UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION GREEN SECTION S o u t h e rn T u rf l e t t er No. 2 April - 1958 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 T E L E P H O N E: L I B E R TY 8 - 2 7 4! S O U T H W E S T E RN D I S T R I CT T E X AS A 8c M C O L L E GE C O L L E GE S T A T I O N, TEXAS T E L E P H O N E: V I C T OR 6 - 5 2 10 SOUTHEASTERN OFFICE LOCATION Oh April 1, the Southeastern Office was moved to the following address: U. S. Golf Association Green Section Connor Hall University of Georgia Athens, Georgia TELEPHONE - Liberty 8-27a Dr. George H. King, Director of Experiment Stations, and Dr. Francis E. Johnstone, Head of the Horticulture Division, graciously offered this office space to the Green Section. This location is advantageous because the technical resources of the University will be available when applicable and a closer contact with golf courses and organizations can be maintained. The office was not re-established in Tifton because of several travel problems and a lack of office space. FERTILIZER-INSECTICIDE MIXTURES Fertilizer-insecticide mixtures have proven very useful in the control of soil insects, especially grubs. The newer, more powerful insecticides fit into a mixture very well, since a relatively .small-amount is needed per acre. This pro- vides a way to add bulk to the insecticide and to accomplish two greatly needed operations with a labor expenditure for one. Dieldrin, Aldrin, and Heptachlor are readily used in these formulations. Since only about 3 pounds of actual material is required per acre, the inclusion does not cut down greatly on ferti- lizer analysis. Success in using a fertilizer-insecticide mixture depends on the rate of applica- tion per acre and the amount of insecticide per ton of fertilizer. The rate of application of the mixture must be great enough to supply the recommended rate of insecticide and the desired rate of fertilizer. The superintendent should, then, before using these materials, determine the rate of fertilization desired, and check to see if sufficient insecticide is in the formulation. If not, it may be necessary to request a special formulation with a higher percentage of insecticide. Some states do not permit the sale of fertilizer-insecticide mixtures. In states where this is the case, it is permissible for the superintendent to mix the materials for his own use. If you have questions about such matters, consult your state fertilizer control authorities. DISEASES Sometimes Bermudagrass gets a late start in spring because of disease activity which may go unnoticed because Bermudagrass turf is still full of dead leaves from last season. Fungicidal treatments in the spring may help your turf to "get going" sooner. Some of the leaf spotting diseases, such as Helminthosporium, have been observed and this is a time of year when various diseases may be active, depending upon the whims of the weather. You should be prepared to treat dollar spot, Fusarium patch, Helminthosporium, Curvularia, brown patch, and it wonft be long until the time when Pythium may strike. The wise superintendent will have on hand fungi- cides for control of these diseases. And he will be looking closely so that he may detect the presence of disease in its early stages. INSECTS With a good vegetative growth and sufficient moisture, insects are starting early. Many superintendents have been spraying for cutworms and others. A severe winter doesn!t mean the insect population will be less. Don^ relax and take down the guard - insecticide. Be alert for cutworms, sod webworms, Hhodesgrass scale, and numerous others. There are several controls for each of these pests. Almost any of the insecticides on the market will be successful if the manufacturer^ recommendations and instructions are followed carefully. Dr. Burton Honored During the 12th Annual Southeastern Turfgrass Conference, a plaque was presented to Dr. Glenn Burton of the Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station. The presentation was in recognition of Dr. BurtonTs contributions to better turf for golf through his work with grasses. Andrew Bertoni, of Meadowbrook Country Club, Northville, Michigan, who is a director of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, made the presentation to Dr.Burton. Mr. Bertoni said, "in this plaque is a little bit of the heart of every superintendent of America." Tjfton Conference The 12th Annual Southeastern Turfgrass Conference was attended by 135 turfgrowers and agronomists representing 17 states. Speakers on the program included many well-known turf authorities. Among them were: Dr. Glenn Burton, B. P. Robinson, James M. Latham, Jr., Tom Mascaro, Charles Wilson, Dr.. Ian Forbes, Dr. Homer Wells, Andrew Bertoni, John Gallagher, T. M. Baumgardner, and M. K. Jeffords. A 20th Century Fable Once upon a time a man wanted to build a putting green. As a matter of fact he wanted to build 18 putting greens. He had observed that grass growing by the roadside on heavy soil withstood drouth better than grass growing on sandy soil. He thought it was foolish to have to water putting greens every day. So he put a layer of clay beneath all the greens he built. "This will hold water,11 he told himself, "the grass roots will have a good supply of moisture, and our greens will not have to be watered often." So he built the greens and the soil did hold water. After a rain or an irriga- tion, the flagstick hole was full of water and it was indeed slow to drain away. The soil stayed moist too. But golfers came to play on these greens. Many feet on the moist soil caused it to pack. Then when the surface dried it became very hard. A golf ball played to the hard surface would not stop. So the golfers said, "Water these greens more, they are too hard." So more water was applied and it didnft drain away and more traffic packed the surfaces harder still. The grass suffered from a "too wet" soil, the golfers suffered because of a "too hard" green, and the superintendent suffered from too much criticism. Everybody was unhappy, but one thing could be said, "These greens sure hold the water." By and by, a soils man was called for advice. He looked at the greens and found the cup full of water and the surfaces compact. He said, "You need to improve the drainage. These greens hold too much water. Rebuild them and pay special attention to drainage. This is one of the most important factors in the con- struction of a good green." So the club rebuilt their greens. They provided good drainage. They used a good soil mixture. The greens don't hold water now, but they hold golf shots. The grass is happy, the golfers are happy, and the superintendent is happy. Moral: Grass growing beside- the road does not always indicate the best condition for putting green soils. NOTES: The Southern Turf Conference in Memphis set another attendance record this year- registration was 1561 Another turfgrass research program in the South is beginning to roll now. Dr. Louis N. Wise, at Mississippi State College, plans to start his program in the near future, filling a rather large gap between Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana-Texas. » + Southern Turfletter USGA GREEN SECTION Sec. 34.66 P.L&R. U. S. POSTAGE I V it PAID College Station, Texas Permit No. 80 Dr* J, R# Watson Chief Agronomist Toro Mfg* Corp* Minneapolis 6, Minn*