Northwest Vol. 23 No. 3 TURFGRASS TOPICS PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON January 1981 32ND ANNUAL CANADIAN TURFGRASS SHOW FROM THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER In reflecting on our 1980 conference at Sunriver, I believe it was one of the best I have attended. The conference speakers and their topics were outstanding, as evidenced by |the few empty chairs during each session. My heartiest congratulations to Earl Morgan, Past President; Dr. Roy Goss; the Program Committee; and all the members of the board for an excellent conference. Have you ever been any place where the people were nicer and more outgoing than Sunriver? I am sure our entire membership was duly impressed and much appreciated all the effort put forth by the people of Sunriver. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Harger, Mr. Joe Lymp, and all the fine people at Sunriver. I hope we return in the very near future. What goes on behind the closed doors of the N.T.A. board meeting? Why don't they do this, or do something about that? How many times have you sat around in a friendly group and heard gripes and criticism about any and everything? We all know it is human nature to criticize, and also very much a part of human nature to just sit back and do nothing. Just think how great an organization would be if just half of the membership would get themselves involved and do something. Why don't you as a member of the N.T.A step forward to help your own cause and GET INVOLVED! Try it, I'm sure you will like it. Our N.T.A. 1981 Conference will be held at the Tyee Motor Inn at Olympia, Washington. The dates are set for Sept. 21, Golf Tournament at Tumwater; Sept. 22, 23, and 24, educational sessions. Your Board of Directors and Program Chairman, Jim Chapman, are hard at work on the '81 program. If you have any ideas of subjects, speakers, or ^program topics, please call or drop a line to Mr. Jim 'Chapman, 17012 N.E. 21st, Bellevue, WA 98008. Possible future conference sites — Kelowna, B.C., Mt. Hood, OR. We will be looking into these two areas, however, we need your ideas on more sites. Best of Luck in '81 The 32nd Annual Canadian Turfgrass Conference and Show will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, on March 1-4, 1981. It will be sponsored cooperatively by the Western Canada Turfgrass Association and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association. Because of this event the Annual W.C.T.A. Turfgrass Conference will not be held as usual, but rather combined with the National which will be of even more benefit to the W.C.T.A. members and the Pacific Northwest. This promises to be the largest turfgrass conference ever held in Canada. A conference of this size will attract many good speakers and there will be programs of interest to all turfgrass managers. The displays will be large and in keeping with a truly national conference. The Western Canada Turfgrass Association is now actively planning an interesting program for the ladies. The program will essentially feature two-hour bus tours of Vancouver, a seafood extravaganza, an aquarian tour, lunch at the Nest, atop Grouse Mountain, and other attractive features of the Vancouver area. For golfers there will be a pre-conference golf tournament over a two-day period, February 26-27, at the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club and the Point Grey Golf and Country Club locations. Entries will be limited to the first 100 to sign up. Further information regarding the Canadian Turfgrass Show can be gotten from Mr. Bob Wick, editor, Turfline Newsletter, Whistler Village Land Co., P.O. Box 35, Whistler, B.C., VON 1B0, or the Executive Secretary, Dr. Doug Taylor, P.O. Box 243, Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1 AO. This promises to be an outstanding turfgrass conference close to home for all of you here in the Pacific Northwest and 1 am sure all would profit by attending these sessions. J.A. Jack & Sons IMPERIAL AGLIME you need CALCIUM for Turf Vigor Full Fertilizer Utilization Improved pH Sacked or Complete Spreading service SOLD by HEMPHILL BROTHERS, INC. SEATTLE 762-7622 1981 NORTHWEST TURFGRASS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN OLYMPIA The Northwest Turfgrass Association membership elected two years ago to hold the 1981 Northwest Turfgrass Conference at the Tyee Motor Inn, Olympia, Washington. The dates for the Conference will be September 22-24, for the educational sessions and the registration; pre-conference activities including golf tournament will be held on Monday, September 21. There were many reports that the Conference held in Sunriver, Oregon, in September, 1980, was most educational and well-conducted and we hope that the forthcoming conference will be equally as well done or better. Plans are already under way for obtaining speakers and conference topics for the conference and your officers and directors will be diligently working on all of these arrangements. Also included with this issue of Turfgrass Topics is a short questionnaire. We very much need your input. Please do not ignore or disregard this questionnaire because it is important to your officers and directors for future conference planning. It will only take you five or ten minutes to fill this out and mail it to the Northwest Turfgrass office, which is as follows: Northwest Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 247 Redmond, WA 98052 As in past years, there will be pre-registration and worthwhile prizes given for early registration as well as a reduced registration fee. Be looking for future notices in the Turfgrass Topics and if you have not received preregistration materials by September 1, be sure to contact the editor of Turfgrass Topics immediately and you will receive the materials. SOD LAWNS — TEES — APRONS BEAUTIFUL — DURABLE Ask us for price FOB Sumner or your location Emerald Turfgrass Farms RT. 1, BOX 146A, UN 3-1003 NfiUfe NEW CHANGES AT PUYALLUP We have finally achieved one of our major goals in our turfgrass programs in Washington. On January 1, 1980, Dr. Roy Goss became 100 percent Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Dr. Stan Brauen will move into turfgrass research and carry 80 percent responsibility to turfgrasses while continuing approximately 20 percent on cereal crop investigation. It was by choice that Goss moved into the Extension Specialist position full time due to over 23 years working with people in the field and felt it would be more prudent to stay with the Extension and give up the research position. Dr. Stan Brauen has an excellent scientific background and is able to initiate and conduct quality research work and should be a definite asset in our total program. Nothing much has changed at this time since it will take some time for the transition to occur, but eventually the entire research program will be up to Dr. Brauen while Dr. Goss will carry a few applied research projects in the field while conducting Extension work. These projects, however, will be kept to a minimum so as not to conflict with Extension responsibilities. SUMNER, WASH. 98390 VE 8-9911 FERTILIZERS TURF CHEMICALS and FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES - HERBICIDES SOIL AMENDMENTS NORM WHITWORTH LTD. TURF PRODUCTS P.O. BOX 31 G L A D S T O N E . R E S I D E N C E O R E G O N ( 5 0 3 ) © 7 0 2 7 6 5 3 - 2 9 1 9 consultant TACOMA 272-5171 1424 Thorne Road Tacoma, Wash. 98421 SEATTLE 622-3228 FERTILIZERS, BARK PRODUCTS. C H E M I C A L S , TURF-SEEDS • EUROPEAN CRANE FLY AND ITS CONTROL IN TURFGRASSES Historically the European crane fly damage caused by the larvae usually does not occur before March or April in most years. Severe damage has been noted as early as January 1 in some areas of western Washington and it appears that our controls must be advanced by 2-3 months to avoid turfgrass losses. Populations as high as 135 larvae per sq. ft. have been reported in the Seattle area and other reports have drifted in of lawns virtually being wiped out. Turf managers who have spotted these infestations early enough have initiated treatments with diazinon and have been quite successful in killing the larvae. The larvae are by no means mature but where significant populations are present, results can be disastrous. Eggs were layed by the adult fly in late summer and early fall. The young larvae usually overwinter in the thatch and begin voraciously feeding after the coldest weather has past after February. Due to our extremely mild fall and winter, this process appears to have speeded up; therefore, it would be to your credit to begin your treatment if you know the larvae are there and you see any damage to the turfgrasses. Diazinon is the recommended insecticide and will affect good control if applied at 4 fl. oz. of 25 percent EC in 15 gallons of water to cover 500 sq. ft. NORTHWEST MOWERS, INC. JACOBSEN 542-7484 926 North 165th St. Seattle, Wash. 98133 Cumberland Valley Turf ICVT Professional Turf Growers QUESTIONNAIRE Recognizing the inflationary pressures as they affect our annual Turfgrass Conference, the Board of Directors, NTA, is interested in obtaining feedback regarding conference sites, social programs, ladies' programs, etc. Please fill in the following questionnaire and return same to: Northwest Turfgrass Association P.O. Box ^47 Redmond, WA 98052 In order to encourage maximum constructive input, you are free to return this fact-finding sheet anonymously. (Use reverse side if necessary). 1. Do you prefer conference site locations such as Sunriver, Port Ludlow, and Salishan recognizing the current costs of food and lodging? Yes No If you answered no, let us know of your preferences. Remember we are talking primarily about costs not geographical location. 2. Regardless of where the conference is held or at what level of lodging is available, do you prefer to continue the banquet as part of the conference? Yes . No If not, your comments please. 3. Are you satisfied with the past ladies' programs? Yes No If not, please comment. 4. Are you satisfied with all aspects of the golf tournament? Yes No If not, please comment. 5. Indicate the appropriate situation for your club: I attend on full pay by my employer I attend by taking paid vacation I attend without pay or vacation Other (please explain). 6. Does your club pay your expenses to the conference? Yes , No If no, check appropriate blank: They pay most They pay half They pay (explain). They pay none. some 7. Do you have specific topics or speakers you would like on the program. A Full Line of Specialities & Varieties of Turf Seed for the Golf Course and Sod Farm. Supplying Top Quality • Sod Call Us For Prices (206) 825-5266 Forklift Deliveries 45533 - 212th Ave. S.E. Enumclaw, Wa. 98022 Wholesale Seeds and Garden Supplies PUGET SOUND SEED CO., INC. 1120 West Ewing • Seattle, WA 98119 • 282-2077 Your comments and suggestions for Turf Conference Questionnaire TURFGRASS FIELD DAY OREGON GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS MEET The Oregon Golf Course Superintendents met near Tualatin, Oregon, at the Holiday Inn on Monday, January 5, 1981. There was a good turnout from all of their superintendents and plans were laid for an active year. The guest speaker for the educational program was Roy Goss, from Washington State University, who discussed Annual Bluegrass Management and placed special emphasis on irrigation and nitrogen use on golf courses. One of the highlights of the meeting was a raffle of a TV set, won by Ron Hudson at the Turfgrass Conference in Sunriver, Oregon, in September 1980. Ron Hudson and Norm Whitworth donated the television set to the Superintendents' Association and a raffle was held at this meeting. One hundred tickets were quickly sold at $1 each and the proceeds of this raffle went to the Northwest Turfgrass Association to be used in research and educational programs at both Washington State and Oregon State Universities. I am sure that all of the members of the Northwest Turfgrass Association are proud of the participation of the Oregon Golf Superintendents and for the activities they conduct within their Association. The annual Turfgrass Field Days will be held at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center's Farm 5 on Tuesday, June 23, for Golf Course Superintendents; Wednesday, June 24, for County Extension Agents and State and Federal Workers; and on Thursday, June 25, for all general public and for any other people. Put these dates on your calendar and plan to come to the Station and view extensive variety testing, low maintenance studies, the effects of endothall applications for Poa annua control, growth regulators, disease control investigations, long-term studies for sulfur applications on sand media and other research that is ongoing and is being initiated at this time. Jacobsen E-Z-Go Cushman Standard and Par-Aide COMPLETE LINE OF TURF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES BALTZ & SON CO. 9817 E. Burnside Portland, Ore. 97216 256-1453 Order your Instant Lawn VE DELIVER O r \ from the JB Sod Farm ...A YOU HAUL AND U in Redmond. — A^AVE MONEY!/14020 N.E. 124th St. • 682-0421,922-5310 or 821-0444 LADING VK Hn,. xA'W*,.. 4 w •> V, i dry ' ../''"A V> M tn"*>t-. w ..AUw VI- ^fpDPDDOOi Am . FUSARIUM PATCH DISEASE IN 1980-81 By Roy L. Goss Fusarium patch disease has been particularly troublesome during the fall and winter of 1980-81 and has been quite persistent due to abnormally mild weather throughout December and early January. It is most important to stay on top of the situation by following recommended procedures for fungicide applications at the proper intervals. It should be restated that several hours' time following fungicide application should be planned before any rainfall. This has been extremely difficult due to a most wet December, but there have been periods of time when fungicides could be applied without rain. I feel that many of the fungicides have been washed off the leaves and into the soil and have not been effective in disease control. Those of you who have done the job right have near perfect control whereas others have been hit quite hard. If there are any questions about fungicides and intervals between application, ask us for the information or consult E.M. 2050, Disease Control in Putting Green Turf. This can be obtained from any County Extension Agent's office in your area. It was very interesting to note in many areas that only the Poa annua was being devastated. Large patches of bentgrass scattered throughout the Poa annua were virtually unaffected by the Fusarium during a good portion of this time. This is another mark on the wall for continuing to try to increase bentgrass populations and decrease Poa annua. This will result in significant saving of fungicides, labor, reseeding, and probably get you a salary increase for maintaining excellent quality conditions. Turf Farm 683-6725 Route 3, Box 186 Sequim, Washington 98382 INSTANT SOD LAWNS See us for poa-free sod grown on washed sand. Ideal for golf course and athletic field use. NORTHWEST TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS MEET IN DECEMBER The first post-conference meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center on December 16, 1980, to conduct business for the Association. Previous to the regular Directors Meeting there was a Research Committee Meeting conducted by Milt Bauman, Chairman of the Research Committee. Research reports were presented by Drs. Stan Brauen, John Law, and Roy Goss. Plans were presented for ongoing and future research which includes intensive investigations into selective aluminum tolerance of turfgrasses and an extensive low maintenance project aimed at minimum turfgrass maintenance for 4 genera including fescues, bluegrasses, ryegrasses, and bentgrasses. Low maintenance on bentgrasses will be divided into two parts; one for lawn-type bentgrasses and the other for putting greens. Some of this research will be observed at the next Turfgrass Field Day at Puyallup. The Directors laid all plans for the next Turfgrass Conference and also activated all committees associated with the Conference. All committees are actively working at this time and you will be hearing from some of them to enlist your aid in contributing to the Association. proven (Scotts) ProTurf fsffiSmSMsmm®^mmr* I p i M ^ ^ ^ i W8r i H ! L. Ben Malikowski H i N. 8320 Carolina Way Spokane, WA 99208 I P Telephone: 508/326-4344 m Thayne Loendorf 3014 N.E. 135th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98662 l | i y * S Telephone: 206/254-6172 Colin Softly 8651 Elsmore Rd. Richmond, B.C., Canada V7C 2A4 Telephone: 604/271-6352 BESTTurf Gold with features never before available in a single fertilizer. BEST Turf Gold has all the advantages of a non-burn fertilizer, plus Sulfur Coated Urea. You get a controlledrelease 32% nitrogen plant food containing 24% water insoluble and 8% water soluble nitrogen. TURF GOLD'S high sulfur content gives a remarkable improvement in the color, density, composition, and drought tolerance of turfgrasses. You can apply TURF GOLD without worry of fertilizer bum. Release of elements is controlled for 48 to 72 hours, or until thoroughly washed off by water. You get results with BEST Contact your BEST Products Distributor today. • Nulife Fertilizer Co Tacoma, WA 206-272-5171 Pacific Agro Renton, WA 206-228-6565 Bob Pirie Max Smith Ken McKenzie • HJ Stoll & Sons Norm Whitworth Portland, OR 503-235-8946 • Turfgo Northwest (206) 771-4885 (BEST) BEST PRODUCTS Western Division, Box 267 Lathrop, CA 95330 (209) 858-2541 Northwest Region Res. Ph. (206) 256-5375 19329 N.W. 112th St. Brush Prairie, WA 98606 • End Turf Moisture Problems REDUCE NITROGEN APPLICATIONS IN 1981 • w i t h D I A L O A M • a soil c o n d i t i o n e r t h a t absorbs 150% of its w e i g h t in N o t a c f a y * W i l l not c o m p a c t # water. Write for f r e e s a m p l e a n d prices. MANUFACTURED BY EAGLE-PICHER INDUSTRIES, INC. Cincinnati, O h i o 4 5 2 0 2 Many turfgrass managers can reduce their nitrogen applicatons even more than they have reduced at present. Perhaps some areas are not receiving enough nitrogen due to restricted budgets, but prime turfgrass areas such as putting greens are probably still receiving too much nitrogen. I have had reports recently where some superintendents have reduced their nitrogen applications to as low as 3 A lbs. of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. on putting greens and have maintained quality conditions. It is questionable that acceptable color standards could be maintained without the use of iron as a leaf feeding. Iron can significantly improve color of turfgrasses and essentially extends nitrogen applications from this viewpoint. There are two major factors that tend to stiumulate greater populations of Poa annua and that is nitrogen and excessive watering. Obviously if you have 100 percent Poa annua, then you want to reverse these procedures and apply adequate levels of nitrogen and adequate moisture to prevent stress. If, however, your goal is overseeding and bentgrass improvement, you should carefully follow these suggestions. For bentgrass improvement, continue to maintain moderately low levels of phosphorus and reasonable levels of sulfur. For example, A to l lb. of P2O5 phosphorus per 1000 sq. ft. per year would be adequate if divided into 2 or 3 applications and 3 A lb. of elemental sulfur per 1000 sq. ft. will prove to be sufficient. l DISTRIBUTED BY Chas. H. Lilly Company 5200 Denver Avenue, South Seattle, Wash. 98108 Chas. H. Lilly Company E. 9919 - Montgomery Avenue Spokane, WA 99206 Chas. H. Lilly Company 7737 N.E. Killingsworth St. Portland, Ore. 97218 X X LILLYTMILLER Controlled Release FERTILIZERS also SEEDS & C H E M I C A L S Seattle Portland THINKING ABOUT CHANGING YOUR SPRAYER? *7 L~ * 7'i _ I' SALEM (503) 581-7823 922-3333 762-0818 256-4600 PORTLAND (503) 228-1264 Spokane ... JON VOIER Go John Bean! I;i 92 Years Of Dependable Sprayers, I HAND PUMP TYPE SPRAYER 1 USED IN SPRING OF 1870 NORTHWEST MALSBARY 2232 - 15th A V E N U E W E S T SALES and SERVICE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON M11» AUTHORIZED JOHN BEAN OEALER WE SERVICE MORE (206) 283-5340 THAN WHAT WE SELL JOHN BEAN DEALER H.P. PUMPS & PARTS SPRAYERS - ACCESSORIES A REVIEW OF TURFGRASS LIMING PRACTICES Despite the fact that bentgrassts will tolerate considerable acidity in the soil many other grasses will not. Soil science has taught us that pH values below 5.5 are not the healthiest situation for soil bacterial activitiy, decomposition of organic matter, and nutrient availability. Bluegrasses require adequate levels of soil calcium and perform better when the pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Poa annua will perform better in the same pH range but will do reasonably well at pH values near 4.5. In order to determine liming needs, let's not guess, but obtain dependable soil analyses for this purpose. A soil analysis will also point out magnesium levels and will tell us whether we should use agricultural limestone or dolomitic limestone. If the test indicates that we need calcium but do not need to alter the pH, then we have the possibility of gypsum. It should be mentioned here that agricultural limestone will perform the same function in the soil as far as aggregation is concerned as gypsum. The principle use of gypsum is for sodic or alkali soils to help remove sodium salts and to reclaim these soils. Therefore, we should not be confused that gypsum is a miracle product although it does have a significant place in our cultural systems. In general, lime should be applied to existing turfgrasses at rates not to exceed 50 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. in a single application and preferably applied at 25 to 35 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. twice annually until the calcium and pH requirements are satisfied. In other words, if you intend to apply 50 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft., divide it into two 25 lb. applications and apply them at 6-month intervals. Agricultural limestone and dolomitic limestone usually take about one year or more to react completely with the soil and if a rapid pH change is necessary, you may consider the use of hydrated lime and apply it with due care and caution. Hydrated lime will burn turfgrasses and should not be applied at rates higher than 5 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. and thoroughly watered in. These treatments can be applied within two weeks or so of each other, but never higher than 5 lbs. in a single application. For bare soils the total liming rate can be applied in a single application and worked thoroughly into the soil to correct acidity and provide the proper level of calcium. It must be remembered that certain soils are very difficult to "lime up" to the point where the pH will remain in the desirable range. Heavy clay soils frequently have high aluminum levels and they can be made responsive perhaps for one year but then the pH may fall back to its very low levels after the calcium has reacted and become tied up in the soil. —CUSHMAN — Complete TURF - CARE Trucksters can: System AERATE - TOP DRESS - SPIKE SPRAY — DUMP — HAUL • We Service What We Sell! • • • • • • SUNSET NORTHWEST 1919 - 120th Ave N.E. — Bellevue, WA 98005 (206) 455-5640 ^urTequipmen^ mobile service EKE TURF & TORO MOBILE SERVICE 20224 80th So. Kent TORO 762-7242 MEMBERSHIP IS THE KEY TO AN ORGANIZATION'S SUCCESS Without membership, organizations would not exist. There are many benefits in belonging to the NTA and you too can help advance the technology and recognition of the turfgrass industry. A valuable prize will be awarded the individual who brings in the most new members in 1979. Use the blank below to sign up your new member. Additional application forms can be obtained from John Monson or the Editor. o D H m O) H MEMBERSHIP APPLICATON FORM Name of Applicant Address . Zip . State City Type of business or firm (Individual, school, golf course, park, cemetery, etc.) o o < —j —J —J. to CO CO Suppliers g • t i - co O >to > so j£! CO CO DC o > co ho CO r + I D & o O o CI- 3 C= _j. i < e+ (/> O O > CD C CD £ -J. H NITROFORM WEED KILLERS HYDROPRILLS FUNGICIDES of all your professional needs! Golf Course Architecture Irrigation System Engineering Turfgrass Management Consultation THOMSON WOLVERIDGE FREAM & ASSOC. 3820 Sebastopol Road, P.O. Box 1823, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 Tele: (707) 526-7190 NAGOYA 3 -H to Officers of the Northwest Turfgrass ASSOCIATION Dick Schmidt Norm Whitworth John Monson Dr. Roy Goss MELBOURNE • —1 o o POCD cz o Recommended by Northwest Turfgrass Association Membership Dues $30.00/year. Make check payable to Northwest Turfgrass Association and mail to: John Monson, Treasurer P.O. box 274, Redmond, WA 98052 Dues include: 1) reduced conference registration, 2) Turfgrass Topics, and other mailings. Agro quality really counts! Pacific Agro Company 903 Houser Way No. Renton 98055 P.O. Box 326 • 228-6565 o 3 g a a. a 3 r° S i ° h 3 CD T 3 t O c+ O to The Pro's Know... O O 0) ZURICH President Vice-President Treasurer Exec. Secretary NORTHWEST TURFGRASS TOPICS is sponsored by the Northwest Turfgrass Association and financed through funds of this organization. Any communications concerning distribution of this paper or association business should be directed to John Monson, P.O. Box 274, Redmond, W A 98052, or Roy L. Goss, Western Washington Experiment Station, Puyallup, Washington 98371. Communications concerning content of this paper should be directed to Dr. Roy Goss, Editor, Western Washington Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, Washington 98371.