Official Publication of the Akhigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION P R E SID E N T WARD SWANSON 29642 Westfield, Livonia, Mich. (Res.) PLUM HOLLOW GOLF CLUB Off. 352-2436, Res. 421-8049 V IC E P RESIDENT TED WOEHRLE OAKLAND HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Birmingham, Michigan Off. 644-3352, Res. 646-8512 SEC RETA RY - TREASUR ER GERALD GILL TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB 3466 Walnut Lake Road Orchard Lake, Michigan Off. 626-8325 BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILLIAM P. MADIGAN COUNTRY CLUB OF JACKSON 3135 Horton Road Jackson, Michigan C. H. WOLFROM, JR. DETROIT GOLF CLUB Detroit, Michigan 530 Kendry (Res.) Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Off. 345-4589, Res. 338-6375 ANDREW A. BERTONI HOLLY GREENS GOLF COURSE 11450 Holly Road Holly, Michigan Off. 634-8241, Res. 349-1708 ROBERT PRIESKORN WESTERN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Detroit, Michigan 721 Venoy Road (Res.) Off. KE 1-1549, Res. 721-6648 ALBERT KALTZ MAPLE LANE GOLF CLUB Sterling Heights, Michigan Off. 268-2130, Res. 463-2892 DAVID S. MOOTE ESSEX GOLF CLUB Sandwich, Ontario P.O. Box 130 Off. 734-7815, Res. 966-1617 P R E SIDE N T EMERITUS DONALD A. ROSS HIGHLAND MEADOWS GOLF CLUB P.O. Box 197 Sylvania, Ohio 43560 Off. 882-6492, Res. 882-3113 "A Patch of Green” 3 1 8 2 3 U t i c a R o a d , F r a s e r , M i c h i g a n 4 8 0 2 6 ( 3 1 3 ) 2 9 3 - 3 5 4 0 P u b l i s h e d m o n t h ly b y t h e M i c h i g a n an d Border C i t i e s G o l f C o u r s e S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s A s s o c i a t io n C i r c u l a t i o n : 5 0 0 E. Blakeman, Blakeman Publications E d i t o r R. Briddick, Blakeman Publications G r a p h i c A r t s AD VERTISIN G RATES Double Page Spread....................................... S 100.00 I Back Outside Page.............................................. 65.00 | Full Page................................................................ 55.00 I Half Page................................................................ 35.00 * Eighth Page............................................................ 12.50 | Sixteenth Page......................................................... 7.50 Classified Ad (per inch)........................................5.00 ; DISCOUNT RATES One Year 10 % THIS MONTH S ADVERTISERS A g r i c o C h e m i c a l C o m p a n y C. E . A n d e r s o n C o m p a n y C e n t u r y S u p p ly C o r p o r a t i o n T h e C o t t a g e G a r d e n s , I n c . / M C K e l - C r i s C o r p o r a t i o n L a w n E q u i p m e n t C o r p o r a t i o n W. F . M i l l e r M i l l e r S p r i n k l i n g S y s t e m s M o d e r n R e a r c h C o m p a n y N a t i o n a l C h e m s e a r c h C o r p . 0 . M . S c o t t <£ S o n s C o m p a n y T e r m i n a l S a l e s C o r p o r a t i o n T u r f g r a s s , I n c . T u r f S u p p l i e s , I n c . We have copied the Code of Ethics of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America - All points are applicable to all of us. GCSAA CODE OF ETHICS To the end that confidence and respect may he enjoyed by the members the Code of of our Association, Ethics is promulgated and observance of its provisions required. Every Member shall take pride in his work and regard it as a profession in which all Members shall strive to maintain its good name. Realizing that the best asset that a Member can have is thorough know­ ledge of his profession, he shall constantly try to improve his know­ ledge and effectiveness by freely exchanging experiences and ideas with fellow Members and take advantage of all opportunities for improvement. shall endeavor to maintain courteous relations with employers and associates, and encourage his em­ to take pride in doing their ployees work well. In accomplishing his own and the Association’ s best interests, observance of the following sugges­ tions is recommended. He SEEKING EM PLO YM EN T 1. Seek counsel of local chapters when applying for a position in a new For The Latest and Best Call Turf Supplies, Inc. 6900 P A R D E E , T A Y L O R , M I C H . 4 8 1 8 0 • A g r /c o C o u n t r y C l u b F e r t i l i z e r s t N E W D u P o n t T e r s a n 799 7 ( B e n l a t e ) • T h e 3 o t h e r T e r s a n F u n g i c i d e s , p l u s D a c o n i l 2 7 8 7 , A c t i - D io n e & F o r e ! • T h e B e s t in B u l k G r a s s S e e d s • W e e d K i l l e r s , I n s e c t i c i d e s , S p r a y e r s a n d 8 ” H o s e . 313/ 291-1200 3 district. 2. Recommend only GCSAA members; if not a National member, recommend local chapter members. 3. Ascertain the salary levels in the district in which you are seeking employment; then uphold that level. 4. Be sure the position of Golf Course is open at a club Superintendent before making application. 5. If possible, talk with the man who last held or now holds the position of Golf Course Superintendent. V ISITIN G 1. Present GCSAA membership card when visiting. 2. Always call on the Superintendent of the course you are visiting. 3. Honor requests for technical help from golf courses only when chan­ neled through Superintendent of the course making the request. PRO D UC T ENDORSEMENT 1. It shall be unethical for a GCSAA official to use his office in product endorsement. 2. All pictures used should uphold the dignity of the GCSAA. MIL0RGANITE and ECOLOGY The M ilorganite concept is a major anti­ pollution factor. Recycling is the key. TERMINAL SALES C0RP. 1 2 8 7 1 E A T O N A V E . D E T R O I T , M I C H I G A N 4 8 2 2 7 ( 3 1 3 ) 4 9 1 - 0 6 0 6 MILORGANITE f courses use more MILORGANITE than any other fertilizer April really got under way with our articles. Bob Hope Detroit News opened with a fine article on “ To Sod or Seed” that’ s the question faced by every new home owner. Don Oslund was next with an excellent article titled “ What Kind of Lawn Food to U se.” Gary Bartsch was the first of our writers to feel the punch of adver­ tising as the last part of his outstan­ ding article on “ What Kind o f Grass to Sow” was cut by a last minute adver­ tisement. The article was so well done that most people did not realize the complete article had been cut. Jim 1971 MEETING DATES DATE May 24 June 10 June 28 July 13 Aug. 3 Aug. 24 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 HOST Ward Swanson PLACE Plum Hollow Highland Meadows Don Ross OPEN DATE Borough Farm Selfridge Field Davison C.C. Field Day Golf Day Maple Lane Red Run George Prieskorn Robert Minto MSU C. Wolfrom Roger O’ Connell M B C G C SA A rainy day greeted us on our first golf outing and meeting of the year. Some golfers braved a few holes before turning back to the club house. Host Danny Uzelac served refreshments and other hospitalities for the remainder of the day. After a hugh delicious steak dinner Danny introduced us to his lovely wife Dorothy and his energetic and amazing father Mike. The operation at Dominion Golf Club, Windsor is a family pro­ ject - and a very friendly one too! it Happen” Our educational program consisted of a film supplied by IMC entitled, “ Make starring Julius Boros. It was an excellent motivation type of film. We can all thank Gene Johanningsmeier for making the ar­ rangements with IMC. M BCG CSA Public Relations Timmerman wrote “ What to do about Thatch in Lawns.” Those of us who worked the Pontiac Garden Slow know how often this question was asked and Jim certainly gave the answers. Clem Wolfrom was absolutely timely with his article on “ Time to Hit Those Dande­ lions.” Those yellow heads started to appear following morning and homeowners who read Clem’ s message should be well prepared. Again our Superintendent’ s Association feels proud of the contributions made by these men. the - Don Benham National Golf Day Twenty of our MBCGCSA members attended the National Golf Day at Raleigh House in Southfield. Proceeds received are used to support National Golf Day, a portion o f which is given to our Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for Research and Scholarships. Support your Club’ s drive for funds in the National Golf Day Tournament. WE reap the harvest. April M eeting Danny Uzelac and his wife Dorothy. Thanks to the Uzelac family for such an opening enjoyable day, despite the weather. our season with 4 M EET THE BOARD Bill began his turf work at Meadow- brook Country Club where he caddied for six years. He moved up to Locker Room Attendant for one year. From the locker room he moved out the back door to the golf course as part time labor during summer months of high school. the in After graduating from high school and 25 months the U.S. Army he returned to Meadowbrook C. C. In April of 1962 he be­ c a m e Superintendent of the Royal Oak Golf Club. Bill attended the winter short course in turf management at the Uni­ versity of Illinois. Bill Madigan In 1965 he moved to the Flint Golf Club as Superintendent. After two years at Flint he moved to Forest Lake C. C. in 1967 and then on to Jackson C. C. in 1969. He says he is there to stay. Bill has been married nine years to his wife Sandy. They have three boys; Brent, Bryan and Bruce. They live at 3425 Cambridge, Jackson, Michigan. & This is Bill’ s third term on the Board of MBCGCSA, and he is also on the Greens Committee of the Golf Association o f Michigan. BEST WISHES for “A Patch of Green” Modern Research Co. 17000 W. 8 M i l e R o a d Southfield, M ic h . 4 8 0 7 5 ( 3 1 3 ) 3 5 6 - 2 6 8 6 Drought The weather statistics for southeast Michigan reveals that April was the driest April in over 25 years. Less than one inch of rain fell in most places. This, coupled with per- sistantly cold temperatures, has caused many desicated areas on our courses. Little damage is noticed on greens but many tees, approaches, aprons, and collars are dead. Usually we find these spots on elevated areas of Poa annua or puffy bent. Some of the Superintendents have over seeded and spiked, but because of the cold temperatures, there has been little germination and growth. Organic fertilizers have been slow to react - It’ s too dry to use weed killers on our broad leafed weeds, and Washington bents refuse to turn green. Let’ s hope May is a little warmer and wetter. MSU Turfgrass Field Day Date Set September 9, 1971, has been set as the date of this year’ s Michigan State University Turfgrass Field Day at the Corp Science Field Laboratory on the MSU campus. The Field Day, which will begin at 9:30 a.m., will review all of the current research pro­ jects. As always, this should prove to be a very worthwhile ex p e ri en ce for all who attend. Also, for those who are interested in sod production in Michigan there is a Sod Producers Field Day scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 1971. This Field Day will be held at the Michigan State University Muck Experimental Farm near Laingsburg, Michigan. It will be held in conjunction with the national meeting of the Sod Producers Associa­ tion of America. All professional turf­ men in Michigan are encouraged to at­ tend either of both of these two educa­ tional events. 5 The Role of Industry in Pesticide Development CONTINUED FROM LAST MONTH The Role of Industry in Pesticide Development is a presentation given by William Klomparens, Agricultural Re­ search and Development, The Upjohn Company, at the 41st Michigan Turf- grass Conference at the Kellogg Cen­ ter, Michigan State University, January 26 and 27, 1971. A FEW FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS is Population growth really the issue. We simply must feed, house, and provide health care increasing numbers of people - not just in the U.S.A. - in the world. for The now famous Pogo quotation, “ We have met the enemy, and he is u s.” remains on target as THE issue. Only 2.2% o f fish kills in 1968 were attributed to pesticides according to the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, this rose to 14.9% in 1969, Let’ s get this in perspective. We are one of the smaller, variable factors, and willing to help. How about DDT and those thin e g g s h e l l s ? Most studies utilized dosages above that which should be naturally encountered. The results were extremely variable with no effect on several species. In fact, some investi­ gators report a slight t h i c k e n i n g . (Nature, May, 1969). P r e s u m a b l y quoting Wurster in Science (March, 1968), the Kalamazoo Nature Center Bulletin contends that DDT contamination of the ocean would. .. “ inhibit algae in the ocean from producing 70% o f our oxygen, etc.” This is so r e d i c u l o u s it scarcely merits a rebuttal. What does et cetera imply? What is the basis for the state­ ment? The original Wurster article is subject to additional interpretation: Even though DDT has a water solu­ bility of only 1.2 parts per billion, the test on the algae employed 500 parts per billion of DDT -a 400-fold j increase, achieved by putting it in solution with alcohol. There appar­ ently was no effect on the algae at 1.2 PPB but there was at the times 400 level. Now, how does one interpret this from a practical standpoint? M. Sobelman who explained this to a committee of the Nebraska State Legislature, interpreted that if all of the world’ s p r o d u c t i o n (300 million annual pounds) was inten­ tionally added to the oceans, and no j breakdown occured, it would take ; 9,000 years to get to 1.0 part per billion, which is, to date, a no-effect level. i from all aspects This is not to defend DDT, but if I were to defend or judiciously modify the use of one single, threatened pesticide, DDT would be my choice. There may be satisfactory, shorter residual replacements but most of us do not know what they would be. Short residual activity, of itself, can be a false, j misleading goal. We should methodically search for a SATISFACTORY replacement- - safety, satisfactory benefit, experience, and economy. Those who think that TODAY we can “ reach over into the basket” and pick out another one, simply do not know what they are talking about. “ Ban” , applied to DDT, is a very inapprop­ riate word. The pesticide, the problem and the consequences are too large and too to be blissfully railroaded to complex fervor and ill-con-1 extinction by public sidered legislation. Advantages must be weighed against disadvantages: Just before World War II, a malaria Continued on next page Industry Role Cont. epidemic in Ceylon killed 80,000 persons, with 1,500,000 reported cases. A DDT spraying program, begun after the war, reduced the confirmed cases to 17 by 1963, DDT use was stopped in 1964. In the first two months o f 1968, 59,000 cases o f malaria were confirmed, with the total estimated at over one million cases. (HEW, Atlanta, Ga., 3/20/68) Are you DDT opponents remorseful over your part in this misery? Have you had malaria? I have. We understand that Norway, Finland, and Sweden (the leader) have re- cinded their bans on DDT in order to protect their forests. They are fortunate in their timing. There is still some DDT available. WILL A G R IC U L T U R E REMAIN DEPENDENT UPON PESTICIDES? I think so. There is an increasing toward research on non­ control methods but little movement chemical When you work for a company like Scotts, you have a lot to live up to. 100 years experience in helping make turf grass greener and healthier, for example. Leadership in the development o f seed, fertilizer and control products. ProTurf products for fairways, greens, tees and aprons that cost less to buy, are cheaper to apply, and guarantee satisfaction. And a reputation for solving problems wherever turf grass is grown. As your Scotts Technical ProTurf Representative, I’d like to share Scotts most current turf grass research and development information with you. With this information, perhaps we can work together toward meeting your turf grass objectives. Charles Croley 715 Washington St. / Lapeer. Mich. 48446 Phone: 313/664-8266 7 for quick solutions optimism is ex­ pressed in the predictions which I have read. In any event, as shifts are made toward non-chemical control methods or to biological controls, there will be similar, if not identical problems to be faced. There will be nothing magical about other methods! Long-term effects, imbalances and adverse effects will have to be faced and solved! We will come full circle. IS T H E R E BIAS IN THIS POSITION? I’ m afraid there is. The subsequent tabular data are honest and factual but then, there is bias on the other side too. It is difficult to envision objec­ tivity maintaining itself among those so recently thrust into the limelite. Surely, some must work hard at clutch­ image o f ing ‘ ‘crusader,” ‘ ‘expert’ ’ or “ savior.” Bias is their podium - adulation their lectern. to their breasts this “ spokesman,” Some impugn the industrial scien­ tists by referring to him as a “ scien­ tist” - e.g., in quotes - and contend that we must know more than “ How they (pesticides) affect a few labora­ tory animals,” (Speech - R. McMullan, Sept., 27, ’70), New York City, Annual Meeting of International Association of Game, Fish & Conservation Comm’ s). WHAT IS T H E RECORD ON "SCIENTISTS" AND "LABO RA TORY ANIMALS"? Scientists, all scientists, publish, for the most part, their s c i e n t i f i c findings. This keeps the game honest. Others in the scientific community then have an opportunity to confirm, chal­ lenge, modify, reject or accept both data and the conclusions. In the case o f pesticide-oriented scientists (indus­ trial, university, federal and the safety and performance private) evidence is exposed to others. It is always and totally ex­ posed to registration agencies by law, when a manufacturer submits for regis­ outside confir­ tration. Frequently, mation federal agencies - agencies who also monitor for unexpected or for residues and Continued on next page s p o n s o r e d by commonly state, is Industry Role Cont. u n d e s i r a b l e effects. Performance guarantees and warnings on labels is more complete in our “ permissive” industries food additives) than in any other industrial activity with which I am familar. (drugs, pesticides, NOW, WHAT IS OUR RO LE IN D E V E L O P IN G PESTICIDES, AND IN P A R T IC U L A R , WHAT IS OUR RECORD IN REGARD TO S A F E T Y TESTING? A MINIMUM o f six years and $4,000,000 is required to put a major agricultural chemical into the market. TURFGRASS, INC. 365 Woodland Dr. South Lyon, M i c h . 48178 Phone 4 3 7 - 1 4 2 7 PROGRAMS FOR FINE TURF T o p - D r e s s i n g F é r t i l i z e r F u n g i c i d e s H e r b i c i d e s I n s e c t i ci d e s C h e m i c a l s G r a s s S e e d Sod S t o lo n s G e n e r a l S u p p l i e s Eugene D. Johanningsmeier Consulting Agronomist A TYPICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER TIME FROM PLANNED SYNTHESIS OF NEW STRUCTURES, PLUS NUMEROUS INTERMEDIATES OF CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING COME CANDIDATE PESTICIDES. THE LARGER MANUFACTURERS ROUTINELY SCREEN THESE CHEMICALS FOR BIOLOGICAL AND PESTICIDAL ACTIVITY - ON PLANTS, SEEDS, INSECTS, FUNGI, FISH, BIRDS, AND MAMMALS, COSTS 1 YEAR FROM AMONG SOME 4,000 CANDIDATE CHEMICALS ONLY ABOUT 40 MERIT FURTHER STUDY AFTER THE ABOVE SCREENING TESTS. THE DATA FROM THE OTHER 3,960 COMPOUNDS ARE FILED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. $ 500,000 MORE EXTENSIVE LABORATORY, GREENHOUSE, AND SMALL FIELD PLOT TESTS USING LARGER NUMBERS OF PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES, REDUCE THE 40 CANDIDATES TO ONE OR TWO. 2 YEARS CONCURRENTLY AS THE MOST PROMISING INTRODUCTORY FIELD STUDIES ON THE MANUFACTURER'S OWN FARMS AT SEVERAL COMPOUNDS EMERGE THREE IMPORTANT PROGRAMS MUST BE UNDERTAKEN. LOCATIONS ABOUT THE UNITED STATES WILL REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS' STUDY. ^ $1,000,000 CHEMICAL PROCESS RESEARCH AND PILOT PLANT PRODUCTION. CHEMICAL ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES MUST BE DEVELOPED TO DETECT RESIDUES IN TREATED CROPS. A 2-YEAR FEEDING TOXICITY STUDY ON TWO OR MORE SPECIES OF ANIMALS AT SEVERAL DOSAGE LEVELS - A STUDY COSTING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 100,000. 4 YEARS THE PESTICIDE UNDER INVESTIGATION IS NOW OFFERED TO GOVERNMENT LAB­ ORATORIES AND AGRICULTURAL EXPER­ IMENT STATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT EVALUATION. CHEMICAL STUDIES INCLUDING THE IDENTIFICATION OF METABOLITES AND THE FATE IN THE ENVIRONMENT. $2,000,000 IF THE DATA ARE STILL FAVORABLE THE APPLICATION IS MADE TO THE USDA PESTICIDES REGULATION DIVISION FOR A TEMPORARY PERMIT (1 YEAR) TO ALLOW FIELD TRIALS UNDER A VARIETY OF GEOGRAPHIC AND FAUNAL CONDITIONS. 6 YEARS FINALLY, ARMED WITH 5 - 8 YEARS OF CUMULATIVE STUDIES, THE ONE COMPOUND OUT OF THE INITIAL 4,000 THAT HAS SURVIVED IS PRESENTED FOR REGISTRATION. IT HAS TAKEN A COMBINED EFFORT OF CHEMISTS, AGRICULTURAL SCIENTISTS, TOXICOLOGISTS AND EN­ VIRONMENTAL BIOLOGISTS. $4,000,000 NACA, December 1968 8 Continued on page 10 THE BIG, NEW Super Pro . . . b y TORO jobs« e n g in e d e l i v e r s p o w e r f a s t 8 1 ” S U P E R P R O h a s t h e Toro’ s b ig , it rugged d e p e n d a b i l i t y o f t h e 7 6 ” P r o , b u t I t s will go m o re p l a c e s an d do m o re th r o u g h a 12 hp. f o r w a r d s p e e d s , p l u s tran s m iss io n w it h 4 to m e e t a ll y o u r m o w in g r e q u i r e ­ reverse, t u b e l e s s ments«, B ig 8 : 5 0 x 12 , t r a n s p o r t tires g i v e b e t t e r ca p ab ility. I t m o w s 2 8 a c r e s a d a y . C u t s from 3 / 8 ” to 2 3 / 4 ” h ig h . T r a n s p o r t s p e e d is nea rly 9 M .P . H . t w o p l y , a n d t r a c t i o n fo r s i d e h i l l d a y - i n , d a y - o u t i t ’ s c o m p a c t a r o u n d is th e C h a m p i o n . s t a b i l i t y F o r t h e 8 1 ” e n d u r a n c e , S U P E R P R O I t is u n b e a t ­ a b l e an d g e n e r a l p e r f o r m a n c e . Y e t , fo r t r o u b l e f r e e m a n e u v e r in g t r e e s , b e n c h e s , s i g n s a n d o t h e r o b s t a c l e s . E l e c t r i c s t a r t i n g is s t a n d a r d . R e e l s a r e 8 ” in d i a m e t e r , 3 0 ” lo n g . C h o i c e o f 5 o r 6 b l a d e s . R e e l s r a i s e fo r t r a n s p o r t b y m a n u a l or o p t io n a l e l e c t r i c T r a n s p o r t w id t h w i n c h . i s 7 4 ” . C o m f o r t ­ a b le , p a d d e d b u c k e t s e a t. See it an i l Anderson k To Arrange F o r A F re e Demonstration C a ll: t/au/awn tut). 2 3 4 5 5 T E L E G R A P H R O A D S O U T H F I E L D , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 7 5 P H O N E : 3 5 3 - 5 3 0 0 9 Industry Role Cont. S A F E T Y STUDIES N E E D E D FOR FOR COMPANY & G O VER NM ENTAL A P P R O VA L OF A G R IC U LT U R A L PRODUCTS Along with federal and state agen­ cies, we strive for high safety and product performance standards. If needed, we go beyond legal requirements to get facts. We have conducted human studies with selected herbicides since 1951. takes no less than 35 safety studies, 5 to 7 years of work, and 4,000 plus animals to prove a product is safe to market - about one-third less than this is a product is not intended for use on food crops. It CONCLUSION It is contended, in conclusion, that the current system of finding, estab­ lishing safety, approving and monitoring the products of the pesticide industry is good. It is not, and has never been, static. It has been evolving. It is getting more comprehensive and more stringent. It will continue to improve as we gain new scientific knowledge. The irony of the situation rests in the extremists one-eyed vision. Their pet projects do not seem to be subject to the same scrutiny or ground rules. For example, hypothetically: If one should consume, at one time, an entire bottle o f aspirin, then: If one dies or becomes ill, are the aspirin the problem? Finally, and importantly, all be­ lievers in pesticides, but particularly the scientific community, must realize that this is largely, very largely, a political issue. Excellence in science will play a minor role. It is unfortunate, but scientific interpretations and judg­ ments are being made by pseudo­ scientists, by private citizens, by lawyers, and by legislators responding to newsworthy controversy. There is well-organized and well-funded pressure brought to bear by a largely ill-inform­ ed, emotional public which frequently reaches the point of willful disregard of scientific opinion. It is peculiarly fitting to note that we are not the only ones chafing under the onslaught of zealot-generated, in­ accurate public opinion. At least one segment of our State Department of Natural Resources is vocal about ‘Legislators running the management of state deer herd.’ They essentially con­ tend that ‘They, the DNR, know what they are doing and do not need this Continued on next page j Ask the man w ith the greenest greens. Y o u ’ ll probably find a man who use s IMC G old C u p ® or Prem ium Thri v e ® fertil i z e r s , for top professional s p e c ia lly form ulated cou rses. G old Cup and T h r iv e are a b a la n c e d com bination of n u trien ts based te s ts - on in clu d in g the h e a lt h ie s t greens, te e s and fa irw a y s . th ousands o f soil and tis s u e to produce your own - Contact your IMC Distributor O r call IM C L&G H eadquarters, A.C . 31 2 -757-5800 INTERNATIONAL MINERALS & CHEMICAL CORPORATION Skokie, Illinois 60076 “ Obviously, not.” “ It’ s a massive over­ dose and should be interpreted as such.” Aspirin, then, can be excused and not banned. “ Agreed.” Let’ s play by the same rules.” Massive overdoses are subject to some kind o f mitigating interpre­ tation. AND - Relate to me, with absolute accu­ racy, every single, long-term effect resulting introducing salmon into Lake Michigan and splake into Lake Huron (and do this before you plant). “ Ridiculous, we can’t prove negatives.” Agreed” (again) - neither can we.” from 10 Industry Role Cont. kind of untrained help.’ I think the DNP, in this instance, is right - and we now share a problem. The burden o f proof is with the defender, not the accuser! this domino effect was an irresponsible Recently, well phrased: “ A most discouraging aspect of the pesticide-ecology furor is the fact that charge or accusation can be made on the spur of the moment, without cost, pre­ paration, or even mental reflection, but it may take months, dozens of reputable scientists, and untold thousands of dollars to investigate it and determine the truth about it. Then, try to get a newsman inter­ ested in it! It is easier to start a fire than to put it out, and the public will always be more interested in what burned than what was saved.” (Animal Nutrition & Health - Dec., 1970) rrm scientists, This seems to point out (again) the increased need for convening appro­ priate ad hoc groups, comprised o f responsible (university, industrial, governmental) plus ecolo­ gists, plus government-political figures and the media science-writers. Such groups, when they study the issues, will lead to agreement more often than to disagreement, If, in the basic char­ ter, they are given some stature and promised a public audience, they could do much to put the pesticide contro­ versy in proper prespective. Rational, intelligent decisions will usually result and I am confident that continued discretionary usage o f pesti­ cides will become less controversial. Benefits usually outweigh the risks. The consequences of abolution are worse than the problems which spawn them. Indsutry and its friends will talk if they are asked - but fight if they must! Admittedly, we do not know every­ thing. Our industrial record is neither Continued on page 14 CORPORATION Phone: (313) 477-1730 25276 SKYE DRIVE, FARMINGTON, MICHIGAN 48024 GOLF COURSE CONTRACTING SPECIALISTS ii Sprinkler Supply Brochure Rate Card for Design and Layout Service Complete Rain^ B ird Catalogue and Price List WHOLESALE H\f/Il I!till IIS Underground Sprinkler Supplies hires ■ Eon trois-Pipe ■ fittings for 3890 W. 1 1 M IL E ROAD B E R K L E Y , MICHIGAN 48072 (D E T R O IT ) 313-543-7730 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? F ill in the questionaire below and mail to: ALBERT KALTZ Maple Lane Golf Club Sterling Heights, Mich. 48077 Phone: Off. 268-2130, Res. 463-2892 D A TE ______________________ NAME OF IN T E R E S T E D PERSON M A ILIN G ADDRESS C IT Y Or you may contact the next golf course supplier that calls on S TA TE you and give him the information needed for application. ZIP 12 - A Winter Disease of Kentucky Bluegrass does. Regardless o f where or how it happened the disease has done con­ siderable damage to Helminthosporium susceptible v a r i e t i e s of Kentucky bluegrass. The extent of the damage will not be known until the spring green-up occurs. This points out again the necessity of planting Kentucky bluegrass varieties which are resistant to Helminthosporium such as Merion, Fylking, P e n n s t a r , and Nugget in M i c h i g a n where Helminthosporium disease are such a problem. If Helmin­ thosporium susceptible varieties are are grown, consideration should be given to applying one or more late fall sprays of a fungicide. Use fungicides such as Daconil 2787, Fore, Dyrene, or Acti-dione Thiram will prevent this disease problem form occurring in the future. Article submitted by Dr. J.M. Vargas, Jr., of the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, MSU. AGRICO COUNTRY CLUB FERTILIZERS This past winter we had an unusual long period of snow cover. This has led to the severe disease injury on some species of Kentucky bluegrass. While one might at first suspect snow- mold as being the problem we have established the cause of the problem as due to Helminthosporium. Common Kentucky bluegrass and other Helminthosporium susceptible varieties such as Park, Delta, New­ port, and Prato have been severely damaged. It is not known if the damage is due to a late fall i n f e c t i o n by Helminthosporium which weakened the grass plants with the subsequent cold weather destroying the weakened turf; or if the fungus continued to grow and develop on the grass plants in the moist chamber provided by the snow cover much the same way snowmold Dr. Rieke on Leave Dr. Paul E. Rieke; turfgrass, soils, and fertility specialist at Michigan State University; departed on sabbati­ cal leave on March 15, 1971. Dr. Rieke will spend the next six months study­ ing and writing at the University of California at Riverside. He will be evaluating irrigation prac­ tices which will enable him to do an even better job for the turfgrass in­ dustry of Michigan upon his return in September. Best wishes are extended to Dr. R i e k e and his f a m i l y for a pleasant stay in California. turfgrass GOLF COURSE CHEMICALS Donald Benham NATIONAL CHEMSEARCH CORP. 5589 Abington Road Birmingham, Michigan 626-1111 TURF SUPPLIES, INC. 6 9 0 0 P a r d e e , T a y l o r , T e l : 2 9 1 - 1 2 0 0 A N D LAWN EQUIPMENT CORP. 5 2 0 W. 11 M i l e , R o y a l O a k , 3 9 8 - 3 6 3 6 13 P R O B L E M S at "Your Patch of Green"? CO' % 'J> DEW REMOVAL * 0 i \ Nq » a t , s* v % X \ % SOLUTION \ \ % N 0 I R R I G A T I 0 N F E X I B I L T Y MILLER CENTRAL CONTROLLER Call 398 - 2233 For A Mobile Demonstration At Your Golf Course Truly Automatic Irrigation by ^Miller Sprinkling Systems ROYAL OAK 398-2233 Since 1925 14 Industry Role Cont. uniform nor unblemished, but it’ s good, as good as anyone’ s. There is some truth. Nothing would persist so long in absence of truth. There are some pro­ blems. Obviously, we all can do better. We applaud and support efforts directed toward a cleaner, safer environment. It’ s our environment, too. We do not object to considered shange. We do object to an out-of-perspective, fear- related, unrelenting attack upon pesticides. These attacks are too frequently characterized by mis­ representation, over-simplification, half-truth and universal condemnation. They are directed toward our industry but affect an agriculture and some health services which are dependent upon pesticides - and we are dependent upon that small, important agricultural segment for the very essentials of life - food, fiber and health. non-selective, Then there is the vast public arena. Those of you in the public sector who think benefits usually outweigh the riskes, should: Become informed Choose your opponent and reason with him. Write you political contact. Talk to the lay public. Plant an acre of “ no pesticides” or do not treat a fairway or a green on your golfcourse (as suggested by the Jour­ nal, Top-Op). Hit them in the pocketbook! End your financial support of those associations taking the radical positions. DO SOMETHING! Potted Nursery Plants - can be planted anytime. SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES EVERGREENS - SHRUBS C A L L C O L L E C T 5 1 7 / 8 8 2 - 5 7 2 8 A s k fo r G e n e R y a n o r F o r e s t S h ip m a n The Cottage Gardens, Inc. R t. 3, W a v e r l y & B i s h o p R ds. L a n s i n g , M i c h i g a n 4 8 9 1 0 JO BBER THE LIGHT UTILITY TRUCK LARKIN... - 4 hp Tecumseh Engine - Automatic Shifting Torque Converter - Motorcycle Chain and Sprockets -165 pounds w/gas and oil - Can hold 300 pounds on Soft Uneven Terrain - Speed up to 25 mph -1 2 Foot Turning radius - 31” x36” x 15” Bed, 9” From Ground - 14/5.50x6 High Flotation Tires Rugged, Low -Cost C all For Demonstration (313) 398-3636 LAWN EQ U IPM EN T CO RP ORATIO N 5 2 0 W E S T 11 M I L E R O A D R O Y A L O A K , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 6 8 15 Now, Front M ow ing for Fine T u rf... F-10 M O W IN G T R A C T O R If F HillerG A R D E N A N D LA W N E Q U IP M E N T C O M P A N Y 1 5 9 3 S. W O O D W A R D A V E . B I R M I N G H A M , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 1 1 T E L E P H O N E : ( 3 1 3 ) 6 4 7 - 7 7 0 0 "A Patch of Green” 31823 U T IC A ROAD FRASER, MICHIGAN 48026 PAID! P E R M IT N O . 37 Dr. James S. Beard Department of Crop Science Michigan State University East Lansinsr- Mich. 488,23