Scotts Turfgrass Research Seminar June 24-25,1968 Notes of Progress from Scotts Turfgrass Research Seminar June 24-25, 1968 held at Scotts... the grass people Marysville, Ohio PREFACE T he following informal papers summarize the discussions held during the T u r f g r a ss Research Seminar at Scotts in M a r y s v i l l e, O h i o, June 2 4 - 2 5, 1 9 6 8. R e p r e s e n t a t i on at this conference included 42 scientists from 36 states and C a n a d a. T h e se reports show the direction and scope of turfgrass research in m a ny of our land-grant u n i v e r s i t i e s. T he authors point out particular problems facing turf culture in their localities and their p a r t i c u l ar area of s p e c i a l i z a t i o n. This compilation of reports is intended to furnish the o f t e n - r e q u e s t e d, ready reference to current turfgrass research a c t i v i t i e s. FOREWORD As man increases his knowledge of his environment, he strives harder for a more satisfying environment in which to work and live. T h u s, new knowledge leads to a desire for more new knowledge. Each stage in the escalation process demands more sophisticated techniques and higher levels of complexity and cost. Research on turfgrass is no exception. 1 laboratories there are 32 scientific- The recently completed Long Range Studyl conducted jointly by personnel of the Experiment Stations of the National Asso- ciation of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges and the Agricultural Re- search Service of the United States De- partment of Agriculture indicates that within these publicly supported institu- tions man-years devoted to research on turf- grass. This effort is principally at the state stations, where a total of 30 of these scientific-man-years of effort are to be found. The amount of research effort documented in these figures is, however, somewhat less than is actually being accomplished through expenditure of public funds. Dr Roy M Kottman, Dean College of Agriculture and Home Economics, Ohio State University Director, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center Some effort involving use of both state and federal funds, but primarily federal funds, is being expended in private colleges and universities as well as in public educational institutions other than the Experiment Stations associated with the land grant universities. Many research projects conducted in departments of botany, microbiology, entomology, plant pathology, biochemistry, and various other disciplines located in institutions outside the Experiment Stations or the USDA, contribute directly or indirectly to the scientific advancement of the turf- grass industry. The turfgrass industry itself, with its own research laboratories, through con- tract and grant research supported at private and public institutions and in private research organizations, is contributing substantially to the rapidly accumulating body of knowledge concerning turfgrass. However, even with generous estimates of the research effort bearing both directly and indirectly on problems of the turfgrass industry, there is considerably less research expenditure than expected when one considers the size of the turfgrass industry and its contri- bution to the economy of our nation. 1 "A National Program of Research for Agriculture." October 1966 It is unfortunate that such data as are available do not provide good estimates, let alone accurate data, on the total annual contribution of the turfgrass in- dustry to our nation's economy. There is reason to believe, however, that this contribution to gross national product is approximately $4 billion annually. If we accept this figure as being reasonably accurate, we find that the total annual investment in research for the turfgrass industry (using this $4 billion annual contribution to gross national product) amounts to only 0.025 percent. Even a substantial discounting of the annual contribution of the turfgrass in- dustry to our gross national product makes it obvious that investment in turf- grass research, both public and private, is unrealistically low as compared with outlays for agricultural research generally or with outlays for research being expended on behalf of other industries where annual research investments often fall in the range of 3 to 10 percent or more annually. These observations lead me to conclude that publicly supported research has an important and expanding role to play in providing new knowledge for the turfgrass industry. This expanding role of the State Agricultural Experiment Stations and 2 the Agricultural Research Service was given recognition in the Long Range S t u d y to which previous reference has been made. It is quite likely that the Task Force on beautification, which is giving attention to research needs for orna- mentals and turfgrass, will recommend that the present level of research support by the state stations and the USDA should be tripled within the next 10 years. Even so, the total annual investment in research still would be less than one- tenth of one percent, based on the present contribution of the turfgrass industry to our gross national product. In view of the continuing rapid expansion of the turfgrass industry, it becomes apparent that more emphasis must be given to both undergraduate and graduate education of students preparing to enter the turfgrass industry on completion of their formal studies. This means that those universities preparing students for the turfgrass industry must greatly expand their basic and applied research efforts. It is not realistic for either a baccalaureate or an advanced degree student to enter the turfgrass industry without broad knowledge of the genetics, nutrition and management of turfgrass. This type of background can best be provided by an in- stitution with a sizable research program encompassing both basic and applied studies. The education of future employees for the turfgrass industry is perhaps the best reason for a university to conduct both basic and applied research in turfgrass. However, it is perhaps equally important that universities play a strong role in turfgrass research because of the continuity which a university can provide to those studies which require many years of data. This includes data taken in several locations throughout a geographical area without regard to whether or not there will be an immediate payoff in terms of consumer acceptance and sales. As the turfgrass industry becomes of age--and certainly a $4 billion industry is beyond adolescence--there is urgent need for unbiased information. Such infor- mation protects both the industry and the public. The errors which could be made by a well -meaning firm become much larger as the size of the industry increases. State Experiment Station research or that done by other public institutions or agencies provides a most valuable service to the industry and secondary benefit to the public. "A National Program of Research for Agriculture. 11 October 1966. In summary, the need for increased levels of publicly supported research on turf- grass can be testified on the following counts: 1. The current low level of public support to the turfgrass industry in terms of its contribution to the gross national product (only 0.025 percent by the 51 State Agricultural Experiment Stations and the Agricultural Research Service of the U S Department of Agricul- ture) o 2. The importance of research, both basic and applied, to the education of both undergraduate and graduate students. 3. A need to maintain unbiased sources of information for both the turfgrass industry and the public. 4. The high cost for a firm to undertake research in each of the states of the nation where their products are being sold and the tendency for unwarranted extrapolation of data when locally valid research is not available. 5. The long term stability of publicly supported research in the state stations and the Agricultural Research Service for providing data which would not be economically feasible for private industry to obtain. There is good reason to believe that the state stations and the Agricultural Re- search Service will devote their efforts increasingly to the more basic aspects of turfgrass research, whether the research problems involve genetics, nutrition, physiology, pesticides or management. It would be little short of catastrophic, however, if the State Agricultural Experiment Stations were to eliminate applied research on problems affecting the turfgrass industry. Graduate students particularly would enter employment without adequate background to undertake either the basic or applied studies for which they would have been hired. Similarly, undergraduate students would be deprived of obtaining that broad knowledge of the turfgrass industry, which they would need to make an intelligent choice of their area of concentration for graduate studies. Likewise, the undergraduate student desiring to enter turfgrass industry employ- ment on receipt of his baccalaureate degree would be far less prepared for his employment. In fact, without this broad knowledge, he might never have become interested in employment in the turfgrass industry. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS O ur special thanks to Dr J a ck A l t m a n, Associate Professor of Botany and Plant P a t h o l o g y, Colorado State U n i v e r s i t y, for his help in compiling these r e p o r t s, and to D e an Roy K o t t m a n, O h io State Univer- s i t y, for preparing the F o r e w o r d. We are grateful also to the authors for their contributions of ideas and k n o w l e d g e . .. the roots of progress in the turfgrass industry. CONTENTS P r e f a ce Foreword A c k n o w l e d g m e nt s Contributors iii v ix . xv T u r f g r a ss Research in Alabama Dr Ray D i c k e ns T u rf Research at the U n i v e r s i ty of A r k a n s as Dr Charles L M u r d o ch Evaluating T u rf Stress From Selective Herbi- cides Dr J o hn H M a d i s o n, California Summary of M a j or Areas of Turfgrass Research at the U n i v e r s i ty of C a l i f o r n i a, Riverside Dr V B Y o u n g n er Turf D i s e a se Research in C o l o r a do Dr J a ck A l t m an An E v a l u a t i on of N i ne P r e - e m e r g e n ce Herbi- cides for the C o n t r ol of A n n u al Grasses in Bluegrass T u rf Dr J W M a y, C o l o r a do T u rf Grass D e m o n s t r a t i on Projects in C o n n e c t i c ut Stanley Papanos T u r f g r a ss Research in D e l a w a re Dr W H M i t c h e ll T u r f g r a ss Research in Florida Dr Eliot C Roberts Some E c o l o g i c al A s p e c ts of Crabgrass D i g i t a r ia sanguinalis and Stitchwort Stellaria graminea and the Comparative Effectiveness of Several H e r b i c i d es for Crabgrass C o n t r ol in L a w ns Dr L a m b e rt C E r i c k s o n, Idaho 1 2 3 4 6 11 15 17 20 22 Idaho Turfgrass Research at the U n i v e r s i ty of Illinois Dr J a ck Butler Turfgrass Research at L o u i s i a na State U n i v e r s i ty Dr W i l l i am A Young and Claude S Blackwell Turf Research in M i s s i s s i p p i, 1968-1969 Dr Coleman Y W a rd Turfgrass Research in M i s s o u ri Dr Delbert H e m p h i ll 27 28 30 31 35 Turfgrass Research in Nebraska Dr A E D u d e c k. 37 Turfgrass Research at the U n i v e r s i ty of N ew Hampshire Dr L C P e i r ce C h e m i c al Control of Stripe Smut in M e r i on K e n t u c ky Bluegrass Dr Philip H a l i s k y, Dr C Reed F u n k, and Dr P L B a b i n s k i, N ew Jersey Some Effects of Pesticides in the T u r f g r a ss E c o s y s t em Dr Herbert T S t r e u, N ew J e r s e y. . . Summary of Turf W e ed C o n t r ol Research in North Carolina 1964 - 1968 Dr W M L e w is Turf Research at N o r th D a k o ta A g r i c u l t u r al Experiment Station Dr Kenneth L L a r s o n. . .. Turfgrass Research Sponsored by the O h io A g r i c u l t u r al Research and D e v e l o p m e nt Center and the O h io State U n i v e r s i ty Dr Robert W M i l l er Turf Research P r o g r am at O k l a h o ma A g r i c u l t u r al Experiment Station Dr W a y ne H u f f i ne Turfgrass Research Report Dr C R S k o g l e y, Rhode Island Turf Research S u m m a r y, 1968-69 Dr P M A l e x a n d e r, S o u th Carolina 37 38 43 45 47 48 51 52 58 T u rf Study in South D a k o ta Dr D a le E H e r m an . 59 Turfgrass Research at the University of T e n n e s s ee Dr L l o yd C a l l a h an 60 T u rf Research at T e x as A 6c M University Dr George M c B ee Summary of T u r f g r a ss R e s e a r ch Activities Dr Roy L G o s s, W a s h i n g t on T u r f g r a ss Research P r o g r am at W e st V i r g i n ia University Dr P a ul Henderlong Turf Research at the University of W i s c o n s in Dr Gayle W o r f, Dr J a m es L o v e, Dr P N D r o l s o m, Robert Newman Turf Research at U n i v e r s i ty of G u e l p h, O n t a r i o, Canada J a ck Eggens 67 69 70 72 73 CONTRIBUTORS Dr P M A l e x a n d e r, Project L e a d e r, H o r t i c u l t u re D e p a r t m e n t, Clemson U n i v e r s i t y, C l e m s o n, South Carolina Dr J a ck A l t m a n, A s s o c i a te P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of Botany and Plant P a t h o l o g y, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u r e, C o l o r a do State U n i v e r s i t y, Fort C o l l i n s, C o l o r a do Dr J a ck B u t l e r, A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s o r, T u r f g r a ss M a n a g e m e n t, Department of H o r t i c u l t u r e, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, U n i v e r s i ty of I l l i n o i s, U r b a n a, Illinois Dr L l o yd C a l l a h a n, Project L e a d e r, T u r f g r a ss M a n a g e m e n t, Department of A g r o n o m y, U n i v e r s i ty of T e n n e s s e e, K n o x v i l l e, Tennessee Dr R ay D i c k e n s, A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o my and S o i l s, School of A g r i c u l t u r e, A u b u rn U n i v e r s i t y, A u b u r n, A l a b a ma Dr P N D r o l s o m, Professor of A g r o n o m y, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u r e, Univer- sity of W i s c o n s i n, M a d i s o n, W i s c o n s in Dr A E D u d e c k, A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s o r, Department of H o r t i c u l t u re and F o r e s t r y, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, T he U n i v e r s i ty of N e b r a s k a, L i n c o l n, N e b r a s ka Dr J a ck E g g e n s, D e p a r t m e nt of B o t a n y, U n i v e r s i ty of G u e l p h, G u e l p h, O n t a r i o, Canada Dr L a m b e rt C E r i c k s o n, P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of Plant S c i e n c e s, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, U n i v e r s i ty of I d a h o, M o s c o w, Idaho Dr C Reed F u n k, A s s o c i a te P r o f e s s o r, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re and Envir- onmental S c i e n c e, R u t g e rs U n i v e r s i t y, N ew B r u n s w i c k, N ew J e r s ey Dr R oy L G o s s, A s s o c i a te A g r o n o m i s t, W e s t e rn W a s h i n g t on Research and E x t e n s i on C e n t e r, W a s h i n g t on State U n i v e r s i t y, P u y a l l u p, W a s h i n g t on Dr Philip H a l i s k y, A s s o c i a te P r o f e s s o r, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re and E n v i r o n m e n t al S c i e n c e s, Rutgers U n i v e r s i t y, N ew B r u n s w i c k, N ew J e r s ey Dr D e l b e rt H e m p h i l l, P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of H o r t i c u l t u r e, University of M i s s o u r i, C o l u m b i a, M i s s o u ri Dr P a ul H e n d e r l o n g, A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o my and G e n e t i c s, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, V i r g i n ia U n i v e r s i t y, M o r g a n t o w n, W e st V i r g i n ia Dr Dale E H e r m a n, A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s o r, H o r t i c u l t u re and Forestry D e p a r t m e n t, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re and Biological S c i e n c e s, South D a k o ta State U n i v e r s i t y, B r o o k i n g s, South Dakota Dr W a y ne W H u f f i n e, P r o f e s s o r, Department of A g r o n o m y, O k l a h o ma State U n i v e r s i t y, S t i l l w a t e r, O k l a h o ma Dr K e n n e th L L a r s o n, Associate P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y, North Dakota State U n i v e r s i t y, F a r g o, N o r th Dakota Dr W M L e w i s, A g r o n o my S p e c i a l i s t, A g r i c u l t u r al Extension S e r v i c e, N o r th Carolina State U n i v e r s i t y, R a l e i g h, North Carolina Dr James L o v e, Professor of Soil S c i e n c e, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u r e, U n i v e r s i ty of W i s c o n s i n, M a d i s o n, W i s c o n s in Dr J o hn H M a d i s o n, Associate P r o f e s s o r, Department of Environmental H o r t i c u l t u r e, University of C a l i f o r n i a, D a v i s, California Dr J W M a y, W e ed Research L a b o r a t o r y, D e p a r t m e nt of Botany and Plant P a t h o l o g y, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, Colorado State Univer- s i t y, Fort C o l l i n s, C o l o r a do Dr George M c B e e, Assistant P r o f e s s o r, Department of Soil and Crop S c i e n c e, Texas A & M U n i v e r s i t y, College S t a t i o n, Texas Mr W a l l a ce M e n n, I n s t r u c t o r, D e p a r t m e nt of Soil and Crop S c i e n c e, Texas A 6c M U n i v e r s i t y, College S t a t i o n, Texas Dr Robert W M i l l e r, A s s o c i a te P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, O h io State U n i v e r s i t y, C o l u m b u s, O h io Dr W H M i t c h e l l, Extension A g r o n o m i s t, College of A g r i c u l t u r al S c i e n c e s, University of D e l a w a r e, N e w a r k, D e l a w a re Dr Charles L M u r d o c h, Research A s s o c i a t e, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y, D i v i s i on of A g r i c u l t u r e, U n i v e r s i ty of A r k a n s a s, F a y e t t e v i l l e, Arkansas Robert N e w m a n, H o r t i c u l t u re I n s t r u c t o r, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, University of W i s c o n s i n, M a d i s o n, W i s c o n s in Dr Stanley P a p a n o s, Turf S p e c i a l i s t, Cooperative Extension S e r v i c e, H a r t f o r d, Connecticut Dr L C P e i r c e, C h a i r m a n, Plant Science D e p a r t m e n t, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, University of New H a m p s h i r e, D u r h a m, New H a m p s h i re Dr Eliot C Roberts C h a i r m a n, D e p a r t m e nt of O r n a m e n t al H o r t i c u l t u r e, Institute of Food and A g r i c u l t u r al S c i e n c e s, U n i v e r s i ty of F l o r i d a, G a i n e s v i l l e, Florida Dr A E S l i n k a r d, A s s o c i a te P r o f e s s o r, Department of Plant S c i e n c e s, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, U n i v e r s i ty of I d a h o, M o s c o w, Idaho Dr C R S k o g l e y, Associate P r o f e s s o r, Department of A g r o n o my and M e c h a n i z ed A g r i c u l t u r e, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, University of Rhode I s l a n d, K i n g s t o n, Rhode Island xv i Dr Herbert S t r e u, Associate P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of Entomology and Economic Z o o l o g y, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, Rutgers U n i v e r s i t y, New B r u n s w i c k, New Jersey Dr Coleman Y W a r d, P r o f e s s o r, Department of Agronomy C r o p s, M i s s i s s i pp State U n i v e r s i t y, State C o l l e g e, M i s s i s s i p pi Dr Gayle W o r f, Extension Plant P a t h o l o g i s t, College of A g r i c u l t u r e, University of W i s c o n s i n, M a d i s o n, W i s c o n s in Dr W i l l i am A Y o u n g, A s s o c i a te P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of H o r t i c u l t u r e, L o u i s i a na State U n i v e r s i t y, Baton R o u g e, L o u i s i a na Dr V B Y o u n g n e r, P r o f e s s o r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y, College of Biological and A g r i c u l t u r al S c i e n c e s, University of California R i v e r s i d e, California T U R F G R A SS R E S E A R CH IN ALABAMA Dr Ray D i c k e n s, A s s i s t a nt Professor D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o my and Soils School of A g r i c u l t u re A u b u rn U n i v e r s i t y, A u b u r n, A l a b a ma G e n e r al Information R e s e a r ch on various aspects of turfgrass culture w as conducted by Dr D G Sturkie for m a ny years prior to his retirement in J u ly of 1 9 6 8. T he turfgrass research area at A u b u rn consists of about 3 acres of w h i ch various proportions are occupied by m o st all the established southern lawngrasses. R e s e a r ch Projects 1. W e ed Control: E x t e n s i ve w e ed control studies on z o y s i a, b e r m u d a, and centipedegrass have been conducted for several years and are c o n t i n u i n g. W o rk has i n c l u d e d, or now i n v o l v e s, both pre-emergence and postemergence control of annual grass and broadleaf w e e d s, and perennial weed problems such as n u t s e d g e. Studies are now in progress and residual effects of her- b i c i d e s, Poa annua control in golf g r e e n s, and interactions of pre-emergence herbicides and soil p h o s p h o r u s. 2. V a r i e ty Improvement: Evaluation of strains and selections from various sources are being evaluated for their turfgrass p o t e n t i a l. Z o y s i a, b e r m u d a, St A u g u s t i n e, and centipede are the p r i n c i p al species involved. 3. Nutrition: C o n s i d e r a b le research has been conducted on the N, P, and K requirements of b e r m u d a, z o y s i a, and c e n t i p e d e g r a s s. Rates and sources of nitrogen are currently being tested on bermuda and c e n t i p e d e g r a s s. Educational Projects A s s i s t a n ce and guidance is provided to the Alabama-Northwest Florida Turfgrass A s s o c i a t i on in the form of an annual shortcourse and speakers for other m e e t i n g s. Future Plans Indications are that the present turfgrass research area w i ll be lost to campus expansion w i t h in the next 3 or 4 y e a r s. Plans are to expand the area for turfgrass research at the new location in order to allow for re- search in insect and disease control and other aspects of turf c u l t u r e. Plans also include the installation of m o d e rn irrigation facilities and other labor saving changes to reduce labor requirements and increase the amount of constructive research c o n d u c t e d. TURF R E S E A R CH AT THE U N I V E R S I TY OF ARKANSAS Dr Charles L M u r d o c h, Research A s s o c i a te Department of A g r o n o m y, D i v i s i on of A g r i c u l t u re University of A r k a n s a s, F a y e t t e v i l l e, Arkansas Turf research at the U n i v e r s i ty of Arkansas is carried out at the M a in Experiment S t a t i o n, F a y e t t e v i l l e, and at golf courses in the s t a t e. T he research presently under w ay m ay be divided into four categories; (1) Eval- uation of new v a r i e t i e s, (2) M a n a g e m e nt s t u d i e s, (3) W e ed control studies and (4) D i s e a se control studies. N u r s e ry plots are maintained at F a y e t t e v i l le in w h i ch new varieties are evaluated for a d a p t a t i o n. Present emphasis in management studies is placed on fertility practices for maintaining t u r f. Different s o u r c e s, rates and application schedules of plant nutrients are being e v a l u a t e d. Herbicides are evaluated for w e ed control and p h y t o t o x i c i t y. Present tests include pre-emergence crabgrass c o n t r o l, pre-emergence Poa annua con- trol and w i n t er weed c o n t r o l. Fungicides are evaluated for control of various turf d i s e a s e s. M a t e- rials are presently being evaluated on b e n t g r a s s, bermudagrass and z o y s i a. EVALUATING TURF STRESS F R OM SELECTIVE HERBICIDES Dr J o hn H M a d i s o n, A s s o c i a te Professor Department of E n v i r o n m e n t al H o r t i c u l t u re U n i v e r s i ty of California D a v i s, California Selective turf herbicides often h a ve an injurious effect on both weeds and t u r f, but w h i le the weeds die the turf r e c o v e r s. O ur w o rk has been centered on developing a method for evaluating stress or injury to turf from selective h e r b i c i d e s. At some seasons turf has a limited ability to take additional s t r e s s, and chemical treat- ments causing stress should be a v o i d e d. At its present stage of d e v e l o p m e n t, the procedure costs about $50 to $60 per test and gives an evaluation of effect of chemicals on growth (yield). It is being expanded to also evaluate effect of chemicals on stored reserves and on root d e v e l o p m e n t. As currently used turf is cut from uniform field grown sod using a 4" cup c u t t e r. Plugs are cut to uniform length in a mitre b o x. Plugs are slid into #7 cans (soil must be moist and p l a s t i c ). A 10% excess of plugs are c u t. A f t er a 10-day estab- lishment period cans are selected for uniformity w i th the excess 10% being d i s c a r d e d. N i t r o g en and herbicide treatments are applied and 4 weeks later yield is t a k e n. T he interaction between N and herbicide treatments is used to give an evaluation of the extent of h e r b i c i de stress or i n j u r y. T he modified method has not yet been fully t e s t e d. It is based on using a thin slice of sod placed in a #7 can on top of sterile s a n d. A ll nutrients are supplied except N is supplied in graduated i n c r e m e n t s. Fol- lowing treatment and the four-week growing p e r i o d, yield is h a r v e s t e d. Cans are placed into the dark and harvested 4 weeks later to get a measure of stored r e s e r v e s. OM in the sand is m e a s u r ed as an indication of root g r o w t h. As examples of the need for testing w i th m u l t i p le parameters we may cite A z ak and chlordane w h i ch h a ve no effect on stored reserves but severe- ly restrict root growth and shoot s p r e a d. W h i le M C PP and Bandane have little effect on rooting or tiller density but w h i ch greatly limit rhizome growth and stored r e s e r v e s. SUMMARY OF M A J OR AREAS OF T U R F G R A SS R E S E A R CH AT THE U N I V E R S I TY OF C A L I F O R N I A, R I V E R S I DE Dr V B Y o u n g n e r, P r o f e s s or D e p a r t m e nt of Agronomy College of Biological and A g r i c u l t u r al Sciences University of C a l i f o r n i a, R i v e r s i d e, California I. Breeding of Superior T u r f g r a s s es for W e s t e rn Conditions Project L e a d er - V B Y o u n g n e r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y. A. B. Bermudagrasses for heavy duty t u r f, w i th superior cool w e a t h er tolerance and less thatch a c c u m u l a t i o n. Zoysiagrasses w i th less thatch a c c u m u l a t i o n, m o re rapid rate of cover and superior cool w e a t h er t o l e r a n c e. C. Bluegrasses better adapted to the C a l i f o r n ia c l i m a t e s. D. E. T a ll fescues w i th fine t e x t u r e, better color and vigorous r h i z o m e s. Creeping bentgrasses tolerant of d i s e a s e s, high soil salinity and high temperature for putting and bowling g r e e n s. F. D i s e a se tolerant dichondra strains w i th uniform growth h a b i t. I I. W e ed Control in Turf w i th Particular Reference to Kikuyugrass and A n n u al B l u e g r a s s. Project Leader - V B Y o u n g n e r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y. I I I. T u r f g r a ss P a t h o l o g y. Project L e a d er - Robert E n d o, Department of Plant P a t h o l o g y. I V. Insect Pests of T u r f. Project L e a d er - R N J e f f e r s o n, D e p a r t m e nt of E n t o m o l o g y. V. Soil Amendments and Soil M i x es for T u r f. Project L e a d e rs - J o hn L e t e y, D e p a r t m e nt of Soils and Plant Nutrition and V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. V I. T u r f g r a ss I r r i g a t i o n. Project L e a d e rs - AW M a r s h, A g r i c u l t u r al Extension Service and V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. V I I. Cultural Practices as T h ey Relate to Turf D e n s i t y, Survival and Com- p o s i t i o n. Project L e a d er - V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. V I I I. Growth of Grass L e a v es and Tillers Under T u rf C o n d i t i o n s. Project L e a d er - V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. I X. Effects of Soil Salinity on T u r f g r a s s e s. Project L e a d er - V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. X. Nematodes of Turfgrasses and T h e ir C o n t r o l. Project L e a d er - J D R a d e w a l d, A g r i c u l t u r al Extension Service. X I. Effects of W e t t i ng Agents on Turf and S o i l s. Project L e a d er - J o hn L e t e y, D e p a r t m e nt of Soils and Plant N u t r i t i o n. X I I. Effects of Climatic Factors on Turfgrass G r o w th and Q u a l i t y. Project L e a d er - V B Y o u n g n e r, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y. X I I I. N i t r o g en Efficiency and M e t a b o l i sm in G r a s s e s. Project L e a d er - RE Young and V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. X I V. Effects of G r o w th Retardants on T u r f g r a s s e s. Project L e a d er - V B Y o u n g n e r, Department of A g r o n o m y. T U RF DISEASE R E S E A R CH IN COLORADO Dr J a ck A l t m a n, A s s o c i a te Professor Department of Botany and Plant P a t h o l o gy C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re Colorado State U n i v e r s i ty Fort C o l l i n s, C o l o r a do Turf management and disease c o n t r o l, and a basic knowledge of disease development should result in a more effective disease control p r o g r a m. Disease development is a complex w h i ch consists of three parts: f u n g u s, h o s t, and e n v i r o n m e n t. T he last p a r t, e n v i r o n m e n t, includes such factors as t e m p e r a t u r e, m o i s t u r e, soil t y p e, n u t r i t i o n, e t c. S o m e t i m e s, by modify- ing these f a c t o r s, we can appreciably retard fungus d e v e l o p m e n t. certain cultural or management practices m ay accelerate d i s e a s e. C o n v e r s e l y, H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um leaf spot and foot r o t, and Rhizoctonia brown patch are two perennial disease problems wherever turf is grown in C o l o r a d o. T h e se diseases occur on golf c o u r s e s, in p a r k s, and on home lawns throughout the State and constitute the p r i m a ry turf disease problems in C o l o r a d o. W i th continued emphasis on recreation resulting in increased w i n t er use of t u r f, snow mold and w i n t er damage to turf h a ve been observed increasingly in C o l o r a d o. T he increasing use of p o l y v i n yl acrylic colorant on turf to maintain green color for year-round recreation also makes it m a n d a t o ry to study turf disease etiology and p h y s i o l o g y. In the period 1 9 5 7 - 1 9 5 8, about 35% (245) of 700 inquiries that passed through the Plant D i s e a se C l i n i c, Colorado State U n i v e r s i t y, w e re concerned w i th turfgrass d i s e a s e s. In recent y e a r s, these inquiries have dropped to about 157o, reflecting a better p r o g r am of education for turf specialists on the part of the Extension Pathologist and better dissemination of information through the various county agents and h o r t i c u l t u r al clinics regarding disease c o n t r o l. T h e re has been nc g e n e r al reduction of turf disease outbreaks in the state although fewer problems have b e en referred to the c l i n i c. T he increased urbanization in the S t a t e, and the increased use of rotary mowers has complicated the disease p r o b l em by providing m o re frequent- ly damaged turf and an increase in thatch d e v e l o p m e n t, both of w h i ch help p r e d i s p o se grass plants to d i s e a s e. A poor seed bed on h e a vy soil is another factor that might produce thatch f o r m a t i o n. T he advent of new bluegrass varieties has further complicated the disease p r o b l em in that several of these newer varieties show varying degrees of sus- ceptibility to turf diseases that occur in C o l o r a d o. For e x a m p l e, M e r i on Bluegrass is m o re susceptible to H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um leaf spot than W i n d s or B l u e g r a s s. P r a t o, N e w p o r t, and P a rk Bluegrass are other selections that have n ot yet been completely evaluated for resistance or for susceptibility to disease in this S t a t e. In several isolated i n s t a n c e s, the use of colorants or green turf pigments m ay h a ve masked snow mold damage to bentgrass g r e e n s, although for the most p a r t, these materials are used s u c c e s s f u l l y. Summary of 1968-69 W o r k: A. Diseases: Notice — This page (7) is out of sequence. It should follow page 58 as the second page of the So Carolina report. 1. P h y t h i um Blight (Pythium aphanidermaturn) was extremely severe during the period from J u ne 26 - A u g u st 3 0, 1 9 6 8, and was most prevalent on b e n t g r a s s e s, b l u e g r a s s, and fescues. R e s u l ts of fungicide trials during this period on two bentgrasses (Penn- cross and Cohansey) and two bermudagrasses (Tifdwarf and Tif- g r e e n ), all m a i n t a i n ed at "standard" turf fungicides afforded any reasonable degree of 1 c o n t r o l. O ne experimental m a t e r i a l, M a l l i n c k r o d t s M F - 3 4 4, proved to be outstanding w h en applied at 4 oz per 1,000 sq ft in 3 gallons of w a t e r. T h is chemical is now being marketed under the trade n a me of K o b a n. h e i g h t, revealed that none of the Environmental data w as recorded at these same plots during the period maintained a b o v e. It was learned that disease activity increased significantly w h en the m i n i m um night temperature exceeded 6 8° F and relative humidity was 90% or greater ( 7 AM r e a d i n g ). Significant correlations w e re not observed with m a x i m um day t e m p e r a t u r e, d e w f a l l, m a x i m u m / m i n i m um 4" soil tem- p e r a t u r e, or r a i n f a l l. B. W e ed Control: 1. A study on the effectiveness of summer applications of pre- emergence for Poa annua control on T i f d w a rf and T i f g r e en ber- m u d a g ra sses (to be overseeded w i th cool season grasses 60 and 90 days following treatment) w as i n i t i a t e d. T h is study w i ll be continued for a m i n i m um of 4 years to determine residuality of the chemicals u s e d. Following both the J u ly 16 and A u g u st 16 applications it w as evident that temporary injury to both bermudagrasses was caused by A z a k, B a l a n, and D a c t h a l, but not by P r e - S a n. W i th respect to the individually planted cool-season grasses (nine species and/or varieties u s e d ), none of the chemicals significantly retarded germination or subsequent g r o w t h. T he effect on Poa annua germination and development has not yet been e v a l u a t e d. C. P l a n t i ng T e c h n i q u e s: 1. A study on the feasibility of planting c e n t i p e d e g r a s s, St A u g u s t i n e g r a s s, and 4 types of zoysiagrass by stolonization has been c o m p l e t e d. Grasses responding favorably to this technique w e re centipedegrass and M e y er z o y s i a, w h e r e as it w as found that St A u g u s t i n e g r a s s, Zoysia m a t r e l l a, Z. japonica v a r ' E m e r a l d, and Z^. j aponica would not s u r v i v e. C u r r e n t l y, a better understanding of the etiology of d i s e a s e, w h i ch encompasses not only the causal agent but also all the e n v i r o n m e n t al factors and specialized factors cited a b o v e, is required in order to better control turf d i s e a s e. T h e re is still no complete study on the role of thatch in the turf disease complex in C o l o r a d o. T he introduction of new varieties of bluegrass and new bentgrasses w i ll m a ke it m a n d a t o ry to continue evalu- ating turf fungicides under C o l o r a do c o n d i t i o n s. In the p a s t, chemicals such as the p h e n yl mercuries and compounds containing Actidione w e re re- c o m m e n d e d. T h e se chemicals h a ve been shown to be phytotoxic to both M e r i on and Common K e n t u c ky bluegrass in C o l o r a do during late spring and s u m m e r. It is conceivable that some of the newer selected turf fungicides current- ly recommended could be toxic to future bluegrass v a r i e t i e s. W i th regards to thatch (clipping r e m a i n s ), under experimental condi- tions for the past four y e a r s, no difference in disease was o b s e r v e d, w h e t h er thatch was removed or w h e t h er it remained in the c r o w n s. H o w e v e r, turf w i th clippings was a better quality turf and m o re drought resistant than turf from w h i ch the clippings were r e m o v e d. T he above plots were inoculated w i th H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um on several o c c a s i o n s. A ll soil in the plots was h o m o g e n e o u s. Another facet of the turf disease complex that has been evaluated in the past is one involving iron d e f i c i e n c y. As a result of studies regarding this c o m p l e x, the use of iron is a standard recommendation in Colorado t u r f. During 1 9 6 7, turf disease research involved the following: 1) An evalu- ation of turf fungicides for the control of turf disease in Colorado; 2) A comparison of turf varieties for disease resistance; 3) T he development of new and improved methods for growing vigorous h e a l t hy turf in order to eliminate or reduce diseases in t u r f, p a r t i c u l a r ly in bentgrasses and blue- grasses . W i th regard to item #1 a b o v e, during w i n t e r - s p r i ng of 1 9 6 6 - 1 9 6 7, severe w i n t er desiccation followed by snow m o ld occurred on several golf courses in D e n v e r. T he same type of injury occurred during the winter of 1967-68 but on a m o re moderate scale than p r e v i o u s l y. Along w i th this we have had con- ditions favorable for H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um leaf blight occurring in late spring and s u m m e r. Several fungicides w e re tested for control of these diseases during the past three y e a r s. D a c o n il 2 7 8 7, F o r e, and T e r s an OM w e re three of the outstanding fungicides t e s t e d. T h e se m a t e r i a ls were compared on a 7 - d a y, 10-day and 14-day application s c h e d u l e. Best results w e re obtained w i th 7-10 day a p p l i c a t i o n s. We also ran into a p r o b l em of P y t h i um on n e w ly planted greens at ele- vations of 8500 ft and again D a c o n il and Fore w e re outstanding in control- ling i t. Scutl used at recommended rates for disease control w as not ef- fective . Item # 2. We h a ve evaluated two bentgrass varieties and 7 bluegrass varieties for disease resistance in this a r e a. O ur w o rk to date w i th the bentgrasses showed no difference regarding disease between Seaside and Penn- cross in new p l a n t i n g s. In older greens w h i ch w e re p r e d o m i n a n t ly S e a s i d e, m o re disease w as evident and here a g a i n, D a c o n i l, F o r e, and T e r s an OM exhibited superior disease control during the growing s e a s o n. W i th regard to the bluegrass v a r i e t i e s, we h a ve evaluated and are continuing to e v a l u a t e - - C o m m o n, N e w p o r t, P a r k, M e r i o n, P r a t o, R H R, and W i n d s o r — a nd of t h e s e, W i n d s or has been one of the m o st disease resistant and most vigorous of the b l u e g r a s s e s. A l t h o u gh P a rk germinated r a p i d l y, it was unusually thin the second year after planting in our experimental p l o t s. A comparison of H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um leaf spot on the seven bluegrass varieties was m a de in J u ne 1 9 6 7. T he results are given in T a b le I. In greenhouse tests to evaluate p o w d e ry m i l d ew r e s i s t a n c e, M e r i on was the most susceptible to p o w d e ry mildew and W i n d s or was the least sus- ceptible of the seven bluegrass varieties t e s t e d. Common and P a rk w e re somewhat less susceptible than M e r i on to Powdery m i l d e w. T he greenhouse conditions w e re ideal for m i l d ew and other disease development and result- ed in severe disease to the g r a s s e s. Since temperatures and m o i s t u r e, especially relative h u m i d i t i e s, w e re higher in the greenhouse than in the field, the disease m ay h a ve been m o re severe than under field c o n d i t i o n s. Item # 3. W i th regard to m a i n t a i n i ng good healthy t u r f, new field plots have been established in w h i ch various test greens mixtures evaluated in the greenhouse w e re able to p r o d u ce grass w i th exceedingly long roots with as little as 25% soil plus other amendments and in some instances w i th no soil at a l l. (The greenhouse tests w e re carried out in tapered glass fronted boxes 18 h i gh x 8" w i d e .) ff O ne of the purposes of this test w i ll be to compare Colorado peatmoss with Canadian peatmoss in the various greens m i x e s, and also to compare disease resistance of Penncross and Seaside bents seeded on the various greens m i x e s. W h en the grass is w e ll e s t a b l i s h e d, the plots w i ll be inoculated w i th Helminthosporium and/or Rhizoctonia (brown patch) to evaluate their ability to withstand disease and also to compare turf vigor in relation to disease tolerance. T e m p e r a t u re and recording instruments w i th remote sensors w i ll be buried in each of the g r e e n s. This test w i ll continue for 3 or 4 years in an attempt to establish the r e l a t i o n s h i p, if one e x i s t s, between environ- m e n t, d i s e a s e, and predisposing environmental f a c t o r s. A word about year-round play: M a ny golf courses are using green coloring materials in order to prolong the season for playing g o l f. O ne of these is a p o l y v i n yl acrylic green colorant (Turfcoat*). We have used this m a t e r i al on actively growing bluegrass and have supplied upwards of 6 consecutive applications w e e k ly on our grass plots w i t h o ut any visible retardation or damage to the t u r f. W h en these materials are used to pro- long fall and early spring p l ay on golf g r e e n s, these materials should be applied only if a turf fungicide has first been applied to the g r e e n. We have a w i n t er test underway w h e re one-half of one of the greens at the Fort Collins M u n i c i p al Golf C o u r se has been sprayed w i th this p o l y v i n yl a c r y l i c. One-half of the painted area and one-half of the unpainted area w e re pre- treated w i th D a c o n il 2787 fungicide at 8 oz/1000 f t . 2 *Turfcoat P 0 Box 1 6 6 2 1, D e n v e r, Colorado 80216 T he results of the test indicate that the D a c o n il plus p o l y v i n yl acrylic plots are b e s t. Grass treated w i th the colorant w as less desiccated than non-colored g r a s s. Putting characteristics and ball holding capacity w as also b e t t e r. T he treated green did not retain snow as long as the un- treated g r e e n. Growth w as initiated sooner (by about two weeks) on the PVA treated green compared to n o n - t r e a t e d. T r a n s p i r a t i on appeared to be re- duced in the P VA treated section compared to the non-treated section of the green based on comparisons of dormant turf in the non-treated section of the g r e e n. T he bentgrass on the PVA treated greens was not as brittle as the bent on the non-treated g r e e n. E x a m i n a t i on of 30 greens in the Denver area point out that winter play and m a i n t e n a n ce w e re improved w h e re PVA w as u s e d. A g a in a note of caution for those of y ou w ho plan to use PVA; I w o u ld strongly recommend p r e t r e a t m e nt of greens w i th a suitable fungicide to avoid possibilities of disease damage that m i g ht be o v e r l o o k e d. O ne such f u n g i c i d e, D a c o n i l, w as effective in reducing disease w h en used as a p r e t r e a t m e n t. Each turf is unique because of its peculiar soil and e n v i r o n m e n t. Sound turf m a n a g e m e nt is often the m a j or key to disease p r e v e n t i o n, but quite often fungicides are necessary for preventative and curative control p r o g r a m s. Diseases for w h i ch cures are known should never be permitted to progress to the point w h e re turf quality is reduced as this results in unnecessary l o s s e s. To accomplish this goal each turf m a n a g er m u st be a k e en o b s e r v e r. T he excellence of turf is therefore related to the ability of the manager to overcome or m o d i fy those factors in each particular l o c a l i t y, w h i ch are detrimental to turf q u a l i t y, and p r o v i de the best manage- ment practices which favor optimum development of the t u r f. T a b le I H E L M I N T H O S P O R I UM READINGS ON THE BAY F A RM BLUEGRASS PLOTS 6/23/67 Fort C o l l i n s, Colorado Plot Infested L e a v e s / Sq Ft V i g or in O r d er of Rank Common W i n d s or P r a to M e r i on P a rk Newport R HR 30 2 3 1 24 1 7 6 1 (best) 5 2 7 (poorest) 3 4 A ll grass plots inoculated w i th H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um 0.006 gm/1000 sq ft and applied in a 1-1-3 m i x t u re of I d é a l i t é, s o i l, and T e r r a g r e en w i th a ferti- lizer spreader. AN E V A L U A T I ON OF NINE PRE-EMERGENCE HERBICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF ANNUAL GRASSES IN BLUEGRASS TURF Dr J W M ay W e ed Research L a b o r a t o ry Department of Botany and Plant Pathology C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re Colorado State U n i v e r s i t y, Fort C o l l i n s, Colorado It is w i d e ly accepted that crabgrass can be easily controlled in established bluegrass t u r f. T h e re are a number of chemical compounds which m ay be safely applied to accomplish this under prescribed c o n d i t i o n s. A summary of data collected over 15 years of intensive research related to crabgrass control in C o l o r a do lawns is available in a current b u l l e t i n, Crabgrass C o n t r ol in C o l o r a do Bluegrass L a w n s, General Series 8 5 0, Agri- cultural Experiment S t a t i o n, Colorado State U n i v e r s i t y, Fort C o l l i n s, Co- lorado. W h i le conducting research specifically concentrating on the prevention of crabgrass it has always been apparent that the same compounds which effec- tively control crabgrass also in m a ny instances reduce the occurrences of several other annual g r a s s e s. Among the predominant w e e dy annual grasses found in bluegrass lawns of Colorado beside smooth and h a i ry crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb) M u hl and D. sanguinalis L Scop) are annual bluegrass (Poa annua L ), both green and yellow bristlegrass (Setaria viridis (L) Beauv and S^ lutescens (Weigel) F T H u b b . ), downy brome (Bromus tectorum L, and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli (L) B e a u v ). In n e w ly estab- lished t u r f, the latter is one of the m o st frequent. M a ny questions arise every spring concerning this w e e d. A l t h o u gh there has been good evidence that crabgrass herbicides might be acceptable for the purpose of controlling barnyard g r a s s, no specific experiments had been conducted in this area up until 1967. L a r ge plots of W i n d s o r, M e r i on and common K e n t u c ky bluegrass w e re planted on M ay 4, 1 9 6 6, on land heavily infested w i th barnyard g r a s s. This test provided an excellent opportunity for evaluating barnyard grass con- trol w i th several annual grass h e r b i c i d e s. It also provided a good test of bluegrass variety differences w i th respect to pre-emergence annual grass herbicides in young t u r f. No herbicides w e re used during the first s e a s o n. W e e d s, consisting m a i n ly of barnyard g r a s s, w e re kept mowed but this did not prevent a h e a vy crop of barnyard grass s e e d. Establishment of the blue- grass varieties w as only fair by the end of the 1966 s e a s o n. In A p r i l, 1 9 6 7, bluegrass seedlings w e re w e ll established in remnants of the 1966 c o v e r. The soil w as uniformly covered w i th a dense distribution of barnyard grass seed w i th very little germination at that t i m e. H e r b i c i de applications consisted of one rate each (the rate recommended) for crabgrass control) of n i ne annual grass h e r b i c i d e s. T h e se w e re applied April 2 2, 1967. Evaluations w e re m a de at intervals during the summer and final plant-count data w e re recorded on A u g u st 2, 1 9 6 7. At the same time the identical treatments w e re applied to an adjacent area of w e ll established common K e n t u c ky bluegrass w h i ch was heavily seeded w i th c r a b g r a s s. This was done in order to compare h e r b i c i de effects on new vs old common blue- grass and to allow a comparison of crabgrass vs barnyard grass control for each of the nine h e r b i c i d e s. Quantitative data w e re obtained by using a 5 x 5 ft transect divided into nine equal 400 sq in s u b u n i t s. Eight transects w e re read for each treatment on each turf v a r i e t y. T he following arbitrary scale w as used in the evaluation: 0=no annual grasses; 1=1-2 plants; 2=3-10; 3=1-25; 4=26-50 and 5=over 50 w e e dy annual grasses per 400 s q. in. CONTROL OF BARNYARD GRASS AND CRABGRASS W I TH NINE ANNUAL GRASS H E R B I C I D E S. 1 9 6 7. C S U, FORT C O L L I N S, C O L O R A DO T r e a t m e nt F o r m u l a t i on R a te W e e dy Grass C o n t r ol Rating lbs. fA Barnyard Grass In Crabgrass In Year- Old Plant ing Well-Established C o m m on W i n d s or M e r i on Common K e n t u c ky 1. D a c t h al 757o WP 12 0.01 0.01 0.00 2. Betasan 5% Gran 15 0.18 0.06 0.00 3. Sindone 4% on V e rm 10 0.32 0.03 0.04 4. Bandane 10% Gran 35 0.32 0.19 0.15 5. P l a n a v in 80% WP 3 0.07 0.17 0.01 6. A z ak 5% Gran 12 1.40 1.66 0.51 7. Balan 2.5% Gran 2 0.72 1.67 0.28 8. T u p e r s an 50% WP 12 2.26 3.61 3.38 9. Sirmate 5% Gran 8 2.31 2.34 1.78 1 0. C o n t r ol — — 1.45 2.21 2.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 2.80 1.20 2.20 2.80 4.00 4.80 This data supports the general hypothesis that pre-emergence herbicides w h i ch satisfactorily control crabgrass are also effective in controlling barnyard g r a s s. H o w e v e r, some differences between bluegrass varieties in their response to the nine h e r b i c i de compounds w e re o b s e r v e d. T h e se varie- tal differences are summarized in the discussion of specific herbicides w h i ch follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. D a c t h a l, or D C PA (dimethyl ester of 2,3,5,6-tetra-chloroterephthalic acid) has consistently given excellent crabgrass c o n t r o l. In the 1967 barnyard grass control t e s t s, D C PA w as o u t s t a n d i n g. This product appears safe in all respects and no damage was evident on any of the three year-old turf varieties nor on established common Kentucky blue- grass. Its performance in controlling b r i s t l e g r a s s e s, downy brome and annual bluegrass appears to be from good to e x c e l l e n t. D C PA also con- trols a w i de range of annual dicot w e e d s, but its relatively short residual life prevents it from being extremely effective for the con- trol of annual bluegrass since this species germinates readily over a long period during any one s e a s o n. B e t a s a n, or bensulide S - ( 0 - 0 - d i i s o p r o p yl phosphorodithioate) of N-(2- mercaptoethyl)-benzenesulfonamide has resulted in extremely good con- trol of both barnyard and c r a b g r a s s. T he m a t e r i al has shown much prom- ise for the control of other annual grasses and it is effective over a w i de spectrum of common annual broadleaved w e e ds as a pre-emergence treatment. It remains active for a longer period of time than D C P A. Bensulide has proven safe for use in young turf of all three varieties as w e ll as established A s t o r ia b e n t g r a s s. D ue to the prolonged re- sidual a c t i v i t y, bensulide offers a relatively good control for annual bluegrass but reseeding w i th desirable grass seed should probably not be attempted before one y e ar following treatment. Sindone (1,l-dimethyl-4,6-diisopropyl-5-indanylethyl k e t o n e ), an ex- perimental p r o d u c t, has shown great promise in Colorado turf weed control t e s t s. H o w e v e r, it appears that the compound w i ll not be available regardless of its record as an h e r b i c i d e. L i ke another good annual grass h e r b i c i d e, Zytron (DMPA), Sindone w i ll not see w i de use due to its high manufacturing cost and relatively narrow range of u s e. Bandane (polychlorodicyclopentadiene isomers) has long been recognized as a good pre-emergence crabgrass h e r b i c i d e. Its performance in con- trolling barnyard grass appears equally g o o d. T h e re has been no apparent adverse effect associated w i th the use of bandane on any of the turf varieties w i th one application at the recommended rate of 35 lbs a i / A. Bandane has caused chlorosis and thinning of bluegrass w h en applied in excess or if used repeatedly at recommended rates for more than two years in s u c c e s s i o n. Planavin (4-methylsulfonyl)-2,6-dinitro-N, N-dipropyl-aniline has given adequate to excellent control of c r a b g r a s s. The capacity of this compound to prevent barnyard grass germination appears to be ex- cellent and there is good evidence to support its use for controlling other annual grasses and common dicot w e e d s. Some thinning of blue- grass has been observed at the 3 lbs ai/A rate w i th this p r o d u c t. Under the conditions of tests in 1 9 6 7, damage has been severe enough to make the treatment unacceptable especially in young M e r i on blue- g r a s s. Common K e n t u c ky b l u e g r a s s, both young and w e l l - e s t a b l i s h e d, appeared to be intermediate in susceptibility. W i n d s or bluegrass was least susceptible of the bluegrass varieties and A s t o r ia bent- grass demonstrated good t o l e r a n c e. 6. 7. 8. A z a k, or terbutol (2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-tolyl m e t h y l c a r b a m a t e) has given acceptable p r e - e m e r g e n ce control of both barnyard and crabgrass w i t h o ut injury to bluegrass t u r f. No v i s u al differences w e re observed between the three bluegrass varieties w i th respect to herbicidal re- sponse. B a l a n, or benefin (N-butyl-N-ethyl-alpha, a l p h a, alpha-trifluoro-2,6- dinitro-p-toluidine) has given satisfactory to excellent control of both barnyard and c r a b g r a s s. In C o l o r a do t e s t s, benefin has on occasion resulted in slight thinning especially in young M e r i on blue- g r a s s. N o t i c e a b le injury w as also detected in year-old common Ken- tucky b l u e g r a s s, h o w e v e r, this damage w as short l i v e d. No damage has accompanied the use of benefin at 2 lbs ai/A on w e ll established blue- g r a s s. T he compound appears to prevent emergence of most annual grasses and dicot w e e d s. T he relatively long-lived activity of ben- efin m a k es it a likely prospect for the control of annual b l u e g r a s s. T u p e r s a n, or siduron (1-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-3-phenylurea) has fallen short for controlling both barnyard and crabgrass at the rate of 12 lbs ai/A in m o st Colorado t e s t s. T he product appears to be quite safe for use on all three bluegrass varieties but A s t o r ia bentgrass w as damaged w i th this t r e a t m e n t. B l u e g r a s s, in f a c t, appears to have a high tolerance to siduron so that higher rates might w e ll accomplish an acceptable degree of annual grass c o n t r o l. T he safety factor with siduron is such that bluegrass seeding can be successfully carried out shortly following m o d e r a te herbicide a p p l i c a t i o n. Sirmate (3,4-dichlorobenzyl m e t h y l c a r b a m a t e) w as applied in 1967 as an experimental compound for the control of both barnyard and crab- g r a s s. At the suggested rate of 8 lbs a i / A, chlorosis developed in all three varieties of year-old bluegrass and in w e ll established com- m on K e n t u c k y. T h is condition w as c o n s p i c u o u s, but relatively short t e r m. Control of both annual grasses w as p o o r. TURF GRASS D E M O N S T R A T I ON PROJECTS IN CONNECTICUT Stanley P a p a n o s, Turf Specialist C o o p e r a t i ve Extension Service H a r t f o r d, Connecticut On August 1 9, 1 9 6 5, the Southington High School V o c a t i o n al Agricultur- al Department and the Hartford C o u n ty Extension Service planted a series of turfgrass plots to be used for teaching p u r p o s e s. The primary purpose of the turf plot demonstration area is to provide the student w i th technical and practical information in the expanding field of t u r f g r a s s e s. It is hoped that this program w i ll prepare interested stu- dents for better jobs in garden and n u r s e ry c e n t e r s, and also for those w h o se interest is in landscape m a i n t e n a n ce or turf p r o d u c t i o n. A total of 71 plots covering an area of approximately 10,000 square feet has been planted to the various varieties of grasses used for lawns An assortment of commercial lawn seed mixtures have been planted for the purpose of showing the students the w i de differences in commercial seed m i x t u r e s. O ne area has been planted to grasses for use on athletic fields and other areas that receive hard u s e. A rate of superphosphate and potash for new lawns is included. On this area two grass mixtures w i ll be studied. A fall pre-emergent crab- grass treatment is also included in this s t u d y. Management practices such as height of c u t, leaving clippings v s. pick- ing up clippings and rates and kinds of maintenance fertilizer w i ll also be observed by the s t u d e n t s. Students w i ll also be allowed to try out some of their ideas as applied to t u r f. As the area becomes established it is hoped that local garden c l u b s, professional l a n d s c a p e r s, garden center operators and homeowners of the sur- rounding towns w i ll use these plots to their a d v a n t a g e. At present it is planned to hold demonstration meetings at the plots for interested g r o u p s. Fertility Studies Turf plots w e re established w i th C o u g a r, W i n d s o r, F y l k i n g, M e r i on and Common K e n t u c ky bluegrass under high nitrogen and low nitrogen treatments (6 lbs and 2 lbs) Superimposed on these plots are phosphate rates of 2 and 5 lbs of P 2 O 5. Cutting height for the first year was 1 - 3 / 4 ". No irriga- tion a p p l i e d. W i th K e n t u c ky 31 fescue as a b a s e, bluegrasses and fine fescues w e re introduced into the mixture on a light sandy soil (Merrimac fine sandy loam). Cutting heights and fertilizer rates are other v a r i a b l e s. Turf Renovation D e m o n s t r a t i on Purpose: To demonstrate how a poor lawn can be upgraded by the use of lime- s t o n e, fertilizer and proper cutting h e i g h t. Plot Plan: T h e re are 40 plots each 1 0 1 1 X 1 5 in a randomized b l o c k. Treat- ments are replicated four t i m e s. T r e a t m e n t: Soil test of area: 4-26-67 L i m e s t o ne applied at 50 and 100 pounds per 1000 sq f t. Fertilizers used: 10-10-10 and 10-6-4 all m i n e r a l, 1 0 - 6 - 4, 50% organic nitrogen and 20-10-5 vermiculite b a s e. Fertilizers applied to furnish one pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet per a p p l i c a t i o n. O ne series of plots receives fertilizer in A p r il and S e p t e m b e r. Another series receives fertilizer in A p r i l, J u n e, A u g u st and O c t o b e r. A series of plots receives no limestone and fertilizer in Sep- tember o n l y. T u rf cut at two inches and clippings left on p l o t. T U R F G R A SS R E S E A R CH IN DELAWARE Dr W H M i t c h e l l, Extension Agronomist Delaware Cooperative Extension Service C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u r al Sciences University of D e l a w a r e, N e w a r k, Delaware Project Title: T he Influence of S h a d e, M o i s t u re and Nitrogen on the Growth and P e r s i s t e n ce of Several Cultivars of Ken- tucky Bluegrass Objectives : (1) To compare subsurface and conventional sprinkler irrigation for turf p r o d u c t i o n. (2) To m e a s u re the influence of light intensity on the performance of several turf s p e c i e s. (3) To study interactions that m ay exist between nitrogen fertili- z a t i o n, shading and irrigation as measured by the differential growth and development of several g r a s s e s. Treatments : M i x t u r es Shade L e v e ls N i t r o g en Irrigation (i (2 (3 (4 (5 (6 (1 (2 (3 (1 (2 (3 (1 (2 (3 W i n d s or Ky bluegrass K e n b l ue " M e r i on " W i n d s or + Pennlawn Red fescue K e n b l ue + M e r i on + " " " " " 11 11 11 full light 75% full light (Saran shade cloth) 25% full light " " " C o n t r ol 1#/1000 (Source 5#/1000 10#/1000 N H N O 4 ) 3 C o n t r ol (rainfall only) R o t a t i ng sprinklers Subsurface irrigation (24" spacing of laterals at 6" depth) Design: Split p l o t, 3 r e p l i c a t i o n s. Seeding date: September 1967 Data: D e n s i t y, leaf area i n d e x, dry m a t t er p r o d u c t i o n, soil and air t e m p e r a t u r e s, occurrence of disease and p e r s i s t e n ce of seeded s p e c i e s. Objective: To measure the performance of several fairway m i x t u r es maintained under differential cutting h e i g h t s. Treatments: M i x t u r e s: » " (1) M e r i on Ky Bluegrass (2) (3) (4) W i n d s or (5) (6) (7) Fylking (8) (9) " » " " " " (10) So D a k o ta (11) (12) (13) M e r i on (14) (15) (16) (17) Ky 31 tall fescue " » » " « 11 » " " " » 11 " 11 11 " » " A s t o r ia bentgrass N K - 1 00 ryegrass A s t o r ia (%#) NK-100 A s t o r ia bentgrass NK-100 ryegrass A s t o r ia (%#) N K - 1 00 A s t o r ia bentgrass N K - 1 00 ryegrass A s t o r ia (%#) NK-100 A s t o r ia bentgrass N K - 1 00 ryegrass A s t o r ia (%#) NK-100 Ky 31 fescue Pelo ryegrass Exeter bentgrass H o l f o ir bentgrass (2#)* (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (2#) (6#) (%#) (3#) (3#) (%#) (3#) (3#) (%#) (3#) (3#) (%#) (3#) (3#) (4#) (3#) (%#) (%#) ^ S e e d i ng rate/1000 f t 2 Cutting heights (1) 1%"; 1"; 3 / 4 ". Design: Split p l o t, 3 r e p l i c a t i o n s. Seeding Date: September 1968 Data: Turf quality and changes in species components w i th time. Project T i t l e: D e m o n s t r a t i on of Subsurface Irrigation of Several Turfgrasses Objective: To demonstrate and further evaluate the use of subsurface irriga- tion for the production of utility and fine t u r f. Treatments: System design - 1 1 x 2 0 0 T he irrigated area is 8 0 on 24-inch centers at a depth of 7 ". Perforations of 0.025" diameter w e re located at 12-inch intervals in the tubing w a l l. City w a t er is used and the pressure is regulated to provide 2-3 p si at the end of the 200 l a t e r a l s. W a t er is a p p l i e d, as need- e d, to m a i n t a in a good quality t u r f. . Perforated tubing was placed 1 (1) M e r i on Ky bluegrass and Pennlawn fescue (2) Ky 31 fescue (3) Seaside bentgrass Penncross Holfoir Exeter Astoria Highland 11 11 11 11 11 Design: N o n - r e p l i c a t e d. Seeding date: September 1968 Data: O b s e r v a t i o n s. TURFGRASS RESEARCH IN FLORIDA Dr Eliot C Roberts, Chairman Department of Ornamental Horticulture Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida Research in Ornamental Horticulture sponsored by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida may be class- ified in 4 categories: I Floriculture II Woody Ornamentals III Foliage and Ferns IV Turfgrass Turfgrass research conducted at the University in Gainesville and at the Plantation Field Laboratory in Fort Lauderdale involves 15 scientists who devote about 7 SMY (scientific man years) of major effort in this area each year. At both research stations a team approach is featured, which involves - I Ornamental Horticulturists and Agronomists (Turfgrass Specialists including Physiologists, Geneticists, and Weed Scientists) II Entomologists III Nematologists IV Plant Pathologists V Soil Scientists VI Agricultural Economists Cooperative effort between staff at different stations increases pro- ductivity and enhances the "Problem-solving*1 process even further. The turfgrass research field day provides an opportunity for all in- dividuals interested in golf courses, sod production, turf nurseries, gar- den equipment and supplies, cemeteries, athletic fields and school grounds industrial turf, home lawns, parks and roadsides to inspect the work under way at the Horticulture Unit in Gainesville. Later turfgrass research field days will also feature work at the Plantation Field Laboratory. At that time projects directed by Dr E 0 Burt, Ornamental Horticulturist (Turf), T L Stringfellow, Assistant Ento- mologist, H I Borders, Plant Pathologist, G H Snyder, Assistant Soils Chemist, and J A Winchester, Associate Nematologist will be reviewed. This experiment is the oldest one at the Hort Unit and has been main- tained as a green from the day it was p l a n t e d. 10 years of research are summarized b e l o w. 1. 2. T h e re are no significant differences between the 6 and 12 inch depth of a m e n d m e n t s. Effects of amendments individually: A. V e r m i c u l i t e: 1 - Increased yield and q u a l i t y. 2 - Increased p e n e t r a b i l i t y. 3 - Increased capillary pore s p a c e. 4 - Increase in w a t er available to g r a s s. 5 - Increase in cation exchange c a p a c i t y. 6 - Increase in available m a g n e s i u m. 7 - 107o was equal or superior to the 20% r a t e. C o l l o i d al Phosphate: 1 - Increased amount and depth of r o o t s. 2 - Increase in capillary pore s p a c e. 3 - Increase in cation exchange c a p a c i t y. 4 - Increase in available m a g n e s i u m. 5 - D e c r e a se in n o n c a p i l l a ry pore s p a c e. 6 - D e c r e a se in p e r m e a b i l i t y. 7 - 5% gave better average results in m i x t u r es than 1 0 %. Fired Clay: 1 - Decreased yield and q u a l i t y. 2 - D e c r e a s ed soil c o m p a c t i o n. 3 - Increased capillary and noncapillary pore s p a c e. 4 - Increased p e r m e a b i l i t y. 5 - D e c r e a s ed w a t er available to the g r a s s. 6 - Increased available c a l c i u m, m a g n e s i um and p o t a s s i u m. Peat: 1 - Increased p e r m e a b i l i t y. 2 - Increased capillary pore s p a c e. 3 - Increased w a t er available to g r a s s. 4 - Increased the organic m a t t er c o n t e n t. B. C. D. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Yield and quality decreased as noncapillary pore space inc. from 7 to 12%. Yield and quality increased as w a t er availability increased. Yield and quality increased as hydraulic conductivity increased from 3 to 12 inches per h o u r. No amendment changed the p e n e t r a b i l i ty of the upper inch of s o i l. Use of organic matter to change 0 M content and exchange capacity is not p r a c t i c a l. Addition of several amendments was superior to any one amendment added alone - at any rate used in this e x p e r i m e n t. T he most significant v i s u al difference due to treatment is the improved turf on certain treatments b e c a u se of the increased amount of w a t er available to the t u r f. SOME ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CRABGRASS DIGITARIA SANGUINALIS AND STITCHWORT STELLARIA G R A M I N EA AND THE COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF SEVERAL HERBICIDES F OR CRABGRASS CONTROL IN L A W NS Dr L a m b e rt C E r i c k s o n, Professor Department of Plant Sciences College of A g r i c u l t u re U n i v e r s i ty of Idaho M o s c o w, Idaho Isley (2) suggested that crabgrass is a classic example of a uni- versal w e e d. In a survey conducted by the V e l s i c ol C o m p a ny in 1 9 6 4, crab- grass got m o re first place votes than any other species as the "most im- portant" lawn w e e d. In 1 9 1 4, A da G e o r g i a, (1) w r o t e, states this (crabgrass) is regarded as a good t h i n g, for the spontaneous growth of this grass in grain fields after harvest often yields a heavy crop of nutritious hay and good pasture after that. in the southern 11 ,f Crabgrass does not p r e v a il at M o s c o w, I d a h o, w h e re the elevation ap- proximates 2500 feet but w h en m an supplies the required w a t er it grows profusely in lawns in L e w i s t on only 30 miles away at about 900 feet ele- v a t i o n. Idaho's variable environment in e l e v a t i o n, p r e c i p i t a t i o n, and temperature provides a stimulating outdoor ecologic l a b o r a t o r y. T h is lab- oratory supplies the ecologic variants w h i ch I richly capitalize on in teaching "Biology of W e e d s n o n - u n i v e r s al ecologic parameters of crabgrass can be demonstrated in nature laboratories early in the s e m e s t e r. F o r t u n a t e l y, for the s t u d e n t s' b e n e f i t, the M # In I d a h o, crabgrass is not a field w e e d. It is limited to lawns in situations w h e re its thermal requirements are s a t i s f i e d, T h u s, it pre- vails primarily in four cities: L e w i s t o n, B o i s e, T w in Falls and Pocatello; r e s p e c t i v e l y, in decreasing order of luxuriance compatable w i th decreasing temperature. We c o u l d, e r r o n e o u s l y, correlate its ecologic parameters w i th ele- vation but this is not the determining factor. At L e w i s t on germination occurs between M ay 1 and M ay 1 5. T y p i c a l l y, germination is delayed a few days progressively for each of the four given l o c a t i o n s, to 15 days at P o c a t e l l o. C o n s e q u e n t l y, the typical m e an m o n t h ly m i n i m um temperatures required for a large c r a b g r a s s, c o n t i n u u m, can be illustrated in the following man- ner. Month Mean °F M ay 57 June 64 J u ly 72 August 69 T he 20 or m o re acres of lawn at the L e w i s t on N o r m al (Teachers College) available for these studies w as p r e d o m i n a n t ly a complex of three species: Kentucky b l u e g r a s s, stitchwort and large c r a b g r a s s. T he cyclic composition of these two w e e dy species in the lawn cover was influenced by the pre- vailing temperatures as illustrated in T a b le 1. T he two weed species form an extremely compatible association because of their differing ther- mal r e q u i r e m e n t s. Table 1. Cyclic growth of stitchwort and crabgrass as evidenced by per- centage of soil surface covered by e a c h, per m o n t h, and the prevailing m o n t h ly m e an temperatures at L e w i s t o n, I d a h o. Species A p r il M ay J u ne J u ly A u g u st Sept O ct N ov °F Stitchwort Crabgrass 48 87 0 52 82 1 65 62 31 74 47 62 72 34 78 63 22 82 53 35 30 40 78 0 R e s u l ts and D i s c u s s i on W i th varying degrees of intensity numerous compounds were evaluated for both crabgrass and stitchwort control over a period of 8 y e a r s. It was resolved e a r l y, that fall is a m o re effective time that spring for dandelion c o n t r o l. N i t r o g en as ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate was e s s e n t i a l, and the only essential e l e m e n t, for lawn luxuriance. An A p r il and July application each at 40 pounds of N per a c r e, as ammonium n i t r a t e, was the most economical and desirable p r o c e d u r e. Numerous organic and in- organic fertilizer m i x t u r es and expensive pelleted and plasticized for- mulations w e re included but failed to equate the performance of ammonium n i t r a t e. Silvex w as significantly m o re effective than 2,4-D and numerous other phenoxy compounds for stitchwort and m o u se ear chickweed c o n t r o l. A 1+1 lb/A (2,4-D + silvex) combination applied in a single application broadened the control spectrum and reduced the application c o s t s. Zytron at 20 lb/A provided complete control of both stitchwort and crabgrass. R e s i d u a l l y, Zytron was m o re toxic to stitchwort than to crab- g r a s s. In the year subsequent to complete c o n t r o l, crabgrass approximated 50 percent but stitchwort only 1 0. T a b le 2 gives the average performance of herbicides w h i ch w e re ac- ceptable for crabgrass c o n t r o l. Some of the herbicides w e re included annually for 5 or m o re y e a r s, some for only 2 y e a r s. T a b le 2. A v e r a ge performance of several herbicides for crabgrass c o n t r o l, applied pregermination prior to M ay 1, L e w i s t o n, I d a h o. Product Rates lbs ai/A Avg % soil surface covered by crabgrass Sept 1 to 15 V i s i b le turf injury (WP) D a c t h al Zytron liq T u p e r s an liq T r i f l u r a l in liq A z ak liq Betasan liq O C S 2 1 9 44 liq " gran Bandane liq g r a n h b II c " h II 3 Sindone g r a n^ Benefin gran C h e ck 8, 1 0, 1 2, 14 8, 1 0, 1 2, 14 8, 1 0, 1 2, 14 2, 2 %, 3, 3% 8, 1 2, 1 6, 20 1 4, 1 8, 2 2, 26 5, 7, 9, 20 5, 7, 9, 20 3 0, 3 5, 40 3 0, 3 5, 40 3 0, 3 5, 40 16 4, 8, 1 2, 1, 1 %, 2, 2% N o ne A VG RANGE 0.8 6.1 36.7 10.3 18.9 17.6 24.9 78.2 2.5 3.2 36.6 Ç 3 .J 21.5 21.2 98.3 1.0-0.1 12-0.7 57-14 19-3 42-4 36-5 55-0.7 97-26 4 . 5 - 0 .1 6.2-0.2 55-13 1 O Q o . i - z .y 67-0.1 4 8 -1 99-96 ft none " " " " " " I' " " a c B a n d a ne in v e r m i c u l i te ^Bandane on clay B a n d a ne on N PK fertilizer ^has post germination activity As the study progressed numerous questions and concerns d e v e l o p e d. (1) W h at w e re the most desirable m i c r o c l i m a te en- (2) W h at quantities of seed w e re produced A m o ng these were: vironments of crabgrass? under usual lawn care conditions? the herbicides that continued into the following year? D id some herbicides h a ve greater latitude w i th respect to application time or w e re all of them strictly pregermination herbicidal? (3) W e re there residual effects from Results from efforts attempting to answer the above questions revealed (1) crabgra ss w as totally suppressed by bluegrass in continously that: shaded sites; exclosure condition that increased the soil or air temperature above that prevailing in air movement enhanced crabgrass and depressed bluegrass g r o w t h. (2) crabgrass could tolerate up to 50% shade; (3) any T he plot area w as typically mowed every 5 to 7 days at a \\ inch h e i g h t. T a b le 3 shows the seed yields obtained in m i d - S e p t e m b e r. Table 3. T o t al air dry grass and seed w e i g h ts obtained per 10 x 1.5 foot mower s w a t h. Treatment Checks 1! It Bandane 40 lb on vermiculite applied 1 year earlier 7o crabgrass p r e s e nt h e i g ht of clipping Wt in grams grass seed 87 it it -* above 1%" 1% to 1" 1 to %" T o t al above 1%" 1% to 1" 1 to %*' T o t al 636 658 829 2123 462 362 665 1489 20.7 17.5 19.3 57.5 1.0 1.0 2.0 4.0 D e n se stands of crabgrass in lawns p r o d u ce seed yields perhaps ap- proximating 500 pounds per a c r e. In this specific instance the checks yielded the equivalent of 355 pounds and the bandane second year residual yielded 23 pounds per a c r e. Trials w e re conducted to determine the toxicity of the numerous her- bicides used in these studies as p o s t g e r m i n a t i on t o x i c a n t s. If both pre and postgermination toxicity prevailed the specific compounds effective spectrum w o u ld be greatly e n h a n c e d. T he herbicides w e re applied one w e ek after the first germinations w e re d e t e c t e d. Sixteen herbicides w e re in- cluded. T he final results revealed crabgrass stands ranged from 78 percent for Glenbar and T u p e r s an to 3 percent for Sindone and b e n e f i n. Crabgrass stands resulting from twelve remaining m a t e r i a ls ranged from 15 to 30 per- cent. Grass yields following annual h e r b i c i de applications for 3 years w e re found to be as f o l l o w s. Betasan 4 2 8, Bandane 3 3 4, D a c t h al 318 and Zytron 306 g r a m s. O n ly t r i f l u r a l i n, yielding 250 g r a m s, significantly reduced the grass y i e l d. T u rf condition ratings each A p r il indicated no detrimental herbicidal effects from any of the above h e r b i c i d e s. T he ranks ranged in- significantly from 9.4 to 9.6 among the checks and t r e a t m e n t s. As additional crabgrass herbicides w e re produced and promoted the screening trails w e re e n l a r g e d. T a b le 4 gives additional information on some additional f a c t o r s. Table 4. Residual effects of several herbicides on major weed species and on turf con- ditions in mid-April one year following application. Rate range per acre Turf condition (rank) clover grass 7o of plot area infected by indicated weed crabgrass stitch- wort Mouse ear chickweed cover Sept 15 1.0-2.5 8-14 4-10 4-16 9-18 4-16 30-40 30-40 1-2.5 8-20 8-20 8-14 30-40 1-25 8.9 9.5 9.6 9.5 9.4 9.5 9.3 9.3 9.6 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.5 9.6 9.2 good M H H H it M m H H H M M H H 2 13 37 9 39 29 1 5 4 6 5 3 6 8 7 2 4 2 3 3 6 3 2 3 11 7 1 2 2 3 20 100 0 -- 0 75 75 -- 95 100 50 65 1 98 Herbicide Pax Dacthal UC22463 AC 64-269B Glenbar AC 65-27 Bandane NPK Bandane + verm Benefin 0.86 gran Azak gran Tok-3 Zytron gran Bandane (liq) Benefin 0.55 gran Checks The data in Table 4 indicated that the toxicity of the included her- bicides were highly specific for crabgrass. In no instance was there evi- dence of clover injury nor significant reduction in the included weed spe- cies. The variations in distributions of stitchwort and mouse ear chick- weed recorded for the herbicide treatments prevailed similarily in the paired checks. Literature Cited 1. Georgia, Ada 1935, Manual of W e e d s, The Macmillian Co New Y o r k, N Y 2. Isley, Duane 1960, Weed Identification and C o n t r o l, University of Iowa Press A m e s, Iowa EVALUATION OF FESCUE SPECIES Dr A E S l i n k a r d, A s s o c i a te Professor D e p a r t m e nt of Plant Sciences C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re University of I d a h o, M o s c o w, Idaho This research is concerned p r i m a r i ly w i th Idaho fescue, Festuca idghoensis. Idaho fescue is a drought tolerant bunchgrass native to the Intermountain W e s t. A special U S DA grant in 1968 for domestic exploration of Idaho fescue resulted in the collection of 38 ecotypes in addition to the 17 ecotypes obtained from Dr T i s d a le of the College of F o r e s t r y. These ecotypes are being increased and evaluated for seedling v i g o r, seed s i z e, seed y i e l d, f e r t i l i t y, growth habit and vegetative y i e l d. V a r i a t i on in gross m o r p h o l o gy of Idaho fescue ranges from types similar to ornamental blue fescue (F. glauca) to types approaching Chewings fescue (F. c o m m u t a t u s ). M o re research is needed to determine if some of these types are suitable for ornamental or turf p u r p o s e s. TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH AT THE U N I V E R S I TY OF ILLINOIS Dr J a ck B u t l e r, A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s or T u r f g r a ss Management Department of H o r t i c u l t u re C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re University of Illinois U r b a n a, Illinois At the University of Illinois an extensive turfgrass research p r o g r am has been underway for the last few y e a r s. Both basic and applied w o rk is being done in m o st phases of the plant s c i e n c e s, as related to turf pro- d u c t i o n. T he research and extension activities at the U n i v e r s i ty are a coop- erative p r o g r am primarily w i t h in the D e p a r t m e n ts of H o r t i c u l t u r e, Plant P a t h o l o g y, A g r i c u l t u re E n t o m o l o g y, and A g r o n o m y. T h is w o rk is done at D i x on Springs in southern Illinois (in cooperation w i th Southern Illinois U n i v e r s i t y ), and the Urbana campus of the U n i v e r s i t y, w i th specific prob- lems at other sites in I l l i n o i s. G e n e r al h e r b i c i d e, i n s e c t i c i d e, n e m a t o c i d e, and fungicide testing programs are carried out at U r b a n a. T he p h y t o t o x i c i ty of m a ny m a t e r i a l s, as w e ll as the effectiveness of control have been i n v e s t i g a t e d. In some instances new or unique methods of application h a ve been u t i l i z e d. It would not be possible to enumerate in detail the various research proj- ects concerned w i th turfgrass under w ay at the University of I l l i n o i s. A short synopsis of a few of the m o re recent findings in various areas that m i g ht be of general interest are: T u rf v a r i e t i e s — T he continued outstanding p e r f o r m a n ce of M e r i on K e n t u c ky bluegrass during five years in extreme southern Illinois and of M e r i on at Urbana w h en m a i n t a i n ed at one-quarter inch is n o t e w o r t h y. A generally h i g h er quality turf from the m o re recently introduced K e n t u c ky bluegrasses has been d e m o n s t r a t e d. W h i le only poor quality turf has resulted from red fescues in central and south- ern Illinois due to h e a vy incidence of leaf s p o t. Turf fertilization--The n e c e s s i ty of adequate phosphorus in starter fertilizers for optimum turf establishment has been w e ll demonstrated on the low P soils of southern I l l i n o i s. W e e ds and weed c o n t r o l — T he necessity of weed control at time of seed- ing becomes increasingly important as one goes south in I l l i n o i s. Basic research w i th siduron indicates that this m a t e r i al has no effect upon p h o t o s y n t h e s i s. T he m a j or toxic effect of siduron appears to be a reduction in root g r o w t h. If the plant establishes a root system before coming into contact w i th s i d u r o n, then the crabgrass plant is in an excellent position to show no h a r m f ul e f f e c t s. Insects and insect c o n t r o l — S od w e b w o rm appears to be the most de- structive insect of K e n t u c ky bluegrass lawns in I l l i n o i s. M u ch w o rk has been done at Illinois on the environmental as w e ll as the control aspects of this i n s e c t. Studies have shown that a square foot area of K e n t u c ky bluegrass that is w e ll watered and properly fertilized m ay carry 5-6 larvae to show 50% damage; whereas in a poorly watered and improperly fertilized l a w n, 2 to 3 larvae m ay cause equivalent dam- a g e. D i s e a s es and disease control--Stripe s m u t, rarely flag s m u t, has been w i d e ly found as a p r o b l em on K e n t u c ky bluegrass and on several bent- grasses in I l l i n o i s. H o w e v e r, H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um spp continue to be the m o st troublesome d i s e a s e. T he exudation of glutamine by annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass in response to nitrogen fertilization can be an important factor contributing to the severity of disease o u t b r e a k s. T h e re is no doubt that both glutamine and wounding fluids produced by mowing p l ay an important role in increasing the infection of plants by fungi associated w i th diseased putting-green t u r f. Research in turfgrass at Illinois in the immediate future w i ll be di- rected primarily toward: (1) Continued studies of the cultural and environmental requirements of t u r f g r a s s e s. (2) Fertilizer and pesticide applications and e v a l u a t i o n. (3) A thorough investigation of p e s t i c i de a c t i v i t y, a c c u m u l a t i o n, and i n a c t i v a t i o n. M u ch m o re emphasis on research in the various disciplines involved with turfgrass research has developed recently at I l l i n o i s. T he future seems even m o re bright for in-depth studies in turfgrass s c i e n c e, especial- ly w i th the availability of m o re refined e q u i p m e n t, new and better physical f a c i l i t i e s, and increased staff time devoted to turf. T U R F G R A SS R E S E A R CH AT L O U I S I A NA STATE U N I V E R S I TY Dr W i l l i am A Y o u n g, A s s o c i a te Professor Claude S B l a c k w e l l, Assistant Professor and D e p a r t m e nt of Horticulture L o u i s i a na State University Baton R o u g e, L o u i s i a na Turfgrass research presently being conducted at L o u i s i a na State U n i v e r s i ty was initiated during 1968. This w o rk includes variety perfor- mance t r i a l s, method of establishment s t u d i e s, and herbicide screening e x p e r i m e n t s. V a r i e ty performance trials are being conducted to compare the entries under the rather variable environmental conditions of south L o u i s i a n a. T h e se studies w i ll be expanded to include any varieties w h i ch show poten- tial in L o u i s i a n a. At p r e s e n t, five bermudagrass v a r i e t i e s, two zoysia v a r i e t i e s, common St Augustine and common centipede are under comparative s t u d y. In a d d i t i o n, cool season grasses for use as temporary overseeded cover are being e v a l u a t e d. Methods of establishment being compared are p l u g g i n g, sprigging and s t o l o n i z i n g. T h e se studies should provide immediate information concerning the most efficient and economical method of lawn e s t a b l i s h m e n t. Herbicide screening experimentation is oriented toward the use of weed control in conjunction w i th turfgrass e s t a b l i s h m e n t. T h e se studies are based on the use of a pre-emerge type m a t e r i al at or immediately fol- lowing t r a n s p l a n t i n g. Preliminary observations indicate that certain herbi- cides show promise from this s t a n d p o i n t. Data are being obtained on weed c o n t r o l, injury to the t u r f g r a s s, and the possible inhibition of spread and/ or rooting of the t u r f g r a s s. T h e se studies involve eight turfgrass varie- ties . TURF R E S E A R CH IN M I S S I S S I P P I, 1968-1969 Dr C o l e m an Y W a r d, Professor D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o my Crops College of A g r i c u l t u re and Agriculture Experiment Station M i s s i s s i p pi State U n i v e r s i t y, State C o l l e g e, M i s s i s s i p pi 1. An Evaluation of the Shade T o l e r a n ce of F B 137 b e r m u d a g r a s s. F B 137 bermudagrass stolonized at 8 bushels per 1000 sq ft on June 2 2, 1968, w as subjected to variables shown at bottom of Table 1. A split-split plot design w as used in w h i ch nitrogen rate served as the subplot and light intensity as the s u b - s u b p l o t. All plots w e re mowed w e e k ly at 3/4" and supplemental w a t er applied at approximately l per w e e k. !l T he shading was accomplished by placing an 8' x 12' piece of shade cloth over the plot at all times (except w h en mowing or fertilizing). T he cloth w as sewn to a galvanized pipe frame w h i ch rested on legs 1 5 in h e i g h t. M M e a s u r e m e n ts w e re made for rate of spread as a function of percent fl 1 ground c o v e r e d. A modified belt transect 3 w i th 100 fixed observation points along its length was used to obtain the percent ground c o v e r. In addition the plots w e re rated visually for density and a p p e a r a n c e. All measurements w e re made at w e e k ly in- tervals . w i de and 12 in length Results: As shown in T a b le 1, F B 137 exhibited adaptation to shade. T o t al plot coverage was about as fast w i th m o d e r a te shade as in full sunlight. W h en F B 137 w as subjected to more than a 507 reduction in incident o light, it became somewhat elongated in g r o w t h. Stolons w e re not as numer- o u s, sod density was reduced and scalping w as objectionable at a 3/4" cut- ting h e i g h t s. Seeds heads w e re m o re numerous on newly planted areas than established sod. Fewer seed heads occurred on shaded plots compared to those in open sun. T a b le 1 T he percent ground cover and density of F B 137 bermudagrass as influenced by shade and nitrogen f e r t i l i z a t i o n. D a te of L ow Nitrogen* L i g ht Intensity !/ H i gh Nitrogen L i g ht Intensity Sampling L0 Ll L2 L3 L0 Ll L2 L3 3rd W e ek 4th W e ek 5th W e ek 6th W e ek 52 83 92 99 54 84 94 99 53 64 83 96 61 77 91 95 61 77 90 99 55 77 93 99 51 70 86 96 49 71 78 90 D e n s i ty 2/ after 6 w e e ks 8.2 7.6 6.1 6.5 9.0 8.0 6.4 5.0 1/ LO = Full sunlight Ll = Saran shade calibrated to remove 50% incident light L2 = Saran shade calibrated to remove 75% incident light L3 = Ll + one layer of cotton m u s l in = 90% incident light * L ow N = 1/2 lb/1000 bi-weekly High N = 1 lb/1000 bi-weekly 2/ On a scale 1 to 10 w i th 10 = m o st d e n s e. O T H ER NEW R E S E A R CH 1. 2. 3. 4. Phytotoxicity of s i m a z i n e, d i c a m b a, 2 , 4 - D, s i l v e x, M S MA and D S MA on c e n t i p e d e g r a s s, St A u g u s t i n e, M e y er and Emerald zoysiagrass and Com- m o n, T i f w a y, T i f l a w n, T i f g r e e n, Sunturf and F B 137 bermudagrass sod. Effect of selected herbicides on the rate of establishment of stolon- ized F B 137 b e r m u d a g r a s s. Herbicides used w e re 2 , 4 - D, M S M A, D S M A, s i m a z i n e, B e t a s a n, B a l a n, B a n d a n e, and Zytron at m a n u f a c t u r e r 's re- commended r a t e. Effect of mowing h e i g h t, nitrogen fertilization and v e r t i c al mowing on the quality of F B 137 and T i f g r e en bermudagrass for home lawns. T he compatability of pre-emergence herbicides w i th overseeding Tif- dwarf bermudagrass putting g r e e n s. B a l a n, B e t a s a n, and D a c t h al at recommended rates w e re applied 9 0, 7 5, 6 0, 4 5, and 30 days prior to overseeding Tifdwarf b e r m u d a g r a s s. T he species used for overseeding w e re annual r y e g r a s s, rough bluegrass and red f e s c u e. 5. Influence of nitrogen fertilization rate and cultivation (spiking and v e r t i c al mowing) on the quality of w i n t er putting green turf of NK- 100 perennial ryegrass overseeded on 3 2 8 - b e r m u d a g r a s s. PRESENT R E S E A R CH IN FINE T U R F: Selection and Screening for A d a p t ed Turfgrasses: amined for c o l o r, t e x t u r e, disease r e s i s t a n c e, cold tolerance and growth h a b i t, etc.) (Cultivars are ex- A. B. Bermudagrasses - observation plantings of isolated blocks of approximately 80 cultivars from numerous sources. Centipedegrasses - selections m a de from pastures and lawns throughout the s t a t e. Some progress is being made in getting m o re u n i f o rm c o l o r, absence of seed heads and m o re dense t u r f. T wo selections are being increased for further e v a l u a t i o n. Turf N u t r i t i on Research Experiments: C. D. P o t a s s i um N u t r i t i on of T i f g r e en B e r m u d a g r a s s. T he influence of p o t a s s i um fertilization and clipping heights on w i n t er h a r d i n e s s, g r o w t h, p o t a s s i um u p t a k e, and carbohydrate accumulation in stor- age tissue are being m e a s u r e d. Relationships of N i t r o g en and P o t a s s i um N u t r i t i on on the A b i l i ty of T i f l a wn Bermudagrass and M e y er Zoysiagrass to W i t h s t a nd Traf- fic. V a r i a b l e s: traffic simulated w i th golf shoe soles on m o t o r i z ed r o l l e r. three levels of K across two rates of nitrogen; E. N i t r o g en Requirements of Established M e y er Z o y s i a g r a s s. V a r i a b l es 2, 4, 6, and 8 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet under mow- ing heights of one-half and one i n c h. T u rf E s t a b l i s h m e nt Experiments: A. B. A Comparison of M e t h o ds of V e g e t a t i ve Establishment of Bermuda- grass (Tiflawn), Z o y s i a g r a ss (Meyer), Centipedegrass (Common), and St A u g u s t i ne (Common). V a r i a b l e s: g r a s s e s, m e t h o ds (sprig- g i n g, p l u g g i n g, and s t o l o n i z i n g ). Influence of Shade (Reduced L i g ht I n t e n s i t y ), Mowing Height and N i t r o g en F e r t i l i z a t i on on the E s t a b l i s h m e nt of M e y er Z o y s i a g r a s s, W h en Plugged and S t o l o n i z e d. V a r i a b l e s: c e n t, and 75 p e r c e n t ), nitrogen (1, 2, 3, 4 pounds per m o n t h ), m o w i ng (one-half, one i n c h, and n o n e ). shade (zero, 50 per- T ee M a n a g e m e n t: A. D i v ot Injury Recovery of M e y er Zoysiagrass and 419 B e r m u d a g r a s s. V a r i a b l e s: n i t r o g en (4 versus 8 lbs per s e a s o n ). s p e c i e s, m o w i ng height (one-half and one inch), and T h a t ch C o n t r ol Studies: A. M e t h o ds of T h a t ch C o n t r ol in 328 Bermuda Putting G r e e n s. Vari- ables: v e r t i c al m o w i ng (none, 2, 4, and 6 times annually) and aerification (none, b i - m o n t h l y, and m o n t h l y ). A. B. Evaluation of Cool Season Species for O v e r s e e d i ng Putting Greens and H o me L a w n s. Some 25 cool season species are planted at 25,000,000 seeds per M under putting green conditions (328) and at 2,500,000 per M under lawn c o n d i t i o n s. Influence of T o p d r e s s i n g, V e r t i c al M o w i ng and Spiking on NK-100 P e r e n n i al Ryegrass as a Grass for O v e r s e e d i ng Bermudagrass Put- ting G r e e n s. V I I. M i s c e l l a n e o us Studies: A. An Evaluation of Four Bermudagrasses and Four D e g r e es of Soil M o d i f i c a t i on on an Athletic (Football) F i e l d. Calcined clay versus sand as a p h y s i c al a m e n d m e n t. B. Turf Quality of Ormond and U-3 Bermuda as Influenced by T y pe of M o w er (rotary versus reel) and F r e q u e n cy of M o w i n g. STUDIES DISCONTINUED IN 1968 Nitrogen Requirements of T i f g r e en Bermudagrass for Putting G r e e n s. S o u r c e s, r a t e s, and intervals of applications are v a r i a b l e s. N i t r o g en Requirements of T i f d w a rf Bermudagrass for Putting G r e e n s. V a r i a b l e s: sources and r a t e s. An Evaluation of H y d r o p l a n t i ng Bermudagrass and Z o y s i a g r a s s. Vari- ables: grasses; method of s t o l o n i z i n g, a.) one s t e p, b.) 2 step; pre and post firming of seed b e d, a.) no r o l l i n g, b.) rolling prior to s t o l o n i z a t i o n, c.) rolling after s t o l o n i z a t i o n. Response of F o u r t e en Southern O r n a m e n t a ls to H e r b i c i d es Applied to T h r ee T u r f g r a s s es Grown as the Base S o d. (Cooperative w i th Horticul- ture and W e ed Science D e p a r t m e n t s ). T h a t ch C o n t r ol in L a wn T u r f. V a r i a b le heights of cut and frequencies of v e r t i c al mowing w e re studied on Emerald zoysia and Sunturf bermuda- grass . T he Response of Centipedegrass to N i t r o g e n, Iron and M o w i ng H e i g h t s. V a r i a b l e s: nitrogen at 3 and 6 pounds per 1000 square feet; mowing heights of 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 inches; across iron (chelated) at 1, 1 / 2, and 1 pound per 1000 square feet s e a s o n a l l y. Curative and Preventative C o n t r ol of D o l l a r s p ot (Sclerotinia h o m e o c a r p a ). Some 10 fungicides (commercially available and experimental) w e re used at several rates on S u n t u r f, Tifton-57 and T u f c o te bermudagrass at two levels of nitrogen f e r t i l i z a t i o n. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH IN M I S S O U RI Dr D e l b e rt H e m p h i l l, Professor D e p a r t m e nt of H o r t i c u l t u re U n i v e r s i ty of M i s s o u ri C o l u m b i a, M i s s o u ri I. Field Research A r ea A new area of approximately 20 acres three miles from the campus is presently under d e v e l o p m e n t. M o st of the area is in common K e n t u c ky Blue- g r a s s, and w e ed c o n t r o l, fertility and growth regulator plots have been e s t a b l i s h e d. A reservoir has been constructed as a water source and an irrigation system is under design by our A g r i c u l t u r al E n g i n e e r s. V a r i e ty plots of the various turfgrass species will be established this fall and next s p r i n g. T he development of the n ew area was necessary because our turfgrass plots adjacent to the U n i v e r s i ty Golf Course were taken for other p u r p o s e s. I I. New Staff J o hn D u n n, presently completing the requirements for the doctorate at Rutgers under Dr Ralph Engel w i ll join our department on September 1. He w i ll assume the r e s p o n s i b i l i ty for the turf research and teaching pro- g r a m. Dr Bill L o b e n s t e i n, after September 1, w i ll devote one-half time to turf extension a c t i v i t i e s. I I I. Research Projects T he loss of our established turf plots caused a serious interruption in our research a c t i v i t i e s. It has been possible to continue some w o rk in the greenhouse and on other a r e a s. 1. W e ed C o n t r ol - Extensive weed control studies on bent and blue- grasses have been conducted for several y e a r s. A study to determine the long-term effects of pre-emergent crabgrass control chemicals is now in its 11th year for arsenates and chlordane and a shorter period for other h e r b i c i d e s. 2. Improvement of T u r f g r a s s es - Dr L o b e n s t e in is evaluating a number of tall fescue and bermuda s e l e c t i o n s. T he fescue selections came from m a ny different c o u n t r i e s. Fine-leaved selections with good rhizome develop- ment have been s o u g h t. M a ny selections are not cold hardy under central M i s s o u ri c o n d i t i o n s. 3. Growth R e g u l a t or Studies - T wo graduate students are studying the effects of plant growth regulators on t u r f g r a s s e s. 4. Nutrition (a) The nitrogen nutrition of bentgrasses is being studied by a doctorate candidate in an effort to develop leaf analysis standards, (b) New forms of nitrogen fertilizers are being evaluated on bluegrass. IV. Missouri Valley Turfgrass Association This organization is now in its third year« It was formed to support turfgrass research in Missouri. Its current major effort is to have a turf- grass survey for the state. TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH IN N E B R A S KA Dr A E D u d e c k, A s s i s t a nt Professor Department of H o r t i c u l t u re and Forestry C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re U n i v e r s i ty of N e b r a s k a, L i n c o l n, Nebraska T u r f g r a ss research activities in N e b r a s ka are primarily confined to the roadside e n v i r o n m e n t. In 1 9 6 4, a fifteen-year contract for road- side research w as agreed upon between the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of R o a d s. F i n a n c i al support of this project is from the Nebraska D e p a r t m e nt of Roads using F e d e r al Aid H i g h w ay Planning and Research funds. T he over-all objectives are to study ground covers for stabilization of h i g h w ay rights-of-way and to study m e t h o ds of reducing maintenance c o s t s. O v er the y e a r s, a number of studies w e re initiated and are currently in p r o g r e s s. Areas under study include species and varietal trials of cool and w a rm season grasses at selected locations throughout the state; nutritional and m o i s t u re requirements of s a l t g r a s s, Distichlis stricta; crownvetch v a r i e t al adaptation and performance; renovation of critical highway slopes w i th c r o w n v e t c h, ecological effects of mowing on roadside vegetation; nitrogen fertilizers for sod m a i n t e n a n c e; mulches for grass establishment and erosion control; evaluation of mulching practices and seeding methods for grass establishment; h e r b i c i de studies for controlling undesirable roadside vegetation; and studies of spray adjuvants for drift c o n t r o l. A n ew field research area of approximately seven acres was recently developed at the U n i v e r s i ty Field L a b o r a t o r y, M e a d, N e b r a s k a. f a c i l i t i e s, equipment storage and laboratory space have all been p r o v i d e d. It is anticipated that v a r i e t al plots of the various turfgrass species can be established next s p r i n g. Irrigation TURFGRASS RESEARCH AT THE U N I V E R S I TY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE Dr L C P e i r c e, Chairman Plant Science Department College of A g r i c u l t u re University of N ew Hampshire D u r h a m, New Hampshire Research is applied w i th tests of varieties and mixtures of lawn and specialized use t u r f g r a s s e s. T e s ts also include fertilizer materials and rates and herbicides over prolonged periods of t i m e. This research pro- ject w i ll likely undergo substantial change in 1970. CHEMICAL CONTROL OF STRIPE SMUT IN M E R I ON K E N T U C KY B L U E G R A S S 2 1 ' Dr Philip H a l i s k y, Dr C Reed F u n k, Dr P L B a b i n s ki A s s o c i a te Professors C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re and E n v i r o n m e n t al Sciences Rutgers U n i v e r s i t y, N ew B r u n s w i c k, N ew J e r s ey ABSTRACT Evaluation trials w e re conducted w i th B e n l a t e, P C N B, and Bayer 33172 fungicides to determine their effectiveness against stripe smut (Ustilago s t r i i f o r m i s ). T he chemicals w e re applied to rep- licated plots of h e a v i ly smutted 'Merion t u r f. T he data show that the systemic f u n g i c i d e, B e n l a t e, w as h i g h ly effective against this d i s e a s e. PCNB also w as e f f e c t i v e, h o w e v e r, the formulation used in these tests imparted a yellow discoloration to the t u r f. Bayer 3 3 1 7 2, on the other h a n d, was generally ineffective in controlling stripe s m u t. K e n t u c ky bluegrass 1 Stripe smut is a w i d e s p r e ad and destructive disease of turf and forage grasses in N o r th A m e r i ca (2,3,4,7). This d i s e a s e, caused by Ustilago striiformis (West.) N i e s s l, has become a serious p r o b l em in Poa pratensis L, especially in cultivars grown w i d e ly for turf usage (4,6). In the p a s t, the use of protective chemicals for suppressing stripe smut in perennial grasses has generally been u n s a t i s f a c t o r y. Such chemicals either gave limited control of the disease or proved phytotoxic to t u r f g r a s s e s. Re- cently H a l i s k y, F u nk and B a b i n s ki (5) reported the results of trials w i th protective and systemic fungicides for the control of stripe smut under turf m a i n t e n a n ce c o n d i t i o n s. T h e ir data showed that a n ew systemic fungi- c i d e, B e n l a t e, M e t h yl l - ( b u t y l c a r b a m o y l ) - 2 - b e n z i m i d a z o l e c a r b a m a te (Benomyl), was an effective control for this d i s e a s e. T he p r e s e nt paper reports new data confirming the effectiveness of Benlate and provides further information on chemical control of stripe smut in K e n t u c ky b l u e g r a s s. M a t e r i a ls and M e t h o ds Sod of smutted M e r i on K e n t u c ky bluegrass w as established in the turfgrass research area at N ew B r u n s w i c k, N ew J e r s e y. The turf was clipped at \\ inches and maintained at m o d e r a te fertility (4 lb N per 1,000 sq ft per y r ). T he experimental area consisted of 96 plots each measuring 5x5 feet as part — Paper of the J o u r n al S e r i e s, C o l l e ge of A g r i c u l t u re and Environmental S c i e n c e, Rutgers U n i v e r s i t y, N ew B r u n s w i c k, New J e r s e y, 0 8 9 0 3. G r a t e f ul acknowledgment is extended to the M e r i on Bluegrass A s s o c i a t i o n, E I D u P o nt C o m p a n y, and C h e m a g ro C o r p o r a t i on for grants-in-aid contributed in support of this r e s e a r c h. of a r a n d o m i z e d, complete-block design containing 6 r e p l i c a t e s. Each rep- licate consisted of 16 randomized t r e a t m e n t s. T he chemicals u s e d, their r a t e s, and dates of application are given in Table 1. T he method of appli- cation of each chemical varied w i th its f o r m u l a t i o n. T h us Bayer 33172 = 2-(2-furyl)-benzimidazole and B e n l a t e, both w e t t a b le p o w d e r s, w e re mixed w i th w a t er and applied to the turf as drenches at the rate of 50 gallons per 1,000 square feet of turf per a p p l i c a t i o n. PCNB (pentachloronitroben- z e n e ), on the other h a n d, was applied in combination w i th a granular (14-3-3) fertilizer containing 15.4 percent active f u n g i c i d e. This combination w as broadcast on each plot by hand and w a t e r ed in at an equivalent rate (50 gal per 1,000 sq ft). T he m a t e r i al w as applied both in the fall of 1967 and in the spring of 1 9 6 8, w h e r e as the other chemicals w e re applied only in the spring of 1968 (Table 1 ). D i s e a se counts w e re m a de on September 4 - 5, 1 9 6 8, by determining the number of smutted tillers per square foot of s o d. T wo counts w e re m a de per p l o t, the data a v e r a g e d, analyzed s t a t i s t i c a l l y, and presented in T a b le 1. Results T he infection data in T a b le 1 show that the highest reduction of stripe smut w as achieved w i th 5 applications of Benlate at the 6 ounce r a t e. At the 12 ounce r a t e, Benlate applied once or twice during the spring m o n t hs also w as h i g h ly e f f e c t i v e. H o w e v e r, the use of Surfactant F in combination with 6 ounces of Benlate applied 1, 2 or 3 times did not enhance disease control appreciably w h en compared w i th similar applications w i t h o ut the surfactant. T h u s, differences among data derived from plots treated with Benlate plus Surfactant F, and those treated w i th Benlate a l o n e, w e re not statistically significant (Table 1 ). PCNB applied in combination w i th a granular (14-3-3) fertilizer containing 15.4 percent active fungicide also was effective in reducing stripe smut in M e r i on b l u e g r a s s. At the 32 ounce r a t e, PCNB applied during both the fall and spring seasons resulted in significant disease c o n t r o l. At the 16 ounce r a t e, similar applications w e re inadequate in controlling the d i s e a s e. Bayer 3 3 1 7 2, on the other h a n d, generally w as ineffective against stripe smut at both the 8 and 12 ounce rates (Table 1) . To determine the p h y t o t o x i c i ty of Benlate and Bayer 33172 fungicides, the chemicals w e re applied at rates of 24 ounces active ingredient per 1,000 sq ft of turf to individual plots of M e r i on during A p r i l, M ay and J u n e, r e s p e c t i v e l y. Subsequent observations for evidences of phytotoxicity m a de at 7 day intervals revealed that neither chemical w as injurious to the turf at these relatively high d o s a g e s. T he granular fertilizer-PCNB c o m b i n a t i o n, h o w e v e r, induced a yellow-greenish tinge in the foliage of treated p l o t s. In g e n e r a l, these chlorotic symptoms did not appear until the onset of h o t, dry w e a t h e r. By A u g u st 8, 1968 it w as possible to distinguish 21 of the 24 PCNB treated plots on the basis of foliar y e l l o w i n g. W i th the return of cooler w e a t h er in S e p t e m b e r, the turf recovered from this d i s c o l o r a t i o n. Stripe s m u t, as a disease of t u r f g r a s s e s, has not been effectively con- trolled by p r o t e c t i ve chemicals (4,5). W i th the recent advent of systemic D i s c u s s i on c h e m i c a l s, h o w e v e r, the control of this p e r e n n i al disease has become m o re p r o m i s i n g. T he present study confirmed an earlier report (5) that the systemic f u n g i c i d e, B e n l a t e, w as effective as a c o n t r ol for stripe smut in M e r i on K e n t u c ky b l u e g r a s s. T he data (Table 1) indicate that either five applications at the 6 ounce r a t e, or fewer applications at the 12 ounce rate significantly reduced the incidence of this d i s e a s e. T he addition of Surfactant F to B e n l a te did not significantly increase fungicidal effectiveness a n d, t h e r e f o r e, its use is of questionable v a l u e. PCNB generally is considered to be phytotoxic to bentgrasses and to fine fescues (1). In our trials w i th K e n t u c ky b l u e g r a s s, the use of a PCNB- fertilizer c o m b i n a t i o n, and its application at relatively h i gh r a t e s, m ay have contributed to the chlorotic response of the f o l i a g e. Since the plot in these trials w e re already maintained at a m o d e r a te level of f e r t i l i t y, the application of additional fertilizer m ay have rendered the turf ex- cessively s u c c u l e n t, thereby p r e d i s p o s i ng it to injury from environmental hazards such as summer stress or toxic c h e m i c a l s. L i t e r a t u re Cited: 1. C o u c h, H B and H C o l e. 1 9 5 7. C h e m i c al control of melting-out of Kentucky b l u e g r a s s. Plant D i s e a se Reptr 41 : 2 0 5 - 2 0 8. 2. F i s c h e r, G W 1 9 4 0. F u n d a m e n t al studies of the stripe smut of grasses (Ustilago striaeformis) in the Pacific North- w e s t. P h y t o p a t h o l o gy 30 : 9 3 - 1 1 8. 3. G o v i n d u, H C and G W F i s c h e r. 1 9 6 2. Physiological variation in the stripe smut of g r a s s e s, Ustilago striiformis. Res Stud W a s h i n g t on State U n iv 30 : 139-168. 4. H a l i s k y, P M, C R F u n k, and S B a c h e l d e r. 1 9 6 6. Stripe smut of turf and forage grasses -- its p r e v a l e n c e, path- o g e n i c i t y, and response to m a n a g e m e nt p r a c t i c e s. Plant D i s e a se R e p tr 50 : 2 9 4 - 2 9 8. 5. H a l i s k y, P M, C R F u n k, and P L B a b i n s k i. 1 9 6 8. C o n t r ol of stripe smut in K e n t u c ky bluegrass turf w i th a systemic f u n g i c i d e. P l a nt D i s e a se Reptr 52 : 6 3 5 - 6 3 7. 6. Kreit l o w, K W, and F V J u s k a. 1 9 5 9. Susceptibility of M e r i on and other Kentucky bluegrass varieties to stripe smut (Ustilago s t r i i f o r m i s ). A g r o n o my J o ur 51 : 5 9 6 - 5 9 7. 7. O s n e r, G A 1 9 1 6. Leaf smut of t i m o t h y. C o r n e ll Univ A gr Exp Sta Bull 381 : 189-230. T a b le 1 Chemicals evaluated for stripe smut c o n t r o l, their r a t e s, application d a t e s, and comparative e f f e c t i v e n e s s. Fungicide #N/1000 Rate Dates of application -, b/ Smut level — Benlate 4 6 15 A p r; 13,20 M a y; 17 J u n e; 11 J ul P C NB 10 Benlate Benlate Benlate P C NB Benlate Benlate P C NB Benlate Benlate Benlate PCNB B 33172 B 33172 C o n t r ol 4 4 4 8 4 4 7 4 4 4 6 4 4 4 32 12 12 6F 32 6 6F 16 6 6 6F 16 8 12 0 2 O c t; 8 A p r; 10 J un 13 M ay 15 A p r; 17 J u ne 15 A p r; 13 M a y; 17 J u ne 2 O c t; 8 A pr 15 A p r; 13 M a y; 17 J u ne 15 A p r; 13 M ay 2 O c t; 8 A p r; 10 J un 15 A p r; 13 M ay 15 A pr 15 A pr 2 O c t; 8 A pr 22 A p r; 20 M a y; 10 J un 20 M a y; 10 J u n; 11 J ul 1 a 10 ab 14 be 16 be 23 bede 23 bede 24 bede 29 def 47 defg 48 efg 52 fgh 74 gh 84 hi 120 ij 138 j 132 j —' O u n c es of active ingredient per 1,000 sq ft of turf per ,f lf a p p l i c a t i o n. T r e a t m e n ts designated by fluid ounces of Surfactant F per 100 gallons of d r e n c h. contained 4 F b/ Number of smutted tillers per square foot of turf on September 4 - 5, 1 9 6 8. V a l u es followed by the same letter do not differ significantly from each other at the 5 per- cent level according to D u n c a n 's m u l t i p le range t e s t. SOME EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES IN THE TURFGRASS E C O S Y S T EM Dr H e r b e rt T S t r e u, Associate Professor D e p a r t m e nt of Entomology 6c Economic Zoology College of A g r i c u l t u re Rutgers U n i v e r s i t y, New B r u n s w i c k, N J Control recommendations for most arthropod and nematode pests of turf- grass include periodic applications of a variety of p e s t i c i d e s, including c a r b a m a t e, chlorinated hydrocarbon and organic phosphorus type m a t e r i a l s. Although m u ch information is available concerning the pesticidal effective- ness of these m a t e r i a l s, little is known concerning the long term effects of annual applications of these same m a t e r i a ls in the same . turfgrass a r e a. It has been the objective of research being conducted at Rutgers University in the D e p a r t m e nt of Entomology and Economic Zoology to determine some of these effects in the turfgrass e c o s y s t e m. This research has been in prog- ress since 1962 and includes studies on plant growth r e s p o n s e, comparative effects on soil arthropod p o p u l a t i o n s, effects on plant parasitic nematode populat ions and m e a s u r e m e n ts of activity of surface inhabiting a r t h r o p o d s. Observations of earthworm surface activity as w e ll as changes in plant com- munity composition and succession are also being m a d e. Results of pesticide activity and growth response effects have shown that annual applications of pesticides to the same red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass utility-type turf after 4 years have resulted in large differences in the overall quality of that t u r f. Increased density and clipping yield were found to be related to chinch bug control and population suppression of the spiral nematode H e l i c o t y l e n c h us pseudorobustus (Steiner) and the stylet nematode T y l e n c h o r h y n c h us c l a y t o ni (Steiner) and to some degree Tylenchorhynchus maximus (Allen). L a r ge differences in percent crabgrass w e re also related to growth d i f f e r e n c e s. Chinch bug Blissus hirtus (Montandon) populations in chlordane treated areas w e re m o re than two and one-half times greater than in control areas suggesting interference w i th some population limiting m e c h a n i s m. Of greater ecological s i g n i f i c a n c e, h o w e v e r, w as that red fescue succession occurred in e t h i o n, carbophenothion and diazinon treat- m e n t s. Plots treated w i th ethion w e re found to consist of almost 54% red fescue compared to TL in control a r e a s. Summaries of p o p u l a t i on levels of plant parasitic nematodes in annually treated turfgrass showed that differences in numbers of nematodes affected w e re somewhat variable and that the various pesticides used may exert a possible selective a c t i o n. T he predominating species found was Criconemoides mutabilis (Taylor) and insecticide effects on population levels w e re quite variable w i th the exception of D a s a n i t (Bayer 25141) w h i ch reduced popu- lations i n i t i a l l y, and w h en applied a n n u a l l y, exerted continued seasonal c o n t r o l. R Numbers of T y l e n c h o r h y n c h us claytoni w e re reduced each season through annual applications of all pesticides including d i a z i n o n, e t h i o n, B a y g o n, and Dasanit w i th the exception of c a r b a r y l. Dasanit eradicated this nema- tode in all t r e a t m e n t s. Cumulative effects of annual applications of the same pesticides to the same turf area on populations of Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus w e re s i m i l a r. O n ly small numbers of Hoplolaimus galeatus (Cobb) and X i p h i n e ma americanum (Cobb), T y l e n c h o r h y n c h us maximus (Allen), T y l e n c h us s p. and Paratylenchus s p. w e re found. Estimates of surface inhabiting arthropods w i th Fichter-type pitfall traps has indicated some differences in C o l l e m b o la and m i te populations between t r e a t m e n t s, although differences in quantitative estimates of soil inhabiting arthropods h a ve shown larger d i f f e r e n c e s. O r g a n ic phosphorus containing p e s t i c i d e s, ethion in p a r t i c u l a r, appear to exert the greatest initial as w e ll as cumulative and residual e f f e c t s. C u m u l a t i ve d i f f e r e n c e s, t h e r e f o r e, in growth response due to annual treatments have been related to effects on populations of plant parasitic n e m a t o d e s, differences in collembolan and m i te populations in the soil and to a lesser degree h a ve been reflected in activity of surface inhabiting a r t h r o p o d s. References S t r e u, H e r b e rt T and L o u is M V a s v a r y. 1966. P e s t i c i de activity and growth response effects in t u r f g r a s s. Bull N ew J e r s ey Acad Sci 1 1 : 1 7 - 2 3. S t r e u, H T and L M V a s v a r y. 1 9 6 6. C o n t r ol of the h a i ry chinch bug Blissus hirtus M o nt in N ew J e r s e y, p 78-83 in 1966 Report on T u r f g r a ss Re- s e a r c h, N ew J e r s ey A g r ic Expt Sta Bull 8 1 6. S t r e u, H T and L M V a s v a r y. 1 9 6 6. Sod w e b w o rm control t r i a l s, p 83-85 in 1966 R e p o rt on T u r f g r a ss R e s e a r c h, N ew J e r s ey Agric Expt Sta Bull 816. S t r e u, H T and L M V a s v a r y. 1 9 6 7. T he n e m a t o c i d al activity on some in- secticides in t u r f g r a s s. p 77-93 in 1967 Report on T u r f g r a ss Re- s e a r c h, N ew J e r s ey A g r ic Expt Sta Bull 8 1 8. SUMMARY OF TURF WEED CONTROL R E S E A R CH IN N O R TH CAROLINA 1964 - 1968 Dr W M L e w i s, A g r o n o my Specialist A g r i c u l t u r al Extension Service North Carolina State U n i v e r s i t y, R a l e i g h, N C In the general evaluation of herbicides for pre-emergence crabgrass control in t u r f, spray and granular applications have been c o m p a r e d. In g e n e r a l, granular applications have given a higher percent crabgrass con- trol than spray applications of the same herbicide in all t e s t s, though differences w e re not significant in all c a s e s. D e l ay in rain following application influenced the degree of effective control with spray appli- cations being more adversely affected than granular a p p l i c a t i o n s. The more effective herbicides have been b e n s u l i d e, b e n e f i n, D C P A, and terbutol w h i ch can be safely used on turfgrasses grown w i t h in the state and managed for lawns and general turf a r e a s. O t h er tests h a ve shown that herbicides tend to p e r f o rm approximately the same or slightly better w h en in combi- nation with a fertilizer carrier than a non-fertilizer c a r r i e r. T i me of application studies have revealed that pre-emergence crab- grass herbicides have given effective control w h en applied 4-6 weeks prior to expected crabgrass g e r m i n a t i o n. Bensulide and D C PA have given very effective control w h en applied in the f a l l, approximately six months be- fore g e r m i n a t i o n. F r om one application of either of these compounds con- trol of annual bluegrass in the fall and w i n t er and crabgrass in the spring and summer has been o b t a i n e d. Studies on evaluating the effects of pre-emergence crabgrass herbi- cides on establishing and established turfgrasses have been c o n d u c t e d. Studies w i th siduron indicated that it cannot be safely used at the time of seeding c a r p e t g r a s s, centipedgras s, and common bermudagrass nor sprig- ging T i f t on 328 b e r m u d a g r a s s. Sprigged M e y er zoysia was not adversely affected by s i d u r o n. Siduron did not affect the germination and establish- ment of three cool season t u r f g r a s s e s, M e r i on b l u e g r a s s, K e n t u c ky 31 tall fescue and Pennlawn red f e s c u e. M e r i on b l u e g r a s s, K e n t u c ky 31 tall f e s c u e, and common bermudagrass w e re planted in soil samples collected from treated plots six months after the third consecutive year of t r e a t m e n t. T o x ic levels of eleven pre-emer- gence crabgrass herbicides did not appear to remain in the Cecil sandy clay loam in quantities sufficient to adversely affect the germination and early growth of the three t u r f g r a s s e s. Studies have been initiated on the long term effects of pre-emergence crabgrass herbicides on established cool season turfgrasses and on the growth and development of plugged w a rm season t u r f g r a s s e s. Preliminary results indicate that rooting at the nodes of the stolons is greatly re- duced in the w a rm season t u r f g r a s s e s. Observations are currently being m a de on pre-emergence herbicides for annual bluegrass control and their effects on T - 3 28 bermudagrass and four overseeded cool season t u r f g r a s s e s. Herbicides w e re applied 3 0, 4 5, 6 0, 75 and 90 days before overseeding w i th and w i t h o ut a previous early spring t r e a t m e n t. T he overseeded grasses w e re r y e g r a s s, Pennlawn red f e s c u e, Highland b e n t g r a s s, and Poa t r i v i a l i s. In postemergence control studies of crabgrass and d a l l i s g r a s s, arso- nates h a ve been evaluated alone and in combination w i th pre-emergence crab- grass h e r b i c i d e s. T he combination treatment has been m o re outstanding in seasons having considerable late summer rains favoring crabgrass g e r m i n a t i o n. C o n t r ol the following season has been variable from the various c o m b i n a t i o n s, Bensulide in the combination has consistently given favorable crabgrass con- trol the following season. B e n e f i n, b e n s u l i d e, D C P A, and terbutol have given effective pre-emer- gence control of annual b l u e g r a s s, w h i le a t r a z i n e, s i m a z i n e, d i u r o n, n o r e a, p a r a q u a t, and terbacil have given effective postemergence c o n t r o l. For broadleaf c o n t r o l, 2,4-D + silvex and 2,4-D + dicamba have been s u c c e s s f u l. Spray applications have been m o re reliable and effective than granular a p p l i c a t i o n s. TURF RESEARCH NORTH DAKOTA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Dr Kenneth L L a r s o n, Associate Professor Department of Agronomy North Dakota State University F a r g o, North Dakota No formal research project is in progress at the North Dakota Agri- cultural Experiment Station. O c c a s i o n a l l y, demonstrations of various grass species have been established for observation. These demonstrations, experiences of station p e r s o n n e l, and research results from other stations with active research programs in turf provide the basis of North D a k o t a recommendations. s ! The following recommendations have been established for North Dakota: 1. Six or more inches of black fertile topsoil should be present. 2. Weed-free seedbed should be smooth and firm prior to seeding. 3. 4. 5. One inch of well-rotted compost spread on the soil surface after seeding will prevent excess drying of the soil. Kentucky bluegrass is the most popular species for lawns which w i ll be adequately w a t e r e d. For dryland, Fairway crested wheatgrass is a satisfactory species. Three to five pounds of Kentucky bluegrass or/and creeping red fescue seed per 1000 square feet is an adequate seeding rate. Three pounds of Fairway per 1000 square feet is adequate. 6. Seedings should be made from mid-spring to early fall (May 15 - September 15). 7. First mowing should be delayed until grasses are 2-3 inches tall. 8. Mower should be set to cut at least 2 inches for the first cutting. Slightly lower cuts are permissible after the lawn is established. 9. Thorough watering is essential during periods of limited rainfall. 10. 11. Two or four pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet after the lawn is established will help maintain dark green foliage. Need for phosphorus and potassium should be determined by soil tests. H e r b i c i d e s, such as 2,4-D, are available for broadleaf weed control. Specific herbicides are available for control of crabgrass, chickweed and other hard to control w e e d s. TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH SPONSORED BY THE OHIO AGRICULTURAL R E S E A R CH AND DEVELOPMENT C E N T ER AND THE OHIO STATE U N I V E R S I TY Dr Robert W M i l l e r, Associate Professor D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o m y, College of Agriculture O h io State U n i v e r s i t y, C o l u m b u s, O h io Staff O h io has eight m en associated to some extent w i th turfgrass r e s e a r c h, t e a c h i n g, or extension w h i ch totals about three and one-half full time equivalent p o s i t i o n s. D rs M e r le N i e h a u s, Ronald R M u s e, and Gerald M u s i ck are located at the O h io A g r i c u l t u r al Research and D e v e l o p m e nt Center at W o o s t e r, O h i o. Niehaus is a plant breeder and his time is spent in Ken- tucky bluegrass variety development and w i th turfgrass management studies. M u se joined the staff in 1968 and spends all of his time in turfgrass pa- thology. Dr M u s i ck joined the staff in 1969 and w o r ks part time w i th turf- grass e n t o m o l o g y. Dr R R D a v is has been associated w i th turfgrass research at the O h io Agricultural Research and D e v e l o p m e nt Center since 1950. As of July 1, 1969 he assumed the position of A s s i s t a nt D i r e c t or of the OARDC and w i ll no longer be conducting turfgrass r e s e a r c h. Drs Robert W M i l l e r, L o w e ll E M o s e r, P a ul R H e n d e r l o n g, Richard L Miller and Robert E Partyka are associated with turf at the O h io State Uni- v e r s i t y. R W M i l l er is the only full time individual and his responsibil- ities encompass turfgrass r e s e a r c h, t e a c h i n g, and e x t e n s i o n. M o s er works part time in turfgrass p h y s i o l o gy and management r e s e a r c h. Henderlong joined the O SU staff in 1968 and part of his time is spent in basic physi- ology r e s e a r c h, part of w h i ch deals w i th t u r f g r a s s. R L M i l l er and R E Partyka are associated with the extension service and spends some time on turf insect and turf pathology extension w o rk r e s p e c t i v e l y. Partyka is in charge of plant disease clinic w h e re O h io turfgrass samples can be sent for pathogen culture and identification. T u r f g r a ss Research Projects in O h io N ew Field Research A r ea In 1968 the construction of a new turfgrass field research facility at Columbus w as b e g u n. By the end of 1969 its construction and establish- m e nt should be nearly c o m p l e t e. Present plans include research in the areas of weed c o n t r o l, f e r t i l i z a t i o n, nutrition and tissue t e s t i n g, seed mixtures and b l e n d s, mowing height and t y p e, turf e s t a b l i s h m e n t, thatch a c c u m u l a t i o n, i r r i g a t i o n, and turfgrass e c o l o g y. In addition a rather extensive Ken- tucky b l u e g r a s s, fine leafed f e s c u e, tall f e s c u e, r y e g r a s s, and bentgrass v a r i e t al evaluation p r o g r am w i ll be u n d e r t a k e n. A rather elaborate bentgrass irrigation experiment is to be construct- ed in 1969. Plans include the construction of twenty-four USGA bentgrass greens on w h i ch six irrigation variables can be i m p o s e d. Provisions are to be m a de for m e a s u r i n g, c o l l e c t i n g, and analyzing the leachate from these p l o t s. T he O h io Turfgrass Foundation has m a de much of the construction of the new area possible through their support. At the present time Kentucky bluegrass variety evaluations are being conducted at Wooster and Ripley (Southern O h i o ). Bentgrass variety evaluation plots are located at Wooster and the bermudagrass evaluation is conducted at R i p l e y. The bermudagrass w o rk w i ll probably be phased out in the future. Research in turfgrass mixtures and fertilization is under- way at Wooster also. Field w o rk has been phased out at Columbus until 1969 because the old field research area has been lost to construction. Laboratory and Greenhouse Research Rhizome and tiller initiation and development as affected by photo- p e r i o d, cold treatment, nitrogen level, growth regulators, soil mixtures and varieties has been investigated and further research is planned in this area. Future w o rk on the physiological effect of morphactins and other growth regulators on Kentucky bluegrass is planned. Research in mineral nutrition is underway and there are plans to expand it. The purpose of much of this research is to develop a practical and relatively accurate plant tissue analysis for turfgrass and correlate it with soil tests. Tall fescue cold hardiness has been of interest and future research is planned concerning the environmental effects on tall fescue winterhardiness. Turfgrass Breeding A program to develop improved Kentucky bluegrass varieties and breed- ing procedures was initiated in 1965. Emphasis is being placed on looking at exotic material and the use of radiation and chemical mutagens to in- crease variability. Thus far the mutagen w o rk appears to be very promising and w i ll be pursued. Superior plants have been produced and studies are underway to determine their breeding behaviour and chromosome m a k e u p. This work is being done at W o o s t e r. Turfgrass Entomology Dr Gerald M u s i ck is assigned responsibility for studying the biology, ecology and control of insects and other depredating animals which cause damage to turf. Departmental research has involved the biology and control of white grubs (Phyllophaga s p p . ), Japanese beetle, northern masked chafer, hairy chinch b u g, sod w e b w o r m s, cutworms, and m o l e s. In Ohio the cutworms responsible for most turfgrass damage are the black cutworm, Agrotis ypsilon; the dusky cutworm, Feltia venerabilis; glassy cutworm, Crymodes devastator; and the shield-backed cutworm, Sunira bicolorago. More detailed studies have been concerned with the effect of insecticides on the growth of permanent grasses; the effect of soil aeration, various rates of irrigation, and dif- ferent mowing heights on insect populations. T he following publications are available for distribution: P o l i v k a, J B and W F L y o n. 1 9 6 7. O h io insecticide recommendations for lawn insects. 7 p p. P o l i v k a, J B and W F L y o n. 1966. L e a rn w h e r e, w h e n, how to control the Japanese b e e t l e. Dept Ent Pub Series 25. 4 p p. P o l i v k a, J B 1959. T he biology and control of turf g r u b s. Res Bull 8 2 9. 30 p p. P o l i v k a, J B 1963. C o n t r ol of h a i ry chinch b u g, Blissus leucopterus h i r t u s, M o n t, in O h io Res Circ 122. 7 p p. P o l i v k a, J B 1962. Results of area campaigns against Japanese beetles in O h i o. Res Circ 108. 16 p p. P o l i v k a, J B 1950. D i s t r i b u t i on and control of the Japanese beetle in O h i o. Res Circ 4. 15 p p. P o l i v k a, J B 1965. Effectiveness of insecticides for the control of w h i te grubs in t u r f. Res Circ 140. 7 p p. T u r f g r a ss Pathology T he turfgrass pathology research p r o g r am is just getting started again w i th the addition of Dr M u se to the s t a f f. A few of the aims for future research include the f o l l o w i n g. 1. 2. 3. Influence of the Environment on the D e v e l o p m e nt of T u r f g r a ss D i s e a s e s. Relationship between nutrition and soil m o i s t u re content and sus- ceptibility of various turfgrasses to H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um s p p. N a t u re of the D i f f e r e n t i al Susceptibilities of Common K e n t u c ky Blue- grass and M e r i on Bluegrass to H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um spp. Measurement of the extracellular enzyme capacity of H. sativum w h i le colonizing each bluegrass v a r i e t y. Field Fungicide T r i a l s. A field screening program is underway for chemical control of H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um incited d i s e a s e s, stripe s m u t, F u s a r i um b l i g h t, and Sclerotinia dollar s p o t. TURF R E S E A R CH P R O G R AM O K L A H O MA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Dr W a y ne H u f f i n e, Professor Department of A g r o n o my O k l a h o ma State U n i v e r s i ty S t i l l w a t e r, O k l a h o ma Research w o rk on turfgrasses and their management was begun in 1948 under the supervision of Professor W C E l d e r. T h e se investigations for the first three y e a r s, w e re supported by m o n ey furnished by the Tulsa Golfers Fund for W ar W o u n d e d, I n c, through the U S GA Green S e c t i o n. Both basic and applied types of research are conducted in the turfgrass re- search p r o g r a m. T h e se investigations involve genetics and plant b r e e d i n g, plant nutrition and p h y s i o l o g y, establishment and m a i n t e n a n c e. Turf re- search that is now in progress includes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Evaluation of introduced and domestic grasses and ground cover plants for turf p u r p o s e s. Selection and compatibility determinations of creeping red fescue s e e d l i n g s. Evaluation of bentgrass selections for disease r e s i s t a n c e, heat tolerance and putting green q u a l i t i e s. Investigation of thatch development in bermudagrass and its relation to the decline in turf q u a l i t y. Investigation of protective coatings on bermudagrass sprigs to extend the present planting p e r i o d. 6. H e r b i c i de evaluation for w e ed control in t u r f. 7. R o a d s i de development and erosion control on O k l a h o ma h i g h w a y s. 8. Diseases of turfgrasses and their c o n t r o l. 9. M a n a g e m e nt practices for h i gh quality turf p r o d u c t i o n. 10. Investigation of h e r b i c i de longevity and its effect on germinating creeping bentgrass s e e d. T U R F G R A SS R E S E A R CH REPORT Dr C R S k o g l e y, A s s o c i a te Professor Department of A g r o n o my 6c M e c h a n i z ed A g r i c u l t u re College of A g r i c u l t u re University of R h o de Island K i n g s t o n, R h o de Island T he responsibility of department researchers involve is as follows: N J a c k s on - D i s e a s es J A Jagschitz - Turf w e ed control D T Duff - Physiology F B L e d e b o er - M a n a g e m e nt C R Skogley - M a n a g e m e nt I. GRASSES AND MANAGEMENT - GOLF TURF A. Bentgrass for Putting Greens Seventy-two grass selections or m i x t u r e s, established vegetative- ly or from seed between 1963 and 1965 w e re evaluated in 1 0 x 1 0 p l o t s. D a ta w e re obtained on turf q u a l i t y, dollar spot and snow m o l d. Half of each plot receives annual applications of bensulide to check its effectiveness as a P oa annua h e r b i c i de and to check grass response to the c h e m i c a l. Half of each p l o t, at right angles to the herbicide t r e a t m e n t, receives periodic fungicide treatments. T he other half plot receives no fungicide through the y e a r. 1 1 In general the velvet bents continued to receive the highest turf score ratings on a seasonal a v e r a g e. T he h i g h e st rating w as given to V e s p er V B closely followed by K i n g s t o wn and R I selection A - 9. M i x t u r es of K i n g s t o wn and J a m e s t o wn red fescue also rated high during 1 9 6 8. E v a n s v i l l e, four R I selections and the U S DA selection 4(42)4 w e re the top rated creeping bent selections for the y e a r. Exeter and Exeter - J a m e s t o wn m i x t u r es continued as the best co- lonial bentgrass in the t r i a l. T h i r t y - s ix additional grasses w e re established for putting green observation during 1968 and 20-30 bent selections were made from old golf greens in the state and are being vegetatively increased. B. Plastic Screens for W i n t er Protection Plastic screens providing shade densities from 9 to 8 8 %, in color of w h i t e, green and black w e re evaluated as turf covers to pro- vide w i n t er protection to putting greens and newly seeded a r e a s. T e m p e r a t u r es in the soil and turf w e re recorded and quality scores w e re given r e g u l a r l y. Black screens w i th shade densities from 50 to 65 appear to be o p t i m i u m. Some information was obtained on temperatures under the c o v e r s, on fertilizer - cover r e l a t i o n s h i p, and on m a n a g e m e nt following cover removal in the spring. C. P o t a s s i um and Soil T e s t i ng Studies A fertilizer ratio study on velvet b e n t g r a s s, started in 1 9 2 9, has been used during 1968 for small scale potash studies and for soil test correlation o b s e r v a t i o n s. Scheduled fertilizer ratio treatments w e re stopped in 1964 and only N has been supplied since that t i m e. Potash deficient plots w e re subdivided and re- ceived Excellent responses w e re obtained even at the lowest l e v e l. and 1 lb/1000 sq ft rates of K during the s e a s o n. Soil samples from all old ratio plots was sampled twice during the year in an attempt to relate grass r e s p o n s e, levels of P and K in the soil as m e a s u r ed by the N o r th Carolina Soil Testing System (newly adapted for R I ), and fertilizer usage recommenda- tions based on soil test r e s u l t s. D. M a n a g e m e nt of V e l v et Bent for Putting T u rf An area of K i n g s t o wn velvet bent w as established during the year to provide space for a projected management s t u d y. F e r t i l i z a t i o n, soil topdressing and cultivation w i ll be i n c l u d e d. Treatments w i ll commence in 1 9 6 9. GRASSES AND MANAGEMENT - L A W NS AND U T I L I TY TURF A. V a r i e ty Evaluations for Turf Use Biweekly turf scores w e re taken through the season on a trial started in 1966 w h i ch includes 54 strains and varieties of Ken- tucky b l u e g r a s s, red fescue and r y e g r a s s. Plots w e re mown at 3/4 inch and received 3 lbs N/1000 sq ft during the season. A v a r i e ty trial w h i ch included 12 of the m o st promising K e n t u c ky bluegrass selections was established in the spring of 1967 and w as m a i n t a i n ed and evaluated as the above test during 1968. As scoring continued into late N o v e m b e r, the seasonal performance of the grasses in these trials has not yet been a n a l y z e d. B. L a wn Seed M i x t u r es A study of 20 experimental lawn grasses and mixtures w as es- tablished in early 1 9 6 7. T he mixtures include promising varieties of K e n t u c ky b l u e g r a s s, red fescue and colonial b e n t g r a s s. This study includes 2 cutting heights (1 1/2 and 3/4 inch) and three fertility levels (2, 4, 6 lbs N/1000 sq ft a n n u a l l y ). Several Kentucky b l u e g r a s s, red fescue and colonial bentgrass selections w e re obtained throughout the N o r t h e a s t e rn U S and Eastern Canada during the s e a s o n. T h ey are being increased for inclusion in evaluation s t u d i e s. D. Red Fescue M o r p h o l o gy A study was initiated to gain knowledge of the m o r p h o l o g i c al and genetic differences of several red fescue v a r i e t i e s. J a m e s t o w n, H i g h l i g h t, P e n n l a w n, Chewings and common are included. E. Kentucky Bluegrass and Red Fescue V a r i e ty Evaluation Fifty-five bluegrass varieties or selections w e re seeded in the fall of 1968 as a part of the NE-57 regional project e f f o r t. Duplicate trials w e re established so that two fertility levels can be m a i n t a i n e d. 24 red fescues w e re established in addition and w i ll also be evaluated under 2 levels of fertility. Data have been obtained on rate of e s t a b l i s h m e n t. F. Fertilizer Studies 1. 2. 3. Timing of applications: T en g r a s s e s, alone and in m i x t u r e s, kept under a 3/4" cutting height are being subjected to different rates and variable timing of fertilizer applications to provide 1, 2 and 3 lbs of N/1000 sq ft a year as 10-6-4. Results over a 4 year period indicate considerably earlier spring green-up of red fescues and Kentucky b l u e g r a s s e s, better w i n t er color and acceptable summer performance w h e re 1 lb of N is applied in Sept and 2 lbs in late N o v e m b e r. W h i le turf quality is equal or better w i th fall fertilization, average clipping yields are generally lower than with spring- summer a p p l i c a t i o n s. Slow release N studies: T wo trials are in progress to eval- uate the performance of I B D U, mag a m p, urea-form and activa- ted s l u d g e, w i th variables of rate and time of a p p l i c a t i o n. O ne study was initiated in the fall of 1967 and the second in the spring of 1968. Potassium studies on K e n t u c ky bluegrass: An M S thesis study on N :K relations was completed and a paper on the study has been accepted for publication in the Agronomy J o u r n a l. T he study was entitled "Effects of N -K levels on the growth and chemical composition of K e n t u c ky bluegrass." It was determined that the requirements for K was increased as N was increased. G. Electric Soil Warming Soil warming w i th electric cables to supply 10 watts/sq ft has been tested for three w i n t e rs on seven different putting green and lawn g r a s s e s. All seven grasses w e re kept reasonably green on unfrozen soil all w i n t er w h en the soil thermostat was at 50°F. T he heat was turned off suddenly during cold spells (below 0°F.) on two occasions during the winter of 1967-68 and the soil was permitted to freeze to a depth of 12 inches before again warming the soil. Grasses browned off but recovered 100% w h en heat was r e s t o r e d. A larger scale study was installed in Dec of 1967. T h is included 3 cable types to supply 5, 10 and 15 w a t t s / sq ft and soil thermo- stat settings w e re varied from 4 0° to 60°F during the w i n t e r. T h e r m o c o u p l es w e re installed to m e a s u re temperatures at the cables and at m a ny locations from the base of the grass to depths of several feet. D u r i ng the winter information w as obtained on the use of various covers over the warmed s o i l, on seed germination and establishment with and w i t h o ut covers and on the rooting of s o d. H. C o l o n i al Bentgrass M a n a g e m e nt for L a wn T u rf A study w as started in the spring on 2-year old Exeter Colonial bentgrass to study the variables of m o w er t y p e, fertilizer rate and application frequency and on cultivation or thatch c o n t r o l. I. T h a t ch C o n t r ol in H e a v i ly Fertilized M e r i on Kentucky Bluegrass T h is study is now 7 years old and the grass stand is 11 years o l d. T he grass is fertilized at 4 and 8 lb/N/1000 sq ft annually and cultural treatments include: fall treatments - mowing 1/2 to 3/4 inch (maintained at 1 1/2 inch routinely) a e r o b l a d i n g, thin-cutting and combinations of these p r a c t i c e s. D a ta are now being assembled for p u b l i c a t i o n. J. L a te Fall F e r t i l i z a t i on Effects on Cold Hardiness of K e n t u c ky Bluegrass A new project w as initiated this season to investigate the level of cold hardiness in K e n t u c ky bluegrass fertilized throughout the fall season at biweekly i n t e r v a l s. Plots receive 2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft in one fall application from ammonium n i t r a t e. A d d i t i o n al N to total 5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year w i ll be applied during the growing s e a s o n. L a b o r a t o ry d e t e r m i n a t i o n s, of the polymerization of storage carbohydrates and the con- ductivity of tissue leachate w i ll be used to indicate the in- h e r e nt cold h a r d i n e ss of tissues produced under the various t r e a t m e n t s. No data are available from this study to d a t e. I I I. W E ED CONTROL IN T U R F G R A SS A. B i o a s s ay for B e n s u l i d e, D C PA and Siduron in T u r f g r a ss (1964-67) Seedlings of 22 plant species were evaluated in aqueous sus- pensions of b e n s u l i d e, D C PA and siduron to determine their value as indicator plants for bioassay in a week's t i m e. The species showing the greatest sensitivity by reductions in root or shoot lengths w e re evaluated in soil m i x t u r es to determine the level of sensitivity under soil c o n d i t i o n s. O at and brown-top millet w e re sensitive to bensulide at 1 p p m, w h e at and intermediate wheat- grass to siduron at 1 p pm and browntop and foxtail millets to D C PA at 10 p p m. T h e se indicator p l a n t s, in most c a s e s, proved reliable in detecting the presence and movement of these herbicides in soils from field-treated p l o t s. D o w n w a rd m o v e m e nt of bensulide and sid- uron from surface field applications was detected in s o i l. T he highest concentration of all three chemicals was found near the surface. T h e re appeared to be no accummulation in soil treated w i th four annual applications of b e n s u l i d e, D C PA or siduron. ("Weed Science ' early 1969) 1 B. Effectiveness of F a ll and Spring A p p l i c a t i o ns of Chemicals for Pre-emergent Crabgrass C o n t r ol (1967-68) Eight chemicals w e re applied in the fall (October) and spring (April) for the selective control of crabgrass in a four-year- old stand of lawn-type turf containing b l u e g r a s s, fescue and bent- g r a s s. Bandane (35 l b / A ), bensulide (10 l b ), D M PA (15 lb) and D C PA (10 lb) gave effective control w h en applied in either the fall or s p r i n g, but D C PA produced thinning of the fescue and bent- g r a s s. O n ly the spring treatments of siduron (12 lb) and terbutol (10 lb) gave effective c o n t r o l. T he fall use of terbutol result- ed in severe turfgrass i n j u r y. N i t r a l in (2.4 lb) produced effec- tive control w h en applied in the fall or s p r i n g, but fall use re- sulted in considerable turf injury. Poor crabgrass control was produced by benefin (2 lb) w h en applied in either the fall or s p r i n g. (Proc NEWCC 1969) C. Evaluation of Spring A p p l i ed Pre-emergent Crabgrass Herbicides (1968) N ew and standard h e r b i c i d e s, as w e ll as various formulations and rates of t h e s e, w e re applied in M ay 1968 for the selective con- trol of crabgrass in a two-year old stand of lawn-type turf con- taining bluegrass and fescue. T he test area had been overseeded w i th crabgrass in 1 9 6 7. To determine the control of late season crabgrass it was overseeded again in J u l y. T r e a t m e n ts w h i ch showed a decrease in control from August to September chiefly due to the p r e s e n ce of new plants w e re as follows: b e n e f in (2 and 3 l b / A ), siduron (10, 12 and 15 l b ), nitralin (1% and 2 lb) and NC- 5651 (8 lb). T h e se herbicides evidently have a relatively short period of residual e f f e c t i v e n e s s. Four D C PA (10 lb) formulations gave excellent crabgrass c o n t r o l, but produced a severe reduction in fescue grass p l a n t s. C o n t r ol w i th benefin at the \\ lb rate was 69% and at the 2-3 lb rate ranged from 7 0 - 8 5 %. T u rf injury produced by the 3 lb rate was m o d e r a t e. Crabgrass control was in the 80's at the \\ lb rate of nitralin and in the 9 0 3 lb r a t e. Some injury developed at the 3 lb r a t e. Granular formulations of nitralin produced less i n j u ry than sprays w h i le both had comparable degrees of crabgrass c o n t r o l. Siduron at rates from 10 to 15 lbs produced control of 87-91% w i th good safety to the t u r f. N C - 5 6 5 1, an experimental herbicide (Fisons), at the rate of 8 lb gave 887 This herbicide should be investigated further. (Proc NEWCC 1 9 6 9 ). control w i th good turf tolerance. s at the f 0 (1966-68) To determine the residual effectiveness of herbicides w h i ch w e re applied in M ay 1 9 6 6, crabgrass seed was sown over the test area in December 1966 and control ratings w e re made in September 1 9 6 7. Results of the 1967 season w e re presented in the Proc NEWCC 1 9 6 8. Bandane and bensulide gave better residual control the year after treatment than did b e n e f i n, D C P A, D M P A, n i t r a l i n, t e r b u t o l, siduron and S i n d o n e. Control from Bandane and Betasan ranged from 75-83% at the standard rate and from 92-98% at the double r a t e. Crabgrass was seeded in the fall of 1967 and resid- ual control w as noted in the 2nd year (1968) after treatment. Bandane and Betasan treated plots in the 2nd year had less crab- grass than the other treated p l o t s. At the standard rate con- trol ranged from 44 to 497 control and bensulide gave 62% c o n t r o l. . At the double rate bandane gave 91% 0 The above procedure was applied to another test area w h e re simi- lar herbicides w e re initially applied in M ay 1 9 6 7. The results of the 1967 season w e re presented in the Proc NEWCC 1968. Ban- dane and bensulide again gave the best residual control the year after t r e a t m e n t. At the standard rate control ranged from 76- 80% w h i le at the double rate from 9 7 - 9 8 %. None of the other seven herbicides at the standard rate had better than 31% con- t r o l, although in the season of use most of them had control above 90%, as did bandane or b e n s u l i d e. E. Postemergent C o n t r ol of Crabgrass (1968) Several herbicides and c o m b i n a t i o ns of herbicides w e re evaluated for the selective control of crabgrass in a two-year old stand of lawn-type turf containing bluegrass and fescue. Crabgrass at the time of the first treatment w as in the 5-leaf stage of g r o w t h. At eight day intervals some plots w e re treated for a second and third time. T wo applications of D S MA at 3 lb/A gave good crab- grass control as did one application of siduron plus DSMA (10 + 3 lb) or dicamba plus M S MA (.4 4- 2.6 l b ). A ll treatments caused turf i n j u r y. T he siduron plus D S MA combination caused the least injury and the dicamba plus M S MA the m o s t. An experimental chem- ical (ER-5661) failed to control crabgrass and/or caused consid- erable turf i n j u r y. Rates under study w e re 1 / 3, 2/3 and 1 lb/A w i th o n e, two and three a p p l i c a t i o n s. TURF R E S E A R CH S U M M A R Y, 1968-69 Dr P M A l e x a n d e r, Project L e a d er H o r t i c u l t u re D e p a r t m e n t, Clemson University C l e m s o n, South Carolina Project Title: Investigations of factors influencing the d e v e l o p m e n t, p r o d u c t i o n, and management of turfgrasses utilized for u t i l i t y, b e a u t i f i c a t i o n, and r e c r e a t i o n al p u r p o s e s. (SC-788) Objectives : 1. To obtain and evaluate new s t r a i n s, v a r i e t i e s, and/ or species of turfgrasses for varied uses under South Carolina c o n d i t i o n s. (continuing) 2. To develop methods and techniques for better uti- lization of turfgrasses with respect to p r o d u c t i o n, e s t a b l i s h m e n t, and m a n a g e m e nt p r a c t i c e s. (5 year- renewable) 3. To d e t e r m i n e, by state-wide survey and contacts with turf industry p e r s o n n e l, the nature and re- lative importance of m a j or problems in all aspects of turfgrass usage for the purpose of enlarging the scope of research to include these problems as rapidly as p o s s i b l e. (continuing) Cooperating Units: 1. Department of H o r t i c u l t u re 2. D e p a r t m e nt of A g r i c u l t u r al C h e m i c al Services 3. Department of A g r i c u l t u r al Economics 4. Department of A g r i c u l t u r al Engineering 5. Department of A g r o n o my 6. D e p a r t m e nt of Botany and Bacteriology 7. Department of Entomology and Z o o l o gy 8. Department of Recreation and Parks A d m i n i s t r a t i on 9. D e p a r t m e nt of Seed Certification 10. S C A g r i c u l t u r al Experiment Stations 11. 12. S C Extension Service S C Crop Pest C o m m i s s i on TURF STUDY IN SOUTH DAKOTA Dr D a le E H e r m a n, A s s i s t a nt Professor Horticulture & Forestry Department College of A g r i c u l t u re 6c Biological Sciences South D a k o ta State University B r o o k i n g s, South Dakota South Dakota State University does not have a definite turf program under funding but w i ll h a ve s h o r t l y. I presently h a ve a turf varietal evaluation study u n d e r w a y. T w e n t y - f i ve named K e n t u c ky bluegrass seed sources are being compar- atively e v a l u a t e d. T h is study also includes fourteen species and vari- eties of fine f e s c u e s, thirteen species and varieties of b e n t g r a s s e s, b u f f a l o g r a s s, four tall f e s c u e s, four ryegrasses and five coarse-tex- tured w e s t e rn s p e c i e s. Some of the factors to be considered are year-round c o l o r, including spring green-up and fall growth r e s p o n s e, disease r e s i s t a n c e, fertilizer r e s p o n s e, vigor of s p r e a d, d e n s i t y, texture and mowing c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s. m TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH AT T HE U N I V E R S I TY OF T E N N E S S EE Dr L l o yd C a l l a h a n, P r o j e ct L e a d er T u r f g r a ss M a n a g e m e n t, D e p a r t m e nt of A g r o n o my University of T e n n e s s e e, K n o x v i l l e, T e n n e s s ee Research in T u r f g r a ss M a n a g e m e nt at the U n i v e r s i ty of T e n n e s s ee is conducted at three locations on the M a in S t a t i o n, at K n o x v i l l e, and at six Branch Experiment Stations strategically located throughout the state.- The following is a summary of the w o rk in p r o g r e s s. I. H a t ch 245: T he Effects of Pesticides on T u rf Pests and T u r f g r a s s e s. A. P h y t o t o x i c i ty of Selected Herbicides and T h e ir Residual Effects in a Penncross Creeping Bentgrass G r e e n. O b j e c t i v e s: To determine the tolerance of Penncross to selected pre-emergence type h e r b i c i d e s; to determine the type of injury duration of i n j u r y, and level of herbicide persistence in the s o i l. Results: First year of a three-year t e s t. 1. Bensulide (10, 1 5, 20 lb ai/A) caused no visible foliage injury in the field but did cause severe reduction in root regrowth in residue t e s t s. 2. Siduron (8, 1 2, 16 lb ai/A) caused no v i s i b le foliage in- jury in the field and no significant reduction in root regrowth in residue t e s t s. 3. T e r b u t ol (10, 1 5, 20 lb ai/A) caused slight to moderate foliage injury in the field and severe root reduction in residue t e s t s. 4. Benefin (2, 3, 4 lb ai/A) caused severe foliage burn in the field but no significant reduction in root regrowth in residue t e s t s. 5. D C PA (10, 1 5, 20 lb ai/A) caused slight to m o d e r a te foliag injury in the field and slight to m o d e r a te reduction in root regrowth in residue t e s t s. F o l i a ge responses for the first 4 w e e ks in the field resembled dark greening similar to nitrogen r e s p o n s e s. 6. Bandane (40, 6 0, 80 lb ai/A) caused slight foliage injury in the field and slight to m o d e r a te reduction in root re- growth in residue t e s t s. 7. T r i - c a l c i um arsenate (200, 3 0 0, 400 lb ai/A) caused an initial severe foliage burn in the field w h i ch recovered in two weeks showing no v i s i b le i n j u r y. Residue tests showed no significant reduction in root r e g r o w t h. 1. No treated plots in the field w e re l o s t. 2. T he herbicides w h i ch tended to accumulate in the 0-2 inch soil zone w e re tri-calcium a r s e n a t e, b a n d a n e, b e n s u l i d e, and t e r b u t o l. 3. T he herbicides w h i ch tended to accumulate in higher concen- tration in the 2-4 inch soil zone w e re s i d u r o n, b e n e f i n, and D C P A. 4. Thus f a r, the safest herbicides as residues to root devel- opment appear to be tri-calcium arsenate and siduron. T he most phytotoxic residues w e re terbutol and b e n s u l i d e. Phytotoxicity of Selected Herbicides and T h e ir Residual Effects in a T i f t on 328 Bermudagrass G r e e n. O b j e c t i v e s: To determine the tolerance of T - 3 28 bermuda to selected herbicides; to determine the type of i n j u r y, duration of i n j u r y, and level of herbicide persistence in the soil; to determine h e r b i c i d al effectiveness in controlling Poa annua ; and to determine the phytotoxicity of h e r b i c i de residues to cool season grass overseedings for w i n t er c o v e r. T r e a t m e n t s: T h is study was just recently started. Treatments are as follows: 1. Bensulide (12.5 and 25 lb ai/A) and benefin (2 and 4 lb ai/A) applied in m i d - J u ly and early F e b r u a r y. 2. U r a c il (1/2 and 1 lb ai/A) applied in m i d - J u l y, late S e p t e m b e r, early F e b r u a r y, and m i d - M a r c h. 3. Siduron (8 and 16 l b ), D C PA (10 and 20 l b ), bandane (40 and 80 l b ), terbutol (10 and 20 l b ), and tri-calcium arsenate (200 and 400 l b ), all a i / A, applied in m i d - J u l y. 4. Poa annua w as seeded in a portion of each treated plot in m i d - J u l y. 5. A portion of each treated plot w i ll be seeded to Seaside creeping b e n t g r a s s, Pennlawn creeping red f e s c u e, annual r y e g r a s s, and Poa trivialis in late S e p t e m b e r. Results : 1. Siduron caused m o d e r a te (8 lb ai/A) and severe (16 lb ai/A) foliage injury (browning) w i t h in 7 days after a p p l i c a t i o n. By the end of the second w e ek both rates w e re causing very severe foliage i n j u r y. By the fourth w e ek the foliage still had not r e c o v e r e d. 2. U r a c il (1/2 lb ai/A) caused slight and (1 lb ai/A) moderate foliage injury (yellowing) by the end of the first w e ek after a p p l i c a t i o n s. By the fourth w e ek the foliage injury had r e c o v e r e d. P h y t o t o x i c i ty of Selected Herbicides in C o ol and W a rm Season Turf- grass V a r i e t i es under L a wn M a n a g e m e n t. O b j e c t i v e s: To determine the general safety of the more commonly used pre-emerge and postemerge type herbicides recommended for use in turf on selected cool and w a rm season turfgrass varieties maintained under lawn conditions at different locations through- out T e n n e s s e e. Results : (general s u m m a r y ). 1. Siduron (12 lb ai/A) caused m o d e r a te turf thinning in m o st of the 14 bermuda v a r i e t i e s. Severe thinning occurred in Tifdwarf b e r m u d a. 2. Bensulide (10 lb ai/A) and Benefin (3 lb ai/A) cause slight injury in Zoysia m a t r e l l a. 3. DCPA (12 lb ai/A) induced a dark greening of the foliage of all the w a rm and cool season varieties similar to nitrogen r e s p o n s e. During persistent hot w e a t h er some foliage burn r e s u l t e d, p a r t i c u l a r ly in the cool season g r a s s e s. 4. Benefin (3 lb ai/A) caused severe injury in 5 K e n t u c ky bluegrass v a r i e t i e s, m o d e r a te injury in 5 red fescues vari- e t i e s, severe to complete kill in 5 bentgrass v a r i e t i e s, severe injury in d i c h o n d r a, and only slight injury in tall fescue and p e r e n n i al r y e g r a s s. 5. CMA -18%: CPA - 6% granular (30 lb ai/A) caused slight injury in the bentgrass varieties and severe injury in centipede- grass . 6. D S MA (3 lb ai/A) caused slight foliage burn in common Ken- tucky bluegrass and Zoysia m a t r e l la and m o d e r a te foliage burn in K e n t u c ky b l u e, z o y s i a, and T - 3 28 bermuda at 6 lb a i / A. Fungicidal C o n t r ol of L a r ge Brown Patch in a Penncross Creeping Bentgrass G r e e n. Objectives : To evaluate the effectiveness of several fungicides in controlling the L a r ge Brown Patch disease in Penncross creeping bentgrass; to determine the effectiveness of these fungicides w h en applied in an infrequent preventive-type pro- g r a m. Results : (Summary of 1967 and early summer 1968) # 1. O ut of 16 f o r m u l a t i o n s, 2 rates e a c h, applied every 2 weeks for 9 treatment d a t e s, the only fungicides providing complete control of Brown Patch w e re Dac 2787 and an experimental containing Daconil as one of its active i n g r e d i e n t s. 2. M o st of the remaining fungicides gave outstanding con- t r o l. 1968 1. T r e a t m e nt entries w e re reduced to 14 f o r m u l a t i o n s, 2 rates e a c h, applied every 3 w e e ks for 6 treatment d a t e s. (All treatments are expressed as oz or lb commercial/1,000 sq ft.) 2. T r e a t m e n ts providing complete control of Brown Patch during early summer were: Dac 2787 (4 and 8 o z ), C S - 5 6 23 (4 and 8 oz--contains D a c o n i l ), Dupont 1991 (2 and 4 o z ), T e r s an OM (3 and 6 o z ), Kroma-clor (3 and 6 o z ), T h i r am (3 and 6 o z ), Acti-dione -f T h i r am (2 and 4 o z ), Dyrene (1/4 and 1/2 lb), and O r t ho L a wn and T u rf Fungicide (3 and 6 oz) c 3. Treatments providing complete control of Brown Patch by mid summer were: Dac 2787 (4 and 8 o z ), CS-5623 (4 and 8 o z ), Dupont 1991 (2 and 4 o z ), Tersan OM (6 o z ), and K r o m a - c l or (6 o z ). E. N e m a t o de Control and the Effects of Nematocides in a Bentgrass G r e e n. O b j e c t i v e s: To determine the effects of selected nematocides on nematode populations in a Penncross creeping bentgrass green and to evaluate the response of the turf to the n e m a t o c i d e s. Treatments: This study was just recently started. Treatments are as follows: 1. A P e n n c r o ss creeping bentgrass green is being inoculated w i th the l a n c e, s t u n t, and spiral nematodes and allowed to increase until sufficiently high to initiate damage before treatments are a p p l i e d, 2. Planned treatments are w i th D a s a n i t, S a r o l e x, Z i n o p h o s, N e m a g o n, and two e x p e r i m e n t á i s. C o o p e r a t i o n s: This study is being conducted as a joint project between T u rf and A g r i c u l t u r al Biology (Nematology). H a t ch 47: M a n a g e m e nt and Evaluation of T u r f g r a s s e s. A. T he Evaluation of Selected Fertility Treatments on a Cool and W a rm Season T u r f. O b j e c t i v e s: To evaluate the accumulated effects of various com- binations of a complete f e r t i l i z e r, n i t r o g e n, and lime on turf c o l o r, d e n s i t y, disease s u s c e p t i b i l i t y, and competition w i th w e e ds in common K e n t u c ky bluegrass and T i f t on 328 bermudagrass lawn-type turfs at different locations throughout T e n n e s s e e. T r e a t m e n t s: We h a ve a 2-1/2 years information on a 5-year program in plots located at 3 branch experiment stations and at the K n o x v i l le s t a t i o n. A ll nitrogen w as applied at 1 lb a c t u a l / M w i th each topdress application and 4 l b / M the top 8 inches of the s o i l. Seedbed p r e p a r a t i on lime was at 100 l b / M and topdress applications are at 25 l b / M w h en incorporated in 2 . 2 2 2 Results: (General Summary) 1. In g e n e r a l, most treatments w e re better than none at a l l. 2. T he less desirable treatments began showing their effects quickly as serious turf t h i n n i n g, c h l o r o s i s, w i n t er and summer weed i n v a s i o n, and H e l m i n t h o s p o r i um leaf s p o t, r u s t, and dollar s p o t. (1) lime o n l y, incorporated only at seedbed time or top- dressed once/year; (2) complete fertilizer (10-10-10), incorporated only at seedbed time; (3) complete fertilizer (10-10-10) , topdressed only once each y e a r, regardless of w h e t h er lime was included or not; nitrogen o n l y, w i th or w i t h o ut lime; (5) thus for treatments producing the greater density and best disease tolerance are fertilizer treatments applied in the fall and spring o n l y. (6) the m o re desirable treatments are segregating out at a slow r a t e. B. Effects of Predormancy Phosphate and Potash T r e a t m e n ts on W i n t er Survival of Emerald Z o y s i a. Objectives: To determine the effects of different rates of p o t a s h, ratios of P - K, and dormancy mowing heights on winter survival and leaf bud development in an Emerald zoysia t u r f. Results: Summary of 1 year Special P r o b l em W o r k. 1. T he highest number of buds occurred in the plots treated w i th 0 lb N - 2 lb phosphate - 6 lb p o t a s h / M amounted to 121 buds/50 sq c m. 2 , w h i ch 2. T he lowest number of buds occurred in the plots treated , amount- w i th 0 lb N - 24 lb phosphate - 12 lb p o t a s h / M ing to 38 buds/50 sq c m. 2 3. Plots receiving no predormancy fertilization treatment produced 90 buds/50 sq c m. C. Summer Fertilization of a Bentgrass G r e e n. Purpose: Bentgrass is generally favored as the permanent golf course putting green in most areas of T e n n e s s ee w h e re it can be m a i n t a i n e d. H o w e v e r, bentgrass greens are often lost in T e n n e s s ee most often due to a lack of knowledge of summer fertilization m a n a g e m e n t. Ob 1ectives: To determine the response of a Penncross creeping bentgrass green to different types and rates of selective nitro gen fertilizers during the summer. To develop information on the proper use of n i t r o g en fertilization as to t y p e, s o u r c e, and r a t e, for the safest means of maintaining bentgrass greens during summer stress p e r i o d s. Treatments: (M S T h e s is just i n i t i a t e d ). 1. T wo n a t u r al o r g a n i c s, U F, ammonium n i t r a t e, u r e a, and a sulfur coated urea each applied at 1 / 2, 1, and 2 lb N / M at 4 w e ek intervals throughout the s u m m e r. 2 D. V a r i e ty E v a l u a t i o n s. O b j e c t i v e s: To determine the general responses of selected cool and w a rm season turfgrass v a r i e t i e s, and m i x t u r e s, under lawn- type conditions w h i le maintained at different locations through out T e n n e s s e e. Results: (Progress s u m m a r y ). 1. K e n t u c ky bluegrass in sunny locations in south central and w e st T e n n e s s ee areas tend to degenerate r a p i d l y. 2. Rainier creeping red fescue at high elevations in east T e n n e s s ee retains its color m u ch longer into late fall and w i n t er than does P e n n l a w n, I l l a h e e, or Chewings fescue. 3. Although Merion K e n t u c ky bluegrass is highly susceptible to leaf rust this disease does not appear to be serious w h en several modest fertilizer treatments are made through- out the growing season to encourage continuous g r o w t h. 4. W i n t e r - k i ll of the fine-leaved zoysias appear to be a prob- lem in east T e n n e s s e e. Thus f a r, withholding water-soluble N from the zoysia until w e ll after it has broken dormancy in the spring tends to reduce the seriousness of this prob- l e m. E. A Correlation of T e m p e r a t u r es w i th Bud Formation in a Bermudagrass G r e e n. Purpose: In T e n n e s s ee w h e re bermudagrass is the predominant golf greens g r a s s, the p r o b l em exists of protecting the grass during winter d o r m a n c y. Straw has been used w i th varying success. H o w e v e r, the p r o b l em arises as to the proper time to remove the straw w i th the least danger to the newly developed bermudagrass b u d s. Objectives: To correlate soil and air temperatures in the mi- croclimate of w i n t er dormant bermudagrass greens w i th periods of bud formation in late w i n t er to early s p r i n g. To determine dates in early spring to remove mulch covers w i th the greatest safety to the bermudagrass buds prior to full dormancy b r e a k i n g. Cooperations: T h is study is to be conducted w i th the cooperation of the U S Weather Bureau at the J a c k s on T e n n e s s ee Experiment S t a t i o n. F. Effects of Shade on S t a n d, V i g or and L o n g e v i ty of Selected G r a s s e s. Objectives: To determine the tolerance of selected turf and forage grasses to controlled levels of shading. To m e a s u re v i g o r, rate of s p r e a d, appearance and longevity of these grasses under 3 levels of shade as compared to growth in full sun. Treatments: 1. Turfgrass selections are T - 3 28 b e r m u d a g r a s s, Emerald z o y s i a, common K e n t u c ky b l u e g r a s s, and Pennlawn creeping red fescue. 2. Forage type selections are Boone orchardgrass and Kentucky 31 tall fescue. 3. Shade levels are 3 0 %, 5 0 %, and 70% plastic mesh sheets and plots in full sun. Cooperations: This study is being conducted as joint project be- tween Turf and F o r a g e s. TURF RESEARCH AT TEXAS A 6c M UNIVERSITY Dr George M c B e e, Assistant Professor W a l l a ce M e n n, Instructor Department of Soil 6c Crop Science Texas A 6c M University C o l l e ge S t a t i o n, Texas T he turf research p r o g r am at Texas A 6c M University is generally di- vided into two categories w h i ch are basic and a p p l i e d. A summary or out- line of the program is as follows: I. Basic A. T i f g r e en nutrition - Includes cation ratios among which inter- actions of K, Ca and Mg have been s t u d i e d, P -K r e l a t i o n s h i p s, and N i t r o g e n. B. Shade tolerance - Studies are and have been conducted on influence of light q u a l i t y, certain influences by biochemical agents and variety r e s p o n s e s. C. V a r i e ty variations - Trials on chemical differences between various bermudagrasses are currently in p r o g r e s s. D. Herbicides - P h y s i o l o g i c al condition of weeds at time of herbicide applications are being investigated. E. Cold tolerance - T he varieties of turfgrass under investigation are T i f g r e en and St A u g u s t i n e; both field and greenhouse trials are used to study the interactions of temperature and n u t r i t i o n. I I. A d a p t i ve type experiments A. Edging trials - R e s i d u al plus desiccants and combinations of both have been used w i th the purpose of trying for fast desiccation plus residual or long lasting e f f e c t s. For use on baseball dia- monds , e t c. B. Soil amendment - T h e se experiments have included Texturf IF as the turfgrass for our e x p e r i m e n t s. Materials used have been calcined c l a y, organic m a t e r i al and decomposed b a r k. V a r i a b le fertilizer rates coupled w i th aerification vs no aerification have also been i n c l u d e d. C. H e r b i c i de p h y t o t o x i c i ty on St Augustinegrass - Hormone type ma- terials along w i th varying times of application are being studied on this g r a s s. D. P h y t o t o x i c i ty trials on T i f g r e en and Tifdwarf - T h r ee groups of m a t e r i a l s, h e r b i c i d e s, fungicides and insecticides w e re used at lx and 2x rates on these two g r a s s e s. H o r m o ne type herbicides w e re about all that produced some d a m a g e. E. St Augustinegrass (chinch bugs) - We are studying possible tolerance or resistance of some strains to chinch b u g s. F. Establishment of Zoysia - M i d w e st and M e y er zoysia grass w e re used w i th St Augustine included for comparison of planting have been studied along w i th three rates of n i t r o g e n. three methods G. V a r i e ty trials - T wo areas are planted to bermudagrass selections. T he usual ratings of c o l o r, d e n s i t y, a g g r e s s i v e n e s s, etc are being r e c o r d e d. H. Poa annua - Trials are being initiated on T i f g r e en to study effects of certain pre-emerge materials and timing of application for best control of Poa a n n u a. I. Brownpatch control in St Augustinegrass - T he p r o g r am to date has largely been one of m a t e r i al e v a l u a t i o n. P r a c t i c a l ly all of the commonly used fungicides have been used over a period of y e a r s, but PCNB continues to consistently produce the best r e s u l t s. J. Soil warming - T h r ee sites in Texas have been used for soil warm- ing studies on w a rm season g r a s s e s. T h ey are College S t a t i o n, Ft W o r th and H o u s t o n. T h e se results have been reported in two station type reports and one journal a r t i c l e. We have tentatively termi- nated these t r i a l s. K. Virus in St A u g u s t i ne - Cooperative studies are underway w i th one of the plant pathologists to study this v i r u s. Present w o rk con- sists m a i n ly of studies to learn "characteristics Following t h i s, we have plans for studies to try to limit its s p r e a d. of the p a t h o g e n. 11 SUMMARY OF TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH ACTIVITIES Dr Roy L G o s s, A s s o c i a te Agronomist W e s t e rn W a s h i n g t on Research and Extension Center W a s h i n g t on State U n i v e r s i t y, P u y a l l u p, W a s h i n g t on Turfgrass research at the W e s t e rn W a s h i n g t on Research and Extension Center at P u y a l l u p, W a s h i n g t o n, has centered around the following major categories: common to the w e s t e rn slopes of the Cascade M o u n t a i n s, 3) Turfgrass weed control s t u d i e s, 4) Soil m i x t u r es and compaction s t u d i e s, and 5) Species and varietal a d a p t a t i o n s. 1) T u r f g r a ss nutritional s t u d i e s, 2) Turfgrass diseases T u r f g r a ss nutrition studies have been carried out at this location since 1958. T h r ee levels of n i t r o g e n, n a m e l y, 2 0, 1 2, and 6 pounds per 1000 sq ft per season have been applied to putting green turfgrass plots in combinations w i th 4 and 8 pounds of K^O from m u r i a te of potash and 0 and 4 pounds of P 2 O5 from treble s u p e r p h o s p h a t e. These various rates of ni- t r o g e n, p h o s p h o r u s, and p o t a s s i um w e re selected to cover the w i de range of fertilizers being applied in the Pacific N o r t h w e s t. Some results of these studies have been published in the various journals and presented at the American Society of A g r o n o my m e e t i n gs from time to time. Turfgrass disease studies h a ve been conducted by Dr C J G o u l d, Plant Pathologist at this l o c a t i o n, since about 1955. T he major emphasis has been placed upon F u s a r i um patch disease a n d, more r e c e n t l y, w i th considerable emphasis on Ophiobolus patch d i s e a s e. Prior to the study of these two d i s e a s e s, considerable efforts w e re expended on measures to control fairy ring d i s e a s e. T he results of these investigations have led to good controls for Fusarium p a t c h. At the present time controls are being investigated for O p h i o b o l u s. As y e t, no practical controls for fairy ring have been definitely d e t e r m i n e d. W e ed control investigations have led to control of such noxious pests as mouse eared c h i c k w e e d, English lawn d a i s y, c r a b g r a s s, Veronica filiformis, and the other more common w e e d s. Considerable time has been spent on meth- ods to control Poa a n n u a, and some of these results have been p u b l i s h e d. Investigations are continuing on the control of some of these w e e d s. Of particular interest at present is the m o de of action of D a c t h al on the con- trol of V e r o n i c a. O t h er investigations have included the interaction of fertility levels on the control of turfgrass d i s e a s e s, proper mowing heights for b e n t g r a s s e s, and b e n t g r a s s / b l u e g r a ss fescue m i x t u r e s, and other methods of turfgrass man- agement w h i ch include lawn r e n o v a t i o n, compaction s t u d i e s, and soil mix- tures . TURFGRASS R E S E A R CH P R O G R AM AT W E ST V I R G I N IA UNIVERSITY Dr P a ul H e n d e r l o n g, A s s i s t a nt Professor Department of A g r o n o my and Genetics College of A g r i c u l t u re W e st V i r g i n ia U n i v e r s i ty M o r g a n t o w n, W e st V i r g i n ia (Dr Henderlong has now joined the faculty at O h io State University) Turf research has been conducted at W e st V i r g i n ia on an extremely limited basis since about 1 9 3 0. A major turf research and teaching pro- g r a m, h o w e v e r, was not organized until 1 9 6 6. A course in turfgrass man- agement was first offered at W e st V i r g i n ia during the 1966-67 academic year and taught by Paul R H e n d e r l o n g. In J u ne of 1 9 6 7, two research proj- ects w e re approved for funding. T he first T u r f g r a ss Conference was held on August 2 and 3, 1967 and a second conference is scheduled for August 6 and 7, 1968. During the 1967 W e st V i r g i n ia T u r f g r a ss C o n f e r e n c e, the W e st V i r g i n ia Turfgrass Foundation was duly organized to financially support the turf research program and assist the U n i v e r s i ty in the promotion and dissemination of turfgrass management i n f o r m a t i o n. Staff C u r r e n t l y, West V i r g i n ia has five men associated to some extent with the turfgrass P r o g r a m. The general turfgrass teaching and research program is conducted by Dr P R H e n d e r l o n g. Dr C D Porter and Mr Clifford Collier handle most of the general turfgrass extension p r o g r a m s. Dr E Elliott and Dr J W i l s on conduct a limited amount of research on turf disease and insect p r o b l e m s, with Dr W i l s on handling the extension p r o g r a m. Research Program At the present time the turf research p r o g r am involves four major sub- areas; physiology and e c o l o g y, w e ed c o n t r o l, soil m o d i f i c a t i on and highway roadside r e s e a r c h. Greenhouse and field studies have been conducted and w i ll be continued w i th respect to turfgrass m i x t u re e c o l o g y. This w o rk involves both mixtures of different species and mixtures of the same s p e c i e, such as bluegrass "blends. the major emphasis on basic m e t a b o l i sm and m i n e r al n u t r i t i o n. Physiological studies w i ll be initiated in the near future, with 11 L i m i t ed research is currently in progress in the area of weed c o n t r o l. At the present time a study on the possible interrelationships of nitrogen fertilization and herbicide effectiveness or efficiency is in p r o g r e s s. Some w o rk has also been undertaken in the area of herbicide movement or leaching. M o st of the soil m o d i f i c a t i on w o rk has been directed to the feasibil- 11 ity of using the solid w a s te p r o d u c t, "fly ash, c o n d i t i o n e r. T he fly ash used for this research has been sintered to de- velop a stable light w e i g ht a g g r e g a t e. T he fly ash w o rk is a cooperative project w i th the M o r g a n t o wn C o al Research C e n t e r, Bureau of M i n e s, U. S. Department of I n t e r i o r. as a soil amendment or T he h i g h w ay research p r o g r am was initiated in J a n u a ry 1968 in cooper- ation with the W e st V i r g i n ia State Road Commission and the Federal Bureau of Public R o a d s. T he major emphasis of this w o rk w i ll most likely be di- rected towards highway roadside turf m a i n t e n a n ce r e s e a r c h. R e c e nt Publications 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. P a r k s, 0 C, Jr and P R H e n d e r l o n g. 1 9 6 7. Germination and Seedling Growth Rate of T en Common T u r f g r a s s e s. Proc W Va Acad Sci 39:132-140. M e t c a l f, J I and P R H e n d e r l o n g. 1 9 6 7. Establishment and Seedling Growth of K e n t u c ky 31 T a ll Fescue on an Exposed Clay as Influenced by Fertilization and W o od B y - P r o d u c t s. Proc W Va A c ad Sci 39:146-151. H e n d e r l o n g, P R, T he T u rf Industry in W e st V i r g i n i a. Proc W Va T u r f g r a ss C o n f e r e n c e. W Va U n iv A g ri Exp Sta M i sc Pub # 5, May 1968 pp 3 - 1 0. P a t t e r s o n, J C, J r, P R Henderlong and L M A d a m s. 1968. Sintered Fly A sh as a Soil M o d i f i e r. Proc W Va Acad Sci (In P r e s s ). H e n d e r l o n g, P R, D E Brann and C V e a t c h. 1 9 6 8. Preliminary Studies on the D i f f e r e n t i al M o v e m e nt of the Granular and Emulsion Forms of Bensulide in S o i l s. Proc W Va Acad Sci (In P r e s s ). 6. Proceedings of the W e st V i r g i n ia T u r f g r a ss C o n f e r e n c e. W Va U n iv Agr Exp Sta M i sc Pub # 5, M ay 1968. TURF RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN Dr Gayle Worf, Extension Plant Pathologist Dr James Love, Professor of Soil Science Dr P N Drolsom, Professor of Agronomy Robert Newman, Horticulture Instructor College of Agriculture University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin Survey of disease situations related to turf production and culture in Wisconsin; and evaluation of methods pertaining to their control or abatement, including cultural methods, chemical treatments and varietal reactions. Turf research activity in the Soil Science Department is centered largely around the following areas: Kentucky Bluegrass Characterization of Thatch in Merion Kentucky Bluegrass Subjected to Compaction Soil Sampling of Turf Areas 1. Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Turfgrass 2. Nutrient Requirement of Merion Kentucky Bluegrass 3. Lateral and Vertical Root Development in Merion 4. 5. Characterization of Sand Fraction in Soil Mixtures 6. Turf research activity in the Agronomy Department: Attention is given to releases of new strains that are available for turf use. As necessary, seedings of strain plots are made and their per- formance is observed. A number of selections of red fescue are currently in plot trials. These originated through collections and introductions made earlier and evaluated by E L Nielsen and D C Smith. Horticulture Department investigations include: 1. Weed control for broadleaf weed control. grasses prior to establishing turfgrass. (a) evaluation of pre-emergence crabgrass herbicides. (b) screening and evaluation of selective herbicides (c) chemical and cultural methods to control perennial (d) identification of weeds in Wisconsin turfgrass. (a) variety evaluation plots are currently established 2. Turfgrass variety evaluations. at the University of Wisconsin. Experiment Stations at Ashland, Spooner, Sturgeon Bay, Marshfield, Lake Mills, Lancaster and Arlington, Wisconsin. Additional trials will be established at Hancock and Arlington in 1969. Turfgrasses are being evaluated for disease susceptibility, color, texture, density, winter hardiness and general desirability for turf purposes. TURF R E S E A R CH AT U N I V E R S I TY OF GUELPH O N T A R I O, C A N A DA J a ck Eggens Department of Botany University of Guelph G u e l p h, O n t a r i o, Canada T he U n i v e r s i ty of Guelph w as established in 1964 and now includes W e l l i n g t on College as w e ll as the O n t a r io A g r i c u l t u r al C o l l e g e, O n t a r io V e t e r i n a ry College and M a c D o n a ld I n s t i t u t e. In essence the turf manage- ment p r o g r am was begun Spring 1968 and involves t e a c h i n g, extension and r e s e a r c h. T he direction that the turf research program w i ll take has not been firmly established but I h o pe w i ll evolve to include some of the most pressing problems of the sod growers and golf course s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s. Some of the work now underway is as follows: 1. Turf v a r i e ty trials During J u ne 1 9 6 8, 96 varieties and cultivars w e re established on the light sandy loam soil at the H o r t i c u l t u r al Research Station at P r e s t o n, O n t a r i o. T h ey w e re established on one by two meter plots replicated four t i m e s. E v a l u a t i on included general a p p e a r a n c e, v i g o u r, c o l o u r, disease and general suitability for h o me l a w n s. At the time of evaluation each plot was assigned a value from 1 - 10 w i th 10 being b e s t. This initial evaluation is supplied for interest sake only and because of the short period of e v a l u a t i o n, the results obtained m ay w e ll change as m o re data becomes available and as the trial m a t u r e s. O ne hundred additional cul- tivars w i ll be planted spring 1 9 6 9. 2. M i s c e l l a n e o us programs Standard r u n - o f - t h e - m i ll projects on m a i n t e n a n c e, fertilizer t r i a l s, some very good w o rk on herbicides under Dr C l ay S w i t z e r, C h a i r m a n, Botany D e p a r t m e n t, some w o rk on snowmold under Dr Steve F u s h t e y, Botany D e p a r t m e n t, sod growing on m u ck s o i l s, and covering m a t e r i al for winter protection of putting g r e e n s. BOTANIC NAME C U L T I V AR 12 JUL 68 9 SEP 68 23 OCT 68 AVERAGE P oa pratensis P a rk Newport Geary W i n d s or Delta Nugget M e r i on (Dutch Grown) Primo S 21 Golf Cougar 5.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 0.7 2.0 1.0 2.3 0.7 4.0 0.7 M e r i on (U S Grown) 1.3 0217 Fylking N i ke 0.3 5.0 Hunsballe soma S 64 4.0 Sydsport Captan Delft Fusa Skandia II Atlas A r i s ta Baron 4.3 2.0 2.0 4.3 6.0 6.0 3.7 5.7 Skrgeszowice SK-46 8.3 Spaths Prato 4.0 6.3 6.5 3.7 6.0 5.5 4.5 6.0 4.8 7.0 4.5 8.0 4.5 6.8 3.0 7.3 6.3 7.3 6.5 6.5 6.8 6.5 7.3 8.0 7.0 7.3 7.3 9.0 5.8 4.5 5.0 5.3 5.0 6.3 6.0 7.5 4.5 8.8 5.0 7.3 4.0 5.5 6.3 9.0 7.3 6.5 5.3 6.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 6.5 7.3 7.5 5.8 3.1 4.0 5.3 3.4 4.8 3.9 5.6 3.2 6.9 3.4 5.1 2.4 5.9 5.5 6.9 5.3 5.0 5.5 6.2 6.6 6.6 7.2 7.4 6.2 7.6 BOTANIC NAME C U L T I V AR 12 JUL 68 9 SEP 68 23 OCT 68 AVERAGE Festuca rubra Bargena Turf GoIfrood Arctared O l ds Echo D u r a t u rf R u b in P o l ar 42-8 Erika Sceempter T a ca trifollium Eleo Ruby N F G P o lo T j e l v ar R e p t a ns P e n n l a wn S 59 Bergere Barfalla D a w s on Ruby : ( Festuca rubra commutata 4.7 7.0 2.0 2.7 4.3 5.0 3.7 4.0 2.7 1.7 1.3 2.3 5.0 3.3 5.5 6.7 5.7 4.3 6.0 6.0 1.0 2.7 5.0 5.3 7.0 5.3 5.3 5.8 5.8 4.3 4.8 6.5 4.8 5.5 4.3 5.5 5.3 4.8 4.3 5.8 5.3 4.8 4.8 5.5 7.0 4.3 4.3 7.3 6.5 5.3 5.0 4.5 5.8 5.8 4.5 4.3 5.3 3.8 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.3 4.5 4.8 6.0 4.3 4.5 6.8 6.8 4.5 N ew Zealand (Commercial) 4.7 6.8 6.3 5.0 5.6 4.5 4.7 4.4 4.7 5.2 4.2 4.4 3.3 3.9 4.0 4.8 4.1 4.1 5.6 4.9 4.5 5.4 6.3 3.2 3.8 6.4 6.2 5.6 5.9 BOTANIC NAME C U L T I V AR 12 JUL 68 9 SEP 68 23 OCT 68 AVERAGE B o r i ai C o t t a ge Illahee O a s is 42-14 N o v o r u b ra H i g h l i g ht O r e g on Golfrood H i g h l i g ht P oa trivialis Ino D a s as 5 64 O m e ga C o m m e r c i al (Danish Grown) L o l i um perenne Pelo NK 100 N o r l ea V i r is E 10 R V P K e nt Brabantia A g r o s t is palustr is Penncross Smaragd A g r o s t is tenuis Highland A s t o r ia 5.3 1.7 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.7 3.7 3.7 1.3 3.7 6.3 6.3 7.3 6.0 8.3 6.3 6.3 5.7 4.7 5.7 7.0 4.7 7.7 6.3 6.3 7.0 5.8 3.5 6.5 6.3 6.3 4.8 7.0 7.0 5.5 7.5 6.3 5.5 6.0 5.8 5.3 6.0 5.5 4.5 5.0 5.0 6.3 6.3 7.0 8.0 5.8 5.8 5.0 4.3 5.8 5.5 5.8 4.8 5.8 6.8 4.5 6.8 5.3 5.3 5.8 5.0 4.3 3.8 3.5 4.0 3.8 4.0 5.0 4.3 7.3 7.3 5.0 6.0 5.4 3.2 5.1 4.8 4.8 4.1 5.5 5.8 3.8 6.0 6.0 5.7 6.4 5.6 6.0 5.4 5.1 4.8 4.5 4.9 6.1 5.1 7.3 7.2 5.7 6.3 BOTANIC NAME CULTIVAR 12 JUL 68 9 SEP 68 23 OCT 68 AVERAGE A g r o s t is alba Red top # 1 Festuca ovina D u r an duriuscula Festuca rubra Steinacher genuina Festuca arundinacea Backafall M a n a de K e n t u c ky 31 S 170 P h l e um n o d o s um Sport V 46 S 50 Evergreen Poa compressa Canon 6. 0 4. ,7 3. .0 5. .7 4. .7 4, .3 4, .0 6. .7 4. .3 7. .0 3 .0 Commercial (U S 2. .3 Grown) 6.8 5.5 5.3 5.5 4.8 4.0 5.0 3.3 4.3 3.0 5.5 6.3 5.8 6.5 7.3 4.0 2.8 4.0 2.8 4.8 4.8 4.3 4.5 4.8 Commercial (Ont 1. .0 6.5 4.5 Grown) Poa glaucantha Draylar 3 .7 4.0 4.0 6.0 5.2 3.9 4.9 3.9 4.2 3.3 5.7 5.1 5.7 4.7 4.8 3.0 3.9 T u r f g r a ss researchers attending this seminar re- commended that it be repeated every 3 or 4 y e a r s. It was further suggested that seminars limited to specialized areas of turfgrass research be held during the intervening p e r i o d. T h u s, a Turfgrass Entomology Seminar was planned for M ay 1 9 - 2 0, 1969 and a T u r f g r a ss P a t h o l o gy Seminar for June 16-17, 1969. Proceedings would be prepared following these m e e t i n g s. ( S C O t ^^THE GRASS PEOPLE tS ) . .. Marysville, Ohio J