BETTER LAWN PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY THE NEWS BUREAU OF BETTER LAWN & TURF INSTITUTE- Vol. 8, No. 5 Harvests SUITE 818 - 1016 BALTIMORE BUILDING KANSAS CITY 5, MISSOURI March, 1961 INSTITUTE SEAL OF APPROVAL PREMIERS IN TRADE PRESS The Lawn Institute Seal of Approval which was developed to identify quality lawn seed mixtures has received recognition from several segments of the trade press. Utilizing news release material which was prepared by Dr. Schery, the following publications have devoted space to the announcement of the Seal: The February issue of ’’Park Maintenance”, in a two-column story entitled "Better Grass Seed to Win Seal of the Lawn Institute"; the February issue of "Concept" magazine, in a three-page story in the Agronomy and Horticulture section dealing with plant and soil management headlines the story, "A Seal of Approval for Lawn Seeds"; the February issue of Horticul­ ture, in a column item entitled "Lawn Institute Seal"; and others. These are just a few of the wide list of periodicals which have been contacted with background and illustrative materials about the Institute’s Seal. Con­ sumer publications, newspapers, etc., are also included among those media receiving news releases. In addition to the news media, the Oregon Chewings and Creeping Red Fescue Commission as well as several Institute Associate Members are featuring reference to the Seal in their paid advertising space. The Oregon Fescue Commission in a series of advertisements in garden club magazines through­ out the country illustrates the Seal at the base of the ad, with the line "Look for the Seal of Approval on Your Lawn Mix". Northrup-King similarly mentions the Seal in full page advertisements in several spring issues of The Saturday Evening Post. On page 42 of Breck’s of Boston 1961 catalogue, the Seal is prominently featured, with the following paragraph: "Breck’s 1818 carries the Seal of Approval of the Lawn and Turf Institute — a seal granted only to those lawn mixtures containing the finest turfgrasses capable of producing thick green lawns . . ." An Encyclopaedia Britannica featurette, which is to be distributed to television stations throughout the country, has also been produced on the Seal and released to over 100 cooperating TV outlets. Window streamers, for use at the consumer level have also been prepared for firms handling Institute-approved seed, about 15,000 having been purchased through the Marysville Office. Over 120,000 seal stickers have been printed and issued at cost through the Director’s Office in addition to those privately procured by major Associate Members. With the arrival of the planting and buying season, a stepped up pace of news material is scheduled for release to the various news media. Scientific and extension people have responded enthusiastically to the idea of the Seal. Outstanding has been the response in Colorado, where Charles Drage, extension head in horticulture, writes, "I was glad to see the inau­ guration of the Lawn Institute Seal of Approval on turfgrass. I will give this considerable publicity in Colorado. If you have 75 mimeos of the one page mimeo entitled ’The Lawn Institute Seal of Approval', I would like to receive them. We really want to make a drive in Colorado this year to prevent the planting of pasture grasses in lawns." Clippings have already started coming in from newspapers in Colorado, reflecting announcements on the Seal issued by Mr. Drage. PARTICIPATION IN INSTITUTE SEAL PROGRAM ANNOUNCED Firms marketing lawn seed with the Lawn Institute Seal of Approval have been announced. They are: Joseph Breck & Sons Corp. Corneli Seed Company Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lilly Seed Company Mangelsdorf & Bro. Michael-Leonard Co. Mitchelhill Seed Co. Northrup-King & Company J. C. Oliger Seed Co. Ouren Seed Company Portland Seed Company Seaboard Seed Company United Seed Company Whitney Seed Company The names of additional organizations participating in this program are to be announced shortly. SPRING '61 PRESS KIT MAILED The Lawn Institute's Spring '61 Press Kit has been sent to an augmented mailing list of 859 names. Among those receiving this material are garden writers, and leading consumer and trade publications. Included in this kit was a return post card, which is being used to determine the interest in Lawn Institute photographs which are usually supplied with the kit. INSTITUTE DIRECTOR SPEAKS BEFORE CONNECTICUT GROUP Dr. Shery addressed those attending the Ninth Annual Connecticut Nurserymen’s Short Course, held at the College of Agriculture Auditorium on January 25 and 26. His talk, under the heading, "Lawns - Preparation and Maintenance", covered the increasing importance of lawns and lawn seed, disposable income available for this, and the interest of the consumer in a lawn rather than one individual item or product. He reviewed the trend to more integrated and personalized selling, with the answer to discount and supermarket sales lying in the fact that conventional outlets also dispense knowledge and confidence which a supermarket cannot. He then reviewed lawn seed, grass varieties, fertilizers, and so on. The advantages of natural Kentucky blue­ grass were pointed out, emphasizing its wide adaptability, its known response to management, and its genetic flexibility. Other subject matters of the meeting included: A Geigy film, on weed control was shown serving as an introduction for round-table discussion on weeds. There were no general conclusions, although the triazines (Atrizine, Simazine) seem to be receiving favor for general weed elimination in nursery stock. It was obvious that some confusion existed concerning the chemical nature of modern fertilizers. "Plant Materials for Garden Centers - What to Sell", was presented by William H. Cone, the Garden Exchange. Cone’s main theme centered more upon the ethics of supplying quality materials, and guarantee for them, than the specific naming of plant types. "Handling Traffic in the Garden Center" was discussed by Willard M. Bond, of a nursery sales agency. Bond reviewed the backwardness of many nurseries and their lack of modern merchandising skill. He dealt with proper customer relationships, displays, and the inevitable competition from discount and fly- by-night outlets. "Nursery Stock Guarantees" was reviewed by Harold D. Stevenson, of Landscaping Service, in Massachusetts. Opinion seemed divided on the need for and the kind of guarantee nursery stock should receive. Peter Costitch, of New York (Long Island), speaking on "Business Management and Promotion", delivered the talk of the meeting. He bluntly stated that dis­ cussion of guarantees, kind of stock, traffic problems, and so on didn’t make much difference, because most of the nurserymen in the room were going to be out of business anyway in a few years. He went on to analyze the business' backwardness of much of the nursery trade, and the adherence to old customs rather than modern merchandising techniques. He analyzed carefully a pro­ gram he ane five other nurseries on Long Island have been engaged in, whereby they pooled resources, came up with more brains, far less overhead, quick turnover of funds, and sizable discounts. In brief it was a plea for stream­ lining operations to meet the challenge of the supermarket, the fruit stand, and the discount house. He said that to stay in business in the nursery trade in the next ten years is going to require expert advice on taxes, transportation, money handling, etc., such that no one individual by himself will be competent to maintain his own small business as in the past. His company has granted him a year’s "leave", in which he is to do nothing but "brainstorm" with the five other companies, developing further the general corporation they have created to do their pur­ chasing and financing; eventually this may lead to merger. But even in the meanwhile this operating front jointly owned by the six companies is proving most successful in smoothing out tax, financing, and other needs, while itself turning in dividend profits to its member bodies. SLIDE PRESENTATION DEVELOPED AND NOW AVAILABLE Dr. Schery has recently announced completion of production of a color slide presentation entitled "Have A Top-Notch Lawn". The presentation incorpor­ ates nineteen slides and prepared commentary for each. This material is ideal for use by Institute Members and Associate Members or their repre­ sentatives in making appearances before garden, civic or other groups interested in better lawn care and maintenance. The accompanying suggested script of course makes prominent mention of Kentucky Bluegrass and Oregon Red Fescue. R. C. Kuehner of the Oregon Fine Fescue Commission has ordered fifteen sets of this slide presentation for use by his people on the West Coast. Dr. Schery is making this material available to Members and Associate Members of the Lawn Institute at cost. This figure is $10.00 and includes the set of nineteen color slides and as many copies as wished of the suggested commentary for each. PUBLICATION OF DR. SCHERY’S BOOK ANNOUNCED The Macmillan Company, Publishers, has distributed advance copies of "The Lawn Book", by Dr. Robert W. Schery. Official release is marked for March 27; the hard cover book has 207 pages and contains numerous illustrations. A detailed review of the book will be published in the next issue of "Harvests". SCHERY SPEAKS BEFORE LONGWOOD GARDENS GROUP On March 1, Dr. Schery appeared before a meeting at Longwood Gardens. This well known and richly developed botanical garden is located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. In spite of unfavorable weather conditions, several hundred people attended Dr. Schery’s presentation --a number of them from as far away as Philadelphia. Speaking on "Lawns - Their Making and Keeping", Dr. Schery discussed the basic principles of lawn care, from soil preparation and choice of grass through seeding, watering and mowing. Special emphasis was put on natural Kentucky Bluegrass and Oregon Red Fescues and their superiority as general purpose species. After Dr. Schery’s formal presenta­ tion, which included showing portions of the new color slide series, over 100 persons remained to question Dr. Schery about individual problems. This session lasted for an hour and a half -- and provides evidence of the extreme interest that Dr. Schery’s appearance evoked from this influential area. GASSNER APPOINTED TO ASTA COMMITTEE During the Chicago ASTA Meetings in January a statistics committee concerned with turfgrass seed production estimates was established. President W. T. Gassner has been appointed as a member of this committee for the Midwest. The reporting system will list all Kentucky bluegrass from the Pacific Northwest separately from midwestern Kentucky bluegrass production, but exclusive of Merion. Thus production statistics will have 3 categories; natural Kentucky bluegrass from the East and Midwest, Kentucky bluegrass (including such varieties as Newport, etc.) from the West, and Merion (all of which currently comes from the West). COMMENTS DURING THE AGRONOMY MEETINGS... Dr. Ritchie Cowan, Head of Agronomy, Oregon State College, stated that development and introduction of a new variety of bluegrass requires an invest­ ment of over $200, 000 and many years time, before a marketable product is on hand. Institute Advisor, Alton Rabbitt, of Washington, D. C., pointed out that one of the difficulties in setting up a procedure for testing new varieties within the society, was that the recommendations could very well be ignored in favor of other points. He stressed that Merion bluegrass (then known by the code B-29) was not the best of the bluegrasses on test by the Federal people at Arlington, but was about fourth or fifth down the line. Yet this is the only one that has gone through production to be eventually released by the trade. Rabbitt was working on the project in its early days, before World War II, when these selections were first being undertaken, and before the Federal research people moved out to Beltsville. SCHERY SPEAKS BEFORE OHIO GREENS OFFICIALS' MEETING On February 20, Dr. Schery spoke before the Northwestern Ohio Greens Super­ intendents' Meeting. The invitation was extended from the Century Power Mower Center in Toledo, at the suggestion of Dr. Watson of Toro Lawn Mowers. SCHERY’S APPEARANCE LEADS TO REPRINT REQUEST Mr. James Hosking from Watertown, Connecticut, attended Dr. Schery’s pre­ sentation before the University of Connecticut Short Course. He picked up some of the Lawn Institute reprints, and asked if Dr. Schery might supply a thousand or so leaflets for him to hand out at a booth in the Waterbury, Connecticut, "Exposition for Better Living" show. This show is sponsored by the Waterbury Lion’s Club and last year was attended by 12,000 interested homeowners. CONNECTICUT APPEARANCE PRODUCES SLIDE REQUEST Another outgrowth of Dr. Schery’s appearance before the Connecticut Nursery- men’s Association meeting was a request for a set of the Institute’s new slide presentation and script from G. Ernest Fournier, President, Fournier Land­ scaping and Gardening Service of East Hartford, Connecticut. He writes: "We enjoyed your lecture at the Short Course at the University and know that the slides will be useful ..." DR. SCHERY VISITS OFFICIALS AT TROY BLANKET MILLS During his recent traveling in the East, Dr. Schery spent some time conferring with Ken Allen and Edward S. J. Walsh in the New York offices of Troy Blanket Mills. The firm produces a new product called TroyTurf. Experience with various machines has indicated that the firm can add "Chem-Pac" to a fiber base, sew this in a net formation for stability, add such a mixture of seed as might be appropriate for the climate where sold. This can then be bulked with a peat-vermiculite matrix, including a complete fertilizer sufficiently strong to yield about two pounds per thousand square feet -- and then sustain all of this with a burlap backing upon which it is "quilted". This assemblage contains just about everything a new seed needs to sprout, except warmth, Dr. Schery reports. AGRICULTURE BROCHURE COMMITTEE REQUESTS INFORMATION The Institute Director has received a questionnaire from the National Agricul­ tural Brochure Committee of the American Association of Land Grant Colleges and Universities. The questionnaire itself was more specifically meant for a business firm rather than an association, since it dealt with such questions as how many college graduates were being hired, what training suggestions for them might be advanced, and how well hirings had worked out. Members and Associate Members are encouraged to send any comments on this subject to Dr. Schery, so that he may pass them along to the Committee. ANOTHER STUDENT CONTACTS INSTITUTE Jerry Hutchinson, senior at Michigan State University, at the suggestion of his Professor, Carter Harrison, has written the Institute concerning a problem on the control of Poa annua in turfgrass. INSTITUTE ADVISOR SPEAKS IN ILLINOIS Dr. H. R. Kemmerer of the Department of Horticulture of the University of Illinois addressed the meeting of the Illinois Seed Dealers Association, held in Decatur in December. Dr. Kemmerer distributed the following Institute reprints to the group: "What You Should Know About Buying Grass Seed, " "Quality Lawn Seed" and "Good Lawn Seed Goes with Autumn". Dr. Kemmerer reports, "... Thanks for all the information on grass seed production and usage. It was just exactly what I needed for the talk which I presented to the Illinois Seed Dealers Association. There were about 120 present and most of them picked up one or more of the three free prints which you sent me. So all in all I think the session was quite worthwhile. "I’m returning the copy of the article on marketing seed of lawn and turf grasses. it has a lot of good information in it and should contribute quite a bit to the 1960 Yearbook." REPORT ON CLIMAX REJECTION Here are excerpts from a letter which was sent by Dr. Schery, February 15, 1961 to all Institute Members. "The Joint Committee for reviewing climax testing of bluegrass met in Chicago yesterday, to formulate its recommendations for the Rules Committee of the A.O.S.A. Presumably the suggestions advanced will be adopted by the Rules Committee {headed by N. G. Louis, Chairman, Ottawa), and become the official seed testing rules upon adoption by the parent body at the end of June 1961 ... The key move was abandonment of Climax. The first resolution, passed unanimously, recommends that Climax testing (now obligatory on July 1 of 1961) be dismissed from further consideration and be substituted for by the new Uniform blowing method. Previous correspondence indicated that Uniform much more nearly approaches hand method results than did Climax, and should prove a method the industry can well live with. It perhaps has a few disadvantages for light weight seed, but a number of counterbalancing advantages as well. As you are aware it is a blowing technique, but at a blowing point appreciably lower than the old cli­ max point. Research to date indicates even more uniformity in tests with this method than with Climax, and the control people promise (off the record) that in the year of change-over they will certainly allow ample leeway for any differences that might arise for seed lots originally entering trade under hand testing and being finally marketed under the Uniform method. Following this vote I moved that the hand method be continued as an alternative method for another year while Uniform was being confirmed in actual usage. The motion died for a lack of a second, indicating that even other members of the trade represented on this committee have no interest in continuation of the hand method. In the testing so far, Merion bluegrass has behaved somewhat differently under blowing techniques than have other bluegrasses. Its purity is rather severely limited by blowing techniques as compared to a hand method. Arden Jacklin moved that the new Uniform method apply to all bluegrasses other than Merion. I tried to point out that in its way, Kentucky-grown seed also was an "Excep­ tion", and that if Merion merited special consideration so might regional sources of natural bluegrass. Nevertheless the motion was passed without dissent, Schery abstaining. The next motion referred to bluegrass fractions in bluegrass blends. It was unanimously passed that bluegrass in mixtures be tested by the Uniform method for all fractions (except the Merion, already excepted). Schery then proposed that since Merion was to receive further study leading to adoption of a blowing technique, that similar study be given to Kentucky- produced seed relative to the applicability of the Uniform method for it. This motion was seconded by Clark, passed. Thus in summary, and presuming the advice of this committee is heeded by the Rules Committee, beginning July 1, 1961 the new Uniform blowing technique will become official for all bluegrass other than Merion, both in straight lots and in mixtures ... One advantage of the new method that will accrue to processing mills, is that through purchase of an appropriate blower and stained sample, indicative tests on a lot of seed will be possible without the services of a trained analyst. This should reduce costs of duplicate tests. I believe that the objectives of our original fight against Climax have been largely achieved, and that it would be pointless to protest further against a blowing technique (as opposed to the hand method), especially in view of lack of general A.S.T.A. support. Checking the test results at Chicago, those Missouri samples entered through Maupin, and those Kentucky samples entered through Spears, all fall within a point or two of the purity tests achieved by the hand method. In those instances where there is a point or two lower purity by Uniform than by hand, this is off-set (for what value it might have) by a slightly improved germination percentage. It seems that southern seed (lighter seed) will suffer a slight discrimination by any blowing technique, compared to old hand method averages. But this is only on the lighter lots, suggesting that the best seed from Kentucky (such as that which is fertilized and cared for in the field) is at no disadvantage. What the new method seems to do more than discriminate regionally, is to draw a slight line between the best seed and marginal harvests." LAWN CLINIC TO BE HELD IN COLORADO M. V. Haines, Extension Agent of Colorado State University, Pueblo, Colorado, advises Dr. Schery that a Lawn Clinic is planned in that city on March 10. Re­ prints produced by the Lawn Institute will be available to those attending -- and the Institute film, "Bluegrass Beauty" will be shown. OREGON SEED PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO BE PRINTED Plans are under way to print and distribute the comments made during the panel discussion, "Branding Seed Mavericks", which took place during the 20th Annual Convention of the Oregon Seed League last autumn. Dr. Schery, Institute director, was among those on the panel. Others included Dr. Cowan, Head of the Farm Crops Department at Oregon StateCollege; Charles Emery, Vice President of Northrup-King in California and Norman Goetze, Fram Crops Specialist at Oregon State College. E. R. Jackman of Oregon State College was the moderator. INSTITUTE STORY APPEARS IN JANUARY "CONCEPT" MAGAZINE The January, 1961, issue of "Concept" carries a five-page story by Dr. Schery. The article, entitled "Fertilizing Lawns in Winter", two illustrations and a biographical sketch of Dr. Schery will be read by over 4,000 members of the Interment Association of America. "FLOWER & GARDEN" MENTIONS KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Stanley R. McLane, writing in "Flower & Garden", a consumer publication with a circulation of nearly 450,000 readers, makes the following reference to Kentucky bluegrass: "As soon as the soil is in condition new lawns can be made and old ones re­ paired. Sow only top-grade seed. Kentucky bluegrass continues to be prefer­ red for lawns in our area." MARCH "POPULAR GARDENING" CARRIES SCHERY STORY Dr. Schery’s article, entitled "10 Spring Lawn Problems", appears in the March, 1961 issue of "Popular Gardening". The story features frequent mention of Kentucky bluegrass and Oregon red fescues. The item is under a series of headings, which read (1) Thin Grass, (2) Clumps of Coarse Grass, (3) Crabgrass and Nimblewill, (4) Bare Spots, (5) Spring Weeds, (6) Delayed Sprouting, (7) Winter Heaving, (8) Mowing, (9) Moles, (10) Tree Interference. "Popular Gardening" is read by over 350,000 subscribers throughout the country. DR. SCHERY ASKED TO EDIT GARDEN BOOK George Abraham, syndicated garden columnist for 76 newspapers, among them the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, has asked Dr. Schery to check and revise where necessary the lawn chapter of his new book. The book will deal largely with the northeastern United States, and is being published as a hard-back out of New York City. DR. SCHERY RECEIVES PRAISE FROM AUTHOR Dr. Schery received a letter of thanks from Mr. Abraham saying in part: "You did a magnificent job on the manuscript. I feel a lot better now that you’ve checked it over........................................can’t tell you how much I appreciate your assistance, Bob. I’m happy to put your name in the credits. ..." INSTITUTE ARTICLE TO BE GIVEN TWO-PART RELEASE James Worley, Executive Vice President of the American Cemetery Association, advises the Institute that Dr. Schery’s article entitled, "Choosing Lawn Beauty", is to be run in two installments in "The Cemeterian", which is distributed to all members of the Association. The first will appear in the February issue, the second in March. SCHERY GIVES REPORT AT A.S.T.A. MIDWINTER MEETINGS As Chairman of the Roadside Development Committee, Lawn & Turfgrass Divi­ sion of the American Seed Trade Association, Dr. Schery delivered a report at the Midwinter Meetings in Chicago on January 24. Summarizing committee activities, which included mailings to highway interests, presentations before highway groups and publication of articles on roadside turf and its related uses, Dr. Schery pointed out the need for low growing turfgrasses along the newer interstate roadsides, adding that Kentucky bluegrass and Oregon red fescues qualify nicely for this purpose. COLUMNIST MENTIONS INSTITUTE EXPERIMENTAL WORK In a syndicated column appearing in 50 newspapers in Massachusetts, Dr. Harold E. Mosher, in Cooperative Extension Work at the University of Massa­ chusetts, makes the following mention of research work undertaken by the Institute director: "Recent experimental work of the Better Lawn & Turf Institute indicates that lawn fertilizers applied in midwinter on frozen sod give good results. The fertilizer is not washed away but becomes trapped or fixed in the frozen soil. The good growth effects from midwinter fertilization are not short lived in the spring but last right on through summer." DOW QUARTERLY REPORT MENTIONS BLUEGRASS In the quarterly report of Dow Chemical Company, under the heading "Dow Launches New Product for Better Lawn Care (Zytron Crabgrass Killer)", the following reference to bluegrass appears: "Dow Crabgrass Killer — will be sold with complete assurance that treated bluegrass lawns will cause no harm to birds, pets or children." One reason why bluegrass is so outstanding as a lawn species is its ability to ruggedly stand up to chemical treatment that is lethal to weed grasses. KALAMAZOO MUSEUM REQUESTS DISPLAY MATERIAL Miss Ruth Howard, Curator of Education of the Kalamazoo Public Museum, recently contacted Mr. Frank Kiser of Spears-Kiser Company in Paris, Kentuck requesting exhibit material. Mr. Kiser referred the inquiry to the Institute -- and Dr. Schery sent along quantities of Institute literature and seed samples to be incorporated into the display. Miss Howard replied, "I wish to express our appreciation and thanks for the kind letter and interesting assemblage of materials for our Loan Collection. These items will be of much help and will make our cases very interesting to our patrons. Thank you again." TURFGRASS DIVISION MEETINGS SUMMARIZED . . . The following is a summary of the Turfgrass Division Meetings at the Agronomy Society Convention, held in Chicago in December. Division 11 (Turfgrass Management). Most of the papers dealt with fertilizer relationships to turfgrass. Individually the papers were good, and pointed up specific facts for certain test conditions; but collectively they yielded a con­ fusion of detail, such that one left the meetings without any general conclusion other than that each plot of ground has its own special requirements, and even then much depends upon what objective is sought. John Madison, of California, emphasized that urea is not satisfactory for hot weather usage in California. Calhoun and his Iowa colleagues had one of the most detailed papers, in which the main result was turf growth corresponding to the total amount of nitrogen supplied by ureaformaldehyde fertilizer, regard­ less of phosphorus and potassium. It was evident that many factors other than fertilizer have an influence, such as hot temperatures and dry weather, which would disrupt the even stimulation of plant food. Bredakis of Massachusetts showed that for differing organic sources of nitrogen, some showed most of their influence within the first six weeks after application, but all were essentially "played out" by the end of 15 weeks. Ureaforms pro­ vided the most gradual release of nitrogen during this interval. Goetze of Purdue showed that of nitrogen applied, only about one-third of the soluble nitrogen is recovered in the grass clippings, but that this is reduced even more (to 15%) with ureaforms. Other papers pointed up that the average mineral content of bermudagrass was less than for Kentucky bluegrass; that alternating temperatures are needed for germination of Merion bluegrass; that high temperatures and shorter day length result in less root development; and that homogeneity in a grass population (St. Augustine) was probably contributory to increased disease susceptibility. This latter may be an argument extrapolatable for use of natural Kentucky blue­ grass compared to some varieties. In the evening there was an informal seminar, with one of the main points of discussion being whether this professional society should serve as a centralized authority for passing judgment upon new varieties, and possibly new turfgrass products. Opinion was diverse, and a committee was appointed to look into the matter further, reporting back for the next year’s meetings. Division 10 meetings on "Seed Production and Technology" presented few papers that offered new information. Dr. Ching reemphasized that eventually moisture within polyethylene packagings reaches equilibrium with the room moisture after about 16 months. She also spoke of a rapid estimation of viability in crimson clover seed, by measuring the free fatty acid content of the seeds. Later sessions on Turfgrass Management, Division 11, were more diversified. Watson showed the advantage of polyethylene "tarpaulins" for preserving northern golf greens against winter kill. A. E. Rabbitt, Institute Advisor from the Washington, D.C. area, emphasized that in pre-emergence crabgrass kill­ ing on bluegrass, all products this year would be about the same price, and that not a great deal of difference seemed to result in their effectiveness, except that chlordane proved the poorest. Long, of Texas, reported on attempts in controlling nutgrass, with nothing practical. Gallagher reviewed the different pre-emergence crabgrass chemicals likely to appear this year, including the Amchem organic arsenical (calcium propyl arsonate, at 1-1/2 pounds per thousand square feet). It was emphasized that in using this chemical new seeding can be practiced at the same time the herbicide is used. Latham reported upon Winter Grass overseedings in the South, emphasizing the superiority of certain northern grasses other than ryegrass in effecting an orderly transition in spring back to bermudagrass. We cooperated with Latham last year, in sending seed to Georgia for experimentation on this research. Schmidt, of Virginia, continued the theme of overseeding bermudagrass with cool season grasses; his research seemed not to be very practical, in that he chose slow-sprouting Merion for overseeding, and consequently had poorer re­ sults than would otherwise have been the case. Davis, of Ohio, reported upon the number of weeds entering naturally into Kentucky bluegrass stands, the amount varying with variety, and source of seed. Entered in the tests were the various regional sources of natural Ken­ tucky bluegrass supplied through the Institute. Madison showed that in California rooting was deepest with infrequent irrigation, and that the greater the crowding the less well developed are the individual grass plants (usually fewer but more robust plants under the less frequent watering). A final paper showed by means of colored slides some of the deficiency symptoms showing up on turfgrasses in southern California. Also, during the meetings there was extensive discussion, advanced by Goetze of Oregon, about creating some organization for testing new grass varieties especially, perhaps extending this to lawn products as well. Goetze was then named committee chairman to study the problem. In the discussion which went on concerning this proposal it was evident that there was a great deal of difference of opinion. Who would assume responsibil­ ity, what kind of fees would be involved, who would cooperate, whether there are meaningful criteria for testing varieties, and so on are some of the many pro­ blems. BRITISH AUTHORITY CLASSIFIES "WEEDS" Sir Edward Salisbury, eminent English authority, in his book shortly to be printed in the U.S.A., "Weeds and Aliens", lists both creeping bentgrass and annual blue­ grass in his chapter entitled, "Weeds of Corn Fields and Arable Land". This fortifies one of the objections raised against seeds imported from Europe which include these "weeds". Dr. Schery was called upon by the Macmillan Company, Publishers, to review the book to determine its appropriateness for this country. EARLY AMERICAN INTEREST IN THE INSTITUTE . . . This gentleman is no doubt constantly ribbed about his name. Nevertheless, Mr. Daniel Boone of the Turner Tree Service in Atlanta, Georgia recently wrote Dr. Schery inquiring about the possibility of his firm’s becoming an Associate Member of the Lawn Institute. Because of the nature of his operation, however, it was suggested that his interests would not parallel those of the Institute. WHAT THEY ARE SAYING . . . ABOUT THE INSTITUTE AND QUALITY GRASSES . . . "Thank you for sending us the file of reprints of lawn articles that have appeared in various magazines. We are glad to have them for our files. Undoubtedly, Joe Williamson, who writes our lawn articles, will have occasion to refer to this material. "We certainly will call upon you, as we have in the past, for information when­ ever the need arises." -- Elsa Uppman Knoll Garden Editor - Sunset Magazine "Thank you again for sending the turfgrass information. I look forward to these reprints. Would it be possible for you to send me 100 copies of the reprint "The Grass in Your Life"? I would like to place this in the hands of each of the county extension agents. The recommendations are certainly in line with our thinking. -- Charles Drage Colorado State University "On behalf of the Arizona Turf Conference this is to express our appreciation for your splendid presentations. We especially enjoyed your dinner session address concerning lawn and turf developments. This proved to be very informative for our northern Arizona turf interests. "We wish to thank you for your generosity in participating in the Arizona Turf Conference which proved very successful." -- Dr. Leland Burkhart Head of the Dept. of Horticulture University of Arizona "The Oregon Seed Growers enjoyed your recent visit to Oregon. We want to thank you and the Better Lawn & Turf Institute for making it possible for your active participation, "I think the program you are carrying on for the Better Lawn & Turf Institute is excellent. It’s good for our growers to know about this program. "We are preparing the proceedings for printing. As soon as they are ready for distribution, we will mail you a copy." -- Rex Warren Executive Secretary Oregon Seed Growers League Corvallis, Oregon "You certainly have published a wealth of material about the turfgrass industry. It is with sincere appreciation that I received your splendid assortment of articles --. I shall be greatly interested in your forthcoming book, The Lawn Book. Please let me know when it is published, and how our office may obtain a copy." -- Wayne Morgan University of California Agricultural Extension Service Los Angeles County "I received a copy of your recently published book shortly after I wrote my last letter, and thought you did an excellent job. "This volume will be of considerable value to us in answering inquiries of lawn problems. I have scheduled a review of it to appear in the April issue." -- J. Pomrening Managing Editor Better Building Maintenance Milwaukee, Wisconsin "Your talk on ’Lawns’ added a gread deal to our Short Course program. "President Russ Griffin and Short Course Chairman Hendrik Verkade, Jr., join me in expressing the thanks of the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Association. "It was very pleasant having you with us in Connecticut." Charles Barr Executive Secretary Connecticut Nurserymen's Assn. INSTITUTE CONTACTED ON MICHIGAN RESEARCH PROBLEM Warren R. Bredahl of Michigan State University has contacted Dr. Schery concerning a research problem on the selective chemical control of bentgrass in bluegrass turf. INSTITUTE ASSISTS TESTING IN NEVADA The Marysville office of the Institute recently sent a supply of Kentucky Blue­ grass and Oregon Fescue seed to Robert H. Ruff, Assistant Horticulturist at the University of Nevada in Reno. This is to complete seedings on the Univer­ sity’s new turfgrass program, for which initial seed supplies were sent previously. AGRONOMIST REQUESTS SAMPLES OF BLUEGRASS The Lawn Institute has received a request from Mr. W. R. Thompson, Jr., Department of Agronomy, Mississippi State University, State College, Mississippi. Mr. Thompson is interested in receiving one-pound lots of bluegrass from differing regions, to be tested for possible use as shade grass in Mississippi. Should any Institute Members or Associate Members have known-origin blue­ grass samples available, it would greatly further the Institute’s program if these were sent to Mr. Thompson at the above address. This new interest that is developing in the South could help establish that area as a possible future market for bluegrass and fescue. QUOTES FROM NEW YORK STATE BULLETIN The following is a review from "Farm Research", the Bulletin of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, New York. In an article entitled "Good Lawn-Seeding Mixtures Scarce", B. E. Clark and H. L. Page review the number of seed mixtures found at random on the market that contain sufficient Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue to merit classification as quality mixtures. There is a striking photograph at the bottom of the page, showing a big pile of less-than-satisfactory seed packages compared to a small pile of good seed mixtures perhaps only one-tenth as big. From the Institute standpoint New York specifications for quality seed mixtures are quite satisfactory. The Bulletin reports: "For sunny lawns with a normal moisture supply, the college recommends a mixture containing at least 55% Kentucky bluegrass seed. For dry soils and shade, the college recommends a mixture containing at least 65% red and/or Chewings fescue." Although the labeling of ingredients, as required by law was accurate, this investigation showed that out of a total of 273 samples examined, only 26 quali­ fied by the standards set as either a good sunny or good shade mixture. The second item in the same issue (December 1960) was entitled "Is Milky Disease Still Effective Against the Japanese Beetle?". Years ago a bacterium which attacks the Japanese Beetle larvae was introduced, to help reduce this scourge causing so much lawn and other damage in the New England area. Initial tests during the 1940s seemed promising, but the happenings in the soil are biologically so complex that it was difficult to know whether decreases in the Jap Beetle larvae were due to the milky spore bacterium introduced, or to some other natural causes. In recent years some of the lawns treated many years ago have been re-examined because they showed significant damage once again from Jap Beetle larvae. Because a number of the larvae were dying from milky spore disease, it was ascertained that the milky spore disease still hung on in the lawn soil. Conclu­ sions were that it is still doing good, but that natural conditions of the moment are causing increased population of beetles. It is well know that the beetles survive better when soils are moist in summer, and recent moistures may have been influential. Conclusions voiced in the Cornell Extension Bulletin, for control of the Japanese Beetle are: "Chemical treatment is recommended here for golf fairways and other finer grades of turf, while milky disease is advised for use on rougher grades of turf where occasional damage can be tolerated." REQUESTS BLUEGRASS SAMPLES FOR CANADIAN RESEARCH Another evidence of continued interest in Bluegrass in Canada is the request from Thomas F. Cuddy, with the Seed Research Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Cuddy asks for samples of Bluegrass from different areas.