Northwest TURFGRASS TOPICS Vol 16 — No. 4 The President's Corner From the President's Corner By Milt Bauman To those of you who do not know the history of our research program at Puyallup, I would like to give you a little background as to how it happened. It hasn't always been there. There was some limited work started at Puyallup in turfgrass research about 1950. Several superintendents from our Northwest Association went down and actually built a nutting green that was divided into different soil mixtures. The agronomist that worked with our group at that time was Dr. Donald Petersen. Shortly after I came to know him, he left for a job in the midwest. The person that replaced him was also an agronomist by the name of Dr. Herman Austenson. He worked with us until the time Dr. Gosscame on the scene in 1958. About this same time that Herman Austenson arrived. Dr. Charles Gould started working on turfgrass diseases. Both of these men were limited with the time they could spend directly on turfgrass research. It really wasn't very much time. In 1955, the Northwest Turfgrass Association really started digging to try to get a fulltime turfgrass position at Puyallup. We talked to Dr. French, President of Washington State University at that time, and also to Dr. Madsen, who was Dean of Agriculture. We made a survey of the value of turfgrass in this state. The answer was the same everywhere—"Where do we get the money to fund this position?" We received a real break due to the President of the United Continued page 3, column I PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON May, 1974 Turfgrass Field Days Three separate field days will be conducted at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center in 1974. The first day will be specifically for golf courses and golf course personnel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Since many of the problems on golf courses are of highly specific and technical nature and have only slight application to other types of turf managers, a special short day has been set aside for this specific group. Presently, it is planned that the superintendents along with their club officials such as golf professional, manager, green chairman and president, will assemble at the research and extension center at Puyallup on May 14 at 10:00 a.m. for a 3 hour tour and discussion of all research areas. Golf superintendents should come prepared to ask any questions in regard to golf course operations. Wally Staatz, owner of High Cedars Golf Course near Orting, has kindly offered to set up a no host buffet luncheon for all who attend the Field Day at 1:30 p.m., and those who would wish to play golf following the luncheon can bring their golf clubs along and play a round at High Cedars. This sounds like a great way to end the day. On May 15, all county extension agents and research personnel will meet at the Research and Extension Center at 10:00 a.m. for a 3 or 4 hour tour and discussion on turfgrass research. This day is set aside only for county agents or research personnel. Thursday, May 16 will be the general Field Day for all other turfgrass managers. This will include parks, cemeteries, homeowners, schools, industry representatives and others. The Field Day on Thursday, May 16 will begin at the Research and Extension Center at Puyallup at 10:00a.m. and will conclude by 3:00 p.m. at Farm 5. All persons attending this Field Day please feel free to bring along any problems to identify and any questions regarding turfgrass management they would like to discuss. By dividing these Field Days up into three groups, we will not have too large a group at any time and can probably render more effectiveness to all interested in attending. We hope to see^ll of you at the Field Day. Bentgrass Varietal Evaluations By Hoy L. Goss ftXLEC^K bentgrass variety testing program was initiated at Puyallup approximately 3 years ago to determine an\ resistance among the bentgrass varieties and cultivars to Fusarium patch disease. This project is headed up by Dr. C. J. Gould, and we have recently expanded this project to eastern Washington. The eastern Washington establishment has been made in an effort to determine any resistance also to Typhula snowmold. This effort is in cooperation also with Dr. S. E. Brauen and A. G. Law. The plots in the Spokane area (Hangman Valley) are barely established since they were planted only in September, 1973, and some of the plots will have to be reseeded or restolonized this year due to poor establishment. Most of them, however, are coming along Continued page 4, column I The Thatch Patch Notice to Advertisers The Northwest Turfgrass Topics is published three times per year, April, September, December. The deadline for including advertising in the Turfgrass Topics is April 1, August 15 (for September issue) and December 1. The cost for each insertion is $6.00 per column inch (minimum of 2 inches). The standard ad is 2 inches in depth and cost $ 12.00 per insertion. A full-page ad costs $120 (20 inches); a halfpage ad costs $60.00. By Jim Chapman Well, the lid seems to he coming off a little now on new golf course construction. New construction has or soon will commence in Washington at Longview, Enumclaw, Everett (Kayak Point), Clarkston (Clarkston G & CC). Port Ludlow, Maple Valley (Wilderness Ridge), Cle Elum (Sun Country), Battleground (The Cedars) and Mattawa (Desertaire) are in the finishing stages at this time. Two Seattle courses, one at Everett (Klahanie), Vancouver, Kelso and Tatoosh near Conway are in the planning stages and may eventually develop. Two new courses have opened in Oregon, one in Tigard (Summerfield), and one at Eugene (Oakway). One course in Oregon is under construction in Terrebonne (Crooked River Ranch), and another is planned at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort. I am sure that there are even more that may develop—such as the renovation of Glendoveer and the grouping of new courses near Sun Valley, Idaho—that 1 haven't much data on yet. A few weeks ago 1 came across an interesting report on Veronica (Speedwell) control. It was an accident really. Seems a granular iron (FAS) was being used at 12-14 lbs. per acre for moss control. The late fall application killed the moss, held color all winter and controlled chickweed and speedwell. Editor's Note: Has been tested up to 450 lbs. per acre in WSU trials without result. Now, the next product we need is a good, consistent Algae control. The wet, wet winter and spring kept the old, standby materials from doing the job. As drier weather (hopefully) comes around now, mechanical renovation, and topdressing will be very important to overcome algae problems on some turfgrass areas. Editors Note: Sufur is doing a great THE Ed Short Co. MOTT-NATIONAL EXCEL HUSTLER 2450 Sixth Ave. So. Seattle, Wa. 98134 (206) 622-6711 TURF & TORO DISTRIB., INC. Toro—Moist-O-Matic—Ryan, Standard, Par-Aid 6001 Maynard Ave So. RO 2-7242 job in algae control. Larry Proctor, Superintendent, Oakbrook Golf and Country Club, has started an interesting program with Dr. Goss calling for topdressing at 3 week intervals. If these frequent light topdressings of a specially mixed material perform as Poa annua control plus stronger greens turf can result. One final observation on the growth of our turf awareness in recent years. I was struck at a recent Golf Superintendent's meeting how much these guys have done for themselves. In effect, they have emerged from a chrysalis to become true professionals. Of course, there were always the individual pros around in the past, but now the entire group seems caught up with the healthy fever. I think they believe, as Dale Carnegie does, "Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better." See you next trip. FREAM/STORM/ASSOCIATES, LTD. 6 INTERNATIONAL GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS & P L A N N I N G CONSULTANTS From the President's Corner Continued From Page 1 States at that time. President Eisenhower was an ardent golfer, and his brother, Ed Eisenhower was a member of Tacoma Country and Golf Club. Mr. Ed Eisenhower took the problem to Mr. Comfort, who at that time was chairman of the Republican party in this State. Henry Land, Sr. was closely acquainted with both of these people who were members of Tacoma Country Club. Then with many of us talking with our legislators and lobbying during the legislative session, we received the funding for the position now held by Dr. Goss. If President Eisenhower hadn't been president at the right time, I really don't believe that we would have this program right now. It wasn't until 1958 that Dr. Goss started this position. The reason for this background is that all of you should know that we are trying to fund a full time research position at this Station in Puyallup. We have been working hard toward this end for almost three years, and it really doesn't come easy. We have some funding promised, but we need much more. I am asking each one of you to really help and support us when we go to your golf club or business and ask for help in financing this project. It was most gratifying on March 11, 1974, when I met with Tag Merritt, Sahalee Golf and Country Club, Dean Dougherty, Willamette Valley Golf and Country Club, A1 Mundle, Overlake Golf and Country Club, and Dr. Roy Goss. These men were representing the professional golfers association and representing western Washington and Oregon sections of the PGA were kind enough to give their time on their day off to meet with us and discuss our problems in funding this position. They all promised financial aide from their associations and will ask all of their members to support us any way that they can. Several of the golf professionals have already taken out memberships in the Northwest Turfgrass Association, and they are encouraging all of their professional membership to join as well. We owe a big "THANK YOU" to these three men. We urge you to bring your green chairman, president, professional and manager to our Turfgrass Field Day at Puyallup, on Tuesday, May 14. We are going to ask each golf club to financially support this position we are after. We will need $200 per year per golt course, so please bring them so they can see what we have to offer. To those of you who feel there is an easier way, we can certainly use your help. If you feel we can get it through legislature or some other way, feel free to dive in. There is plenty of room for you. I hope to see each one of you at the field day. IT'S TIME TO LIME Grass will not grow without sufficient available CALCIUM! Kiln dried - Fine ground limestone Flour HEMPHILL BROS. INC. Seattle M A 4 - 6 4 2 0 J. A. JACK & SONS, INC. High Calcium, Sacked, Bulk or Spread 1974 Turfgrass Conference By Richard Schwabauer The 1974 Northwest Turfgrass conference will be held at Sunriver Lodge, Sunriver, Oregon from September 24th through September 27th. Arrival, equipment show, and golf tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24th. The Conference will begin promptly at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday afternoon September 25th. The Ladies Golf Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon September 25th. In order to reserve accommodations Sunriver Lodge must receive your reservation at least 30 days prior to your arrival date. Include the name of the Conference so that they may group accommodations. Quoted rates are: Sunriver Lodge Condominium: Bedroom Unit (1 person) $15.00 Bedroom Unit (2 persons) 22.00 Suites (2 persons) 36.00 Check in time is 4:00 p.m. on arrival date. Sunriver Lodge phone- (503) 593-1221. Persons interested in obtaining exhibit space for the Equipment show should contact: Jerry Bacon 8917 4th Plain Blvd. Vancouver, Washington 98661 (206) 256-2663 Oops; I Goofed: Editor In the December issue of Turfgrass Topics I inadvertently was using the 1973 calendar for indicating the dates of the Conference for 1974. The correct dates for the 1974 Turfgrass Conference will be September 25, 26, and 27. All who wish to play in the golf tournament should arrive on September 24 to play golf during the day of the 24th. Conference exhibits will also open in the evening of September 24 and will remain open until the Conference is called to order at 1:00 p.m. on the 25th. Products and equipment and other exhibit displays will be open from time to time throughout the Conference up until Friday, September 27. The Conference program has been rounded out, and we are currently waiting for the invited speakers to accept the invitations to participate. The Board of Directors and Program Committee promise a full, interesting, and wellrounded conference for anyone interested in turfgrass. We will have subjects covering park operations, golf courses and general turfgrass areas which would include cemeteries and other interests. Friday morning will be essentially devoted to research reports from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and other locations. Rich Schwabauer has been making the local arrangements with Sun River Lodge near Bend, Oregon for this conference and additional details regarding the conference will be found in this edition of Turf Topics from Rich Schwabauer and also information from President Milt Bauman. Bentgrass Varietal Evaluations continued from page 1 very well and will be well filled and vigorous by fall of 1974. The evaluations continue at Puyallup of all varieties and cultivars for Fusarium resistance as well as color, texture and density ratings. Goss, Gould and Brauen so far have selected 24 of these varieties and cultivars for advanced management studies at Farm 5. These were established also in September, 1973, and will receive management treatments beginning in April, 1974. These management treatments will include high and low rates of nitrogen and fungicides and no fungicides. Some of these selections are of outstanding quality although not completely resistant to Fusarium patch and must be evaluated from the management standpoint to determine if they are superior to existing varieties which also are not resistant to Fusarium patch. Full results of all of these tests will be available by fall of 1974. All of these plots at Puyallup will be viewed at the turfgrass field day on May 14 for golf superintendents and on May 16 for the general public. Fuel Allocations —Your Problem! Letter from Jack Doty Washington State Nurserymen's Association The new proposed fuel allocation regulations exclude from agricultural priority, nursery products except growing of fruit stocks. A AN considers this arbitrary, especially since such items as beer, soft drinks and tobacco are included. AAN urges us to communicate immediately with members of Congress, both the House and Senate. A letter to both Senators and one letter to your Representative will help. To address a Senator, you type on the evelope and the head of the letter: "The Honorable Senator Magnuson", then the address. The salutation reads: "Dear Senator Magnuson:". For Representatives, you also address the envelope: "The Honorable Joel Pritchard". The salutation: "Dear Mr. Pritchard:". Suggested paragraphs: "Word has reached me that the new proposed fuel allocation regulations exclude from agricultural priority turfgrasses and nursery products except growing of fruit stocks. This seems quite arbitrary, especially since such items as beer, soft drinks, and tobacco are included. "I would urge you to consider the fact that the growing of nursery stock and turfgrasses has been considered agriculture since its inception, and should continue to be included in any agricultural exemptions. Many nurserymen grow food crops in addition to ornamentals, and provide food crops for sale at their retail nurseries or garden centers. "If FEO can strike us out of agricultural priority so easily, can IRS and State Departments of Revenue and/or Labor and Industries do the same in the future? Please send those letters today. You may wish to send a Night Letter or Political Opinion Mailogram. The Mailogram costs $2.00 for as many as 90 words. Jack Doty, President Washington State Nurserymen's Assn. Night letter sent April 16th to Nick Miller, Senator Magnuson's Aide in Washington, D.C. THE MOST CONTROL AT THE LEAST EXPENSE Jacobsen Cushman Rainbird Standard and Par-Aide COMPLETE LINE OF TURF EQUIPMENT A N D SUPPLIES BALTZ & SON 9817 E. Burnside Portland, Ore. 97216 254-6593 Washington State Nurserymen's Association, Washington Floriculture Association and Northwest Turfgrass Association concerned that FEO is removing them from agricultural priority for energy purposes. We consider this arbitrary since such items as beer, soft drinks and tobacco are included. Our industries are a part of agriculture and should be treated as such in the fuel allocation program. Many nurserymen grow food crops in addition to ornamentals, and provide food crops for sale at their retail nurseries or garden centers. Reduction of fuel allocations will mean a curtailment of employment. Our products help remove pollutants in the air and produce oxygen—creating a better e n v i r o n m e n t something we're all concerned with. If the FEO can strike us out of agriculture so easily, can IRS, and State Departments of Revenue do the same in the future? Any further information needed, contact: Mrs. Roy Hacanson Washington State Nurserymen's Assn. (206) 848-1211 Puyallup, Wa. 98371 Management Tips for Summer Since this is the last issue of Turfgrass Topics before September, the editor felt that it would be a good idea to list a few of the management practices that should receive careful consideration for the summer of 1974. IRRIGATION SYS I EM Who would ever think that with the amount of rain that we have experienced so far this year that we need be concerned with the irrigation systems? I think it is a safe bet that the rains will quit one of these days, certainly in May, and it will turn off hot and dry and you will be throwing irrigation water. Irrigation systems should be thoroughly checked and tested before the need arises so that they will be in perfect operating order. APPLY CRABGRASS PREEMERGENCE CONTROL P R O G R A M SOON Those of you who arc concerned with crabgrass should plan to apply your treatments in the very near future depending upon your location. In the tri-cities area near Pasco and Kennewick, the treatments should be on by now. A few warm days in the central Washington area can start crabgrass germinating in late April or around May 1. Areas such as Spokane or the northern Okanogan may delay applications of preemergence materials until approximately May 1 to May 15 depending upon temperature as the season advances. Persons bothered with crabgrass in western Washington and Oregon need not be concerned with applications of preemergence herbicides before June 1. Normally, crabgrasses do not germinate in western Washington and Oregon much before July 1 to July 10, but it would be safe to apply the chemicals somewhere near the end of May or first of June to be sure just in case there should be an early season. . STOCK UP ON WETTING AGENTS—Dry turf is one of the major problems that occurs on most golf courses and other turfgrass areas during the summer season in the Pacific Northwest. Hydrophobic soil conditions are not strangers to us at all. These conditions occur and exist and can be treated. Surface tension builds up on turfgrasses allowing water to run from high to low areas resulting in brown turf at a time when we need it most. Take your precautions and begin wetting agent applications before mid-May and continue as often as is necessary to keep these turfgrass areas and soils accepting water throughout the summer season. Usually three or four applications of wetting agents will be sufficient in most difficult areas; but if it does require more, it is still a cheap investment to keep grass from dying, particularly on putting greens. The important thing to remember is do not irrigate with high volume or with long duration immediately after wetting agents are applied. Simply lightly sprinkle in the applied wetting agent, then return within an hour or two with another light sprinkling and repeat this until the wetting agent has been driven into the thatch layer. Heavy irrigation applications will wash the wetting agent down to low spots where it wasn't needed in the first place. MAINTAIN ADEQUATE K AND S LEVELS—May, June and July are the months of greatest growth stress on turfgrasses in the Northwest. Turfgrasses remove high levels of potassium from the soil during this period of time. To maintain good quality turf, it is essential that adequate levels of potassium be supplied during this period of time. I would suggest that you apply at least 2/ 3 to 3/ 4 as much potassium as nitrogen in early to mid summer for best results. Sulfur applications will also help to maintain excellent quality turf while getting the side benefits of less Poa annua and better turfgrass vigor. When weather conditions are hot, ^apply sulfur in smaller amounts to prevent any possibility of turning. Maintain applications of 4 to 8 oz. per 1000 sq. ft. during the spring, summer and fall. But do not exceed 3 lbs. of elemental wettable sulfur per 1000 sq. ft. per year. POA ANNUA PREEMERGENCE TREATMENTS IN AUGUST—Preemergence applications of bensulide for the control of Poa annua should be applied about August 15. The period of greatest germination of Poa annua occurs in r The Pro's Know... • Agro quality really counts! Pacific Agro C o m p a n y 903 Houser Way No. Renton 98055 P.O. Box 326 • (206) 288-6565 NITROFORM • WEED KILLERS • HYDROPRILLS • FUNGICIDES Suppliers of all your professional needs! TOP VITALITY FOR YOUR TURF . . . with VELSICOL Chemicals VELSICOL BANVEL® 4S This new herbicide was developed especially to combat stubborn broadleaf weeds . . . even those considered tolerant to phenoxy herbicides. It's absorbed two ways — through the leaves and through the roots—for complete control. And it works in either cool or warm weather. Approved for use on St. Augustine, Centipede, Bermuda, Zoysia, Bentgrass and Bluegrass — Banvel 4S effectively controls: Curly dock, common chickweed, mouse-ear chickweed, stitchwort, dog fennel, carpetweed, knotweed, sheep sorrel, clover, knawel, chicory, lawn burweed, spurry, henbit, English daisy, spurge, purslane, pepperweed, hawkweed, creeping charlie, spotted spurge, and many others. the Pacific Northwest during late August, September and early October. Preemergence herbicides applied during this time will help to keep Poa annua at a much lower level. This article was not intended to give a complete rundown on summer management, but just some of the important things you should have a look at in addition to your normal management program. Research Fund Progress LILLY'S Organic Fertilizers A1 Blair, chairman of the research fund program, reports a little over $ 10,000 in the research fund at this time. This is a little over halfway to our goal in this project and considerable effort has been expended recently in developing new methods of accomplishing our goals. Donors to the research program to date include the following: "Keeps Grass Greener — longer" & Custom mixing of seed and fertilizer to your requirements. Chos. H. Lilly Co. Portland Seed Co. M A 2-8484 Contributors List NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Research Fund BE 2-5135 Inland Seed Co. TE 8-8211 NORTHWEST MOWERS, INC. JACOBSEN 522-0722 1149 North 98th tfujife § M Seattle, Wash. fertilizers ^ ^ ^ Suppliers of AH TURF CHEMICALS and FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES - HERBICIDES SOIL AMENDMENTS TACOMA BR 2-5171 1424 Thome Road Tacoma, Wash. 98421 Scotts P r o T u r f Corvallis Country Club Oakbrook Country Club Sahallee Golf Club Highland Golf Club Northwest Golf Course Supt. Assn. Inland Empire Golf Course Supt. Assn. Northwest Turfgrass Assn. Emerald Turf Farms B. G. & P. Inc. Carl Kuhn Spokane Country Club Turf & Toro, Seattle Inland Toro, Spokane Puget Sound Seed Co., Inc. Northwest Mowers, Inc. Oregon Golf Course Supt. Assn. International Pesticide Applicators International N.E.M. Co. Loft Pedigreed Seed Don Hogan Cronicle-Pro Am-Inland Empire Wash. North Idaho Seed Assn. Oregon Seed Trade Association Hercules, Inc. Manhattan Ryegrass Association Pencross Bentgrass Association Total to Date—$10,269.27 as of 4-16-74 SEATTLE MA 2-3228 Helping the superintendent through turf research... I Controlled Release Fertilizers I Fertilizer/Pesticide Combinations I Fungicides—Herbicides—Insecticides I Soil Testing-Weed & Disease Identification SCOTTS • LELY • GANDY SPREADERS Finest quality turfgrass seed-Fairways • Greens • Tees • Roughs Scotts Windsor and Victa blends L. Ben Malikowski N. 8007 Howard Spokane, Wa. 99208 (509) 326-4344 Gerald Sweda 1614 Richardson St. Victoria, B.C. (604) 598-6561 James R. Chapman 17012 NE 21st St. Bellevue, Wa. 98008 (206) 746-1569 (Seattle) (503) 287-3414 (Portland) J Turfgrass Research Plans for 1974 By Roy L. Goss, C. J. Gould and S. E. Brauen A very ambitious turfgrass research program has been adopted for 1974, and will keep everybody going in high gear, and then some. A summary of the research projected for 1974 is as follows: NUTRITION STUDIES Nutrition studies will be continued on putting green turf. Continued applications of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur will be continued to further determine all interactions on turfgrass quality. It is hoped that summary information can be developed on the interaction of these elements on Poa annua, algae, color, density, texture and angle worms. It is hoped that we can also initiate studies on micronutrients on areas where nutritional levels have been reduced over the period of years. POA ANNUA CONTROL STUDIES Terminal data will be taken in 1974 on a 4-year test of preemergence herbicides and tricalcium arsenate and their effects on bentgrass and Poa annua. In summary, we can say that bensulide (Betasan) and tricalcium arsenate program have produced plots 100% free of Poa annua. The Bensulide program is one that was developed at Puyallup and calls for multiple applications of the chemical. Additional plots will be established this year to further test all available new chemicals and other management techniques for the control of Poa annua. High on the list among other materials to be tested will be elemental sulfur in combination with certain chemicals. BENTGRASS ADVANCED MANAGEMENT STUDIES Twenty-four varieties and cultivars of bentgrasses were established in September, 1973, for further observation regarding their response to management. These bentgrass selections will be mowed at VA inch and will receive high and low levels of nitrogen with balanced phosphorus and potassium, and will further receive some fungicide program and no fungicide program. This should give us enough information to determine if these cultivars prefer some specific level of nitrogen and will give us further information as to how they respond to fungicides. These plots will be rated for color, texture, density and diseases. TURFGRASS VARIETY TRIALS Trials will be continued throughout 1974 with bluegrasses, fescues and ryegrasses headed up by Dr. Stan Brauen, with Goss and Gould cooperating. All of these varieties and cultivars will be observed at the field days, so be sure to be present at one of the field days so that you will see this large number of potential new varieties. Some data has been summarized at this point, but not for publication, and additional data will be accumulated throughout 1974 and will be published. The bentgrass varieties which are being observed for Fusarium resistance will continue on in 1974. C. J. Gould will evaluate for disease resistance, and R. L. Goss and S. E. Brauen will evaluate for other agronomic characteristics. Some of these bentgrasses will necessarily have to be established and managed as lawn type bents to determine how they react under lawn conditions. So far the investigations have been aimed entirely at putting green type turf. The bentgrass plots established at Hangman Valley near Spokane will also be observed for color, texture, density and general response to the eastern Washington climate, and then also observed in the fall and winter for Fusarium and Typhula disease infections. Continued page 8, column 2 Typhula/Fusarium Research in Eastern Washington and Idaho The final treatments of fungicides were applied to all plots at Hangman Valley, Hayden Lake, and Moscow, Idaho, in early March. This last treatment was for Fusarium patch control for spring outbreaks, whereas the Typhula fungicidal treatments were completed in November, 1973. These tests are a cooperative effort involving Chuck Gould, Roy Goss, Ron Ensign and A1 Law. Without the cooperation of superintendents Bud Ashworth, Vern Harvey, Ken Jordan and Don Hall, these tests might not have been possible. Final tabulations have not been completed at this time to show the effectiveness of various fungicides, but there was a decided difference in control among the fungicides tested for both Typhula and Fusarium. These results will be published at a later date when all statistical data have been computed. On March 20, a field day was conducted at Hangman Valley Golf Course for all Inland Empire Golf Superintendents to see the results of the fungicide program and also the bentgrass variety plots established at Hangman Valley. Chuck Gould and Roy Goss explained the programs under way and the benefits that we hope to achieve from these tests. The winter of 1973/74 was another good snowmold year for the superintendents, but a poor one for research workers in the Inland Empire. Although there were a number of decent snowfalls, warm rains tended to wash the snow away before it had stayed on the ground for any length of time. Most of the golf courses in the Inland Empire region escaped with only minor snowmold damage this winter. Most X)f them, however, did experience moderate to severe Fusarium patch disease infection, particularly toward late winter and very early spring. Golf courses that had adequately treated for Fusarium patch disease experienced little or no infection from this fungus. Dr. Drew Smith, plant pathologist with the Canada Department of Agriculture from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and a specialist in the low temperature basidiomycetes which cause snowmold, accompanied Chuck Gould and Roy Goss on inspection of treated areas in the Inland Empire. Dr. Smith's principal mission was to aide in identification of the snowmole organisms found in the Inland Empire and to help distinguish any differences between Fusarium and Typhula damage where sclerotia produced by Typhula may be absent or relative few in number. It was decided from many sample collections and evaluations on these sites that the problem is one of TyphulaFusarium complex with both organisms active and effective in the same spots. Hence, all the more reason for maintaining a good program for both Fusarium and Typhula control. More information will be released by Chuck Gould and cooperators as soon as all information is tabulated. SUPPORT YOUR TURFGRASS RESEARCH PROGRAMS Maintain Good Working Relations This article was taken from the Mid-Atlantic Golf Course Superintendent's Association and was written by Craig Spottswood and is entitled "Dig your own Grave". It is so good that all of us should read it since it does pertain to any kind of job, and particularly to those of turfgrass managers: "Digging your own grave is a situation a superintendent gets himself into when he undertakes too many operations with an inadequate labor force or time to keep his golf course maintenance operations up to date. "This type of situation can easily storm a superintendent over night if he does not carefully plan ahead for any and all "on the side" projects. "We always try to do all we can for our clubs, which is only natural. We present ourselves as capable to perform many tasks, as we also improve our professional status with each added responsibility. The club benefits from not having to hire outside contractors and we benefit from increased professional recognition and justifying more money for our men and ourselves-but how does the golf course benefit? Golf course maintenance always suffers from lack of attention when we undertake jobs that are unrelated to the maintenance of the golf course. "What are these jobs? These jobs range from building fences, patios, shelters, bathrooms, etc., to undertaking major golf course improvements such as building new greens, tees, bridges, traps, or revamping your drainage or irrigation system. All of these projects are labor consuming, and all should come second to the maintenance of the golf course or be contracted out. During the growing season we should try to contain our efforts to the management of the golf course and plan any other projects to be tackled during the winter months of the year. "Added responsibilities at any time of the year require the need of additional budgets, more manpower, planning, and frequently more equipment. Often club officials would prefer you to squeeze the "new project" within your existing manpower and equipment and not increase your operating budget. They will also expect you to get the job done "yesterday, especially since" you have so much manpower and equipment." "Extra work loads from time to time are virtually unavoidable. But before you commit yourself to any time consuming project take the time to investigate the project fully and inform all the committee chairmen or board members of the club of the necessity to coordinate all your operations within the limits of your budget, manpower, and maintenance of the golf course. Priorities of projects should be listed with the understanding that nothing should interfere with your expected quality maintenance of the total club grounds. Every committee chairman that could conceivably utilize your service, i.e., golf, tennis, house, greens, etc., should be made aware of the complexity and importance of never neglecting a maintenance operation on the golf course in order to perform some other job. The club officials should be informed of what your typical maintenance operations consist of, frequency of operations and the man hours and labor involved. Your golf course is what you are judged by and what you were hired to maintain. "A superintendent has indefinite responsibilities, nobody knows for sure just exactly what you are responsible for except that generally you are responsible for everything outside the doors of the clubhouse. This fact coupled with Continued page 10, column I • End Turf Moisture Problems • with D I A L O A M • a soil conditioner that absorbs 1 5 0 % of its weight in water. Not a clay * Will not compact • Write for free sample and prices. MANUFACTURED BY EAGLE-PICHER INDUSTRIES, INC. Cincinnati, Ohio 4 5 2 0 2 DISTRIBUTED BY Chas. H. Lilly Company 5200 Denver Avenue, South Seattle, Wash. 98108 Chas. H. Lilly Company 228 W. Pacific Avenue Spokane, Wash. 99204 Chas. H. Lilly Company 109 S.E. Alder Street Portland, Ore. 97214 ATTENTION " G R E E N S - K E E P E R S " of Golf Courses FAST, LOW COST E X T E R M I N A T O R We now have available a new Hand inexpensive cartridge loaded unit which dispenses poison bait automatically underground in pocket gopher's natural runway, out of reach of harmless birds and pets. $29.95. Write for detailed information to: George Merriman, Inc. 3211 East Trent Spokane, Wa. 9 9 2 0 2 509-534-9339 Turfgrass Research Plans For 1974 Continued From Page 7 INTERACTION OF NITROGEN SOURCES AND FUNGICIDES Tentative plans have been made for establishing plots in the Spokane area to determine the effects of various sources of nitrogen on Typhula snow mold attacks. In the case of both Fusarium and Typhula, rates of nitrogen will be considered also. Timing of nitrogen application should be included as another variable factor. We have the possibility of two potential sites, one at Spokane Country Club, and the other at Hayden Lake Golf and Country Club, and the site with the best history of Typhula development will be chosen for this test. Norris Beardsley claims to have the greatest potential, so we will have to look into this. INTERACTION OF NITROGEN SOURCES AND FUNGICIDES ON PUTTING GREEN TURF Plans are being made to initiate an experiment that will study the interacting effects of nitrogen sources and fungicides. There are indications that certain sources of nitrogen may increase or decrease the effectiveness of certain fungicides. It is felt that fungicides that contain reasonably high levels of sulfur in the fungicide formula produce better looking turf that those that do not contain sulfur. We are particularly interested in knowing whether or not certain sources of nitrogen will cause greater disease development under a standard fungicidal program. baron u exclusively from Lofts! • Certified v / K E N T U C K Y RBLUEGRASS LUFCRAM KENTUCKY Baron Kentucky Bluegrass is the perfect choice for golf course fairways. It is a dwarf variety which germinates rapidly. Baron remains shorter and needs less frequent mowing than ^ ^ tt h ! e ^nown var et es ' ' ° f Kentucky bluegrass, which affords obvious economic advantages. It takes low mowing beautifully, even as low as % inch. The sturdy, broad blades interlock to make a " c r i s p " surface that holds a golf ball well on the fairway. The dense turf is winter-hardy w i t h a fine winter color. Its leaves stay relatively unblemished by leafspot, rust or stripe smut. All Baron seed is C E R T I F I E D BLUE T A G , poa annua and bentgrass free. Baron sod is available f r o m leading sod growers across the country. *U.S. Dwarf Variety Plant Patent No. 3186 Husky BARON cluster (left), common bluegrasses (right), mowed about one inch. THREE GRASSES RELEASED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND Exeter Jamestown • Certified Certified RED FESCUE (A Chewings Type) COLONIAL BENTGRASS A great new winterseeding grass for golf greens is Jamestown Red Fescue, marketed exclusively by Lofts Pedigreed Seed, Inc. It is a top-rated, rapid germinating, Chewings-type fine fescue. Just right for overseeding Bermuda greens. . .hefty enough for convenient sowing and excellent vigor, small enough for economical, high-population stands. . .Jamestown provides the rich, deep color and low, dense growth so ideal for putting surfaces. Highly recommended by Dr. Fred Ledeboer (pictured at right), Director of Lofts Research Department. Here's a highly disease, drought, and mold resistant seed ideal for fairways alone or in combinations w i t h other grasses. Exeter greens up earlier, stays green better in summer. i For information and pricing, write or call: m MEMBER Kingstown mmm Certified VELVET w BENTGRASS fcy \ This is the only velvet bentgrass—for achieving the finest-textured golf greens—commercially available in the United States! Requires less maintenance. Over 8,000,000 seeds per pound. •3 LOFTS ^ Exclusive North American Grower and Distributor: Lofts Pedigreed Seed, Inc Bound Brook, N.J. 08805 / ( 2 0 1 ) 356-8700 Lofts / New England Chanderlin Seed Co. Great Western Seed Co. Loft Kellogg Seed Co. 20 Beck Road Arlington, Mass. 02174 Ray Bentley Call collect (617)648-7550 Div. of Lofts Pedigreed Seed, Inc: P.O. Box 387 Albany, Oregon 97321 Larry McKennon Call collect (503) 926-2636 322 E. Florida St. Milwaukee, Wis. 53201 Don Stein Call collect (414) 276-0373 Bound Brook, N.J. 08805 John Morrissey Call collect (201 >356-8702 Working Relations o Continued From Page 8 jj your constant turn over of committee chairman and board members, all of whom are unfamiliar with your job and responsibilities, create a constant state of chaos. This is especially true if you have no written contract or one that is difficult to interpret or vague in definition. It is not uncommon for all these people, including the club manager, golf pro, and tennis pro to make certain demands of your time and men at one time or another. You will be digging your own grave if you try to satisfy everybody at once, or attempt to take a multitude of jobs at one time. "Work thru one official only, usually your greens committee chairman, and be sure to set priorities in writing and never jeopardize the maintenance of your golf course for someone elses pet projects. You never put a feather in your cap by performing unplanned for projects if the golf course sutlers from lack of attention." £ m £ 5 H P" - "T1 to (/> fr 8 H c & m JO • ' -j. —i ir'o o> f> o o • rt 3 * 0 —'•(/> C«i o > DO H —I. * n> c+fD3 £_ o -<. o o oo a> c l oo -ScQ rv> to . _ CD ex Co - j . AUTOMATIC - MANUAL Sprinkler Systems Complete Line of W a t e r Handling Equipment POLSON CO. DISTRIBUTORS MA 2-2891 SPOKANE FA 7-9571 TURF-TRUCKSTER The All-Purpose Grounds Maintenance Vehicle BELLEVUE — Sunset Northwest 1919-120th Ave. N.E. GL 5-5640 PORTLAND — Ray Garner Co. 2232 E. Burnside 232-2588 SPOKANE — Audubon Cushman Sales 1329 N. Ash St. G A 5-2527 SOD and STOLONS LAWNS — TEES — APRONS BEAUTIFUL — DURABLE Ask us for price FOB Sumner or your location Emerald Turfgrass Farms RT. 1, BOX 146A, UN 3-1003 SUMNER, W A S H . 9 8 3 9 0 VE 8 - 9 9 1 1 Officers of the Northwest Tutl ASSOCIATION Milt Bauman Cliff Everhart Dick Haskell Dr. Roy Goss o COCO CD <0 QJ 12 SEATTLE > J . . . . / . . . Treasure/ .£xec. Secretary NORTHWEST T U R F G R A S S ^ T O ^ C S \ d sponsored by the Northwest Turfgrass/^socjjftionJind financed through funds of thij/orgapi/atioij/Any communications concerning distribution ofUrfs paper or association business should be^irecK^a to Dick Haskell, 1000 N.E. 135th, Seattle. Wash. 9» 125, or Roy L. Goss, Western Washington Experiment Station, Puyallup, Washington 98371. Communications concerning content <^f this paper should be directed to Dr. Roy Goss, Editor, Western Washington Experiment Station, Puyallup, Washington 98371.