USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD A Publication on Turf Management by the United States Golf Association Green Section Meeting at Oakmont USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD A Publication on Turf Management by the United States Golf Association © 1973 by United States Golf Association. Permission to reproduce articles or material in the USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD is granted to publishers of newspapers and periodicals (unless specifically noted otherwise), provided credit is given the USGA and copyright protection is afforded. To reprint material in other media, written permission must be obtained from the USGA. In any case, neither articles nor other material may be copied or used for any advertising, promotion or commercial purposes. VOL. 11,NO.4 JULY 1973 A Positive Approach to Poa Annua Management by Stanley J. Zontek.................. 1 Colorants May be One Answer to Higher Seed Prices by John Van Dam............... 6 RX for Overseeding Bermuda Greens by Palmer Maples, Jr........................................ 9 A Turf Tip ........................................................................................................................... 13 A Success Story! The Green Section Educational Program at Oakmont...................... 13 Turf Twisters Back Cover Cover Photo- The 17th Green at Oak­ mont Country Club with Superintendent Lou Scalzo addressing those attending the U.S. Open Turfgrass Program. Published six times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November by the UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION, Golf House, Far Hills, N.J. 07931. Subscriptions: $2 a year. Single copies: 35c. Subscriptions and address changes should be sent to the above address. Articles, photographs, and correspondence relevant to published material should be addressed to: United States Golf Association Green Section, P.O. Box 567, Garden Grove, Calif. 92642. Second class postage paid at Far Hills, N.J. and other locations. Office of Publication, Golf House, Far Hills, N.J. 07931. Editor: William H. Bengeyfield Managing Editor: Robert Sommers Green Section Committee Chairman: Elbert S. Jemison, Jr., 909 Bank for Savings Bldg., Art Editor: Miss Janet Seagle Birmingham, Ala. 35203 Green Section Agronomists and Offices EASTERN REGION P.O. Box 1237 Highland Park, N. J. 08904 Alexander M. Radko, Director, Eastern Region and National Research Director William G. Buchanan, Eastern Agronomist Stanley J. Zontek, Eastern Agronomist (201) 572-0440 MID-CONTINENT REGION P.O. Box 592, Crystal Lake, III. 60014 F. Lee Record, Director, Mid-Continent Region Carl Schwartzkopf, Mid-Continent Agronomist (815) 459-3731 MID-ATLANTIC REGION P.O. Box 5563 Barracks Road Center, Charlottesville, Va. 22903 Holman M. Griffin, Mid-Atlantic Director SOUTHERN REGION P.O. Box 4213 Campus Station, Athens, Ga. 30601 James B. Moncrief, Director, Southern Region (404) LI 8-2741 (703) 973-8400 WESTERN REGION P.O. Box 567 Garden Grove, Calif. 92642 William H. Bengeyfield, Director, Western Region and Publications Editor (714) 638-0962 A Positive Approach to Poa Annua Management by STANLEY J. ZONTEK, Eastern Agronomist, USGA Green Section ^^ver the last decade and a half numerous articles have been written on the various means of controlling Poa annua. The earliest talked about literally cutting Poa annua plants out of the putting greens. An article that appeared in The Bulletin of the Green Section of the United States Golf Association in July, 1922, stated that Poa annua was removed “with a knife, with a hole cutter, with a chisel or any other tool that may best suit according to the size of the patch infested.” How then did Poa annua develop into such a major turfgrass species from its meager begin­ nings as a common weed? The answer princi­ pally lies in cutting height and water. With the advent of improved irrigation systems and the desire for closer cut turf, Poa annua popula­ tions increased and took over the major playing areas of the golf course. In the beginning this takeover was encouraged because Poa provided a beautiful playing turf for several weeks of the year, usually in the spring and fall. The Poa annua was the one grass species that could thrive under the close cuts, excessive water and the compacted soil resulting from foot traffic on continually moist soils. The heavy soils used in early construction techniques only aided its development. Therefore, when the Poa annua turf thinned during the summer and member­ ship pressure dictated a green grass cover at all times, extensive study was given to means of controlling Poa annua on large turf areas. Poa Annua Controls From the 1930s through the 1950s, lead arsenate was widely used for Poa annua control. The mechanism by which the arsenical selec­ tively suppressed the Poa was not completely understood at that time. Practical experience, however, had shown that it did in fact work, so lead arsenate was used for Poa annua control on greens. On fairways its use was usually imprac­ tical and was not extensive. During the late 1950s the use of tri-calcium arsenate was being tested and studied. Its erratic early performance would result in fur­ ther testing until finally it became widely publicized and used by some superintendents, especially in the mid-west and Eastern areas. During the 1960s, pre-emergent crabgrass kil­ lers (Balan, Dacthal, Pre-San, and Betasan) were shown to control Poa annua seed germination. They worked reasonably well and their use for Poa control has now become rather extensive. In recent years the growth retardant chemi­ cals (Endothal and Po-San) have come into use for Poa annua control. Principally, their mode of action is to limit seed head formation and thus reduce the potential for a re-growth from seed which is the primary means of Poa annua's dissemination. Finally, a relatively new material called Kerb is finding popularity for Poa annua control on many bermudagrass fairways today. It has performed very well. Whatever means of chemical control used, the goal of the user is the same—to erradicate Poa annua so its inherent weaknesses do not give the type of playing conditions that the membership finds objectionable. As with most chemicals, an understanding of how it behaves is essential to success. Poa Annua—The Weed Exactly what is Poa annua and why is it considered a weed? Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is a native plant of Europe. Over centuries of emigration it has distributed itself over all the world as a contaminant in seed mixtures. It is sometimes referred to as annual meadowgrass, winter grass or simply Poa. Its leaves are light to yellowish-green in color; the plant is low growing; it is capable of producing seed heads at various times during the growing season and at extremely low cutting heights. Poa annua has the unique ability to produce viable seeds capable of germinating only one to two days after pollination. It has been reported that a single Poa plant has produced 360 seeds in a four-month period. Why then is Poa annua considered a weed? In most areas and under certain conditions, JULY 1973 1 Comparative pictures of balls on putting greens. Excellent lie with a ball resting on Poa annua putting green turf. annual bluegrass is a weed. Simply defined, a weed is a plant that is out of place. On putting greens in the South a heavy Poa population during the transition months tends to shade the desired bermudagrass species and slows its emergence from its winter dormancy. In some cases this results in a painfully late and slow transition resulting in poor playing condi­ tions. In the North it is considered a weed because of its competition with bentgrasses and Kentucky bluegrasses for the dominant grass species on the main playing areas of the course (greens, collars, tees and fairways). When Poa annua is only a small percentage of the total grass population on the course there are few problems. However when the population be­ comes a majority, the possibility exists that the Poa could be thinned out or entirely lost during the summer stress period. This poor summer performance is the principal reason why Poa annua is considered a weed under most cool­ season turfgrass cultures. Other Poa Annua Weaknesses Exactly what are other annual bluegrass weaknesses? When subject to severe cold, drought or heat, Poa annua has a difficult time surviving. Unfortunately, two of these stress factors (heat and drought) often occur during the summer at the height of the golf season in the cool humid regions of the country. In these areas, some refer to it as “failure grass.” Because Poa annua is classified as either a summer or a winter annual, once the plant has died there is no re-growth from its roots or stems. The plant is dead. Any re-growth comes only when the seeds that were disseminated earlier in its life cycle can germinate and grow into mature plants. As stated before, the undependable nature of the grass is its greatest liability, but there are others. Poa Annua is highly susceptible to almost all turfgrass diseases, both summer and winter. The extent of “winter kill” is also greater. In regard to putting qualities, there are times when very heavy seedhead formation causes bumpy, un­ even putting surfaces, especially late in the day after mowing. Varietal differences within the species have a similar effect. Different volunteer varieties have different growth rates, growth habits, seeding habits, leaf widths, etc. These factors affect putting qualities. Although Poa annua may not thatch as heavily as bentgrass on greens, it does develop grain and puffyness, especially at higher cutting heights. At lower cutting, it becomes more difficult to hold during stress periods. This grass does not take traffic as well as bentgrass, particularly during high temperatures. Recovery from any kind of stress is also restricted in hot weather. Poa annua requires very critical and 2 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD Bentgrass turf; also a fine He. careful management at all times. Even then success can swiftly slip away. Poa Annua Strengths With all these real and apparent weaknesses, why is so much Poa annua grown in the cooler regions? Perhaps one reason is that when Poa annua is right, it provides one of the best playing surfaces for golf that we have! A good stand of Poa forms a fine textured turf of high shoot density, uniformity and quality under almost all cutting heights ranging from 1/8 inch to over one inch. Its leaves are usually shorter, broader, softer and lighter green than most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass. This also makes the grass easier to mow. Field data, along with research has shown that annual bluegrass has a root system comparable to Kentucky bluegrass in density and depth. It can survive and thrive under compacted soil conditions that deter the growth of both bentgrasses and Kentucky bluegrasses. It produces a good supply of viable seed under all cutting heights assuring self-per­ petuation. It grows well in the sun or shade and is in fact one of the north’s best shade grasses. It is quick to germinate and re-form a turf naturally when conditions are right. It affords an excellent lie for golf balls due to its upright growth habit and strong blade that keeps the ball from nestling down into the turf. It does not thatch up as much as bentgrasses. Except at the prime seeding time, Poa annua can make one of the finest playing surfaces that we have today... if it can be kept from dying. See figures 1-5 on the comparative lies resulting from the various turf species grown in the cool-season regions. As the pictures illustrate, Poa annua makes for excellent lies equal to or even better than the other grasses. Therein lies the incentive for most superintendents who have accepted the challenge to maintain it. Managing To Maintain Poa Annua Superintendents and their golf clubs often prefer Poa annua turf. They find renovation programs too long, expensive, and painful to play during the year. Therefore, the question has been asked, “What management practices can we perform to help the annual bluegrass survive and thrive the year-around?” Following are some steps that we feel can be performed to help make this possible. (1) Watering. Irrigate a lot, in fact every day. In the heat of the summer, syringe once or twice a day depending on the temperature and humidity. With higher temperatures and higher humidity, there is a likelihood of more kill. Also, higher wind-blown spots generally require more watering. In this all-important syringing operation an automatic irrigation system would be a tremendous if not an essential asset. (2) pH. Soil reaction should be in a range JULY 1973 3 Comparative pictures of golf balls resting on fairway turf. A dose fairway He on an improved strain of Kentucky bluegrass. of 6.5 to 7.0. Not less than 6.0 and not over 7.0. (3) Soil Cultivation. Core (aerate) and thatch (vertical mow) in the spring and fall. This stimulates Poa annua seed germination and adds juvenile vigor to the turf. (4) Cutting Height. The optimum cutting height for maximum rooting of Poa annua is 3A to 1 inch. Above and below these heights the root systems become shortened, resulting in less water and nutrient uptake and thus more careful management. (5) Nutrients. Fertilize with materials to keep the phosphorus and potassium values high. Abundant nitrogen but not excessive nitrogen is also required. Fertilize lightly to moderately in the spring and lightly in the summer and push the Poa in the early fall. However be certain not to overstimulate the Poa, as lush growth going into the winter could bring on possible winter injury. (6) Fungicides. Because Poa annua is sus­ ceptible to almost all turf diseases, it is essential that a complete fungicide program be followed. Literally, this involves a spring, summer, fall and winter spray program to keep the annual bluegrass healthy when the various disease organisms are working. It is interesting to note that we have observed where systemic fungi­ cides are used in the overall summer disease program, there appears to be less likelihood of the Poa annua thinning. Also, in areas where the annual bluegrass weevil (Hyperodes weevil) is active, a good insecticide program must also be followed. These then are the most important factors in stimulating the growth of Poa annua. There are some secondary ones like good air and water drainage; careful use of pre-and post-emerge herbicides; chemical wilt control programs utilizing phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) (where not restricted); and wetting agents. All of these management practices, therefore, are essential to the good growth and development of Poa annua as a year-around turfgrass species. Conclusion The purpose of this article is to reiterate what is already known. Poa annua may be a good turfgrass species exhibiting many of the qualities that can make for an excellent playing surface. If a good management program is followed, incorporating the points made in this article, then Poa annua has a good chance of being kept all season long. But there is another purpose; perhaps an even more important one. It is to show that no matter what species or combination of grass species grown on a golf course, it is the good management practices exercised by the superintendent that helps the grasses survive and provide the excellent playing 4 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD A fine He on fairway turf of Poa annua. Ball resting on bentgrass fairway turf. Also a good playing lie. surface that the membership wants. There was an extremely foresighted statement made in an early 1922 turf article on Poa annua: “It is not a scientific problem, it is a practical problem. It is not one of indolence and superficial manage­ ment—it is one of eternal vigilance, of common sense ... of good management.” Therefore, good management should provide good turf which should result in better golf. Is this not the goal of all of us? JULY 1973 5 Dormant bermudagrass on one-half of plot and colorant on the other half. Colorants May be One Answer to Higher Seed Prices by JOHN VAN DAM, Extension Service, University of California, County of Los Angeles rhe natural beauty of a properly overseeded turfgrass area is beyond doubt a pleasing sight. This is especially so for the northern traveler seeking greener pastures. However, as with any worthy work of art, there is a price to be paid. To become established, the overseeded area has to undergo extensive preparation. The area has to be closely mowed and aerified and debris must be removed so that a minimum com­ petitive but highly receptive seeding environ­ ment can be established. After that, numerous cultural tasks associated with the care and management of a productive turfgrass area must be maintained. This means that the overseeded area must be subsequently mowed, fertilized and groomed. For the fortunate turfgrass manager whose dictates have been, “beauty at any price,” and who is backed by a supporting budget, the concern for color is minimal. It narrows to the making of a proper selection from among the old and new grasses or a combination from them that would produce winter color and the desired aesthetics. However, not all producers of turfgrass areas are so fortunate. Many mana­ gers faced with a limited budget and the challenge of a warm-season grass specie that is fading into dormancy must seek alternatives. At their request and in response to the growing need for information pertaining to the use of turfgrass colorants, a limited study on dormant Tifgreen bermudagrass was conducted. Due to the interests stimulated by the results of this initial test, the study was expanded. In the broadened study, the turfgrass colorants were applied to 20,000 square feet of dormant Tifgreen bermudagrass on the baseball outfield of the California State Polytechnic College, Pomona, Calif. Observations were thus possible under actual play. It also enabled the research to be conducted on a large randomized com- plete block design that was replicated four times. A 10-foot wide check area separated each replicated block and application of mate­ rial to each test area treated was made with hand sprayers equipped with a size 8 flat T-jet nozzle. The pressure per square inch was constantly held at 30 pounds as indicated by the gauge on the sprayers. The research plots were observed and evalu- , j 6 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD TABLE 1. PER ACRE COSTS FOR COLORIZING DORMANT BERMUDAGRASS Date: February 1972 . . ......... No depreciation or interest computed; cost is nominal and equipment is assumed to exist for other purposes. Based on: 2 Acres Golf Course Fairways 1 Acre City Park Facility Labor: $3.75/hr. Operation Preparation: Mowing1 Sweeper2 Helper Cultural: Colorized3 Helper Annual hours Costs Labor Equipment Material Combined Total Costs per acre 0.2 0.7 1.0 0.5 1.0 $0.75 2.65 3.75 $0.80 1.05 - $1.55 3.70 3.75 1.90 3.75 1.10 Colorant 8 gal. @ $9/gal.=$72.00 75.00 - 3.75 $ 9.00 78.75 $87.75 light mowing with fairway on 2,080 hours of annual use mower to provide uniformity in appearance. Operational cost of $3.9O/hr. based 2Removal of acre per hr. clippings, litter and debris. Operational cost of $1.47/hr. based on a sweeper capacity of 0.68 3100 gal. tan k sprayer boom equipped with dripless size 8 flat T-jet nozzles. Covers 7,000 sq. ft. in 4*/2 min. TABLE 2. PER-ACRE COSTS FOR OVERSEEDING DORMANT BERMUDAGRASS (Cyndon dactylon) Date: February 1972 No depreciation or interest computed as costs are nominal and equipment is assumed to exist for other purposes. Based on : 200 acres on golf courses and 5 acres of city parks. Labor: $3.75/hr. Operational Annual tasks hours Labor Equip­ ment Material Material Costs Costs per acre Combined Total Preparation1 Mow Sweep Spike 16.0 1.0 2.0 $60.00 3.75 7.50 $62.40 1.50 2.60 $122.40 5.25 10.10 For establishment2 0.5 Seeding 1.0 Irrigation 1.90 3.75 1.10 — Seed 400 lbs. @ lOc/lb. Water, 1 acre-inch $40.00 7.25 43.00 11.00 Following establishment3 Irrigation Fertilizer Mow 8.0 1.0 1.6 30.00 3.75 6.00 Water, 8 acre-inches 850 lbs. 16-4-4 58.10 34.00 88.10 39.10 8.35 $137.75 54.00 135.55 $327.30 ^-Mowed with flail mower in several directions at an operational capacity of 4 hrs./acre @$3.90/hr.; spiked at a 2-hour-per-acre capacity @ $1.30/hr. ^Seeding capacity 3-acres-per-hour at combined tractor and equipment cost of $1.45/hr. For uniform seed distribution, half allotted seed spread in one direction and remainder in a direction crossing the first. The area lightly irrigated to prevent germinating seeds andseedlingfrom drying out before becoming established. 3Based on weekly irrigation of 1-acre-inch-per-week for minimum of 8 weeks; mowed weekly during that period at capacity of 21/z-acres-per-hour @ $3.90/hr. Costs increased substantially as overseeding period extended beyond the 8-week study period. JULY 1973 7 ated for their general appearance, hue, uni­ formity, longevity and intensity of color. The color intensities of each test plot were rated weekly. When all treatments began to fade during one week and subsequently increased the following week the study was terminated. No further readings were taken as the flush of color indicated a regrowth of the bermudagrass. The weekly readings, accumulated from the treatments applied at the manufacturer’s re­ commended rate (low rate) and at twice that rate (high rate), were statistically compared. The averages were then presented and are shown by the graphic summary chart shown below. In general a truer color and greater uni­ formity were obtained at the high rate. Greater color longevity was also reported at this rate. No plant injury has been observed throughout the test at either the high or the low rate for any of the colorants tested. Remarks by players using the baseball outfield indicated satisfac­ tion. No objectionable discoloration or staining was reported either of ground balls or of player uniforms. A simulated cleaning test devised to evaluate the materials as to the ease with which equipment used in their application was cleaned, ranked the materials in the following order: Sprayer Equipment Cleaning Test* 1. Vitalon Dark 2. Vitalon Light 3. Sta-Green 4. Greenstuff 5. Vichem Green 6. Greenzit 7. Stayz-Green 8. Winterlawn 9. Everbright * Ranked from the easiest to most difficult. A significant enlargement of the study made the following year was the accumulation of per acre cost data for the application of turfgrass colorants and that of similar areas which were overseeded. These per acre costs were made possible through the cooperation of the mana­ gers of golf and recreational park facilities. The procedures used were those normally conducted in carrying out colorant and/or overseeding tasks. Application and seeding details as well as the costs are disclosed by the tables that follow: It is cautioned that the costs presented in these tables are but guidelines and do not represent absolute costs for all facilities. Colorant application results and the costs revealed by this study indicate that quality colorants properly applied provide monetary savings in establishing an instant green play area. Labor needs are minimal, maintenance is low and several tasks are completely eliminated in contrast to those in areas that are over­ seeded. However, well established and main­ tained areas of overseeded turfgrass have be­ yond doubt an appearance and color that is very appealing to many people. While costs to establish and maintain overseeded areas is greater than those for colorants, they can be budgeted. Turfgrass managers are responsible to assure an efficient and economical operation. To fulfill that obligation, they must constantly review areas of major expense and the means and methods whereby overall costs can be reduced. This means the investigation of alter­ native methods. The road to follow remains the decision of the turfgrass manager as dictated by his own judgment, the demands of the users of the turfgrass area and those who impose and enforce budget limitations. RX for Overseeding Bermuda Greens The first week in October is the time to overseed grass. by PALMER MAPLES, JR., Superintendent, The Standard Club, Atlanta, Ga. Golf in the South is played the year around, and for those golf courses that have bermuda­ grass on the greens, overseeding with cool season grasses is necessary because the grass becomes dormant in winter. The best putting surface can be obtained by using selected chemicals to control a number of pests. This article will explain some of the chemicals I have found helpful in my overseeding program, their methods and time of application and reasons for their particular use. Poa annua has been one of the major problems when overseeding greens. It comes as seed in other grasses, it comes from other parts of the golf course, and even from within the green itself if no control measures are used. The problem is the seedheads and clumpy growth in the spring. Other than mechanical thinning and brushing, little could be done to control the Poa annua because available chemicals which would control Poa annua would also injure the desired overseeding grasses. Pre-emergence chemicals are now available, and if they are properly used, they can give control of Poa in overseeded greens. I have used Bensulide for the past six years. It has given excellent control of Poa in the greens through the winter and spring and it did not bother the desirable grasses. My first use of Bensulide was on three greens at the Charlotte Country Club in 1966. These greens were very heavily infested with Poa and most difficult to putt in the spring. Smooth, dormant bermudagrass would have been a preferred putting surface and I felt there was JULY 1973 9 nothing to lose by using a chemical to control the Poa annua, even if the desired grasses were also affected. A period of 60 days before overseeding was selected as the time to apply the Bensulide. A liquid material having four pounds of actual chemical per gallon, at a rate of nine ounces of material per 1,000 square feet was applied. This material was put out through a spray Hawk using four to five gallons of water per 1,000 square feet. It was applied during the first week in August. The first week in October is selected as the time to overseed the grass because it gives the seedlings time to grow before the first killing frost. The procedure is to aerify the greens the last week of July, topdress, fertilize, and then spray the Bensulide on the topdressing. This forms a seal of pre-emergence chemical that I do not disturb or break with any mechanical opera­ tions. The application of this chemical at these rates and over this time span has given me control of Poa annua in the overseeded greens and has not injured or killed any of the desired grasses or interfered with its germination. Disease also must be controlled by chemi­ cals, not only on overseeded greens but on all greens. A lot of new grass on overseeded greens is often lost to disease because the chemicals were not applied on the green. Applications must be made at the right time to do any good, especially during periods of high humidity. In preparation for overseeding, I begin spray­ ing the greens with a fungicide in August. An application of capatan at eight ounces per 1,000 square feet is made and an application of daconil, cyrene, or other general fungicide is made. These chemicals will control some of the disease organisms that may be in the bermuda­ grass but not visible or active at this time of year. Other applications are made in September to rid the green of all disease that could hurt the new seedlings or the bermudagrass as it is slowing growth before going dormant. Pythium is just as killing and fast spreading on seedlings as on other grasses, and it is a real problem in overseeding. Some treated seeds have been tried but they don’t show a vast improvement over treating the seed at time of planting. Pythium control chemicals are kept on hand for immediate use if the disease breaks out after initial germination. I apply these chemicals the first two weeks after planting as a preventive spray, and as needed thereafter. Having used some broad spectrum fungicides in August and September, attention is placed on observing the seedlings as they emerge in conjunction with weather observations. Fungi­ cides must be used on a preventive schedule during the first six weeks after planting. Rain should not interfere with the spray schedule for it is better to spray and have some control than no control at all. Fertilizer and a combination of chemicals are a great help in establishing overseeded greens. The third week in September, an appli­ cation of a 1-2-3 ratio fertilizer is made at a rate ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Palmer Maples, Jr., isthe Certified Golf Course Superintendent at The Standard Club of At­ lanta, Georgia. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the GCSAA as Secretary-Treasurer. In 1971, Palmer was chosen as Georgia Superin­ tendent of the Year. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Georgia, graduating in 1959. 10 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD Fertilizers and chemicals are a great help in establishing overseeded greens. to supply IV2 to 2 pounds of potash and 1 to IV2 pounds of phosphrous per 1,000 square feet. The small amount of nitrogen will be useful in helping the plants use these other chemicals. A light topdressing of sterilized soil is applied to the greens at this time to give the seed a bed where they can start their new roots. The continued growth of bermudagrass can be a problem in establishing the overseeded grass. Usually by October the night temperature is cool and the days are shorter so the bermuda­ grass does not grow as fast. At times with continued warm weather, bermudagrass does grow and compete with the new seedlings. In looking for a method to slow the bermudagrass, I tried MH-30, (maleic Hydrazide) a growth retardant After the second year, I discarded it due to the lack of desired results. While the chemical would slow the bermudagrass and show some control of Poa seed heads, it did not give repeated, even control. Even spraying the green in two directions did not improve the perform­ ance of this chemical. My next try was PMA. This material used at 3 to 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet worked fine. This amount of PMA would burn the bermuda­ grass and retard its growth for about 10 days to two weeks, giving the seedlings time to germi­ nate. Another advantage of PMA was in clearing up any disease organisms immediately before seeding. The application of PMA at 3-4 ounces is made on the Friday before the seed is planted the next Monday, or three days before planting. All seeding is accomplished in one day during the first week of October. It is brushed and matted into the green, and watered that evening and night. This procedure helps wet the seed and get it settled into the grass before top­ dressing. If the overseeding is topdressed before watering, the topsoil will settle down into the grass and leave the seed floating on top of the grass and not in contact with the soil. When the dew dries the day after watering the seed, topdressing is used at a light rate over the seed, matted in and watering continued. Three to five days after planting, a broad spectrum fungicide mixed with a pythium control fungicide is applied. Mowing starts in six to seven days at a height of 3/8 inch, and continues at this height for three weeks. This gives the plant time to grow its secondary roots and leaves, and establishes a healthy plant that will withstand the traffic, cold weather, and disease of the coming months. The use of chemicals is but a part of a planned program that I use in establishing my overseeded greens each fall—but a most im­ portant part. A quick review will show that (1) JULY 1973 11 A beautiful green is the result of a planned program. applications of fungicides in August and Sep­ tember will help rid the green of diseases; (2) after seeding, fungicide applications will help protect the new grass; (3) application of a preemergence chemical 60 days prior to over­ seeding will control further Poa annua-, (4) chemical fertilizers to help establish and sup­ port the growth of the grass applied before planting; and (5) the use of a growth retardant to slow the bermudagrass and allow the new seeds to germinate and grow. These procedures have worked for me at my golf course. The best putting surface can be obtained by using selected chemicals. 12 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD A TURF TIP FROM GENE: Gene Stoddard, Superintendent at Irvine Coast Country Club, Irvine, Calif., has been working with a new device to save wear around the hole. It is an automatic ball ejector which enables the golfer to retrieve his holed putt without damage to the critical area surrounding the hole. When the flagstick is in place, no ejecting action can take place. The removal of the flagstick permits a ball that falls into the cup to trigger an electronic ejecting signal. After a slight delay, the ball is cast about 30 inches from the hole. Result: less foot traffic concentration around the hole and presumably better putting green turf. A Success Story! The Green Section Educational Program at Oakmont ^^ver 100 people from 14 states attended the first USGA Green Section Educational Program held last month at the time and site of the 1973 U.S. Open Championship. Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pa., was the perfect host. Grounds Committee Chairman Fred Brand, Jr., Superintendent Lou Scalzo, and Harry Gray, Club Manager, took time from their busy schedules to conduct the group on an early morning tour of the course and described maintenance operations. The “fastest greens in the country” were seen and matched by equally outstanding turf on fairways, tees and roughs. Following the tour, a full day of informative papers and discussions by the Green Section staff and audience contributed to a memorable event. Topics included the latest information on new fungicides, equipment, automatic irriga­ tion, carts and paths, course grooming and maintenance of bunkers. Elbert S. Jemison, Jr., Birmingham, Ala., USGA Green Section Committee Chairman, received many favorable comments from those in attendance and promised to look into the possibility of future U.S. Open programs of this sort dealing with championship turfgrass man­ agement. Testing the 17th green at Oakmont Country Club just before the 1973 U.S. Open Cham­ pionship gets underway is Robert V. Mitchell, Superintendent of Portage Country Club, Akron, Ohio. Mitchellisalso a member of the USGA Green Section Committee and Past President of the GCSAA. JULY 1973 13 0I9tq USGA GREEN SI JULY, 1973 a n aais3H3oa 3AV 1SV3 SE6? d91S3H30H 30 33 IdflS 10N133 H 1H38UH 6666 S9Z0E00E TURF TWISTERS CHELATES Question: We read about chelates, iron chelate for example. What is it and how is it different from iron sulfate? (New Hampshire) Answer: In the simplest terms, chelating refers to the bridging of a metal ion, in this case iron, that protects its from being precipitated by carbonates, phosphates and other soil fertilizer components. When so protected, the ion remains mobile, allowing it to move freely in soil solutions for uptake by grass roots. This is most important on calcareous soils where the iron sulfate forms are quickly immobilized; chelated forms offer far better chance for the iron to make it into the plant through the soil solution. Chelates are more expensive than iron sulfate and, in turfgrass work, have shown mixed responses. CONTROL ORGANIC MATTER Question; In one short sentence, how would you relieve an organic buildup in a bermudagrass green that has accumulated over the past 5 years? (Alabama) Answer: During the most active growing period, aerate once per month, top-dress lightly using low content organic matter in soil mixture, vertical mow very lightly once per week, keep as good a putting surface as possible and apply hydrated lime at 2 pounds/1,000 square feet three or four times a year during the cooler months: all in one sentence. IN A FROG'S EYE Question: What can I do to control Fusarium roseum (frog eye) that is attacking my bluegrass fairways? (Illinois) Fmsvw.Fusarium roseum requires a high temperature (around 65°-70° night temperature) to become really serious. The presence of nematodes adds to the degree of severity. The systemic fungicides Benlate (Tersan 1991) or Cleary’s 3336 at six to eight ounces per 1,000 square feet have been effective in control. Water in thoroughly.