BETTER LAWN - - HARVESTS

PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY THE 
BETTER LAWN & TURF INSTITUTE

VOLUME 29, NUMBER 1 

991 West Fifth Street 
Marysville, Ohio 43040 
Phone: (513)642-1777 
April 1, 1982

INDEX:

General Pages
Technical Pages

EXCUSE THE DELAY

Our "old faithful" mimeograph broke a cam, and we’ve 
had to retype the stencils for photocopying. We’ll 
try to have Harvests back on schedule next quarter.

CHANGES COMING SMOOTHLY AT STAFF HEADQUARTERS

As members are aware from mailings sent during the quarter, Dr. Robert W. 
Schery will be retiring this year as Director of the Lawn Institute. Joyce 
Wening will continue on as acting director in Marysville under Dr. Schery’s 
general supervision through summer, until Dr. Eliot Roberts finishes the 
academic year at the University of Rhode Island and assumes active director­
ship probably sometime in July. Dr. Roberts feels he can best serve the 
Institute operating from a new headquarters near Cooksville, Tennessee, 
where he owns acreage and has family.

Eliot Roberts is well known to many Institute members. That you may become 
better acquainted with him and his general plans, we have asked Eliot to 
"introduce" himself. Dr. Roberts has already made a two-day visit to 
Marysville to become acquainted with activities, equipment, and to learn 
about Institute traditions. His plans seem to be progressing smoothly, and 
no interruption in Institute services should occur. Mailings of such things 
as Harvests and the autumn press kit will be handled from Ohio until routines 
can be formally established in Tennessee. Thus members should contact 
Marysville as in the past, at least until July.

THE LAWN INSTITUTE SELECTS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Eliot C. Roberts, professor of Soil Sciences at the University of Rhode 
Island has accepted the position of Director of the Lawn Institute effective 
July 1, 1982. Dr. Robert W. Schery has been Executive Director of the 
Institute since its founding. He has made retirement plans which will include 
continuing interest and activity in behalf of better lawns and gardens. Dr. 
Roberts and Dr. Schery are arranging for a smooth transition of affairs from 
the present headquarters office in Marysville, Ohio to Pleasant Hill, Tennessee.

THE LAWN INSTITUTE SELECTS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - continued

Dr. Roberts is a native of the "Garden State", New Jersey. In early years, 
he developed an interest in plants and soils on the family farm in Burlington 
County. After service in the Navy during World War II he attended the 
University of Rhode Island and received the B.S. degree in Agricultural 
Chemistry in 1950. M.S. and Ph.D. degrees were earned at Rutgers University 
with major work in Soils and Plant Physiology in 1952 and 1955, respectively.

Dr. Roberts joined the faculty at the University of Massachusetts in 1954 
as an Assistant Professor of Agronomy and was promoted to Associate Professor 
in 1957. He was major professor for turfgrass management students in the 
Stockbridge School of Agriculture and was Secretary of the Stockbridge 
School Advisory Council.

In 1959, Dr. Roberts was appointed Associate Professor of Agronomy and 
Associate Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University, where he 
developed an interdepartmental program in turfgrass research and teaching. 
His research on injury to roadside vegetation from use of highway deicers 
and on mineral nutrition of turfgrasses generated information widely used 
throughout the Midwest. He was advanced to Professor in 1964 and he continued 
in this position until 1967, when he went to the University of Florida as 
Professor of Ornamental Horticulture and chairman of the department. He 
was administratively responsible for teaching, research and extension programs 
concerned with turfgrasses, annual and perennial flowers and woody 
ornamental plants.

In 1970 Dr. Roberts was appointed Professor of Plant and Soil Science and 
chairman of the department at the University of Rhode Island. This position 
involved directing, teaching, research and extension projects in crop 
science, soil science, horticulture, landscape architecture and mechanized 
agriculture that are relevant to the needs of an urban population.
Dr. Roberts has been a frequent speaker at Grounds Management Conferences 
throughout the United States and Canada and is the author or co-author 
of over 200 papers in refereed journals, in experiment station reports, 
Advances in Agronomy, popular or semi-technical trade journals, and conference 
proceedings. He was editor of the Proceedings of the Second International 
Turfgrass Research Conference published by the American Society of Agronomy 
in 1974.

Dr. Roberts maintains active membership in five professional associations and 
three honorary societies and has been recognized by assignment of positions of 
responsibility or by honorary membership in eight industry-sponsored 
associations. In 1971 he was elected Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy.

The Directorship of the Lawn Institute provides a unique opportunity to 
exercise skills in both Public Relations and Communications. The lawn 
practitioner and turfgrass research specialist should have an effective linkage 
through the Institute. As program leader for turfgrass teaching, research 
and extension and as department administrator for Horticulture and Plant and 
Soil Science programs, this combination of public relations emphasis and 
technical expertise has become functional for Dr. Roberts.

THE LAWN INSTITUTE SELECTS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - continued

He feels strongly that the promotion of the lawn seed usage is a matter of 
relating a quality product to the needs of the consumer in such a way that 
confidence in successful use of the product is assured. Usually people can 
successfully accomplish what they believe they can do. Visualization of 
those processes helps in assuring success.
Dr. Roberts is enthusiastic about the Institute concept, appreciative of 
the past accomplishments and looks forward to building new identities in 
the future as we continue to promote the existing program.

GRASSLAND BOOK PUBLISHED
The book Amenity Grassland, an Ecological Perspective, has been published 
by Wiley and Sons, under the editorship of I. H. Rorison and Roderick Hunt, 
the University of Sheffield, U.K. The Institute was asked to review this 
book for HortScience, Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Fourteen experts provide the main chapters of the book (fifteen "poster 
abstracts" appear additionally), many of whom are ecologists providing 
ecologically directed presentations. However, ecology in Britain deals 
much with disturbed habitat. The book is concerned almost exclusively with 
the U.K., and the interest of turfgrass managers in the United States will 
be chiefly related to ideas generated in the discussions.

Amenity grasslands as considered include some intensively managed turf 
(lawns, playing fields, golf courses, race tracks, etc., constituting 
1100 km2); "trampled open spaces" (parks, road berms, reserves, commons, 
country parks, etc. constituting 6770 km2); and "untrampled open spaces" 
(air fields, embankments, etc., accounting for about 630 km2). The British 
philosophy is to clothe this with a groundcover (mainly grass, but other 
families are not excluded), utilizing as much as possible naturally adapted 
species for minimal maintenance. Most chapters of the book are in accord 
with this outlook, and even the chapter specifically concerned with herbicides 
suggests alternatives which avoid decreasing vegetative diversity.

Much detail can be found in the book, at least some of which might merit 
extrapolation for other parts of the world. In chapter 2, for example, the 
biomass, seasonal growth cycle, aggressiveness, and so on of numerous species 
is given (and 20 pages of appendices tell the kind of habitat where familiar 
grasses persist, predominate, and so on).

In discussing grass breeding, M.O. Humphreys feels that selecting cultivars 
from closely grazed sheep pasture has been adequate to this point for obtain­
ing cultivars, in contrast to directed techniques. He also acknowledges the 
fact that volunteer Poa annua is ubiquitous and one of the more wear­
resistant species for the U.K. climate. Of the species sown for intensively 
managed turf, the perennial ryegrasses are favored as the most wearable 
although Shilkrick seems now leaning away from bentgrasses in favor of 
Kentucky bluegrass as a companion species where wear is much of a factor.

GRASSLAND BOOK PUBLISHED - continued

Shildrick's chapter on Species and Cultivar Selection is almost the only 
presentation similar to what appears in turfgrass manuals in the USA; it 
reviews choices of species and cultivars under varying conditions. Shildrick 
also expresses an appreciation of the dead biomass (thatch) acknowledging 
that "the dead leaf mat" reduces the "area of bare, potentially slippery 
ground — and provides 'grip'".

Haggar, in the chapter Weed Control and Vegetation Management by Herbicides, 
notes the usefulness of ethofumesate for selective removal of Poa annua, some­
thing only beginning in the United States. He remarks, too, on cultivars of 
perennial ryegrass having been bred or selected tolerant to low dosages of 
herbicides such as paraquat and dalapon (both of which he favors because they 
are reasonably harmless to clover, which, unlike the United States, is much 
valued in the sward). Haggar feels that bentgrass can be easily suppressed 
in perennial ryegrasses with low dosages of dalapon, as can be velvetgrass with 
asulam. A number of grass-suppressing herbicides are listed which can be used 
in winter to encourage spring growth of clover.

A disadvantage of perennial ryegrass that is mentioned is its inability to 
spread by rhizomes or stolons, which, coupled with low seed reserves in the 
soil, would result in little volunteer sprouting. Thus perennial ryegrass 
generally has to be "planted", which seems to be less preferred than a 
system of volunteer growth (at least in the management of less intensively 
managed amenity grasslands). Haggar also notes that it has been possible to 
change coarse, tussocky grasses of roadsides to more attractive fine fescue 
by selectively eliminating the coarser grasses with a combination of maleic 
hydrazide and 2,4-D in a single treatment applied in spring.
SEED STORY APPEARED
The lawnseed story prepared by Jerry Johnson for Lawn & Garden Marketing 
appeared in the February issue. The Institute had furnished much background 
material, and a color photograph which was utilized on page 18 (the magazine 
forgot to give the Institute credit, however!)

Johnson’s treatment was good, under the title "Sorting Out the Confusing 
Lawn Seed Picture". He first noted the plethora of new cultivars, and then 
gave reasons for this comparatively recent abundance and the superiority of 
the new selections. A separate page, of differing color, entitled 
"Merchandising Features of Various Grass Species" described the individual 
turfgrasses and their strengths. Their usage as straight, blends or in 
mixtures was briefly discussed.

A separate box listed "Improvements Being Sought", in which Johnson asks 
rhetorically, "What are some of these superior traits that are appearing 
into today’s new varieties? There are many, which would include: --
(fourteen virtues are itemized)".

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL CONGRESS

On behalf of the Institute Dr. Schery attended the 8th Annual Massachusetts 
Horticultural Congress, held at the Dunfey Hotel, Hyannis, Massachusetts, 
January 20-21. This Congress is sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural 
Society, long the publisher of Horticulture magazine (now being handled on a 
shared arrangement with New Yorker magazine). Attendees included people in 
the landscape business as well as turf specialists and others concerned with 
urban environment. Dr. Schery had opportunity to visit with Dr. Joseph Troll 
and others from the University of Massachusetts, and with E. Dexter Davis, 
publisher of Greener Gardening, easier, the well-known horticultural newsletter 
distributed throughout New England.

First day presentations were divided into two parallel sections, one covering 
"Interior Plantscaping", the other woody plant materials, native perennials 
and wildflowers. Gypsy moth management was the focus of attention in the 
afternoon. Dr. Schery discussed lawngrasses the morning of January 21, this 
followed by expositions on turf insects and turf diseases in the afternoon 
by university people. Parallel meetings dealt with pheremones, tree anatomy 
and pruning.

It was estimated by Deborah Fanning, conference coordinator, that 400 
registrants attended the Congress, of which 250 attended the turfgrass 
sessions. The reprint "Basics Behind Topflight Sodgrasses" was made available 
to all attending Dr. Schery’s presentation, and additionally the Congress it­
self had reprints of the Institute’s review "Science and the Lawn" which 
appeared in Horticulture magazine a year or so ago. A large selection of 
slides was shown, depicting various cultivars, their usages and trends both 
in Europe and North America. There will be no Proceedings of the Congress.

Dr. Schery first reviewed the apparent trends and concerns about lawns in 
this country, especially in view of recessionary times. But the real 
advantages that lawns possess give them a positive image and a public 
acceptance the value of which should not be underestimated. The capabilities 
of the major lawn species were discussed, and the advantages to be derived 
from selecting specialized elite cultivars from them. In the time remaining 
recent research anent managing these cultivars was explored to the extent 
that time permitted.

"SUPPLEMENT" PUBLISHED

During February the spring issue of "Lawns, Gardens and Pools", the joint 
Supplement published annually in recent years through the Pflaum Company, 
Reston, Virginia, was mailed out to somewhat over 3000 recipients. Joining 
with the Institute were the American Association of Nurserymen, the National 
Bark Producers Association, and the National Spa and Pool Institute. The 
Institute shared the top page with a lead off story, "Spring Lawn ’Get with­
its’", and a photo.

Approximately 90 column inches of space in the 8-page, folio size 
publication were devoted to the Institute’s contribution about lawngrasses. 
Unfortunately, an additional 30% of text provided was not used because of

"SUPPLEMENT" PUBLISHED - continued

space limitations. However, the column-inches alloted the Institute totaled 
its approximate share, and should suffice to get the "good seed-good grass" 
image across. Thirteen Institute titles were included all told. Some 
specific naming of cultivars was lost because of the deletions, but it is 
probably advantageous to have the lawn stories interspersed among others 
which may attract greater attention of publications.

It is felt that "Lawns, Gardens and Pools" is an effective means for reaching 
a wide range of smaller publications rather inexpensively, considering that 
the costs are shared by four associations. By time of our annual meeting 
perhaps some information will have been received on pickup and response to 
this year’s "Supplement". Except for the story dealing with fertilizer, 
Institute stories dealt almost exclusively with lawnseed, lawngrasses and 
lawngrass care. Sample copies of the issue have been sent to members.
SPRING PRESS KIT ISSUED

After the seemingly inevitable delays with the post office (over proper 
imprintings for bulk mailing), the spring press kit was issued nationally 
about the second week of February. Gratifying usage has already been noted 
in requests coming in for literature (the offering of free Variety Review 
Board listings in exchange for a stamped envelope).
All members received a sample mailing, and are aware of the familiar "green 
grass" file folder with 18 pages of stories plus three back-up reprints 
used to document our credibility. This year there were 19 titles, ranging 
from two pages down to just a few lines. Chief emphasis, as always, was on the 
usefulness of high quality lawngrasses, with particular mention of selections 
accepted by the Institute's own Variety Review Board.

We try to convey in our press kits the idea that having an acceptable lawn 
need not be costly, should be fun, and is conveniently achievable in most 
climatic zones. One often feels that the reading public hears too much 
about "problems", - insidious diseases needing prolonged spraying with 
fungicides, hazards due to thatch, implications that elaborate watering 
systems are essential, many other "does" and "don'ts" that certain experts 
dwell upon perhaps more to display their knowledge than to offer practical 
encouragement. Having an acceptable lawn is not beyond the capability of 
almost anyone.
DISTANT REQUEST

Routed to us by Margaret Herbst was a request from Munn's Lawn Company in 
Glandore, South Australia. Mr. Munn had read of the Institute in a trade 
publication and asked to be put on the "mailing list". Several reprints 
were dispatch to Australia as a courtesy, and it was explained that we had 
no standard "mailing list" other than to press kit recipients and our own 
membership.

PLAUDITS FROM MASSACHUSETTS
"Dear Bob,

It was good to meet you at the Mass. Hort. Congress. Your presentation 
was excellent! I wish there had been more time for your subject because 
your organization was excellent. Perhaps next year.....

Cordially,

Dexter", publisher Greener Gardening, easier

STORY IN AMERICAN LAWN APPLICATOR

The March/April issue of the American Lawn Applicator carried the Institute’s 
story "Managing Urban Habitat". The item suggests that those in charge of 
maintaining turfgrass don’t always counter the negativism of modern realities 
(inflation, crises, and threats to the environment), even while their 
clientele hungers for reassurance and urban greenery. An understanding of 
the fundamental importance of green plants to mankind’s well being should 
offer appeal, and a broad ecosystem approach is suggested. The technology, 
and the grass varieties, are available for topnotch accomplishments, but 
they should be properly used and realistic measures taken to proceed with 
confidence.
The article is being reprinted and will be made available to members, as 
well as used for an insert in mailings and press kits.
NEW PRINT-UP SENT OUT

In telephone "meetings" with Variety Review Board Chairman Dr. Gerald Pepin, 
International Seeds, Oregon, it became clear that some of our Variety Review 
Board listings were slightly out of date, not surprising given the lag time 
it takes to have these published as part of a lawn story in a magazine, and 
then in turn arranging for reprinting. Therefore, in order to have just what 
we wanted for spring inquiries engendered by the press kit, a four-page 
foldover entitled "Variety Review Board Lawn Cultivar Listings" was designed 
in-house and reproduced by photocopy. Several member firms have found this 
handy, and have asked for supplementary copies.

The leaflet basically epitomizes Variety Review Board policy, and the strengths 
of the accepted cool-season turfgrass species. Characteristics of each species 
are outlined, and the Variety Review Board cultivars within the species are 
listed, in most cases utilizing thumbnail characterization (only a line or two 
of space can be spared and still keep the leaflet within bounds). Finally, 
proprietors of these cultivars are named alphabetically in a back-page box, 
along with their addresses.

Leaflets of this sort have proven the only feasible means for answering 
inquiries which sometimes become voluminous, and which might otherwise require 
custom letters for which staff is not available to complete all the typing. 
Members are urged to take advantage of this listing while it is still current, 
because sooner or later a few withdrawals or additions will require updating.

INSTITUTE COLOR PHOTO USED

Lawn & Garden Marketing magazine has utilized one of the color transparencies 
provided for a story in their February lawncare issue. We’re pleased to be 
of help to the magazine, and gain this additional publicity for the Institute.
NEW MAGAZINE MAKES ITS DEBUT

Louise Hinton, Managing Editor of Better Times, "America’s Most Helpful 
Magazine", thanked the Institute for responding to an earlier inquiry. A 
complimentary copy of the first issue of Better Times was included. A 
spring press kit was sent to Ms. Hinton, as well as several custom items not 
utilized elsewhere this spring ("extras" from the spring press kit and 
Supplement). Better Times is not horticulturally oriented, but does include 
occasional discussions having to do with home grounds. Although the magazine 
is published from Florida, the readership is national and its editorial image 
embraces all regions.
TELEPHONE REQUEST HONORED

Gail Driskill of the Daily Oklahoman of Oklahoma City telephoned asking for 
editorial material for a special spring gardening section in the newspaper. 
The paper would also like to have color photos to embellish the presentation. 
A spring press kit was immediately dispatched to Ms. Driskill, and two color 
transparencies for "dress-up" illustrations.
ADDITION TO PRESS KIT MAILING REQUESTED

Lynn Skinner, publisher and manager of the Lee County Ledger, Leesburg, Georgia 
has requested to be added to our press kit mailing list. In exchange they 
will send us their horticultural magazine, JOE’S BULLETIN. JOE’S BULLETIN 
"Gardener’s Guide to the Plant World", is published monthly.

"APPRECIATION" IS APPRECIATED

"Dear Dr. Schery,

Again this year our Mass. Hort. Congress received rave reviews, 
and we feel its success was due in large part to the outstanding 
educational seminars presented at the Congress. Your presentation 
was very well received by those in attendance, and we appreciate 
your contribution to our event."

Deborah M. Fanning, Coordinator

TECHNICAL SECTION
INSECTS RECEIVE TECHNICAL COVERAGE
The March/April American Lawn Applicator, (Vol. III, No. 2), reviews sod 
webworms in an article by Scott Sargent of Northrup King, and greenbugs by 
Dr. Daniel Potter of the University of Kentucky. The issue also contains an 
article on controlling weeds by Dr. Kageyama of Scotts.

Sargent notes that selective tolerance to sod webworm has been found among 
grass varieties. Scaldis hard fescue and Dawson fine fescue have shown 
excellent tolerance. Perennial ryegrasses appear more tolerant than blue­
grasses or fine fescues. Several genera and species of sod webworm damage 
lawns throughout the United States, in all cases the damage being caused by 
larvae which live in "silk-lined" burrows at the base of the sod. Larvae 
overwinter in the sod, emerge as adults in the spring, then lay eggs to 
create new generations of larvae (in warm climates there may be several 
generations during summer). The lawn moth stage is not damaging to grass. 
The larvae chew off grass blades at their base during night, passing through 
four moulting stages during a span of about five weeks.
Potter, in his investigation of greenbugs, finds them only recently a serious 
pest of bluegrass and fine fescue lawns, although well-known on cereals. They 
are not damaging to perennial ryegrass, southern lawngrasses or most weed­
grasses and broadleaf weeds. Greenbugs are small aphids that can reproduce 
parthenogenetically. Natural predators include ladybugs that normally help 
keep greenbugs under control. The greenbugs damage the grass foliage by 
piercing and toxifying soft tissues, and when in epidemic proportions can 
bleach an entire lawn. They seem to become most prevalent under trees or 
around structures, where damage may begin in June and continue into November. 
Greenbugs are probably spread by wind or by tracking, and overwinter as eggs 
to reinfest a second year. Little grass varietal selectivity seems to prevail 
so far as greenbug resistance is concerned, and greenbugs have been shown to 
quickly build genetic resistance to pesticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon and 
malathion are often no longer effective where repeatedly used). Newer 
insecticides such as ascephate and pirimicarb are suggested, but should not be 
used on a preventive basis lest resistance be built to them too. Greenbugs 
appear to occur chiefly on lawns that are intensively managed.

BERMUDAGRASS SEED
Research reported by Ahring and Stritzke in the January Weed Science indicated 
that seed yields of bermudagrass could be increased by desiccating the seed 
fields with paraquat prior to harvest, but that the paraquat treatment 
markedly reduced seed germirability. However the inhibitory affects of 
paraquat on germination could be eliminated by hulling the seed and scaryifying 
the caryopses (a potassium nitrate solution rather than water was more 
effective as a moistening agent).

35TH NORTHWEST TURFGRASS CONFERENCE

The Proceedings of the 35th Northwest Turfgrass Conference, held in Olympia, 
Washington in September of 1981, was again an excellently presented book of 
about 180 pages. Included are cultivar ratings by the Washington research 
staff which will be of interest to members.

Opening papers are chiefly of golf course interest. Then Hickey and Ensign, 
Idaho, discuss Drought Resistant Turfgrass Cultivars. They quote conventional 
appraisal, which lists fine leaf fescues)Kentucky bluegrass)perennial ryegrass) 
colonial bentgrass)creeping bentgrass. In comparing Baron, Glade and Merion 
cultivars in a Parma, Idaha, test Baron rated best, Glade intermediate, and Merion 
least, but Glade had noticably greater root mass. 70 Kentucky bluegrasses, 
45 fescues and 45 perennial ryegrasses were rated for drought resistance at 
Parma. Among the leading bluegrasses, in addition to Baron, were Brunswick, 
Cheri, Dormie, Entopper, Enoble, Helka, Majestic, Mystic, Vanessa, and
Victa; leading fescues were Dawson, Fortress and Jamestown; leading perennial 
ryegrasses, Citation, Pennant, Regal, Sportiva, and Yorktown. Neatest mowing 
of the perennial ryegrasses under test were Citation, Loretta, Omega, Pennant, 
Regal and Yorktown. In order to increase drought resistance, the authors 
advocate increasing rooting depth by higher mowing, reducing fertilization 
irrigating thoroughly but less often.

Frelich, Scotts, discussed maintaining turf in the shade. Dixon, Occidental 
Chemical Co., reviewed turfgrass fertilization. Charts and flow diagrams 
showing the fate of nitrogen in the soil clarify this aspect of nutrient 
usage. Interaction of nitrogen and sulphur is considered, and the synergistic 
absorption of phosphate with ammonium nitrogen (but not nitrate).

Berger, Washington Department of Transportation, reviewed the effects of in­
flation on landscape maintenance. Results with growth regulants has been 
marginal to poor, including some death of grass where overlap occurs. A 
cost-saving order to stop mowing found employees reluctant to do so. Cost 
per acre cut is figured at $24.84, of which 56% is for labor, 44% for equipment. 
Roadsides now left unmowed are sprayed to contain brush about every three or 
four years. "Highly sensitive" (lawn-like areas at highway interchanges) are 
mowed 24-30 times per year, and otherwise treated like a lawn.

Other presentations involved growing flowers on the golf course, controlled 
release nitrogen sources (with numerous tables and figures), and a discussion 
of resistance to fungicides (as to benomyl and iprodione, for example). A 
systemic fungicide such as benomyl affects only two loci of protein synthesis, 
while a contact fungicide such as cycloheximide affects more than eight loci; 
the former is apt to evolve heritable bi-pass alternatives, but the latter is 
unlikely to do so (since so many concurrent evasions would be necessary).

35th NORTHWEST TURFGRASS 

CONFERENCE - Continued

Cook and Maggard, Oregon, report on ethofumesate for Poa annua control. 
The chemical worked well as a preemergent, but had little influence as 
a post-emergent. Turfgrasses showed good tolerance, and perennial 
ryegrass and red fescue seed seemed able to germinate and establish 
through preemergence treatments. Cook reported that Embark (growth 
control) often enhanced color of Poa annua, and at least with repeat treat­
ments reduced flowering intensity (but since Poa annua flowers over a 
prolonged period, the effect of the treatment wore off and did not provide 
season-long repression). With perennial ryegrass discoloration and 
flower inhibitation occurred, and some color enhancement was noted after 
suppression subsided; multiple applications resulted in some thinning. 
Suppression of bluegrass and colonial bentgrass caused heavy invasion 
of Poa annua and mouseear chickweed..

 

Law, Washington, acknowledged at least partial Poa annua control through 
reduction of pH and phosphorus fertility. His studies are concerned 
with the mechanisms involved, - whether operative through aluminum 
toxicity, or etc. He extolled the use of a new computer for evaluating 
research results, and discussed managing turfgrass through regulation 
of nitrogen fertility. He notes that optimum root growth is obtained 
at low nitrogen levels, disease tolerance at low to moderate nitrogen 
levels (red thread and rust are worse at low nitrogen levels than at 
moderate or high ones, however), while high nitrogen levels favor leaf 
production. Damage can result from excessive fertilization that 
diminishes root growth, as in ability to resist certain soil insects,  
or resisting drought. For controlling Poa annua in bentgrass, he suggests 
modest fertilization for several months to encourage. deep bentgrass 
rooting, then a heavy nitrogen application just a few weeks before 
endothall application so that the herbicide is more effective on lush 
Poa annua while the bentgrass is still reasonably tolerant.

Brauen et al rated perennial ryegrass cultivars at Puyallup. Based on 
two year averages, Diplomat scored highest, followed closely by Score, 
Blazer, and Ensporta. VRB cultivars following thereafter were Omega, 
Pennfine, Derby, Yorktown II, Pennant, Fiesta and Manhattan. Although 
all cultivars eventually developed rust, Diplomat, Blazer, Ensporta, 
Loretta, Aristocrat, Goalie, and Compas were least affected. Where 
clippings mulch was left on plots rust was less severe, possibly due 
to the added N input. In a separate trial Barry, Premier and Dasher 
rated very highly for mowing quality.

Kentucky bluegrass ratings are even more voluminous. Among VRB 
cultivars, highest rating were Sydsport, America and Majestic. Touch­
down was the most susceptible cultivar to rust, but Bonnieblue, Merion, 
Adelphi, and Plush were moderately susceptible; Majestic was quite 
resistant.

35TH NORTHWEST TURFGRASS CONFERENCE - Continued

Based on a two year average score, highest rating for "turf quality" 
among VRB cultivars were Touchdown, followed by Sydsport, Bonnieblue, 
Birka, Glade, Merit, Merion, Baron, Enmundi, America, Majestic, Adelphi, 
Fylking, and Plush.

Striking differences were not apparent between fine fescue cultivars. 
For the two year averages, Koket was above the median, Banner about at 
median, Highlight below median. Among spreading fine fescues Ensylva 
rated second best, while Fortress was lower.

Brauen et al experimented with triclopyr, Dowco 290 (picolinic acid), and 
Lontrel (Dowco 290 plus' 2,4-D). In general, at rates sufficiently strong 
to be effective for weed control turfgrass suffered phytotoxicity. It 
is possible that triclopyr alone or in combination may be useful for the 
elimination of velvetgrass in lawn turf? The same researchers found 
encouraging preliminary results with new root-absorbed growth regulators; 
EL500 and PP333 seemed to cause no phytotoxicity (EL500 actually improved 
the color in some cases). 
20TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE

The Proceedings of the January, 1980 Virginia Turfgrass Conference were 
not received until February, about two years after the presentations 
were made. However, the reports are in general "timeless" and will be 
of some interest.
Beard, Texas, provides the keynote address, similar to that of the Ohio 
Turfgrass Conference (previous Harvests). He looks for difficulties 
particularly with water, to some extent with energy, and in general 
feels that stricter efficiency will be needed in all phases of manage­
ment. Beard calls for further cultivar development, aiming to produce 
selections with slow growth rate and minimal demands for fertilization, 
irrigation, etc., and with the ability to resist insects as well as 
diseases. He feels that demands upon future turfgrass custodians will 
be equally as great as for improved grasses.

A number of the papers were targeted for golf course people, but have 
implication for lawns. Buchanan of the USGA seconds Beard’s analysis, 
feeling that the trend is away from luxury on golf courses and more 
toward "the game" (even to the extent of having small fairways 
strategically placed rather than "country-club settings"). Schmidt, 
Virginia Tech, notes the importance of potassium in turfgrass nutrition, 
both for southern and northern species. He feels that heavier N 
fertilization calls for greater K also; that K will not favor Poa annua 
unless it is accompanied by P; that both P and K stimulate recovery of 
bluegrass from drought (P fertilization seems to help with K uptake but 
not the reverse); that K enhances recovery of dormant bermudagrass from 
sub-freezing conditions; and that K helps sustain grass aaainst wear 
during dormancy.

20TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE - Continued

Bingham approaches weed control from the viewpoint of which weeds are 
resistant to 2,4-D, and 2,4-D with certain additives (with silvex currently 
banned one useful component is now absent). 2,4-D is basic for reasons 
of effectiveness and economy, and controls by itself about half the 
broadleaf pests. Adding MCPP enlarges its effectiveness to 62%; includ­
ing dicamba increases the range to about 90% (but a hazard of toxicity 
to ornamentals is introduced). To some extent, 2,4-DP seems sub­
stitutable for silvex. Only oxadiazon gives effective control for 
goosegrass (Eleusine).

Beard enlarges upon grass response to drought. He lists both tall 
fescues and red fescues as having good drought resistance (bluegrass 
is medium, perennial ryegrasses fair, creeping bentgrass and Poa 
trivalis poor). With warm season species buffalograss, bermudagrass, 
zoysia and bahiagrass receive excellent ratings, st. augustinegrass 
only fair, centipede poor. He provides a lengthy list of management 
options to help cope with drought (aerification, low nitrogen, plenty 
of potassium, high mowing, avoidance of herbicides, etc.).

A number of other papers have to do with golf course personnel, 
landscaping (hedges and barriers), preparation of a course for a 
tournament, green construction, course design, and so on. Hall, 
VPI, discusses buying and installing sod. Kidwell talks briefly 
about establishing warm season grasses vegetatively. Faiszt, VPI, 
lists ground covers suited to Virginia, and Shoulders reviews in 
detail the maintenance of football fields (for cool-season grasses 
he prefers Kentucky bluegrass, with perhaps up to 20% perennial 
ryegrass; he would mix cultivars, none to exceed 35% of any one 
bluegrass, from among Adelphi, Birka, Enmundi, Merion, Plush, Victa, 
or A-34; ryegrass candidates named include Birdie, Citation, Derby, 
Manhattan, Pennfine, and Yorktown II; where bluegrass is not well 
adapted, tall fescue can be used perhaps, best mixed with 10% of 
common bluegrass). In certain situations 100% perennial ryegrass 
might be recommended, particularly where repair has been frequent 
and the field is largely ryegrass anyway, but it is preferable 
in general to have rhizoming bluegrass present.
Murray, USDA, discusses USDA process compost sludge (about two parts 
wood chips to one part sewerage) for growing turfgrass. It is 
stimulative, but does require additional nitrogen and potassium. 
Donohue, VPI, notes that soil tests in Virginia are now computerized.

Schmidt, VPI, examines winter hardiness in bermudagrass. Complex 
situations have been encountered in Virginia. Slow, dragged-out 
spring has proven as detrimental to revival of bermudagrass as exposure 
to low temperatures during winter. It has also been observed that 
generous nitrogen fertilization in autumn diminishes winter survival, 
unless it is accompanied by ample potassium (in which case N becomes 
beneficial). Indeed, some research indicates that heavy potassium

20TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE - Continued

fertility encourages spring recovery regardless of nitrogen. Wear 
endurance has been best when nitrogen is held fairly low. However, 
bermudagrass is less competitive against Poa annua under restrained 
nitrogen fertilization. Preemergence herbicides seem to interfere 
with bermudagrass regrowth in spring, but this can be offset by ample 
phosphorous. Such herbicides reduce quantity of grass roots when 
soil contact is made, and can be especially detrimental if applied 
just before the bermudagrass breaks dormancy in spring. In toto it 
seems as though spring response of bermudagrass relates to the sum 
of stresses during the dormancy period. Thinning in spring of cool-  
season grass winter-seeded into dormant bermuda helms the bermuda’s 
recovery. 

Hurto, in a second review about thatch for a non-golf audience, covers 
familiar aspects of the subject, (e.g. the low bulk-density of thatch 
and it’s great porosity, it’s low cation exchange capacity, the relative 
freedom with which salts pass through a thatch layer, tendency of 
thatch to dry out and not rewet easily, it’s relative infertility, the 
possibility of thatch being a haven for pests or at least making it 
difficult to reach the pests with pesticides, absorption of organic 
phosphosates such as diazinon and Dursban by thatch, etc.) He cautions 
the lawn service industry to be concerned about thatch, an increasing 
threat, perhaps helping correct it through core cultivation.
The remaining papers mostly relate to the lawn service industry, A 
special problem is having to fit operations into a schedule that keeps 
equipment continuously active. Most speakers felt that the lawn 
service business is destined to become more competitive, and require 
more professional handling. Expansion may come through adding 
services (such as landscaping treatments),more than by fighting for 
new customers. A trend towards smaller, more flexible, specialized 
equipment seems developing.

Ratcliffe, Beltsville, reviews the USDA program for checking chinch­
bug resistance of turfgrass. Cultivar differences have been found. 
In the laboratory Adelphi was one of the least tolerant, but Bonnie- 
blue, Baron and Newport among the most tolerant. In field plots, 
Manhattan, Pennfine and Score showed commendable resistance. Differences 
among cultivars are for the most part not statistically very meaningful, 
however.

Other presentations deal with insect control in Virginia, pesticide 
safety, and a final paper by Hall of Virginia Tech takes a realistic 
review of what lawn services can practically accomplish under a 
regimen of three, four or five treatments per year (the usual range). 
In all cases, Hall recommends early autumn and a late autumn fertiliza­
tion (and probably a spring feeding, to justify the service, even 
though the Virginia experts are cool to spring and summer fertilization).

20TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE - Continued
Broadleaf weed controls would be anticipated for spring and early 
autumn, crabgrass prevention for spring, and possibly insecticide 
treatments once or twice depending upon the circumstances. Hall 
states, "The five treatment program does provide for fairly adequate 
management coverage on most lawns.", but fewer treatments leave some 
gaps. He notes that the cost of materials accounts for only 10 to 20% 
of lawn service expenses, so that the very best products should be used 
to provide satisfaction.
OKLAHOMA ROADSIDE SUMMARY

Wayne Huffine and his colleagues issued a final report on "Selection, 
Establishment, and Maintenance of Roadside Vegetation" for Oklahoma, 
under date of January, 1982. Wayne is now retired from Oklahoma State 
University, but is continuing work with the highway department.
Members interested in less familiar groundcovers (the six grasses 
emphasized in the Oklahoma seedings are little bluestem, plain 
bluestem, sideoats gramma, buffalograss, weeping lovegrass and switch- 
grass) may be interested in obtaining this report, which gives details 
on seeding rates, mixtures, and planting recommendations. Pertinent 
herbicide findings are also given, stressing cost/benefit evaluations.

Test plantings were not always consistent, variation often depending 
upon whether a north or south slope was seeded. Little bluestem and 
switchgrass seemed to peter out in mixtures by the end of the first 
growing year, but on the other hand, sideoats gramma increased 
significantly in percent of composition in late summer and early 
autumn. Seeding experiments in northcentral Oklahoma indicated that 
45 lbs of bulk seed per acre provided a very good protective cover. 
Weeping lovegrass, at only a few pounds of PLS per acre, was able to 
contribute materially after a three year period. On north-facing 
filled slopes the authors find, "In general, sideoats gramma and switch­
grass perform better than all other grasses — in providing a protective 
groundcover —".
For seeding bermudagrass, both siduron and oxadiazon were found too 
toxic as weed preventers, but light rates of terbutryn and metribuzin 
were generally satisfactory. Glyphosate was deemed too expensive for 
more than limited usage, including usage against rhizomatous Johnson- 
grass (even though for this weed it proved the most effective control). 
It was felt that three applications of MSMA could be applied at a cost 
per acre that would run loss than half as much as for glyphosate.
Other herbicide experiences, at specific times and rates, are detailed 
in the text.
SLUDGE MAY AFFECT NITROGEN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE SOIL

A report by Chang and Broadbent, in the January/March Journal of 
Environmental Quality indicate that trace metals often found in 
sludge can interfere with nitrogen transformations in the soil. At 
400 ppm all metals were inhibitory, but in general chromium)cadmiun) 
copper) zinc) manganese) lead.

WEED CONTROL IN GEORGIA

Johnson, Georgia, reports in the January Weed Science, that crabgrass 
and goosegrass were successfully controlled in his experiments with 
bensulide and oxadiazon applied in spring, given follow-up lighter 
treatments in subsequent years. Oxadiazon was the only herbicide that 
controlled goosegrass completely (even when used full rate one spring 
and not reapplied for the following two years). The experiments were 
on both bluegrass and bermudagrass turfs. Best results for controlling 
"winter weeds" c me from full applications both spring and autumn the 
first year, followed by half rates at the same time at subsequent years.
 Ecological changes occurred; - bensulide resulted in increase of 
speedwell (Veronica arvensis) and hopclover (Trifolium agrarium) , while 
wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) and a sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia) 
increased under oxadiazon treatments. Other preemergence turf 
herbicides less successful with the crabgrass and goosegrass (DCPA and 
benefin) also resulted in increases of certain weeds, such as spurweed
(Soliva) and wild parsnip.

GRASS INCOMPATIBILITIES

J. Heslop-Harrison, U.K., takes an in-depth look at interactions 
affecting cross-incompatibility in the grass family, in the March 12 
issue of Science. Some of the discussion is a little "deep?" for 
understanding other than by experts of grass reproductive anatomy, 
but the discussions do have a bearing upon pecularities within the 
grass family that influence breeding of new cultivars (including 
interspecific and intergeneric crosses).

The author recognizes the grass family as being one of the most highly 
evolved of the Monocots, and finds that frequently there is lack of 
coadaptation of pollen and stigma for interspecific crosses. He 
generalizes, "But often there is difficulty in getting even as far as 
the first generation because of prefertilization barriers operating 
between the receipt of pollen and the entry of the tube into the 
embryo sac.--- Attempts to hybridize different species can be 
frustrated by the difficulty of obtaining the first, critical 
fertilizations."

Heslop-Harrison also notes, "Grass pollens show an unusual degree of 
structural and functional specialization, reflecting the advanced 
status, of the family --." He goes on to analyze both genetic and 
mechanical blockages to fertilization, with genetic similarity/ 
difference controlling a "stop" signal for many species. Surprisingly 
the barrier to fertilization is often mechanical, such as failure of 
the pollen tube to follow proper channels, detect the micropyle, or 
even enlarge quickly enough to escape callose occlusion on the style 
and stigma.

Examples of self-incompatibility and cross-incompatibility are reviewed, 
with perennial ryegrass being one of the species fairly well investi­
gated. It is apparent that a complicated progression of events takes 
place prior to fertilization in grasses, one or more of which can 
function as a barrier to sexual reproduction and crossing.

CULTIVAR EVALUATIONS RECEIVED FROM WESTERN CANADA

We are grateful for the "summary of results - 1981" received from the 
research branch, Canada Agriculture, Agassiz, B.C. in early March. 
The conclusions are especially appropriate for humid climates like 
those of western Washington and Oregon.

Twenty-one Chewings fescues, six slender creeping, six creeping, and 
six hard fescues were first compared. In general statistical 
differences proved not to be great. Koket and Banner were among 
the top five Chewings ratings, and Ensylva led the creeping category. 
Concluding comments by the authors read, "Koket, Banner, Menuet and 
Highlight Chewings fescues continued to exhibit superior quality---".
Sixty bluegrasses were compared in a 1978 planting. Bristol led the 
ratings, with Sydsport tied for fourth, followed closely by Merit, 
Baron, Enmundi and Adelphi. Bonnieblue and Majestic fell near the 
median, with Touchdown, Glade, Fylking, Ram I and Plush below median. 
The authors conclude, "Bristol continued to hold top spot in performance 
ratings. Geronimo slipped somewhat this year due to leafspot damage—". 
Scenic was very badly damaged by leafspot, and Park was notably weak 
against weed invasion. Not a great deal of difference was shown 
between cultivars so far as thatch accumulation was concerned.

Perennial ryegrasses, from a 1978 planting, showed Fiesta in the lead 
for 1981, followed closely by Loretta and Elka, with Yorktown II, 
Diplomat, Manhattan, Pennfine and several other VRB selections showing 
up well, too. Norlea, a Canadian selection, rated second-to-last 
among the 39 entrants, and Beaumont (a meadow fescue) ranked poorer 
than any of the perennial ryegrasses. The authors comment that, 
"Fiesta and Loretta continue to hold top rank. Elka is in the same 
class, with particularly good mowing quality and deserves consideration 
for licencing. Yorktown II, Diplomat, Manhattan, and Pennfine have 
maintained a high level of performance in this third year of testing."

Only a few bentgrasses were rated: of those grown on soil Penncross 
was first, Emerald second.
ZOYSIA THATCH CONTROL
Dunn et al, Missouri, reports in the November/December Agronomy 
Journal on management of Meyer zoysia in the upper South. Vertical 
slicing and fairly low (about three-fourths inch) mowing decreased 
thatch appreciably year by year. However, neither fertilizer rates 
nor solubility had much influence. Tail-mowed zoysia (about an inch 
and a half) suffered greater winter injury than did shorter zoysia, and 
seemed to be frequently infested with large populations of nematodes. 
Over a period of time Kentucky bluegrass tended to invade taller zoysia 
following thatch removal. The authors conclude that Meyer zoysia will 
make a respectable turf over a period of several years if mowed fairly 
short, and is provided annual thatch removal, irrigation, and 
fertilization at moderate rates.

TALL FESCUES LAUDED
Riordan, Nebraska, counsels the use of tall fescue for transitional 
zone plantings, including Nebraska. His review appears in the February 
Park Maintenance. He notes that Kentucky-31, first discovered as an 
ecotype in Kentucky in 1890, has consistently been top-rating for 
Nebraska until the recent advent of "turf-type" cultivars. Now Rebel, 
Falcon, Olympic, and Houndog seem to be even better, but the releases 
are so recent that the University has only two growing years to judge 
by. Riordan particularly likes their finer texture and improved 
density; persistence is apparently quite good.
20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED
Weeds Trees & Turf, March, helped celebrate its 20th anniversary with a 
review of Jacklin Seed Company. New cultivars for which Jacklin is 
proprietor are listed, and the Jacklin research program is reviewed. 
Jacklin leadership in lawnseed production is emphasized.
Although the Institute is not given credit, the lead picture (page 20) 
shows natural bluegrass harvesting in Missouri in the 1950’s. It is 
taken from a photo furnished by the Institute to Weeds Trees & Turf 
for their historical review of the lawnseed industry last year. In 
spite of promises by editor Shank, photos have never been returned to 
Marysville.
This issue also carries a lengthy discussion on weed control, and the 
herbicides used to accomplish it, both for turf and ornamentals. A 
listing of chemical manufacturers winds up the item. This is a handy 
listing to have on file, for so many chemicals are involved these days 
that one can hardly keep all in mind. A table for control of weeds 
in southern turfgrasses is adapted from Johnson, Georgia.
CONTROL OF KIKUYUGRASS
The March issue of Western Landscaping News reprints a Cudney et al 
report taken from California Agriculture, in which methods for con­
trolling Kikuyugrass in turf are explored. No treatment completely 
and permanently eliminated the Kikuyugrass. However, a glyphosate 
spraying reduced it appreciably (the browned thatch could be removed 
in 48 hours), and reestablishment from seeds in the soil was inhibited 
by immediate (and repeated) use of the pre-emergent siduron. The 
gains were best sustained if treated areas were immediately overseeded 
with species that competed strongly (tall fescue was best, perennial 
ryegrass good and superior to Kentucky bluegrass). However, even under 
the most favorable circumstances Kikuyugrass reinvaded within two years, 
though its presence was considerably decreased from the initial 
condition. Kikuyugrass, similar in appearance to st. augustine, makes 
a durable cover and is often tolerated for lawns in Southern California. 
But it is an unwanted weed in finer-textured plantings such as on 
bowling greens, golf courses, and top-flight lawns. It has become 
established in coastal areas of California from San Francisco southward, 
and of course is widespread throughout the world tropics.

MARYLAND REPORT EMPHASIZES PERENNIAL RYEGRASS

Dernoeden, Maryland, is quoted in the March Lawn Care Industry concerning 
use of the new perennial ryegrasses for turf. Although perennial rye­
grass was once chiefly used for soil stabilization, today's improved 
  cultivars find great utility in overseeding damaged turfs of all kinds 
(including both bluegrasses and bermudagrass in Maryland). Dernoeden 
emphasizes that the new perennial ryegrasses overseeded into bermuda­
grass in autumn will withstand the low mowing height generally accorded 
bermudagrass fields. The ryegrass can be eliminated for revival of 
the bermudagrass in spring with a pronamide treatment.

Demodeden is impressed by improved disease-resistance of modern perennial 
ryegrasses, their rapid establishment, good wear, and reasonable management 
demands. He still finds some difficulty in their quality of mowing, 
(especially at time of seed head formation), susceptibility to disease, 
and recuperativeness. The newer cultivars have proven more hardy through 
winter than common ryegrass. Demodeden cites Citation, Pennfine 
Pennant as the cultivars more tolerant of heat. He recommends holding 
perennial ryegrass to 20% or less in mixture with Kentucky bluegrass for 
general lawn seeding.
LAWN RENOVATION EXTOLLED

Mello, Illinois, reporting in the March Lawn Care Industry discusses his 
firm's lawn maintenance program. It may well be that more and more lawn 
care services will have to include seeding. Mello recommends coring and 
removal of thatch, but emphasizes improvement through slit-seeding
(in which seed is automatically fed into cuts made by disc-like devices)- 
  He's in favor of the numerous new cultivars, which provide disease­

resistance alternatives to old Merion (prevalent in many of the lawns in 
northern Illinois). He uses a blend of fine fescues with Glade blue­
grass and some perennial ryegrass in his seedings.
OFFBEAT TURFGRASS HAPPENINGS

The winter (March, 1982) issue of Plants & Gardens, Brooklyn botanic 
Gardens, highlights gardening and horticultural events of the year. In 
this issue, (reprinted from Crops & Soils under the title "Is Grass 
Dangerous to Trees?) allelopathy may seem unduly alarming, emphasized as 
it is in a botanical garden publication.

Stunted growth of plants surrounded by grass is often presumed due to 
competition for moisture and fertility. But Fales and Wakefield show that 
to some extent it may be due to chemicals exuded from grass roots, - an 
instance of allelopathy. They grew dogwood and forsythia surrounded by 
turf, and with turf removed. Growth was superior where free from grass. 
The difference was not because of lack of fertility or water, which were 
ample. Rather leachates from the grass roots inhibited the plants. The 
authors conclude, "that leachates from perennial ryegrass, red fescues, 
and Kentucky bluegrass all suppressed the growth of the two ornamental 
plant species, -- ".