LAWN INSTITUTEHarvests Volume 30 Number 1 April 1983 Contents GENERAL TOPICS SECTION PAGE I - THE HARVEST MIX II - DIRECTOR'S DIALOGUE III - LAWN INSTITUTE PITCH IV - ASSOCIATION A SOCIETY REPORTS V - P.O. BOX 108 VI - READERS' FORUM VII - QUARTERLY PROGRAM REPORT VIII - ITINERARY IX -LOOKING AHEAD 1 2 6 8 10 11 15 17 17 TECHNICAL TOPICS SECTION PAGE X - THRESHING THE JOURNALS XI - SCORE CARD XII - RESEARCH SYHTHESIS NEXT ISSUE NEXT ISSUE 18 "P.O.Box 108"identifies some of your thoughts on Harvests and related turfgrass topics and our"Quarterly Program Report"and "Itin- erary"tell a bit about Lawn Institute ac­ tivities during the first quarter of 1983. "A Look Ahead" will indicate Lawn Institute activity during the second quarter of 1983. "Research Synthesis" draws on recent pre­ sentations at both GCSAA and Purdue Con­ ferences and on an analysis of the value of turf to the Rhode Island economy by Dr D Thomas Duff. "How Green is Green" is a start in getting us thinking about the dollar value of lawns and turf. There's a lot of grass out there and a lot of data relative to its worth. What's it all mean ? The "Threshing the Journals" and "Score Card" sections will be featured again in the next issue. At that time, "Score Card" will be devoted to a review of selected presenta­ tions from the 19 83 Midwest Regional Turf Conference. Dr Bill Daniel and Purdue Un­ iversity both have outstanding reputations in the field of Turfgrass Education and we rate them at the top of our score card. We look forward to keeping in touch with you through our quarterly newsletter, Harvests. THE HARVEST MIX (AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS ISSUE OF HARVESTS) This issue of Harvests, Volume 30 Number 1 (April 1983) presents a mix of current thinking and perspectives concerning turf and lawngrasses. The Director’s Dialogue is dedicated to the issue of continuing funding for turfgrass research at our major agricultural experiment stations in the United States and abroad. The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation has a proposal that will be implemented this summer. It will require a broad base of support. You can help provide this support. The most important outcome of turfgrass research is a continuing Quest for Quality. This is the topic considered under LIP (Lawn Institute Pitch). The focus is on lawn seed. Also, selected research reports presented at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 1983 Education Program are highlighted in the section "Association and Society Reports". Under "Readers Forum" you will note brief discussions of five new research areas of investigation that have the objective of keeping new information in tune with needs for the 1980’s. ' If Spring came but once in a century instead of once a year, or burst forth with the sound of an earthquake and not in silence, what wonder &. expec­ tation there would be in all hearts to behold the miraculous change.' - LONGFELLOW Director’s Dialogue (EDITORIAL ON LAWN INSTITUTE AND RELATED TOPICS ) FUTURE TURFGRASS RESEARCH FUNDING A Proposal From the Musser Foundation Agricultural experiment stations, the US Department of Agriculture and private industry have all been supportive of turf- grass research needs. During the past fifty years great progress has been made and today we enjoy improved grasses that are established and maintained more effi­ ciently and effectively with modern equip­ ment, fertilizers and pest control chemi­ cals. But we have just scratched the surface. Recent advances in turfgrass science point to even better cultivars that will be easier to maintain and better adapted to stress environments. Costs of new research are increasing yearly as more sophisticated equipment and laboratory apparatus are required. Where will funds come from to keep our research on a par with other areas of the biological sciences ? The Musser International Turfgrass Founda­ tion has an idea that already this spring has developed into a plan. This has been presented nationally by Dr Fred V Grau and is receiving wide support as a practical and sound method for generating turfgrass research funds for years to come. In order to appreciate the plan, you will want to know something about the Musser Foundation and why this organization is in a unique position to provide funding lead­ ership through the close of this century. Then review the plan and note its simpli­ city and workability. The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation Professor H B Musser, Pennsylvania State University Turf Seed Agronomist was devel­ oper of Penncross bentgrass and Pennlawn fescue, author of Turfgrass Management and a noted educator. The Musser Foundation was formed fifteen years ago as a tribute to his research accomplishments and indus­ try wide leadership. In addition, the Foundation honors the memory and the accomplishments of all those pioneers who have built a firm foundation for the turfgrass sciences of today. The future is brighter because of their lead­ ership which has inspired us to carry the banner of Better Turf for All. As these men made an investment in the future, now the Foundation continues to perpetuate their philosophy. This is accomplished by establishing research Fellowships at lead­ ing institutions of higher learning. Future Turfgrass Research Funding Continued What is a Fellowship ? Musser Foundation Leadership A Fellowship is a money grant so that a student can devote full time to designated research and to classroom work. The obli­ gations are heavy. Library research is required so that one learns from the re­ search of others and so that duplication of effort is avoided. A detailed research project is pursued under close supervision by the major professor. The written thesis must be defended in an oral examination and the proficiency of the candidate con­ firmed before the degree (Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy) is granted. Fellowships support turfgrass research which by definition is a studious inquiry and investigation designed to discover facts and to explore the unknown. Generally, Basic Research is emphasized. Thus, attempts are made to learn new and original things and to discover WHY turfgrasses grow as they do. In Applied Research , attempts are made to learn HOW to grow turfgrasses and WHAT it takes to make them grow best. The Musser Foundation directs its financial aid towards Fellowships which are committed to Basic Research. Most Fellowship grants are applied to Doctor of Philosophy studies. In this way, leaders are trained, the world's turfgrass literature is enriched and we assure the future of Applied Re­ search by continually providing highly skilled scientists to do this work. Selection of Candidates for Fellowships Gifted individuals at any recognized turf­ grass research facility, anywhere in the world, who are dedicated to careers in the many facets of turfgrass science and cul­ ture are eligible for Musser Fellowships. Consideration is given to students seeking advanced graduate degrees and to post­ doctoral candidates. Applicants- and pro­ jects are screened by a research and edu­ cation committee of the Foundation com­ prised of university educators. The active proponents of the Musser Founda­ tion are a diversified group of individuals sharing the common goal of improving our environment for better living and recreation through use of turfgrasses. Through per­ sonal involvement, each recognizes that improvements for lawns, roadsides or play­ ing fields are dependent upon knowledge gained through research. Boards of Dir­ ectors and Advisors include forty six of the world"s turfgrass business, research and education leaders. Their experience has shown that leadership is essential to progress; that the turfgrass industry has reached its current advanced state because of informed, dedicated leaders; and that the biological and agronomic complexities inherent in turfgrass management demand extraordinary education and training. They support the essentiality of having a con­ tinuous succession of highly trained tea­ chers and scientists under whose expert guidance turfgrass managers will be better able to face the future with confidence. Investment of Funds The Musser Foundation is a nonprofit organ­ ization with tax exempt status. All monies raised by or contributed to the Foundation are invested to become self-sustaining. Only the interest generated by the princi­ pal is used for Fellowship grants. Examples of Research Investigations Four major areas of investigation have been supported with Musser funds to date: -in Ohio: Black Turfgrass Ataenius beetle life history and control; -in New York: Etiology of Fusarium on bluegrass and its control; -in Pennsylvania: Microclimate studies on turfgrass; -in Texas: The physiology of moisture stress and drought tolerance in turf­ grass. Future Turfgrass Research Funding Continued Musser Foundation Funding Four methods are available for generation of Musser Foundation funds: - the first involves "Musser Tournaments" that are sponsored by golf clubs who contribute the proceeds to the Fellowship Fund; - the second involves a "Memorial Fund" that is maintained to honor those who have been creative in turf work; - the third involves "Free-will Contri­ butions" that are welcomed at any time from anyone or any firm wanting to help assure the future of better turf; - the fourth involves "Musser Golf Days" and is a new plan with many unique fea­ tures. Musser Golf Days Among the millions of golfers, there are many who rarely get the chance to play on some of the world’s finest courses. These golfers would gladly pay a special fee for this opportunity. With a cooperative agree­ ment between these private clubs and The Musser Foundation, this opportunity can be provided one day a year with the proceeds contributed to support turfgrass research. The following details are important in the implementation of this plan - First- This is not a tournament. There are no frills, no food - just golf. Ar­ rangements and publicity (invitations, if desired) would be wholly in the capable hands of the Golf Course Superintendent and Club Professional. They would set the fee and collect the money. Second - No cost to the club would be in­ curred other than that related to normal use of the course one more day each year. Many private clubs are closed on Mondays and perhaps one such Monday could be re­ served for Musser Golf Day in support of turfgrass research. The Golf Course Super­ intendent and Professional would want to obtain maximum publicity for the event which would be featured as an opportunity for all to enjoy a game of golf and at the same time contribute to better lawns and sports turf for all. This could be an opportunity for interested club members to play with paying guests. All should be informed of the urgent reason behind this fund raising effort; i.e., that lawngrass and turf research funds are inadequate for the 1980's. This project is dedicated to improving lawns and turf without increases in state and federal taxes. Golfers are all gardeners to some degree and their help through the Musser Golf Day across the entire country can have great signifi­ cance. Third- The golf course Superintendent and Club Professional are key people in the Musser Golf Day plan. They, with club endorsement, plan, supervise and are respon­ sible for regular course services and conditions during the period allotted for play. They see that normal club standards for play and deportment are adhered to. The day of play would be set by the Super­ intendent and Professional for maximum in­ come and minimum inconvenience to club members who are making a donation to turf research by sharing play with others on this day. Fourth - Money raised from Musser Golf Days would be divided 50/50 with the local turfgrass organization that tradi­ tionally makes research grants to the state experiment station (Land Grant University). The Musser Foundation would retain its 50 % share to build the Fellowship Fund which earns income used to finance graduate turfgrass research. Fifth- The Musser Foundation will provide a memorandum of understanding between the club and the Foundation. It will specify such items as: date and time of the event; individuals responsible for planning and implementation of the Golf day; local turfgrass association to receive a 50 % share of the income; and outline other areas important for the smooth conduct of the event. Sixth - The Musser Foundation will provide public relations material for news releases. This copy will be in news format ready for the club with space provided for appropriate recognition of officers, Professional and Superintendent. Future Turfgrass Research Funding Continued Seventh - A certificate of appreciation will be provided by the Musser Foundation for each golfer. In addition, a special certi­ ficate of recognition will be presented to each club by the Golf Course Superintendent. Eighth - Musser Golf Days may be planned as an annual event. The concepts of har- mony, coordination and cooperation also will be well served. No longer will var­ ious groups need to be apprehensive about imagined loss of identity. By their sup­ port of this international plan, each group will be recognized and enjoy enhanced sta­ ture and credibility. The entire turfgrass industry can join the golfing public in a united effort in behalf of lawns and sports turf. Here's How You Can Be Involved - You can be instrumental in arranging for a Musser Golf Day. Turfgrass research specialists extension educators professors industry leaders professionals managers greens chairmen club members Golf Course superintendents - Contact the golf course Superintendent and club Professional at the course to be considered for the event. - Explore the possibility of scheduling a Musser Golf Day as just described. - The Superintendent and Professional will meet with the club board of directors through the greens chairman and the golf chairman. They will request that the club donate to turfgrass research, not by giving funds, but by donating use of the course to outside non-member play for one day or afternoon a year for a fee. - Following club approval, the detailed organization and conduct of a Musser Golf Day will yield unending satisfaction for all concerned and a debt of gratitude from turfgrass scientists near and far away. For More Information Dr Fred V Grau, President of The Musser International Turfgrass Foundation will send additional information and forms to you upon request. Write today to: P 0 Box AA College Park, MD 20740-1014 or call 301/864-0090. A MEETING OF UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY TURFGRASS SCIENCE LEADERS IN THE NORTHEAST WAS HELD IN THE MID 1950's AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS. KEY PLANNERS FOR THE FUTURE WERE: PROFESSOR BERT MUSSER JUST LEFT OF THE CENTER RAILING AND DR FRED GRAU JUST TO THE RIGHT. TO THE LEFT OF PROFESSOR MUSSER IS PROFESSOR LAWRENCE DICKINSON, WITH O J NOER TO THE LEFT AND IN BACK OF DICKINSON. TO THE RIGHT OF DR GRAU IS DR ROY BLAZER WITH DR JESS DEFRANCE TO THE RIGHT 'AND IN BACK OF BLAZER. OTHERS PRESENT AT WORKSHOPS SUCH AS THESE WERE PRIVILEGED TO BE PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY PERPETUATED TODAY THROUGH BOTH THE MUSSER INTERNATIONAL TURFGRASS FOUNDATION AND THE O J NOER RESEARCH FOUNDATION. Lawn Institute Pitch A (CURRENT OUTREACH BY WAY OF THE WRITTEN AND SPOKEN WORD) Quest for Quality Lawnseed The genetic makeup or heredity that exists in turf and lawngrasses creates the poten­ tial for a dense, persistant cover that provides user satisfaction. A lawn can never become more than the potential that exists in each little seed. Without ade­ quate care, even that potential may not be completely realized. Thus, starting with the best in lawnseed is the first step in the quest for quality. During the past ten years, plant breeders in both public and private laboratories have been effective in the search for new turf- grasses. They have searched in old lawns, golf greens, parks, cemeteries and pas­ tures the world over. Natural selection under different envir­ onmental conditions has produced types with improved color, vigor, disease resistance, heat and drought tolerance and ease of main­ tenance. These selections have been eval­ uated and certain types combined to form synthetic cultivars while others have been crossed to form new hybrids. Through a range of plant breeding techniques from natural selection to genetic manipulation, new improved types are now readily available. Despite the extensive effort and cost in the development of this new germplasm, the seed used in establishing a new lawn or in upgrading an old one by renovation is the least costly single item required in the total process. The quest for quality also depends on hav­ ing turf and lawngrass seed that has high germination and purity and freedom from weed seed and other forms of contamination. This doesn’t just happen, but is possible because of the care that goes into the production of seed and into the cleaning, processing and testing of the product prior to marketing. In the great seed producing areas of the country as much as 250,000 acres may be devoted to specialized turf seed culture in one region alone. Seed fields must be kept weed free and the grasses grown must be maintained true to type. Grasses are maintained to yield seed of high germin­ ation and this is cleaned and processed to be pure and free of seed from weedy type plants. Weeds that do become established in lawns come from seed in the soil and not from high quality lawn seed. State and federal government lawn seed lab­ eling requirements are designed to provide the landscaping public with all the infor­ mation required in their quest for quality. Be sure to read the label on the package. Finally, turf and lawngrass seed is avail­ able in a wide range of types. Some are relatively coarse in texture, others fine, others intermediate. Some are vigorous and persistant while others provide only tem­ porary cover. Some are well adapted to local conditions while others may be very poorly suited to growth conditions within the marketing region. There is something for everyone and the price range is usually broad. This is consistent with marketing of most product lines. Quest for Quality Lawnseed Continued In a quest for quality, search out turf and lawngrass types that feature the names of Proprietary Cultivars. These are the ones that will work hardest in the production of high quality lawns so that the gardener may work less and enjoy leisure time activities more. These are the ones that will adjust best to the microclimate within the region used. The Lawn Institute Variety Review Board for 1982-1983 lists the following bluegrasses, perennial ryegrasses, fine leaved fescues, turf type tall fescues and bentgrasses. Become familiar with these names. They are the result of a quest for quality lawnseed throughout the world. Kentucky bluegrasses Adelphi America Arboretum Birka Bonnieblue Eclipse Enmundi Fylking Glade Majestic Merion Merit Monopoly Nugget Plush Ram I Sydsport Touchdown Vantage Perennial ryegrasses Fiesta Manhattan NK-200 Omega Blazer Citation Derby Diplomat Elka Fine leaved fescues Pennfine Pennant Regal Yorktown II Agram Banner Ensylva Highlight Koket Ruby Waldorf Turf type tall fescues Houndog Mustang Clemfine Falcon Bentgrasses Rebel Emerald and Prominent creeping bentgrasses Exeter and Highland colonial bentgrasses Specialty varieties Sabre Poa trivialis for moist shade TURFGRASS RESEARCH CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS PROVIDED AN EARLY LOOK AT ROOT GROWTH OF BLUEGRASSES CLIPPED AT 1/4, 1/2 and 1 1/2 INCHES IN COMPARISON WITH THOSE NOT CLIPPED. LOWER CLIPPING DEFINITELY RESTRICTS ROOT DEVELOPMENT. OF EVEN GREATER IMPORTANCE, A COMPARISON OF MERION, ONE OF THE FIRST NEW IMPROVED BLUEGRASSES, WITH NATURAL KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS INDICATED IMPROVED ROOT AND RHIZOME DEVELOPMENT AT ALL CLIPPING LEVELS. THIS SUPERIOR ROOTING AND RHIZOME CHARACTERISTIC MAKES MERION BLUEGRASS A KEY COMPONENT OF MANY OF THE BEST SEED MIXTURES USED IN SOD PRODUCTION. NEW BLUEGRASSES THAT HAVE FOLLOWED MERION HAVE MEASURED UP TO THIS IMPROVED ROOTING STANDARD. Association and Society Reports (PRESENTATIONS BASED ON KEYNOTE ADDRESSES AND ASSOCIATION AND SOCIETY SPONSORED CONFERENCES-) GCSAA Conference Speakers Update Turfgrass Research The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America education programs held at their International Turfgrass Conference and Show bring together each year the country's top research scientists. This years fifty fourth meeting in Atlanta, Georgia featured a wide variety of topics, three of which are reviewed here. Update on Turf Breeding for Home Lawns Dr C Reed Funk, Jr Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ Dr Funk noted that new grasses for home lawns come from field selections (such as Merion bluegrass) or from mutations (induced changes in the genetic make-up of the grass) or from hybridization (crosses made between plants to produce a different genetic make­ up). All three methods have been important. Over seventy million pounds of Merion blue­ grass has been used world wide. Ecotype selections, such as Seaside bentgrass, As­ toria and Highland bentgrasses and Ken­ tucky 31 fescue are all well recognized. Synthetic varieties that are developed from clones which are crossed, and the progeny tested and evaluated before further selec­ tions are made have much to offer. The selection, crossing,evaluation process may be repeated several times before the final selection is made for production of breeder, foundation and certified seed. Thirty five million acres of pasture in the upper south are planted with tall fescue. From this area of widely different environ­ mental conditions, varying plant types have been selected. From these have been devel­ oped the new turf type tall fescues - Brook­ ston, Falcon, Galway, Houndog, Jaguar, Mus­ tang, Olympic and Rebel among others. Com- pared with the original tall fescues, these have a lower growth habit, produce a denser sod, are more wear tolerant, and are noted for heat,drought and shade tolerance. They are darker green and have been selected for improved disease resistance, particularly Helminthosporium. More Brown Patch disease resistance is needed. Falcon and Rebel are among the best. What does the future hold in store for new home lawngrasses ? Dr Funk listed the following six growth characteristics of turfgrasses, which have significant poten­ tial for improvement. - Reduced Mowing Requirement Slower growing grasses and types with a less upright growth habit will require less fre­ quent mowing. In addition, types that are responsive to chemical growth retardants will require mowing less often. - Improved Tolerance to Drought Poor soil conditions contribute to the cre­ ation of drought stress. Lawngrasses with low maintenance requirements will be better suited for use on poor soils. The hard fescues, such as Biljart, Cristal, Scaldis, Tournament and Waldina, provide a step in the right direction. - Improved Salt Tolerance Some soils are naturally high in salts; others become polluted from use of pavement deicers during winter months. Fults Puccin- ellia distans and Adalaydgrass Paspalum vaginaturn are both recent developments that show great promise. - Improved Disease Resistance Leaf spot, stripe smut and stem rust are among the turf diseases for which increased resistance is sought. Advances in this area are slow to come by. GCSAA Conference Speakers CONTINUED - Improved Turf Quality National, regional and state tests are used to evaluate turfgrass quality under differ­ ing environmental conditions. Plots at eleven locations with evaluations made throughout a five year period are part of a new strategy for improving turf quality. - Improved Insect Resistance Endophytic fungi live in the tissue of rye­ grasses and tall fescues. They are capable of producing compounds that are either toxic or distasteful to some insects. This re­ sults in a type of insect resistance. Summer syndrome in tall fescue is also the result of endophytic fungi. In this instance, animals that graze on the fescue are af­ fected. Current research indicates that stem weevils, sod webworms, billbugs and black beetles are affected by endophytic fungi. Within the new perennial ryegrasses, Pennant has resistance to the sod webworm and Pennant and Regal are most resistant to the billbug. Old pastures and turf, the world over, are highly infected with endophytic fungi. These can be transmitted by seed; however, old seed (second year hold over) loses en­ dophytic viability rapidly. Turfgrass breeders are challenged to develop grasses with varying amounts of endophytes present so that insect resistance can be predicted. It may well be that lawn seed labels will be required to show endophyte content if and when these developments are fully worked out. In the meantime, endophytic fungi are helping to increase insect resistance in some lawngrasses. On May 3-4 a Forage and Turfgrass Endophyte Workshop is scheduled to be held in Corvallis Oregon. The objective will be to discuss the current state of research and extension education programs. Particular attention will be devoted to the role of the seed production and technology in dealing with both the desirable and undesirable aspects of endophytes. Dr Funk will participate in this workshop. Additional information on the program and its outcome may be ob­ tained from: Dr Harold Youngberg Extension Agronomist Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331 (Phone:503/754-2771) Breeding For Water Conservation and Low Maintenance Cultivars Dr James B Beard Texas A & M University, College Station,TX Dr Beard pointed out that water is not a renewable natural resource. Ninety nine percent of the earth's water is tied up and only one percent is available. Also, basi­ cally the same grasses used one hundred years ago are used now as far as water use is concerned. An understanding of water use by turfgrasses requires a knowledge of evapotranspiration, rooting, drought resistance, salt tolerance, and technology related to water harvesting systems and use of effluent water. Water use rates and drought tolerance are quite different measurements, and much more work is needed to establish differences, parti­ cularly at the variety level. For example, current studies indicate that both tall fescue and St Augustinegrass have high water use rates. Tall fescue is usually consid­ ered more drought tolerant. In general, differences are noted between C-3 cool sea­ son grasses and C-4 warm season grasses. Research objectives include a search for ways and means of bringing about reductions in expected water use within the range thirty to forty percent. Reductions of fifty to seventy percent may be possible. Water Efficient and Drought Tolerant Grasses Dr Kent W Kurtz California State Polytechnical Univeristy, Pomona, CA Dr Kurtz reported on major research in south­ ern California concerned with increasing water efficiency and drought tolerance of turfgrasses. The word is loud and clear: - demand for water is increasing; - supply of water is decreasing; - quality of water is decreasing; - use less water. How can gardeners and turf managers cope with this restriction ? The following points were elaborated on: - use of the right grasses; - adapt turf to dryer conditions; - irrigate more efficiently. Some grasses avoid drought. They are either physiologically tolerant or efficient water absorbers or have deep root systems or leaf structure may be adapted to resist transpir­ ation through placement of stomates or by curling under moisture stress. In general, warm season grasses have deeper root sys­ tems. This is an advantage for bermuda- grasses. Tall fescues also have extensive root systems and this growth characteristic is beneficial to them. Zoysias and Adal- aydgrass have lower evapotranspiration rates. In general, bentgrasses, bluegrasses, fine leaved fescues and ryegrasses have more shallow roots. In terms of cool season grass tolerance to drought, tall fescues rate high, bluegrasses intermediate and bentgrasses low. GCSAA Conference Speakers CONTINUED Determinations of irrigation frequency are dependent on root depth, amount of thatch, soil texture and moisture holding capacity. Current research is underway to determine the lowest level of irrigation needed to maintain acceptable turf. This is a matter of learning to manage lawns and turf for drought resistance. It is not only irri­ gation control, but also involves mowing height and frequency adjustments, prepar­ ation for drought by allowing plants to harden off by appropriate restrictions in use of nitrogen and regulation of vertical mowing, aerification and topdressing. Iron can become an important substitute for some nitrogen in helping to maintain color without creating to an over succulence of the grasses. P.O. BOX 108 (COMMENTARY FROM THE MAIL) Harvests New Look Scores Points From: Bill Knoop Texas Agricultural Extension Service Dallas, Texas .... Just received my first issue of Har­ vests and think it is just great. I really like your technical topics section. We've needed that for a long time. At one point many years ago, USGA Green Section and GCSAA were going to "get together" to develop such a publication, but it never happened. .... I would like to use some of your mat­ erial in my newsletter if it's OK. I'll give credit to The Lawn Institute. From: Joe Howland Department of Plant, Soil & Water Sci University of Nevada Reno, Nevada .... My compliments on the first issue I have seen of The Lawn Institute Harvests. Good job. I especially like the Threshing of the Journals section. Good to have it all in one spot for us. From: Jim Carnes International Seeds Halsey, Oregon .... I wish to compliment you on the recent document "The Lawn Institute Harvests", Volume 29 No 4 dated January 1983. This format is really well put together and I feel that it will enhance the future of the Institute, it's purpose and goals. From: Robert Newman Department of Horticulture University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin .... I offer congratulations on Harvests. I like it and think the tabloid is the way to go. The quality of articles is a heck of a lot more important than the cost of the paper they are printed on. Harvests New Look CONTINUED From: Carl Whitcomb Department of Horticulture Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma .... just finished reading my first copy of The Lawn Institute Harvests (Vo1 29, No 4, January 1983) and thank you very much for adding me to the mailing list. Although my current work relates to turf only indirectly, I am still very much in­ terested in turf. I see turf as one of the major parts of any landscape as it conflicts with or complements all land­ scape efforts. I remember vividly the 1969 issue of Life magazine in which a Harris poll pointed out that the highest priority item listed by a host of people surveyed was to have "green grass and trees around me". I'm now working mostly on the trees instead of the grass, but the two are inseparable in the eyes of nearly everyone and these two prime landscape elements should be considered more in com­ bination rather than separately. Readers' Forum (NEWS AND VIEWS) I don't know the source of funding or support for that Harris poll, but it should be conducted again now that nearly 15 years have passed. I suspect that "green grass and trees" would rate even higher than before. From: Ken Payne Department of Crop and Soil Science Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan .... am writing to congratulate you on your good judgement. First, for not trying to make (Harvests) a fancy, expensive National Georgraphic type and second, for the excel­ lent broad coverage you have given. The capsules of the American Society of Agron­ omy talks are great for one who didn't get there - and your range of information for many users of turf is marvelous. turfgrass Research PROJECT PROPOSALS Turfgrass scientists are in a unique posi­ tion bo keep us informed of most critical needs for new information. They have the expertise to see the whole while concentra­ ting on various specific projects that con­ tribute to a better understanding of turf­ grass growth and development. Four states, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Okla­ homa and Washington, are among the leaders nationally in supporting turfgrass research that exemplifies a creative balance between meeting local and regional needs and the development of perspectives that have wide application. The following five project descriptions are - presented here in abbreviated form to pro­ vide an opportunity for you, first of all, to be informed of new research proposals, and secondly, to be in touch with turfgrass scientists who are working in areas worthy of grant-in-aid support. Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 Dr Thomas L Watschke Department of Agronomy NEW RESEARCH ON EFFECTS OF LANDSCAPE MAN­ AGEMENT ON THE QUALITY OF RUNOFF WATER IN URBAN-SUBURBAN AREAS. In the March/April 1982 edition of the American Lawn Applicator, Dr Robert W Schery, then the Director of The Lawn Institute, published an article entitled "Managing Urban Habitat". In his article, he asked the question, "Why aren't the benefits of lawns and ornamental plantings in the urban environment emphasized to the public sector ?" Instead, most media atten- tion is focused on the alleged degradation of water quality as a result of fertilizer nutrients and pesticides applied to the landscape. Turfgrass Research Project Proposals continued All receiving bodies of water have water quality standards specified for them based on natural quality plus the use for which it is intended (drinking, recreation, or propagation of aquatic life). Water quality of several stormwater systems has been assessed over the past 15 years in different parts of the United States. It has been concluded that a significant pol­ lution potential exists for untreated storm­ water. The sources of pollutants have been categorized as occurring from three sources: l)land surfaces, 2) catch basins, and 3) combined sanitary and storm sewer systems. Of the three, the land surface has been identified as the primary source of pollu­ tants, particularly the streets, gutter, and other impervious areas connected to the streets or storm sewers. A long list of potential pollutants can accumulate on these surfaces (including movement of mater­ ials from landscaped surfaces). It has been estimated that when population changes from 100 to 13,000 persons per square mile, the peak rate of surface run­ off for a given surface area becomes about 10 time greater. Concurrently, the time elapsed before runoff occurs decreases to about one tenth that for rural areas. It is projected by the year 2000 that 80 % of the population will reside on less than 10 % of the land. At The Pennsylvania State University, the College of Agriculture has initiated the development of a research area to study the effects of landscape management on the quality of runoff water. This area repre­ sents an expansion of the existing Valen­ tine Turfgrass Research Center. In addition to water quality studies, future research at the expansion site will relate to turf­ grass problems in the home lawn, sod, land­ scape, and athletic field areas. As an inter-disciplinary project, it is being supported by the departments of Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering and Horticulture. At present, an inactive soil runoff testing facility is being renovated to accommodate this new research project. Additional funding to develop the facility has been granted to the University by the Pennsylvania Turf­ grass Council. Installation of different landscape schemes and imposition of manage­ ment treatments are scheduled for the sum­ mer of 1983. Landscapes of varied compo­ sition and density will be fertilized and receive pest control consistent with cur­ rent recommendations and practices. Another question raise by Dr Schery in his article early last year was "Why shouldn't lawns and ornamental plantings be a required part of community planning ?" Why shouldn't they, indeed ! We are hopeful that our research will clearly document the degree to which landscape management inputs affect the quality of runoff water from such sites. Thus, one of the goals of this study will be to define management practices that im­ prove the quality of life for urban-subur­ ban society without deleterious effects on water supplies. Another goal is to de­ termine the role of landscaped surfaces in maintaining the quality of runoff in urban- suburban watersheds. As a result of re­ search of this type, it may become a stand­ ardized recommendation of community plan­ ning commissions that specific amounts of land intended for development must be de­ signated as pervious landscaped areas. University of Illinois Urbana, IL 61801 Dr Thomas W Fermanian Department of Horticulture NEW RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COM­ PUTER CONSULTING SYSTEM FOR TURFGRASS ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE - "TURF­ GRASS ADVISER". This proposal presents a plan to develop "TURFGRASS ADVISER", an expert system for providing advice to professional turfgrass managers, county extension advisers, edu­ cators, and homeowners on the establish­ ment and maintenance of turfgrasses. The system will be based on the general pur­ pose expert system "ADVISE" developed at the University of Illinois Department of Computer Science. An expert system is a computer program that contains formally encoded knowledge of experts in a given discipline and is able to help non-experts to solve problems in the discipline. After the system is successfully developed on a large mainframe computer, it will be mod­ ified for use on an inexpensive trans­ portable microcumputer so it can be readily available to anyone needing advice on es­ tablishing turf. Several potential bene­ fits of this system are an annual savings of an estimated 3-4 million dollars in Illinois spent on reestablishing turf areas where improper materials or inappropriate establishment techniques were used and the development of an important new educational tool. "TURFGRASS ADVISER" could be used at universities, junior colleges, voca­ tional schools, and offices of the Coop­ erative Extension Service to provide stu­ dents or turf managers with an insight into the decision-making process in for­ mulating a plan for turf establishment or the selection and timing of important maintenance practices. Turfgrass Research Project Proposals continued University of Illinois Urbana, IL 61801 Dr David J Wehner Department of Horticulture NEW RESEARCH ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF TURF­ GRASS CULTIVARS THROUGH USE OF HIGH PRES­ SURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY. Turfgrass breeders release many new cul­ tivars each year. At the University of Illinois, there are 84 Kentucky bluegrasses, 47 perennial ryegrasses, and 25 tall fes­ cues in test plots. This does not repre­ sent the total number of cultivars avail­ able for testing, but rather, a sampling of the major cultivars of each species. Identification or recognition of these cultivars might be possible when they are planted in small plots where the entries are present for side by side comparison. In most other situations, identification is essentially impossible. Genetic differences between turfgrass cul­ tivars are manifest by differences in their protein content. Research results have been published on the use of polyacryla­ mide gel electrophoresis to separate and identify turfgrass cultivars by examining their protein content. In this technique, proteins extracted from the turfgrass plants are separated according to their size and charge as they migrate through the pores of a polyacrylamide gel. This gel is suspended in a buffer solution which conducts current from nearby electrodes. The current sets up an electric field which results in the separation of the proteins by charge as well as by size. High pressure liquid chromatography has been used to separate protein mixtures as well as identify cultivars of other species of plants using other types of compounds. In the case of HPLC, the proteins are sep­ arated in a column, the separation being based on the size of the protein. Once the proteins have been separated, they pass through a spectrophotometer that is connected to the HPLC. The spectropho­ tometer quantifies the output from the column and feeds a signal into an electron­ ic integrator/recorder. The integrator can quantify the amount of protein coming off the column, compare one peak to another, or compare the output with that generated from a standard protein mixture. The proposed study will concentrate on an­ swering two questions. First, is the HPLC technique more efficacious than polyacry lamide gel electrophoresis for turfgrass cultivar identification? For this part of the research, several of the cultivars separated in an earlier study will be used. The second part of the project will involve trying to identify cultivars of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078 Dr A Douglas Brede Department of Horticulture NEW RESEARCH ON EVALUATION OF TALL FESCUES, STUDY OF CULTURAL FACTORS TO CURB BERMUDA- GRASS ENCROACHMENT AND STUDY OF DIFFERENCES IN SEEDLING VIGOR AND REQUIRED SEEDING RATES UNDER OKLAHOMA CONDITIONS. Until recently, the unchallenged dominant lawn species in Oklahoma was bermudagrass. Unfortunately, bermudagrass suffers from several problems in this state, including winter injury, spring dead spot, and the tendency to become a serious weed problem in shrubbery and flower beds. Bermudagrass also does not perform adequately in shady locations. Tall fescue, a shade-tolerant, winter-resistant bunch grass holds potential to overcome the negatives of bermudagrass. New research is planned as follows: To screen the current and experimental cul­ tivars to tall fescue for adaptation to Oklahoma conditions; to evaluate five pop­ ular tall fescue cultivars at a variety of sites throughout the state to determine their range of adaptation; to establish regional demonstration plots to help "sell" tall fescue to the Oklahoma consumer. The greatest limiting factor to the suc­ cessful usage of tall fescue turf in Okla­ homa is the invasion by bermudagrass. Ber­ mudagrass is naturally abundant throughout Oklahoma and can become a ferocious weed in lawns of cool-season specie's. Because of its strongly stoloniferous habit, ber­ mudagrass does not mix well with other grasses, and a patchy appearance results. Herbicidal control of bermudagrass in tall fescue has met with limited success. New research is planned as follows: To determine whether cultural control can be used to effectively limit the encroach­ ment of bermudagrass into tall fescue turf; to determine whether certain cultivars of tall fescue are better able to restrict bermudagrass invasion; to evaluate the effects of tall fescue seeding rate, main­ tenance N fertilization, and bermudagrass vector on encroachment. In addition, new research is planned to determine which turfgrass cultivars possess the greatest seedling vigor; to determine which cultivars possess the greatest number of field-viable seeds per unit weight. Turfgrass Research Project Proposals continued Runner hyphae and plate mycelium resembling those produced by the fungus which causes take-all patch on bentgrass, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, are commonly found on the roots and crowns of diseased plants. Positive identification of this fungus has not been possible because we have not been able to obtain fruiting structures (peri- thecia). A Gaeumannomyces- like fungus has been isolated from diseased plants and limited pathogenicity studies indicate that it is pathogenic on 'Baron' bluegrass, a common component of sod affected with this disease. Efforts to control this disease by professional lawn maintenance companies have been unsuccessful. New research is planned as follows: to determine the distribution of this dis­ ease on bluegrass turf; to determine the relationship of management practices to disease development; to characterize and identify soil types and previous cropping history; to characterize and identify the Gaeumannomyces-like fungus associated with diseased plants; to compare the pathogen­ icity of the Gaeumannomyces-like fungus from bluegrass to known isolates of G. graminis var. avenae on bluegrass, bent- grass and oats; to determine the suscep­ tibility of bluegrass cultivars to this Gaeumannomyces-like fungus; to determine if establishment method (sod vs seed) in­ fluences disease development; to evaluate the effectiveness of modifying management practices (including irrigation, fertility practices, soil pH), fungicide applications and biological agents in controlling this disease. Washington State University Western Washington Research and Extension Center Puyallup, WA 9 8317 Dr Roy L Goss Department of Agronomy NEW RESEARCH ON ETIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF A TAKE-ALL PATCH-LIKE DISEASE OF BLUEGRASS TURF. Kentucky bluegrass is commonly utilized as a turfgrass throughout eastern Washington and to a lesser extent in western Washing- ton. Since the mid 1970's, a disease which resembles take-all patch (Ophiobolus patch) las caused considerable damage to recently sodded bluegrass turf in the Tri Cities area of eastern Washington. Recent obser- vations indicate that this problem is present on bluegrass turf throughout eas­ tern Washington and it has recently been observed on bluegrass turf in the Puget Sound area of western Washington. Most of the affected turf was established as sod and initial symptoms generally appeared one to three years after establish- ment. Symptoms appear in late spring or early summer as chlorotic spots or patches with a thinning and/or dying of the grass in rings or patches. Infected plants are easily lifted from the soil and both the roots and shoots of these plants eventu­ ally die. Doughnut shaped rings or patches from several inches to one to two feet in diameter are formed as symptoms develop and active rings have margins which are a light reddish-brown in color. The centers of rings are usually invaded by weeds, annual bluegrass and fescues. ' To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.' -ANATOLE FRANCE Quarterly Program Report (INSTITUTE PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT) - A Twelve Point Check List for a Mote Beautiful Lawn - LISTS - Lawn Institute Special Topics Sheets - Reprint- "The Politics of Landscape Horticulture " - Short articles on lawn care I SPEAK FOR THE LAWN Healthy, vigorous lawngrass plants have come to life in the form of Toile Strebor, who will speak for the lawn. With re­ lease in the late spring/early summer Press Kits, his first comments are: "After years of toiling day and night, week in and week out to produce a nice lawn for you, it’s time for us lawngrasses to stand up and be counted. Say it like it is, be assertive, you say. Well, why not ? Here's how to make things easier for us turfgrasses to make your lawn the talk of the neighborhood this summer". He will go on to describe what it's like being a lawngrass plant and give several tips on how he'd like to be treated this summer. Future Press Kits will include comments from Toile Strebor and other components of the landscape. A new look at landscape ecology will be presented through these characters. Garden writers and editors are invited to utilize this educational concept. Change the names if they desire, but present a flavor of what it's like being a component of the lawn environment. In addition to travel and participation in conferences and meetings listed under "Itin­ erary", program activity has involved the following six areas - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING The Lawn Institute Executive Committee met in Chicago on March 23. Plans for the An­ nual meetings on June 28 were reviewed and a first draft Agenda prepared. Membership matters were discussed. Fifty firms were listed as members for 1982-1983. Ways and means for attracting new Proprie­ tary, Sponsoring and Supporting members were reviewed. Variety Review Board activity was discussed. Some modification in the list of forty nine entries will be proposed for 1983-1984. Use of The Lawn Institute Logo and Seal of Approval helps to increase visibility of the organization. This use also requires monitoring for quality control so that a high degree of credibility is maintained. Thus, care will be exercised in the devel­ opment of additional uses of the Logo and Seal. Lawn Institute releases for Lawns, Gardens, and Pools and Harvests and Press Kits were reviewed and proposals for the future prioritized. Limited availability of funds for research and sponsorship of special projects by The Lawn Institute was recognized as a deter­ rent to activity in this area. The Lawn Institute will work with organizations such as The Musser International Turfgrass Foun­ dation who have well organized approaches to funding turfgrass research throughout the world. LATE SPRING-EARLY SUMMER PRESS KIT Modification of mailing lists and changes in Press Kit format were responsible for a rescheduling of release from early spring to late spring/early summer. A mailing list of 1670 names and addresses in the cool humid region of the country is now in use. The Kits will include 19 sheets (34 prin­ ted sides) and feature - -Toile Strebor- "I speak for the lawn" Quarterly Program Report continued LAWN INSTITUTE SPECIAL TOPICS SHEETS Sixteen LISTS (Lawn Institute Special Topics Sheets) have been prepared as an aid in providing information to help answer speci­ fic questions about The Lawn Institute and as a source of technical information on growth characteristics of lawngrass cul- tivars. Copies of the following LISTS are available upon request. - An Introduction to: The Lawn Institute - The Lawn Institute Officers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors - 1982-1983 - Membership in The Lawn Institute - Servicing Needs for Information on Lawns - Landscape Ecology Topics - Variety Review Board Cultivar Listings 1982-1983 - Lawn Institute Recognized Bluegrasses - Lawn Institute Recognized Fine Fescues - Lawn Institute Recognized Turf Type Perennial Ryegrasses - Lawn Institute Recognized Turf Type Tall Fescues - Lawn Institute Recognized Bentgrasses - A Twelve Point Check List for a More Beautiful Lawn - A Selected List of Key Contacts - Landscape and Turfgrass - A Selected List of Key Publications - Landscape and Turfgrass - Turfgrass Science References - Reference List on Thatch and Its Control LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY REPRINTS AVAILABLE Reprints of fourteen articles authored by Dr Robert W Schery, former Director of The Lawn Institute, have been included in a packet that features information on Land­ scape Ecology. The following topics are included: - Lawns Across America - Lawns: A Concept Proven - Lawns Come Into Their Own - What is the Grass ? - The Migration of a Plant - Science and the Lawn - A Man-made Ecosystem - Your Lawn — Lawn Ecology - Recarpeting Urban America - Managing Urban Habitat - Turfgrass, The Times and Some Trends - No Frills Future May Require Closer Attention to Turf Selection - In Praise of Unpampered Turf - Where You Can't Have a Lawn We’d be glad to send a set of these reprints upon receipt of your request. ARTICLES PUBLISHED During the second quarter 1983 two articles were released as follows: - "The Politics of Landscape Horticul­ ture" was published as part of a ser­ ies entitled Growing The Market in the March 1983 issue Lawn and Garden Mar­ keting Vol 22 No 3. This was adap­ ted from material presented in Har­ vests Vol 29 No 3 - "Overseeding: A Practice That Has Come of Age" was published in the March 1983 issue of Lawn Care Professional Vol 2 No 2. This was presented by the editors from information provided by The Lawn Institute. If we fail to get our latest Press Kit to you, just drop us a line and we'll update this mailing list to include your name and address. ITINERARY (TRAVEL, MEETINGS ATTENDED) In a continuing attempt to keep The Lawn Institute current in turfgrass science and practice, the following contacts were made during the first quarter of 1933. January 6,7 The Annual Conference of the Tennessee Turfgrass Asso­ ciation, Nashville, TN Paper presented: "Grasses That Fit the Climate" February 20-24 Golf Course Superintendents February 24 Association of America International Turfgrass Conference and Show, Atlanta, Georgia Musser International Turf­ grass Foundation Annual Board Meeting, Atlanta GA February 28-March 2 Midwest Regional Turf­ grass Conference, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN Papers presented: " Turfgrass Germplasm Explosion" "Lawngrass Seed- A Cultivar Clinic" "Starting Grass Seedlings" March 4 March 23 Meeting with research and education specialists at Chemlawn, Columbus, OH The Lawn Institute Execu­ tive Committee Meeting, Chicago, IL Looking Ahead (PLANS FOR THE FUTURE) The Lawn Institute’s Director will be meeting with the following during the second quarter of 1983: April 21 May 4-6 June 26-30 June 28 Meeting with research and education specialists at O M Scotts, Marysville, OH 1983 Arizona Turf and Land­ scape Conference, Tucson, Arizona American Seed Trade Asso­ ciation 100th Annual Con­ vention, San Francisco, California. The Lawn Institute Member­ ship and Board of Direc­ tors meetings, San Fran­ cisco, California LAWN INSTITUTE 1983 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS The 1983 Annual Membership and Board of Directors meetings of The Lawn Institute will be held on June 28 (Tuesday) from 1 to 3 pm at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco, California. As in the past, these meetings are in conjunction with those of the American Seed Trade Association. This year is ASTA’s 100th anniversary. The Lawn Institute is starting its second quar­ ter century . Research Synthesis (ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH REPORTS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS) HOW GREEN IS GREEN? The Lawn Institute receives requests reg­ ularly for data that describes the nature and extent of the turf and lawngrass com­ modity throughout the country. Information is desired in many of the categories dis­ cussed by Drs Daniel and Freeborg in their Turf Managers Handbook. Fourteen categories with forty eight subdivisions are listed as follows: I. Intense care - and roughs - golf course greens, tees, fairways - grass tennis courts - lawnbowling grounds - croquet courts II. Limited care - - roadsides - airport grounds - military grounds - race track grounds - rights of way- railroads and utilities III. Intense wear - - athletic turf IV. Medium wear - - parks - school and playgrounds - camp sites - polo fields V. Limited wear - - industrial lawns - institutional grounds - government grounds - college and university grounds - church and cemetery grounds VI. Small landscaped areas - - home lawns - condominium and apartment grounds - motel and resort grounds - shopping center landscapes' VII. Production - seed - sod - vegetative propagules VIII. Custom care service - - lawn service IX. Supply Industries - - seed - fertilizers - equipment - irrigation systems - pesticides - soil modifiers and conditioners X. Merchandizing units - - wholesale - regional distributor - retail XI. Professional organizations - - technical - trade XII. Publishers - - books - journals - magazines - newsletters {III. Research centers - - public - Land Grant colleges and uni - private - industrial versities How Green Is Green ? Continued XIV. Education centers - - graduate programs - baccalaureate - less than baccalaureate - short courses - conferences There are obvious difficulties in keeping up-to-date in each of these categories and subdivisions. Data is available; however, the exact interpretation may not always be clear. Through Lawn Institute Harvests we will attempt to bring together facts and figures from time to time that will help in understanding just how green is the green of the turf and lawngrass commodity in its various component parts. Numbers of Turfgrass Cultivars Surveys of turfgrass research and evalua­ tion plots around the country indicate that over three hundred numbered and named cool season turfgrasses are being compared under varying environmental and growth conditions. Well over one hundred of these are on the market. Over seventy five are registered by the USDA Plant Variety Protection Office and The Lawn Institute Variety Review Board recognizes about 50 of the best proprie­ taries. Thus, there is a wide selection of cool season grasses to provide a high quality green hue to the lawnscape. Home Lawn Data . Most estimates of lawngrass in the United States place the acreage at close to 5,000,000 or about 7,800 square miles or about 8 times the size of the state of Rhode Island. Such an estimate assumes a reasonable base level of maintenance. It would include lawns from 45,000,000 single family dwelling units that are owner occu­ pied as well as some rental property. This would make the size of the average lawn about 4,000 square feet. Lawn Care Surveys Dr David Martin, Director of Research for Chemlawn Corporation in Columbus, Ohio pre­ sented survey data on "Grass and The Lawn Care Industry" at the 1983 Midwest Regional Turf Conference at Purdue University. The following notations demonstrate clearly the importance of home lawns in the United States arid the potential for high quality lawn ser­ vice . Dr Martin reported a gross income of 1.5 billion dollars for the lawn care industry in 1981. This figure represents the total of $870,700,000 gross income for 7,600 chemical application businesses with 6,700,000 accounts and $627,000,000 gross income for 7,300 mowing maintenance busi­ nesses with 424,200 accounts. NUMBERS OF COOL SEASON TURFGRASS VARIETIES AND CULTIVARS IN THE UNITED STATES Under USDA Institute Recognized# Evaluation Marketed Protected * 19 7 13 5 4 1 49 100 50 Turfgrasses Bluegrasses Fine fescues Perennial ryegrasses Turf type tall fescues Bentgrasses Other special purpose grasses 40 20 50 50 40 25 32 11 11 8 24 15 28 8 1 1 Total 127 * USDA Plant Variety Protection # The Lawn Institute Variety Review Board 310 77 How Green Is Green? Continued A survey of the 45 million owner occupied single family homes with lawns indicated that about fifty percent do little but mow. Forty four percent are do-it-yourself gar­ deners and six percent contract for pro­ fessional lawn-care. Of these homes, there are about 20,000,000 with a family income over $20,000 a year. A survey of this group indicated about thirty percent only mow and perhaps water their lawns. Fifty seven percent were do-it-yourself gardeners and thirteen percent availed themselves of pro­ fessional lawn care. With from thirty to fifty percent of single family home owners caring for their lawns in a very minimal way, the potential for upgraded lawns would seem great. Both do-it-yourself and pro­ fessional lawn care proponents increase with family income above $20,000. Professional lawn care survey data discus­ sed by Dr Martin included the following ten topics: care contract; - home gardener lawn care attitudes; - home gardener lawn care emphasis; - home gardener lawn care concerns; - lawn sizes under professional lawn - lawn care contract service contacts; - lawn care contract weed control; - lawn care contract insect control; - lawn care contract disease control; - lawn care contract fertilizer and re­ - turf and grounds maintenance fertilizer lated miscellaneous conditions; and pesticide use Home Gardener Lawn Care Attitudes (Most important feelings about lawn care) Surveys indicate that about one third of those questioned enjoy lawn care, while about one fifth are indifferent. The sat­ isfaction of gardening has not adequately been applied to the lawn situation. Educa­ tional effort in this area would seem desir­ able . Enjoy lawn care Indifferent to lawn care Contract professional lawn care Concern for time/money No opinion Other miscellaneous concerns total TOTAL 30 % 18 % 16 % 10 % 9 % 17 % 100 % Rome Gardener Lawn Care Emphasis (Most important practices in lawn care) Home gardener knowledge of fertilizer use has resulted in over one quarter of those surveyed placing this on a high emphasis list. Weed control and insect control are recognized as important practices. But, over half of those questioned apparently did little but mow and perhaps water. Fertilization Fertilization plus weed control Weed control Insect control None of the above(leaves mowing and watering) 26 % 17 % 10 % 8 % 52 % Multiple answers recorded Home Gardener Lawn Care Concerns (Most important limitations in lawn care) Home gardener concern for limitations in the culture of a fine lawn were headed by weeds and particularly crabgrass. Shortages of water are becoming increasingly well recognized as a limiting factor. Mowing and trimming often reveal the effects of other lawn conditions on growth character­ istics of the component cultivars. The fact that inadequate time for lawn care, excess traffic, insect damage, poor soil and poor contour are of similar magnitude is indicative of a better understanding of lawn culture than might be expected. Weeds/crabgras s Shortages of water Mowing and trimming Shortage of time Excessive lawn use and traffic Insects/ animals damage Poor lawn soil Poor contour TOTAL 36 % 14 % 13 % 9 % 8 % 8 % 7 % 5 % 100 % Lawn Size for Contract Care Of all lawns contracted for professional lawn care, about one third are 5,000 square feet in size or under. Numbers of lawns decreased with increasing size to 30,000 square feet and then increased as lawn size approached one acre or larger. Lawn size is likely to be related to gardening interests of the property owner and to level of income. Some follow-up data on characteristics of these gardeners would be of interest. Square feet 5,000 7,500 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 TOTAL empty table cell 34 % 20 % 16 % 11 % 4 % 15 % 100 % How Green Is Green ? Continued Lawn Care Contract Service Contacts (Depending on location- most within the cool, humid region) When professional lawn care service contacts are made, the large majority are concerned with weed infestations. Fertilization and related miscellaneous conditions are of lesser concern but generally run ahead of calls on insects and diseases. Weeds Fertilization and related miscellan­ eous conditions Insects Diseases 51-68 % 15-23 % 9-30 % 4- 9 % Lawn Care Contract Weed Control (Depending on location - most within the cool, humid region ) Weed control contacts are most often con­ cerned with summer annual broadleaf weeds. Perennial broadleaf weeds are of next importance. Summer annual grasses are not of much greater significance than perennial grasses. This tends to indicate that crab- grass control measures are being used ef­ fectively or that crabgrass is being accep­ ted as a satisfactory ground cover. Summer annual broadleaf Winter annual broadleaf Perennial broadleaf Summer annual grasses Oxalis/spurge Perennial grasses 26-51 % 3-5 % 10-53 % 6-11 % 6-38 % 4- 8 % Miscellaneous Conditions Lawn Care Contract Fertilizer and Related (Depending on location- most within the cool, humid region) Drought is recognized as a major cause of lawn injury. Other than varietal differ­ ences, which are not well recognized, other conditions are observed at a similar fre­ quency . 22-47 % Drought injury 5-15 % Thatch 5-15 % Mowing and grooming Color- mineral difficiencies 5-18 % 6-13 % Streaks and burns 3-10 % Animal injury 1-6 % Varietal differences Lawn Care Contract Insect Control (Depending on location - most within the cool, humid region) A greater recognition of grub damage is evident than for any other lawn insect. In these instances, injury to the grass may well be more significant and thus of greater concern. Wide spread distribution of grubs is undoubtedly a factor. White grubs Billbugs Chinch bugs Sod webworms 36-93 % 1-35 % 4-10 % 1- 7 % Lawn Care Contract Disease Control (Depending on location - most within the cool, humid region) Of the major lawngrass diseases, Fusarium blight ,and leaf spot generate the most pro­ fessional lawn service calls. Greater ef­ fort in providing gardeners with lawn dis­ ease information would seem of value in identification control or prevention meas­ ures . Fusarium blight Leaf spot Snow mold Brown patch Red thread Dollar spot 5-40 % 10-33 % 4-16 % 2-11 % 1-21 % 0-23 % Turf and Grounds Maintenance Fertilizer and Pesticide Use On the basis of fertilizer and pesticide use in the United States, lawn care accounts for about one third of the total. A second one third is devoted to golf course main- tenance. All other turf and lawngrass areas account for the remaining one third. Location Lawns Golf Courses Landscapes Educational Parks Industrial Other TOTAL Millions of Dollars % of Total 185 175 110 55 27 14 21 587 32 30 19 9 5 2 3 100 How Green Is Green ? Continued This data characterizes lawn care during the early 1980’s in a most vivid way. The Lawn Care Industry has provided a valuable service in the release of this information. It, with other data, make up turfgrass commodity statistics that relate to the economic impact of turf and lawngrasses in various state and regional surveys. Turf and Lawngrass Value to the Economy As part of a recent analysis of »the value of turf to the Rhode Island economy, Dr D Thomas Duff of the University of Rhode Island noted that the sales of turf related products are not identified in reports on economic statistics. . Instead, they are included in categories such as: "General Merchandise", "Lumber, Building Materials, Hardware and Farm Equipment" and "Other Retail Stores". The Census of Agriculture recognizes only the farm value of sod pro­ duced as a statistical item. Dr Duff be­ lieves that ’even though the annual dollar expenditures for turf maintenance are scattered through several sales reporting categories, they can be approximated. Turfgrass surveys conducted over a period of years have been reported from Pennsyl­ vania, Florida, Oklahoma and West Virginia. Methods differ among surveys, but generally, they are based upon results obtained from responses to questionnaires submitted to a cross-section of those involved in main­ taining turf. The usual scheme is to iden­ tify expenditures on land classified as 1) home lawns; 2) golf courses; 3) schools; 4) colleges and universities; 5) airports; 6) parks.; 7) highways; 8) sod farms. These four states represented very different parts of the United States. Diverse societal mixes between agricultural and urban pop­ ulations were noted. The value of the turf industry to Rhode Island in 1982 was approximated using data published in these surveys. Several assump­ tions were made during the process: 1) ex­ penditures for turf maintenance are dir­ ectly related to population; 2) increases in the cost of turf maintenance since the year of the survey have followed the Con­ sumer Price Index; 3) the mix of expendi­ tures in the several categories is similar in Rhode Island to that in the reporting states. A fourth multiplier was used to recognize the quite different climatic regions from which data were taken. For instance, Florida certainly has a much longer season than Rhode Island and irri­ gation expenditures there are considerably higher. Data used to extend the results of the pre­ vious surveys to 1982 turf related expen­ ditures in Rhode Island produced an average value over the four independent data bases of 43.5 million dollars. C R Skogley esti­ mated annual turf expenditures in Rhode Island in 1970 were 15.98 million dollars, using a New Jersey survey not a part of these calculations. His value multiplied by a Consumer Price Index increase of 2.7 since 1970 is 43.1 million dollars for 1982, very near the 43.5 million dollar average established from regional data. Rhode Island has experienced rapid growth in commercial sod production since 1970. This is not included in the calculation, therefore,the estimate is conservative. A harvest of 1,000 acres of sod per year would add about 4.8 million dollars, bring­ ing the total to 43.3 million. The professional lawn care industry has enjoyed very rapid growth in Rhode Island since 1980. Expenditures for this service are mostly transferred from others. That is, the homeowner is not buying lawn care materials as a direct purchaser but through the particular service contracted. Some additional dollars could be added to the total to include those who had previously made few expenditures; however, Dr Duff had no data base for calculating this amount. To remain conservative, therefore, no ad­ justment in the total was made for this factor. This method of estimating the value of the turfgrass commodity under current economic conditions yields reasonable results and may well be applicable to other states and How Green is Green ? Continued Approximate expenditures for turf maintenance in Rhode Island, 1982. Based upon R.I. population of .93 million. Survey Year State Population Millions Turf Expenditure Millions CPI * Multiplier Seasonal Multinlier Approximate '82 RI Turf Expenditures Millions PA WV FL OK 1966 1967 1976 1978 Average value 11.5 1.8 9.7 3.0 164.8 31.8 538.9 69.5 * Consumer Price Index Multiplier 2.9 2.8 2.2 1.9 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.8 38.6 46.0 56.8 32.8 43.5 Estimated Annual Expenditures for Turf Maintenance by Category in Rhode Island - 1982. *1970 Estimate $ Expenditures ** 1982 Estimate $ Expenditures Facility 40,000 Airports Athletic Fields 60,000 500,000 Cemeteries 2,800,000 Golf Courses 12,000,000 Home Lawns 200,000 Industrial Lawns 125,000 Parks 25,000 Public Properties 150,000 Roadsides 80,000 Schools 15,980,000 TOTAL * 1970 estimate by C R Skogley ** Calculated using 2.7 Consumer Price Index inflator 108,000 162,000 1,350,000 7,560,000 32,400,000 540,000 337,500 67,500 405,000 216,000 43,146,000 1970-1982. THE LAWN INSTITUTE County Line Road P. O. Box 108 Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578-0108 Dr J Murray USDA ARS BARC Bldg 001 Rm 333 Beltsville MD 20705 Bulk Rate U. S. Postage PAID Pleasant Hili TN Permit No. 3 Lawn Institute Harvests is published four times a year by The Better Lawn and Turf Institute. The headquarters office address is P.O.Box 108, Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578-0108. Phone: 615/277-3722. Inquiries concerning all aspects of this publication may be addressed to the headquarters office. The Better Lawn and Turf Institute is incorporated as a nonprofit business league formed exclusively for educational and research purposes concerned with agronomic, horticultural and landscape concepts. Lawn Institute Harvests serves as a quarterly newsletter for members. It also provides a means of communication between Turfgrass Seed and Allied Industries and other organizations and individuals with research and educational interests. Editor: Eliot C Roberts, PhD Associate Editor: Beverly C Roberts, MA Printer: Crossville Chronicle (Tennessee)