UNITED  STATES  GOLF  ASSOCIATION 

GREEN  SECTION 

S o u t h e rn 

T u rf 

l e t t er 

No. U 

August - 1959 

D R.  M A R V IN  H. 

F E R G U S ON 

M I D- C O N T I N E NT  D I R E C T OR 
N A T I O N AL  R E S E A R CH  C O O R D I N A T OR 

J A M ES  M.  L A T H A M. 

J R. 

S O U T H E A S T E RN  A G R O N O M I ST 

J A M ES 

B. 

M O N C R I EF 

S O U T H W E S T E RN  A G R O N O M I ST 

S O U T H E A S T E RN 

D I S T R I CT 

U N I V E R S I TY  OF  G E O R G IA 
A T H E N S, 

G E O R G IA 

L I B E R TY  8-2741  V 

T E L E P H O N E: 

S O U T H W E S T E RN 

D I S T R I CT 

T E X AS  A  at  M  C O L L E GE 
C O L L E GE  S T A T I O N, 

V I C T OR  6-5210 

T E X AS 

T E L E P H O N E: 

ATHENS BENTGRASS VARIETY TEST ~  A PROGRESS REPORT 

Since last October a bentgrass variety test has been under way on the practice 
green of the Athens Country Club, Athens, Georgia.  The test area was con-
structed "by the book,"  using a tile drainage system, crushed stone drainage 
bed, and a soil mixture (60% sand,  30% loamy topsoil, and 10^ peat) according 
to laboratory physical analyses.  Detailed management procedures have been 
followed to assure that any differences would be due to variety —  not 
maintenance. 
Penncross, Cohansey, Seaside and Arlington-Congressional mixture were used in 
the main body of the test.  Old Orchard, Nimisila and Washington bents were 
planted in observational plots. 
To date, the following observations have been made: 

1.  The seeded bents were ready for play much earlier than 

vegetative plantings from stolons. 

2.  Cohansey was the slowest to develop into "puttable" turf. 
3•  Hot weather in June andrJuly ^seemed to effect Seaside more 
adversely than any other variety.  All other varieties are 
in excellent condition. 
Brownpatch has been the only noticeable disease. 

5.  In all cases, the bentgrass plots have more eye appeal than 
adjoining areas of bermudagrass.  We also realize that a 
2,000 square foot plot is easier to watch over than 100,0n0 
square feet of green surface. 

It is hoped that, in time, this test and one at Pinehurst, North Carolina will 
indicate which variety will perform best under these conditions, and that more 
concrete recommendations on management can be made. 

Seedheads on Tifgreen 

Several people have asked about seedhead formation in Tifgreen bermudagrass. 
An experiment in 1955 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia, 
showed that this condition could be reduced, if not eliminated, by increasing 
the rate of nitrogen fertilization.  In the Tifton plots, rates of 2 pounds of 
nitrogen per 1,0C0 square feet per month kept the plants in a vegetative 
condition and no seedheads were formed. 

Sod Webworms Continue to Cause Trouble 

Sod webworms still present the most pressing insect problem.  If greens develop 
a "mangy" appearance with numerous small, brown depressions in the surface and 
if birds are on the greens in the morning, webworms are probably present.  Any 
insecticide seems to be effective in controlling webworms.  Apply the insecti-
cide in the afternoon so that it will be on the grass during the night when the 
worms feed.  Several applications each season may be required. 

Spiking Pays  t 

Many superintendents dislike to undertake a thorough cultivation job during 
seasons of heavy play.  They prefer to cultivate thoroughly two or three weeks 
prior to overseeding in the fall, and again during the transition period. 
Because of the fact that greens tend to get a "crust" or compacted surface as 
a result of play and maintenance practices, they often need some sort of 
treatment before time for the next regular cultivation.  Spiking has come to be 
used to alleviate compaction during this period. 
Spiking cannot take the place of thorough cultivation.  This practice results 
merely in a piercing or pricking of the surface.  It alleviates "crustiness," 
however, and allows a more ready penetration of water.  It does not rough up 
the surface of the putting green and there is no serious scar. 
Spiking is a valuable companion practice to cultivation.  The availability of 
motorized equipment makes this a rapid and relatively easy operation.  Don't 
neglect to take advantage of the help this practice can give you. 

> 

r 

Pond Weed Control 

Simazin and a mixture of dalapon and 2,4-D have provided effective control of 
most kinds of pond weeds.  The pelleted forms of these herbicides appear to be 
more effective and are easier to apply. 
For greatest fish safety, it is better to treat only a part of the pond at one 
time.  While the herbicides mentioned appear to be relatively safe materials, 
decaying vegetation sometimes results in a low oxygen content in the water, and 
this condition is harmful to fish. 

The Transition Period in Review 

From time to time reports are received of continued transition problems with 
hybrid bermudagrasses.  This past winter has been no exception.  The number of 
successful plantings, however, indicates that those who have had trouble should 
analyze their management programs.  The problem may rest in management, rather 
than ryegrass, bentgrass or bermudagrass. 
Ryegrass seeding rates from 20 to 83 pounds per 1,000 square feet were used in 
Georgia with no loss of Tifgreen bermudagrass.  Bentgrass and bent-redtop 
combinations were used with no loss of Tiffine or Tifgreen.  On the other hand, 
loss of Tifgreen and common bermuda has been reported by several sources. 
In preparing for the coming winter season, NOW is the time to ask the following 
questions: 

1.  Is there likely to be excessive shading of greens during the 

winter when the sun is lower in the sky than in summer? 

2.  Is the fungicide program adequate to prevent the possibility 

of disease in the dormant bermudagrass? 

3.  Is the nitrogen fertilization program adequate to assure protein 

storage in the rhizomes of bermudagrass? 
Is there equipment available to initiate early, gradual thinning 
of the overseeded grass? 

5.  Is it possible to prevent heavy play during periods when the soil 

is frozen or just beginning to thaw? 

6.  Is the soil so compacted that* the bermudagrass has not been in 

good condition prior to overseeding? 

7.  Is the potash supply adequate?  It appears to influence the amount 

of carbohydrates stored by the bermudagrass. 

MEETING DATES 

September 15-16-17 —  University of Florida Turfgrass Management Conference 

November 16-20 

December 7-8-9 

Gainesville, Florida 
Fifty-Second Annual Meeting of American Society 
of Agronomy - Netherlands-Hilton Hotel 
Cincinnati, Ohio 
14.th Annual Texas Turfgrass Conference 
A. & M. College, College Station, Texas