LAWN INSTITUTE Harvests Volume 30 Number 2 JULY 1983 CONTENTS GENERAL TOPICS SECTION I - THE HARVEST MIX II - DIRECTORS DIALOGUE III - LAWN INSTITUTE PITCH IV - ASSOCIATION & SOCIETY REPORTS V - P.O. Box 108 VI - READERS' FORUM VII - QUARTERLY PROCRAM REPORT VIII - ITINERARY IX - LOOKING AHEAD PAGE 1 1 NEXT ISSUE 5 NEXT ISSUE 8 11 15 15 TECHNICAL TOPICS SECTION PAGE X - THRESHING THE JOURNALS XI - SCORE CARD XII - RESEARCH SYNTHESIS 16 19 NEXT ISSUE THE HARVEST MIX (AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS ISSUE OF HARVESTS) Harvests Volume 30, Number 2 (July 1983) follows The Lawn Institute Annual Member­ ship and Board of Directors meetings held in San Francisco on June 28. Reports of this meeting are featured in Directors Dialogue and Quarterly Program Report sec­ tions . More GCSAA Convention reports are reviewed and the Score Card section is devoted to the 1983 Midwest Regional Turf Conference. The timeliness of these topics makes clear the reason professional turf managers rate these educational conferences high year after year. Director's Dialogue (EDITORIAL ON LAWN INSTITUTE AND RELATED TOPICS ) More on "How Green is Green" is presented in Readers Forum section. Dr Lloyd Calla­ han of the University of Tennessee presents a look at the value of turfgrasses in The Volunteer State. Dr. A. Martin Petrovic sent in a 1977 report on the turfgrass in­ dustry in New York state. These data pro­ vide an interesting comparison. A backlog of material from Threshing The Journals has accumulated. Some of these reports are included in this issue. The Lawn Institute Pitch (LIP) and Research Synthesis sections will be included in the next issue. Have a good green summertime. The Lawn Institute BORN AGAIN Dr Robert W Schery’s 1982 Director’s report entitled "The Institute’s First Quarter Century: An Historical Perspective" describ­ ed the development of an organization whose time had come during the early 1950’s. Early progress and achievement placed The Lawn Institute at the cutting edge of a new era for turfgrass management and science. A time unlike any before it and unmatched in the generation of new concepts leading to quality turf and lawngrasses. Now, some twenty five years later, the time is right for a rebirth of The Lawn Institute. A new dedication to. the enhancement of our environment. A new emphasis on quality of out-of-doors life at home, throughout the neighborhood and on play and snorts fields and golf courses wherever they may be. A country capable of making the technological achievements we have, can and must provide for the recreational enjoyment of its people in a green world of living plants. The mission of The Lawn Institute is direc­ ted towards achieving the best in lawns as a major component of this green world, and the lawn and turf industry is making great progress in providing grasses, equipment, fertilizers and chemical products that make turf and lawngrass care more effective. worthy contribution. The Lawn Institute — BORN AGAIN Cont Five Key Concepts The Lawn Institute - born again - has iden­ tified five key concepts that are funda­ mental for meeting the challenges of the future. As described in the 1982 report "The New Boy on the Block Looks to the Second Quarter Century", these are: - seed - professionalism - research - education - public relations. These five concepts are not new. It is the combination of the five and the perspective generated from the combination that is important for us during the 1980's and beyond. The five concepts are being woven into a turf and lawngrass philosophy that presents the seed with improved germplasm as the basic ingredient of fine turf. Without the seed, lawns are little more than crabgrass and broadleaved weeds. The seed and resulting grasses are cared for according to professional- standards. This may be accomplished by lawn care spe­ cialists or by the home gardener. In either instance, new information from research is required and often this will mean new equipment or chemicals or modified techniques for lawn care. These new products and methods for use re­ quire education to some degreee and this is viewed as a continuing process for both lawn care professional and home gardener. The final component that rounds out this philosophy is public relations. Public is people and people are the beneficiaries of lawn and sports turf. People are im­ portant to the turfgrass industry and our relations with them will determine how successful they will be in meeting lawn care expectations. As a by-product, the industry may measure how successful it has been. Even The Lawn Institute may look with some satisfaction upon increased pub­ lic awareness concerning relationships between lawns and environmental quality. Program Notes During 1982-1983, emphasis has been placed on program development to best fit the philosophy related to the five key concepts just outlined. Brief notations concerning several programs and projects may help to serve as examples of new Lawn Institute direction. Who We Are and What We Do A brochure entitled Who We are and What We Do was released Fall 1983 to help pre­ sent the history and describe the current mission of The Lawn Institute. This folder is continuing to introduce the organization to those who may be interested in our pro­ gram and services. In order for us to be of assistance, people must know who we are and what we do. Lawn Institute Harvests The newsletter, Better Lawn Harvests, re­ ceived a new format with Volume 29 Number 3 (October 1982 issue) and a name change to Lawn Institute Harvests with the introduction of a tabloid format for Volume 29 Number 4 (January 1983 issues). The new format features twelve sections organ­ ized as General Topics or Technical Topics. Various sections are included or omitted from specific issues depending on availa­ bility of material and on space limitations. The twenty four page tabloid includes about as much copy per issue as the thirty page mimeograph released previously. A bulk rate mailing permit was obtained and newsletters are being distributed with­ out use of a protective envelope. The mailing list has been increased from just under 200 to over 800 with major emphasis being placed on having Harvests available to turfgrass research and education leaders. Because of this effort, The Lawn Institute is becoming better recognized as an organ­ ization contributing to the advancement of turfgrass science. Press Kits The usual Early Spring Press Kit was delayed in its release and finally become a Late Spring/Early Summer Press Kit. A revision of the mailing list increased the cool, humid region contacts to 1670. The pre­ vious list of about 1000 included addresses other than those in the cool, humid region. In addition, there are 554 names and ad­ dresses throughout the southern states (fourteen states) including both humid and arid regions for which a separate mailing is planned for the future. At a current cost of about $1.80 per kit mailed, addi­ tional funding will be necessary prior to expanding Press Kit coverage into southern states. The Lawn Institute — BORN AGAIN Cont The Late Spring/Early Summer Press Kit fea­ tured 19 sheets, 34 sides. A survey resul­ ting in a 15 % return of those contacted was generally favorable. New contacts with Cover Story editor for USA Today and with several radio stations indicated that the mailing list update and revision was worth-while. Fall 1983 should see a computerization of the Press Kit mailing list so that future changes will be handled accurately and speedily. Lawns, Gardens and Pools- 1983 Twenty two articles of varying length on lawns were written for the 1983 Lawns,Gar­ dens and Pools. This release in early spring to some 3,000 newspaper and newsletter ed­ itors provides information appropriate for the start of the gardening season. Since only seven percent of those responding to our survey receive Lawns, Gardens and Pools it doesn't seem that there is much of an overlap between their mailing list and ours. I Speak for the Lawn The Late Spring/Early Summer 1983 Press Kit introduced an animated grass plant who speaks for the lawn. Professor Lawrence S. Dickinson at the University of Massachu­ setts used to urge his students to listen to the little grass plant speak. Learn from what it's trying to tell you. Although highly unscientific in its technical aspects, this method is most effective in practice and used widely by professional turf mana­ gers. Now, The Lawn Institute speaks for the lawn. We will be interested in seeing the extent to which this approach is picked up and used by garden writers and communi­ cators . In the months ahead, other living components of the landscape will be given faces and names as we attempt to tell about landscape ecology and environmental quality right there around the home. Much practical lawn care information will be a part of this educational effort. LISTS Lawn Institute Special Topic Sheets were introduced with the Late Spring/ Early Summer 1983 Press Kit. Sixteen of these sheets were released. They provide essen­ tial functional information on a wide range of topics. The series will be expanded and further developed during 1983-1984. Trade Journal Articles Major writing emphasis was placed on the development of LISTS and on the creation of an "I Speak for the Lawn” concept in addition to conventional Press Kit mater­ ial and on a new format for Harvests dur­ ing 1982-1983. A contribution was made to 1983 Lawns, Gardens and Pools and the following three articles were published- The March 1983 issue of Lawn and Garden Marketing contained an article entitled "The Politics of Landscape Horticulture" by Eliot C Roberts. The March 1983 issue of Lawn Care Pro­ fessional featured an article by the editors entitled "Overseeding: A Practice that has Come of Age". The Lawn Insti­ tute provided resource material. The May 1983 issue of Lawn Care Profes­ sional introduced a new Seed Facts department with an article "The Seed is Basic" by Eliot C Roberts. Landscape Ecology Fourteen articles by Dr Robert W Schery have been assembled and reprints included in a folder entitled Landscape Ecology. These articles provide up-to-date informa­ tion on the importance of lawns as compo­ nents of the landscape. They are available upon request to the headquarters office in Pleasant Hill. Tennessee. Lawn Institute Logo and Seal of Approval Use of the Logo and Seal of Approval is not uniform by members of The Lawn Institute. Some do not use it at all. Others use the Logo on stationary. The Seal of Approval is used by some firms on the seed package and on tech-sheets describing the seed. The Logo is used in some advertising. Written material for news release and for trade journal articles carries the Logo when submitted for publication. Seldom is this used in the final publication. Additional effort is required to build a linkage between The Lawn Institute's research and educational effort and high quality seed available from member firms. The Lawn Institute — BORN AGAIN Cont Membership Membership in The Lawn Institue leveled off at fifty firms and individuals for 1982-83. Although the Executive Committe considered the matter of increasing membership, no real effort was made to implement suggestions and proposals discussed. 1983-1984 will feature more activity in this area. We have much to offer prospective members in addition to their interest in and support of our goals and objectives. Turf Research and Education Conferences The Lawn Institute contributed papers to the educational programs of the following conferences in 1982-83- - New York State Turfgrass Conference? - Tennessee Turfgrass Association Annual - Midwest Regional Turf Conference; West - Arizona Turf and Landscape Conference? Rochester, NY; Conference; Nashville, TN; Lafayette, IN; Tucson, AZ. Future ?; The following topics were developed for presentation at these and other meetings- - Turfgrasses for Athletic Uses; - Low Maintenance Lawns - Are They the - Lawn Seed Fit for a Global Market; - Grasses That Fit the Climate? - Turfgrass Germplasm Explosion; - Lawngrass Seed- A Cultivar Clinic? - Starting Grass Seed; - The Lawn Institute. In addition, The Lawn Institute participa- ed in the following regional and national conferences - - Soil Conservation Society of America - Atlantic Seedsmen's Association Meetings? - American Society of Agronomy Meetings; - Oregon Seed Growers League; Portland,OR; - Golf Course Superintendents Association of American Fifty fourth International Turfgrass Conference and Show; Atlanta, GA. Annual Meeting; New Orleans, LA; Williamsburg, VA; Anaheim, CA; Consultations with the following firms and organizations contributed substantially to the development of current perspectives related to The Lawn Institute and its mis­ sion - - The Jacklin Seed Company; Post Falls, ID; - E F Burlingham & Sons; Forest Grove, OR; - Turf Seed Research Farm; Hubbard, OR; - Ag Services Corporation; Salem, OR; - Great Western Seed; Albany, OR; - Northrup King and Co; Tangent, OR; - Pickseed West; Tangent, OR; - International Seeds; Halsey, OR; - Oregon State University Seed Laboratory; - Western Washington Experiment Station; - Northrup King & Co; Minneapolis, MN; - Department of Ornamental Horticulture; University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; - Department of Agronomy, Virginia Polytech­ nic Institute and State University; Blacks burg, VA; Corvallis, OR; Puyallup, WA; Beltsville, MD; Maryland; College Park, MD; College Park, MD; - Lofts Seed Co; Bound Brook, NJ; - USDA Research; Beltsville, MD; - USDA Plant Variety Protection Office; - Department of Agronomy, University of - Musser International Turfgrass Foundation; - Chemlawn Corp; Columbus, OH; - 0 M Scott & Sons; Marysville, OH; - Opryland Hotel and Park; Nashville, TN; - Nissan Motor Manufacturing Co; Smyrna,TN. PRIORITIES FOR 1983-1984 The Lawn Institute has entered its second quarter century, not so much with a new mission, but with new definitions of who we are and what we do. Our goal is the enhance ment of environmental quality through devel­ opment of time tested lawns for a more beau­ tiful America. We view the American public as supportive of this effort and willing to make a reasonable commitment towards its achievement. 1983-1984 program priorities will focus on the ease and enjoyment asso­ ciated with lawn care and the enormous value to all of us from either direct or indirect contact with sports turf. Know­ ledge of lawngrasses and ecology amplifies this enjoyment. The Lawn Institute is in the communication business and we are dedicated to helping all who garden and appreciate lawns and sports turf. We hope to be in touch during 1983-1984. Association and Society Reports (PRESENTATIONS BASED ON KEYNOTE ADDRESSES AND ASSOCIATION AND SOCIETY SPONSORED CONFERENCES) More GCSAA Conference Research Reports Of the many reports presented at the 1983 Golf Course Superintendents Association educational conference in Atlanta, three were reviewed in the last issue of Harvests. Seven others are presented here in brief. GRASSES Three presentations are summarized as follows : - Genetic Engineering of Turfgrass; - Bentgrass Update; - Perennial Ryegrass Update. GCSAA Research Project Report- Genetic Engineering of Turfgrasses Dr William Torello University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA Dr Torello looked into his crystal ball and reported on the prospects for cell and tis­ sue culture yielding new turfgrasses from current research sponsored by The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Am­ erica. What is being accomplished today is based on results of basic biological research over the past twenty to twenty five years. Genetic engineering is simply the transfer of genes from one cell to another using cell and tissue culture techniques. The result is new genetic variation within turfgrasses that cannot be produced in na­ ture. In this respect, it is clear that tissue culture will never replace classical plant breeding involving cross pollination. However, using genetic engineering tech­ niques to construct genes and chromosomes synthetically for transfer into living cells provides a new means of developing plants with specific desirable growth character­ istics . Standardization, of procedures is critically important. Starting with a whole plant, a few cells from a growing point are selected. These are placed on a growth medium that stimulates the development of callus tissue. The exact compostion of the growth medium (inorganic nutrients; organic nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids and vitamins; plant hormones such as auxins and cytokin- ins; and agar) is important in the creation of unorganized tissue (callus) made up of a mass of undifferentiated cells. First, callus must be initiated, then its develop­ ment must be maintained, then a new plant must be generated back from the callus. This latter step is often the most difficult. All three require a high degree of envir­ onmental and media formulation control and sanitation. Once callus tissue has formed this may be subcultured and treated in various ways to induce mutations or to mod­ ify the genetic make up of the cells. To date, techniques have been studied for blue- grasses, fine fescues, ryegrasses and alkali grass. Both Yorktown II perennial ryegrass and Ram I Kentucky bluegrass produce callus tissue containing millions of cells. Some of these cells have mutations that are ben­ eficial; others have no practical value. The challenge for the future is the develop­ ment of new desirable types. GCSAA Conference CONTINUED Bentgrass Update Dr C Richard Skogley University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI Dr Skogley described the bentgrasses as among the best grasses suited for New Eng­ land. Across the country from east to west and from north to south they are well respected for development of high quality golf turf. Management of bentgrasses on golf greens has been subject of much research over the years. Perhaps it's time to stop fighting bentgrasses in New England lawns; instead, join them and use them. In many instances, the gardener has created problems for bent­ grasses that need not be. Of thirty six species of Agrostis, only 3, creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrasses are used for fine turf. Great variation exists in nature. Research in Rhode Is­ land is concerned with development and evaluation of new types. Perennial Ryegrass Update Dr C Reed Funk Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ Dr Funk reported that thirty million pounds of Manhattan perennial ryegrass seed are now used annually. Since its release in 1968, the new turf type perennial ryegrasses have really found an important place in lawns and sports turf. Regal and Pennant have improved insect resistance. Elka and Loretta are more resistant to crown rust. Manhattan II produces denser turf. Man­ hattan, Omega and Yorktown II have improved cold tolerance. Also reported as excellent cultivars are: Birdie, Citation, Derby, Diplomat, Pennfine, Palmer, Prelude, Gator, Premier, Blazer, Fiesta, Manhattan and Barry. PEST MANAGEMENT Four presentations are summarized as follows- - Integrated Pest Management; - Fungicide Formulation: Efficiency - Anthracnose Update; - Red Thread Update. Integrated Pest Management Perspectives Dr Robert Shearman & Dr Arthur H Bruneau University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE Dr Victor A Gibeault University of California, Riverside, CA Dr's Shearman, Bruneau and Gibeault joined forces in a discussion on how to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of pesti­ cides so that a reduction in dependency on chemicals might lessen hazards to the envir­ onment, including non target life and people. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was pre­ sented as an interdisciplinary approach to plant protection. It is important to know both plants and pests in terms of identifi­ cation, life cycle, and economic threshold. This requires frequent inspections and eval­ uations of the turf and lawngrasses. clusion ; natural controls; and variety for location; of fertilization; IPM approaches involve the following: - regulatory - quarantines and species ex­ - genetic - selection of correct species - cultural - mowing height and frequency - physical - traps and other means; - biological - competition among organisms, - chemical - pesticide use. IPM strategies feature a systems approach that includes: teaching, research, extension, industry. In order to make IPM work, coor­ dination of effort is needed. Great pro- gress is being made. Fungicide Formulation: Efficiency Dr Houston B Couch Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA Dr Couch, while studying a control measure for which there was no disease, became in­ terested in relationships between dry gran­ ules and water. He noted surface active granular materials were not as effective as they should be (4 to 6 times less effec­ tive) . He related this to nozzle size and gallons delivered per one thousand square feet (from 0.5 to 34 gallons). GCSAA Conference CONTINUED Three diseases were studied, melting out of Kentucky bluegrass, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia dollar spot. Spray recommenda­ tions generally call for applications of fungicide at four to five gallons per one thousand square feet. Most effective con­ trol in these new studies was obtained with two gallons per one thousand square feet. It is important to know the fungicide being used, the amount required per one thousand square feet, the amount of water needed, the pressure in the system and the nozzle size. Some observed resistance to fungicides may be actually inadequate control because of the wrong amount of water and wrong nozzle size. Anthracnose Update Dr J M Vargas, Jr Michigan State University, East Lansing,MI Dr Vargas described a system of disease forecasting that was tested on incidence of anthracnose from June to September. Normally, four applications of fungicide are thought to be required during this per­ iod. A study of this disease indicated that air temperature, humidty, and leaf wetness were most important in creating favorable disease conditions. Three days at any one time with proper conditions will stimulate disease activity. A fungi­ cide application provides control for about three weeks. With the use of computer recommendations from an infection model, control of anthracnose was obtained with two sprays. Effort to keep foliage dried off during periods favorable for infection paid off. At times of peak disease pre­ diction, Bayleton could be used effectively up to four days following the prediction. Red Thread Update Dr Noel Jackson University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI Dr Jackson described his work and that of other plant pathologists concerned with red thread. Fine leaved fescues and per­ ennial ryegrasses are attacked by this fungus. Actually, there is more than one fungus involved. At least one that pro­ duces red thread and one or more that pro­ duce pink patch. Red thread produces strom or horns while pink patch does not. Pink patch usually grows out within a twenty four hour period. These are diseases of poorly nourished turf. Applications of nitrogen usually eliminate symptoms. Late in the season, such treatments may not be effective. Fungicide control is often not predictable. Pink patch is more dif­ ficult to control. Red thread is easier to control. Bayleton has given good re­ sults in Rhode Island tests. TURFGRASS RESEARCH PLOTS SHOW DIFFERENCES IN COLOR AND TEXTURE WHEN GRASSES ARE GROWN UNDER THE SAME ENVIRON­ MENTAL CONDITIONS. SUCH REPLICATED STUDIES ARE ESSENTIAL BEFORE RECOMMENDATIONS CAN BE MADE CONCERNING THE BEST USE OF A NEW SELECTION. Readers' Forum (NEWS AND VIEWS) NEW YORK STATE HOW GREEN IS GREEN IN and TENNESSEE State turfgrass survey reports from New York and Tennessee provide an opportunity to compare recent data on the value of turf and lawngrasses in these two different parts of the country. Material provided by Dr A Martin Petrovic, Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture at Cornell University (Ithaca NY 14853) is presented here in condensed form. For additional information, contact Dr Petrovic. Tennessee data was provided by Dr Lloyd Callahan, Department of Ornamental Horti­ culture and Landscape Design, University of Tennessee (Knoxville TN 37901). New York The investigation of turfgrass land use acreages and selected maintenance expen­ ditures across New York State was designed to (1) obtain representative data on turf- grass acreages in New York State , and (2) initiate a survey of economic implications of turfgrass maintenance expenditures in New York State. The Land Use and Natural Resources Inven­ tory of New York State (LUNR), housed at Cornell University's Resource Information Laboratory, served as a base for the study. It was possible to use the Inventory to identify categories of land use involving turfgrass, then to assign a priority level to each category, and to develop formulae to assess typical amounts of turfgrass associated with a particular land use. To obtain current figures on categories not directly available through LUNR, contacts were established by telephone with resource people at Cornell University, private and commercial organizations and some govern­ ment offices of New York State at Albany, as well as some units of federal govern­ ment located in New York State. The findings of the investigation revealed nearly 1,200,000 acres of turfgrass in New York State. This included turfgrass maintained at a high level of intensity and that which is more roughly maintained. Nearly 3/4 million acres of turfgrass were found to be on residential properties, over 80,000 on golf courses, 80,000 on parks and recreational land, almost 68,000 acres in commercial development, and over 45,000 in educational facilities, over 42,000 asso­ ciated with highways, and nearly 30,000 acres at airports. How Green Is Green? CONTINUED ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS Annual maintenance expenditures for turf- grass on residential properties in New York State were estimated to range from almost $191,000,000 (if a low figure of $50/lawn/year is used) to nearly $382,000, 000 (if a figure of $100/lawn/year is used). For institutional, commercial, and public lands, different low and high figures were respectively assigned to each on a per acre/ year basis. It was estimated that insti­ tutional land turfgrass maintenance expen­ ditures range from a low figure of $24 mil­ lion to a high of nearly $38 million; com­ mercial lands from a low of $78 million to a high of almost $114 million. Public lands turfgrass maintenance expenditures are estimated to be at over $20 million for the low figure to nearly $62 million for the high. LAND DEVOTED TO TURFGRASS IN NEW YORK STATE - 1977 Categories Surveyed Number of Acres Residential properties Commercial development Golf courses Sod farms Educational facilities _ Parks & recreational land Highways Cemeteries Health facilities Correctional facilities Military lands Airports Religious institutional lands Water supply facilities Barge canal system Water control structures Sewage treatment facilities Solid waste disposal areas Raceways Total number of acres of turfgrass in New York State is 1,181,567 763,437 67,792 80,255 5,675 45,385 80,000 42,200 27,000 5,000 1,171 2,034 29,518 7,000 3,000 1,600 5,000 2,500 12,000 1,000 TOTAL MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURE OF TURFGRASS IN NEW YORK STATE - 1977 B* empty table cell Residential properties Institutional lands Commercial lands Public lands A* $190,859,250 $381,718,500 24,009,600 37,990,050 78,270,886 113,869,386 20,585,200 61,755,600 $313,724,936 Total A* is a representative figure of the lowest values obtained in this survey for main­ taining turfgrass. $595,333,536 B* is a representative figure of the higher values obtained in this survey for main­ taining turfgrass. 1982 UPDATE OF THE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURE OF TURFGRASS IN NEW YORK STATE The 1977 findings were used to estimate the 1982 expenditure for turfgrass maintenance for the various land use categories. It was determined that the higher value of $600 million was a more realistic estimate of the maintenance expenditure than was the lower value. The 1982 value reflects a 12 % per year inflationary adjustment. The figure does not include the value of equipment replace­ ment which is substantial. Therefore, the turfgrass industry in New York State is a billion dollar a year agricultural production and service industry. 1982 Estimate of Maintenance Expenditure of Turfgrass in New York State: Residential properties Institutional lands Commercial lands Public lands $672,900,000 66,900,000 200,800,000 109,200,000 Total $1,049,800,000 How Green Is Green? CONTINUED Based on the figures from the 1956 to 1965 survey, the estimated residential home lawn maintenance expenditures alone are approx­ imately $60,042,022 and golf course expen­ ditures are approximately $4,758,374. How­ ever, a 1983 annual maintenance budget for golf courses in Tennessee is approximately $12,500,000, more than 2 1/2 times the 1956 to 1965 survey estimates. Todays value of the turfgrass sod on golf courses alone is over $23,000,000. Gross sales from sod growers is over $6,000,000. Tennessee also grows most of the bermuda- grass seed and all of the lespedeza seed used on highway right-of-ways. The largest annual revenue producing area is the main­ tenance of home lawns and sale of seed, sod, fertilizer, chemicals and equipment which in 1983 approximates $156,109,257. Tennessee A national suvey estimate conducted between 1956 and 1965 on annual turfgrass mainten­ ance expenditures showed a total of $4,325,794,086.00. Residential lawns com­ prised 69.4%, highways 10.9%, cemeteries 8.4%, and golf courses 5.5%. All other turfgrass use areas comprised the remaining 5.8% Tennessee's share of this expenditure estimate was $86,515,882. These expendi­ tures constituted taxable income revenues for each state. As of 1983, this 4.3 bil­ lion dollar national industry has more than doubled with Tennessee maintaining at least a proportional share. Tennessee now has approximately 40 turf- grass sod growers, over 250 golf courses, 29 state parks, 10 national parks and park- ways, and a vast interstate and highway system with turfgrass medians and roadsides. The estimated acreage in commercial and specialized turf is 22,000 for golf courses and 4,000 for sod farms. There are 8 golf courses in our state parks, comprising over 1,000 acres of the approximately 81,418 acres in state parks. National parks, parkways, monument areas and cemeteries in Tennessee comprise over 532,069 acres. TOTAL PROGRESSIVE REVENUES FOR KEY TURFGRASS AREAS IN TENNESSEE National (1956-1965) National (1956-1965) National (1956-1965)Tenn (1956-1965) Tenn(1983) * TOTALS (%) (69.4) Lawns (10.9) Hwys (8.4) Cem. (5.4) Golf Crs (5.8) Others Sod farms (not included) empty table cell $4,325,794,086 3,002,101,097 471,511,556 363,366,704 237,918,674 250,896,056 $86,515,882 60,042,022 9,430,231 7,257,334 4,758,373 5,019,921 empty table cell $235,038,719 156,109,257 # 24,518,600 # 18,859,068 12,500,000 # 17,051,794 6,000,000 * - 2.6 X TN 1956-65 # - Known to be low Compared with leading state agricultural commodities, this would rank the Turfgrass Industry in the State of Tennessee at least fourth, but probably third. Quarterly Program Report (INSTITUTE PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT) The Lawn Institute as an Affiliate Member of the American Seed Trade Association con­ gratulates ASTA on its 100th Anniversary. Annual membership and board of directors meetings of The Institute are scheduled with ASTA each year. Reports of these meetings reflect program progress and achievement. ASTA'S Centennial Convention 1883 - 1983 William T Schapaugh, ASTA President, traced 100 years of Seed Trade from the Empire State to the Golden Gate. He described this as a period influenced strongly by two forces - Freedom and Excellence. Freedom to compete within a free enterprise system of fair trade and fair rules. Excellence through leader­ ship and high standards involving public and private exchanges to form what has become a tradition. These forces have resulted in a seed trade prepared for the changes that are ahead. Change leader­ ship in both research and business practices, and will involve new high tech expertise. The years ahead will shape our institutions and formulate ground rules for all agricul­ tural pursuits. Roy A Edwards, ASTA Past President, reviewed One Hundred Years of the Seed. This, a message of creation, a message of survival, emphasized the importance of the Green Revo­ lution to all people. The value of public and private research to preserve seed and to shorten the time required to improve seed and to develop a modern system for improve­ ment is well recognized in agricultural cir­ cles. Public understanding and support are near at hand. Vice President Louis N Wise of Mississippi State University spoke of the contribution made by Land Grant Universities and particu­ larly Mississippi State in degree granting and short course programs. These were des­ cribed as excellent examples of cooperation between public and private interests. Inter­ ests that have made the American farmer the chief beneficiary. Matters of information and communication are of concern to all in­ volved in seed trade and the researcher and educator are where the action is now and will be for years to come. Happy 100th Anniversary ASTA ! Summary of the 1983 Annual Meeting of The Lawn Institute The Lawn Institute Annual Membership and Board of Directors meetings were held in conjunction with the American Seed Trade Association’s 100th Anniversary Convention in San Francisco the end of June. Norman Rothwell of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada was elected to a third term as President of the Institute. His leadership has been important in the relocation of headquarters facilities from Marysville, OH to Pleasant Hill, TN and in assisting with the transi­ tion from Dr Schery's directorship to that of Dr Roberts. The following Executive Committee and Board of Directors will serve for 1983-1984: Executive Committee: President - Norman Rothwell- N M Roth­ well Seeds, Lindsay, Ontar­ io, Canada; Vice President - Robert Peterson - E F Secretary-Treasurer - Robert Russell - Burlingham & Sons, For­ est Grove, Oregon; J & L Adikes, Inc, Jam­ aica, New York; Committee Members: Doyle Jacklin - Jacklin Seed Company, Post Falls, Idaho; Howard Schuler - Northrup King & Co, Minneapolis, Minn­ esota; Harry Stalford - Internation­ al Seeds Inc, Halsey, Oregon Quarterly Program Report CONTINUED Board of Directors: In addition to members of the Executive Committee: Gil Barber - Southern States Cooperative, Richmond, Virginia; Jim Collins - Full Circle, Inc; Madras, Oregon; Dave Doerfler - Oregon Fine Fescue Com­ mission, Salem, Oregon; Jay Glatt - Turf-Seeds Inc, Hubbard, Oregon; Bill Hill - George W Hill & Company, Florence, Kentucky; Drew Kinder - Whitney-Dickinson Seeds Inc, Buffalo, New York; Ben Klugman - Twin City Seed Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jon Loft - Loft's Seed Company, Bound Brook, New Jersey; Ed Mangelsdorf -Mangelsdorf Seed Company, St Louis, Missouri; Cliff Matilla - Merion Bluegrass Asso­ ciation, Seattle, Washington; Scott Patterson - Pioneer Hi-Bred, Turf and Forage Division; Savage Minnesota; Mike Robinson - Pickseed West, Inc, Tan­ gent, Oregon; Bob Wetsel - Wetsel Seed Company, Harri­ sonburg , Virgina; Francis Wolf - Oregon Highland Bentgrass Commission, Salem, Oregon; John Zajac - Garfield Williamson Inc, Jersey City, New Jersey. The Executive Committee approved the follow­ ing members for the 1983-1984 Variety Review Board: Jerry Pepin - International Seeds -Chair Leah Brilman - Jacklin Seed Howard Kaerwer - Northrup King Richard Hurley - Loft's Seed Bill Meyer - Turf Seed Drew Kinder - Whitney Dickinson Seeds Reports of the Variety Review Board, the Ex­ ecutive Committee and the Director are pre­ sented as separate items in this issue of Harvests. Presidential Comments by Norm Rothwell The Lawn Institute during the past year has been characterized by four E's, one F and two G's. New energy, eagerness, efficiency and effec­ tiveness have been brought to bear on all aspects of the program. Past accomplishments have provided a sound basis for the future of our Institute with its focus on communi­ cations among members of the turf and lawn- grass industry and between this great indus­ try and the gardening public. In the year ahead, we look forward to growth as an organization and to program greatness as we continue to meet the challenges of the 1980's. We thank you Bev and Eliot for your most Executive Committee Report The Lawn Institute Executive Committee met in Williamsburg, VA on November 3 and again in Chicago, IL on March 23. Throughout the 1982-83 year, starting in July, a Monthly Report to Executive Committee members has kept them informed of office activities, programs and projects. Matters such as liai­ son with other organizations, program prior­ ities, special project proposals, variety review, logo and seal of approval use, com­ mittee structure and membership have been considered in some detail by the Executive Committee. Since most organizations are dedicated to their own specific objectives and goals, and of necessity concentrate in these areas, it is not easy to develop effective liaison. This is understood. Our first step has been one of informing others about us - who we are and what we do. Some progress is being made in working more effectively with other groups. Program and project priorities are necessary because of limited funds. Major emphasis has been placed on programs within the cool, humid regions of the country, while studies are being made of best ways and means for becoming more active throughout the southern region. An effort has been made to intro­ duce The Lawn Institute to a wider range of turfgrass scientists and practitioners. Ex­ pansion of Harvests mailing list has helped. Basically, a nonprofit research and education business league must be actively involved with the entire industry if it is to repre­ sent the seed trade effectively. Special project proposals are numerous and worthy of consideration. We are pleased that an opportunity to contribute seed money, as one of four financial sponsors of the new "Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases" prepared by Dr Richard W Smiley, was of assistance to The American Phytopathological Society in the release of this publication. Changes in cultivars listed by The Lawn Insti­ tute are recommended by The Variety Review Board. Forty eight cultivars: 18 bluegrasses, 7 fine leaved fescues, 5 turf type tall fescues 13 turf type perennial ryegrasses and 5 bent- grasses and special purpose grasses were recognized. Increased activity by the Board will result in changes for 1983-84. Considerations of how to encourage and admin­ ister an expanded use of The Lawn Institute logo and seal of approval were fruitful. Such use constitutes a membership benefit that should be meaningful. New guidelines have been proposed and will be developed during 1983-1984. Quarterly Program Report continued The committee structure for decision making is recognized as time consuming and generally inefficient. An organizational structure that minimizes this approach has been adopted by The Lawn Institute. The Executive Committee has responsibility for representing the inter­ ests of the Board of Directors and the member­ ship. Lines of communication with the Exe­ cutive Committee are always open for input on any item or topic. Membership in The Lawn Institute has been stable for the past several years. No major effort has been made to attract new members. This topic remains on the agenda as it should. Increased interest in the organization has been evident in recent months and it seems likely that Supporting Memberships will be­ come more popular. An additional membership classification has been suggested and this will be studied during 1983-1984. Annual Report of The Lawn Institute Variety Review Board Dr G W Pepin of International Seeds and chairman of The Lawn Institute Variety Review Board presented the following forty eight cultivars to be listed by the Institute for 1983-1984. These were approved at the recent Annual Meeting in San Francisco and will provide the basis for educational and public relations programs during the months ahead. - J and L Adikes Inc; 182-12 93rd Ave, Jamaica NY 11423 Kentucky bluegrass - Adelphi Perennial ryegrass - All*Star Forest Grove OR 97116 - E F Burlingham & Sons Inc; P 0 Box 217, Kentucky bluegrasses - Birka, Bonnie- blue, Majestic, Sydsport Chewings fescues - Banner, Koket Turf type tall fescue - Falcon Perennial ryegrass - Pennant - Full Circle, Inc; P 0 Box 49, Madras OR 97741 Kentucky bluegrass - Merit - International Seeds Inc; P O Box 168, Halsey OR 97348 Kentucky bluegrasses - Enmundi, Vantage Chewings fescue - Highlight Creeping red fescue - Ensylva Turf type tall fescue - Houndog Perennial ryegrasses - Derby, Elka, Creeping bentgrass - Emerald Poa trivialis - Sabre Regal - Jacklin Seed Company; W 5300 Jacklin Ave, Kentucky bluegrasses - Eclipse, Glade, Post Falls ID 83854 Fylking - Loft Seed Company; P O Box 146, Bound Brook NJ 08805 Kentucky bluegrass - Ram I Hard fescue - Reliant Turf type tall fescues - Clemfine, Rebel Perennial ryegrass - Yorktown II - Mangelsdorf Seeds Inc; P O Box 327, St Louis MO 63166 Kentucky bluegrass - Arboretum - Merion Bluegrass Association; 12341 25th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98125 Kentucky bluegrass- Merion - Northrup King Company; 1500 Jackson St NE, Minneapolis MN 55413 Creeping red fescue - Ruby Perennial ryegrass - NK 200 - Oregon Highland Bentgrass Commission; P O Box 3366, Salem OR 97302 Colonial bentgrass - Highland - Pickseed West Inc; P O Box 888, Tangent OR 97389 Touchdown Kentucky bluegrasses - America, Nugget, Chewings fescue - Agram Turf type tall fescue - Mustang Perennial ryegrasses -, Blazer, Fiesta Colonial bentgrass-- Exeter - Pioneer Hi-Bred; Turf & Forage Division; P O Box 346, Savage MN 55378 Kentucky bluegrass - Monopoly Chewings fescue - Waldorf Creeping bentgrass - Prominent - Turf-Seed Inc; P O Box 250, Hubbard OR Perennial ryegrasses - Citation, Omega - Whitney-Dickinson Seeds Inc; P O Box 250, Buffalo NY 14240 Perennial ryegrass - Manhattan II 97032 Quarterly Program Report CONTINUED Notes On Where the Action Is COMPENDIUM OF TURFGRASS DISEASES The spring and summer seasons are critical times for lawn disease identification and control. The Lawn Institute was one of four financial sponsors of the Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases prepared by Dr Richard W Smiley of Cornell University. This 102 page booklet is an authoritative review of turfgrass diseases around the world. It contains 185 full color photographs and 66 illustrations of turf diseases for easy identification and diagnosis. The hand­ book format features both descriptive lan­ guage and technical terminology for easy use in either field or office. Looking ahead at turfgrass diseases will be more understandable with this compendium as a reference, Copies are available for $15.00 from the American Phytopathological Society. Order yours from APS Books, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St Paul MN 55121. FALL PLANTING COUNCIL PLANS Looking ahead towards Fall 1983, the best season for planting lawns and woody orna­ mentals will be here before we know it. A program developed by national, regional and state nurserymen's associations through The Fall Planting Council is dedicated to in­ creasing public awareness of plant material availability and up-to-date methods and materials for planting and care of trees, shrubs, lawns and bulbs. For more information contact: The Fall Planting Council 5 Shawsheen Ave Bedford MA 01730 617/275-3112 articles published - The May 1983 issue of Lawn Care Profes sional (Volume 2 Number 4) carried our first article in the new "Seed Facts" department entitled "The Seed is Basic" pages 16,17,18 and 19. - The June 1983 issue of Seed World (Volume 121 Number 7) carried the article "Achieving the Perfect Sports Turf" pages 76 and 78. - The June 1983 issue of Lawn and Garden Marketing (Volume 22 Number 5) carried an article "Shaping and Coloring the Public Message" pages 6,7,8 and 40 by Wendall J Burns. This described the focus and interrelationship of six organ­ izations including American Association of Nurserymen, Gardens for All, All Amer­ ica Selections, Bedding Plants Inc,Impor­ ted Holland Bulbs and The Lawn Institute. 'Man's mind, STRETCHED TO A NEW IDEA Never goes back TO ITS ORIGINAL DIMENSION ’ OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES ITINERARY (TRAVEL, MEETINGS ATTENDED) Looking Ahead (PLANS FOR THE FUTURE) During the Third Quarter (July - September) travel will be limited to attendance at two professional meetings in the Northeast. These are: - Soil Conservation Society of America, Hartford CT July 31-August 3; - American Society of Agronomy, Washington DC August 14-19. The Second Quarter (April-June) featured one major trip each month. Contacts made and meetings attended were helpful in pro­ gram development for The Lawn Institute. - April 21 - Meetings with research and education specialists at O M Scott, Marysville OH. Dr John Long scheduled tours and sem­ inars for a full day of orientation. The O M Scott research effort has an international reputaion in the area of Turfgrass Science. A combination of excellent facilities, staff and' program coordination make this program highly effective. The new headquarters office building and adjacent arboretum are-indeed a landscape asset to Marys- ville. - May 4-6 - Arizona Turf and Landscape Conference, Tuscon AZ. Dr Bob Kneebone and his colleagues at The University of Arizona presented an excellent Conference program with major emphasis on growth conditions in the arid southwest. The Tucson region has a water deficit. Lawns are being made smaller or eliminated in favor of desert landscaping. Re­ search on water conservation and limited use for lawns and turf is serious business. The future for warm season, arid and salt tolerant species of grass seems much superior to that for cool season species. Since some ninety percent of the U S bermudagrass seed production is in the Arizona - Southern California region, Robert G Sackett, Executive Secretary of The Arizona Crop Improvement Association officed at the University of Arizona, is a key person when it comes to warm season turfgrass seed matters. Meet­ ings with Bob Sackett and Bob Kneebone provided an initial orientation for us in this area. - June 26-30 - American Seed Trade Asso­ ciation 100th Annual Con­ vention, San Francisco CA and The Lawn Institute Membership and Board of Directors Meetings (June 26). Reports of these meetings are presented elsewhere in this issue of Harvests. THRESHING THE JOURNALS (REVIEW OF CURRENT TURFGRASS RESEARCH LITERATURE) Brief reviews of eight research reports published in HortScience and four from Weed Science follow. A publication citation ispr information. ovided for use in obtaining additional TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURE CREEPING BENTGRASS, KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS AND ANNUAL BLUEGRASS SEED GERMINATION RESPONSE University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario Canada (Eggens and Ormrod) HortScience 17 (4):624- 625. 1982. Seedling survival and competitive ability depends on the speed of germination and on the rate of seedling growth. These are af­ fected by temperature. For example, creep­ ing bentgrass germinated well at 104°F (40°C) day and 86°F (30°C) night. Kentucky blue­ grass did not germinate at this temperature, and had a lower germination at 93°F (34°C) day and 82°F (28°C) night than at 77°F (25°C) day and 64°F (18°C) night. Annual bluegrass was affected even more adversely by high temperatures. These temperature responses have been correlated with .reseeding of lawns during summer months. Bluegrasses are more difficult to establish than bentgrasses dur­ ing this period. BERMUDAGRASS AND ST AUGUSTINEGRASS KEY EVENTS IN THE SEASONAL ROOT GROWTH OF Texas A & M University, College Station TX 77843 (DiPaola, Beard and Brawand) HortScience 17 (5): 829-831. 1982. Root growth of warm season grasses (C-4 plants) is different from those of cool season per­ ennial grasses (C-3 plants). St Augustine- grass and bermudagrass had distinct seasonal patterns. Root growth continues after winter shoot dormancy starts with soil temperatures below 50°F (10°C). The entire root system browns off just after spring shoot develop­ ment. This is followed by new root initia­ tion in about three weeks. New shoot devel­ opment occurs during this period. This limi­ ted root system during late winter-early spring is believed to increase proneness to injury from low temperature stress, desicca­ ting winds, traffic, diseases and insect pests. (Editors Note: This new information may be important in helping to explain abnormal transitions from overseeded cool season to warm season grasses.) TUCKY BLUEGRASS CULTIVARS PREEMERGENCE HERBICIDE EFFECTS ON FOUR KEN­ Iowa State University, Ames IA 50011 (Christians) HortScience 17(6):911-912.1982. Baron, Enmundi, Newport and Park Kentucky bluegrasses were treated with bensulide, DCPA and oxadiazon preemergence herbicies. Bensulide and oxadiazon reduced root growth about the same in all cultivars. Newport and Baron rhizomes and overall turf quality were adversely affected by oxadiazon. Ben­ sulide did not injure rhizomes or lower turf quality. DCPA treatments produced no culti­ var differences. Selection of the most ef­ fective herbicide within limits of tolerance of the lawngrasses to be treated is important. GRASS PUTTING GREENS DICLOFOP FOR GOOSEGRASS CONTROL IN BERMUDA­ University of Hawaii, Honolulu HI 96822 (Murdock and Nishimoto) HortScience 17(6): 914-915.1982. Goosegrass is a serious weed of turfgrass, particularly on golf greens. Diclofop is a relatively new herbicide that has caused injury to red fescues, Kentucky bluegrasses and colonial bentgrasses. Investigations in Hawaii on common bermudagrass and on Tifdwarf bermudagrass indicate excellent tolerance of the bermudagrass to the herbi­ cide and a high susceptibility of goosegrass under putting green conditions. TURFGRASSES FREEZING RESISTANCE AND COLD ACCLIMATION IN University of Minnesota, St Paul MN 55108 (Rajashekar, Tao and Li) HortScience 18(1): 91-93.1983. Cool season turfgrasses are among the hardi­ est herbaceous plants. Cultivars of peren­ nial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and red and chewings fescues were tested for freez­ ing resistance of leaf, crown and root tis­ sues. A comparison was made of cold-hardened and nonhardened plant parts. The nonhard- ened leaf and crown tissues of all cultivars survived temperatures below 15°F (-9.8°C). After acclimation at 41°F (5°C) under short days for at least six weeks, the maximum increase in hardiness was noted in Winter­ green chewings fescue which survived -16°F (-27°C). Fall acclimation is important in the preparation of lawns for overwintering. THRESHING THE JOURNALS CONTINUED CULTIVARS AND BLENDS THATCH ACCUMULATION IN KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS University of Nebraska, Lincoln ÑE 68583 (Shearman, Bruneau, Kinbacher and Riordan) HortScience 18(1):97-99.1983. Sixty Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and exper­ imental lines and twenty four bluegrass blends were evaluated for tendency to form thatch during a five year test period. In­ creasing nitrogen fertilization had no effect on thatch. More vigorous cultivars had a greater tendency to thatch. Cultivars with greater cell-wall content formed more thatch. Accumulation of thatch in bluegrass blends was in the order of the mean thatch forma­ tion for the individual cultivars. NuDwarf, Rugby, Delta, Park, Pennstar, South Dakota, Fanfare, Aquila, Parade and Enoble produced least thatch in these tests. GREEN TURF OXADIAZON TREATMENTS ON OVERSEEDED PUTTING- University of Georgia, Experiment GA 30212 (Johnson) Weed Science 30: 335-338.1982. Oxadiazon was used in the spring to control goosegrass without injuring bermudagrass turf overseeded with common ryegrass and with Medalist VI perennial ryegrass. The ryegrass was severly injured, thus resulting in a poor transition between cool and warm season grasses. The combination of bensulide and oxadiazon applied as a single treatment at 6 pounds per acre (6.7 kg/ha) plus 1.5 pounds per acre (1.7 Kg/ha) controlled goosegrass as effectively but did not injure the turf so that the transition to bermudagrass was uniform. TOLERANCE OF TURFGRASS LEAVES EFFECT OF WATER STRESS ON IN VITRO HEAT Colorado State University, Ft Collins CO 80523 (Becwar, Wallner and Butler) HortScience 18(1):93-95.1983. Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass,red fescue and weeping alkaligrass seedlings were grown under moisture stress prior to tests for heat tolerance of leaf blade segments. The moisture stress did not increase heat tolerance of turfgrass leaves. Other factors must be related to the commonly observed and widely accepted practice of letting mois­ ture stress develop slowly within a lawn as a means of increasing drought resistance of the turfgrasses. BY GIBBERELLIC ACID MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CYNODON AND STEN- OTAPHRUM TO CHILLING TEMPERATURES AS AFFECTED - Texas A & M University, College Station TX 77843 (Karnok and Beard) HortScience 18(1): 95-97.1983. As cool autumn temperatures reach 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15°C), warm season perennial grasses enter dormancy as evidenced by discoloration of foliage. Ormond bermudagrass is chill- tolerant while Pee Dee bermudagrass is chill- sensitive. Floratam St Augustinegrass is chill-tolerant and Texas Common St August­ inegrass is chill-sensitive. These grasses were chilled for fourteen days at 45°F (7°C) day and 41°F (5°C) night. Treatments of gibberellic acid were imposed. Horizontal leaf blades and stems exposed to light devel­ oped visual symptoms of injury first. Bleach­ ing and/or the development of purple pigmen­ tation was observed within three days of chilling. Wilting was followed by formation of watersoaked lesions and finally by total necrosis. The gibberellic acid treatment stimulated shoot development of both bermu- dagrasses but did not have this effect on St Augustinegrasses. Purple pigmentation in leaf blades and stems of bermudagrass was almost completely prevented by the gib­ berellic acid. Chilling injury symptoms in St Augustinegrasses were amplified by the gibberellic acid. THRESHING THE JOURNALS CONTINUED INFLUENCE OF HERBICIDE ROTATION TREATMENTS ON SPECIES COMPOSITION OF WEEDS IN TURFGRASS University of Georgia, Experiment GA 30212 (Johnson) Weed Science 30:548-552.1982. Summer and winter annual weeds can be control led effectively with selected treatments in bermudagrass turf. However, when several weed species are present in the same turf area, it is likely that selected herbicides may not control all the weeds. For example, in these tests, oxadiazon increased common chickweed, spurweed and thymeleaf sandwort; bensulide increased corn speedwell and DCPA increased hop clover and spurweed. Where herbicides were used to control crabgrass or gopsegrass, the weeds not controlled increased rapidly except where oxadiazon was applied for three consecutive years. AND OVERSEEDED BERMUDAGRASS RESPONSE TO ETHOFUMESATE OF ANNUAL BLUEGRASS University of Georgia, Experiment GA 30212 (Johnson) Weed Science 31:385-390.1983. Annual bluegrass often becomes a serious weed pest when bermudagrass is overseeded in the fall with a cool season grass. Ethofumesate controls annual bluegrass when applied in October and again in November. These treat­ ments reduce the quality of overseeded per­ ennial ryegrass slightly. Injury is not permanent and the turf recovers fully. The spring transition of ryegrass back to bermu­ dagrass is good. HERBICIDE TREATMENTS TOLERANCE OF BERMUDAGRASS PUTTING GREENS TO University of Georgia, Experiment GA 30212 (Johnson) Weed Science 31:415-418.1983. Weed control on bermudagrass putting greens often calls for applications of herbicides annually in March or in March plus August. Bensulide has delayed early spring growth less than any other herbicide and has not adversely affected turf quality during the growing season. Oxadiazon, applied twice each year, severly retarded turf growth and reduced the quality of the bermudagrass. Napropamide and prosulfalin treatments have reduced root growth of bermudagrass. MEMBERSHIP IN THE LAWN INSTITUTE Any person, firm, partnership or corporation active, as a lawn and turf seed producer, processor or merchandiser or otherwise inter­ ested in advancing the educational and re­ search objectives of The Lawn Institute is eligible for membership. Our brochure, Who We Are and What We Do, provides informa­ tion on educational and research objectives. Membership Benefits - Through support of turfgrass education and research, an improved understanding of lawn- grasses and their culture creates lawns for a more beautiful America. - Up-to-date research information is avail­ able for you use from our office. - Lawn Institute Harvests quarterly news­ letter serves as a means of regular com­ munication between our office and all members across the country and Canada. - Proprietary and Sponsoring members display the corporate emblem and seal of approval as appropriate in promoting cultivars or products approved by Review Boards of The Institute. - All members display attractive membership certificates. , FOR MORE INFORMATION WRITE TO: Eliot C Roberts, Director The Lawn Institute P O Box 108, Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578-0108 or call: 615/277-3722 SCORE CARD (PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH DATA AND CONCLUSIONS FROM TURFGRASS FIELDDAYS AND CONFERENCES) Midwest Regional Turf Conference Speakers Share Knowledge State and regional turf conferences across the country have an important role in the presentation of new information as well as in the placement of these new concepts in proper perspective alongside existing know­ ledge. Among the leaders nationally is the Midwest Regional Turf Conference, tradition­ ally held at Purdue University in West La­ fayette, Indiana. The following six topics were noted to be especially timely and rated high on our score card: - Roots, Maintain What You Have; - Research Needs of the Lawn Care Industry; - Learning Through Soil Testing; - Technology and Seed Production; - Experiences with Roundup and Reseeding; - Attitude: Where Are You ? Roots, Maintain What You Have Dr Donald White University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN Dr White presented not only an up-to-date technical review of root research, but also spoke philosophically of the little grass plant and our relation to it. The following comments are well worth remembering: - Grass is the forgiveness of nature. - If you are successful in turf management, look for improved practices but don't change just for the sake of change. Don't fix it if it works. - Help the grass to grow better when condi­ tions are better for grass growth. Do not push the grass when growth conditions are poor. - Growth at any given time is related to the accumulation of many factors. - Do not try to correct symptoms, rather correct causes. A symptom is merely an expression of something wrong. A symp­ tom does not tell what is wrong. - Correct the condition furthest from the optimum first. Then consider other con­ ditions. Roots are very important in the growth of turf and lawngrasses. The following points are important for regular review. - Sixty percent of roots are sloughed off - Spring and summer roots are the result of practices and conditions last fall and winter. (lost) during the year, much of this during warm summer weather. - Roots grow in soil temperatures as low as 34° F. Ground may be frosted on top but roots grow below. - Photosynthesis continues at a good rate in the fall even at low temperatures- 40-50° F. - Below 50° F respiration is relatively low so there is a net carbohydrate gain. Thus, fall is a good time for root growth. - Roots follow gradients from low to high for soil water, nutrients and air. - The amount of water controls the passage of both air and nutrients. Thus, water is a key management tool. - Root competition between trees and grass is significant. Many tree roots are well outside the tree drip line. water there. Fertilize the tree outside the drip line. - Thatch interferes with water movement and thus has an effect on root growth. - Fertilizer balance effects root growth. Nitrogen stimulation of growth reduces carbohydrate reserves and reduces roots. - Nitrogen application late in the fall does not stimulate growth of anything but roots. - Nitrogen application in mid fall will stimulate growth of both foliage and roots some. in the development of higher quality turf up to mid June without any real flush of growth. zinc are all important in root growth. Soil tests help identify deficiencies. - A rain shadow exists under the tree - - Fall nitrogen applications should show - Phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, iron and Midwest Regional Turfgrass Conference continued Roots, Maintain What You Have cont. - Syringing cools the plants down during hot weather but should not moisten the soil. structure at the surface. This should be avoided. - All herbicides have a potential negative impact on roots under environmental stress. - Frequent watering helps destroy soil With all this in mind, how does a gardener or turf manager respond when the grass starts to wilt ? No question, the plants need water. But, they may also need more and deeper roots. Research Needs of the Lawn Care Industry Dr David Martin, Director of Research Chemlawn Corporation, Columbus, OH Dr Martin analyzed several research areas in which more information is required by the lawn care industry. Four target pro­ grams include fertilization, weed control, insect control and disease control. In addition, there are equipment needs to be met, growth regulators to perfect and pH adjustments to work out. Water soluble nitrogen sources, like urea, and slow release nitrogen materials, like the methylene ureas, require more study to better control burn, surge of growth and residual release. New materials for both dry and spray application that produce quick greening of the foliage and safety of appli­ cation are sought. The search is on for ways and means to improve nitrogen utili­ zation by the turf. Green color and dense cover, not excessive growth, are the objec­ tives. Freedom from phytotoxicity, regard­ less of environmental conditions, is a must. Needs for micronutrient formulations must be evaluated. Annual grass weeds, such as crabgrass and foxtail, and broadleaved summer annual weeds, such as knotweed,spurge and oxalis, should be made easier to control with herbicides. Selective herbicides with more residual would be useful. Herbicide application tech­ niques may be improved. Education, mainly, is required to overcome improper application techniques, such as miscalculations, in­ correct fill and improper trim and overlap. Effects of heavy rain or irrigation, herbi­ cide degradation, removal of herbicide with clippings and wind drift need to be better related to the weed control process. The southern mole cricket, along with bill- bugs, sod webworms, chinch bugs and grubs require further study. Another good insec­ ticide that is sprayable, quick in action with well worked out time of application would be desirable. Disease control for yellow patch requires more study in cool, humid regions. The mat­ ter of seeding different species in pre­ viously diseased areas is not always a sim­ ple matter. Some results are more patchy in appearance than was the diseased turf. Finally, emphasis must be placed on the adequacy of research facilities and on maintaining open lines of communication with university research. Learning Through Soil Testing Dr Paul Rieke Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI Dr Rieke described soil testing as one addi­ tional tool that helps in the establishment and maintenance of fine turf. A soil test determines how great is the nutrient supply­ ing ability within root zones. With turf and lawngrasses, yield of clippings is not of interest. Quality cover is. A soil test can predict nutrient needs; specify the amount of lime required to bring the soil to a desired pH level;and aid in trouble shooting, such as might be related to concentrations of heavy metals. Soil tests depend on three requirements for accuracy: representative sample, dependable laboratory and accurate interpretation of results for recommendations. Soil sampling tools are designed to make the task-easy. These remove cores of soil to the proper root zone depth. Several samples are taken from a given area and mixed to provide a uniform random sample. Records are kept so that the sample and area of or­ igin may be easily identified. Different samples are packaged separately, labeled and mailed or delivered to the laboratory. Since most turf roots are within a three inch zone from the surface, this sample depth is desirable. Thatch, if present, should be sampled separately. As many as fifteen random samples for a given area will help in creating a good representative mixture for the soil test. If samples are to be air dried before packaging, be cer­ tain that, they do not become contaminated with fertilizers or liming materials. When sampling year after year, the same time of year should be selected. Be careful not to sample after use of lime or fertilizer. Sample as often as needed to provide a clear understanding of the changes taking place in the soil. Midwest Regional Turfgrass Conference continued Learning Through Soil Testing cont. Do-it-yourself soil test kits are available. In order for these to be successfully used, the tester must gain experience through frequent use. In a soil test laboratory, three out of every twenty four samples are checks to provide quality control. Test methodology is compared and recommendations are compared. Well qualified chemists and plant scientists staff these facilities. It's difficult for a do-it-yourself tester to duplicate this level of accuracy. The soil test laboratory will issue computer print out sheets with test data and recom­ mendations. The following results may be listed: - pH, buffer pH, lime requirement; - phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in pounds per acre, parts per million or milliequivalents per liter; - nitrate nitrogen; - soluble salts; - iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron; - other heavy metals. Finally, the recommendation for each sample tested is provided. Several factors influence soil test results. The following are particularly important: - soil textural considerations - amounts of sand, silt and clay; - soil pH differences; - soil depth differences; - soil slope differences (soil classi­ - grass clipping deposits or removal; - watering influences - quality of - use of lime or gypsum. irrigation; fication) ; Technology and Seed Production Dr Leah Brilman, Director of Research Jacklin Seed Co, Post Falls, ID Dr Brilman described the high level of technology required in turf and lawngrass seed production. Determinations of seed yield potential require three steps: - First - yield plots with small rows; data on variety yields is recorded; - Second - yield plots with production rows - Third - space planted breeder blocks to evaluate uniformity and obtain high quality breeder seed. Kentucky bluegrasses have a high degree of apomixis which helps keep plants uniform. Off types are eliminated. Turf plots are of limited value because the true test for turf qualities must be det­ ermined in the various market areas of the country. Shade tolerance trials are con­ ducted. Low maintenance trials, involving fertilizer use, watering and mowing help to establish limits of tolerance to many variables. Many species are compared, including Canada bluegrass, hard fescue and sheeps fescue. Also, reclamation species and wild flowers and forbs are worked with. A basic understanding of growth character­ istics is lacking with many of these spe­ cies. Besides yield and harvesting studies,, data is often lacking on use of herbicides, particularly new chemicals. Some materials that are used on turf cannot be used in seed production because of injury to the seed. Aminotriazol resistance of grasses is included as one of the desirable traits looked for in breeding studies. New var­ ieties of Chewings fescue and colonial bentgrass, both from Ireland, are resistant to this chemical. Insect resistance, such as for sod webworm, is an important breeding objective. All- Star and Pennent perennial ryegrasses have new resistance from fungal endophytes. This is also found in the tall fescues. Ergot is a limiting factor in seed produc­ tion some years. Sclerotia replace seeds in the seed heads. This decreases yield, raises the inert level, and increases cost of cleaning. A control needs to be found for this fungus disease. In additon, breed­ ing and selection have the objective of developing grasses that can avoid infection. In the meantime, field burning is practiced to help gain some measure of control for rodents and insects as well as diseases. Field burning trials involve thirty seven varieties of bluegrass. A search is also being made for types that can be productive Midwest Regional Turfgrass Conference continued Technology and Seed Production cont. without burn. Growth regulators can be used to some extent to cut back on burn. Lodging must be controlled. Varietal dependent char­ acteristics interact with growth regulators. Where burning is not required, residue dis­ posal has to be considered. It has low feed value. Regulation of burning through con­ trols established by local weather stations helps in maintaining good public relations. Current and new production practices and techniques are being compared. At Jacklins, the crop is swathed to dry, combined, col­ lected in trailers, deposited in radar pits at the plant, boxed, stored and cleaned. Breeder seed is boxed in the field. It takes ten years at least to develop a new cultivar. The odds are close to one new cultivar for each five hundred entries. Thus, the best value to be had in land­ scape development is high quality proprie­ tary lawn seed. Experiences with Roundup and Reseeding Gary Kitchel E-Z Lawn Corporation, Richmond, IN Mr Kitchel reported four years of experience using Roundup and reseeding. The following nine reasons are most often given for lawn failure leading to reseeding: - thatch - species imbalance - improper varieties to start with - weeds - diseases and insects - mechanical damage - chemical damage - neglect - abuse None of these require a change in grade that would involve complete reconstruction. The importance of informing the customer of what to expect in the renovation process was emphasized. The following information should be provided - - state problems that caused the deter­ - stress the ease of renovation compared ioration of the existing lawn; with reconstruction, such as: - a much shorter process, - less labor required, - minimum erosion or mud, - support some traffic during the process. - Explain features of Roundup - es and weeds, - no stones and weeds, - no mulch needed, - eliminates competition between grass­ - chemical kills all vegetation. - translocated throughout the plants, - nonvolatile, - no root up take, - low toxicity, - no residue, - two to three ounces per gallon of water per one thousand square feet is required, sprayers. - small areas may be treated with hand - Explain all steps - - Spray operation takes place when grass and weeds are actively growing. Water and fertilize before spray, if necessary. - Skip one mowing before spray. - Spray ten days before scheduled date - Do not spray when rainfall is ex­ - Do not spray when grass and weeds - Do not spray in winds in excess of of seeding. pected within six hours. are stressed. five miles per hour. - Explain all cautions- drift. treated areas. - Explain about seeding- - Do not walk from treated to non - Cloudy weather slows results. - Protect non target areas from spray - Calibrate equipment carefully. - Explain what to expect following Round­ up - Not all old turf will be completely gone at the end of ten days, but the chemical will have done its job. - Select recommended seed mixture; - remove excess debris, if necessary; - fertilize and lime, if necessary; - use a slit seeder to get seed in - make slits in two directions to form - irrigate to speed up establishment, - Explain what to expect following seeding - Two weeks after seeding,a bluegrass fine leaved fescue mixture will be • on the way up. contact with the soil; a diamond pattern; if necessary. - Three weeks after seeding, the lawn - Six weeks after seeding, the lawn will still look very thin. will start looking good. - Explain cost- - Fair charge about $120 for 3,000 square feet with $40 for each addi­ tional 1,000 square feet. Midwest Regional Turfgrass Conference continued Attitude: Where Are You ? Andy Bertoni W H Cleary Corporation, Northfield, MI Andy Bertoni is a good thinker and when he speaks, there are always pearls of wisdom shining through. "Where are you ?", asked Andy. A reply might specify latitude, longitude and even altitude. We should be able to spot the precise location - right ? Wrong ! Atti­ tude tells more about where we are than any other measure. Andy related attitude to each of the following: - Be the best at what you do. - Be as perfect as you can within human - Be understanding that you may not be - Let your face reflect a good positive standards. misunderstood. attitude. - Your attitude influences attitudes of others. - Attitude determines that the man that knows how will always have a job, but the man who knows why will be his boss. - The four most important aspects of em­ ployment in decreasing order of impor­ tance are: - appreciation - fringe benefits - security - wages. ciates. - enjoy every day, - make them good days, - don't be a loser, - take pride in everything. - In so doing, your attitude will deter­ mine not only where you are, but also where you're going. - Show appreciation- compliment your asso­ - Remember to: FINE BENTGRASS LAWNS ARE A TRADITION IN MANY PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. THESE SPECIAL PURPOSE GRASSES PROVIDE THE ULTIMATE IN CLOSE CLIPPING AND UNIFORM LEAF BLADES TO CARPET THE LAWN. THE BEAUTIFUL HOME SHOWN IS. LOCATED AT THE OCEAN FRONT IN NARRAGANSETT, RHODE ISLAND AND FEATURES EXETER COLONIAL BENTGRASS. HIGHLAND COLONIAL BENTGRASS IS ALSO RECOGNIZED BY THE LAWN INSTITUTE VARIETY REVIEW BOARD. THE LAWN INSTITUTE County Line Road P.O. Box 108 Pleasant Hill. Tennessee 38578-0108 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Pleasant Hill TN Permit No. 3 PAID 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)