BETTER LAWN

PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY THE NEWS BUREAU OF 

BETTER LAWN & TURF INSTITUTE-

Vol. 8 No. 7

Harvests 

SUITE 818 - 1016 BALTIMORE BUILDING 

KANSAS CITY 5, MISSOURI

September, 1961

SEAL STORY TO "GARDEN SUPPLY MERCHANDISER"

Another example of the continued concentration on publicizing the Lawn Institute’s 
Seal of Approval is the following article which Dr. Schery has released to "Garden 
Supply Merchandiser" for a future issue. Firms employing the Seal also benefit 
from this publicity, as do the officers, Board members and sponsors of the Insti­
tute.

THE LAWN INSTITUTE AND ITS PROGRAM

The Lawn Institute, obviously, concerns itself with turfgrass matters. It was 
organized originally by midwestern bluegrass producers, and has since grown to 
embrace fine fescue and bentgrass interests in Oregon, as well as an associated 
packager membership representing most of the major seedhouses throughout the 
eastern United States.

The Lawn Institute represents quality turfgrasses only. Its business is growing - - 
growing good grass. What with estimates of $40 per family being spent for lawn 
seed and materials each year, and the suburbanizing population still increasing, 
there would seem still another facet to Lawn Institute growth.

The Lawn Institute has developed and offered to the associate membership a seal 
of approval in 1961. Firms employing the seal from its inception in the spring of 
1961 are:

Breck’s of Boston
Corneli Seed Company 
Ferry-Morse Seed Company 
Germain’s
Mangelsdorf Seed Company 
Michael-Leonard Seed Company 
Mitchelhill Seed Company

Northrup-King Seed Company 
Oliger Seed Company 
Ouren Seed Company 
Portland Seed Company 
Seaboard Seed Company 
United Seeds, Inc.
Whitney Seed Company

The Lawn Institute specializes in interpreting research and technical data for 
public release. Upwards of 25 articles appear in various popular gardening maga­
zines during the year, under Lawn Institute aegis. The director of the Lawn Insti­
tute cooperates with various associations and garden book publishers, in prepara­
tion of authoritative lawn information. Hundreds of "press kits” are sent selected

editors and columnists seasonally. The Institute movie has shown to an estimated 
audience of 9 million through 256 television viewing, and to an audience of over 69 
thousand through 1307 private showings.

The Lawn Institute maintains offices in Kansas City, Missouri (1016 Baltimore 
Building) and Marysville, Ohio (Kimberdale, Route 4). 1961-62 officers are:
W. T. Gassner, President; Colonel Edward Spears, Vice-President; Roy A. 
Edwards, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer. Board members include: Arthur Berry, Ray 
Glatt, Lud Hagen, Robert Kellogg, Kenneth Kiburz, Edward Mangelsdorf, William 
Ouren. The Director is Dr. Robert W. Schery, in the Marysville office.

EXPERIMENTAL PLANTINGS AUGMENTED AT MARYSVILLE

Working in cooperation with the Oregon Fescue Commission and the Highland Bent­
grass Commission, Dr. Schery has initiated additional experimental plantings at 
Institute headquarters in Marysville, Ohio, In addition, seed has been sent to Dr. 
Leroy Higgins, University of New Hampshire, Dr. Ray Keen, Kansas State Univer­
sity, Dr. Eliot Roberts, Iowa State University, Dr. D. G. Sturkie, Auburn Univer­
sity, Auburn, Alabama, Dr. J. K. Underwood, University of Tennessee and Dr.
S. C. Wiggans, Oklahoma State University.

The bentgrass plantings will be the first on the Institute grounds. And will afford 
a better understanding of Highland bentgrass under differing schemes of mainte­
nance, and in combination with other grasses. This will not only provide first­
hand familiarity with the behavior of Highland bentgrass, perhaps better sugges­
tions for its management in this climate, but will also provide in the years ahead 
an "outdoor laboratory" for photography and demonstration projects.

New seedings of Kentucky bluegrass, Oregon fescues and Highland bentgrass are 
being made by conventional procedures, so that there will be a photographic record 
for use in articles, and by the newly promoted technique of merely killing old turf 
and interseeding into the dry remains without soil cultivation.

A certain amount of investigation is being undertaken in cooperation with Dow 
Chemical Company, on the use of Zytron for nimblewill control. Liquid applica­
tions of Zytron, at 2 - 4 ounces of their newer material per 100 square feet in 
about a gallon of water has seemed to be effective in nimblewill control without 
injury to Kentucky bluegrass. In some instances a second application seems 
necessary, at about a week interval.

Over 200 pounds of seed has been sent Kansas State University, as an Institute 
donation to help stimulate development of the new turfgrass research area a few 
miles out of town. The turf being established is not only to test grasses them­
selves and their management in Manhattan, but will form the base for weed con­
trol and similar investigations by Drs. Campbell, Keen and colleagues.

SCHERY REVIEWS PHOTOSYNTHESIS REPORT

The following are Dr. Schery’s comments on a presentation made by Dr. G. R. 
Noggle, head of the Botany Department, University of Florida. The presentation 
was entitled "Photosynthesis as Related to Turf Production”, and was made before 
the Eighth Annual Turfgrass Management Conference, held recently at the Univer­
sity.

Dr. Noggle, emphasized the importance of carbon dioxide in the production of plant 
food and the general well being of any growing plant. Carbon dioxide constitutes 
only a few one hundredths of 1% of the atmosphere, and on various occasions crop 
growth has been stimulated by releasing carbon dioxide among growing plants, as 
in a greenhouse.

The idea is interjected through this presentation that one possible advantage of 
leaving the clippings on the lawn is that as these decay they release carbon dioxide, 
which may be of benefit to the growing turf. Here is an angle that as far as I am 
aware, has never been advanced in support of leaving clippings on the lawn. We 
have thought of clippings as containing the mineral nutrients, recycling nitrogen, 
phosphorus and potassium, - but never for the benefit they may have in increasing 
the carbon dioxide (gas) supply in the micro-environment close to the soil surface.

MUST SELL PRODUCT AS WELL AS BRAND

"Seed Trade News" recently reported on the remarks of Mr. Seymour Hirscfield, 
(Executive Vice President of Blackleaf Products Company, Chicago), in his 
presentation before the Garden Supply Merchandising Division during the recent 
ASTA Meetings. Mr. Hirscfield said, "The manufacturer has a responsibility to 
the industry as a whole. He must help promote the use of gardening merchandise 
and create as many new gardeners as possible. It is my personal belief that the 
best consumer advertisements are those that make people ’gardening conscious’. 
The manufacturer must realize that the industry as a whole and he in particular 
can best prosper with a growing market and that he cannot be content with just 
getting a larger share of the existing market ..."

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS LAUDED AT TURFGRASS CONFERENCE

Kenneth Smith of the Denver Public Schools, speaking on "Special Problems in 
Turfgrass Management for Athletic Fields" before the Seventh Annual Rocky Moun­
tain Regional Turfgrass Conference, stated the following:

"Experiments with various types of grasses have shown that Kentucky bluegrass is 
the most persistent and will heal the most rapidly. It is also readily adaptable to 
most maintenance requirements imposed by playing needs. A root system of 
sufficient density for lifting and laying can be developed in two years. A nursery 
provided for developing sod for returfing should be large enough to provide an 
ample supply, and is more economical than purchasing from sod dealers."

EXTENSION SERVICE BULLETIN COMMENDED

The following is Dr. Schery’s report on a bulletin, recently published by the Ex­
tension Service of Rutgers, State University at New Brunswick, New Jersey.

"Bulletin 320, ’Lawn Care’ put out by the Extension Service of Rutgers, the State 
University at New Brunswick, New Jersey, is one of the soundest, most conserva­
tive bulletins we have seen. It is authored by Drs. Skogley and Engel (Skogley is 
now in charge of Turfgrass Research at Rhode Island). It is a booklet that could be 
recommended to the Institute membership, and it does credit to the grasses we are 
interested in.

"Here is a quotation, indicating the moderate approach taken on the subject of 
disease control in lawns. 'A good Kentucky bluegrass lawn experiences less seri­
ous and shorter periods of damage from diseases than the other lawn grasses 
common to area. At certain times of the year leaf spot diseases may cause Ken­
tucky bluegrass to lose color, but this grass normally recovers without apparent 
lawn damage. During late summer and early fall, Kentucky bluegrasses may be 
attacked by rust. This is more common on Merion Kentucky bluegrass than com­
mon types. This is often an indication that the plants are in need of fertilization. 
When rust occurs, an application of nitrogen or complete fertilizer will often help 
the grass overcome the disease’".

REPORT ON SOD-GROWING IN "HARVESTER WORLD"

J. G. Peppard recently sent Dr. Schery an article appearing in the July, 1961 
issue of "Harvester World". This story refers to the burgeoning operation of 
growing sod for metropolitan areas. Peppard’s interest centered around the fol­
lowing observations about "grass problems":

"MOWING: Mow regularly and at the heights prescribed for your particular grass. 
Never remove more than 25% of a leaf area at one mowing. If you do, you’re likely 
to shock the plant, maybe even kill it.

WATERING: Just about the worst thing you can do is to water your grass lightly 
every day. Give it an inch a week in one or two applications. Then you’ll get good 
soil penetration.

FERTILIZING: Grass needs a steady, well-balanced diet. I’d say at least four 
pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per season. And don’t forget that over­
feeding is just as bad as underfeeding."

INSTITUTE-ORIGINATED INFORMATION USED BY NEWSPAPERS

The following are excerpts from a few of the newspaper columns which have uti­
lized material provided by the Lawn Institute to develop their stories.

Detroit, Michigan News
August 6, circulation 583,000.
"However in the case of Kentucky bluegrass which is upright in growth it is per­
fectly permissible and even desirable to allow clippings to fall back."

Green Bay, Wisconsin Press-Gazette
August 2
"Tests have shown that basic Kentucky bluegrass mixtures still give the best re­
sults in Brown County." . . ."several of the fescues used in shady areas will give 
satisfactory results, Chewings fescue and Creeping red fescue have proved to be 
the most desirable.”

Camden, New Jersey Courier-Post
August 3
"For a good seed formula plan on using a mixture containing one half Kentucky blue­
grass and one half red fescue --a good mixture for shady areas consists of 25% 
Kentucky bluegrass and 75% red fescue. For areas hit by direct sunlight use 75% 
Kentucky bluegrass and 25% red fescue."

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Southeast Missourian, August 3
"The best seeding dates for southern Missouri are September 1 to September 15, 
The grass seed mixture consisting of five parts by weight of Kentucky bluegrass to 
one or two parts of red fescue is suitable for most lawns. -- Bluegrass is the 
ideal lawn grass."

Henry Pree, Garden Writer
for Cleveland, Ohio, Press-News
"Instead, writes Dr. Robert W. Schery, director of the Lawn Institute, choose 
one of the herbicides meant for crabgrass that is growing. There are many brands 
— without harm to the bluegrasses and fescues."

Irma Bartell, Garden Editor
for Cleveland, Ohio, Plain Dealer
"Bent should be grown alone. If used — in a bluegrass or fescue mixture, it will 
eventually take over, — where there is heavy shade and poor soil, red fescue or 
Poa trivialis should make up the greater percentage of the mixture with the re­
mainder in Kentucky bluegrass. — Avoid the weedy, tall fescue."

Daisy Jones in Cincinnati, Ohio
Post & Times Star
"Are there any easy, foolproof ways for getting bluegrass and fine fescues estab­
lished in the lawn? Dr. Robert W. Schery, director of the Lawn Institute, says, 
’Clues as to what might possibly lie ahead come from highway seeding’ — Dr. 
Schery wonders if a breakthrough will come for an even more readily applied mois­
ture conserving material.”

Eric Peterson in the Elizabeth,
New Jersey, Journal
"The only way to be sure of what you are buying is to read the label which usually 
is in fine print. This label, listing the contents of the package, is required by 
law and is for your protection. A superior quality mixture will contain a high per­
centage of the permanent type grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, Merion Ken­
tucky bluegrass, or red fescue. At least 75% of the mixture should contain these 
grasses for establishing a permanent and fine textured lawn."

Ethel Mullison in the Saginaw,
Michigan News
"But if you plan to give your lawn the minimum of upkeep, use Kentucky bluegrass 
on ordinary or heavy soil. On sandy soil or in areas which have much shade, use 
a red fescue, A mixture of bluegrass and fescue sometimes is recommended -- 
Any other kind of grass in the mixture is not only unnecessary, but will retard the 
growth of the desirable ones."

The Passaic, New Jersey
Herald-News
"— species of grasses recommended for New Jersey conditions. A mixture high 
in percentages of permanent grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and creeping red 
fescue and low in percentages of red top and ryegrasses is one worthy of use on 
your lawn."

Wilmington, Delaware, Journal
"— the finest lawns in the state are grown with Kentucky bluegrass."

Hartford, Connecticut, Courant
"Merion Kentucky bluegrass and the straight, old fashioned bluegrass and fescues 
are not injured by the use of this material (herbicide)."

Jersey City, New Jersey, Journal
"Are there any easy, foolproof ways for getting bluegrass and fine fescues estab­
lished in the lawn? It’s not too hard now, if good quality seed is used, for the 
red fescue varieties make quick cover, while the Kentucky bluegrass knits a tight 
sod by its vaunted rhizoming. "

Asbury Park, New Jersey, Press
"Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue varieties such as come from Oregon are the 
old reliables for the general run of quality lawns. These look well under only 
average care, can get along without much watering. They prefer autumn fertiliza­
tion and the mower set high, two inches high over most of the bluegrass belt.
"-- The red fescue varieties are quite similar, and can be planted and cared for 
with assurance anywhere red fescue is adapted. Improved varieties from Oregon 
are named Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn and Rainier, as well as the parent Creep­
ing Red." "-- Park is a special bluegrass variety grown under certification in 
Minnesota, noted for quick sprouting. Researchers at the University of Minnesota 
have in a way duplicated natural Kentucky bluegrass’ strong point, by combining

fifteen strains selected from the wild into the carefully tended seed fields, to pro­
duce the ’synthetic’ Park variety. Park should thus contain genetic diversity and 
wide adaptability the same as natural Kentucky bluegrass."

"HOUSE BEAUTIFUL" ARTICLE REVIEWS LAWN GRASSES

Dr. Schery recommends to Institute members and associate members an article 
by Dr. Ralph Engel of Rutgers University. The story appears in the September 
issue of "House Beautiful", and Dr. Schery feels it is a sound evaluation of 
different grasses for different climatic zones, giving fair credit to Kentucky blue­
grass, red fescues and bentgrass.

DR. SCHERY APPEARS AT KINGWOOD CENTER

On August 14, Dr. Schery made a presentation at Kingwood Center, speaking on 
"How to Have a Better Lawn". Color slides were used to demonstrate and illus­
trate his remarks and Institute reprints were distributed. Dr. Schery incorpo­
rated prominent mention of Kentucky bluegrass, fescues and Highland bentgrass 
in his discussion. Kingwood Center is the endowed botanical and cultural center 
at Mansfield, Ohio, Dr. R. A. Allen, Director. Kingwood’s Bulletin carries 
Lawn Institute references from time to time.

TRADE ARTICLE BRINGS REPRINT REQUESTS

Dr. Schery’s article, which appears in the August, 1961 issue of "Home & Garden 
Supply Merchandiser" has already brought requests for Institute reprints. Several 
retail outlets, including Tull Brothers, Seaford, Delaware, have requested reprint 
material to help promote autumn seed sales.

SCHERY TOURS THE WEST

The following is a resume of Dr. Schery’s mid-summer trip through the midwest 
and west:

Iowa. In the Ames area, the field plantings of Dr. Roberts and the greenhouse 
work on nutrient culture by Earl Pellet were reviewed. The experimentation, on 
nutrient cultures in the greenhouse, are designed to see what combination of 
nutrients may help bluegrass better resist summer dormancy. Results so far 
confirm what is generally recognized outdoors, that high nitrogen combined with 
summer heat results not only in dormancy but death of bluegrass plants. The best 
bluegrass during hot weather is that which has gone into summer relatively 
starved. Nitrogen is the main element influencing bluegrass demise, with phos­
phorus and potassium relatively inconsequential, although there may be a slight 
added disadvantage to the nitrogen when the phosphorus is also high. Greenhouse 
temperatures in this testing were above what would be normal for plantings in the 
soil, but do serve to suggest that it is not necessarily disease but a nutritional up­
set that can cause trouble.

Bob Kalton’s outdoor turfgrass plantings were inspected. These are treated much 
the same as would be a relatively untended home lawn, without irrigation. De­
pending upon the feature looked for, now one, now another variety would seem 
slightly superior. Dr. Schery was impressed that here again management factors 
are even more important than subtle difference in selection of type of grass.

In Shenandoah, Iowa the Earl May Seed Company has large test plots planted to a 
good many of the commercial seed mixtures just as picked up off the seedstore 
shelf. The earliest of these are a number of years old, and are now beginning to 
show the ultimate outcome from some of the plantings. By and large Shenandoah 
is "bluegrass country", and if given half a chance the plots become dominated by 
bluegrass (that is with higher mowing and ordinary fertilization). Soils here are 
good, and in some instances bentgrass persists, although not seeming (so far) to 
become as patchy as is characteristic in the more humid, acid-soil areas around 
the Great Lakes. These plots, too, are given just "ordinary care" (about 1.2 
pounds nitrogen per year, and no special other attentions).

Colorado. At Colorado State University turfgrass research with the Horticulture 
Department has been switched to a newly acquired acreage east of Fort Collins. 
Most plantings are only a year old, and are devoted chiefly to management studies 
of bluegrass or bluegrass mixtures. A randomized plot system has been designed 
to reflect differences in mowing height, fertilization, and so on. Conclusions of 
the researchers are no different than expressed in the excellent booklets issued 
from the college in the past, some of which have been circulated through the Insti­
tute (and are available upon request). Dr. Fult’s work in Botany has been directed 
largely towards isolation and evaluation of the active portion of chlordane that 
represses crabgrass. This seems now to have been termed Bandane.

Kansas. Dr. Ray Keen’s activities continue to reflect interest in bermuda and 
Zoysia for the more northerly extent of the range of these species. He has been 
able to make selections that hold up during cold weather far better than the con­
ventional run of southern strains. But basically Keen and other members of the 
staff are northern-grass enthusiasts, feel that more months of attractive green 
can be obtained with the bluegrass-red fescue plantings than with southern grasses. 
Dr. Campbell was quite emphatic that with only moderate skill bluegrass makes a 
superlative lawn for this portion of Kansas, and is adaptable even as far South as 
Wichita. Keen still feels that 85% sand in a putting green soil is good, preventing 
compaction. He reports having picked up some red fescues locally that can stand 
the 110° temperature in the greenhouse without going off color. These, and gen­
eral plantings of bluegrass are being made at the new horticultural farms out of 
town, for which the Lawn Institute is contributing seed.

Campbell’s work with herbicides indicates fair to good success with most of the 
pre-emergent chemicals, except that Zytron and Dacthal have been a little severe 
in thinning the bluegrass even though good control of the weeds has been obtained. 
The Amchem pre-emergent crabgrass killer has lived up to expectations, per­
mitting seeding along with its application, and reasonably controlling crabgrass.

Chlordane products have not been too effective in controlling all crabgrass, but of 
course are safe. The effective isomer out of chlordane, Bandane, appeared to be 
more severe on the established grasses, as well as more effective against crab­
grass.

In general Campbell’s test work indicates that three weeks after seeding almost any 
pre-emergent is reasonably safe. That is, after new seedings have grown three 
weeks a pre-emergent herbicide can be employed with every expectation of safety.

Missouri. The turfgrass work at Missouri continues not the full time responsibil­
ity of any one individual. Columbia has been receiving unusually abundant rains 
this year, with attention centered on weed control. At present most efforts are 
being devoted to the forthcoming Second Annual Turfgrass Conference, to be held 
in autumn this year rather than in July as last year. Members will be receiving 
announcements directly from the University.

NEARLY 500,000 SEE LAWN STORY IN "FLOWER & GARDEN"

With his recommendations for autumn seeding, Dr. M. C. Shurtleff, Institute 
Advisor, prepared a story for use by ’’Flower & Garden" magazine. The August, 
1961 issue of the publication carries this story on pages 16 and 17, utilizing sever­
al Lawn Institute photographs. In reading this article, the 496,807 subscribers to 
this periodical will see prominent mention of Kentucky bluegrass and Oregon fine 
fescues.

"FLOWER GROWER" CARRIES SCHERY STORY

Another high-circulation consumer publication, "Flower Grower" magazine has 
featured a Schery-produced story. The September issue carries the picture story 
entitled "Steps in Starting a New Lawn" utilizing twelve photographs furnished by 
the Lawn Institute. This publication reaches 400,443 readers.

INSTITUTE REPRESENTED IN NEW YORK STATE FAIR

E. R. Townsend of Whitney Seed Company, has made arrangements with Dr. 
Schery for the Lawn Institute to be represented at the State Fair of New York in 
Syracuse. The Institute will participate in a booth manned by the Geneva 
Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Schery has supplied several Kodachromes 
to Dr. Trail which will be blown up as background, with appropriate credit to 
the Institute. Reprints produced by the Lawn Institute have been offered.

INSTITUTE REPRINTS DISTRIBUTED AT OHIO ROADSIDE SHORT COURSE

Short Course on Roadside Development, October 3-6, will attract highway land­
scape experts from all over the nation. The Marysville office, upon request from 
the Ohio Department of Highways, has provided reprints of stories in turf estab­
lishment and care, for the literature packets given attendees.

THE "LAWN BOOK" GETS HONORABLE MENTION

The following is quoted from the August, 1961 Newsletter of the Florida Turfgrass 
Association: 

"Honorable Mention - goes to our member Robert W. Schery, Director of the Lawn 
Institute, Marysville, Ohio, for the publication of his work - ’The Lawn Book’,"

SCHERY-ORIGINATED STORY IN "BH&G"

The August, 1961 issue of "Better Homes & Gardens", (circulation - 5,037,498) 
carries a story on page 45 which was developed by Dr. Schery. Prominent Insti­
tute mention appears in the story as well as information on Kentucky bluegrass 
and Oregon fine fescues.

Here are several quotes from the article:

" — seed mixtures containing red fescue varieties are your best bet for general 
shade--". The Lawn Institute suggests doubling your usual feeding schedule to
maintain grass under trees. Bluegrass and fine fescues profit especially from 
autumn and winter feeding, when trees are dormant and compete less with 
grass. —"

"However, in Tennessee or Missouri, similar shade aids the survival of Kentucky 
bluegrass - perhaps because of hotter, brighter summers and a longer growing 
season. And it is easier to maintain bluegrass in shade in Denver, Santa Fe and 
Salt Lake City than in New England, because of the thin air, intense light and 
bright reflections at such high elevations."

ST. REGIS PAPER EXECUTIVE CONSULTS WITH SCHERY

William Evans of St. Regis Paper, New York, recently flew to Institute headquar­
ters to obtain Dr. Schery’s thinking about roadside seeding. St. Regis was con­
sidering marketing a mulch-pulp for use in this type of seeding.

CYCLONE TO DISTRIBUTE INSTITUTE REPRINTS

Gaining even further exposure for Institute stories, Dr. Schery has arranged with 
the Cyclone Seeder Company, Urbana, Indiana, for inclusion of the Institute arti­
cle, "Lawngrass or Weed - The Choice is Yours", in a mailing that firm is plan­
ning. Several Associate and full members have also requested reprints from the 
autumn series of stories for distribution, too.

BACKYARD SEEDING RESULTS STIMULATE INTEREST FOR LEVEES

A few years ago Dr. Schery visited with Mr. Linder of the Miami Conservancy 
District during a park executives convention. Dr. Schery suggested that he use a 
bluegrass-Oregon fine fescue combination on new areas. Mr. Linder followed Dr.

Schery’s advice and seeded his backyard accordingly. The excellent results of 
this "test plot" led Mr. Linder to call Dr. Schery recently, asking about seeding 
the levees and adjacent areas along the Miami River.

"AUTUMN-SEEDING" CAMPAIGN FAVORABLY RECEIVED

The Institute’s attempt to help strengthen autumn seed sales has received favorable 
comment, and several requests for reprints of stories which appeared in Farm 
Store Merchandising ("Fall Ideal for Lawn Preparation") and Garden Supply Mer­
chandiser ("Autumn Lawn Seed Sales: Yours for the Asking"). Several dealers 
have requested informational reprints as a result of reading these stories.

ASTA ACTION ON UNIFORM SEED LAW

During the recent ASTA meeting in Chicago, some action was taken by the Lawn 
and Turfgrass Division with regard to the Proposed Amendment to the Recommend­
ed Uniform State Seed Law. Here is the first of two procedures being considered:

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE RECOMMENDED UNIFORM STATE SEED 
LAW

1.  Amend 2(b) by adding to "For Agricultural seeds": the phrase "except for 

grass seed mixtures as provided in (c)."

2.  Renumber (c) as (d) and (d) as (e).

3.  Insert 2 (c) to read as follows:

"(c) For seed mixtures for lawn and/or turf purposes in containers of 50 
pounds or less:

(1) 

(2) 

the word "mixed" or "mixture"

the headings "Fine-Textured Grasses" or "Coarse Kinds" and 
thereunder in tabular form in type no larger than the heading:

(A)  Commonly accepted name, in order of its predominance, 
of A the kind and B the kind and variety (if known) of each 
agricultural seed present in excess of 5 per cent of the 
whole and determined to be a "fine-textured grass" or a 
"coarse kind" in accordance with the rules and regulations 
under this Act;

(B)  Percentage by weight of each agricultural seed named:

(C)  For each agricultural seed named under (A) above:

1.  Percentage of germination, exclusive of hard seed;

2.  Percentage of hard seed, if present;

3.  Calendar month and year the test was completed to 

determine such percentage.

(3) 

The heading "Other ingredients" and thereunder in type no larger 
than the heading:

(A)  Percentage by weight of all weed seeds;

(B)  Percentage by weight of all agriculatural seed other than 

those stated under section 2(a);

(C)  Percentage by weight of inert matter.

(4) 

Lot number or other lot identification.

(5)  Name and rate of occurrence per pound of each kind of restricted 

noxious weed seed present.

(8) Name and address of the person who labeled said seed, or who 

sells, offers or exposes said seed for sale within this State.

The second matter involves a recommended change in what weeds would be listed 
noxious in lawn seed. Bedstraw (Galium spp.), catch fly, plantain, dock, penny- 
cress, St. Johnswort, wintercress, knapweed, daisy and cheat would be stricken 
from the noxious weed list; but Poa annua would be added as a restricted noxious 
weed.

There seems no reason why this listing would not be accepted, and it should help 
domestic seed in contrast to imports.

Grasses which will be considered "fine-textured" in the listing above referred to 
include:

various bentgrasses 
redtop
bermudagrass 
all bluegrasses 
all fine fescues

Tall fescues, ryegrasses and various haygrasses would be in the "coarse-textured" 
grouping.

"AGRONOMY JOURNAL" REPORTS ON IRRIGATION-FERTILIZATION

Bohle, Kaardos and Washko, of Pennsylvania State University, report in the June 
issue of the Agronomy Journal on "Effect of Irrigation and Deep Fertilization on 
Yields and Root Distribution of Selected Forage Crops". There are obvious im­
plications for grasses grown in the lawn.

As would be expected, watering increases total production of plant growth. But 
it is interesting that the unirrigated plots develop more roots in the deeper soil 
layers (below 6 inches) than did the irrigated ones. This was particularly notable 
when fertilizer v/as placed deep in the seedbed.

DR. SCHERY CONFERS WITH TORO MOWER EXECUTIVES

On a recent visit with Don Benson, Research Director of Toro Mowers in Minne­
apolis, Dr. Schery discussed the increasing concern about the hazards of rotary 
power mowers and how to eliminate them. Also discussed was Toro’s experi­
mentation with polyethylene sheets of appropriate color which have seed stuck to 
them with a water soluble glue. When these are laid on moist soil the glue dis­
solves, dropping the seed and the polyethylene serves as the typical "greenhouse" 
that has been used by Spencer Chemical Company. Still to be solved is the ques­
tion of which color polyethylene does the best job. Apparently too much sun gets 
through the clear polyethylene, "cooking" the new seedlings. Of interest to seeds­
men is the fact that lawn mower people have their problems too. On the sandy 
soils of Florida, Toro finds the cutting blade of a mower ground down considerably 
with only a few weeks usage. The sucking action of a whirlwind mower bringing 
the sand into the housing operates like an abrasion chamber.

LAWN INSTITUTE STORIES SLANTED TO AUTUMN SEEDING

Intensifying the campaign for greater emphasis on the autumn lawn program were 
these stories authored by Dr. Schery: "Autumn-Season for Lawn Survival" in 
August 15 American Nurseryman, "Lawngrass or Weed" in summer The Gardener 
(Men’s Garden Club National Publication), and "The Lawn’s New Year" from Bet­
ter Building Maintenance.

YEARBOOK OF AGRICULTURE RELEASED

The 1961 Yearbook of Agriculture, "Seeds", was recently published by the U. S. 
Department of Agriculture. Chapters authored by Dr. Schery begin on page 507 
("Grass Seeds for Lawns and Turf") and 514 ("The Responsibility of the Seeds­
man"). Institute members and associate members who would like to have copies 
of this book may do so by writing their Congressmen or Senators or through the 
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C. 
at the cost of $2.00 per copy. Inquiries and a purchase of the Lawn Book (by 2 
county agents) have already resulted from this appearance of the U.S.D.A. Year­
book.

KUEHNER RECEIVES QUERY ABOUT WINTER OVERSEEDING

Dick Kuehner of the Oregon Fine Fescue Commission recently received a request 
from S. L. Parker of the Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, Texas. Mr. 
Parker was inquiring about winter overseeding with Oregon fine leaf fescues. In­
quiry to Mr. Kuehner has led to several helpful contacts, such as appearance of 
"Big Bargains in Turf”, by Dr. Schery, in the August issue of American Cemetery.

"SEED TRADE NEWS" PHOTOS BRING REQUEST FROM ITALY

Lawn Institute photographs supplied to "Seed Trade News" prompted the following 
letter from Teresio Sgaravatti Sementi of Rome, Italy:

"We were most interested to see in the Seed Trade News your photos headed ’Lawn 
Beauty Boosters’. We are very eager to learn more about your work on the value 
of quality lawn seed mixtures, and should appreciate it if you could supply us with 
some leaflets or catalogues on same."

RETAILER REQUESTS INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

William C. Starr of the Quality Bulb House in Niskayuna, New York, wrote Dr. 
Schery recently asking for information about the Lawn Institute. Dr. Schery 
supplied a detailed description and a selection of the materials which the Institute 
prepares. Acquainting retailers such as Mr. Starr with the Institute and its acti­
vities is a most important step toward influencing the consumer in favor of Ken­
tucky bluegrass and Oregon fine fescues.

PROCEEDINGS OF OREGON SEED GROWERS LEAGUE RELEASED

Publication of the Proceedings of the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Oregon Seed 
Growers League was recently announced. The meetings were held in Portland, 
Oregon on November 28, 29 and 30. Dr. Schery’s presentation during the meeting 
is covered in the Proceedings under the heading "Turfgrass Promotion". He also 
participated in a panel discussion which is summarized under the title, "Branding 
Seed Mavericks".

PARK MAINTENANCE "TURF ANNUAL" WELL DONE

The 5th Annual "Turf Annual" July issue of Park Maintenance, was capably edited 
by Lawn Institute Advisor Dr. Eliot Roberts, of Iowa State University. Those 
having a technical interest with a golf course slant will find this up-to-date review 
most informative. Dr. Schery and the Lawn Institute are among the authorities 
quoted.

"CALIFORNIA TURFGRASS CULTURE" REFLECTS INSTITUTE THINKING

The April issue of "California Turfgrass Culture" carries a story by Dr. Victor 
B. Youngner of the University of California and Lawn Institute Advisor. In the

article entitled "Turfgrass Seed Mixtures for Fairway and Park Turf", Dr. Young- 
ner advises careful choice of compatible grasses, to give desired color, texture 
and growth. He suggests that the varieties should be permanent in the climatic 
region. "This means bluegrasses and fescues for the cool, temperate climates 
of northern California and bermudagrass for southern California and the central 
valley."

"... Vegetatively propagated bermuda and Zoysia grasses, when planted later 
in the season, may be overseeded with a temperate climate grass such as Kentucky 
bluegrass or red fescue."

Here are some of the grass mixtures Dr. Younger suggests:

General Purpose - Kentucky bluegrass 60%, red fescue 40%.

General Purpose for Subtropical areas - Kentucky bluegrass 75%, hulled bermuda­

For close cutting - Merion bluegrass 40%, red fescue 40%, Highland bentgrass 20%.

grass 25%

Shade mixture - red fescue 60%, Highland bentgrass 10%, Poa trivialis 30%.

Bluegrass mixture - natural Kentucky bluegrass 30%, Merion Kentucky bluegrass 

30%, Newport Kentucky bluegrass 40%.

Quick growing turf for coastal area only - perennial ryegrass 60%, Kentucky 

bluegrass 40%.

Quick growing turf for warm Interior valleys - Meadow fescue 60%, Kentucky 

bluegrass 20%, redtop 20%.

AMERICAN ROSE MAGAZINE STORY BRINGS INQUIRIES

"Are You Ready for Lawn Seeding", by Dr. Schery, in the August issue of Ameri - 
can Rose Magazine, has resulted in several inquiries by readers asking for infor­
mation on seeding lawns. Excerpts have also been quoted by several newspaper 
garden editors, as a result of this reprint being included with the autumn press 
kit.

STORY ON KLIER GARDEN CENTER OPERATIONS CATALYZED BY LAWN
INSTITUTE

Through the offices of the Lawn Institute, a story was prepared for the August 
Home and Garden Supply Merchandiser on Henry Klier’s fine sales operations in 
Minneapolis. The Institute is especially grateful to Al Hietala of Northrup King 
for obtaining lucid information and the excellent photos used.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING. . .

"It is a fine article (Dr. Schery’s story in "American Rose Magazine’) . . . 
Again, I wish to commend you for the fine job you are doing in the interest of 
fine turf."

W. H. Garman
Chief Agriculturist
National Plant Food Institute

"In the August issue of the Home & Garden Supply Merchandiser was mentioned 
literature or reprints of lawn stories that could be included with monthly state­
ments. Would it be possible to get 100 of these? Please let me know soon as to 
cost, etc."

"The reprints on ’Bluegrass Grassroots’ Empire’ were received. Thanks much 
for this information. There is a lack of information on bluegrass and I needed 
this in working up my textbook on forage management."

Hillside Florateria 
Springfield, Ohio

Dale Smith
Professor of Agronomy 
University of Wisconsin

"Of all bluegrass selections tested, none have proven sufficiently superior to 
merit recommendation over common bluegrass."

Dr. Buckner 
Kentucky

"I would like to have your publications available so that students may become 
familiar with them, and for my own interest - - ”

Dr. D. B. White, Horticulture 
University of Minnesota