January 1984 LAWN INSTITUTE Harvests Volume 30 Number 4 The Harvest Mix Harvests in tabloid format was initiated with the January 1983 issue. Your response has been favorable. In order to more fully concentrate on turf and lawngrass research, recommendations and issues, Harvests con­ tents will henceforth feature only six sec­ tions : - Directors Dialogue- editorial type com­ mentary; - Lawn Institute Pitch - discussion of current issues; - P.O.Box 108 industry wide news and - Threshing the Journals - published - Conference Topics - presentations of - Field Day Score Card - field plot eval- views; research results; note; uations. Matters pertaining to The Lawn Institute, including quarterly program report, will be presented to members through release of a Lawn-O-Gram (LOG) special mailing. General information on The Lawn Institute will be included in Lawn Institute Pitch as appro­ priate . Director’s Dialogue (Editorial Type Commentary) LAWN CARE IN ESREVER (REVERSE) by Eliot C Roberts The idea of reverse pyschology is familiar to all of us. Convey the notion that some­ thing shouldn’t be done and at once it's accomplished. Tasks that generate reason­ able expectations all of a sudden are im­ possible. This all came into focus again back in May at the Arizona Turf and Land­ scape Conference in Tucson. Professor K C Hamilton of the University of Arizona Department of Plant Sciences stimulated a lot of thinking with a topic "How Not to Control Weeds In Turf". Why not ? It's easy to find lawns about most neighborhoods that look like the gar­ dener knows how to grow good weeds. Ask, and in just a few moments all the things you need do to grow weeds can be outlined. A list of at least thirty is certain to include : - Never Ask Advice- You don't want your neighbors to think you're a gardening dum-dum, now do you ? Certainly not 1 So never ask advice. That way, when the weeds are at their best in your lawn, you can take all the credit for being the expert. - Best Source of Information Is Your Own Experience- - What do the experts know about lawn care they've never had to contend with your lawn, have they ? If you want the best weeds in the neighborhood, don't bother asking for advice on lawn care; don't waste your time on lawn establishment and maintenance bulletins. They're no match for your considerable experience. - Rely on New Salespersons Who Phone With A Deal - Now, there are deals, and then there are deals. The best come by phone from some­ one you've never heard of in the next state who has an offer you simply can't believe. Jump at these opportunities to try something new and satisfaction with the ultimate in weedy lawns is certain. - Use the Cheapest Seed - Even the cheapest grass seed will not come close to providing the potential for weed development that is already in the topsoil. Never-the-less, do read the label on the lawn seed mixture and select the one containing the most weed seed, if weeds are indeed what you want. Even better, select seed that contains all or a lot! of annual grasses. These die out during the year and leave the ground open for more rapid weed estab­ lishment . - Use Least Expensive Topsoil - Weed free topsoil is difficult to find­ even non existant. Not only is top soil the number one source of weed seeds, but it may also contain pieces- of vegetative matter from which weedy plants develop. The least expensive topsoil is also gen­ erally sandy or gravelly, not really the best for growth of lawngrasses, but fan­ tastic for weeds. In building a new lawn, get the poorest soil possible in order to have the most weeds. - Use Fresh Manure to Provide Organic Matter - Fresh manure often contains a good source of weed seeds. Use it as a soil amend­ ment in building a new lawn or as a top- dressing. Not only will this add a barn­ yard quality to your grounds, but the supply of weeds should continue for some time to come. LAWN CARE IN ESREVER (REVERSE) Continued - Don't Bother tp Remember What Grasses Were Planted In Your Lawn - To grow a fine lawn, it's important to know what grasses are present in the sward so that their requirements may be well satisfied. In order to grow weeds, just forget all about the lawn­ grasses. They'll usually fade away quietly. - No Need To Identify Any Weeds - Weeds are weeds. Simply any unwanted plant or any plant in the wrong place is a weed. Since you want to grow weeds, the weed isn't a weed any more. The lawngrass is a weed. So, don't bother to learn about weeds; after all, you never bothered to learn about your lawn­ grasses. The best way to grow weeds is ignore them; they'll take over- no prob­ lem. - Don't Bother To Fertilize The Lawn - Fertilizer helps develop a thick, vigor­ ous turf that will crowd out weeds. So, don't use much fertilizer if you want a weedy lawn. - Use Extra Water - Over irrigation is one of the best ways to weaken lawngrasses and give the com­ petitive edge to weeds. Lawn weeds gen­ erally have long tap roots and don't have high moisture requirements so heavy water­ ing stands to ruin the lawn and give weeds plenty of room to spread. - Mow Close - Close clipped lawns are less likely to have the vigor to compete with weeds and thus weeds spread and become dominant. If you like crabgrass, clip the lawn as close as you can and apply plenty of water in late spring and early summer. Close clipping also stunts root devel­ opment so that in summer lawngrasses die out and weeds take over. - Never Bother to Control Lawn Insects and Diseases - Insects and diseases are generally not as serious a threat to lawn quality as weeds are. One thing is certain, failure to control insect infestations and dis­ ease infections will so weaken the turf that weeds may take over. So, if you want weeds, let insects and diseases do their worst - first. - Ignore Small Weed Patches - Never bother with small weed patches. They're likely to be struck by lighten­ ing and disappear on their own. If they don't, then they'll become big patches and once the lawn is all weeds, it's the ultimate. - Save Money By Spot Spraying - Spots look good on some dogs and horses and now you may create them on lawns too. Just use weed killers - a little dab here, a little dab there; think of the fun you can have. In doing this, don't bother to pay attention to how much chemical is sprayed here or there; it'll be more than needed for selective weed control and you'll get spots to please in any season. You may even use less herbicide than would be required for the whole lawn, and this will save money. - Use Soil Fumigants Near Trees and Shrubs- Soil fumigants and sterilants do a good job of getting rid of all vegetation, including weeds. They produce a nice brown (dead) ground cover. Use them on or around trees and shrubs and you can get rid of that green vegetation too. There's nothing like doing a complete job in producing a completely fouled up landscape. - Store All Lawn And Garden Chemicals Together - With, more and more gardening tools and supplies available, the need for storage space becomes more critical. One thing is certain, when herbicides are stored with seed, fertilizer and other lawn care products, the likelihood of contam­ ination increases. The result favors weakened lawngrasses and more weeds about the yard. - Read The Label But Throw In A Factor For Local Conditions - Many gardeners fail to read or pay atten­ tion to all the information on the herbi­ cide label; some don't read any of it; others always throw in a factor to ad­ just for local conditions. After all, no one has a lawn like yours, and you know what it takes to kill weeds. That is, until the treatment is made. All of a sudden that "extra factor" rate of application results in dead grass and plenty of weeds that recover. - The Wrong Herbicide Is Probably As Good As Any - Weeds are weeds and a weed killer is a weed killer. The herbicide in the clo­ set may not be the right one, but it's a weed killer, so use it anyway. It's sure to do something. Probably wipe out more lawngrasses than weeds - under the conditions used. - Measure Pesticides by the "Glug"- When you need a tablespoon or a fluid ounce measure for a weed killer, there's never one around. So, measure by the "glug"; two "glugs" are always better than one. Not so many weeds will be killed, but a lot more lawn can be burned out with really no additional effort. LAWN CARE IN ESREVER (REVERSE) Continued - Make Your Own Herbicide Mixtures - The manufacturers of weed killers only spend millions of dollars to put an effective herbicide on the market. But, certainly they never thought of the com­ bination of chemicals and rates of appli­ cation you have. Why not ! Make your own herbicide mixtures. Become famous for having dead lawngrass and super weeds. - One Sprayer is Enough - One of the best ways to destroy the most grass and keep the healthiest weeds is to use one sprayer for all pesticides. Who knows what is going on when -insecticide, fungicide, selective herbicide, soil sterilant, or other chemical has accumu­ lated in a dirty tank ? When control of the chemical is lost, lawngrasses are likely to be injured most. - Don't Bother to Calibrate the Sprayer - A sprayer is a sprayer, isn't it ? Cer­ tainly the manufacturer calibrates each one so that its use may be relied upon. After all, clibration only assures pro­ per rate of pesticide application, and if weeds are what you want, why bother with proper rate of application ! - Use Pesticides Any Time Convenient - Busy gardeners don't have time to apply pesticides when the pest is most suscep­ tible to control. So applications made at the convenience of the applicator are seldom successful and this will help create the best of conditions for lawn weeds. - Spray on Windy Days - Sprayers permit only a limited distri­ bution of an herbicide to a target area. By spraying on windy days, you can get the chemical much more widely dispersed. Some of it will blow onto shrubs and trees and even roses and kill them all. That means there will likely be insuf­ ficient herbicide to kill the lawn weeds and they will continue to grow and spread like - well, like weeds. - Use High Pressure Mist Sprayers for Weed Killers - Since you can't always rely on a windy day for spraying herbicides, be sure to use a high pressure mist sprayer. This will do the same thing. Get the chemi­ cal all over everything for the maximum in damage to landscape plants and the minimum in injury to weeds. These spra­ yers are ideal for preserving weedy lawns. - Inject Herbicides Into Irrigation Water- Look for new ways to save time in garden­ ing, like injecting weed killers into a watering system. it'll not only save time, but wipe out a lot of the garden in the process. Those plants most likely to survive will be none other than the weeds you only thought you wanted to get rid of. - Never Clean the Sprayer When Through - There is usually a little herbicide resi­ due in the bottom of the sprayer when a treatment is completed. If this is left in a metal tank, it will speed up rust formation. This will clog the nozzle when used next and the result will cer­ tainly favor weed survival. Aside from this, that little extra herbicide in the tank will add just a bit more punch to the next pesticide used. Who knows what spectacular results may be obtained. - Never Clean Nozzles and Screens - Cleaning up sprayers after use of a weed killer only helps keep the nozzle and screens clean so that when used next the rate of application and distribution pat­ tern will be accurate. Where weeds are more important than lawngrasses, distor­ ted spray patterns will permit greater weed survival and more streaks of burned grass. - Be In a Hurry to Finish Up - Never forget that your time is valuable. Life is ticking on and you’re likely to miss something important on the tube. After all, plants have much greater tol­ erances than people. So, be in a hurry; get the job done; finish up. You'll be pleased with the result - a finished up lawn complete with the best weed stand in history. - Hire Least Expensive Lawn Service - Should you decide to pass the buck for lawn care to someone who will be certain to provide the best in a weedy lawn, make it a small denomination buck and hire the least expensive lawn service available. They may not know much more than you, but can help you have the best of weeds with less effort on your part. Now, that's certain to be worth at least a few bucks. Conclusion Now, what may we conclude from all of this ? Simply that it's much easier, much more fun, and much safer for you and your neighbors to grown lawngrasses than weeds. There is no reason for having a weedy lawn once you de­ cide to grow lawngrasses. Lawn Institute Pitch (Discussion of current issues Information/Communications by Eliot C Roberts In preparation for a career in teaching, some time ago, I came across the following example of the critical importance of in­ flection in oral communication: "I never said he stole the money." (Someone else said it) "I never said he stole the money." (I said other things, but not that) "I never said he stole the money." ( I might have written it) "I never said he stole the money." (Someone else stole it.) "I never said he stole the money." (He borrowed it) "I never said he stole the money." (He stole other things, but not money) Each of these six sentences contain the same words but convey different meaning depending on how the listener interprets the inflection placed on various words. Thus, in oral communications it's little wonder that we find answers to questions posed that are, in fact, answers to differ­ ent questions than originally intended. Lack of understanding and confusion are often generated because of failures in the communications process. With increasing information available and continuing demand for information in all aspects of problem solving, our future will be determined by the effectiveness of our communications; This is not merely a matter of classroom concern, but is recognized in politics as well as all business and trade. SCSA CONVENTION The 1983 thirty-eighth annual meeting of the Soil Conservation Society of America featured the theme "Resource Information for Conservation Decisions". In recogni­ tion of the importance of Information/ Communications, delegates took an in depth look at this process as it relates to conservation. Do some of the following statements and concepts attract your atten­ tion ? Do they extend beyond our interest in conservation to landscape horticulture ? - Sixty percent of the people in the United States are already engaged in information generation and distribution. - Information is: - a commodity; - money; - technology; - an agent of change; - an end unto itself. - Information: issues. - defines and publicizes problems and - Margin of profit depends on the manage­ ment of information. - Cost/Benefit ratios depend on infor­ mation. - Enterprises that involve risk, such as agriculture, must have accurate infor­ mation available to help offset the risk. - Information on societal characteristics will provide a data base for new manage­ ment approaches. New applications for technology are important. Information refinement, as well as development,is required. Information/ Communications Continued American Agriculture American agriculture has advanced through four different eras. The first was the age of hand power and extended to about 1860. During this period, increases in production per year amounted to about 0.4 percent. Horse power from 1860 to about 1920 increased production to about 0.5 percent per year. The mechanical era, from 1920 to about 1945 brought about a major increase in annual production to about 1.2 percent. The age of science,from 1945 to 1980 and beyond has elevated pro- ductivity to about 1.6 percent increase per year. During the past twenty to thirty years, development of computer information systems, from main frame types to mini and micro computers, has taken place. Their impact on our future is predicted to be great. Future Pathways Our needs for the future are based on an assessment of societal characteristics today. This country was settled as an agricultural community. More and more people pursue other vocations as agriculture, built up by technological advances, produces reserves so that fewer and fewer people are required in that labor force. Agri­ culture and industry both developed as the result of new, practical, technological information. In fact, information is the basic agent of change that has brought about the societal advances we recognize so readily. We are now less an industrial society than an information society. Agriculture and industry have become secondary activities, but no less important. Of primary concern to us today is the an­ swer to the question, "where do we want to go?". Necessary information on which to bring about action is available, but not useful unless we know long range objec­ tives. Our government acts on immediate and intermediate issues for which current information indicates need. For example, Social Security programs face difficult , problems, both economic and political. The newsprint headlines "Social Security is Going Broke". This stirs interest and things happen. On the other hand, loss of farmland because of development or soil erosion fails to stimulate much interest. Conflicting reports lead to no consensus that there is any immediate danger. Food is readily available and there are no sig­ nals that new shortages related to loss of farms are forthcoming. Still we expect that, like fossil fuel, sometime in the future this may well be a critical issue with which we will have to contend. In the meantime, recommendations for changes in policy receive little, attention. - Changes in people are required in order for new information to be fully util­ ized and advantageous. These changes are difficult to bring about. For some thirty years, governmental change has been considered with minimal accomplish­ ment. In agriculture alone, twenty billion dollars a year is spent on farm programs. With all this, we still re­ cognize that the farm economy is weaker than we would like. Compared with world agricultural economics, we are strong. In 1985, the reinactment of the basic farm act will take place. There will be major change leading to new farm policy and this based on resource, pro­ duction and marketing information. - Technological information permits the consideration of alternatives and the stretching of uses to new applications. - Both the agricultural community and the industrial community developed from technology and appropriate use of infor­ mation. - Information may not be adequate for a problem or issue to be resolved. Before action can take place, a consensus is required relative to immediate danger. Information is seldom lacking; a consen­ sus more often is lacking. - Communications have to deal with getting information to policy makers and other users in a form that is brief and accur­ ate. If we fail to communicate in this way, we are at fault when our perception is that the wrong decisions have been made. - There must be a linkage between policy making and policy implementation. - One thing is clear, there is not a lack of information. The challenge is to get it into usable form at the right time. Information/ Communications Continued COMPUTER SUITABILITY How does the computer fit into all this? Well, the computer represents change and change is hard to control, even frightening. There may be the tendency to close the eyes and hope that the computer will go away. This is not to be. The present economy and level of technology are forcing computers on us. Basically, the computer will provide us with th information to better cope with the needs of a more complex society or societites. In time there may be more computers working than people. This in itself is cause for some alarm. The potential for computer domination of our lives rather than creation of improved quality of life is real. We must become familiar with this new toold and how it works. Only by so doing will we take advantage of an unparalleled opportunity to manage an increasingly complex society. Computer scientists provide the following insight on what is ahead- In resposne to the notation that computers have no common sense, the question is raised whether common sense is really necessary for useful function. To the degree that common sense can cut through red tape, this function would be useful. If we can ulti- mately analyze brain function, this compo- nent will be incorporated into computers. In regard intuition, computers may be programmed to introspect on logical pro- cesses. Thus, where processes are based on past experience, conclusions may be reached that relate back to the processes. How about personality? Software can be programmed to have personality as evidence by tone of voice and words used. What about thinking? As artificial intelligence programs are developed more fully, there will be more evidence of com- puters developing new ideas after analyzing facts. Computers will extend teaching capabilities on a major scale. The old methods involving learners gathering in classrooms at certain times, (where teachers repeat presentations, visualization is limited, information base is dispersed spatially in minds of people, journals and references in libraries) will likely change. The new method involving scholars creating an information base to form a system of networks that can be ac­ cessed complete with voice, visualization and print will be emphasized. The learners/ users need not all gather in one place. Schedule flexibility will be featured. Re­ peat learning experiences will be available through the computer. These can be highly individualized. The information base, concentrated in space, provides access to information that can be repeated time after time with the advantage of search and research and reorganization as needed. All of this is only limited by the development of software to bring about desired results. Computer information will cause some separ­ ation between people that are the source of information and the user. Voice and picture of those scholars seen over the computer will cause them to be well known and influential. Two way communication will help bridge this gap to some degree. Overall, the computer is projected as having great potential for developing basic skills, new techniques and simulation of processes to increase visualization. Information/ Communications Continued Computer Application Computer applications that will benefit the lawn and turf industry will require simul­ taneous development in the following five areas: First, technological advances in seed and sod farms, and sports turf and grounds facilities - - machinery, - field equipment & sensors, - structures. Second, fundamental improvements in record keeping: - inventories, - land characteristics, - production, - financial. Third, data base information that can be applied to local conditions: - cost/benefit, - weather, - pest, - pricing. Fourth, keys to management power: - decision aid programs, - budgeting, - comparative analysis, - income tax, - facility scheduling, - irrigation, - crop variety selection. Fifth, office management programs. Farm and grounds operations will have prime concern for the first area. The private sector will likely develop and distribute material based on information from the sci­ entific community in the second area. The public sector will provide information in area three. The scientific community will contribute to the fourth area and the fifth area is pretty much available now. Changing Public Attitudes Changing public attitudes through use of information/communications techniques is fundamental to the establishment of the true potential for use of plants that en­ hance our environment. Landscaping and interiorscaping require public support which requires public understanding. Indi­ vidual support and understanding only lead to islands of environmental quality. We need ask, what do people want us to do ? The answer is certainly not environmental degredation and the creation of disorder and uglyness. We have technological ex­ pertise in landscape horticulture to do so much better. But, how do we get this into operation or practice ? What will the public accept as a start ? What are their needs ? What will they buy ? How much will they pay ? What do you think ? What do you think that others think ? All of this matters. We live for today but look to the future for an even better life. To the extent we can develop a clear vision of the future and to the extent that we can convey this vision to those who will develop and manage resources, the vision will become reality. Historically, information, including visions of future possibilities, has passed through one person to another. In order to deal effectively'with these information/communications situations, time to develop clear understanding is necessary. New information analysis sys­ tems shorten the time requirement and increase prospects for favorable results. We may not understand now how we can live with these new devices, but it seems cer­ tain that we will not be able to live as well as we have without them. FOR INFORMATION about Membership in The Lawn Institute Write to: Eliot C Roberts, Director P O Box 108 Pleasant Hill TN 38578 P.O. Box 108 (Industry Wide News and Views) EFFICIENT TURF VARIETIES New Mexico State University, Department of Agricultural Information, Las Cruces New Mexico 88003 Dr Jerry Pepin, Research Director for Pick­ seed West in Tangent Oregon, has noted tre­ mendous advances in lawngrass breeding dur­ ing the past decade, according to a report presented at the annual southwest Turfgrass Conference held in October in Albuquerque. He predicted that low maintenance, slow- growing turf varieties will become more and more popular in the decade ahead. These qualities translate to big savings in equip­ ment and labor costs. In addition, all major turf species are being studied for reduced water, fertili­ zer and maintenance requirements. For low maintenance, many growers are turn­ ing back to turf-compatible legumes for groundcovers in polystands with turfgrass. Dr Pepin cited the recently released New Mexico State University variety Fresa straw­ berry clover as a new, low maintenance, slow- growing turf-compatible legume. Fresa also is heat tolerant and grows well in salty, high pH soils. Best of all, Fresa can fix nitrogen from the air at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds of ni­ trogen per 1,000 square feet and does not need nitrogen fertilizer. Under low man­ agement, Fresa can supply all the nitro­ gen needed for grasses when grown in com­ bination with them. Fescues also require low maintenance and have drought tolerance characteristics which interest growers in the Southwest. New turf types such as Rebel, Falcon, Houndog, Mustang and Olympic are available and other new varieties will soon follow, according to Dr Pepin. The new turf fescues are generally finer leaved and more dense than Kentucky 31 or Alta, but not as attractive as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. The turf­ type tall fescues do well under summer heat conditions and under limited irrigation and low maintenance. They also have good tolerance to high pH and salty soils. During the 1980s, the turf-type fescue market should blossom into a major factor in the turf industry, Dr Pepin predicted, comparing it to the 1970 ryegrass market. He described the turf-type perennial rye­ grass market growth as "spectacular". From practically nowhere, this market has grown to nearly 40 million pounds for annual turf usage. Ten years ago, Manhattan was just becoming available in limited supply and Pennfine was being prepared for market­ ing. Now we have many excellent varieities such as Blazer, Citation, Derby, Fiesta, Loretta, Pennant, Regal and others. According to Pepin, high turf quality, good wear tolerance and rapid establishment char­ acteristics make turf-type ryegrass an ex­ cellent choice for many turf areas. He expects breeders to continue developing improved ryegrass cultivars. Kentucky bluegrass varieties also were developed rapidly during the 1970s. Improved turf types such as Baron, Vieta, Touchdown, Glade, Merit, Adelphi, America,- Sydsport, and others are excellent in medium to high management turf areas. Some of the newest varieties are Banff, Eclipse, Midnight and Wabash. ARCHITECTS RESPONSE TO SOCIETAL CHANGE The American Society of Landscape Architects, 1733 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20009 Ann McMurray reports that the ASLA addressed the profession’s response to societal change at its annual meeting held November 22 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Major issues affect­ ing the natural and built environment are facing humankind. These include: historic preservation, urban revitalization, housing, surface mining reclamation, and public park and recreation needs,among others. A full and complete consideration of land use and environmental quality must be made part of the public decision-making process. ASLA is the only organization which repre­ sents landscape architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, DC, it is a voluntary professional society which has crown from 11 landscape architects in 1899 to nearly 7,000 members in 45 com- ponents nationwise in 1983. P.O. Box 108 Continued NEW SLIDE SETS ON LAWN PESTS New York State Turfgrass Association, 210 Cartwright Boulevard, Massapequa Park, New York 11762 Ann Reilly, Executive Director of NYSTA has announced the release of three slide sets on lawn pests. Insects, diseases, and weeds are featured. These slide sets are a useful tool in the identification and diagnosis of turfgrass problems, and are of value to turfgrass superintendents of golf courses, athletic fields, parks, schools and universities, cemeteries, in­ stitutional and commercial grounds and residential complexes; landscape gardeners; lawn care firms; and those in the educa­ tional fields. The 66-slide set on turfgrass diseases, compiled by Dr Richard Smiley of Cornell University, pictures the characteristics and effects of snow mold, leaf spot, dollar spot, rust, red thread, slime mold, striped smut, mildew, fairy rings, brown patch, melting out, fusarium and pythium. The 76-slide set on insects of turfgrass in the northeast, compiled by Dr Haruo Tashiro of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Sta­ tion, pictures a variety of chafers, beetles, weevils, sod webworms and chinch bugs and the damage they do to turf. The 80-slide set on weeds, compiled by Dr Arthur Bing and Robert O'Knefski of Cornell University, features line drawings and identifying photos of 16 common weeds, including annual bluegrass, crabgrass, goosegrass, tall fes­ cue, nutsedge, wild onion and garlic, wood­ sorrel, clover, dandelion, ground ivy, plantain, chickweed, knotweed and black medic. Each slide set is $30 for NYSTA members and $35 for NYSTA non-members, and includes a written key, handling and third class pos­ tage. Add $1.50 per set for first class postage. Send your check made payable to NYSTA to NYSTA,.210 Cartwright Blvd, Massa­ pequa Park, NY 11762. LAWN DISEASES TRACED TO WATER New Mexico State University, Department of Agricultural Information, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 Dr Emroy Shannon, Plant Pthologist at New Mexico State University, has traced lawn­ grass diseases to water, according to a report presented at the annual Southwest Turfgrass Conference held in October in Albuquerque. Helminthosporium, Fusarium and Pythium diseases, brown patch, powderymildew, rust and various algae and slime molds can be traced to irrigation water. Although overwatering is associated with most of the turf diseases, too little water or poor drainage can cause problems as well. Also, high summer temperature and excessive nitrogen fertilizer applied during the summer to cool season grasses will bring on diseases. According to Shannon, prevention is a key to good turf. There are fungicides which will help protect turf during periods favoring disease development. However, these chemi­ cals should be used only as a supplement to good cultural practices. He advised turf managers to always check labels for rates of application and safety precautions before using fungicides. A list of fungicides with diseases that they control is compiled in "Chemical Control of Lawn Diseases", a publication available from the Cooperative Extension Service at New Mexico State University. NATIONAL GARDENING WEEK IN JUNE National Gardening Week, Box 1774, Parkers­ burg, West Virginia 26101 Lawns and gardening go together like hands and gloves. Even though lawn care is first in the minds of spring gardeners, and most lawns are groomed to near perfection by early June, having National Gardening Week June 3-9 gives us another good opportunity to promote the pleasures of our landscape environment. Write to Box 1774, Parkers­ burg, WV 26101 for more information. P.O. Box 108 Continued YOUTH GARDEN PROGRAMS National Association for Gardening, 180 Flynn Avenue, Burlington VT 05401 Lynn Ocone, Director of Youth Garden Pro­ grams writes "If a child is drifting like a seed on the wind, a garden is a good place to take root". The Association is involved in the advancement of gardening to add joy and health to living and to im­ prove our environment. If you feel sorry for children today, growing up in a world of computers and television and cashier­ less banks, write to the National Associ­ ation for Gardening and find out how wisdom is found in understanding simple things - gardens, for instance. Association membership reached 210,000 gar­ deners this year and continues to grow at a rate of some 5000 each month. According to Nancy Flinn, Association Public Relations Director in 1983: - Gardens for All work in youth and com­ - Gardens for All/Gallup National Garden­ munity gardening brought us three nation­ al awards; - Gardens for All Radio was developed for distribution; - We are working on the Gardens for All Newsmagazine for television and the software computer market; ing Survey has grown to better serve the gardening industry with data in both published survey form and with on-site specialized consulting; service to the organization; press releases, are being received by 2400 media folks. We are providing in­ formation to the general public and the gardening public (35 million American households and many in Canada and other countries). - We added a full time gardening answering - Gardens for All Newsmagazine, along with WM E "OLD BILL" LYONS WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED Dr Fred V Grau, President, The Musser Inter­ national Turfgrass Foundation, P O Box AA, College Park, MD 20740 Dr Grau expresses the thoughts of us all upon learning of the December 8,1983 loss of "Old Bill" Lyons. The world of turfgrass has lost a leader. Bill was an innovator and a promoter. His ideas to improve the lot of public golf courses were not always accepted for he was ahead of his time. He succeeded in improv­ ing Lyons Den Golf to a quality that attrac­ ted golfers who appreciated quality turf. As a Director of The Musser Foundation, he worked long and hard to raise money for turf research. His heart and soul were dedica­ ted to the concept of Better Turf. Bill did not seek publicity but it found him. Many awards came his way. The latest, shortly before his death, was the coveted National Golf Foundation Award, presented to him in Las Vegas. "Old Bill's" impatience with wasted effort at turf conferences led to the now famous "Cheese Bar", first launched at Purdue Uni­ versity in the early 40's. His generosity with Ohio cheeses and Trai1 Bologna drew turf lovers to his quarters where ideas were exchanged and discussions augmented the edu­ cational sessions. One of Bill's projects, away from golf, was the improvement of athletic fields. He im­ proved the turf for some local fields to the point that, for two straight years, no injur­ ies occurred. He was dedicated to the prin­ ciple of reducing injuries by growing grass 1 His name will be inscribed on The Memorial Roll of Honor of The Musser Foundation. The Fellowship Fund will thus be expanded as a Living Memorial to his memory. Contribu­ tions in honor of "Old Bill" may be forward­ ed to The Musser Foundation in care of Dr Grau. P.O. Box 108 Continued STANDARD SEED SPECIFICATIONS Atlantic Seedsmen's Association, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10017 Margaret Herbst, Executive Secretary of The Atlantic Seedsmen’s Association has recently issued an updated 1983 Edition Standard Seed Specifications List. It con­ tains current nomenclature and the new seed types that have been developed more recently. The information is intended to serve as a guide to those writing specifications, but who are not familiar with seed qualities. It is not to serve for an assumed basis for trading among seedsmen. Specifications presented are fair and realistic and repre­ sent high standards of quality in seeds insofar as purity, germination and seed count are measures of quality. These specifications should be of assis­ tance to buying agencies - government, industrial and otherwise. They might also be of use to educational institutions,en­ gineers, and architects, both general and landscape. It is hoped that those responsible for writing specifications for grass seed will review their present specifications and be guided by these standards. Days for Official Germ Test Accepted name % Purity % Germ Approx Range Seeds/Pound 28 28 28 28 28 21 10 14 14 14 14 14 14 21 21 21 10 28 21 28 7 12 14 7 21 21 21 14 21 Kentucky bluegrass 98 Kentucky bluegrass 85 Merion Ketucky bluegrass 92 Kentucky bluegrass (varieties)98 Canada bluegrass 85 Pea trivialis 90 Redtop 92 Annual ryegrass 98 Perennial ryegrass 95 Per ryegrass (turf-type) (var) 98 Tall fescue (varieties) 98 Tall fescue (turf-type) (var) 98 Meadow fescue 97 Hard fescue 92 Red fescue (varieties) 98 Chewing fescue 98 Timothy 99 Colonial bentgrass 98 Velvet bentgrass 98 creeping bentgrass (varieties)98 white clover 98 Birdsfoot trefoil 98 Crownvetch 98 Alsike Clover 98 Orchardgrass 90 Bermudagrass (hulled) 98 Bermudagrass (uhulled) 98 Korean lespedeza 98 Sericia lespedeza 98 85 1,021,000-1,758,000 80 1,000,000-1,500,000 80 2,200,000 80 varies with variety 80 2,290,640` 80 2,080,320 85 4,851,000 90 179,600-201,000 90 210,500-270,300 90 226,000 85 177,800-233,600 85 285,000-300,000 85 225,440 85 591,920 85 365,100-448,660 365,100-448,600` 85 85 1,090,400-1,236,000 85 6,129,840 85 8,247,200 85 6,129,840 90* 672,000-888,000 85* 369,840 75** 138,160 85* 369,840 85 177,840-477,200 85 2,071,120 85 1,586,240 85* 138,160 85* 372,000 *Including not more than 25% hard seed ** Including not more than 35% hard seed. Source of information: Association of Official Seed Analysts Volume 60, No 2 Rules for Testing Seed THRESHING THE JOURNALS (Published Research Results) ISOELECTRIC FOCUSING OF ESTERASES FOR FINE FESCUE IDENTIFICATION C B Villamil, R W Duell, D E Fairbrothers and J Sadowski. Crop Science Vol 22 Number 4 786-793 Validation of the identity of lawngrass cultivars based on commercial seed lots would meet an increasing need among both turfgrass scientists and practitioners. New techniques are under investigation. These would serve as an alternative and/or complement to the more costly and time con­ suming performance tests. Isoelectric fo­ cusing is one technique used for distingu­ ishing among fine fescue species, subspe­ cies and cultivars. This study concerned the stability of esterase patterns of seeds as influenced by year and location of pro­ duction . The technique involves use of seed material (caryopses plus lemmas and paleas). This is ground and delipified prior to protein extraction, isoelectric focusing, esterase staining and evaluation. The following twenty seven cultivars were among the thir­ ty eight studied: Festuca ovina L. supsp. duriuscula (L.) Koslow - Balmoral - Biljart - Centurion - Reliant - Scaldis - Sylvana - Tournament - Waldina Festuca rubra L.subsp. commutata Gaud. - Adonis - Barfalla - Banner - Frida - Highlight - Jamestown - Ilona - Koket - Longfellow - Shadow - Veni Festuca rubra L.subsp. rubra A.R.P. daSilva and Sob. - Fortress - Gracia - Merlin Festuca rubra L.subsp. trichophylla Gaud. - Barbara - Dawson - Golfrood Festuca tenuifolia Sibth. - Barok - Renova Fifteen commercial samples of seeds of James­ town harvested in five consecutive years did not reveal detectable differences in the number distribution or relative intensity of the esterase bands. Analyses of three samples of Banner harvested from three different fields in the same year and three samples harvested from the same field in three con­ secutive years did not reveal any detectable differences among samples. Similar results were obtained with Koket. There were con­ sistant differences between Banner and Kcket in the development of bands of esterases. Scaldis and Biljart were compared and iden­ tified on the basis of esterase bands. Where seed of Reliant was slightly contam­ inated the match with uncontaminated seed did not hold. It was concluded that there is a high degree of constancy for both qual- itiative and quantitative aspects of ester­ ase patterns. Neither year of production nor location of production significantly altered the banding pattern that character­ ized each cultivar. Therefore, esterase patterns were found to be stable character­ istics reflecting the uniqueness of gene­ tic constitution of each cultivar. CALLUS INDUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND PLANTLET REGENERATION IN CREEPING BENTGRASS J V Krans, V T Henning, and K C Torres Crop Science Vol 22 Number 6 1193-1197 Plant cell and tissue culture studies have involved several plant species. Dicots have received more attention than monocots. Plantlet regeneration in turfgrasses has been reported for ryegrass hybrids (Lolium multiflorum X L perenne and reciprocal crosses), for tall fescue (Festuca arundi- nacea Schreb.) and for creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoLonifera L.). Callus induction and maintenance without regeneration has been reported in some additional turfgrasses. Meristem culture studies have involved sev­ eral more. Hormonal and environmental requirements for callus induction, maintenance and plantlet formation are of critical importance. This study of Penncross creeping bentgrass eval­ uated the effect of 2,4—dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and light versus dark incubation on callus induction from mature caryopses. Callus growth and plantlet regeneration were also investigated using 2,4-D and Kin­ etin. THRESHING THE JOURNALS CONTINUED 172-174 Penncross was found to be readily manipula­ ted in callus culture. Optimum levels of the hormone for callus induction and main­ tenance were relatively similar. Dark in­ cubation for inducing callus from mature caryopses proved best. Greatest callus yield and less time and effort required to excise callus were noted. Kinetin was not found to be a necessary media constituent for callus induction. Viable callus may be stored over an extended period of time for use in later experiments. The apparent lack of phenotypic differences between cul­ tured plants and seeded plants and the low frequency of albinism in plantlets indica­ tes a high degree of Penncross stability in culture. USE OF CALLUS CULTURES TO SCREEN TALL FESCUE SEED SAMPLES FOR ACREMONIUM COENO- PHIALUM. B V Conger and J K McDaniel Crop Science Vol 23 Number 1 The presence of an endophyte in tall fescue plants has been correlated with bovine fes­ cue toxicity and related poor performance of steers grazing on these lands. The en­ dophyte, Acremonium coenophialum, produces no external symptoms on infected plants. The fungus is conspicuous in tissues of tillers in actively growing plants when stained and subjected to microscopic exam­ ination. Now a rapid and sensitive enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techni­ que is available to detect the fungus in both plants and seeds. Results of these studies show that embryo- derived callus tissue can be used to screen tall fescue seed for the endophyte. Hundreds of seeds from several samples can be easily tested at one time and the results obtained in three to four weeks. This technique pro­ vides an alternative to previously used his­ tological and ELISA procedures on actively growing plants. With embryo-derived callus, seeds do not need to be germinated and grown to plants before determination of infection or noninfection. Testing large numbers of seed is necessary if the endophyte occurs in low frequency in a particular seed lot. Identification of the endophyte is highly reliable using this technique. INHERITANCE OF OZONE RESISTANCE IN TALL FESCUE W J Johnston, R L Haaland and R Dickens Crop Science Vol 23 Number 2 235-236 Ozone is considered the most widespread air pollutant in the United States. It is cer­ tainly the most important contamination of air that affects vegetation. As urbaniza­ tion increases, ozone levels elevate and now in many locations exceed federal stan­ dards with increasing frequency. Research has found that ozone tolerance of plants is a highly heritable characteristic and that the selection of resistant plants and the breeding for ozone resistance should be successful. This study was undertaken to gain information on the inheritance of ozone resistance in tall fescue. A major portion of the genetic variance for ozone resistance in tall fescue seedlings was found to be additive. Thus, improve­ ment in resistance should be possible using mass selection or recurrent selection meth­ ods. In general, results also show that northern European and US ecotypes are more resistant than are Mediterranean types. Additional studies in this area are consi­ dered desirable as little has been accom­ plished to date except for the selection of a smog-resistant turf-type bermudagrass cul­ tivar, Santa Ana. 385-386 VARIABILITY IN ROOTED STEM PRODUCTION AMONG TALL FESCUE GENOTYPES P D’Uva, J H Bouton and R H Brown Crop Science Vol 23 Number 2 Tall fescue is usually described as a deep rooted perennial bunchgrass with numerous leaves and few to many stems. Occasional plants have short rhizomes. Because the internodes of the underground stems are short, a relatively nonspreading habit of growth is common. Recently, plant types with creeping rooted stems have been obser­ ved. These stems have spread both above and below ground with distinct internodes and roots and sometimes tillers or secon­ dary rooted stems at their nodes. The ob­ jective of this study was to determine the genotypic variability in rooted stem pro­ duction among twenty four tall fescue geno­ types grown at two locations in* Georgia. No differences in plant response were found related to location. Thus, soil and clima­ tic variables did not affect the expression of rooted stem development. There were significant differences among the tall fes­ cue genotypes in the number and length of rooted stems and in plant area measured at the soil surface. Plant area and rooted stem number and length were directly rela­ ted. The variability in rooted stem pro­ duction and the high degree of development of this character in some genotypes indicates its potential use in breeding tall fescues for better adaptation as turfgrasses. THRESHING THE JOURNALS CONTINUED 514-517 EFFECTS OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON THE CARBON DIOXIDE EXCHANGE RATES OF BERMUDAGRASS AND ST AUGUSTINEGRASS WHEN EXPOSED TO CHILLING TEMPERATURES. K J Karnok and J B Beard Crop Science Vol 23 Number 3 Cool temperatures within the range of 50 to 60° F (10 to 15° C) set back the growth of warm-season perennial grasses. In time, a complete loss of pigmentation occurs and plants enter a state of dormancy. This is caused by physiological disruptions often simply called chilling injury. Photosynthe­ sis is perhaps the first physiological func­ tion affected by chilling temperatures. Rate of photosynthesis for both cool and warm season grasses is reduced at lower tempera­ tures. Some grasses are more chill toler­ ant than others. Among the bermudagrasses Ormond is considered chill tolerant and Pee Dee, chill sensitive. Floratam St Augustine­ grass is chill tolerant and Texas common, chill sensitive. The application of gibberellic acid is known to delay the start of chilling injury. When used at the proper time, increases in dry weight, total leaf area and shoot length have been observed. This study was conducted to determine the effect of chilling temperatures on the carbon dioxide exchange rate and to observe the effects of gibberellic acid on plant responses. The carbon dioxide exchange rates were lower for the chill sensitive bermudagrass and St Augustinesgrass than for the chill tolerant cultivars. Both bermudagrass cultivars in­ creased carbon dioxide exchange rates follow­ ing gibberellic acid treatment. Floratam St Augustinegrass decreased carbon dioxide exchange rate following an application of gibberellic acid, and Texas common did not respond. Rates of application for gibber­ ellic acid may well be more critical for St Augustinegrass than for bermudagrass. These results indicate that the chilling resistance of Ormond is at least partly due to its ability to maintain a relatively high daytime carbon dioxide exchange rate while under chilling stress. This maintenance of photosynthesis facilitates the production of new shoot growth which is resistant to chilling and is necessary for the replace­ ment of chill injured above ground plant parts. GENETIC VARIABILITY OF SEED YIELD AND REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERS IN TALL FESCUE H T Nguyen and D A Sleper Crop Science Vol 23 Number 4 621-626 Breeding for improved seed production in tall fescue is essential for the assurance of continuing adequate seed supplies. The objectives of this study were to deter­ mine the extent and nature of genetic var­ iability, genotype times environmental inter­ actions and heritabilities for seed yield and reproductive characters. Interrelation­ ships among these characters and prediction of genetic gain from selection and correla­ ted responses in other characters were also evaluated. All entries were evaluated for the following ten seed production characters: - maturity score; - plant height; - lodging score; - number of panicles; - panicle length; - seed yield; - 100-seed weight; - reproductive herbage yield; - seed weight per panicle; - seeds per panicle. Early maturing tall fescues had greater seed production. This was related to larger num­ ber of panicles and increased seed size. The extent and nature of genetic variability in­ dicates excellent opportunities for improv­ ing seed yield. MANAGEMENT OF HERBICIDE AND FERTILITY LEVELS ON WEEDS AND KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS TURF B J Johnson and T H Boyer Agronomy Journal Vol 74, Number 5 845-850 Most weeds can be controlled in turf by proper use of selective herbicides; however, without optimum fertilization, turf growth can be inhibited by herbicide treatments and additional weeds may invade the turf area. Kentucky bluegrass is grown in the mountain region of Georgia. In the summer it is sub­ jected to stress conditions that can so weaken the turf that loss from heat, disease, and other related factors are common. Since it is usually necessary to clean up weeds with herbicides and use fertilizers to main­ tain growth, an experiment was conducted to determine the influence of combined herbi­ cide and fertility levels. The degree to which fertilizer can substitute for herbi­ cides in controlling weeds and maintaining turf quality was studied. THRESHING THE JOURNALS CONTINUED Crabgrass control was better when both nitro­ gen and preemergence herbicides were used together. However, postemergence control of crabgrass with monosodium methanearson- ate (MSMA) was the same with and without ni­ trogen applications. MSMA also effectively controlled dandelions. Fewer dandelions were noted in fertilized plots. In one of four years, the combination of isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) and MSMA caused injury to the turf. Similar injury was noted with urea­ formaldehyde (UF) and sulfur-coated urea (SCU). Much less injury was evident when ammonium nitrate was applied. MSMA reduced the incidence of red thread disease. After four years, there was generally less disease where ammonium nitrate was used and more disease on turf treated with slow release nitrogen. CULTIVAR AND SEEDLING RATE EFFECTS ON SEVERAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS TURF A D Brede and J M Duich Agronomy Journal Vol 74 Number 5 865-870 Management and environmental factors affect tillers in a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. The growth habit and dimensions of bluegrass plants vary with: cultivar, light intensity, photoperiod, nutrient supply and cutting practices. The fold of the leaf blade changes with available moisture. Studies of bluegrass physical characteris­ tics are difficult to accomplish. Varia­ tions are noted in spaced plantings and in seedlings that are no longer evident in mature stands. Clipped plants do not behave the same as unclipped plants. Turfgrass managers make frequent decisions that affect the growth and development of the grass. The reaction of the tiller is often unknown or not considered. This study was conducted to evaluate the physical re­ sponse of A-34, Baron, Bonnieblue, Newport and Pennstar Kentucky bluegrasses grown under dense field conditions. Seeding rate and cultivar differences were evaluated. Seeding rate had a positive effect on leaf angle. The percent loose tillers per sam­ ple, which serve as an indicator of nonver­ tical tiller orientation, green leaves per tiller, sheath-axis width and leaf widths were negatively affected by seeding rate. Over five growing seasons stand densities developed to a mature density. This was affected by cultivar and cutting height. A-34 had the highest tiller density, few­ est green leaves per tiller and narrowest leaf angle and blades. Baron possessed the most brown leaves per tiller and equalled Bonnieblue with the widest sheath axis width. Bonnieblue had the most green leaves per tiller and equalled Pennstar with the low­ est mature tiller density. Pennstar had the most base tillers per sam­ ple , the widest leaf angle and the most nar­ row sheath-axis width. SIMAZINE FORMULATION TREATMENTS ON CONTROL OF WINTER WEEDS IN BERMUDAGRASS TURF B J Johnson Agronomy Journal Vol 74 Number 5 881-886 Preemergence herbicide treatments do not consistently control all the different broadleaf winter annual weeds commonly found throughout the southeastern United States. Postemergence treatments also vary in effectiveness. Simazine has both pre and post emergence activity on winter weeds in Georgia. Therfore, an experiment was initiated with Simazine to determine if variation in weed control can be reduced or eliminated by proper selection of formu­ lation, rates and frequency of treatments on a bermudagrass turf. Preemergence treatments in September pro­ vided best control of winter weeds when 1.6 and 2.0 pounds per acre (1.8 and 2.2 Kg/ha) of granular formulation and 2.0 pounds per acre (2.2 Kg/ha) of the wettable powder were applied. Slurry treatments in September did not control parsley-piert or corn speed­ well . Postemergence February treatments controlled parsley-piert, corn speedwell, hopclover and annual bluegrass regardless of formulation used or rates of application, ’except for the granular formulation on hopclover. In this instance, control from 0.8 pounds per acre (0.9 Kg/ha) was not as good as when treat­ ed with other formulations at the same rate. Also, the February granular treatments did not satisfactorily control spurweed,while control was good with the wettable powder and slurry when at least 1.6 pounds per acre (1.8 Kg/ha) was used. None of the Simazine treatments delayed early growth of bermudagrass in the spring regardless of formulation, rates, or dates of treatment. Conference Topics (Presentations of note) Three topics from three different confer­ ences are summarized here in an attempt to illustrate change in turfgrass research and practice as well as stability in recognizing value in the turfgrass commodity. A reso­ lution from the American Seed Trade Asso­ ciation speaks to the importance of con­ tinuing cooperative effort between public and private researchers and administrators. Presented at the 1982 ASTA Convention, this resolution is helping in the development of research priorities to assure continued progress in the release of improved turf­ grass cultivars. At the 1983 ASTA Lawnseed Division meeting, Dr Victor Gibeault, Universitv of Califor­ nia Turfgrass Educator, challenged his aud­ ience to take a close look at changes in turfgrass perspective. To best be prepared for the future, we must understand from whence we have come. Finally, a thought provoking statement on Golf and America was presented by The Hon­ orable Guy VanderJagt, Representative from Michigan, at the 1983 GCSAA Convention. His valued perspective provides ample jus­ tification for all our effort in behalf of better lawns and sports turf. AMERICAN SEED TRADE ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION ON RELEASE OF GERMPLASM, VARIETIES AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY Harold Loden, ASTA Executive Vice President in 1982, introduced the following resolu­ tion for discussion by stating that although it is apparent most universities have well- established policies in this area, it is believed important that ASTA take a formal position. WHEREAS, the challenges to improve agricul­ tural productivity are ever increasing, and WHEREAS, the historically close cooperation between the public and private plant breed­ ers has been mutually beneficial, and WHEREAS, such cooperation has enabled the seed industry of the U S to attain a posi­ tion of world leadership in the development and release of new varieties , in many plant species, and WHEREAS, the basic research accomplished by plant scientists in the public sector has been possible as the result of the team efforts of dedicated and capable public scientists in conjunction with available sophisticated physical facilities for such research, and WHEREAS, it is recognized that public breeders have contributed significantly to the seed industry and to the benefit of the general public by the development of improved germ­ plasm and varieties, and WHEREAS, the seed industry recognizes the competition for available funds that may influence plant variety release policies of Public institutions, and WHEREAS, it is essential that both private and public research be perpetuated in a highly viable state. Conference Topics Continued ASTA Resolution CONTINUED NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Am­ erican Seed Trade Association recommends that public institutions give consideration to the following basic concepts in the formation of policies related to release of germplasm, new varieties and related technology from their research programs: 1. Close cooperation between public and pri­ vate plant breeders contributes materially to the successful introduction and utili­ zation of new varieties and should be perpetuated. 2. Open exchange of germplasm and research information among public and private breed­ ers is a practice that should be encouraged and continued. 3. The primary role of the public breeder should be that of "basic research", the development and general release of improved germplasm and the training of future plant breeders. It is recognized, however, that circumstances presently exist, and will exist in the future, whereunder public breeders will breed and release finished varieties of plant species. 4. As a general principle, varieties and germ­ plasm and related technology developed at public institutions with public funds should be released on a non-exclusive basis. Exclusive or restricted release of varieties is acceptable in situations and to the extent that a general release will not protect the integrity of the variety or ensure the availability of the variety on a continuing basis. If a restricted release policy is contem­ plated for release of a variety or var­ ieties, appropriate notice should be given to interested parties (through state and regional seed associations, ASTA, NCCPB) with opportunity to respond. 5. Public breeders should not personally receive royalties or alternative forms of remuneration for varieties, germplasm, or other research material that they develop and release, since such remuner­ ation may restrict free exchange of germ­ plasm and general research information among plant breeders, public and of the private sector. 6. Release of publicly bred varieties on a royalty basis may place public institu­ tions in direct competition with private breeders. It is recommended that public institutions and private industry join in evaluating the impact of the breeding and release of varieties by public insti­ tutions on a species and geographical basis in order that policies will be established to properly define the role of the public institution in serving its supporting constituency. 7. The seed industry supports and favors public and industry-wide funding of specific research projects at public institutions, rather than grants which may provide for selective release of research results. 3. Release of germplasm and varieties or techniques developed by new technology (gene splicing, genetic engineering, recombinant DNA techniques, etc) should be in accordance with these basic con­ cepts. Subsequent in depth discussion of the reso­ lution has suggested that the primary basis for the problem is the lack of adequate funding of experiment station research. Effort must be made to aid public institu­ tions in obtaining additional financial support. It has also been pointed out that the funding problem may be aggravated in some instances by a lack of adequate redi­ rection and prioritizing of reseach efforts. Greater attention must be given by both public and private researchers and adminis­ trators to the development of long range plans. Conference Topics Continued ASTA LAWNSEED DIVISION Changing Turfgrass Perspective Dr Victor Gibeault, University of California Turfgrass Educator, has studied the impor­ tance of turfgrasses in the United States. Lawns and turf have functional value in that they modify the environment. They reduce glare, reduce air pollution (both particu­ late and gaseous), control temperature to a degree and help in noise abatement. Lawns and turf also influence lifestyle through recreational activities (sports) and through development of attractive habitats (ornamen­ tal aspects). Six factors have influenced the importance of turfgrass to date,according to Vic. These include: (1) urbanization, (2) suburbaniza­ tion, (3) population increases - 265 million projected for the year 2000, (4) increase in leisure time- 60 hour work week in the 1800's to less than 40 hours in the 1980's, (5) increases in discretionary income - dollars available after needs are satis­ fied, (6) increase in importance of amen­ ities - stimulation of comfort and joy. The value of turfgrasses in California is listed at $1.08 billion dollars in a 1983 survey. Projecting this at the national level would make the turfgrass agribusiness a $24.7 billion dollar industry. 1977 data on California turfgrass acreage and value in various categories indicates a total of 1,380,295 acres costing $689,764, 000 to maintain. Residential lawns repre­ sented, by far, the leading category. 1977 - Estimated Acreage and Maintenance Costs of Turfgrass in California Location Residential Golf Parks Schools Cemeteries Sod Bowling Greens Other Total Acres 860,800 75,000 42,000 68,864 34,432 250 25 296,974 1,380,295 Cost(thousand $) 467,694 72,800 12,039 20,035 9,877 (16,000) * 684 106,635 689,764 *estimate not included in total Conference Topics Continued CHANGING TURFGRASS PERSPECTIVE Continued How did all this come about and what about future trends ? From 1950 to about 1973, increasing pros­ perity in the United States led to higher and higher expectations for lawns and turf. We could afford the best color, texture, density, uniformity and expect to have lawns pest free. Football fields, school grounds, golf courses and ornamental lawns could be enjoyed at their best. We could well afford to mow more, fertilize more, irrigate more, aerify more, control thatch and all pests at increased frequency. The only problem was,this required high energy inputs. Then from 1973 to 1978, the energy crisis came to the forefront. Costs went up. Water, fertilizer, everything related to lawn construction, renovation and mainten­ ance. The economy slowed and people started to reevaluate needs and establish new prio­ rities. Since 1978, we are in the midst of a tax and cost rebellion. Vic has observed in California that areas maintained with pub­ lic funds are being cut back. Dollars are being stretched. Tax supported projects felt the crunch first, but now it is wide spread. From 1983 through 1985 and probably beyond, water availability will become increasingly important. The cost to store and move water is likely to be an issue for many communities. What lies beyond this ? Do we continue as is, or do we move backwards ? Vic feels that it's important for us not to go backward. But, we must return to some of the sound basic principles that we have set aside or by-passed in our rush towards affluency. For example, in Califor­ nia, turfgrass species adaptation must be considered in four categories: - Use of well adapted grasses so that energy requirements are reduced to the minimum. - Use of special high maintenance grasses that are known to cost more but are necessary for uses that can justify the expenses. - Use of high level maintenance grasses in areas of extremely poor adaptation. These, such as creeping bentgrasses in Palm Springs, would be restricted or limited in use. - Many grasses that are not well adapted in an area should not be used at all. Like California, all states can be mapped and each of these four areas of adaptation identified and related to grasses that may or may not be used. Cost of use can be specified. For example, in Palm Springs Vic has found that it can cost $20,000 more to maintain bentgrass than bermudagrass with overseeding under golf green conditions. He has identified four zones in California where bermudagrass is restricted in use, three limiting use of Kentucky bluegrass and only two where turf type tall fescues may be costly to maintain. Bermudagrasses are thus least widely adapted and turf type tall fescues are most widely adapted. It's a fact well adapted grasses use less water. Although species differences are greater; there are also varietal differences. Fit the grass to the use. Sports turf, such as golf and football, require high recuper­ ative potential. Cost will be greater. Home lawns should have a moderate domestic potential. Cost will be less. Finally, parks, roadsides may be designated as hav­ ing an industrial potential with minimum cost. According to Vic Gibeault, this is the way to adjust to the changes that are upon us without loss of turfgrass quality across the board. Conference Topics Continued Golf Course Superintendent s of America GOLF AND AMERICA After listening to The Honorable Guy Vander- Jagt, PhD, member of the House of Represen­ tatives from Michigan, it was easy to con­ clude that golfers may well be the best of humankind and the most patriotic of our citizens. His topic, "Golf and America", presented some vivid images important for us to remember. First - picture as many golf courses as you are familiar with. They are all different and yet, they all provide a unique environ­ ment for the game of golf. It requires skill to play each and a wide range of know­ ledge to maintain and manage them. The char­ acteristics that make for high quality in golf courses are the same as those that make Americans the great people that they are. Dr VanderJagt called attention to the fol­ lowing - - Individuality - the making of a great golf challenge; the core that perpetra­ tes the American spirit. - Microcosm of life - both on and off the course: - joy: in a well played ball; in home, family, friends. - sorrow: in a missed put; in all losses through life. - good luck: as the ball bounces back on the fairway; as we reap rewards in life over which we have no control. - bad luck: as a gusty wind drives a ball off course; as we find ourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. On the course and off, this is life. - Smiling through adversity - golf jokes and stories provide a lesson for us in search of the brighter side. - Ecology and Environmentalism - Golf Course Superintendents were the first practitioners. A golf course ceases to be functional in the face of pollu­ tion and environmental degredation. We can learn from the methods golf super­ intendents use to improve environmental quality. ~ Creation of enjoyment - both golf and the best of living experiences accomplish this for others. - Experiencing the miracle of agriculture- recycling of water, conservation of soil, managing waste disposal, good land use, keeping living things in their proper environment for the benefit of human­ kind. All these are the elements of good golf turf management as well as the basis for agricultural science. All may not be fortunate enough to be farmers, but all may learn from being on the golf course. - Working out differences - golf courses provide an atmosphere conducive to getting people together such that the forces of faith and hope may prevail in the identity of common ground. Dr VanderJagt related these concepts of faith and hope to the future of America, noting the blessings we enjoy as individ­ uals, as Americans, all qualities of the golfer. Individuality, Initiative. The individual is the key, capable of shifting the direction of even a great country. Is it the government that is great, or is it the people who are great ? Our system is founded on the principle that govern­ ment be servant. It follows the lead of the people. In difficult times the Amer­ ican people have always brought forth the best and highest qualities. Just as in the game of golf, we are called upon to give the very best that we have. Field Day Score Card (Field Plot Evaluations) FIELD TOUR DEMONSTRATES 1983 LESSONS LEARNED The American Society of Agronomy Turfgrass Tour of the Washington, DC area held on August 17 featured visits to the White House grounds, the Robert F Kennedy Stadium, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Turf Plots, among others. Plans made by Pete Dernoeden, University of Mary­ land, Jim Patterson and Bob Cook, National Park Service, John Hall, Virginia State University, and Nichole O'Neill and Jack Murray, USDA-BARC resulted in a full day event that scored high in interest and ed­ ucational value. The following notes are presented here as an example of the type of observations made and variety of topics discussed. The White House Grounds The White House grounds are beautifully landscaped with many specimens of historic significance. Lawn areas create open space and vistas from which views of the surround­ ing city become more interesting. The south lawn is well turfed and uniform in appearance. Evidence of adverse effects of the hot summer of 1983 were not to be seen. Disease, weed and insect control practices were creating conditions favorable for fine turf production. Nut sedge was evident within the turf under close inspec­ tion, however, frequent mowing of this fast growing plant had been effective in making it less conspicuous. Turf type tall fescue has been overseeded in this area in an attempt to improve the hardiness of the turf cover. The rose garden area consists of a high quality zoysia turf. This lawn is sodded to zoysia for late spring, summer and early fall months. Then, the sod is removed and replaced with a bluegrass sod for late fall, winter and earlv spring months. This rota­ tion provides for an attractive lawn all year around. Because of the use requirements imposed, the White House grounds present a unique management challenge. They must always look good and be ready for unexpected spe­ cial events and services. Planning and scheduling renovation, repair or reconstruc­ tion are difficult, at best. Frequently, most desirable timing for maintenance and renovation practices are not possible be­ cause of restrictions dictated by use, or other considerations imposed by the exe­ cutive staff. The maintenance staff re­ ceived congratulations from tour partici­ pants for the excellent job being done at our nation's number one residence. Field Day Score Card CONTINUED Robert F Kennedy Stadium The stadium, home of the Washington Redskins, was completed in 1961. Soil compaction on the field was battled for thirteen years before all existing soil was removed and the Prescription Athletic Turf (PAT) System installed. The 1975 installation involved approximately 11,200 cubic yards of sand to provide an eighteen inch profile. The pre­ scribed plastic barrier, tile, pumps and heating cable were put in place. The sur­ face one inch was modified with peat, cal­ cined clay and vermiculite. The following turfgrasses have been in use: - April 1975 - Sod of Kentucky bluegrass blend. - Spring 1976 - Sod Tufcote bermudagrass; - annual overseeding with - Spring 1981 - Sod Vamont bermudagrass. - Fall 1981 - Seed Manhattan perennial - November 1982 - Sod Kentucky bluegrass - Spring 1983 - Sod Rebel turf type tall - July 1983 - Sod Vamont bermudagrass; ryegrass. blend. fescue. perennial ryegrass. to be overseeded with perennial ryegrass in the fall. With eighteen to twenty five scheduled football games a year, including Washington Federal games in the spring, the field re­ ceives heavy use. Bermudagrass receives four to six pounds of nitrogen per one thousand square feet dur­ ing its growing season. The overseeded rye­ grass receives one to three pounds of nitro­ gen between October one and January fifteen. High potassium levels are maintained to maximize winter survival. Bermudagrass is mowed at heights of from three quarters to one half an inch. In September, the mowing heights are raised to one to one and one quarter inch to accomo­ date the overseeding, increase verdure and enhance winter hardiness. Some topdressing is applied in conjunction with the fall overseeding. A sand similar to that in the field is used. A clear vented (one quarter inch holes on six inch centers) tarpaulin is used in the fall to extend bermudagrass growth and en­ hance the development of the overseeded perennial ryegrass. The field is covered when night temperatures go below 45° F and the cover removed when daytime temperatures go above 70°. In the fall, after each game, divots are removed and holes topdressed and reseeded. The field is tinted when the bermudagrass has gone dormant to aid in providing accep­ table color. Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Turf Plots Inspection of turfgrass research plots during periods of climatic adversity are always of special interest. During these periods of stress, differences or lack of differences can be particularly meaningful. In the midst of a hot, dry summer, the following notes and observations were made. National Kentucky Bluegrass Tests 1980 Seedings These Kentucky bluegrass test plots are mowed at 1 1/2 inches, receive three pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet, and are irrigated to prevent dormancy. Out of one hundred and thirty one entries, forty seven are commercially available. Twenty seven entries were grouped as having best qual­ ity to date. Among those in this category were: Ram-I, FyIking, Enmundi, Rugby, Ameri­ ca, Majestic, Merit, Sydsport, Eclipse. Note: the extra nitrogen and irrigation and different age of stand make a difference. (See trials seeded in 1981). National Kentucky Bluegrass Tests 1981 Seedings These Kentucky bluegrass test plots are mowed at 1 1/2 inches, receive one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet each year and no irrigation. Out of one hundred and eight entries, forty seven are commercially available. Twenty entries were grouped as having best quality to date. Among those in this category were: Monopoly, Ram I, Enmundi, Rugby, Touchdown, Majestic. Note: the lesser amount of nitrogen, lack of irrigation and age of stand make a difference'. (See trials seeded in 1980) Field Day Score Card CONTINUED Beltsville Plots Continued Kentucky Bluegrass Evaluations Under Low Maintenance -1977 Seeding Kentucky bluegrasses seeded in 1977 and maintained at a 1 1/2 inch height of cut, fertilized with two pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year, and not irriga­ ted were inspected for turf quality in the midst of the 1983 summer stress period. Adelphi, Enmundi, Vantage and Wabash were noted to be superior. Perennial Ryegrass Varieties and Selections -1977 Seeding Fifty two perennial ryegrass cultivars seeded in 1977 and maintained under a 1 1/2 inch clipping height and fertilized with two to - three pounds of nitrogen a year were evalu­ ated. Regal looked particularly good. Jack Murray noted that the best summer perfor­ mers over the years, in addition to Regal, were Clipper, K5-683, Fiesta, Dasher, Blazer, Pennfine and Paramount. Perennial Ryegrass Responses to Mowing and Nitrogen Pennfine perennial ryegrass seeded in 1978 has been mowed at different heights and received different amounts of nitrogen. The following observations have been made- - Ryegrass may be winterkilled even in - Two pounds of nitrogen was not enough; the Washington, DC area. four pounds was about right and six pounds reduced tolerance to summer stress. - Mowing at 3/4 and 1 1/2 inch heights produced best quality turf. Effects of Cultivars in Tall Fescue- Bluegrass Mixtures As little as ten percent Kentucky bluegrass in a turf type tall fescue seed mixture improves the sod strength. Mystic Kentucky bluegrass provided too much competition with the turf type tall fescues. Ram I Kentucky bluegrass worked well in fescue mixtures. Higher levels of nitrogen cause bluegrasses to be more competitive. Best turfgrass quality was noted with Rebel or Falcon alone. Mixtures with bluegrass produced a finer textured cover indicating less turf type tall fescue influence on the stand. Bermudagrass Varieties and Selections Twenty five bermudagrasses sprigged in 1976 are being evaluated for winterhardiness, color, density, rate of spread, disease resistance and turf quality in the transi­ tion zone. Turf is mowed at one inch. Three pounds of nitrogen are applied in equal increments in May, June and August. Of the named varieties, Tufcote and Mid­ iron have produced best overall quality. Both of these have been subject to winter injury. One experimental entry looks pro­ mising . A Comparison of Selected Zoysiagrass Clones and Their Poly-pollinated Progeny - Seeded This study was initiated in June 1983. Com­ parisons are being made of zoysia establish­ ment using plugs (2 1/4 inches in diameter on 1 foot centers), polycross seed at 1 1/2 pound per 1000 square feet and straw mulched, and sprigs on 1 foot centers. Seed was scarified with potassium hydroxide and light treated. Seed germinated in 4 to 6 days and plots looked good in early August. Seed­ ed plots had more vegetative cover than where plugs and sprigs were used. Zoysiagrass Variety and Selection Evaluation Zoysiagrasses planted in 1980 are being evaluated for color, density, quality, disease and insect resistance, drought tol­ erance and rate of establishment. Turf was established from plugs, fertilized with two pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet each year and mowed at a one inch height. Plots were irrigated only during severe drought periods. Belair looked good and is being increased for release. Some se­ lections are being evaluated for breeding material that may lead to development of seeded varieties. Bulk Rate U. S. Postage PAID Pleasant Hill TN Permit No. 3 THE LAWN INSTITUTE County Line Road P. O. Box 108 Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578-0108 ADDRESSEE.... HELP US KEEP YOUR ADDRESS CORRECT.... If address is wrong in any respect, please correct directly, and return to us. THANK YOU T MASCARO turfgrass pro d PO BX 610366 N MIAMI FL 33161 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 is dedicated to improved communications among turfgrass seed and allied turf industries and other firms, businesses, organisations and indi­ viduals with lawngrass research and educa­ tional interests and concerns. Editor: Eliot C Roberts, PhD Associate Editor: Beverly C Roberts, MA Printer: Crossville Chronicle (Tennessee)