BETTER LAWN - - HARVESTS Published periodically by Better Lawn & Turf Institute Volume 18, No. 2 INDEX Rt. 4, Marysville, Ohio 43040 Phone: (513) 642-1777 July, 1971 Introductory - Director’s Report and copied examples: 1-6 Publications 7-12 General News and Activities 12 - 15 Technical 16 - 19 DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP, FISCAL 1970-71 The Institute has managed to maintain its influence, and its customary volume of story placements, in spite of financial uncertainties and some drastic shifts in sponsorship. As everyone is aware turfgrass seed production is trend­ ing away from reliance on public varieties towards greater importance of pro­ prietaries. The trend, following that established in Europe some years ago, be­ came accelerated with passage of varietal protection legislation this year ex­ tending legal protection to plant varieties propagated by seed. My presentation to the Oregon Seed League Meetings in December of 1970, reprints of which have gone to members, discussed this at greater length; it has become almost an eco­ nomic necessity under modern merchandising to regard lawn cultivars as distinc­ tive entities rather than as a seed commodity. Because of conflicts and transfers, the annual meeting scheduled for June of 1970 was deferred until the Oregon Seed League Meetings in December. A re­ port on that meeting appeared in volume 17, no. 4 of Harvests, and was marked by the election of new officers. We were most pleased to have Gordon Newton accept the presidency, George Osburn the vice presidency, and Robert Russell the office of secretary-treasurer. The year was marred, however, by the death of Colonel Edward Spears, the last remaining charter member active on the In­ stitute Board and long an Institute champion. Fortunately the plaque honoring Colonel Spears, "dedicated" at the Oregon meetings, reached him before his death, and he expressed his deep appreciation. Past President Edward Mangels­ dorf, receiving similar honor, was also most appreciative and asked that we extend his thanks to all the membership. Operations of the Institute followed the traditional lines which have proven so successful through the years. Rising costs and insufficient budget have required some diminution of travel by the Director, and there have been fewer personal calls, public presentations to turfgrass conferences, or out­ side cooperative efforts requiring expenditures. But we are especially grate­ ful to Hercules for encouragement of the Institute, and aid in achieving wide dispersal of Institute materials. DIRECTOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP. FISCAL 1970-71 Continued Special activities by the Marysville office are well known to older members who have read Harvests through the years. It should not be necessary to repeat details here, though we will be pleased to send a copy of earlier annual reports upon request to any new member. The main activities were as follows: 1. PRESS KITS -- Autumn (20 pages, 3 reprints), and spring (19 pages, 4 reprints); circulated to select list of editors, newspapers, and columnists; probable usage totalling over 12,000 column inches each time (to judge by past experience and spot sampling; the Institute no longer can afford clipping ser­ vice monitoring). Newspaper articles from the press kit reproduced on the following page are typical of this important activity. Comparable impact is to be expected from the ASTA supplement distributed to newspapers nationally, for which the Institute prepared the items relating to turf and lawnseed. 2. STORIES FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS -- During the fiscal year 61 customized stories have been printed or are in press, and several others have been reprinted or condensed. 13 stories have been reprinted, totalling 40,650* individual reprints, distributed through members, as envelope stuffers, or as give-aways at public gatherings. Among the titles were: Lawns and Turfs in U.S. and Europe, Oregon Seed Growers League A New Era Dawns For Bluegrass, Flower & Garden Establishing a Lawn, Southern Gardens New Lawngrasses and Their Fertilization, The Gardener Fashionable Fescues, Seed World New Lawn Varieties, Florist and Nursery Exchange Lawngrass Extraordinary: Fine Fescue, Weeds, Trees and Turf Fescues, The Hard-Working Grasses For Home Lawns, Home Garden Perspectives on Golf Green Fertilization, Golf Superintendent Integrating Grasses into the Landscape, Building Operating Management Lawn Renovation the Modern Way, Home Garden Top Turfgrasses, Horticulture The Essentials For Roadside Vegetation, Ohio Short Course Grasses For Turf, Oregon Seed Growers League All-Purpose Fertilizer Suits Roses to a Tea, American Rose Society Slow-Release Fertilizers For Lawns, Fertilizer Solutions Growth Characteristics of Turfgrasses, Southern Florist and Nurserymen Modern Lawn Cultivars, Building Operating Management The Pesticide Hassle, Home Garden Growth Characteristics of Turfgrasses, Plantsman's Seminar Athletic Grasses Flex Their Muscles, ASTA Supplement Starting a New Lawn, ASTA Supplement Lawn Seed For All Tastes and Purposes, ASTA Supplement Renovating the Lawn in Spring, ASTA Supplement Things to do for the Lawn in Spring, ASTA Supplement Lawnseed A Big Bargain, ASTA Supplement Seed Blends Recommended, ASTA Supplement Good Lawnseed, ASTA Supplement Those Beneficial Bacteria, ASTA Supplement Gardening, Encyclopedia Americana Recent Research Review, Professional Turf News *25,950 have been reprinted specifically for member firms. DIRECTOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP, FISCAL 1970-71 Continued Fescue Durable, Cols. Dispatch Spring Lawn Requirements, Seed World New Turfgrass Varieties, Professional Turf News Why Not Bentgrass Blends, Bull Sheet Know Your Lawngrass, Better Crops With Plant Food A Guide to Improved Lawns and Gardens, Good Housekeeping The Spring Bulletins, The Avant Gardener Lawn Seed Keeps Well, Seed Trade News Artificial Turf vs Real Turf, Home and Garden Supply Merchandiser Lawns, Crop Fields Replenish Oxygen Help Control Pollution, Seed Trade News Autumn is Time to Spruce up Lawns, Seed World Turfgrass Names Confuse Buyers, Seed Trade News Nurserymen’s Opportunities Boosted by New Lawn Varieties, Florist & Nursery Ex. Cutting Speeds Lawn Renewal, Edison Garden News A Stitch in Time, Edison Garden News Thatch Brings Many Problems, Edison Garden News Readying the Lawn, Edison Garden News Lawnseed Longevity, Edison Garden News Can Lawns Lick Pollution?, Seed World Keeping Green With Bluegrass, Seed World Bluegrass Varieties Abundant, Seed World Readying the Lawn, Seed World Lawns Slow Pollution, Massachusetts Turf Bulletin New Lawn Grasses and Their Fertilization, Massachusetts Turf Bulletin Lawn Fertilization, Seed World New Guide For Lawnseed Buyers, Edison Garden News Lawngrasses for 1971, Seed World The Lawn Time Machine, Seed World The New 1971 Lawn Grasses, Seed World Improving an Old Lawn, Seed World The Lawnmaker’s Year, Complete Illustrated Home Encyclopedia 3. PR BY MAIL — One of the most successful ploys during the fiscal year was the mailing out of reprints to people sending in a self-addressed stamped envelope. This offer was made in several press kit and magazine stories, kindly retained by editors in publication. We have been able to mail our "Portraits" of bluegrasses, fescues, bentgrasses and landscaping or care advisories, to really interested parties at no cost to the Institute other than staff time. This is about as efficient a pinpointing of objective as can be imagined, and an educational service as well. 4. OTHER ENDEAVORS -- The Institute is routinely involved in a great many day-to-day activities, a bird’s-eye-view of which can be gained by scanning through the pages of Harvests. Note, also, the unsolicited "appreciation" appearing on a page following this report. We continue to supply materials to, and to answer inquiries for, national syndicated columnists (e.g. the Institute has been featured by George Abraham in his Green Thumb Column, and by Earl Aronson in his Associated Press releases). Also, stories are prepared for press mailings by others. The Director summarizes in Harvests pertinent items from professional journals relating to turfgrass. International contacts are continued, gained particularly through Dr. Schery’s attendance of the First International Turfgrass Conference in England the summer before last. Corres­ pondence is maintained with the Department of Agriculture in Australia, with firms in Latin America, and so on. DIRECTOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP, FISCAL 1970-71 Continued To the extent possible conferences and meetings are attended; perhaps out­ standing during the year was Dr. Schery being featured as the speaker on Lawns at the Farmington Invitational Garden Symposium, a benefit held in Louisville, Kentucky as the spring gardening season approached. Much Institute literature was distributed and books furnished sponsoring committee. The Institute con­ tinues to maintain demonstration and experimental grounds, vital for lending "authority" to Institute releases, and a point of interest for visitors (for example, Dr. Kamps, Van Engelen, Holland, has paid two visits during the year). Contact is maintained with professional turfgrass people, including distribu­ tion of seeds (on behalf of members, without cost to the Institute), and com­ munication with the Institute’s Board of Advisors (research leaders nationally). Of especial value to the Institute is maintenance of a photographic library. Photos giving the particular slant the Institute wishes must be custom-taken, and are in demand not only where Institute releases are used, but borrowed by national gardening publications for such things as their annual gardening books. Colored slides are accumulated for use in public presentations. Dr. Schery and the Institute remain an authoritative font for lawn information, consulted during the year by many private parties, book publishers (such as Time-Life, Home Garden Encyclopedia, Carpenter Home Owner Encyclopedia, and a pending Mc­ Graw-Hill multiple-volume encyclopedia). Suggestions and literature are sent colleges, high schools, and industrial landscapists, who inquire of the In­ stitute . During the year Dr. Schery was a speaker at the Short Course on Roadside Development, held annually by the Ohio Department of Highways and Ohio State University as a national gathering for roadside landscape architects. The "Seal of Approval" for lawnseed mixtures continued to be administered through the Marysville office. Correspondence and telephone communications are rou­ tinely handled. Several radio appearances by the Director during the year re­ sulted in favorable publicity and follow-up inquiry by correspondence. Par­ ticular attention has been paid environmental problems, and information re­ leased showing the efficacy of turfgrass in controlling pollution and improv­ ing the environment. By the same token such inadequacies as artificial turf is proving to have are pointed up. Hand-out literature is furnished where requested, such as to the booth manned by the Men’s Garden Club of Syracuse, New York, at the New York State Fair annually. Certain committee assignments are accepted by the Institute as a contribution to the field, including an educational committee assignment by the American Horticultural Society, and several special assignments by the editor of HortScience. Negotiations have been advanced with the publisher to see if a paperback reissuance of The Lawn Book may be feasible, with an updat­ ing to include modern cultivars and proprietaries. The foregoing paragraphs provide an idea of the extensive "reach" your Institute has, operating on an unbelieveably small budget for such extensive activity. We wish there were funds to be more expansive, including further distribution of reprints by mailings (postage is ever more costly), through the hiring of cartoon services, and (were the manna sufficient) in preparation of a movie (which would undoubtedly be as successful as was its predecessor DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERSHIP, FISCAL 1970-71 Continued "Bluegrass Beauty", with certified showings to many millions of viewers). Un­ fortunately, opportunities far exceed resources, and year by year contacts with the outside world dwindle as costs rise without commensurate income increase. It may be appropriate to look back on how persuasive the Institute has been in the 13 or so years it has been independently active: Newspaper space, -- several hundreds of thousands of column inches. Stories, -- well over 200 titles in various magazines (including many of the big-circulation monthlies such as American Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, etc.). Reference works, -- authorship of books (The Lawn Book, The Householder1s Guide to Outdoor Beauty, Plants For Man, Plant Science, Plant Agri­ culture, etc.); lawn sections in gardening encyclopedias (Reader’s Digest, McCalls, Sunset, Wyman’s, Abraham’s, etc.); assignments in Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Americana, The World Book; Complete Illustrated Homeowners Encyclopedia; privately distributed gardening guides; reading rack books (e.g. TFH “Selection of Lawn- grasses“, “Ten Frequent Lawn Problems“); Chapters in USDA Agri­ cultural Yearbook (Seeds). These, plus the yearly compounding of all the other activities reviewed in our newsletter, Harvests, add up to significant contribution that should be quite a credit to the lawnseed industry. In fact, few associations, no matter how abundantly staffed, could match this record of acceptance and economy. For the last several years the Institute has received without charge the assignment of preparing lawn stories for the ASTA supplement (distributed nationally to thou­ sands of newspapers), and for helping with various “clip sheets” sent out by other organizations. Through the Director’s efforts the Institute position has been expressed in privately circulated magazines, and Dr. Schery has served as the “lawn answer man” for Borden Chemical Company when it was active in the field. I think that members rightly can be proud of the Institute, and confident that it has been a significant force not only for achieving specialized objec­ tives (which have ranged from persuading control authorities about bluegrass blowing methods to initiation of the use of fine turfgrasses for winterseeding in the South), but also for enlightening the public broadly about quality seed (and how to use it properly to achieve satisfaction). As I have said many times in reports to the Board, the kind of acceptance the Institute has gained must be earned, and cannot be achieved overnight. An Institute of this sort should have even more value to the industry as proprietaries come stage center; it will be necessary, however, for competitors to join in meaningful sponsorship of an effort that can benefit all quality turfgrasses. May I take this occasion to thank members for their continuing enthusiasm, and especially the officers who have shouldered a difficult assignment with scant recognition or reward. We in the Marysville office are grateful to all. Sincerely, AN APPRECIATION For our end-of-the-fiscal year issue of HARVESTS, this unsolicited letter commending the Institute and its service serves to exemplify the many fine contacts built up and the public appreciation often expressed for your Institute! GEORGE C. JECMEN 1921 BUCKINGHAM WESTCHESTER. ILLINOIS 60153 April 17, 1971 Dr. Robert W. Schery - Director The Lawn Institute Route 4 Marysville, Ohio 43040 Dear Dr. Schery: It is a pleasure indeed to address another letter to you at this time. Attached you will find a copy of the March - April issue of the Edison Garden News, wherein another release prepared by you had been in­ cluded for publication at that time. I wish to thank you again for your cooperation in keeping my readers as well as a host of others throughout the country apprised of the latest news and developments in the lawn grass field. I am truly amazed by the prolific volume of copy written by you for exposure in various of the media, and the most gratifying aspect of the operation is the clarity and authen­ ticity of the material. Your material has been well received here by myself as well as the club membership, and we do hope for its continued receipt. Wishing you a happy and healthful summer, thanking you and withevery good wish for your continued excellent writing in the field, I am, Cordially, IN HORTICULTURE MAGAZINE Horticulture, publication of the Massachusetts Horticulture Society, Boston, is perhaps the most respected home gardening magazine on the American scene today. It is a privilege to appear on its pages, and stories there carry considerable influence. The Institute is proud to have had "Top Turfgrasses" in the April, 1971 issue, with full authorship and Institute credit. The three drawings, fine fescue, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, were also given Institute credit. The story opens by zeroing in on characteristics that have made the ten top turfgrasses "tops". First discussed in detail is Kentucky bluegrass, including cultural needs and modern developments that have resulted in outstanding varieties. Those commercially available are cited. The same is true for the fine fescues, ” -- especially noted for their persistence in dry shade, on infertile soils and on poor or sandy sites --- precisely where bluegrass needs assistance.” Dis­ cussion of bentgrasses follows, ”At the Lawn Institute Fylking bluegrass with Highland, Holfior and other colonial bentgrasses has performed well when mowed at a half inch or so”, and "The leading colonial bentgrass is Highland, a chance introduction into Oregon, --- seed comes almost exclusively from the Cascade mountain foothills. Highland has an attractive bluish-green, ---”. As to creeping bentgrass, the story advises, ” --- if you want the ultimate in fine-textured turf, try Penncross. Penncross is a vigorous hybrid available as seed.” Perennial ryegrasses are mentioned, ”In addition to the dark-green, low-growing Manhattan, NK-100, Norlea and Pelo are widely marketed -- with Penn- fine, Lamora and others in the offing.” Briefer discussions of five important southern turfgrass species rounds out the story. ROADSIDE REPRINT The Institute presentation to the Twenty-Ninth Short Course on Roadside Develop­ ment (Ohio Department of Highways and Ohio State University), "The Essentials for Roadside Vegetation”, was reprinted in April. Because of its technical nature and length (14 pages), the reprint has not been offered in unlimited supply, although sample copies have been sent members. It will be used mainly to honor inquiries and service contacts within the roadside landscaping field. The liberal use of illustrations by the Ohio Department of Highways affords to this reprint something of the appearance of a brochure, which should prove handy for handouts in the months and years ahead. After opening remarks, the story discusses adapted species. Quoting Michigan results, "Not less than 20 percent each of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue and peren­ nial ryegrass (without any cereal rye or coarse grass species) is suggested for road­ side seeding. Within four years bluegrass usually dominates on heavier soils, fescue on sandy ones. I think that the Michigan conclusions apply well all over the cool- humid region, and in keeping with the trend towards more attractive, lower, less- coarse grasses -- to prevent the berm from becoming a hayfield." Dr. Duell’s bulletin on Highway Vegetation is mentioned, water-soil relation­ ships discussed, highway fertilization reviewed (”It is widely recognized in Ken­ tucky bluegrass-fine fescue-Highland bentgrass country, that autumn fertilization not only improves the stand, but at that time of year causes no surge of growth--”), and current concern with environmental contamination. Three tables wind up the presentation, showing nutrient levels in representative turfgrasses, both northern and southern, including trace minerals; and giving the epitomized recommendation for roadside turf fertilization by authorities in various parts of the country. ENCYCLOPEDIA AMERICANA TEXT READIED Discussion on lawns, prepared by Dr. Schery for the Encyclopedia Americana, has received final editorial attention and been returned to the author for approval and corrections. The item should appear shortly in this prestigeous publication. A map showing zones where different grasses are used is included, and the numerous cultivars of bluegrass, fine fescue, bentgrass and perennial ryegrass are discussed at length. It is good to have as part of the permanent reference record such statements as, "The main northern lawngrasses --- Kentucky bluegrasses, fine fescues and bent­ grasses -- are easily started from seed”, "Bluegrasses and fine fescues are the ones most frequently mixed. The fine fescues persist in shade and on poor, dry soils, while the bluegrasses flourish in exposed areas on good soil --- A seed mixture contains more than one variety of bluegrass and fine fescue to take ad­ vantage of the different resistances ---”, and "Bentgrasses mixed with the newly developed low-growing bluegrasses, such as Fylking and Pennstar, are popular --- as on golf fairways.” FEATURED IN NEWSPAPER As members know, the Institute can no longer monitor newspapers nationally, for pickup of instances in which the press kit stories appear. But we do have access to week-day issues of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and feel the use of In­ stitute materials spotted there is indicative of the situation nationally. The Friday, May 7 "Homes and Gardens Section" of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch carried two Institute stories adapted from the press kit, ”One Role of Grass: Nature’s Air Filter”, and ’’Variety of Seeds for Lawn”. The former deals with the moderating and healthful influence good lawns have, and the latter emphasizes that the lawnseed industry is in the forefront of supplying new, and even more useful lawn varieties. By way of example the latter story reads in part, "Among Kentucky bluegrasses, Fylking, Pennstar, --- have joined Merion ---. Fine fescue favorites of recent years --- Chewings, Illahee and Pennlawn --- are joined by --- Highlight, Ruby and Wintergreen. --- Quick coverage can be had from the new fine-leafed perennial ryegrasses. -- Colonial bentgrasses such as Highland and Astoria have been used in humid climates for many years and are now being joined by Exeter and Holfior, --- Penncross creeping bentgrass is much seeded on golf greens ---". REPRINT IN HOME GARDEN A timely title, ”Lawn Renovation -- the Modern Way”, represents an Institute contribution appearing in the May issue of Home Garden magazine. The story is a plea for using quality lawnseed in remaking or upgrading the lawn, now possible in ways short of complete plowing-down of the old turf. The story indicates that a series of gradual improvements in the technology of lawn tending make possible the introduction of new, attractive lawn varieties into an old, worn-out lawn. Modern turfgrass varieties are named. Chemical knockdown, mechanical scarification, and overseeding, are all discussed. A final conclusion states, ” --- gives one an opportunity to introduce newer varieties of the top lawngrasses. Some of the elite bluegrasses and fine fescues currently available are --- [cultivars are named]”. LAWNGRASS ISSUE The April 9 issue of SEED WORLD was devoted mainly to lawngrasses, including a number of the new cultivars which are supporters of the Institute (Baron, Fylk­ ing, Merion, Pennstar, etc.). The lead page of the issue, "Lawngrasses for 1971", was adapted from The Lawn Book with credit to the Better Lawn and Turf Institute. This gave a brief history concerning the adaptation of grasses that make them em- minently suited as a ground cover. Next, to set the pace, was an excerpt from the Institute's spring press kit, "The Lawn Time Machine". This fanciful item ends with some down-to-earth advice, " -- by utilizing today's new varieties and giving them what they need --- Fylking, Pennstar, Sodco, Baron, Merion, Highlight, Pennlawn, Nugget, Jamestown, Newport, Park, Wintergreen, Manhattan --- and you can recall many other famous names --- are not far-out visions of the future, but real life grasses available today for making the best looking lawns America has ever seen." On the following pages separate stories are devoted to lawn pesticides, new lawngrasses (Baron, Pennstar, Fylking, Nugget, Windsor separately) and to other items of particular turfgrass interest. IN EDISON GARDEN NEWS It is gratifying to have Institute stories in such fine gardening publications as the "Edison Garden News", issued by the Commonwealth Edison Employee Garden Clubs of Chicago. The March-April, 1971 issue was 28 pages long, and is circulated to thousands of gardeners. Included among various gardening stories was the item credited to the Lawn Institute, "Cutting Speeds Lawn Renewal". A portion of the text reads, "This is the only time of year you will want to cut Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues that low, although you may mow lawn bentgrasses (the colonial sorts such as High­ land, Astoria and Exeter) this low regularly." There were several other stories having to do with lawns, including a "New Guide For Lawnseed Buyers". Apparently Institute releases were source material for several. We were especially interested in "Artificial Grass -- Not For the Homeowner", credited to an assistant extension advisor, but seemingly based upon data from the spring press kit. Mr. Schuster states, "There are a few things which bluegrass can do that artificial turf cannot. For one thing, bluegrass can recover from excessive wear; artificial turf has to be replaced at high cost. Bluegrass can also replenish the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen." MORE FOR THE BULLETIN BOARD The March 26 SEED WORLD carried the Institute story on lawn fertilization, with full credit and by-line. The item opens, "The many new fine fescues, blue­ grasses and bentgrasses that are now changing lawn complexions across the country, bring with them new fertilization requirements. --- Most bentgrasses, even High­ land, and newer bluegrasses such as Fylking, Merion, Pennstar, Prato, etc. should be fed more liberally than older varieties. --- All of the excellent fine fescues on the lawn scene today (viz. Chewings, Highlight, Illahee, Pennlawn, Ruby, etc.) survive with minimum care, ---". GARDENING GUIDE APPEARS Popular Gardening’s Complete Gardening Guide -- new 1971 edition -- was published in late April. It is a 116 page book in magazine format, selling for $1.25. It is abundantly illustrated, with a liberal sprinkling of color art. All facets of gardening are covered, but two chapters are specifically of interest to members on "Lawn Construction" and "Lawn Maintenance". The Institute participated in these presentations, and seven Institute photographs are utilized. We are especially pleased to have fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and High­ land bentgrass pictured individually. The captions read: “Fine fescues and Ken­ tucky bluegrass are excellent choices for lawns in temperate climates”, and "Plug of Highland bentgrass. It’s dense and attractive but requires -- close mowing --". STORY APPEARS The Institute story, "Improving An Old Lawn”, with by-line credit, appeared in the May 28 issue of SEED WORLD. The subject, of course, is lawn renovation. The story advises, "There are many new bluegrasses, fine fescues, bentgrasses and perennial ryegrasses from which to choose”. New cultivars are named where advice is given on mowing height, and the article states, "Colonial bentgrasses such as Highland mow neatly at 3/4 inch”. As to fertilization, "Fescues require only light feeding, but the newer bluegrasses and bentgrasses deserve some fertilization each several weeks -- ”. COMPREHENSIVE GARDENING ENCYCLOPEDIA A call from New York to the Institute asking for counsel and possible illustra­ tions, reveals that McGraw Hill is planning a comprehensive gardening encyclopedia, to be called Modern House and Home, -- an Illustrated Do-It-Yourself Encyclopedia. Eighteen volumes are contemplated, which will take in the neighborhood of two years to compile. We anticipate that the Institute will be instrumental in shaping per­ tinent parts of this ambitious encyclopedic undertaking. GOLF STORY The Institute story, Perspectives on Golf Green Fertilization, appeared in the March, 1971 issue of THE GOLF SUPERINTENDENT. The story is somewhat technical in nature, and deals with the principles behind greens fertilization, including the usefulness of the ureaforms for controlled feeding of what is probably the world’s most intensively managed turf. Two tables refer to the nutrient content of the various greens, including several bentgrasses, Merion bluegrass and Pennlawn fine fescue. "GRASSES FOR TURF” The Institute presentation to the Oregon Seed Growers League, Grasses For Turf appeared and was reprinted during the quarter. A fuller discussion is given in the technical review, of the Proceedings of the 30th Oregon Seed Growers League. Editor Rex Warren has apologized for running the presentation of the then President Carnes directly in with Dr. Schery’s review, without any break or title and author identifi­ cation. Mr. Carnes fine discussion was certainly deserving of special identification. STORY FOR ENCYCLOPEDIA The J. G. Ferguson Publishing Company is in the process of assembling materials for "The Complete Illustrated Homeowners Encyclopedia”, edited by Allan Carpenter. Permission has been asked of the Institute to reproduce "The Lawnmaker’s Year” as a component of that presentation. Dr. Schery has granted permission so long as changes are not made and credit is given, and negotiations are underway concerning possible use of the artwork. MAILING ADVISOR A set of Institute reprints, along with a covering letter, was sent to each of the sixty Institute advisors at the end of June. The Board of Advisors consists of research experts throughout the nation, who have expressed willingness to provide information to the Institute on matters of local turfgrass interest. MEN’S GARDEN CLUB ACTIVITY As in past years, R. H. Swart, corresponding secretary for the Men’s Garden Club of Syracuse, New York, sent to the Institute the proposed brochure for the club’s annual ”Lawn Clinic” held at the New York State Fair each year. This club mans a booth there, and attempts to acquaint the public with the latest information concerning lawns and lawn care. In past years the Institute has furnished reprints for distribution at the booth, and we are again extending the offer this year. The Institute also constructively criticizes the brochure which the club designs. It was possible this year, for example, to bring the brochure better up to date on the names of the newer cultivars, and to make a few alterations (instilling a more posi- tive approach, where the club was prone to be somewhat negative). This is typical of the way in which the Institute can be immensely influential "behind the scenes”. AGRONOMY SLIDE SET A turfgrass slide set for teaching purposes is being compiled by a special committee of the Turfgrass Division, American Society of Agronomy. Appropriate slides are being secured from various members of the society, to illustrate turf­ grass cultivars, their growth and development, their ecology and physiology. Sup­ plementary sets will deal with the starting of grass, soil preparation, golf course and athletic field plantings. A third set will deal with maintenance (mowing, thinning, fertilization, irrigation, etc.), and a fourth with pest control (includ­ ing weed, disease and insect identification). A final series will be devoted to specialty turfgrasses (for sod, highways, athletic fields, institutional grounds, bowling greens, etc.). LEISURE TIME The Wall Street Journal reports that a new Labor Department study shows workers to have gained about 50 hours a year in leisure time since 1960. About 30 hours comes from a reduced work week, 15 from added vacation time, and 4 from extra holi­ day time. The average workweek in May 1970 was 39.6 hours as compared with 40.5 in 1960 and 41.7 in 1950. Vacations for full-time workers in 1969 rose to average of 2.2 weeks from 1.8 weeks in 1960. Study finds workers prefer "lumps of leisure" rather than small periods added to each day. This should spell added opportunity for sales in the home gardening market. MORE ON GRASSES AS AN ANTIPOLLUTANT The July FLOWER AND GARDEN magazine carried a story, "Grass — Nature's Won­ derful Anti-Pollutant", by Elizabeth A. Freytag. Illustrated by a colored represen­ tation of the plant growth cycle (photosynthesis), the story should prove an atten­ tion catcher. It takes a few "digs" at artificial turf compared to the real thing. Unfortunately, Miss Freytag does not seem overly knowledgeable about grasses themselves and towards the last of the article recommends bermudagrasses as low- maintenance varieties (which certainly they are not). She even cites zoysia as "tolerates soils of low fertility, even growing in sandy beach areas. Once estab­ lished, it rarely if ever needs feeding ---". The magazine felt compelled, here, to add a footnote disclaimer. If the story is not looked at too carefully, it should carry the message of how useful turfgrass is to the environment, in many conventional ways. Closer scrutiny reveals magnified importance attached to grass as a net source of oxygen (which it is not, because whatever oxygen is created by photosynthesis is consumed in equal quantity by subsequent decay of carbohydrate produced). Freytag even lists carbon dioxide as a "pollutant"; increased carbon dioxide generally accompanies pollution, but is itself vital for photosynthesis (and it is present in the atmos­ phere as only a few one hundredths of one percent). Statements of this sort will tend to discredit the story with those versed in biological principles. BLUEGRASS RESUME Dr. C. Reed Funk, Institute Advisor, and Gerald W. Pepin, have prepared an excellent article, "New Developments in Kentucky Bluegrass", for the June, 1971 THE GOLF SUPERINTENDENT. We are pleased that Dr. Funk saw fit to quote the In­ stitute ("Dr. Robert W. Schery, Director of the Lawn Institute, recently expressed the opinion that the millions of acres of land producing bluegrass turf through­ out the United States and Canada has a higher dollar value than the land producing any of our other agricultural crops. ---") . The authors describe the fundamental characteristics of bluegrass that make it a good turfgrass, and allow its perpetuation without change in the majority of cases (apomixis). Current research, worldwide, to secure additional improved blue­ grasses is mentioned. Biggest strides have been made in pest resistance, but there is increasing attention given compact growth, and reduced fertility requirements. The authors feel that, "The future looks bright for Kentucky bluegrass, giving --- much to look forward to. Not only has there been notable success in research; the realization of economic importance of bluegrass is prompting the industry to put new and better varieties on the market." WHARTON SCHOOL STUDY Robert M. Berley from the famed Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, inquired of the Institute concerning a study project in which he was "concerned with misperceptions occurring --- in the lawn and garden care -- in­ dustry". It is interesting that so many business schools currently seem to be under- taking investigations of the lawn and garden supply industry. Mr. Berley requested a copy of Harvests, as an aid, but it was felt a series of reprints including "Win­ terseeding", "How to Get a Good Buy on Grass Seed", "Be Prepared to Provide Lawn Advice", and "Business Opportunities in Turf Reseeding", among others, would be more useful. CHEM-LAWN VISITS INSTITUTE Representatives of the Chem-Lawn Corporation, with the central administrative office in Columbus, Ohio, called upon the Institute and have requested membership application. Branch offices are in the Midwest as far south as Atlanta. Opera­ tions involve a four-times annually application of fertilizer, weed control, in­ secticides, and (if needed) fungicides, on a standard basis. The company is quite conservative in its claims, avoids slipshod representation, and supplies clients with excellent, understandable informational brochures. Although not itself offer- ing renovation service, Chem-Lawn suggests to homeowners in its literature, "Be absolutely sure not to use grass mixtures which contain coarse fescues, timothy or other coarse grasses. If you have a particular problem or question about seed­ ing, give us a call and the service department will be glad to assist you with further information." Institute literature has been made available to management of Chem-Lawn. ARTIFICIAL TURF HEATS UP Roy Meklenburg, Michigan State University, reports further upon the heating up of artificial turf, in a release from Lansing, Michigan. The Michigan State Stadium (in Tartan Turf) recorded 163 degrees temperature on August 4, 1970, while grass only 10 yards away was only 86 degrees. Heating is especially notice­ able around mid-day. The scientists also noticed (when visiting the White Sox Ball Park in Chicago) that under the same light intensity they found themselves appreciably squinting when on artificial turf, relaxing when on natural grass. Another advantage to natural grass was that a bit of water applied will not result in splashing, run-off, or altered appearance, though cooling the turf for the entire day (through transpiration). MORE B-SCHOOL INTEREST A long distance telephone call from James Beman, Northwestern University, con­ firms the continuing interest in the lawn products field by Masters of Business Administration. As much information as possible was given Mr. Beman over the tele­ phone, of help for class assignment in this well-known MBA school in Chicago. HARVESTS FOUND USEFUL We were pleased to have had a telephone call from an Institute member in re­ sponse to an item read in the last Harvests, having to do with "Growth and Develop­ ment of the Garden Center Industry in the United States". Instances such as this make it seem worthwhile to include relevant information in Harvests in addition to recitation of office operations. EQUIPMENT INTEREST A telephone call from the Burton Sohigian Co., Detroit, expressed interests in information related to lawn mowing and the use of equipment. A series of reprints was sent this agency, including background material on the selection of quality lawnseed. FISCAL YEAR MEETINGS The 1970 annual meeting of the Institute was deferred from the customary June meeting time until convention of the Oregon Seed League in December, at which time new officers were elected to assume office beginning with the calendar year. With the new administration barely having "gotten its feet wet”, a full-fledged annual meeting was not felt to be necessary in June, 1971. Rather President Gordon Newton and other officers held a series of informal meetings at the Riverfront Inn, St. Louis, during the American Seed Trade convention held there June 27 - 30. Because of the press for space and on seedsmen's time, to attend all the regular functions of the ASTA, it was not possible to find an opening in the schedule for a formal Institute gathering. Many of the members of the Institute Board of Trustees attend the ASTA meeting, and it was possible for them to meet with Messrs. Newton, Osburn, and Russell on various occasions. The Executive Committee felt gratified with the response shown by leading seedsmen. Unfortunately it is not practical for Oregon grower groups to send representatives this far East for informal meetings, although Bill Rose, George Burlingham and Doyle Jacklin ably represented western interests during the discussions. A study committee headed by George Osburn also had chance to frame prelim­ inary standards that might lead to the Institute offering Seal of Approval for turf fertilizers as well as lawnseed. Most discussions centered upon means for securing Institute support, what with apparent demise of the Pacific Northwest Bluegrass Association and halving of funds by the Oregon Fine Fescue Commission and the Highland Bentgrass Commission. Plans have been laid at least partially to take up the slack through a uniform production contribution by prominent proprie­ tary turfgrasses. Sponsors of the major proprietaries are in agreement on this approach, the contributions to be handled in a confidential fash­ ion somewhat as are Seal of Approval royalties. It is anticipated that Institute officers will iron out a suitable mechanism for handling funds in the coming weeks. HARVEST CHANGES This issue of Harvests rounds out the Institute's fiscal year, and with the previous quarterly issues constitutes a running record that has continued for more than a decade. A few changes have been made, with new groupings of subject matter and some reduction in volume (we have omitted the traditional "What They Are Saying" pages entirely). With rising costs and uncertain support, streamlining Harvests even further may be wise. Perhaps literature and research reviews can be reduced even more, and the record of Institute activities might possibly be condensed into outline form. An issue of fewer pages could perhaps be printed economically by offset (as are pages 3 and 7 of this issue), a procedure that may become necessary in any event if there is further debilitation of the office mimeograph (already obsolete so far as replacement parts are concerned). Mrs. Rush would welcome your suggestions before assemb­ ling materials for the next quarterly issue. “GRASSES FOR TURF“ APPEARS The Proceedings of the 30th Annual Meeting of the Oregon Seed Growers League was published in May. It contained the various presentations made at the Oregon Seed Growers League last December. Included was the Institute presentation, "Grasses For Turf”. Unfortunately, the editors of the Proceedings joined the presentation by President Carnes with this, without giving title or author identification to Mr. Carnes. Among the technical reports contained in the Proceedings were several apprais­ ing the modern role of agriculture in the economy. W. O. Lee discussed the tech­ nology of protecting grass plantings by pre-emergence use of activated charcoal. Seed crop machinery was discussed at some length, as was special planting equip­ ment for applying charcoal. Rad Roberts reviewed "Pollution of Seed Crops”, and Robert Dye gave a thought-provoking presentation on "Seed Production in the Columbia Basin” (Dye looks toward regional specialization, and a lot of competition from Minnesota-Canada not burdened with stringent field burning regulations. ) Ritchie Cowan reported upon "Seed Production Observations" during his recent excursions throughout the world. John R. Hardison discussed grass seed disease control, and Ray H. Teal seed promotion. Field burning was a matter very much on the minds of growers, and was thoroughly covered in a symposium featuring several speakers. Dave Chilcote brought the audience up to date on the latest field burn­ ing research. Other specialists from Oregon State University discussed certifica­ tion and procedural matters relating to turf seed growing and marketing. In “Grasses For Turf”, Dr. Schery pointed out that, “There are ecological niches where some opportunity may exist for almost any cultivar“. He listed some unlikely grasses which have found special uses because of particular attributes. But he felt that the future belonged to new cultivars of exactly the same grasses which are being grown so successfully today. The competition in the future is go­ ing to be rough, and will depend as much upon promotional backing of a particular cultivar as its inherent characteristics. Dr. Schery pointed out, “When there were no other bluegrasses except common, it was relatively easy for an excellent new selection like Merion to gain the attention that eventually lead to an important market position. But now, with many other cultivars recognized, in some respects superior to Merion, it is harder to gain much of a toehold. Now it’s not so easy for a newcomer to buck the Fylkings, the Pennstars, the Barons, the Sodcos, the Nuggets, and numerous others which have 'arrived' ---.“ Schery felt that, “If it is a bluegrass, it will be at least ’as good as Merion’ to even gain a hearing; if a fescue, it will be at least the equal of Penn­ lawn; or similarly, other species must meet a high standard imposed by a cultivar already recognized -- ”. And he visualized “The need for an expanded informational service that far exceeds anything the seed industry has imagined heretofore. --- Turfgrass people will have to be alert to all developments relating to the lawn and grass swards, being in a position, as the Lawn Institute has tried to be, to advise on proper fertilization, correct mowing, pest control, etc. ---”. OVERSEEDING RECOMMENDATION FROM VIRGINIA April WEEDS TREES AND TURF reports, in covering the Virginia Turfgrass Con­ ference, that suggested winterseeding mixtures for overseeding bermudagrass might include (in pounds per thousand square feet): Pennlawn fescue 15, annual ryegrass 15, creeping bentgrass 2; or Pennlawn fescue 15, Manhattan or Pennfine perennial ryegrass 15. PURDUE CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS The 1971 Turf Conference Proceedings from the meetings of the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue University have just been issued. The conference was held in early March. This conference is the oldest in the Midwest, and the rather few, simple pioneering papers typically presented in the early days have given way to a broad spec­ trum of topics ranging from human and business considerations to technical novelties and even trivia. Rather few of the papers presented this year deal with fundamentals, understandable in that such subjects have/bewoenrk ed over repeatedly before. An opening series of papers dealt with "Modernizing” -- the turf industry, the golf course, the sod industry, and so on. The potpourri continued with discussions of turfgrass training, taxing golf courses, athletic injuries, and so on. Scattered through the papers are various facts and examples that will be of some interest to various people. Roby and Daniel present a series of papers beginning on page 21, having to do with the maintenance of athletic fields. The first paper is a rather good general review of the practices customarily undertaken. Subsequent papers deal with soil drainage and the establishment of grass rooting media, a subject area in which there has been a great deal of activity at Purdue. Some of this gets rather "far-out" from a practical standpoint, and one wonders how many golf courses have technical personnel able to cope with the Purr-Wick type of green. Another series of papers deals with such diverse subjects as irrigation, lightning, Poa annua-and-earthworms, early zoysia plantings, and zoysia planting methods. The Highland bentgrass people will perhaps be interested in the presentation by L. E. Miller, of the Louisville Country Club, Kentucky, "Which Grass For Louisville? -- Bent". Miller concludes after a general discussion of the maintenance program, "Even though it is not the answer for everyone, it is still a workable program, and one of several successful fairways programs being used in Louisville." Miller especially likes the early greening of bentgrass in the spring, its quickness to recover from injury, and persistent good turf until as late as December. Sod raisers and other professional people present a series of papers beginning about page 70, on the newer turfgrasses. There are many interesting, and generally favorable comments, on the newer cultivars. Dr. Robert W. Miller, of Ohio State Univer­ sity provides the research focal point in his presentation on "Using Newer Grasses". He discusses the many varieties, especially of bluegrass, and in the listings rates Warren’s A-20 first, Pennstar second (Fylking would be very similar, but is not listed because of the fewer years of testing at Ohio State). The traditional bluegrasses rated much more poorly. The Highland Bentgrass Commission, again, will be interested in Miller’s com­ ments on the variety, "Highland -- has a weak creeping habit of growth, but is superior to Astoria in this respect. It is slow to heal, and, like Astoria, does not perform well under close mowing. Some variation in seed is common. Highland is blueish-green in color and has an upright growth characteristic." In Ohio tests Highland has been superior not only to Astoria, but to Exeter as well. Miller lists the various named cultivars of fine fescue, but does not rank them, other than to say, "Many of these have not been evaluated for any length of time. Illahee and Pennlawn are superior in per­ formance to common red fescue." The Proceedings are rounded out with discussions on equipment for seeding and reno­ vating turf, on regulation of thatch, on growth regulators, on pesticide restrictions in New York, and on industry services to the turfgrass industry. A Proceedings such as this serves more to give a birds-eye view of "what is going on" in the turfgrass field, than to provide in-depth information on technical matters (perhaps better covered in textbooks such as Madison’s new "Principles of Turfgrass Culture"). NIMBLEWILL CONTROL A new HOME AND GARDEN BULLETIN no. 123, "Lawn Weed Control With Herbicides", was released by the USDA in April of 1971. Recommendations are not greatly different than in older editions, but it is encouraging that attention is now given nimblewill. Recommendations follow pretty well the advice the Institute gives to inquirers, since Dow ceased making liquid Zytron (which served as a selective post-emergence con­ trol). We suggest "out competing” the nimblewill with quality turfgrasses, mechanical removal to the extent possible, and inhibition of reseeding through the use of pre­ emergence crabgrass preventers (Azak has been used in front of the Marysville office for two years now, in an attempt to diminish nimblewill stands). The advice from the USDA calls for removing dormant nimblewill autumn-spring, and then "reseed Kentucky bluegrass or a bluegrass-red fescue mixture into the raked soil." A pre-emergence chemical treatment of the infested area is suggested to pre­ vent new nimblewill seedlings. IMPRESSIVE POLLUTION REFUTATION An impressive mailing was made by Procter and Gamble Company, including thorough documentation by scientific personnel and expert witnesses heard before the Federal Trade Commission. The evidence presented is convincing, and ties nicely into the need for a moderate approach (with fertilizers and pesticides as well as detergents). Data suggests, for example, that none of these products have much to do with lake eutro­ phication, so much a talking point these days. We will not take space to review the several pamphlets representing expert testimony before the FTC, but will be glad to provide a photocopy resume if of interest (or you may prefer trying to secure the complete dossier from Procter and Gamble Company, P. O. Box 599, Cincinnati, O. 45201) LITTLE ECOLOGICAL CHANGE FROM INSECTICIDE D. J. Shure, Rutgers University,reports in Vol. 52, No. 2, ECOLOGY, 1971, on "Insecticide Effects on Early Succession in an Old Field Ecosystem". In an earlier treatment with diazinon there were minor alterations in the vegetation and small animal populations, presumably because the insecticide had detrimental effects upon bindweed (its set-back releasing other vegetation with which it competed). A second application somewhat later had almost no persistent influence, probably because a rainy year encouraged abundant germination of all species, no differential showing up. Here is added confirmation that a pesticide will unlikely have drastic effects on ecology, even though it is currently popular to suspect any pesticide of fostering insidious changes. DDT BREAKDOWN An announcement from Cornell University indicates that research scientists there investigating the breakdown of DDT, have proven that microorganisms do effect complete breakdown, and that the various biochemical pathways leading to total destruction of DDT are now known. The investigations are not sufficiently far along to prove the rapidity of destruction in nature, but certainly the study raises questions about the "indestructibility" of DDT, and similar chlorinated hydrocarbons. One cannot help but wonder whether the assays finding DDT in all parts of the environment are really measuring DDT or some natural product that gives similar chromotographic readings. GROWTH REGULATORS ON GRASSES Mathias, Benett, Jung and Lundberg, West Virginia report in the May-June AGRONOMY JOURNAL on the effects of growth-regulating chemicals on three grasses, including Ken­ tucky bluegrass. The researchers were endeavoring to discover a means for retarding grass sod without killing it, allowing temporary suppression and eventual recovery. Cycocel, widely used as a horticultural regulant, performed well at proper rate, re­ ducing growth as much as 65 percent and showing some reduction for more than two months. The implications for a "no-mowing" spray for lawns is apparent. BLUEGRASS HYBRIDIZATION G. W. Pepin and C. R. Funk, Rutgers University, report upon Intraspecific Hybridi­ zation as a Method of Breeding Kentucky Bluegrass For Turf11, in the May-June, 1971 CROP SCIENCE. The authors discuss selection procedures, and conclude, "Many of the most promising hybrids appear to be triploids resulting from the fertilization of unreduced female gametes.” A fair proportion of the hybrids were highly apomictic, and thus should have commercial practicality. PRIMORDIAL DDT? Several news notes have carried the story of a soil sample taken 35 years ago at the University of Wisconsin being analyzed by research people for chlorinated hydro­ carbon residues. You guessed it, they were "found”, -- in soil collected before DDT had been marketed! Some years ago an Englishman experienced similar results, with forest soils remote from where DDT had ever been used. It makes one wonder what a chlorinated hydrocarbon assay actually indicates! CALMING DDT ALARMS The Cooperative Extension Service of New York State quotes research reported at Colorado State University showing that DDT was found to be rather readily biodegradable. If soils were sufficiently enriched with nutrients to support microorganisms, DDT tended to disappear. Sandy soil treated with manure became essentially free of DDT within two months, and even after one week most of the DDT had been degraded. With­ out the manure there was little degradation. SYSTEMIC SMUT CONTROL John Hardison, Oregon, reports in the May-June CROP SCIENCE, on the control of flag smut, and other diseases, in Merion bluegrass. A new Eli Lilly product, code EL-273 appears most promising, both for turf and for grass planted for seed. A single application of chemical in the root zone eradicated the diseases, and remained effective for about a year. The tests show promise of effective, economical systemic disease control with turfgrasses. INSECTICIDES AND THE SOD WEBWORM Research at the University of Tennessee, reported in AGRICHEMICAL AGE, indicates that sod webworm damage (measured by invasion of weeds) was worse where chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin) were used than where not. Apparently the insecticides were more virulent against the natural enemies of the webworms than against the webwormas!