BETTER LAWN 

Published periodically by 
Better Lawn & Turf Institute

Route 4,Kimberdale 
Marysville, Ohio 
43040

HARVESTS

Volume 14, No. 3 

October 1, 1967

HIGHLAND BENTGRASS COMMISSION

Word has been received from Wally Hunter that Gene Lewis of Sublimity, and Ken McKenzie 
of Scio, are new appointees to the Highland Bentgrass Commission for 1967-68 fiscal year.
The commission re-elected Howard Mader as Chairman. We are pleased to have Messrs. Lewis 
and McKenzie join a Commission that has been very helpful to and enthusiastic about the 
Institute. Congratulations to Chairman Mader; we look forward to his continuing fine 
leadership, and influence as a member of the Institute Board of Trustees.

PROOF OF THE PUDDING

The effectiveness of the Institute approach in sending out press kits was demonstrated to 
the Board of Trustees by mailing each of them a copy of the tear sheet Alice Duston kindly 
sent from the Newark New Jersey Sunday Star Ledger of August 20. On the garden page, Mrs. 
Duston had utilized several stories from the press kit, combining them into a several- 
column article entitled "Plush Grass Does More Than Look Nice". Throughout the compilation 
the flavor of the original stories is unaltered, except to occasionally make mention of 
New Jersey services. As a result quality turf grasses are mentioned repeatedly, - viz. 
"popular Kentucky bluegrasses, Oregon fine fescues and Highland bentgrass all make efficient 
use of the warm days with crisp nights.... fine fescues (Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn) do 
remarkably well in the shade.... Kentucky bluegrasses (Merion, Park, etc.) spread by under­
ground rhizomes.... bentgrasses (such as Highland) do remarkably well in cool, humid
locations..........it’s a good idea to spread the same quality seed.... bluegrasses, fescues and
bentgrasses are not bothered by frost; indeed they grow best when nights are cold, the 
days bright and sunny."

SEPTEMBER STORY

"What Happens to the Best Bluegrass Lawns in September" is the title given an Institute 
story for The Floral Magazine (originally sent as "Choice Lawns"). The six-page story is 
amply illustrated, and reprints are being circulated. The story opens, "...the lawnsman’s 
....choice in grass is the fine textured species. The latter is today’s badge of quality 
in bluegrass country,...." It goes on to explain, "The new lawnseed labeling permits 
several grasses in the fine-textured category, the most important of which are the Kentucky 
bluegrasses, the fine fescues and the bentgrasses.". A column of drawings by Patricia 
McComas shows "....(1) Kentucky bluegrass’ start in life. (2) The spring after an autumn 
seeding young bluegrass may spread by rhizomes... (3) The seed of fine fescue is bigger 
than that of bluegrass, provides early energy for seedling growth; fine fescue is an 
excellent substitute for the traditional nursegrass. (4) What an individual Highland 
bentgrass plant looks like mowed only a half inch tall, crowded into a dense weed-resistant 
turf."

INQUIRY FROM BELGIUM

Maurice Loiseau wrote the Institute seeking information, at the suggestion of The American 
Nurseryman. It is expensive to be internationally known! In addition to overseas postage 
for reply there was 7¢ due on the inquiry from Belgium.

POA ANNUA CONTROL

Juska and Hanson report on experiments in controlling Poa annua, in the September-October 
The Golf Superintendent. They find that control with the familiar crabgrass preventers 
is generally inhibited somewhat by higher pH, and at higher levels of phosphorus. DMPA 
(zytron) was the most effective chemical, followed by bensulide; bensulide remained toxic 
in the soil for the greatest length of time. Neither of these chemicals injured any of 
the test strains of grass, although others created some difficulty with certain varieties 
only.

ROADSIDE INSPECTION

On the way back from Cleveland, after speaking before the American Horticultural Society, 
Dr. Schery took time to inspect the all fine-textured roadside planting near Upper 
Sandusky in Wyandot County, Ohio.

The planting looks very attractive at present except for occasional clumps of tall fescue 
cropping up as a weed. Some of these may have come from crop in the fine fescue seed, but 
most are more likely spread through contamination from other roadside seedings that rely 
heavily upon tall fescue.

The fine fescue component dominates the stand at present, although there is a scattering 
of Kentucky bluegrass within it. Highland bentgrass is confined mostly to the low borders 
of the central drainageway. The cover is decidedly more dense (and hence a better soil 
protectant) than the adjacent berm plantings made to tall fescue. It would be far more 
attractive, too, and presumably less a maintenance problem, if there were not the 
inadvertent spots of tall fescue.

A second all fine-textured planting has been made on Interstate Highway 75, in the Lima 
area, southward from Highway 30S to the High Street overpass’. On this particular occasion, 
because of lateness of the day there was not time to inspect the Lima planting.

SEED SAMPLES DISTRIBUTED

Six-ounce polyethylene-packed seed packets were prepared by Mangelsdorf Seed Company for 
distribution through the Lawn Institute to the attendees to the 26th Short Course on 
Roadside Development, October 2-6, Columbus, Ohio. This is the annual national gathering 
of highway landscape architects, at a program sponsored jointly by the Ohio Dept. of 
Highways and The Ohio State University Department of Landscape Architecture.

The Institute printed cards afixed to the seed packets read:

ALL FINE-TEXTURED GRASS SEED BLEND

Included are approximately equal numbers of:
Oregon Fine Fescue - Large seeds 
Kentucky Bluegrass - Medium seeds 
Highland Bentgrass          

-       Small seeds

This is a blend of attractive grasses like that planted on 
    Hiway 23 median near Upper Sandusky. They are low-growing,
    not coarse-clumpy, should require less maintenance than 
    Tall Fescue.
Grass 

Feature

Fine Fescue - Adapted to dry, infertile or sandy soils.
Bluegrass - Spreads into one of best soil-holding sods.
Highland - Economical low cover for damp soil & drainageways.

Courtesy of THE LAWN INSTITUTE

FIRST CLIPPINGS RECEIVED

The September 1 clippings envelope, containing a few clippings from late August, included 
7 items credited to The Lawn Institute, directly utilizing press kit stories. These 
represented newspapers in the following metropolitan areas: Buffalo, New York; New York 
City; Lansing, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; Rockford, Illinois; and Kansas City, Missouri; 
as well as the city of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

In Lockport, New York the headline was "Fescues Fine in Shady Area". This continued with 
the gambit, "The fine fescues that come from Oregon are the turf world’s shadiest characters, 
according to The Lawn Institute.". The Newark, New Jersey News, Sunday circulation nearly 
a half million, advised that "Lawns Sprout Quickly - Fine fescues begin sprouting in as 
little as four days under ideal conditions, and Kentucky bluegrass within a week, says the 
Lawn Institute."

The Lansing, Michigan State Journal headline was, "August a Good Month to Start Lawns", and 
recommended bluegrasses, fine fescues or bentgrass. The Columbus, Ohio Dispatch, in its 
by-line story, headlines "Label Tells True Story", and mentioned the Lawn Institute and 
supporting grasses by name, with main emphasis on the "fine-textured types" ("Outstanding 
in this category are Kentucky bluegrass varieties, and the fine or red fescues such as 
Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn and Rainier. Bentgrasses such as Highland also fall in this 
group").

The Kansas City Star, in its Sunday issue of August 20, with a circulation of over 1/3 
million, says, "Dr. Robert W. Schery, Lawn Institute Director of Marysville, Ohio, recommends
---- ". Among the recommendations were, "Kentucky bluegrass and various name strains such
as Park, Merion --". In Ft. Dodge, readers are advised, "Autumn Ideal Time to Begin New
Lawns". The story continues, "Your favorite Kentucky bluegrasses, Oregon fine fescues and 
Highland bentgrass make efficient use of the warm days with crisp nights." In the Rockford, 
Illinois Star the Institute is again favored by direct mention through Earl Aronson, of AP 
Newsfeatures. Earl says that the Institute recommends, "Kentucky bluegrass in such
varieties as Park (for seedling vigor); Merion (--luxury); Arboretum, Delta and Newport.
Fine fescues such as Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn and Rainier. Bentgrasses such as Highland, 
Astoria, Exeter for more easily maintained colonial types; and creeping bentgrasses such as 
Penncross for specialty turf.". Also, "in buying seed, be sure you get all fine-textured 
grasses--”, and, "most soils north of Tennessee will handle Kentucky bluegrass, fine 
fescues or Highland bentgrass."

ROADSIDE SEEDING INTEREST CONTINUES

A letter from Wilbur J. Garmhausen, Chief Landscape Architect for the Ohio Department of 
Highways, indicates continuing interest in the possibilities with fine-textured grasses for 
planting roadside medians and berms. Mr. Garmhausen writes, "I am sure that Loy Stevely 
will be very anxious to meet with you and give you details on the maintenance of the area 
and comments in general. If these lower growing grasses have a maintenance advantage I 
would think they would have a place in the highway seeding program."

REPRINTS TO FLORIDA

A request was received from Lake City Junior College, Florida, for multiple copies of 14 
different Lawn Institute reprints. Apparently these are being used in classroom work and 
for reference. This is the ideal means of re-employing stories done for the gardening press.

MORE CLIPPINGS REPORTED

The second autumn clipping envelope of the season was received the second week of September. 
Discounting 25 clippings relating to a publicity stunt in shipping Kentucky bluegrass seed 
to a homesick soldier in Viet Nam, over half of the remaining 71 clippings seemed directly 
attributable to the Institute press kit.

Most voluminous was pickup in small Missouri newspapers, from a University of Missouri 
Extension Service release. Apparently the service drew upon Institute information in 
compiling ’’Bluegrass Varieties for Missouri Lawns”, which listed and described several.

New York and New Jersey carried several prominent items, in the Newark, New Jersey Star 
Ledger, the Newark News, the Camden Courier Post; the Jamaica (Long Island) Press and the 
Schnectedy New York Gazette. Curtis Schick stressed fine fescues and Highland bentgrass, 
commenting "Don’t confuse the fine fescues with the coarse tall fescues. Under modern 
labeling practices the fine fescues will be listed on the seed box among 'fine-textured' 
grasses while tall fescues are 'coarse kinds'. Chewings, Illahee and Pennlawn are fine- 
textured fescues --". The Schnectedy story utilized the Institute item about autumn
being the "beginning" of the lawn season, and advised ”your favorite Kentucky bluegrasses 
and fine fescues make efficient use of the warm days with crisp nights.” Otto Langhans, 
writing for the Long Island Press, credited the Lawn Institute by name in advising an 
autumn program.

Richard DeLano repeats Institute words in his column, appearing in three Illinois news-
papers. The same is true for stories appearing in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Times
Leader News, the Harrisburg Patriot and the Lansford Record.

In Michigan the Institute is credited by name, in the Grand Rapids Press, quoting the 
advice: "Fertilize Kentucky bluegrass or Highland bentgrass at least once, better twice, 
through autumn. Even fine fescue in shade should be given enough fertilizer for both 
grass and tree. Bluegrass, fescues and bentgrasses are not bothered by frost--". The
The
Lansing Michigan State Journal, under the title "Bluegrasses Meet Varied Needs”, opens 
with "Kentucky bluegrass in numerous varieties such as Merion, Newport and Park, is a 
perennial lawngrass.” The Ann Arbor News mentions, ’’With less dense bluegrass such as 
Park, thatch does not build up -- most fine fescues (Chewings, Highlight, Illahee, Pennlawn) 
don’t thatch any faster than does bluegrass -- Highland, most used lawn bentgrass does 
not thatch quickly, but is nonetheless spruced up by occasional thatch removal.”

 

Other appearances included the Evansville, Indiana Courier, and the South Bend Tribune;
the Elyria, Ohio Chronicle-Telegram (viz. "It’s hard to improve upon Kentucky bluegrass --"
and "Mowing is not much of a chore in autumn in Kentucky bluegrass lawns.”). Oklahoma,
Idaho and Oregon each had a pickup, and in the South, Virginia, Alabama and Louisiana. In 
Ponca City, Oklahoma the News utilized the Swenson syndicated column, which mentioned, 
"Kentucky bluegrass, Merion bluegrass, fine fescue or Highland bentgrass do well”.

PARKER COOPERATION

Parker Sweeper, Springfield, Ohio, has assisted the Lawn Institute grounds demonstrations 
program, through donation of the new Power Sweep, and a Thatch-O-Matic with three inter­
changeable reels. These will prove especially helpful in the maintenance of bentgrass, 
and in upgrading rough turf to a fine-textured composition. Parker has been very helpful 
in distributing tens of thousands of informational leaflets featuring quality turfgrasses, 
and plans a new one of these for the spring season, to be prepared in cooperation with the 
Institute.

INSTITUTE LITERATURE PURCHASED

We always feel gratified when the Institute’s reputation reaches distant places. One such 
instance was an inquiry from Louis A. Brandenburg Advertising, Tulsa, Oklahoma, representing 
a new entrant into the field of lawn irrigation. Brandenburg Advertising sent a small 
check covering cost of handling and mailing for a complete battery of reprints such as are 
circulated by the Lawn Institute. This will be a helpful means for getting the name of 
the Institute and its sponsoring grasses before a potentially national promotion.

USDA TURFGRASS FIELD DAY

Dr. Schery was present for the National Turfgrass Field Day, held in Beltsville, Maryland, 
August 3. Here are some of the general impressions, and a few of the highlights marking 
this nationally prominent demonstration.

The summer has been generally kind, with adequate rainfall, and the bluegrasses especially 
were looking very good. This tended to diminish differences, and even varieties or "common” 
bluegrass that the experts do not generally rate very highly looked attractive. As is 
expected this far south, fine fescues do not show to great advantage during summer, although 
it was explained that they are very attractive at other times of year. Because of the 
criticalness of the season differences between varieties showed up much more strongly with 
the fine fescue selections than with the bluegrasses. It was apparent that high mowing 
was especially advantageous to the fine fescues, and low fertility levels also. Bentgrasses 
and ryegrasses were not widely represented, but there was a fair scattering of southern 
species (primarily bermudas and zoysias) to round out the display. Beltsville is also 
pushing the use of tall fescue for this climate, and seeking improved selections of the 
species.

Blends of bluegrasses showed to advantage, and mixtures of varieties were commended by 
Juska in his discussion. On the test plots there was not great visible difference, but 
combinations that looked good included Merion-Belturf, Belturf-Anheuser, Nugget-Windsor- 
Newport, Nugget-Newport-Common. Photos were taken for the Institute files. Individual 
bluegrasses looking well included Fylking and Penn State 106 (seem essentially the same), 
Merion and several others.

Of the fine fescues, best appearing were Alaska Synthetic 1-64, Alaska Arctared, Alaska 
Station, some plantings of Oasis, and Ruby. Of satisfactory appearance were Golfrood, 
Chewings, Pennlawn and other plantings of Oasis. Poorest appearing were Creeping Red, 
Illahee and Quebec.

Among perennial ryegrass plantings improved selections such as NorLea appeared definitely 
superior to common.

In overseeding of four different bermudagrasses with five different cool-season grasses 
(tall fescue, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, Poa annua, Merion bluegrass), the fine 
fescues established best and persisted longest. While this made the most attractive 
cover, it also most severely retarded revival of the bermudagrass. However, with cool-season 
grasses doing so well, there would seem little occasion for the use of southern species!
If an overseeding was to be used, these tests appeared to favor Poa annua as the least 
troublesome in competition with the bermudagrasses.

In comparisons of grasses maintained under low maintenance, natural, Park, Delta, and 
Arboretum bluegrasses were all excellent, about equivalent one with the other. They 
were definitely better than Merion, Newport, Campus, and so on. The fine fescues prosper 
under this sort of treatment, too, with Pennlawn, Jamestown and Chewings best appearing in 
the demonstrations.

In a test of fertilizer applications to tall fescue, and tall fescue combined with Kentucky 
bluegrass, it seemed not to make any difference what kind of fertilizer was used (or when); 
fertilized turf was definitely thicker and with less crabgrass than unfertilized. In his 
comments Juska commended tall fescue by itself (without the bluegrass component), but in 
looking over the plots it seemed as though the bluegrass was more attractive than the tall 
fescue (in color, his basis for judgement), and that the bluegrass was gaining slightly on 
the tall fescue where generously fertilized. Other fertilizer tests indicated that very 
high levels of phosphorus cause little or no damage to bluegrass, especially if balanced 
by some nitrogen. Phosphorus as high as 2 1/2 tons per acre annually is used in some of the 
treatments.

In plantings of Merion, Newport and Common Kentucky bluegrass started in 1958, the Newport 
has definitely deteriorated and is the poorest of the three. Varying maintenance practices 
have been tried on all three (including veritcal mowing, aerification, differing rates of 
fertilization), and none of these seem to make a great deal of difference except that 
Merion left unfertilized deteriorates. Juska thinks vertical mowing may have helped 
appearance a little, but in the ratings differences are not statistically significant.
With the systemic fungicides so far tried for stripe smut control, nothing has been 
successful, even though the same products (DCMO and DCMOD) have been successful against 
flagsmut in the West. Likewise, there have been little benefit from thatch control in 
common Kentucky bluegrass, although there might be a slight advantage from aerification.

In his discussions Juska recommended the use of blends or mixtures rather than straight 
plantings. He commented upon the Beltsville 117 (seedling out of radiated Merion) as 
being a definite improvement. He also commented that many selections brought in, including 
Silverblue, are severely stricken with disease. Juska also criticized the marketing of 
Newport as "common'’, although admitting the legality of this. He suggested that users of 
common specify the new Kenblue (natural, from Kentucky) or certified South Dakota seed.
Thus we see the cycle coming back to official recommendation of natural Kentucky bluegrass!

So far there has been no luck in finding a tall fescue plant capable of spreading by rhizomes.  
In the zoysia plantings, Emerald seems superior to other varieties. In wear studies on 
bermudagrass, Tufcote seemed able to “take it“ as well as any at the time of visit, but in 
Juska’s ratings the Kansas selection (S-16) tops the list.

There was rather little in the way of pesticide demonstrations. The familiar crabgrass 
controls had been used on bluegrass, with no new or original conclusions. Dacthal was said 
to damage some strains of bentgrass, and betasan occasionally bluegrass. Perhaps of 
greatest interest was use of rates as high as 100 pounds/A of siduron as a seed treatment, 
made to coat the seed with a binder of 20% corn syrup; this in no way injured the germination 
or the seedlings of the fine turfgrasses, while yet preventing crabgrass and other annual 
grasses in the seedbed. There would be definite promise, by this technique, of extending 
the lawn planting season into summer. A few strains of bentgrass are said to be injured 
by appreciable rates of siduron, but not Highland (which is said to stand it well).

This National Field Day is perhaps more significant for the publicity it gives than for the 
research it uncovers (which would be slanted to a somewhat untypical climate). Attendance 
was estimated at slightly less than 300, among which are prominent turfgrass people (both 
academic and commercial) from throughout the area and from so far distant as Missouri and 
Maine.

MAILING TO ADVISORS

A special mailing was made to 27 of the Institute advisors in late August, that included 
the reprint "Turf Preparation for Summer".

OHIO FIELD DAY

"Research Summary 24” reviewed the presentations of the Ohio Agricultural Research and 
Development Center staff during the Lawn and Ornamental Field Day of 1967.

Dr. Davis reports on grass mixtures. He reviews the familiar arguments for and against 
combining species, concluding generally that there is a balance in favor of combining 
bluegrasses, usually bluegrasses and fine fescues, but not bentgrasses, ryegrasses or 
redtop. He particularly singles out redtop as a persistent "weed” in seed blends. One 
of his findings is that bluegrass and fine fescue together give a higher percentage of 
sod cover than does either alone.

Dr. Niehaus in reviewing "Kentucky Bluegrass Varieties" is more definitely inclined to 
blends of grasses, at least bluegrass varieties. He lists as outstanding varieties Merion, 
Pennsylvania K-5, Windsor, Prato and A-20 (as well as a couple of coded numbers). However, 
Merion and probably Windsor are becoming questionable because of smut. A second group of 
varieties includes Cougar, Kentucky grown Common, Newport, and Delft, as well as an experi­
mental. With poorer performance are Delta, Danish Common, Nudwarf, Campus and Park.

Dr. Miller reviews causes for the elimination of tall fescue in the athletic stadium, being 
superceded by Kentucky bluegrass (even though only 1/4 pound of Kentucky bluegrass was 
combined with 9 pounds of tall fescue/M in the original seeding). Main causes seem to be 
moderate or generous fertilization (at least four pounds N/M annually), and about a 2 inch 
height. This seems to set up conditions for winterkill of the tall fescue, and gradual 
domination by the bluegrass.

Other presentations deal with water relationships of the soil, controlling weeds, renovating 
turf, and fungicidal treatments, - all giving information now reasonably well known in 
turfgrass circles. Final portions of the program deal with street tree evaluations and 
landscaping.

The main criticism to be leveled against these reports is the implication that what is 
observed on the test plots equally well applies generally. For example, experience in the 
state generally does not reveal ability to get rid of tall fescue so easily as at the 
stadium and in followup research. Nor under other conditions do the announced inter- 
relationships between varieties, and between fine fescue and bluegrass, always hold true.

HORTICULTURAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

The Lawn Institute, in the person of Dr. Schery, was invited to participate in a panel 
discussion at the annual meeting of the American Horticultural Society (jointly with the 
Men’s Garden Club), at Cleveland, Ohio, September 22. Dr. Schery covered the subject of 
lawns, and answered questions from the floor. Other participants were Thomas Anderson, 
of the Soil Conservation Service; Irma Bartell, garden editor of the Cleveland Plain 
Dealer; Fred Buscher, regional Extension Specialist; and Herman Porter of the Bartlet 
Tree Service; Dr. John Fogg, past director of the Morris Arboretum at Philadelphis, was 
moderator. Reprints of the story done for the Canadian Rose Annual were given the 
audience, as a reminder from the Institute of the importance quality turf grasses play 
in the horticultural scheme.

SPEAKS TO SALES MEETING

Dr. Schery had the pleasure of speaking to the Borden Chemical Company sales meeting, on 
lawns and grass seed. The company lends fine support to the Institute, not only in its 
grounds program, but in distributing reprints and other informational items.

RESEARCH AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE

While visiting the East Coast, it was possible for Dr. Schery to spend a day with Dr. William 
Gilbert, North Carolina State University* An interesting set of trial plots is being 
observed at Raleigh , the climate of which permits northern or southern grasses if properly 
cared for. A number of bluegrasses looked excellent at time of visit (September 14), 
obviously not harmed by the summer (which this year was bit cooler than usual). Normally 
bluegrasses do better in broken shade this far south than in the sun, but these fully 
exposed test plots were excellent at time of visit. Dr. Gilbert’s chief advice for 
keeping bluegrass attractive is little or no fertilization in summer.

Tall fescue is widely utilized this far south as more enduring than fine fescues. It is 
the standard seeded grass for roadsides, since bermuda is prohibited by law. Sericea 
lespedeza is planted on roadside cuts. Gilbert finds ryegrass continuing to be widely 
used for winter-seeding, because other species don’t hold up quite so well as does rye 
through the season.

Among the bluegrasses both Merion and Newport have been behaving well, although Merion 
gets abundant rust in springtime. Windsor has proved no better than common. Penncross 
has been excellent as a seeded bentgrass, while Cohansey and Toronto (thatches quite much) 
are Gilbert’s favorites among vegetative strains.

A distinctive centipede selection is under test, and several zoysias look well (but mow 
difficultly). No-mow bermuda grass stands shade well. Tifgreen bermuda is said to make 
an excellent grass for the coast if given limited fertility. Tifway is favored for 
athletic fields, and has been utilized on the school stadium field.

Prominent weeds noted at time of visit were spotted spurge, dallisgrass, cudweed, crabgrass, 
foxtail, plaintain, goosegrass, volunteer bermuda, and dandelion.

MORE ABOUT WINTERSEEDING

Gill, Thompson and Ward report on ’’Species and Methods for Overseeding Bermudagrass Greens”, 
in the September-October The Golf Superintendent. Much of the material is taken from the 
Gill thesis, upon which Dr. Schery reported to the Fine Fescue Commission some years ago.
One of the four test components is the "Lawn Institute mix” (a blend of fine fescue,
Kentucky bluegrass and Highland bentgrass).

The authors find that ryegrass and Illahee fescue are quickest to give cover, but that 
Kentucky bluegrass is densest late in the season. Mowing the bermuda short was generally 
the best technique for good establishment. Ryegrass interfered with bermudagrass recovery 
less than did fescue or the Lawn Institute mix.

In the discussion the authors conclude: "Results of 2 years of sod preparation experiments 
indicate that ryegrass at 10 lbs. -- or Illahee fescue at 5 lbs. - - provide a satisfactory 
winter turf when overseeded on U-3 or Ormond ----- low temperatures in December severely 
damaged the ryegrass and reduced turf quality ratings. Illahee fescue and Kentucky 
bluegrass were not damaged to any degree -- of the four cool-season grasses used in the 
seeding rate study, ryegrass, Illahee fescue and the Lawn Institute mixture gave satis­
factory winter turf quality when overseeded at the medium or high seeding rate.”

ON FERTILIZING FESCUE AND BENTGRASS

Virginia researchers, reporting in the July-August issue of the Agronomy Journal, emphasize 
the value of autumn and winter nitrogen fertilization in that border state. Good color was 
maintained on both bentgrass and fescue without adverse physiological changes, by fertili­
zation even in the coldest parts of winter. Fertilized turf became very dense even though 
there was no measurable top growth during winter. This study affords added documentation 
to the recommendation we have long been making for feeding lawn in autumn and winter.

MORE ON THATCH

Ledeboer and Skogley, Rhode Island, report in the July-August Agronomy Journal on turfgrass 
thatch. Various treatments, including addition of sugar, affected thatch little, although 
it did modify response to fertilization and incidence of disease. Chemical analysis of 
bentgrass thatch showed this to have higher lignin content than cereal straw. The parts 
most resistant to decomposition (persisting thatch) were mainly vascular strands from the 
leaf bases, crown tissues and fibrous roots; leaf clippings were less resistant.

BENSULIDE CRABGRASS CONTROL

Bingham and Schmidt, Virginia, report on persistent use of bensulide with bentgrass, in 
the July-August Agronomy Journal. Because it controlled crabgrass consistently, it was 
beneficial to the bentgrass. However, toxic quantities (to new seedings) build up in the 
soil, although if two months were let pass after the most recent application before 
reseeding seedlings emerged well.

IN KANSAS CITY STAR

We didn’t see the story, but an airmail let ter from Missouri opens, "In today’s Kansas City 
Star your name is mentioned several times in an article on establishing a good bluegrass 
lawn." The letter from Matney Mills Farm requests further information on a number of points, 
which, of course, the Institute was glad to supply.

NEWSLETTER MENTIONED

It is always pleasant to receive outside publicity about the Institute and its grasses.
Thus we were pleased to receive copies of the September issue of the "Blue Ridge Garden 
News", apparently sponsored by the Borden Chemical Company. In it were reproductions of 
several gardening columns, including that by Art Kozelka in the Chicago Tribune based 
partly on Institute materials. In addition there were "Garden Notes" by Harry O’Brien of 
the Columbus, Ohio Dispatch, and "Lawn Seeding Weather Hints", as "the advice of Dr. Robert 
W. Schery, Director of the Lawn Institute". The item, apparently adapted from the press 
kit, advises that autumn is certainly the best time for fertilizing the lawn in order to 
make the dollars go farther, and offers this quote: "Adequate feeding in autumn accomplishes 
more for the top lawn species such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue and Bentgrass, than 
does equivalent care any other time of the year --". It is nice to have this commendation
of these grasses widely spread at no cost to the Institute, through the good offices of a 
major organization.

PRAIRIE THATCH

A study in Kansas by Dr. L. C. Hulbert showed that when the accummulated litter in a natural 
prairie was removed, that activity by the grass was stepped up. There were about twice as 
many tillers, soil temperature rose a few degrees in summer, grass production was nearly 
twice as great. This is the sort of response looked for in lawn thatch removal.. Apparently 
even the native prairie litter (thatch) has a buffering influence, which develops even 
more quickly (as thatch) in intensively cared-for lawns.

TURF ANNUAL APPEARS

Park Maintenance Magazine, in its July issue, presented its 11th "Turf Annual", a resume 
of current research and trends in the field. Guest editor this year was Dr. Joseph Troll, 
University of Massachusetts, an Institute advisor. The Institute was listed among 
"references" for the information contained.

First major topic after introductory discussions was "Diseases". There is still no easy 
answer to disease control, in most cases persistent use of fungicides as preventives 
rather than correctives being necessary. Also, the selection of fungicides is extremely 
wide, with variable reports concerning their effectiveness; many seem specific for certain 
diseases or certain regions, so that it becomes difficult to generalize and disease control 
is complicated for the uninitiated. One interesting report from Rutgers showed leafspot 
(Helminthosporium vagans) to form spores much more abundantly during the cool season 
(November-April) than in warm seasons. Rutgers reports also cite three bluegrasses 
(Anheuser Dwarf, Park and Penn State K547) as resistant to stripe smut. Fylking has since 
been reported so, although Merion, Windsor and other well known selections are quite 
susceptible.

Not a great deal new was reported on "Fertilizers". Contradictory evidence on the useful­
ness of phosphorus is presented, and editor Troll seems impressed that perhaps more 
phosphorus is being used in turf fertilization than is necessary. Under "Grasses", mention 
is made of pending issuance through Purdue University of a composite of bluegrasses, built 
primarily around selections out of Anheuser Dwarf. The multiple line would be released 
through the Seed Improvement Association, primarily aimed for the sod market, with the sod 
expected to be certified. Considerable mention is made of Bermudagrass selections, 
including a new Australian "No-Mow". Shade tolerance studies in Texas are cited, in which 
the American "No-Mow" showed up advantageously. Institute observations on Highland 
bentgrass in mixture are reviewed in some detail.

Michigan State work on winterkill of grasses and recovery from drought is reviewed. Park 
and Merion are mentioned as having good drought recovery characteristics, and none of the 
bluegrasses are seriously affected by winterkill under normal growing conditions. However, 
fine fescues are said to be susceptible to low temperature injury. Highlight is cited as 
one of the more winter hardy selections, but all factors considered Pennlawn is nominated 
as about the best of the currently available selections. However difference between named 
varieties is not great, and the Michigan State conclusion is said to be, "Four years of 
red fescue variety and performance data at East Lansing, Michigan, has shown no great 
superiority of any of the commercially available red fescue varieties. However, date 
obtained concerning relative tolerance to winterkill and drought indicate that Pennlawn is 
definitely superior to other red fescue varieties in these two important characteristics.”

Discussions under "Insects and Pests", and "Irrigation", involve chiefly established products 
and methods. Much attention is being focused on irrigation, and wetting agents, for drier 
climates. Under the title of "Management" coloring agents for grass, seeding and sod, soil 
warming, and winterkill are all discussed. It is thought that recommended seeding rates 
are often higher than need to be, but quoting work by Madison, California, one reads "Others 
have suggested weedy land requires higher rates of seeding as an aid to weed suppression".
The new attention soil warming is receiving for stadia gets one into engineering consider­
ations more than biological ones. But Watson, Toro, Minnesota, found more snowmold disease 
where the soil was heated to slightly above freezing.

"Weed Control" research shows that dicamba is as effective in the dry form as in solution, 
whereas 2,4-D is not. Dicamba plus 2,4-D is improved in its effectiveness by a wetting 
agent. Very small additions of picloram further enhance effectiveness. Effectiveness of 
crabgrass preventers is related to time of application. The Institute is quoted at some 
length on regional usage of pre-emergence herbicides. Work on controlling Poa annua, by 
Juska and Hansen, is reviewed - something already reported to members in the previous 
issue of Harvests. Some interesting results were obtained in Michigan research, in which 
the addition of paraquat to chemicals such as simazine, diuron or amitrol appreciably 
increased their control of quackgrass. This synergism was obtained even when the paraquat 
and other herbicide applications were made separately days apart.

RECOMMENDED FOR ROADSIDE

In offering reprints for the "Roadside Beautification and Pest Control" conference in New 
England, Dr. Schery offered this suggestion in communication with the sponsoring extension 
service:

"I was wondering, if in the New England area, especially on the poorer soils, blends
containing a fine fescue might not be especially appropriate. The familiar red fescues 
such as Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn and so on are extremely durable in dry shade and on 
poor soils in your area. For the more misty uplands Highland bentgrass might be a very 
economical addition. And certainly the bluegrasses would merit inclusion, for their 
unparalleled ability to weave a sod in locations where the soil is good.”

ROADSIDE COVER

A study by Dr. Phillip Buckley, Texas, on western Kansas roadsides, showed that introduced 
rather than native species made the quickest and most enduring (through the early years) 
cover on seeded road banks. Native grasses such as buffalograss, dropseed, the gramas 
and wheatgrass eventually provide significant cover where mowing is not frequent. But 
alfalfa, brome, perennial ryegrass and similar species were the most effective early 
colonizers.

INSTITUTE PHOTO USED

We were surprised to see an Institute photo used as the cover for ”The Seedsman’s Digest" 
August, 1967 issue. The illustration was one of the earlier ones taken on the Institute 
grounds.

HIGHLAND BENTGRASS PUBLICIZED

Many members will have read the coverage given the Institute report on Highland bentgrass, 
in the "Eleventh Research Annual" in the July issue of Park Maintenance. Editor Troll 
introduces the discussion, "To dissuade turf 'purists' who believe that bentgrass in a 
mixture with bluegrass and fescue is detrimental to the density and attractiveness of turf, 
Schery reports that the Lawn Institute has completed a four-year test of quality bentgrass 
in bluegrass mixtures. Schery says there seems to be unjustified alarm about quality 
bentgrass in lawn mixtures... the tests at the Institute don’t indicate any pestiferousness 
with Highland bent, even when mixed with its companion fine turf grasses such as Kentucky 
bluegrasses and Oregon fine fescues. The test indicated that in four years Highland bent­
grass invaded adjacent bluegrass very little, even when mowed close, overseeded with Highland. 
In none of the cases did the Highland bentgrass 'get out of hand'... 'this experience does 
suggest that the concern about the weediness of bentgrass in mixtures is more an indictment of 
wild types than a considered judgement of colonial bentgrass varieties properly chosen for 
quality'".

RUTGERS TURFGRASS

One of the country’s outstanding turfgrass breeding programs is in charge of Dr. Reed Funk, 
at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Perhaps the world’s greatest assemblage 
of bluegrass germplasm has been gathered at Rutgers. Dr. Schery recently had opportunity 
to spend the afternoon with Dr. Funk inspecting his test plantings. At the moment research 
is mainly concerned with rough screening of immense quantities of selections, looked at 
especially for disease resistance, degree of sexuality and response to differing maintenance 
conditions (especially mowing height, and fertility). The better performing lines are 
being hybridized in the greenhouse, and the seedlings re-examined for performance in the 
field.

At the time of visit most bluegrass selections were performing well, reflecting the rainy 
weather prevailing on the East Coast this year. Moreover, Merion was not suffering from 
stripe smut as it had in previous years, and therefore was very attractive, the "standard 
of comparison". But even volunteer bluegrass in the border strips was looking well.

Fine fescues, on the other hand, suffer a setback in hot weather under New Jersey conditions. 
Dr. Funk refers to it as a lack of "thriftiness" in summer, but qualifies this by mentioning 
their excellent performance in cooler weather from autumn through spring.

The Rutgers selections of perennial ryegrass looked very good at time of visit also, far 
better than common and most presently marketed named selections. Dr. Funk explained that 
19 different clones have been combined to yield "Manhattan" ryegrass. These are interplanted, 
and the seed harvested as breeder seed. He explains that there is a good bit of self 
sterility in these ryegrass selections, so that appreciable natural crossing must take place.

Among the bluegrass selections, aside from Merion, hybrids and selections out of Anheuser 
Dwarf are the especial favorites of Dr. Funk. The chief drawback is susceptibility to rust. 
Some of the Warren selections also look very good, with the A-20 among the best. Dr. Funk 
says that all of these varieties are rather strongly sexual.

Fylking has looked very good, but it is reported that there are survival problems when it is 
cut very low. By and large Fylking is indistinguishable from several Penn State selections 
(K547); planted side by side all look much alike, and were performing well at time of visit. 
Beltsville’s 117, derived from radiation treatments of Merion, also looks good; it is 
reported as about 20% sexual. Nugget, from Alaska, is reported very photosensitive, 
responding differently to day length at different latitudes.

Among the fine fescues, Golfrood, Pennlawn and Oasis were all reasonably attractive at time 
of visit, especially where mowed tall and not over-fertilized. A good many code selections 
are being grown, too, which seem to withstand summer weather reasonably well.

There is a small Basidiomycete fungus showing up on all turfgrasses, apparently introduced 
from agricultural crops. It does not seem too serious, and the researchers are not sure 
whether it is saprophytic or parasitic.

EXETER PECULIARITY

Fertilizer application on the Institute test grasses made July 12 brought out a peculiarity 
in the Exeter variety of bentgrass only. Unaffected were Highland, Kingstown and Astoria. 
Where ureaform fertilizer was applied, the Exeter turned "soggy brownish", as if in the 
incipient stages of disease. But where it received regular chemical fertilizer at the same 
nitrogen strength it greened nicely without exhibiting this behavior. Obviously this was 
not a hot weather reaction to nitrogen. There seemed to be a specific temporary response 
of Exeter to what is considered the "safest" form of nitrogen for hot weather!

MICHIGAN RESEARCH

Received from a supporter is a copy of "A Review of Turfgrass Research at Michigan State 
University", offered to attendees at the July 11 Turfgrass Field Day, Lansing, Michigan.
This is one of the most concisely presented resumes of any field day program we have seen, 
notable for giving general conclusions. A wealth of information is conveyed in about 20 
pages, representing research work undertaken by more than a score of individuals. Members 
may be interested in some of the high points relating to lawngrasses of interest to the 
Institute.

The resume opens with a review of weather and prevailing conditions during the year previous, 
which might have influence upon the observations. This spring leafspot disease was heavy 
and early, soil temperatures unusually low and Fusarium blight on the increase.

In bentgrass evaluations (maintained much like a golf green) Penncross has rated very well, 
being only slightly behind Cohansey and Toronto in the numerical scores. In other compari­
sons that included colonial bentgrasses, coded selections from Michigan and New Jersey 
constituted the group with best ratings (also "Springfield", from Kansas), while Highland 
joined several little-known varieties in an intermediate group. Exeter was among the 
poorest (only Bore having a lower rating), and Holfior, while considerably better than 
Exeter, still rated below Highland. The plantings were started in 1962.

A comparison of the ecology of mixtures is continuing, from a planting made in 1962.
Rating best are combinations of Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue (the percentages of 
each seeming to make little difference). Dr. Erdmann concludes, "Mixtures which originally 
contained a ryegrass or tall fescue components have not yet achieved the quality level of 
the Kentucky bluegrass-red fescue mixtures. .. Mixtures containing redtop or rough stalk 
bluegrass are generally inferior."

Mowing studies confirm what is well known, - that lower cutting heights increase number of 
sprouts but reduce total leaf area. It is concluded, "A greater leaf area is more desir­
able than high density."

Bluegrass variety comparisons are in their 5th year of evaluation. Merion and Penn State 
K547 continue to rate high (as in the past), but Newport and Prato are declining. Brabantia 
was 70% lost over winter. Quality ratings listed, from the best to the poorest, were:
K547 , Delft, Merion, Prato, Delta, Park, Cougar, Newport, Campus, Windsor, Common, Brabantia, 
Poa trivialis.

In a comparison of bluegrass blends combinations of Merion and Common headed the list. 
Michigan State concludes, "There is not any significant difference in turf quality between 
blends which contain a Merion component. --The severity of disease has been reduced by 
blending."

In fine fescue evaluations, Pennlawn and Rainier continue to rate well among commercially 
available selections. However, newer selections just becoming available rate even higher, 
along with some coded experimentals. Among familiar names, in the order of the quality 
ratings given, are: Highlight, Oasis, Golfrood, Rainier, Pennlawn, Olds, Illahee, Chewings, 
Creeping Red, - and far down the list hard fescues.

Michigan coded selections of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue have rated very well, and 
along with Pelo and Norlea ryegrasses considerably better than common. Kentucky-31 tall 
fescue is slightly ahead of Alta.

In general, Michigan seems to feel there are advantages to thatch removal, and have sta­
tistics showing that collection of clippings lessen thatch accumulation. Among the fine 
turfgrasses, the fine fescues appeared most easily injured by familiar herbicides (but 
Betasan also injured Kentucky bluegrass). Pesticide applications have been noted to 
result in turfgrass response, and the causes are being investigated (as to whether there 
may be pest control, biological influence through the soil, or some direct stimulation). 
Several other areas of research activity are discussed briefly, or outlined with listing 
of the researcher involved.

REPORT FROM PURDUE

Dr. William Daniel, advisor for Indiana, sent his recent report prepared for the Midwest 
Turf Field Day July 31. Mention of a few of the items may be of interest to turfgrass 
people.

A great many bluegrasses have been selected since 1952, some reproduced into the fifth 
generation in studying their variability. Some 3,000 seedlings have been planted and 
assessed. A punch card system has been developed by which a selection can be chosen 
according to such characteristics as short leaf, low seedhead, rate of spread, disease 
tolerance, color and other characteristics. Emphasis is being placed upon search for a 
vigorous, low-growing bluegrass for roadside usage.

At the moment blending of several bluegrasses is recommended, as the most practical means 
for achieving widely adapted turf with existing varieties. It is said that Sodco seed 
will be available in 1969, from breeder seed now being distributed through auspices of the 
Agricultural Alumni Seed Improvement Association). Advance orders by sod-growers will 
absorb initial supply. Four selections are in the blend, at least one out of Anheuser 
Dwarf.

Both stripe smut and Ophiobolus patch have been abundant on Purdue bluegrass. It is
recommended that fungicidal treatment be given bluegrasses that are mowed close. Generous 
fertilization, needed for attractive appearance, has caused greater leafspot disease on 
bluegrass, although less rust. The fertilizer encourages thatch formation, but also better 
recovery from damage.

The search is still on for a chemical which will selectively remove bentgrass from
bluegrass-fine fescue turf; nothing very successful has yet been uncovered. The impractically 
high level of 12 lb. N/M of ureaform is reported to have carry-over into the second year, 
as would be expected. Dicamba is reported to give effective control of clover at as little 
as l/8th pound active ingredient/A, if sprayed with a suitable wetting agent; at least 4 
pounds are needed if applied as a granular. Fairy ring seems less evident where calcium 
arsenate has been used for crabgrass prevention. Extensive comparison of synthetic mixes 
for the rootzone continues, chiefly of value for intensively maintained turf such as a golf 
green.

RAIN PASSES INSTITUTE BY

As a whole the summer has been severely dry, for the Institute demonstration and test 
turfgrass plantings. A cold, wet spring turned very dry in June, with no significant rain 
until a couple of nice showers in late July. August had less than a 1/2 inch total rainfall, 
and early September none. As a result turfgrass has been badly offcolor most of summer, 
not very suitable for color photographs. We are especially grateful to the automatic 
irrigation system Toro has furnished, for keeping the bentgrass and other specialty 
plantings thriving. The plastic, underground Moist-O-Matic system has performed admirably.

DISEASE ON QUALITY GRASS

Dr. Houston Couch, of Virginia, sent a copy of his paper "Relationship Between Soil 
Moisture, Nutrition and Severity of Turfgrass Diseases". While quite technical, it may be 
of some interest because of use of various bluegrasses, Rainier and Pennlawn fine fescues, 
and Highland bentgrass as test species.

It is speculated that differing levels of soil moisture and nutrition should condition 
grasses differentially to disease. Occasionally this proved true, but seldom in a 
consistent or predictable fashion. Kentucky bluegrass and Highland bentgrass became more 
susceptible to dollar spot and Pythium respectively, when subjected to drought stress.
But Rainier was more rather than less resistant to red thread when similarly treated. It 
seemed to not make any difference with Merion Kentucky bluegrass and Pennlawn red fescue. 
In fact Pennlawn and Rainier fescues acted the same in certain seasons, differently in 
others. There are so many imponderables and variables that it all becomes quite confusing, 
and Couch concludes that perhaps it is best to rely upon fungicides rather than nutrition 
for disease control, basing irrigation and fertilization on grass growth.

If there are any general conclusions, it is that low calcium levels seem to encourage 
disease, and that high nitrogen (particularly when out of balance with other nutrients) 
tended to also. Kentucky bluegrass was definitely more resistant to dollar spot under low 
nutrition. Highland bentgrass came down with Pythium more readily under either imbalanced 
or high nutrition. Rainier fine fescue suffered greater red thread disease under low 
calcium and imbalanced nutrition, but Pennlawn suffered likewise only in April-May (not in 
autumn).

BENTGRASS SEED SENT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Upon request from Dr. Madison, Davis, California, small samples of Highland and other 
bentgrass seeds were furnished for experimental purposes, and the Highland Bentgrass 
Commission made aware of this possibility for some gainful recognition.

BLUEGRASS PROMOTION

A well-rounded promotional program for Fylking Kentucky bluegrass has begun. An outstanding 
new variety of this type, widely promoted, will help to further the quality image of the 
Kentucky bluegrass name.

PROMOTING BLUEGRASS

A recent copy of Turf and Garden Topics (Borden Chemicals) contains an item ”Cue for 
Bluegrass Sales”, drawing upon a Lawn Institute release for information about extending 
the durability of athletic fields through autumn bolster seeding at the end of the 
football season.

SOIL CONSERVES FERTILIZER

A good point is made by L. M. Walsh, Wisconsin, in Fertilizer Solutions magazine. Arguing 
for autumn seeding, he points out that even with soluble nitrates there is insufficient 
rainfall north and west of the Ohio Valley to leach these from the root zone through winter. 
Where precipitation is 40 inches or more, or on very sandy soils, there might be loss, and 
then the ammoniacal form of nitrogen should be used for autumn fertilization. One usually 
thinks of nitrogen fixation in the soil, and doesn't stop to realize that in the total 
system there is not much loss of solubles from the soil except in regions of generous 
rainfall. This is another reason for feeding-seeding lawns through winter rather than 
awaiting spring.

INSTITUTE’S PHOTO

A Lawn Institute photo was used in the July Lawn/Garden/Outdoor Livings in conjunction with 
a story on non-farm utilization of fertilizer.

"FINE-TEXTURED" ILLUSTRATED

During July colored slides were snapped contrasting "fine-textured" plantings with "coarse 
kinds". There are both views looking down on sod, and with the grasses lifted for photo­
graphing closeup. Slides were furnished a member interested in utilizing such visuals in 
his company’s educational program,

MORE ON VEGETATIONAL INHIBITION

The Ecological Society presented a series of papers on "Effects of Inhibitors" at the AIBS 
meetings in Texas. Several papers dealt with materials normally leached from vegetation 
that have profound physiological or inhibition effects on competing vegetation. Of especial 
interest to turfgrass people is a report by Robert L. Parenti, University of Oklahoma, on 
inhibitional effects of crabgrass. Extracts from crabgrass affected tomato seedlings as 
well as a number of pioneer plants of culivated soil. Crabgrass extract inhibited 
germination of most seeds. However, decaying crabgrass in the soil did not restrict 
germination. Several acids found in crabgrass have been isolated and shown to be 
inhibitory. Parenti speculates that such crabgrass inhibitors influence ecological 
succession and competition. Other Oklahoma studies show that the early weedy stages of 
abandoned fields are terminated by inhibitors in Aristida grass. Aristida also inhibited 
nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which seems to prolong its successional stage up to 13 years 
(because of its low nitrogen requirement). Perhaps there are similar mechanisms prevailing 
in lawns?

INSECTICIDE STIMULATION

Charles R. Malone, Rutgers University, reported to the Ecological Society on "Insecticide 
Induced Responses." He found in old fields much the same sequence of steps often noticed 
when lawns are treated with pesticides. An old field treated with diazinon showed an 
increase in herbaceous species diversity, with increased root production. Population of 
soil organisms were altered. Surprisingly, rate of soil organic matter breakdown was 
increased. By the second season an equilibrium was reached much like that prevailing 
before treatment. Such studies are reassuring, that chemical treatment of lawns will not 
be detrimental; indeed, side effects are apt to be stimulative rather than the contrary.

SOD CERTIFICATION

The trend towards sod certification continues unabated in the big consuming states. We 
have word from the University of Maryland that Mr. Malcolm Sarna is now in charge of sod 
certification, a practice said to be "extremely well received and a worthwhile program for 
metropolitan areas." The implied demand for quality seed is obvious.

ROADSIDE CONFERENCE

The Extension Service of the University of Vermont informs us that the 4th Annual New 
England Agricultural Chemical Conference on "Roadside Beautification and Pest Control" will 
be held at Concord, New Hampshire October 24-25. Emphasis is on landscape beautification. 
Institute literature relating to roadside planting is being offered for handouts.

BENTGRASS SALT TOLERANCE

Research in California by Youngner and colleagues, reported in the July-August Agronomy 
Journal, showed Arlington and Seaside creeping bentgrass to be reasonably tolerant of 
salinity, but Penncross least tolerant of the varieties tested. Some plants out of a 
Seaside population survived extreme salinity, indicating variability within the strain.

NEW GOVERNMENT BEAUTIFICATION PUBLICATION

Just received with a press release is the new miscellaneous publication 1056 from the USDA, 
entitled "A Guide to Natural Beauty". One might wonder whether the USDA should be spending 
tax money in competition with the various gardening and outdoor publications, in issuing a 
sumptuous 30 page book such as this containing no less than 35 color plates, some of them 
two-page spreads. One might also question the skimpy factual information provided amidst 
all this glory, and the backpatting lavished on government activities in this field. Over­
looking these matters, this beautiful guide carries a listing on the back page that cites 
other government publications dealing with various facets of home beautification (included, 
for example, is the familiar G-51, "Better Lawns", available at 15 ¢) . Within the publication 
itself there are occasional references perhaps of value in landscaping, but relatively 
little about lawns. The sole admonishment noted: "And for variety allow the lawn to run 
up to the base of the house at various points."

LAWN MOVIES STILL IN DEMAND

Dr. Glen Wood, Institute advisor for Vermont, wrote wondering where good lawn movies might 
be secured for class use. "Bluegrass Beauty" is, of course, out of date, although filed 
copies were offered. More recent is the Union Pacific movie, which was suggested; and 
"Beautiful Lawns", by the National Plant Food Institute, for which the Lawn Institute was 
consultant. This request typifies the continuing interest in movies about lawns and lawn 
making, sponsorship of which would seem very worthwhile could the Institute muster sufficient 
budget.

SEAL OF APPROVAL REPORTS ISSUED

Royalty reports for the Seal of Approval have been put on a twice-a-year basis, issued at 
the end of June to cover spring sales, and at the end of December for autumn sales. All 
Seal users received their talley sheets the first week of July.

SEAL MAILING MADE

A note was sent to all packager members of the Institute not currently utilizing the Seal 
of Approval, reminding them of the availability of this consumer identification. The rules 
governing use of the Seal are explained by a mimeographed inclusion. We wish to emphasize 
that utilization of the Lawn Institute "Seal of Approval" is not exclusive, and is available 
to qualifying mixtures of all member firms.

WEATHER

The summer "Bull Sheet" (Bulletin of the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents, 
to which the Institute has contributed) offers a ten year record of the wind direction in 
gusty Chicago. In spite of being in the belt of the prevailing westerlies, there is a great 
deal of variability. Twelve percent of the time there is so little wind as to rate calm. 
Forty two percent of the time there was a westerly component, 35% of the time a southerly 
component, 26% of the time an easterly component and 28% of the time a northerly component. 
(Of course this does not add up to 100%, because each "in-between" is counted for both 
compass directions - "Southwest" in both "South" and "West", for example). This should 
convince those installing irrigation, of the futility of compensating for "prevailing” winds.

VARIABLE APOMIXIS

Research done by R. B. Knox at the National University, Canberra, Australia, showed apomixis 
in the Dichanthium aristatum not to be fixed, but to vary from nearly 50% to almost 100% in 
response to prevailing conditions. Most important was the photoperiod prevailing during 
development of the inflorescence; there was direct response to the length of day. Because 
of relationship of day length to latitude, it is apparent that the same clone might have 
differing degrees of apomixis depending upon where it is planted. A study of this sort 
might prove instructive for Kentucky bluegrass, in which apomixis often seems to be 
facultative rather than fixed for the genotype. The Knox report appeared in the July 21,
1967 issue of Science.

INSTITUTE QUOTED

The Lawn Advisory Service, which lists itself as "Division Soil Advisory Associates, of 
Alexandria, Virginia, sent a copy of its newsletter, Volume 3, Number 8. The newsletter 
opens, "Dr. Robert W. Schery, Director of The Lawn Institute in Marysville, Ohio, gives
us the following.............. ". The letter goes on to define thatch and discuss measures to be
taken, the quotation apparently picked up from Institute stories and reprints. This provides 
an excellent example of the way in which items once done trigger additional reach and 
influence. This newsletter lists itself as "Circulated privately by Las Alexandria Services, 
Leesburg, Virginia."

REPRINTS USED

An order from the Borden Chemical Company called for reprints from Resort Management 
magazine, on "Essentials for Lawn Care: Weed Killers and Pesticides". The distribution 
will be to key people and outlets. You will recall that this story recommended, "Kentucky 
bluegrasses are especially tolerant of pesticide chemicals, as are fine fescues."

INSTITUTE LITERATURE TO DEALERS

In visiting with Gus Day, Maryland, at the National Turfgrass Field Day, Dr. Schery was 
asked if reprints could be supplied for mailing (by Day) to all dealers in the area. These 
were promised without charge if Mr. Day will undertake the circularization.

RESPONSE TO PRE-EMERGENCE HERBICIDES

A report by Engel and Callahan appeared in the April issue of Weeds, on the response of 
Merion Kentucky bluegrass to residues of pre-emergence crabgrass herbicides. After 23 
inches of simulated rainfall terbutol (Azak) and bensulide (Betasan) still provided 
sufficient residue in the top two inches of soil to seriously reduce Merion root growth. 
Chlordane did not show any restriction of root growth, but it was noted when Dr. Schery 
visited the Rutgers campus recently that grass plots where chlordane had been used for 
crabgrass control many years ago were still noticeable because of their thinness.

WETTING AGENTS AID GERMINATION

A California study reported in Volume 48, Number 3 of Ecology, "Seed Germination and 
Establishment as Affected by Non-Wettable Soils and Wetting Agents", indicates that 
wetting agents may be useful in encouraging germination, better growth, and protection 
from erosion on types of soil that are basically non-wettable. However, with soils that 
are not hydrophobic, the wetting agents seem to have little value, and in some cases 
interferred with germination and growth of the cover. Wimmera ryegrass was the test species.

MORE ON TURFGRASS DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Larson and Love, in the August issue of Golfdom, report on "Minor Element Deficiency
Symptoms in Turfgrass". This is a laboratory study undertaken at the University of Wisconsin, 
and deals with a condition almost never found in the field (except for iron). However, with 
the recent trend towards artificial media for golfgreens, some bentgrass growing is not 
greatly different than laboratory hydroponics. It is thus good to have descriptions and 
a color plate showing deficiency symptoms, which are described for iron, manganese, zinc, 
molybdenum, boron and copper.

FROM U.S. STEEL

It is flattering when a corporation the size of U.S. Steel hears of the Lawn Institute.
In late August the Commercial Research Department wrote from Pittsburgh, asking for certain 
items of information, "regarding residential and commercial acreage in lawn and turf, --".

BLUEGRASS FERTILIZATION

Juska and Hanson, reporting in the Proceeding of the American Society for Horticultural 
Science, offer interesting evidence on, "Effect of Nitrogen Sources, Rates, and Time of 
Application on the Performance of Kentucky Bluegrass Turf". It is not possible to review 
all of the conclusions and details, but in general Kentucky bluegrass was of poorer quality 
(more leafspot) when it received higher and more pronounced levels of fertility. Modest 
fertilization, especially in the autumn, was usually preferable. Fertilization increased 
turf density somewhat (season of application not making much difference) in good growing 
years, but lessened density during severe drought. Conclusions from this research on 189 
test plots in the Washington D. C. area would seem to be that a single annual application 
of nitrogenous fertilizer sufficed, and that it made not a lot of difference at what 
season or what type of nitrogen. Organic and ureaform nitrogen, being less efficient, 
often gave less disease just as did the control.

CANADIAN PAPERS

We are pleased that the Toronto Star, Hamilton Spectator and Canadian Homes magazine, for 
whom H. Fred Dale is garden columnist, featured Institute materials in autumn. Mr. Dale 
wrote to the Marysville office for four photographs to back up materials contained in the 
press kit. We have had excellent reception of Institute materials from these Canadian 
publications.

SUNSET MAGAZINE

In an exchange of correspondence with Joe Williamson, Garden Editor for Sunset magazine, 
it was determined that Sunset has in the past featured wintergrass overseeding in appropriate 
editions, and will continue to do so in 1967. Mr. Williamson is contemplating this winter 
undertaking some demonstration plots on his own grounds, which would be photographed from 
time to time for use in emphasizing winterseeding at a later date. He asked of Dr. Schery 
what wintergrass species would be appropriate, and it was suggested that the blend of fine 
fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and Highland bentgrass used in Florida might be a good item to 
try.

BLUEGRASS FEATURED

In the "resort area promotion" column of July Resort Management (which also contained an 
Institute story), there was pictured a 2 ounce carton of Kentucky bluegrass seed, being sold 
in all state parks of Kentucky. Top of the carton reads "Kentucky native grown bluegrass 
seed - Punch and Sow".

STORY IN BUILDINGS

The September issue of Buildings Magazine carried the Lawn Institute story entitled,
"For Springtime Beauty -- Give Lawns Fall Care". There were three columns of text and 
an insert box entitled "Guide to Northern Lawn Grasses". In the latter were featured 
the fine-textured grasses, natural, Park and Merion bluegrasses, and the Oregon fine 
fescues mentioned by name. Sample quotes from the text include, "With dense bluegrasses, 
such as Park, thatch does not build up rapidly-- fertilize Kentucky bluegrass or Highland 
bentgrass at least once and preferably twice during the autumn season. Bluegrasses, 
fescues and bentgrasses are not bothered by autumn frost-- Kentucky bluegrass is notably 
tolerant of herbicides. The fine fescues (main varieties are Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn 
and Rainier) are nearly as tolerant as the bluegrass. Bentgrasses require a bit more 
care, although the Lawn Institute reports that Highland bentgrass proves quite resistant 
to damage in tests."

SOLUTIONS STORY

The September-October Fertilizer Solutions carried the Institute Story, "Lest Hunger 
Haunt Your Lawn". This was attractively laid out with illustrations and a map. The 
prominent fine-textured turfgrass varieties were emphasized, enumerated and briefly 
described. Reprints are being offered.

INSTITUTE CREDITED

Chronicle Occupational Briefs sent the Institute a copy of its revised brief on 
"Landscape Architect", crediting the Lawn Institute with help and cooperation in 
supplying and reviewing the information contained. We are pleased to have been able 
to lend this assistance.

STUDENT HELP

Occasionally the Institute can be of help to students, such as this candidate for an 
advanced degree at Western Michigan University, who writes: "I am attempting to compile 
a history of turf as an introduction to my thesis. -- Drs.                     and Beard at Michigan
State suggested that I write to you concerning this matter." Several Institute reprints 
were sent to Mr. Kurtz.

ANOTHER FILM REQUEST

Dr. R. C. Lambe, VPI, Virginia, inquired upon the suggestion of the University Turf
Specialist, whether the Institute might furnish a film on home lawn management. Regretably 
"Bluegrass Beauty" is now retired, after 3,336 showings, and could not be furnished. Dr. 
Lambe was referred to the excellent Union Pacific film on lawns, and to that sponsored by 
the National Plant Food Institute (for which the Lawn Institute, in the person of Dr. Schery, 
was consultant).

GARDEN WRITER TOUR

In conjunction with the Horticultural Congress meeting in Cleveland, the Garden Writers 
Assoc. of Am. had its annual meeting and a preliminary tour. Dr. Schery met Barbara Emerson 
(President) and the group at the Wooster Research Center (Ohio State Univ.), where turf and 
ornamentals were inspected. Almost all grass plantings looked excellent where irrigated, 
but ragged from drought where not. Bluegrass varieties and fine fescues were featured.

The tour continued to Kingwood Center, Mansfield, Ohio, outstanding as a well-run botanical 
garden in this area; Director, Dr. Ray Allen, entertained the group at lunch. Conducted 
tours of library and grounds preceded adjournment and visits the next day to commercial 
horticultural enterprises in the Cleveland area.

STORY IN RESORT MAGAZINE

The Institute had a by-line story in Resort Management, July issue, winding up discussion 
on spring and summer lawn care. This segment was entitled "Essentials for Lawn Care:
Weed Killers and Pesticides". Dr. Schery called attention to the excellent ability of 
quality lawn grasses to endure herbicidal treatment, - "Kentucky bluegrasses are especially 
tolerant of pesticide chemicals, as are fine fescues." The story has been reprinted and 
circulated.

ROADSIDE SEEDING IN VERMONT

Winston Way, Extension Agronomist for the University of Vermont, provided the Institute 
with the seeding mixture and practices currently being used for roadsides in Vermont. 
It's quite a conglomeration. Here is what is being used:

%

#

Purity

Germ.

97
95
85
92
98
99

82 
80
75
90
90
80

Creeping red fescue
Tall Fescue
Kentucky bluegrass
Redtop
Domestic ryegrass
Empire Birdsfoot Trefoil
Weed seed
Inert

Total

THANKS FOR INFORMATION

33.3
10.0
16.67
8.33
16.67
8.33
0.42
6.25

100.00%

20
6
10
5
10
5
1/4
3-3/4
60#

Lawn/Garden/Outdoor Living recommended the Institute as a source of information to a 
Milwaukee public relations firm. We are pleased to note this appreciation: “Dear Mr. 
Bartonek: We have been in contact with Dr. Schery of the Lawn Institute and have received
a substantial insight into the problems of turf and specific answers to the questions we 
posed."

THANKS FROM NORTH CAROLINA

When the Charlotte Rose Society contemplated a program on lawns, Mrs. Miller wrote the 
Institute for information. Many reprints and a copy of the "Householder's Guide" were 
furnished. It is very gratifying to have Mrs. Miller's acknowledgement: "Thank you so 
much for the literature and personal summation for the Garden Club program on 'Lawn Care'..
I have acquired a workable knowledge that will benefit me greatly in lawn care, and for 
which I am most appreciative. I love your book. It is the most complete, easily understood 
and informative book that I have ever read... I shall use it often and treasure it for years."

NEW LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT

Dr. Schery was invited to a special preview of John Deere lawn and garden equipment, in 
Columbus. For two years the company has lent the Institute a tractor for summer mowing.
The new models are not to be unveiled until late October, but is not revealing any secrets 
to say that they are becoming ever more elaborate and full of conveniences. Similar to the 
horsepower race in automobiles, more power and greater capacity is the watchword, with new 
models aimed for the institutional market. In addition to grass-saving features, such as 
flotation tires, variable forward speed, mower independent of tractor speed, etc., these 
intriguing miniature tractors are ending up with sports-car type brakes, hydraulic 
transmission, and all sorts of automatic lifts for tillers, snow blowers, and various other 
attachments.

FOR AMERICAN HOME

Editors of American Home magazine have accepted a custom Institute story on "Play Lawns”, 
for publication early next season. The story emphasizes that play lawns are no different 
than other fine lawns in choice of grasses to be seeded, but that care is "practical" 
rather than for appearance. Grass species and varieities are charted, and their proper 
care briefly discussed.

STORY IN BETTER TURF AND GARDEN

A beautifully colored map featuring northern and southern grass zones was the hallmark of 
the story "Grass Seed Varieties and How to Select Them", done for this National Farm and 
Home Publications (Borden sponsored), Dr. Schery and the Lawn Institute are given by-line 
credit. Southern grasses are not mentioned except in the caption to the map, whereas 
Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine or Red Fescues, and Bentgrasses are all developed in detail. In 
each case the prominent varieties are listed by name, such as: "Select varieties include 
Chewings, Highlight, Illahee, Pennlawn and Rainier.", and "The best lawn varieties from 
seed are Astoria, Highland and Penncross."

ON WINTERSEEDING

We don’t know for certain whether this statement, in "Southern Living" (Birmingham, 
Alabama) results from last year’s mailing, but it is good to see the advice: "In recent 
years Kentucky bluegrass and fescue and different mixture of these and ryegrass have 
also been used. Test plot mixtures of ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and Pennlawn fescue 
at Mississippi State University produced better quality turf lawns than any of the three 
seeded alone".

IN THE AUTUMN PRESS

Picked up from our press clippings are these items of encouraging advice, perhaps
stimulated by the persistent barrage of Institute literature.

From the Schnectedy New York Union Star, under the title "Anyone can Manage a Fine Lawn", 
we read "Kentucky bluegrass, Merion bluegrass, fine fescue or Highland bentgrass do well.” 
In an item widely spread to Ohio newspapers, presumably by the Extension Service, we find, 
"Use good quality grass seed. Don’t buy seed by price --. That which is priced low per
pound usually contains many wide leaf, undesirable grasses such as coarse fescue, timothy, 
ryegrass and redtop. It doesn’t take much of these grasses to give a ragged appearance 
to a lawn in several years. --stick with Kentucky bluegrass -- or a mixtured of several 
varieties /including fine fescue for shade/".

A number of Michigan papers stated, "Kentucky bluegrass is a good seed for most homeowners 
to use. Beware of lawn seed mixtures that contain coarse, undesirable species.”

SIDE BENEFITS

The more "lawn talk" the Institute can generate, the more chance to publicize fine turf­
grasses, even though the thrust of a discussion is something else. For example, from 
Fertilizer Solutions magazine, we have this word, from the editor," I will be looking for­
ward to receiving another article from you with the new fertilizer data from 1967 tests." 
With fertilizer tests conducted on quality grass, obviously the two must be discussed 
together.

COLUMNIST CITED

Editor and Publisher notes that George Abraham, who frequently utilizes Institute material 
and is familiar correspondent with the Marysville office, has been cited by the American 
Association of Nurserymen as the "Nation’s foremost garden writer”. The Editor and 
Publisher item gives background on the writing team of "Doc and Katy” and their "Green 
Thumb” column and radio program out of Rochester, New York. The column drew 150,000 
pieces of mail last year, many of which were serviced with Institute reprints.

STORY FOR ROSE ANNUAL

At the request of Keister Evans, Executive Secretary-Editor of the American Rose Society, 
Dr. Schery has prepared for the next-to-be-issued Rose Annual a story about lawngrasses, 
tentatively titled ’’Seed and Feed to Hex the Weed”. Most of this fairly extensive 
presentation is in the form of charts and tables, which list the major fine turfgrasses 
and salient features about them.

FLORAL MAGAZINE EDITOR

Charles J. Hudson, Jr. has assumed editorship of The Floral Magazine, in Grennwood, South 
Carolina. Charlie writes, "Of course, lawnmaking comes into the picture vividly, so I 
would like to get a story from you on ’The Essence of Good Lawn Making’ for the April 
issue of our magazine.” Naturally we are happy to oblige, and wish Charlie the best of 
luck in his new assignment, as well as Elvin McDonald (former editor) in his with House 
Beautiful.

IN COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The Sunday, August 20 Garden Section of the Columbus Dispatch carried an Institute by-line 
story, "Label Tells True Story”. Excerpts: "--distinguish a fine fescue seed from a 
bluegrass -- the label groups the components as ’fine textured’ and ’coarse kinds’ — 
outstanding in this category are Kentucky bluegrass varieties, and the fine or red fescues 
such as Chewings, Illahee, Pennlawn and Rainier. Bentgrasses such as Highland also fall 
in this group.--”

OUTSIDE HELP

The manufacturer of a sprinkling device in Oklahoma contacted Dr. Schery about an
informational booklet to accompany the product. In offering text for this proposed 
booklet, which it is hope will be distributed nationally, it was possible to emphasize 
the quality lawngrasses and especially refer to the "fine-textured” types important in 
the newer labeling. A box insert lists the quality lawn species by kind, and briefly 
defines the more prominent varieties of each species. We think this will be a very useful 
national summary of the important steps in lawn establishment and care.

RADIO-TV APPRECIATION

A card was received from WNDU, South Bend, Indiana, thanking the Institute for the press 
kit and commenting, ”We plan to use these kits on our sign-on Farm and Garden Show”.

INSTITUTE LITERATURE TO LIBRARY

Upon the request of Dr. R. G. Roe of the University of Wyoming, all reprints for the fiscal 
year ended were sent to the librarian.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

"Thanks for all the help you have given us, ... I’m mighty fortunate in being able to call 
on you." 

-George Abraham, AP Columnist

"You convinced me -- I’m going to try a bluegrass and fescue mixture as a wintergrass on 
-Joseph F. Williamson, Sunset Magazine
all three of my lawns." 

"Thank you very much for the article, and we’ll be sure to use it..."

-Bill Quinn, Lawn Equipment Journal

"I am sorry that I have not acknowledge your releases, - I find that they are very helpful. 
When I started in Turf, a few years ago, I never realized that we would have so many 
contacts for assistance in New Hampshire." 

-Leroy Higgins, University of N.Hampshire

" ---thanks for the arrival of your August 10th letter and the excellent slides enclosed.
We are most grateful to you for your splendid, continuing service to the industry!"

-W. Peigelbeck, Patco Products, Inc.

"Many thanks for your favors to ARS." 

-American Rose Society

"I appreciate your sending me the information requested concerning lawn culture, management, 
and care. In my extension work I need to work rather closely with seed dealers, sod 
producers and home owners as well as golf course and athletic field managers... I would 
like to have my personal copies so that I can refer to them from time to time... the material 
that you have been putting out... is quite helpful to the entire industry and to those of 
us in the extension field." 

-Joe Newcomer, University of Maryland

"I have collected and greatly value your splendid "Turfgrass Portraits"; ...your advice 
will be anticipated with appreciation and hope I will know just what to advise and do at 
this season." 

-Anne Bruce Haldeman, Landscape Arch., Ky.

"I have just received your latest literature resume and am delighted."

-Joseph A. Keohane, Kerr-McGee

"I glanced through your more recent Better Lawn and Turf Institute folder. I think you 
have it filled with excellent material for the garden editor."

-Rex Warren, Oregon State University

"We have appreciated receiving all the various information that you have been sending us.. 
Thanks again for your cooperation." 

John Deere Company

"Your recent ’Potpourri’ on lawns, lawnseed and lawn care are the most interesting that 
you have put out,... Much good should come from this issue."

-C. H. Farris, Rudy-Patrick Seed Co.

"Thank you so very much for your splendid letter so fully answering my questions no one 
but you could have done. And I was delighted to have the missing "Portraits" which I 
value so highly." 

-Haldeman & Leland

"Many thanks for your prompt compliance. Your material is in line with what we had in 
mind. It will be an asset to the 1968 book." -O. Keister Evans, Jr.,Am. Rose Annual

"We appreciated your taking time to attend our Lawn and Garden sales meeting..."
-John Raber, John Deere Company

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

"Your press kits this year have been most helpful, and I have used the material both on 
my Sunday garden page and my radio program.”

-  Margaret C. Crooks, Garden Editor 

Asbury Park Press and Radio WJLK

"Thank you very much for your assistance in the revision of the brief LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. 
We appreciate the fact that you gave your time and personal attention to this matter.”

-  Chronicle Guidance Publications, Inc.

"Thank you for the excellent article on seed; we will use it as presented in our November" 
December issue.”

-  Thomas O'Hara, The Golf Superintendent

"lt must be evident to you that the panel in which you participated was one of the 
high points of the Twenty Second Horticultural Congress. I am most appreciative of the 
thought, time and effort you put into making this so and thank you in behalf of all who 
attended these meetings in Cleveland.”

-  R. Henry Norweb, Jr.
The Holden Arboretum

"Your letter of September 5 was very welcome, indeed, ---. As you suggest in your
letter we have been using bluegrass - - adding some fine fescue as we have some 
shady areas.”

- McLean, Virginia