UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION GREEN SECTION S o u t h e rn T u rf l e t t er SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT 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 T E L E P H O N ES L I B E R TY 8 - 2 7 41 SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT T E X AS A & M C O L L E GE C O L L E GE S T A T I O N, T E X AS T E L E P H O N E: V I C T OR 6 - 5 2 10 No. 6 December - 1960 DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON 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 JAMES B. MONCRIEF S O U T H E A S T E RN A G R O N O M I ST W. WAYNE A L L EN S O U T H W E S T E RN A G R O N O M I ST CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT Now that winter is here many pieces of valuable equipment will be idle for several weeks. Carefully checking each machine for dried mud and clippings may save time and money next spring when spring maintenance begins. A light (or heavy!) coat of oil will be beneficial especially on parts which are shiny from usage and any other critical areas exposed. WATCH FOR DISEASE IN DORMANT BERMUDAGRASS Even though the bermudagrass is dormant, disease organisms may still be active on it. Careful observations in overseeded greens may reveal early stages of crown rot, leaf spot, and similar causes of generally weak bermudagrass next spring. The dormant grass provides ideal conditions for fungi which may even damage the overseeded grass. LOUISIANA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE About 35 gathered for the Louisiana T.urfgr^ss Conference held at the University of Southwestern Louisiana on December 5 and 6. The meetings were held in the all new facilities of the Horticulture Center. With Mr. C. D. Smith, Superin- tendent of East Ridge Country Club, Shrevep'ort, presiding as outgoing president of the Louisiana Turfgrass Association, some changes were adopted in the constitution. Under the new arrangement smaller group meetings should be en- couraged along with greater activity at the annual conference. New officers for 1961 are: president Mr. C. L. Deare south vice-president Mr. Lou Vickers Mr. C. D. Smith north vice-president south vice-secretary Mr. Claude Whalen Mr. Steve Clifford — north vice-secretary TEXAS TURFGRASS CONFERENCE With an attendance of over 200 a record registration of 196 was obtained. The conference began on December 12 and adjourned at noon on the 14th. The energetic members of the Texas Turfgrass Association played an active role by their questions and comments in the several sessions. The new officers ares Ivlr. Ken Krenek, president; Mr. Carroll Kiser, vice-president; Mr. Grover Keeton, secretary. Honored at the annual banquet were the past-presidents of the Association* Each received a lapel pin with appropriate insignia and a scroll which expressed the appreciation of the Association for the many efforts and contributions made by those leaders. WINTERIZING YOUR SPRAYER 1. Flush the tank, pump, hose, and gun, with fresh water until it comes out clear. 2. Then thoroughly drain the sprayer to avoid any chance of damage by freezing* 3. Let the unit pump air a few seconds with the discharge outlet open, in order to clear valves and discharge lines. 4. Remove the drain plugs from under the pump intake (lower) valves. 5. With pump running, and using a tool to raise balls from seats, expel balance of fluids in pump cylinders. 6. Remove the drain plug in bottom ,of the regulator and raise the ball valve while pump is running, to permit fluid to drain. (Remove the drain plug only where a relief valve is used.) 7. Drain oil in the pump case and then fill to top with new oil to prevent condensation and corrosion of internal parts. 8. Store all valve balls from pump to regulator, and place drain plugs in small can of oil to prevent corrosion. Remove the gun from the hose and coat inside parts with oil. 9. Leave gun in open position. Remove hose from sprayer. 10. Coil and store in a cool dry place. Never hang hose on nails or sharp corners. - from the Bull Sheet SOIL STERILIZATION There has been considerable interest in sterilizing soil mixtures for topdressing and several methods are being used. Of the methods used in the southeast, methyl bromide seems most popular. Three courses were using steam while one course was using butane gas to heat the soil, sand and organic material while it was being mixed. Some available soil sterilants and considerations about each follow; Methyl bromide - is a deadly gas and should be used with caution. It is very effective when the temperature is 60-65 degrees or above, and should be applied at the rate of 1-2 lbs. per 100 square feet (10-20 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.) under an airtight and chemically inert cover. Leave covered for 48 hours for best results. Begin planting 2-3 days after the cover is removed. It is advisable that the warning agent, "chloropicrin"5 is present in all methyl bromide gas used. Vapam - is a trade name for sodium N-methyl dithiocarbamate. Other names are SMDC or VPM. It is usually applied at 1 quart per 100 square feet (2-1/2 gallons per 1000 sq. ft.) and does best when applied as a drench. Usually 1000 square foot areas can be treated satisfactorily at one time. After the Vapam has been applied, irrigate with enough water to seal the surface to keep the Vapam in the soil. Often additional frequent and light applications of water are made to help keep the Vapam in the soil. At the end of 14 days cultivate the area and allow about 2 weeks before planting. DMIT - is sold under the trade name Mylone. This chemical is usually applied at the rate of 1 lb. per 100 sq. ft. or 10 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. When used as a soil drench or when cultivated into the soil this material will control the same pests as methyl bromide and Vapam. For even distribution Mylone is often mixed with sand and is applied with a fertilizer spreader. Follow the treatment with irrigation. Calcium Cyanamid - This chemical is usually used at the rate of 13-15 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. (130-150 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.) to control weed seed. It is advisable to mix the material uniformly throughout the soil that is to be treated to a depth of at least 3 inches. After a thorough mixing,if the soil is dry, irrigate lightly. It is advisable not to use the treated soil until 90 days after treatment. COMING EVENTS January 27 USGA Green Section Educational Program Biltmore Hotel, New York, N. Y. January 29-February 3.... 32nd International Turfgrass Conference and Show February 27-28 Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Canada Southern Turfgrass Conference Peabody Hotel, Memphis, Tenn. Southern Turfletter USGA GREEN SECTION BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE P A ID College Station, Texas Pe/mit No. 80 Dr« J* R. Watson Chief Agronomist Toro Mfg* Corp. Minneapolis 6, Minn*