Vol. V I, No. 5 Published monthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association MEETING NOTICE Date: July 27,1976 Place: Winged Foot Golf Club Luncheon: Available in grill room Golf: Superintendents Championship final round Class B & C championship Cocktails: 6 PM Dinner: 7 PM Program: Dr. Joe Duich, Poa Control Research at Penn State University Host: Ted Horton 914-698-2827 Directions: Take Hutchinson River Parkway to Mamaroneck Rd. exit Saxon Woods—go south about 1 mile. Entrance on your right. Please return your return card. The return card enclosed is for the July meeting. COMING EVENTS: July 13 Conn. G.C.S.A. Wallingford C.C. July 15-18 Westchester Classic, Bob DePencier, Supt. (See Announcement regarding tickets) July 22 L.I.G.C.S.A. Noyac Golf Club July 27 M.G.C.S.A. Winged Foot Golf Club July 27 H.V.G.C.S.A. Sullivan County Golf Club July 28 University of Massachusetts Turf Field Day, South Deerfield Turf Station, South Deerfield, Mass. Rain date July 29 August M.G.C.S.A. picnic and softball game—date and location to be announced August 24 H.V.G.C.S.A. picnic September 30 M.G.C.S.A. Invitational Apawamis October November 18 M.G.C.S.A. annual meeting December 18 M.G.C.S.A. Christmas Party and raffle M.G.C.S.A. NEWS: Our June meeting was held at Pelham Country Club. Terry Mulligan our host evidently is a rain God. Last year it poured all day. This year late in the afternoon it also poured with much additional thunder and lightning. Most people finished golf but some did turn it in after a couple of bolts hit close by. We discovered that Pat Vittum, our research graduate student isn’t a bad golfer. She out drove the men teeing off the first tee. Pat was seen scanning the turf looking for the hyperodes weevil after every shot. It appears that everybody has seen them this year but damage has not been severe, mainly because almost June, 1976 everybody has put down chemical control at least once and others twice. Dr. Spence Davis gave us an interesting talk on care of trees and ornamentals on a golf course. He always brings a little humor into his talk and certainly he tells it like it is. He certainly kept everybody on guard. It has been a Spring to be concerned with trees because the insect population has been heavy this year. M.G.C.S.A. Research Fund continues to grow but the pace has slowed considerably. We hope that more clubs will join us and certainly more superintendents should take part in it by making a donation. It would be nice to have 100% participation by all Class A members. It certainly has been a Spring where the poa annua just doesn’t want to really grow. That in itself is odd for “poa.” Possibly all that hot weather in April started it all by putting the seed heads out so early and resulted in little vegetative growth unless it really was pushed with fertilizer. Now the grass has finally shown signs of growing. Its hard to say what a real heat wave might do to the poa at this early date in the summer stretch. The cloudy, high humid days recently along with the showers leave the door open for that first blast of real sunlight. Yes, its the start of the nitty gritty weather. Thanks to Allyn Smith for getting us complimentary tickets for the Girl Talk Tournament. All went well. July meeting should be an excellent one. Our championship at Winged Foot Golf Club and our first visit from Dr. Joe Duich from Penn State University. Hope to see you all there. Dick Hale, editor of the Golf Superintendent magazine, has also recently resigned. Since moving to Lawrence, Kansas, the staff turnover ap­ parently has been quite substantial. Credit: “Green is Beautiful” June, 1976 Editorial Staff Garry Crothers Ted Horton President: First Vice President: Second Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Co-Editor Co-Editor OFFICERS Garry N. Crothers, Apawamis Club Office 914-967-2100, Home 914-234-3770 Robert DePencier, Westchester C.C. Office 914-967-6000, Home 203-531-9780 Charles Martineau, Whippoorwill C.C, Office 914-273-3755, Home 914-428-3826 Richard Gonyea, Rye Golf Club Office 914-835-3205, Home 914-835-3204 Robert Alonzi, Burning Tree C.C. Office 203-869-5779, Home 914-937-1527 N ot copyrighted. I f there is good here, we want to share it with all chapters - unless author states otherwise. EDITORIAL . . . Dick Hale, editor of the GCSAA’s The Golf Superintendent and Bill Knoop, GCSAA’s director of education have either left or are leaving the GCSAA for greener fairways. These two gentlemen did a very commendable job for our growing association and our industry during trying times.It’s bad for us when we lose two individuals, such as these—but good for them, if the road they wish to follow directs them in their respective ways of life—BUT NOT IF WE HAVE DRIVEN THEM AWAY! At our respective courses we as individual golf course superintendents get upset—because of criticism—because of a lack of real concern—because of no real direction or operating procedure—because of no objectives or real policy— because of committee members breathing down your back— because of no authority to standing or functional committees and because our so-called superiors (we think) don’t know as much as we do. And yet, we are voting members of an organization that allows these same occurences to happen to personnel that work for us. It’s time the GCSAA Board of Directors and Executive Committee listen and take advise from the competent individuals in Lawrence—before we lose someone else. Tom J. Rogers, C.G.C.S. Credit: Reporter May, 1976 Westchester Classic — July 15-18 — Bob DePencier has arranged for complimentary tickets for all M.G.C.S.A. and G.C.S.A.A. members. Daily tickets may be picked up at the Will Call tent; Thanks Bob. .manuel one Horticulturist Jim Kazenski, Golf Chairman, left, with two "w inners," John Wistrand and Frank Buschini. National News: As many of your probably have heard both Dick Hale the editor of The Golf Superintendent and Bill Knoop are leaving G.C.S.A.A. They were doing a great job for us. Why are we losing these key people and others from the staff at Lawrence? Following are two comments from other chapters, they are also concerned. NEWS— G.CS.A.A. We have been informed that Mr. Bill Knoop, Director of Education has recently resigned from G.C.S.A.A. Bill, who did such a fine job at our recent Canadian Superintendents Con­ ference, has joined the teaching staff of Iowa State University. GREENHOUSE • NURSERIES One S to p W h o lesale C en ter Distributors of • EVERGREENS • TREE STAKES • FLOWERING TREES • RAILROAD TIES • MULCHES • SHADETREES • GROUND COVERS • CONTAINER MATERIAL • TURF CHEMICALS j • PRAIRIE FILM • GRAVELS • FLAGSTONE • GRASS SEED • FENCING • HOLLYTONE • FIR & PINE BARK » A-D-S-DRAINAGE SYSTEMS Weather HAHN TURF EQUIPMENT HESSTON TURF EQUIPMENT HOMELITE CONST. EQUIPMENT E M A N U E L S H E M IN - Lawn Sprinkler Systems Saf-T-Lawn Lawn Sprinkler Systems H O R T IC U L T U R IS T 1081 KING STREET, BOX 64, GLENVILLE STATION GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT06830 (203) 531-7352 matic. (914) 937-4644 METROPOLITAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION RESEARCH FUND REPORT To date the following clubs individuals and commercial firms have supported the M.G.C.S.A. Research Fund. This money will be used to underwrite Research by the Entomology Department of Cornell University on the Hyperodes Weevil and the Dung Beetle. Clubs: The Apawamis Club Blind Brook Club Bonnie Briar Country Club Burning Tree Country Club Century Country Club Country Club of Darien Elmwood Country Club Fenway Country Club Fresh Meadow Country Club Innis Arden Country Club Knollwood Country Club Metropolis Country Club Old Oaks Country Club Quaker Ridge Country Club Ridgeway Country Club Rockrimmon Country Club Piping Rock Club Rockland Country Club Round Hill Club St. Andrews Golf Club Scarsdale Golf Club Silver Springs Country Club Sunningdale Country Club Waccabuc Country Club Wee Burn Country Club Whippoorwill Club Winged Foot Golf Club Wood way Country Club Wykagyl Country Club Sleepy Hollow Country Club Sterling Farms Club Brae Burn Country Club Thomas A. Grywalski Michael Jacques Robert Phipps Thomas F. Grywalski Gene Grady Phil Santucci Roger King Richard Alien John Wistrand Tony Grasso Bill Somers John Corsi Paul Caswell We would like more clubs to be involved in the research fund. Please indicate on the return card if your club is taking some action. Positive or negative. Sincerely, Research Committee Sherwood Moore, Chairman, Woodway Garry Crothers, Apawamis Charles Martineau, Whippoorwill Mel Lucas, Jr., Garden City Dr. A.V. Virtuoso, Whippoorwill Roger J. King, Quaker Ridge Individual Class A, B & C Members: Louis Verrille Garry Crothers Angelo Gagliardo Robert DePencier Joe Camberato Charles Martineau Michael Dale Robert Alonzi Allan Tretera Roger Harmonay Ted Jozwick Mike Maffei Edward Consolati Richard Gonyea Sherwood Moore Robert Capstick Tony Savone Edward Horton Benjamin Zukosky Terry Boles Al Moore Dan Verrille Dr. Tashiro with hyperodes plots at Bonnie Briar C.C. THE REICHERT COMPANY at your service, .— with LUBRICATING OILS GREASES CLEANERS (Liquid) HYDRAULIC FLUIDS TWO CYCLE OILS CHAIN LUBRICANTS TRANSMISSION FLUIDS COATINGS #00 MOWER LUBE PARTS CLEANER GREASE GUNS DRUM PUMPS TRANSFER PUMPS GREASE FITTINGS Phone (203) 661-1816 Res. 637-2958 CLEANING SYSTEMS HIGH PRESSURE COLD HIGH PRESSURE HOT STEAM PARTS CLEANING SYSTEM SPECIALTY OILS FUEL TREATMENTS Mail P.O. Box 59, Cos Cob, Conn. 06807 TREES ARE LIKE PEOPLE By Ted Horton Noting th at “ some trees, like hum an beings, just won’t do well in your neighborhood—for no particular reason,” Dr. Spencer Davis of Rutgers University addressed the members of the M.G.C.S.A. at the Pelham Country Club. His speech was presented with slides to illustrate “the care of trees and ornamentals on the golf course.” Dr. Davis humorously noted th at “trees are like people—they may come from seeds of the same parent but each of the offspring will differ from the other.” W ith the above in mind, Dr. Davis proceeded to discuss some of the numerous problems which we might encounter with golf course trees and ornamentals: 1. Trees will die if the soil is either too wet or too dry. In particular, many Taxus plants appeared to collapse this spring because of the heavy rains experienced in August and September of 1975. 2. W inter injury, especially on the south side of dark-barked trees was noticeable this spring. This is generally “because of extremes in day and night tem peratures, during the winter (causing cambium injury or sun scald.) on the southerly side of the tree tru n k .” 3. Soil pH is im portant. Remember that Taxus likes an alkaline soil whereas, Rhododendron, Azalea and Pin Oak require acidic soils. Often these plants are used together in the landscape requiring a compromise in soil pH. Dr. Davis further suggested that we not overlook the use of Iron Sulfate or Chelated Irons to achieve “green up” on some of the ornamentals. 4. In plant problem diagnostic work consider the possibility of “ soil poisons.” For example, if the needles of White Pine are brown on the inside but the tip is green, generally, a chemical such as Sodium Arsenite has been applied around the plant. 5. Natural gas will not kill plants. But, m anufactured gas sent through the same utility lines during peak load periods will injure plants. If no other logical explanation exists for deterioration of a plant but there has been a gas leak up to 100 feet away—consider this possibility. “ Gas can seep horizon- The goodold summertime is ANDREW WILSON INC. not vacation time for fungi DISTRIBUTORS FOR JOHNS-MANVILLE IRRIGATION PIPE-FITTINGS - CONTROLLERS - SPRINKLERS SALES • SERVICE • DESIGN 1170U.S. Route 22 West Mountainside, New Jersey 07092 (201) 654-5800 Sales Representative —Bob Lippman (914) 248-5790 Heavy play plus unchecked fungal activity can spell dis­ aster. Use Acti-dione Thiram weekly to control brown patch, dollarspot, meltingout, fading-out, leafspot, rust and powdery mildew. Call us now for help in planning sum­ mer disease control. B r o m o sa n T u r f F u n g ic id e The newest broad spectrum systemic fungi cide fo r those persistent trouble areas. C addy PM AS (10%) S p o t r e te G ranular T urf F u n g ic id e C ad -T rete S p e ctro Fungicides 3 3 3 6 T u rf F u n g ic id e A broad spectrum systemic fungicide th at prevents and controls all six major tu rf diseases. Herbicides MCPP M CPP P lu s 2 ,4 -D M eth ar 8 0 Acti-dione •tóram M eth ar 3 0 A N A P lu s 2 .4 -D AM A (S u p e r M ethar) Specialties All W et C lea r S p ra y Tru-G reen G ra ss-G reen z it C O R P O R A T IO N P.O. Box 10#Somerset, N.J. 08873 tally for a considerable distance through the ground trapped below hardpan until released near the plant in question.,, 6. Plants will often die near waste or landfill areas. The methane or soil gas produced from decomposition of waste can travel up to two or three hundred yards below the soil to injure or kill neighboring trees or shrubs. 7. Mechanical damage to trees was briefly reviewed by Dr. Davis. It was suggested that if a tree has the appearance of a telephone pole going into the soil we should examine for girdling roots. Dr. Davis urged that we not plant container grown plants as they often tend to have girdling roots at a later date. 8. In the past, nursery plants had roots wrapped with sisal and hemp. These products readily rotted once the plant was set in place. However, the failure to cut away all of the plastic materials used on root balls today will result in the decline of a newly planted tree. The roots are unable to penetrate the material to become established in the soil. 9. Air pollution has become a problem on trees and ornamentals. It was pointed out that we may find 5 to 7% of White Pines not doing well because it has been found that they are susceptible to ozone and sulfur dioxide in the air. These pollutants result in what are called “chlorotic dwarf plants.” Because the plants will never do better, they should be removed and replaced. An aldehyde pollutant is suspected to produce discoloration of Austrian Pines. Again, Dr. Davis noted, “each plant responds differently to these pollutants.” 10. Wood preservatives can be a problem. Plants near wooden fences, railroad ties or other wooden products treated with preservatives such as pentacholorphenol or creasote may be injured by fumes from these materials. 11. Salt sprays on ocean side courses will kill the growing buds of plants. Usually, only the side of the tree facing the wind be affected, resulting in a peculiar one-sided plant. Roadside trees are “occasionally injured by salt used during the winter to remove ice from pavements. Roots are killed when the ice thaws and the water carries the salt to the area of the tree roots.” 12. Infectious diseases were then discussed by Dr. Davis. Four categories are noteworthy: A. leafspot diseases such as Anthracnose and Apple Scab □ Chipco® Spot Kleen □ Chipco® Microgreen Liquid □ Chipco® Turf Herbicide D ’ □ Chipco® Spreader Activator □ Chipco® Thiram 75 □ Chipco® Crab Kleen □ Chipco® Turf Herbicide MCPP □ Chipco® Buctril® □ Chipco® Turf Kleen can best be controlled with fungicides such as Maneb, Fore or LSR. Three spring applications of one of the above fungicides to Firethorn and Hawthorn will help preserve the berries, leaves and flowers. B. powdery mildews of roses, maples and lilacs can be controlled with summer applications of Benomyl or Karathane. Zinnias should be sprayed with Dithane M45 plus Benomyl to preserve them till frost. Leaf Blight of Dogwoods and Flower Blight of Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be treated with Benomyl. C. rust diseases of Cedar, Apple and Hawthorns should be treated with Ferbam, Maneb or Zineb. D. soil borne diseases should be controlled by a soil sterilant such as Vapam before planting. In summary, Dr. Davis emphasized that there are countless other causes for unhealthy trees but, most important of all, he noted, “that when we plant a tree or shrub—picture clearly what the plant will look like when fully mature.” Once again, thank you Dr. Davis for helping us to understand and better care for our trees and ornamentals on the golf course. Host Superintendent, Terry Mulligan, right, with Club Official Mr. Kane. CHIPCO protects your turf from the world’s toughest critic... The golfer RHODIA INC. AGRICULTURAL DIVISION Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852 M.G.C.S.A. RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP INTRODUCES PAT VITTUM, RESEARCH ENTOMOLOGIST CORNELL UNIVERSITY My interest in Entomology began to grow when I started to work for Dr. Tashiro in Geneva as a summer assistant five years ago. At that time, his research was directed primarily toward white grubs (especially the Japanese beetle and European chafer) as turf pests. Under his direction, we conducted many lab and field tests on these and other insects. I attended The College of Wooster (Wooster, Ohio) from September 1970 to June 1974. I worked for Dr. Tashiro three summers and spent one summer in Wooster studying the trace metal distribution in the local watershed, funded by the National Science Foundation. I graduated in June 1974 with a B.A. in Chemistry and a broad science background—several courses in Biology, Geology, Physics, and Mathematics. k GEO. S C H O F I E L D CO. , I NC. Landscaping Pebbles — Boulders — R .R .Ties 201 P0 - 356-0858 B o x 110 — B o u n d B r o o k , N. J. 0 8 8 0 5 After a brief respite from school, I entered Cornell University in January 1975 as a graduate student in Entomology. Dr. Tashiro agreed to serve as my faculty advisor. Last summer I conducted research on the complexities of a mixed Japanese beetle—European chafer population. I have completed three semesters of course work and plan to continue taking two or three courses each semester while I work on the Hyperodes problem. The Hyperodes research is divided in to two parts. Dr. Tashiro is conducting field tests to find an effective chemical control measure. Plots have been put out at Winged Foot, Bonnie Briar, and Century, and the first samples were taken June 15th, so preliminary data should be available soon. Very little is known about the life history of the Hyperodes weevil, so my research is directed toward learning about the biology of the weevil. I hope to determine the number of generations per year, the number of weevils at each life stage at a given time, the length of each life stage, and the number of eggs a female can lay. Right now I am taking samples regularly and inspecting by hand to get a count of individuals (and stages). Soon I will be rearing individuals and following their development. The research will be challenging, but very interesting. If you have any questions or suggestions—or weevils!—please contact me through Ted Horton at Winged Foot Golf Club (914698-2827). TURFGRASS DISEASE DIAGNOSIS IS AVAILABLE AT CORNELL By Ted Horton Dr. Richard Smiley, Assistant Professor of Turf Pathology at Cornell University, has been making frequent trips to Long Island where he is studying possible controls for Fusarium Blight on Bluegrass fairways at Mill River Country Club. His observations to date indicate that there are some possible experimental chemicals which are showing control of this disease which is so destructive to Bluegrasses. At a recent visit to Winged Foot Golf Club Dr. Smiley noted that there has been early reports of Pythium and Rhizoctonia in our area (first week of June). He also pointed out that leafspot has been on the rampage with the cool wet weather prevailing. When Dr. Smiley was questioned about whether an increased incidence of Fairy Ring might be attributed to the use of the systemic fungicides he noted that it would more likely be a result of the decreased use of the mercuries. However, they are examining their plots at Cornell to determine why Fairy Ring is seemingly increasing. If you should have a diseased area and would like to obtain his professional advice—call him. He can generally be reached at Cornell and his telephone number is 607-256-7746. Futhermore, he has informed us that a sample should be taken and given to Fred Marshall or Tom Nally to be mailed to Cornell. If possible, obtain the sample before spraying with fungicides in order to allow proper diagnosis. Often he will receive a sample which has been recently sprayed and he cannot, as a result, isolate the disease causing organism at that time. Dr. Smiley is truly an asset to our state turf program. Consult him—you’ll be pleased. bio de-thatch Looking for results? Take a look at this! Plantation Field Laboratory. Ft Lauderdale. Florida Research is continuing It’s a proven fact that thatch is a major problem in highly maintained turf. Thatch reduces air and water movement into the soil, impedes utilization of fertilizers, and provides a favorable environment for insects, fungi, and diseases. The sample on the left shows what happens when thatch is allowed to build up. And look at that compaction layer. Now take a close look at the plug on the right. Bio de- thatch was applied to this turf. Before total decomposition, the grass turned a darker green and the rate of growth increased. The actual decom­ position became apparent approximately 8 months after application. By the end of 12 months, most of it had disap­ peared and the changes as shown above were dramatic. It’s readily apparent that the micro-organisms in bio de- thatch have done their job well— the thatch is gone, leaving a rich humas for better water penetration, retention, and improved soil tilth. It all adds up to a stronger, healthier turf when using this proven product. If you’d like more information on bio de-thatch see your local USSAC distributor or write to USS Agri-Chemicals, P.O. Box 1685, Atlanta, Georgia 30301. Marketed by Bio Oe-Thatch is a registered trademark of Bio De-Thatch Mfg Co r Photo copyright by Bio De-Thatch Mfg Co Agri-Chemicals Division of United States Steel IF ? no ^ A r> § * iffi ME T E H rD 3 0 3537 * * * * * * * * * * aaaa 'JUN307 M.G.C.S.A. Box 37 Rye, New York 10580 First Class MELVIN B LUCAS JR GARDEN CI T Y GOL? CLUB 3 1 e) STEWART AVE GARDEN C IT Y NY .]1G.}2