that grassland experi­ ences 84 to 668 times less erosion than areas planted with wheat or com. Construction has an even more devastating impact on topsoil, so golf courses can greatly reduce erosion effects as compared to other land users, like shopping malls or housing develop­ ments. Sedimentation pollution from soil erosion costs society billions of dollars in increased transportation, shipping, and cleaning costs. Thus, by preventing soil erosion, golf courses serve a very beneficial societal purpose. CONCLUSIONS Golf courses do not threaten the nation’s water supplies. Scientific studies show that pesticides used on golf courses do not seep into neighboring groundwa­ ter sources. Other studies demonstrate that stormwa­ ter runoff is greatly reduced by turfgrass. Finally, still more studies show that grassy areas reduce soil ero­ sion, which is a major cause of sedimentation pollution in the nation’s rivers, lakes and streams. On the whole, a golf course makes an environmen­ tally sound contribution to any community. If you wish a copy of this report, then contact GCSAA's office at (800) 472-7878. Sterilized Top Dressing EGYPT FARMS EXCLUSIVE! All top dressing ingredients are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. PRODUCTS & SERVICES 380 South Franklin Street Hempstead, New York 11550 (800) 645-6464 in NYS (516) 538-6444 Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for the transition zone to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories. Many years of research and testing by these leading universities have produced a soil mixture for superior growth; to maintain the best balance of percolation; to resist compaction; for good aeration; and for the retention of usable water and nutrients in the growing medium. Green and tee construction materials and mixes conforming to the above specifica­ tions are also available. 6 X MARKS THE SPOT You know what I always realize any time I look at professional golf or tennis programs on T.V.? It’s all the different manufacturers who are repre­ sented on the clothing of the players. I started to think of what I wear that has some emblem or logo of a company I do business with. The only differ­ ence is I don’t get paid to advertise the way profes­ sional athletes do. That really started me thinking. If I am advertising, maybe I should get something. I suggest companies or vendors who give gifts at Christmas and fall into this category read no fur­ ther. It might cost you. Now at various times, I have had on a Storr Tractor sweater while drinking from a Terre Com­ pany glass or wearing a Roseman shirt under­ neath. I often play golf with my Club Car golf bag and wear a Grass Roots cap. I used to use a John Deere driver, but I got that from Jesco and they are no longer in the golf equipment business, so I can’t consider them. I repair my ball marks with a Lesco ball mark repairer, but those I usually take from Mike’s truck, when he’s not looking, so those can’t be considered, either. Now I am thinking about fees I should charge for my advertising services. How about $10.00 per sweater, $5.00 per shirt and a jacket would have to bring big bucks, maybe $25.00. Using balls with a logo would bring $2.00 per round. I really had to think about this one because I originally thought of a per swing price. Can you imagine? It would cost somebody alot of money, if I used their balls, even if the per swing price was cheap. Now a golf bag would have to be $50.00 a day, if it is really a big bag that’s going to get alot of advertising. Hey, I don’t work for nothing you know! After I sat down and figured all the additional revenue I could come up with, I would call Mary (my wife) and tell her to go pick out that Jaguar she wanted. I would let the kids know they could go to any school they wanted, and the money they made during the Summer could be spent any way they wanted. Boy, it’s going to be good to have money! The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Now, because I’ve done business with all of these companies for a long time, I don’t want to take advantage of any of them. I’ll start out real slow and inexpensively. I’ll certainly have to make a priority list especially in the Summer, when you can only wear so much. Now, Paul DesChamps, Ken Kubik, Jim Pel- rine, Vic Gerard Jr., and Bill Fury, you will be hearing from me real soon. I know you have all worked really hard to be successful, plus I don’t want anything for nothing. This is strictly a busi­ ness arrangement. Just consider me a future ally. Maybe even an entrepreneur in the “Ted Turner” mold. ED WALSH, CGCS We’re Expecting Our Largest Attendance Ever Be part of 5000 landscape contractors, landscape designers, landscape architects, grounds main­ tenance contractors, garden center operators, container and B&B growers, and Irrigation contractors this September 20-22, who plan to attend the Nursery, Landscape & Equipment Expo. Over 400 Exhibits Stroll at a boardwalk pace among the spacious aisles of the Atlantic City Convention Center. Take your time visiting over 400 exhibits that will help you manage your business and save money. Compare the latest and best tools and equipment. Find sources for supplies. See a variety of quality plant material from all over the USA. For your convenience all booths are in one room and on one floor. Hassle Free Parking With over 6000 spaces available within two blocks of the Expo, no need to worry about parking. Just drive up and walk in. Attend our Consultant's Clinics Talk one-on-one with Industry experts on current Issues such as Landscape Estimating and Man­ agement by Charles Vander Kooi & Associates, NJ Sales and Use Tax, Accounting and Tax Audits, and Right-to-Know Laws. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to keep your business growing. For more Information on the Nursery, Landscape & Equipment Expo, contact the New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association, Building A, Suite 3, 65 S. Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534 or call 609/737-0890. The Greenerside 7 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day Albert Foster, (right) Rutgers Univer­ sity Class of 1947 attended this year’s Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Field Day. Mr. Foster is the first Turf science major at Rutgers studying under Dr. Longnecker (succeeded by Dr. Engle). Mr. Foster hales from the Toms River area. He is pictured with Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University Professor. Dr. Louis Vasvary discussing the Whitegrab complex at the Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day. The Traffic Simulator used on the turfgrass research trials as seen at the Rutgers Turfgrass Reasearch Field Day. disease. The group was warned to be on guard for bogus ryegrass and tall fescue seed sold as “turf” quality. Dr. Henry Indyk reminded us that we should insist on certified seed, in unopened bags, from reputable sup­ pliers, as our best protection from these scoundrels. There is a considerable difference in color, height, texture, overall appearance, and quality, between the bogus and the real thing. Dr. Reed Funk’s turf trials afforded us the opportunity to see just how bad some of these bogus varieties are. Dr. Funk also has bred some outstanding new varieties of tall fescues. One variety called “Rebel, Jr.” was exceptionally good looking in the trial. It was so good that Dr. Ralph Engle jokingly suggested that Dr. Funk may have dumped some extra fertilizer on the trial. Much to our chagrin, Dr. Fund overheard this joke and gave us a reassuring smile that his trials were strictly on the up and up. If you are interested in following up on any of these trials, the best approach is to contact the appropriate professor and set up an appointment for a self-guided tour. ILONA GRAY Cool and overcast weather welcomed the enthusi­ astic attendees of this year’s Rutgers Turfgrass Re­ search Field Day at the Adelphia farm site. About 250 people turned out to review trials on new varieties, insecticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. Discussions among the participants and faculty pres­ ent added to the event. Let's start our tour with Dr. Bruce Clarke. He told us that different types of nitrogen fertilizer can actually enhance the production of leaf spot. Fast releasing nitrogen fertilizers, such as urea, definitely encourage leaf spot. The use of slow releasing IBDU applied mid- May produced the best quality turf with a minimum of leaf spot. Dr. Clarke’s work was done on Kentucky Bluegrass. We also looked at a large number of fungi­ cide trials on Kenblue Kentucky Bluegrass. These included registered products, as well as those still in development. It’s too early in the season to make a definitive conclusion on this test. If you are interested in following up, contact Dr. Clarke for a tour. Over in the insecticide tests, we listened to Dr. Lou Vasvary on the Spring insect problems. A lot of holes in turf can be made by the Cicada Killer Wasp. These beneficial insects kill Cicadas that can be a problem in trees. Dr. Vasvary predicted that the white grub com­ plex will be very active this year. He is recommending insecticides with long residual activity such as Triumph and Mocap. Soil insecticides have to reach the soil or the insect to do their job effectively. Many products specifically label that they must be watered in. Dr. Vasvary also reminded everyone of the potential for Lyme Disease. He emphasized that people working outdoors should wear light colored clothing, so you spot the ticks; tuck in your socks; frequently check yourself for ticks and use a “DEET” or other tick repellent. He showed the group a large number of different types of ticks. The deer tick which spreads Lyme disease is only the size of a period at the end of this sentence. It is the nymph stage that actually carries the 8 You can't grow GRASS without ROOTS KEN KUBIK (201) 361-5943 BERT JONES (201) 686-8709 GCSAA NEWS On April 10 and 11, the GCSAA Education Com­ mittee met for their Spring meeting. The meeting was held at the Orlando Convention Center, the site of the 1990 GCSAA Conference and Show. The opportunity to serve as a member of the GCSAA Education Committee was offered to me by the chairman of this committee, Randy Zidik, newly ap­ pointed GCSAA director. My term as committee mem­ ber is for three years and I expect it will be challenging and exciting. The list of duties for each member is pages long, but I will list a few of them for those who are not familiar with what the committee does. 1. Organize, develop and review, with the assistance of the director of Education, the educational program for the annual conference. 2. Assist the director of Education in the develop­ ment of seminar programs. 3. Monitor and assist in the revision and updating of existing seminar programs 4. Recommend and contribute to the development of a collection of educational materials which can be distributed to golf course superintendents for their individual and collective use. 5. Work in conjunction with the Communications and Public Relations Committees to promote the edu­ cational programs for the Association. 6. Work in conjunction with the Industrial Advisory Council, utilizing the expertise of the Council members to improve educational programs of the Association. 7. Monitor accredited two-year and four-year turf management schools for the purpose of evaluating the educational preparation of individuals seeking to enter the golf course superintendent profession. Finally, GCSAA is already anticipating the Orlando conference to be larger and better than ever. Nearly 1,700 people registered for the 33 seminars offered in Anaheim and 41 seminars are scheduled for Orlando. STEVE MALIKOWSKI, CGCS GCSAA LIAISON AND NATIONAL DELEGATE JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, Inc. PAVING, EXCAVATING SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. 762-1195 DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TEE BUILDING GRADING Serving the Industry for 60 years. • Decorative Stone/Boulders • Landscape Products • Top Dressing Sand • White Trap Sand • Earthlife Products - Top Dressing - Construction Mix - Top Soil (201) 356-0858 Geo. Schofield Co. Inc. P.O. Box 110 Bound Brook, NJ 08805 EDITORIAL Water for the future This Spring I’ve noticed a major change in the questions club members are asking. Less frequently heard are questions like, “When are greens going to open?” or “How did the course come through the Winter?”. These have been replaced by “What’s the state of our aquifer?" and “Are we going to have sufficient water to maintain the course this year?”. Water, it seems, is on everyone’s mind. In looking at the various sources of water availability to us in the golf industry, I find myself continually intrigued by the role effluent water could play in our future. It is as close to a guaran­ teed source of water as we will ever get. To be sure, it would not be available to all, but it could very well assist many courses in their future water needs. I believe effluent water has not been given the con­ sideration it deserves. It may still be thought of as a potential environmental hazard when, with proper treatment, it is a safe and environmentally sound source of non-potable water. With the beginnings of our Turfgrass Re­ search Foundation, administered through the MGA, this issue is one I believe we should closely inves­ tigate. We would need a multi-year study address­ ing all the issues relating to the use of effluent water, including the political side of the question. This would be a difficult undertaking, but, it’s one we must sincerely look at if we wish to continue maintaining our courses in the fashion that today’s golfer demands. BRUCE CADENELLI SUPERINTENDENT The Greenerside 9 Jim Gilligan's Column “The future comes like an unwelcomed guest. “Edmund Gosse What do golf course superintendents know about the future? Those who write columns know less, but we must write with some thought to the future, since you are reading this piece now about six weeks after it was written. I’ve been trying to envision what the weather might do after all this Spring rain. Will we have the calamity we had last year, when it turned hot and humid after the heavy rains of late July? It may continue to rain. It might even be cool and diy. Whatever it might be, it is necessary to try and plan for the possible conditions as outlined above. The rain-softened soil is a constant reminder of the rain, but with a few dry, windy days, that soil will be rock-hard and require aerification to remain viable. The bentgrass is fluffy, a dangerous condition that can be corrected with grooming and topdressing. What is known of the nutrient levels in the soil? How much has been depleted by the excessive moisture? Have the pre- emergent pesticides been weakened? Now is the time to Consider the advantages of sod Trap banks and edges, green and tee banks and areas along cart paths need special attention. Or even those traffic areas around the club and halfway houses. Consider Rebel sod: • Holds up better than Kentucky bluegrass • Requires less Irrigation compared to Kentucky bluegrass • Requires less fertilizer than Kentucky bluegrass • Heat tolerant • Excellent dark green color • Greater disease resistance than most other turfgrasses In tough areas or wherever you want good-looking turf and less maintenance use Rebel sod. Lofts Seed Inc. World’s largest marketer of turfgrass seed Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (201) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890 LOFTS Available through: Councell Turf Farms, Inc. Goldsboro, MD (301)482-6192 S. Novasack Bros. Turf Farm South Seaville, NJ (609) 263 2400 Tuckahoe Turf Farms Tuckahoe, NJ (609) 628-2415 Bohm's Sod Farm Woodbine, NJ (609) 861-2785 Pine Island Turf Pine Island. NY (914) 258 4545 10 apply that second application combined with post- emergent spray. With all this rain, crabgrass will be thriving. Were the early season fungicides effective or did they literally “go down the drain?” What fungicides are needed now? This is a good question. What diseases will be prevalent? What fungicides should you invest in? What is Dr. Clarke’s telephone number? (201-932-9400.) Fungicides are more selective and expensive. Choosing a single material or a combination of products that will be effective is important, both culturally and economi­ cally. When you read the research reports, the labels, and consult the experts, there are no simple answers. Experience, skill, and some good sampling might help make the correct choice. How do we reduce the guesswork? We sample frequently; we diagnose properly; we monitor the weather; we observe the turf closely; we understand the diseases; and we know the fungicides. Maybe, we’ll get lucky. What about the irrigation system? Has it become atrophied from inactivity? Will it perform when needed? You can be sure it will be needed. The rain can’t last forever. Are the pumps and controls operating effi­ ciently? Are all the leaks in the system repaired? Do the clocks work? There are more questions than answers. There is nothing magical in being a superinten­ dent. It takes preparation and the knowledge to swing the odds in our favor. Let last year serve as a tough lesson. And don’t forget to raise the height of cut also. What did happen anyway? SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY Tractors • Mowers • Loaders • Snowblowers Aerators • Bakes • Sprayers • Spreaders Line Markers • Transporters • Vacuums Sweepers • Blowers Cushman • Ryan • John Deere Brouwer • Broyhill • Giant Vac PowerBoss • Air Sweep Double Eagle EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. 285 Dayton-Jamesburg Road Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • (201) 329-9292 An integrated approach to the management of Japanese beatles on trees and shrubs in the landscape Christine A. Casey, IPM Agent Ornamental Horticulture Rutgers Cooperative Extension CHEMICAL CONTROL OF THE LARVAE Japanese beetle adults are one of the pests of trees and shrubs in the golf course landscape which consis­ tently pose a management problem for the superinten­ dent. Extension personnel are frequently asked if they know of any tricks or secret weapons for control of this pest; unfortunately, there are none. The following is a list of the various strategies available for management of the adult beetle on landscape plantings. They are not listed in any particular order of preference or effective­ ness. CHEMICAL CONTROL OF THE ADULT BEETLE While pesticides can offer a quick knockdown of beetles feeding on trees and shrubs, this method will not give long-term control unless pesticides are reap­ plied several times, as adult beetles emerge over a period of several weeks and continue to fly into an area. For specimen plants which must be protected, how­ ever, several applications of a registered pesticide is the best management option. Adult beetles are least active on cool, overcast days, so pesticides should be applied at this time. MECHANICAL CONTROL OF THE ADULT BEETLE Beetles can be handpicked and dropped into alco­ hol. While this is not feasible in the majority of situ­ ations, it may be an option if the time and labor are available, the host plant is small, or you do not have or wish to use a registered insecticide. This may also be a viable option if the planting on which the beetles are present is in an area where other hand work, such as weeding, is taking place. PHEROMONE TRAPPING OF THE ADULT BEETLE Research at the University of Kentucky has demon­ strated that the pheromone trap for the adult beetle may actually increase the severity of a beetle infestation by bringing more beetles to an area than might other­ wise be present. It seems that the traps are also not effective to lure beetles away from desirable plantings. Even plants that had traps placed 30 feet away experi­ enced a significant increase in beetle defoliation when compared to plants that did not have any traps placed near them. Pheromone traps can be used to help in timing of Japanese beetle grub control, since the time period during which adult beetles are being trapped represents the period of the beetle life cycle during which any grub control measures will be completely ineffective as there are no grubs present. Just be certain that, if you choose to do this, the traps are placed on inanimate objects such as shelters, fences, or buildings which are not in the vicinity of desirable plants. Control of the Japanese beetle larvae is often sug­ gested as a means of controlling the adult. If beetle grubs are present in sufficient quantity to be causing a problem in the turf (greater than 3 larvae per ft2), they should be controlled. However, keep in mind that, because the adults can fly in from other areas, this may not in itself provide satisfactory adult control. If chemi­ cal controls for the larvae are warranted, remember to use a registered insecticide and to irrigate the turf both before and after treatment if there is no rain. It is important to irrigate beforehand to induce the beetles to move as close to the root zone as possible so there will be maximum contact with the insecticide; irrigation after treatment helps to move the pesticide through the thatch layer to the root zone. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE LARVAE Many of you are probably familiar with the bacteria, Bacillus popillae (B.p.), which is available for control of the Japanese beetle larvae. While this is probably more effective in the long term than pesticides, there are several drawbacks to its use. As with any biological control, a certain level of the pest (the beetle grub) must be tolerated in order to provide a host for the parasite (the bacterium). This means that some grubs must be present at all times and that chemical control cannot be used in conjunction with biological control. Also, as it takes several seasons to spread through a grub popu­ lation, the effects will not be seen as readily as with chemical control and it will not give the rapid kill necessary in the case of a high grub population. Chemi­ cal and biological control could be used together by using the chemical to obtain a knockdown of a high level of grubs; this would then be followed by the biological control, which would provide long-term man­ agement. Remember that B.p. is effective only against Japanese beetles grubs and thus can only be used in situations where this is the only grub problem. Keep in mind as well the caution stated under chemical control of larvae that the adult beetles will readily fly in from other areas. Any attempts at larval control as a means of providing adult control are best done on a regional basis between neighboring golf courses, parks, schools, or other large turf areas. REFERENCES Gordon, F.C. and D.A. Potter. 1985. Efficiency of Japa­ nese Beetle (Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae) Traps in Reduc­ ing Defoliation of Plants in the Urban Landscape and Effect on Larval Density in Turf. J. Econ. Entomol. 78: 774-778. Tashiro, H. 1987. Turfgrass Insects of the United States and Canada. Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca. 391 pp. Vasvary, L.M. 1987. Japanese Beetle. Rutgers Coop­ erative Extension Fact Sheet FS210. The Greenerside 11 SUPERINTENDENT PROFILE CHARLES W. “CHARLIE” EDGAR My curiosity had gotten the better of me. Passing Greenacres Country Club daily, and having heard many positive comments about the remarkable recov­ ery of his course from last Summer’s problems, I had to get to know Charlie Edgar. Superintendent at Greenacres C.C. since 1973, Charlie comes from a family long involved in turf management. His father, Alex, now retired, was super­ intendent at Essex County Country Club in the early 1960’s, where Charlie did the night watering and sprayed the greens. Uncle John Edgar is in charge of Old Orchard Country Club. As for Charlie, he attended Penn State and, upon completion of his studies in 1965, returned to Essex County, working under Ray Hansen. In 1966-67, Charlie assisted with the installation of one of the first multi-row irrigation systems and in 1967 became Ray’s assistant. By 1973, he was ready to go to Greenacres as superintendent. Charlie recalls that 1973 was an especially tough year, hot and dry, and that Ray was reluctant to let him move on. In fact, GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SIGNAGE for a short time, Charlie was dividing his time between Greenacres as superintendent and Essex County as assistant. The situation at Greenacres in the late Summer of 1973 was bleak and when Charlie took charge, he had 20 dead greens to contend with. All efforts to reseed the greens had failed, as they had been contaminated, and any new growth promptly died. Finally, Al Edgar sug­ gested the use of charcoal, and the turf response was dramatic. Within days, the grass was growing vigor­ ously, and the course was ready for play by May 1974. “That was my first experience with charcoal,” Charlie mused. We talked at length about last Summer and the contaminated fungicide that was applied to seven fairways, totalling eight acres. All that turf had died. I had also used nine cases of the same brand at the same time Charlie sprayed his turf, but I had been lucky enough to get a good batch. I felt a little privileged to see how Charlie had handled a problem that I could have easily been faced with. In retrospect, he reports that everything turned out for the best. His club fully supported him and his recovery program, and Charlie admitted that the fairways in question were candidates for major renovations anyway. He did say that he could have done without the shock and soul-searching caused by all that dead turf in August. Now the fairways look great, the dead turf having been stripped, charcoal applied, and overseeded with turf-type perennial ryegrasses. “That was my second experience with charcoal,” said Charlie. He stressed the importance of keeping good records and urged every­ one to note the lot number of the pesticide being used on spray records. He said he would have had great difficulty in tracing the contamination problem if he hadn’t been recording those lot numbers. Thanks for the advice and the visit, Charlie. Here’s to not having any more charcoal experiences—for any of us. PAUL POWONDRA • COMPLETE DESIGN & CONSULTATION SERVICES • • EXTERIOR SIGN SYSTEMS • ON & OFF COURSE • • MAIN ENTRANCE SIGNAGE • • INTERIOR SIGN SYSTEMS • • CHAMPIONSHIP DISPLAYS • • ETCHED GLASS PRODUCTS • • MANUFACTURING & INSTALLATION • DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORPORATION 910 Fourth Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (201)988-5400 12 For use on lawns, shrubs and ornamentals only Long lasting, will not burn “The Golf Course Choice” NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Milorganite 6-2-0 Activated Sewage Sludge METRO MILORGANITE Box 267 Hawthorne, NY 10532 Processed Only By Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Milwaukee, Wisconsin Strange bedfellows Probably the most important part of a landscape is ground covers in beds. True professionals have dubbed this as the “workhorse of the industry,” even though ground covers are not used as correctly as they could be. There are two major types of ground covers— temporary and permanent. Temporary ground cover would be organic-type mulches, which should be used just for that purpose—temporary!! Permanent ground covers, which would be very important in the land­ scape, seem to be overlooked the most. Permanent ground covers help aid the constant fight against weed encroachment in beds. These ground covers could be stone mulch with a weed barrier underneath (black plastic works fine), or more common is using low- growing plants, of which there are many to choose from. The main consideration in choosing your ground cover plants would be to match the needs to the environment they will be used in. An example would be using Pachasandra terminalis in a well-protected area that has filtered sunlight and is a well-drained soil, whereas low-growing juniper would do well in open sunny areas well drained with less protection from the elements. I cannot stress enough the good use of permanent ground covers in the landscape. They are as important financially as they are aesthetically. So look around your clubhouse and course area and ask yourself, “Where can I use the ground covers more effectively in the landscape bed areas?” EDWARD SCHULSINGER HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT C T R A P A TOP-DRESSING RSE F C OU G OL AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS ALSO HIGH-SAND MIXES, CONSTRUCTION MIXES, CART PATH MIXES AND DIVOT REPAIR MIXES DISTRIBUTED IN NJ. BY: FFAARRMM && GGOOLLFF CCOOUURRSSEE SSUUPPPPLYLY HHOOWWAARRDD SSCCOOTTTT,, 221155--448833--55000000 FFIISSHHEERR && SSOONN CCOO.. FFRRAANNKK FFIISSHHEERR,, 221155--664444--33330000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS KEN KUBIK, 201-361-5943 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. ERNIE RIZZIO, 201-263-1234 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 201-637-4191 TOUGHEST CATS JACOBSEN. ON TURF. For professional use only. Jacobsen Turfcat Out-Front Mowers, Models T422D, T436G ■ Choice Of 22-HP Diesel Or 36-HP Gas Engine ■ Dual-Range Hydrostatic Drive Matches Traction Speed to Mowing Conditions ■ Rear-Wheel Power Steering ■ Choice Of 50", 60", 72" Rotary Decks Or 60" Fine-Cut Flail ■ Large 8.5-Gallon Fuel Tank 340 MAIN AVENUE, CLIFTON, N.J. 07014 • 201-471-0244 Now, Scott offers effective Poa control and high potassium feeding in one product Gain the programming flexibility you’re looking for with ProTurf, High K™ Fertilizer with TGR, Poa Annua Control.* Not only does it weaken the competitive Poa, but it also allows you to choose to add a high potassium feeding to your fertilization schedule to help your turf. Ask your ProTurf Tech Rep for details Steve Rudich 17 South 14th Street Easton, PA 18042 215/ 253-4003 Fran Berdine R.D. 1 Box 331 Pine Bush, NY 12566 914/ 361-4105 The Greenerside 13 PERSONAL PROFILE THOMAS I. GRIMAC Thomas I. Grimac often serves as acting mayor of New Jersey’s smallest borough—Tavistock Country Club. The borough is 183 acres, and, besides the club house and maintenance buildings, has only four resi­ dences. Grimac, however, is better known as a turfgrass manager at Tavistock. Officially, his title is certified golf course superintendent. The course is a prestigious private golf club in South Jersey—less than a dozen miles from the center city of Philadelphia. Grimac is a native of the area, and a super golfer who chose the role of superintendent rather than career as a pro. “I loved the work from the beginning,” he says. For him, the beginning was Summer employment during school years at this same course. At Tavistock CC, the membership believes in upgrading the course on a continuing basis, which is one reason Grimac has “found a home. ” “Here,” he says, “the job is more than turfgrass maintenance. It in­ cludes a major capital improvements program.” A ten- year long range program, which may well be completed in seven years, is in its second year. Plans are to spend up to $100,000 yearly to reach club goals, these expenditures over and above the regular grounds maintenance budget. The schedule includes rebuilding and adding tees, new bunkering, new fairway turf, automatic irrigation, practice facilities, and other less extensive projects. After high school, Grimac attended Lehigh and majored in environmental studies, and later did work at Rutgers University in Camden. But by this time, his part-time work had steered him to turfgrass manage­ ment. He graduated second in his class in turfgrass management at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at Amherst, Mass., where he studied under the now retired and nationally known head of the school, Dr. Joseph Troll. “I found working a few years before attending school to be very helpful. I believe I got much more from the formal turfgrass study because of my early work experience.” Grimac credits Dr. Rich Hurley, now with Loft’s Seed Company, with developing his interest and com­ petence in turf management. Dr. Hurley was golf super­ intendent at Tavistock when Grimac began his Sum­ mer work and encouraged him to continue this as a career. “I owe a lot to Rich Hurley,” he says. Grimac began as full superintendent of Tavistock in 1980. Reprinted in part with permission from the April 1989 issue. Volume 2, Number 4 of “Turf Magazine. ” PAVELEC BROS. Golf Course Construction Co. Inc. 98 Evergreen Avenue Nutley, NJ 07110 Specializing in all phases of Golf Course Construction Field Drainage/Landscaping Excavation Tony Pavelec (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec (201) 939-6182 14 RANSOMES GRASS MACHINERY CONTACT Turfgrass Division at Steven Willand, Inc. (201) 579-5656 Special lawn pest problems Compiled by Dr. Louis Vasvary, Rutgers University ANTS Several types of ants construct their nests in lawn areas and may destroy roots as well as feed on seeds, thereby preventing establishment of good stands of grass. In addition, the hills that mark nest entrances may not be desirable in many situations. Diazinon 50WP, 4E or AG500, Dursban 2E, 4E, or Mavrik at the sod webworm rate can be applied for ant control. Carbaryl (Sevin) at 10.9 pounds AI/A has provided good ant control at the following rates per 1,000 sq. ft.: 4F use 1/2 pint; 80S use 1/4 lb.; 50WP use 6.4 oz. If only a few nests are present, treat them individually. Repeated applications at monthly intervals may be necessary in widespread or difficult situations. BILLBUGS Occasionally, lawn billbugs become a problem in New Jersey. Baygon, diazinon or Oftanol can be used for control. The rates for Baygon 70% WP are 7 pounds of AI/A or 4 oz. /1,000 sq. ft. Use Diazinon AG500 or 4E at 4 fluid ounces and 50% WP at 4 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Oftanol is applied at the rate of 40 pounds of 5% granular per acre or 0.9 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Treatments are made in May. FLEAS During the Summer, home lawns frequently be­ come infested with fleas. Control can be achieved with carbaryl at the rate of 8 ounces of 50% wettable powder in 3 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of lawn OR chlorpyrifos (Dursban) or Mavrik at the sod webworm rate. Follow application directions indicated on label. GROUND-NESTING WASPS Locate the nest opening and wait until late evening or night before attempting control measures. Apply 5% carbaryl dust or granular formulation into the nest opening and cover the hole with a shovel full of moist soil. Professional applicators can apply bendiocarb (Dycarb, Ficam W or Turcam) or diazinon dust or granular formulation. LEAFHOPPERS Many species of leafhoppers infest lawns. Control measures are usually unnecessary. However, if leaf­ hoppers become a nuisance or damage is evident, control can be achieved by applying diazinon, carbaryl, bendiocarb (Dycarb, Ficam W or Turcam) or Mavrik. MOLES In general, trapping is an effective method of control in small residential areas; results may be disappointing unless the habits of the animal are taken into consid­ eration. If moles are deprived of their food, they will move to other areas. Grubs and other soil insects in lawn areas can be controlled by use of insecticides. Dycarb, Ficam W, Turcam, Dylox, Proxol, Triumph, or Mocap can be used for white grub control. Follow insecticide applications with at least one-half inch of water. Immediate effects cannot be expected as several weeks may elapse before mole activity ceases. NEMATODES Nematode feeding injury can be responsible for slower growth of turfgrass plants and very shallow root systems when population levels are high. Nematode feeding injury will not kill the plant, but will weaken the grass and make it less able to survive stressful condi­ tions. Turfgrass can tolerate very high nematode popula­ tion levels during periods of the year when weather conditions are favorable for the plant (Spring and Fall). Where nematode control is attempted, treatments should be applied in late May or June to promote deeper rooting. Plants with a more extensive root system will survive summer drought conditions better than shal­ low rooted plants. Nematodes are not uniformly distributed in the soil, but they occur in “pockets.” To determine if nematodes are troublesome, 10-12 one-inch soil cores should be collected to a depth of four to five inches. The soil cores should be placed in a plastic bag and kept out of direct sunlight. The plastic bags should be stored in a cool place until shipped. Contact your local County Agricul­ tural Agents for detailed instructions. To sample a poor growing area, collect soil plugs from the transition zone between the healthy and unthrifty turf. Samples collected from the center of a dead area will generally have a reduced level of nema­ todes present because of the reduced food supply. This article was provided as a handout at the recent Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day. PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC.: • Manufactures and applies liquid fertilizers and limestone. • Offers complete soil testing analysis with recommendations. • Sells fertilizer tanks, pumps, nozzles, and other liquid handling products for fluid fertilizers. Phone For Further Information... (609) 448-0935 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Box 173, Cranbury, NJ 08512 The Greenerside 15 Virus kills gypsy moth caterpillars HAMDEN, CT—Scientists have made significant advances on a safe method of controlling the gypsy moth caterpillar, which strips the leaves from a million acres of U.S. forest every year, according to an article which appeared recently in the “Asbury Park Press.” “Using a virus that is found in the wild and known to kill only gypsy moth caterpillars, scientists with the U.S. Forest Service have created a spray that destroys many of the insects and drastically affects the moths’ reproductive success the following year. “Research is continuing on a protozoa native to Europe and introduced by federal officials on a test basis in Maryland. The protozoa, a single-celled organ­ ism, weakens gypsy moth caterpillars, hampers their reproductive success and leaves them more vulnerable to diseases like the virus. “Researchers emphasize that the virus-based pesticide, which the government has named 'Gypchek,’ is not perfected, and a reasonably priced and practical commercial product could be two years away. “The virtue of the virus and the protozoa," accord­ ing to the article, “is that both harm only gypsy moth caterpillars. Other pesticides widely used against gypsy moth caterpillars will kill other insects as well, includ­ ing beneficial ones like butterflies or honey bees. Use of some of them, notably powerful chemicals such as Sevin, has been controversial. “Even groups that often are critical of pesticide sprays are comfortable with the viral pesticide,” accord­ ing to the article. RALPH McGILLAN Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 25 years experience in building new ponds, enlarging & redesigning existing ponds (609) 655-2281 17 Stockton Drive, Cranbury, NJ RUBIGAN IS THE ONLY FUNGICIDE GUARANTEED FOR THE PREVENTION OF: ClubCar Carryall II The Heavy Duty Leader Summer Patch Necrotic Ring Spot Fusarium Blight See your local Elanco Distributor for details or call BOB SCOTT [201] 376-7290 Elanco Area Representative 16 AUTHORIZED CLUBCAR DISTRIBUTOR VIC GERARD GOLF CARS, INC. R.R. 2 — Box 28 Hwy. 547 FARMINGDALE, N.J. 07727 (201) 938-4464 ENVIRONMENTAL VIDEO AVAILABLE GRASS SEED: BIG BUSINESS IN OREGON THE BACK NINE Armand LeSage of White Beeches Country Club, a member of the GCSAA Government Relations Commit­ tee, has a copy of the Hall-Kimbrell video, entitled “Environment: A Commitment to Compliance.” This video was shown at the May GCSANJ meeting. For availability, contact Armand at (201) 262-3365. TALK IT UP! The 25th Annual Turfgrass Equipment Irriga­ tion and Supplies Field Day is to be held October 3 at Rutgers Stadium and Golf Course in Piscataway. Tell everyone you know in the turf, golf, cemetery, land­ scape, sod farmers, arborists, and ornamental busi­ nesses that this is “The Show” to attend and is “The Fundraiser” for the GCSANJ. Our Association needs your support! Talk it up and attend! For further infor­ mation, contact: Len Forlenza at (609) 871-2055 or Dr. Henry Indyk at (201) 932-9453. Duosan-the “Double Duty” Fungicide. Duosan® turf and ornamental fungicide gives you sys­ temic and contact control of both turf and ornamental disease problems. Duosan controls Dollar spot, Brown patch, Copper spot, Red thread, Leaf spot, and more on turf, as well as major diseases on ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers. Put the “double duty” fungicide to work for you. Contact your Sierra distributor today. SIERRA 1-800-346-0201 Duosan Perennial ryegrass seed production has become a huge growth industry in Williamette Valley in Oregon. Ideal weather and soils under good management com­ bine to provide a unique agricultural economic oppor­ tunity that serves the U.S. turf business to a tee! Seed sales of perennials have expanded from 42 million pounds in 1981-82 to 85 million pounds in 1987-88, according to the Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed Com­ mission Report. Revenue from these sales has more than doubled since 1984 with a farm value of over $52 million reported in 1988. Acreage dedicated to perennial ryegrass seed production has doubled from 44,000 acres in 1977 to over 90,000 in 1988. That’s 150 square miles of land devoted to turf seed production! A lot of this growth is driven by new varieties of ryegrass which are better adapted for today’s demand­ ing turf market. Breeders are looking for insect and fungal tolerance, some through the use of endophytes. These are beneficial fungi that live in the grass and help the turf. Drought and wear tolerance are other features of these improved varieties. A good number of these new varieties were shown at the Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day. (See additional story in this issue of “The Greenerside.”) South Richmond Nursery Corp. GOLF COURSE RECONSTRUCTION SPECIALIZING IN Green & Tee Expansion • Cart Pathways Drainage • Sand & Grass Bunkers BULK DELIVERED MA TERIALS Trap Sands • Construction Mixes • Top Dressing Bent Grass Sod • Decorative Landscape Stone WITH LABORATORY ANALYSIS EQUIPMENT RENTALS Top Soil Screening Plants ■ Aeration Equipment 1 -8 00 0 2 -9 2 5 -5 0 711 SHARRO TTS ROAD. STA TE N ISLA NY/ 7I8-317-1400 , ND © 1989 Sierra Crop Protection Co. Duosan is a registered trademark of Sierra Crop Protection Co. SIERRA The Greenerside 17 SUSTANE Organic Fertilizer 5-2-4 Biologically active • Environmentally safe • 100% organic. ✓ Pelletized in 3 grades ✓ Slow nutrient release ✓ No hazardous heavy metals ✓ Uniform nutrient value ✓ For drought stressed turf ✓ Contains micronutrients TOTAL NITROGEN (N) 5.0% 3.5% Wafer Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN 70%) 1.5% Ammoniacal Nitrogen AVAILABLE PHOSPHORIC ACID (P2O5) SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O) CALCIUM (Ca) 2.0% 4.0% 3.7% IRON (Fe) SULFUR (S) MAGNESIUM (Mg) MANGANESE (Mn) ZINC (Zn) BORON MOLYBDENUM 2.3% 2.0% 0.8% 0.06% 0.05% Trace Trace call today for samples and prices hummer Hummer Turfgrass, Inc. PO Box 4643 Lancaster, PA 17604 800-872-8873 in PA 800-732-3504 call TOLL FREE: or 717-898-0420 800-USA-TURF To Keep Your Course In Classic Condition, Use These High- Quality Products from NOR-AM •NITROFORM® SLOW-RELEASE NITROGEN Releases by slow bacterial action to provide consistent 38% nitrogen •TURCAM® W.P. INSECTICIDE Controls a wide range of turf and ornamental pests, especially white grubs •TURCAM® 21/2G All the benefits of regular TURCAM® in convenient granular formulation •BANOL® TURF AND ORNAMENTAL FUNGICIDE Controls pythium and phytophthora •PROGRASS® HERBICIDE For the establishment of perennial ryegrass turf, or on established peren­ nial ryegrass turf, Kentucky bluegrass or creeping bentgrass for control of Poa annua and broadleaf weeds •PROXOL® 80SP INSECTICIDE Controls white grubs, sod webworms, cutworms and armyworms in fine turf NOR-AM NOR-AM CHEMICAL COMPANY 3509 Silverside Road, P.0. Box 7495 Wilmington, DE 19803 THE FAIRWAY CLASSICS to keep your course in top condition IMPORTANT: Please remember always to read and follow carefully all label directions when applying any chemical. Copyright© 1988 NOR-AM Chemical Company. All rights reserved. 18 Don't mess with Federal trees --------------------- A federal jury convicted Maryland businessman Isaac Fogel of cutting more than 100 trees on national parkland adjacent to his home in what prosecutors said was an attempt to enhance his view of the Potomac River and the value of his property. The jury returned the verdict after deliberating less than three hours, rejecting claims by Fogel that professional tree cutters ignored his instructions and were to blame. The tree cutters hacked down scores of oaks, locusts, and maples as well as several rarer Ironwood and persimmon trees along the popular C&O canal and nearby Potomac River in February 1985. Shortly there­ after, prosecutors said, Fogel put the property up for sale, touting Its “river view” in real estate advertise­ ments. Prosecutors portrayed the Fogel case as more than a simple tree-cutting caper. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. King told the jury, “It’s about development versus preservation of natural resources.” Breckin­ ridge L. Willcox, chief federal prosecutor in Maryland, said his office “will not stand idly by while homeowners bordering on federal parks take it upon themselves to improve their view or otherwise enhance the value of their property by destroying parkland.” Fogel was charged with a misdemeanor count of destroying government timber and a more serious felony count of “knowingly converting” the right of ownership of the trees to himself. Fogel faces up to 11 years in prison and $350,000 in fines. (Excerpted from “The Washington Post, ” Feb. 16, 1989) DAVID C. SHAW, SUPERINTENDENT MONMOUTH COUNTY SHADE TREE COMMISSION Little Silver proposes lawn ordinance _____________ An ordinance recently approved by the Little Silver Borough Council requires that homeowners mow their lawns or pay a fine. Under the residential property maintenance ordi­ nance, lawns must be less than a foot high. Homeown­ ers with taller grass are subject to a minimum fine of $100 a day and a maximum fine of $500 a day. Unmowed lawns are becoming “too prevalent” a problem. Mayor Anthony T. Bruno said. 609-667-0939 Edward Schulsinger 13 Ivy Lane Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Horticultural Consultant To The Golf Industry PATRON DIRECTORY ALPINE TREE CARE, INC. Complete tree care Robert Mullane - David DiBenedetto (914) 948-0101 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation System Designers and Suppliers Phil Demarco - Jerry Purcell (609) 561-1777 (800) 524-0895 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturers of Water Management Products Andy Moore - Jerry Curtice - Drew Effron (609) 665-1130 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES. INC. Golf Course Irrigation - Design and Consulting Jim Barrett (201) 744-8237 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing. Peat. Humus & Potting Soil Gene Evans (717) 443-9596 BRUEDAN CORPORATION Yamaha Golf Cars - John Deere Turf Equipment Richard Lewis (800)535-1500 (914) 469-2275 BUNTON TURF PRODUCTS Sales & Service of Turf Products Phil Mowery - Dave Walter (609) 799-4101 CONSOLIDATED STEEL & ALUMINUM FENCE CO., INC. Fencing Contractor Eugene T. McLaughlin (201) 272-6262 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan G. Cruse (201) 227-7183 (201) 992-2335 DISPRO DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORPORATION Manufacturer of Golf and Country Club Signage Ron Smith (201) 988-5400 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT Turf Maintenance Equipment Clyde Ashton - Jerry Pearlman - Stan Stevenson (201) 329-9292 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing and Construction Mixes John Strickland - Jeff Lacour - Mike Witt (301) 335-3700 E-Z-GO/TEXTRON, INC. Golf Cars - Turf Vehicles - Personnel Carriers Tom Sauer - Kevin Norcross - Sam Baird, Jr. (609) 586-4000 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY, INC. Greens Topdressing/Turf Supplies Marty Futyma (201) 388-0100 ★ FISHER & SON CO., INC. Distributors of Pesticides, Fertilizer and Seed Allan Phillips - Frank Fisher (609) 478-6704 (215) 644-3300 GOLF BY JANIS INC. Golf Course Construction, Renovation, Irrigation Al Janis (301) 641-5108 GOLF CARS, INC. Golf Cars, Turf and Utility Vehicles Albert Wunsch - Luke Martin - Jon F. Schneider (215) 340-0880 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik - Bert Jones (201) 361-5943 (201) 686-8709 GREEN PRO SERVICES Organic Products & Spray Equipment Rich Hawkes (800) 645-6464 HARFORD INDUSTRIAL MINERALS Sands, Top Dressing Materials Dorothy Stancill (609) 965-3414 (301) 679-9191 JEP SALES. INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Jack Poksay - Bill Beverline - Paul Coyle (609) 585-2300 JONATHAN GREEN INC. Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Turf Chemicals Barry K, Green II - Ed Barbano - Rip Rippel (201) 938-7007 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Architects Rees Jones - Keith Evans - Greg Muirhead (201) 744-4031 STEVEN KAY Golf Course Architect Remodeling - Long Range Planning - New Courses (914) 738-3399 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY COMPANY Rainbird Irrigation Equipment William Koonz (201) 379-9313 LESCO, INC. Serving the GCSAA of NJ Mike Oleykowski (800) 321-5325 LEBANON CHEMICAL CORP. Country Club Fertilizers & Chemicals Steve Chirip (201) 347-2755 LEON’S SOD FARM Sod Grower Samuel Leon (201) 996-2255 LOFTS SEED INC. Turf Seed and Fertilizer Supplier Dr. Rich Hurley (201) 560-1590 LONGO MOTOR & PUMP, INC. Electric motor/pump repair/sales Larry Bishop - Cathy Hughes (201) 539-4141 WILFRED MCDONALD, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Dennis DeSanctis - Ed Rockhill - Bill Luthin (201) 471-0244 RALPH McGILLAN Excavating Contractor, Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Cart Path, Tee, and Trap Construction Joe Mercadante - Bob Mercadante (201)762-1195 (201)763-0042 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Tony Grasso - John Wistrand (914) 347-4222 MONTCO/SURF-SIDE Turfgrass Chemicals Robert Oechsle - Peter Oechsle (215)628-3144 (215)836-4992 NOR-AM CHEMICAL CO. Chemical/Fertilizer Manufacturer Shaun M. Barry (201) 846-8173 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing Jim Kelsey (201) 637-4191 PAVELEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO.. INC. Golf Course Construction Tony Pavelec (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec (201) 939-6182 PLANT FOOD CHEMICAL CO., INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Ted Platz (609) 448-0935 POCONO TURF SUPPLY CO. Turf Supplies Ron Olsen (215) 672-9274 PRO LAWN TURF PRODUCTS, INC. Services for the Professional Andrew Mulick (201) 967-9124 Ingrid A. Kern (215) 750-1732 ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. Turfgrass Chemicals & Fertilizer Steve Stys (201) 575-1322 R &S LANDSCAPING CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Claus I. Raven (201) 278-0616 SEACOAST LABORATORIES. INC. Twin Light Turf Products John C. Moynihan - Richard G. Baker (201)821-4769 (800)522-4769 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Landscape Products - Sands & Stone Roy Malpas - Bob Beatty - Kevin Schofield (201) 356-0858 O.M. SCOTTS & SONS Fertilizer, Chemical Sales Fran Berdine (914) 361-4105 Steve Rudich (215) 253-4003 ★ SHEARON ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Golf Course reconstruction, landscape services, tree transplanting Chip Kern, CGCS (609)737-1760 (215)828-5488 ★ SOUTH RICHMOND NURSERY CORP. Golf Course Reconstruction and supply materials, bentgrass sod, trap sand, top dressing Douglas Johnstone (800) 552-9200 (718) 317-1400 SPRING BROOK TREE SERVICE Tree Service James A. Davenport - John D. Schaus (201) 891-1764 STANDARD GOLF COMP. Golf Course Equipment Steve Tyler - Chief Waseskuk (319) 266-2638 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Distributor Mark Ericson - Bruce Pye - Rich Brandel (201) 579-5656 STORMY ACRES Premium Bentgrass Sod Kevin Gunn (802) 265-3046 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Paul Deschamps - Gene Tarulli - Paul Granger (201) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO. INC. Well Drilling, Pumps & Pump Repairs William L. Stothoff III (Pete) - William E. Snyder (201) 782-2717 ★ SWEENEY SEED CO. Wholesale Seed Andrew M. Sweeney (215) 896-7311 THE TERRE COMPANY OF NJ, INC. Seed - Fertilizer - Pesticides Byron Johnson - Bryan Bolehala - Pat O’Neil (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Ernie Rizzio - Buddy Rizzio - Ron Lake (201) 263-1234 VAUGHAN'S SEED COMPANY Grass Seed; Golf Course Supplies Charles Usic - Sky Bergen - George Rosenberg (201) 356-4200 New Patrons for 1989 The Greenerside 19 Baltusrol • Bedens Brook • Canoe Brook • Shackamaxon • Spring Brook • Timber Trails and others . . . What do the superintendents of these prestigious golf courses have in common? They use the services of . . . KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY . the smart choice for all your irrigation needs Service Excellence Complete inventory Service assistance and technical support 25 years experience KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Quality Product Lines Distributors of RAIN BIRD® HUNTER® WEATHERMATIC® Sprinkler Equipment 39 Waverly Avenue • Springfield, N. J. 07081 (201) 379-9314 Branch Offices: Wall Township • Toms River • Hackensack 20