Vol. V I, No. 7 Published monthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association September, 1976 MEETING NOTICE Date: October 13,1976 Place: Wood way Country Club Golf: 12 noon on Lunch: available in grill room Cocktails: 6 PM Dinner: 7 PM Program: Dr. Murdock, University of Hawaii Host: Sherwood Moore Directions: Take Merrit Parkway to exit, take Hoyt Street south, Wood way is on your right. Please return your cards promptly WELFARE: Keep us informed. Call Dick Gonyea 914-835-3205, Dan Cancelled 914-667-3737 or Roger Morhardt 914-279-7181 with any information which you think should be shared. We wish Albie Pentenaro a speedy recovery from a recent operation. We are glad to report A1 Radko is back playing golf and working too. COMING EVENTS: October 4 NJGCSAA Turf Field Day, Hominy Hills Golf Club October 14 LIGCSA Invitational, Mill River C.C. October 21 LIGCSA Smithtown Landing Club October 27-28 Wisconsin Golf Symposium, Milwaukee, Wise. November 18 MGCSA annual meeting November 16-18 NY State Turfgrass Association Conference, Albany, NY December 6-9 NJ Turgrass Expo December 18 MGCSA Christmas Party 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 Bonnie Briar Country Club The Ardsley Country Club Brae Burn Country Club Blind Brook Club Burning Tree Country Club M.G.C.S.A. News: Chuck Martineau did a great job, organizing and hosting the annual Lawrence Labriola Tournament. Let’s hope that this Tournament grows and that more of our own Superintendents support it. We only had 18 Superintendents in attendance. Vinnie Pentenaro, A1 Caravella took part in the G.C.S.A.A. golf tournament in Sylvania, Ohio during the 50th anniversary celebration. It certainly was worth the trip to see the many old pieces of equipment actually demonstrated. They had 4 different slide presentations going on all day. It featured the history of G.C.S.A.A., the equipment industry from way back when. Tom Mascaro showed the changes in the profession. Mel Lucas Jr., had some of his old horse pads, old bronze cups, a hand greens mower that was used for finish cut. Did you know that Arnold Palmer had a brother who is now at Penn State and is going to be Superintendent at Latrobe C.C. Arnold spent his whole dinner hour signing autographs. John Traynor is the new superintendent at Westchester C.C. Welcome to Westchester and the M.G.C.S.A. John. John as you know has been a member of M.G.C.S.A. for several years. M.G.C.S.A. Nominating Committee: Ray Twombly and Sherwood Moore are co-chairm an of the Nom inating Committee. If you are interested in serving or becoming active in M.G.C.S.A. please contact them. Host Superintendent Charles Martineau greeting all the friends of Lawrence Labriola and fellow superintendents of MGCSA. Editorial Staff Co-Editor Co-Editor Garry Crothers Ted Horton O F F IC E R S President: First Vice President: Second Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Ted Jozwick Paul Caswell Edward Consolati Vic Cedrone Metro Milorganite We would like more clubs to be involved in the research fund. 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 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 Not copyrighted. I f there is good here, we want to share it with all chapters - unless author states otherwise. Century Country Club Country Club of Darien Elmwood Country Club Fenway Country Club Fresh Meadow Country Club Garden City Golf 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 Shore Haven Golf Club Sleepy Hollow Country Club Sterling Farms Club Sunningdale Country Club Waccabuc Country Club Wee Burn Country Club Whippoorwill Club Winged Foot Golf Club Woodway Country Club Wykagyl Country Club Westchester Country Club Individual Class A, B & C Members: Garry Crothers Robert Capstick Robert DePencier Tony Savone Charles Martineau Benjamin Zukosky Robert Alonzi Al Moore Allan Tretera Thomas A. Grywalski Mike Maffei Michael Jacques Richard Gonyea Robert Phipps Sherwood Moore Thomas F. Grywalski Edward Horton Gene Grady Terry Boles Phil Santucci Dan Vernile Roger King Louis Vernile Richard Alien Angelo Gagliardo John Wistrand Joe Camberato Tony Grasso Bill Somers Michae1Dale Roger Harmonay John Corsi The three musketeers; Harry, Chuck and Al. SULFUR AND BENTGRASS PUTTING GREEN TURF by Dr. Roy L. Goss Washington State University Adequate soil fertility is of great importance to the growth and development of turfgrasses. The major plant food elements nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium have received most of the attention in turfgrass fertility research and practice; however, lack of any one of the essential plant nutrients, N, P, K, Ca, Fe, S, Mn, B, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Cl will result in unsatisfactory growth. The information presented in this paper will deal mainly with sulfur, but will attempt to bring out the influence of N, P, and S on various factors related to putting green turfgrass quality. The Sulfur Picture has Changed A number of factors are responsible for increased sulfur needs of turfgrasse. Coleman (2) indicated that the use of high-analysis fertilizers that contain little or no sulfur, increased growth, and decreased gain of atmospheric sulfer by soils and plants as a result of decreased combustion of coal and other high sulfur fuels are some of these factors. It is common knowledge that nutrients ltach from sand at a faster rate than from heavier textured soils. Due to current emphasis on the use of sand for building putting greens and tees, we should be aware of the continual need to regularly supply all nutrients including sulfur in a reasonable ratio. In general, the higher the application of nitrogen, the greater the stress for sulfur and other nutrients due to increased growth. Nitrogen applications for greens vary from less than five to over 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet per year with eight to 12 pounds being very normal for many areas in the U.S. Volk and Horn (5) reported that yields and sulfur content of Tifway bermudagrass clippings from ammonium sulfate vs. am­ monium nitrate treatments superimposed on various potas­ sium sources was significantly higher from the ammonium sulfate treated plots grown on a loamy fine sand soil. Woodhouse (6) has reported increased yields seven out of eight years on Coastal bermudagrass fertilized with 62 to 123 pounds of sulfur and 0 to 1,478 pounds of N per acre when grown on a Eustis sand. These citations support the writer’s belief that sulfur has often been neglected on turfgrasses growing on sand. Role of Sulfur and Deficiency Symptoms Sulfur deficiences seriously retard the growth of turfgrasses because the element is needed for: 1. Synthesis of the amino acids cystine, cysteine, and methi­ onine, all required for protein synthesis. 2. Synthesis of some vitamins (biotin and thiamin, glutathione, and coensyme A). 3. The formation of certain disulfide linkages which are associated with the structural characteristics of protoplasm. This is also associated with cold resistance. 4. The formation of ATP sulphurylase, an enzyme concerned with the metabolism of sulfur. There are several other cited needs for sulfur including its effect on chlorophyll content which affects photosynthesis. Sulfur Requirement for Turfgrasses There is little information available regarding the require­ ments and tissue sulfur levels for turfgrasses. Martin et al (4) stated that many field fertilizer experiments with S have been carried out, but only in a few has plant content of S been determined over a few of S rates or for an entire season. Love (3) reported higher levels of S in seaside bentgrass tissue than in Merion bluegrass or Pennlawn red fescue. He showed levels of 0.19, 0.15, and 0.12 percent, respectively for the three grasses when receiving adequate fertilizer; and levels of 0.08, 0.06, and 0.04 percent, respectively when deficient. Beaton (1) has stated that about 0.20 percent S in turfgrass tissue would seemingly be about normal for good growth. Data presented by Love (3) also showed that tissue phosphorus levels were lower than tissue sulfur. It can be assumed from the little data available that S and P levels should be approximately equal. Sulfur Research at Washington State The research reported in this paper was conducted at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center at Puyallup, Washington. Sulfur applications were started in 1967 on Astoria bentgrass putting green turf that was established in 1959 on a sandy loam soil. Fertilizer treatments from 1959 through 1967 were made up of all combinations of 20, 12 and 6 pounds of Ni, O and 4 pounds P205 phosphorus, and O, 4 and 8 pounds of K20 potassium per 1,000 square feet per year. In 1967, sulfur was applied to all plots that previously received potassium at rates of 0, 1.15, and 3.45 pounds of elemental wettable S per 1,000 square feet. Subsequently all potash was applied uniformly to all plots except the check at 8 pounds K20 per 1,000 square feet per year. All sulfur was applied in March and April of each year in three equal applications. Effects of S on Color and Yield All plots receiving 20 or 12 pounds N appeared significantly darker green when treated with 1.15 or 3.45 pounds S, regardless of P or K levels. The same treatments without S were pale, showing little response to N and had less turf density. Only slight color differences were observed at the 6 pound N level with and S treatment, but were slightly favored by 1.15 pounds S. Although yield is not considered a highly desirable feature on putting greens, it still is a measure of vigor. Plots receiving 20 pounds N, 4 pounds P205 and 8 pounds K20 per 1,000 square feet at both S levels produced 71 percent more clippings than plots receiving N only. S applied at 1.15 pounds produced slightly more clippings than 3.45 pounds S. This indicates that 1.15 pounds S is adequate for good growth and color response and 3.45 pounds may be slightly above optimum. X-ray spectographic analyses have shown signficantly higher levels of tissue S from plots receiving S than those without S at the same N-P-K treatment. Tissue S increased also with increasing S levels. The significance of the above discussion is that continual The New Sticker-Extender That Prolongs Pesticide Effectiveness. There’s no doubt that today’s pesticides do an everbetter job in fighting turf and plant problems. And there’s no doubt that Exhalt 800 Sticker-Extender prolongs that effectiveness. Gives you longer action. Prevents wash-off. Cuts your costs substantially over a season. Exhalt 800 encapsulates and holds pesticides where you want them— on the turf and plant foliage. It flexes with leaf growth, for longer action. Even if it rains an hour after application you still get full extender activity! Full pesticide effectiveness. Simple and economical to use. A pint per 100 gallons of solution.- Readily water-soluble, just add while agitating and keep agitating during use. Rinses out easily using just water; residue will not clog. ExfTalt 800 is the new way to stop pesticide wash-off. To prevent pesticide build-up in the soil. To keep costly pesticides working longer on plants and turf. To cut down the labor costs of more frequent applications. Find out more. Write for our literature. Distributed by Andrew Wilson, Inc., Union, New Jersey. @ Exhalt800 Kay-Fries Chemicals, Inc. Crop Protection Division Stony Point, N.Y. 10980 removal of clippings stimulated by high levels of N can result in S deficiency unless fertilizers contain adequate amounts. These plots received N from urea, P from phosphoric acid, and K from muriate of potash, hence, essentially no S is applied as fertilizer impurity. Effects of S on Poa Annua A significant reduction in Poa annua populations was observed in all plots that received 3.45 pounds S regardless of N and K levels. The most significant Poa annua decrease was noted in plots receiving 6 pounds N as compared to 12 and 20 pounds N. Phosphorus is an important element for the development of Poa annua. All plots receiving P, regardless of N, K and S levels, had higher populations of Poa annua than those without P. Plots that received 1.15 pounds S had higher populations of Poa annua than those receiving 3.45 pounds at all levels of N, P, and K. It appears that 1.15 pounds S provides the greatest stimulus to growth and color of both bentgrass and Poa annua. The highest populations of Poa annua were recorded from all N and P treatments. Plots receiving 1.15 pounds S without P at all N levels had less Poa annua than those receiving P. Effects of S on Disease and Winter Hardiness All plots receiving S had less Fusarium patch caused by Fusarium nivale than those without S, regardless of N, P, and K treatment. Plots that received the highest N levels, in general, had more disease than the lowest N plots. The mode of action of S in this case is not well understood, but may be related to a direct effect on the fungus itself or the increased formation of S containing substances which may make the plants more resistant. No Ophiobolus patch disease, caused by the fungus Ophiobolus graminis var. avenae, has been observed in any of the S treated plots, but does occur in some plots without S. Increased resistance to low temperature injury was noted during one winter. The winters in western Washington are usually wet and mild, but occasionally temperatures fall below 15 degrees F. accompanied with wind and no snow cover. After one such winter, all plots receiving S showed less scorching and greened up much faster than those without S. This is in agreement with statements made by Beaton (1) regarding the effects of S on structural characteristics of protoplasm. The Effects of S on Soil PH Sulfur does increase soil acidity (lower pH) through reactions in the soil. Annual applications of 3.45 pound S per 1,000 square feet lowered the pH in some plots from 5.6 to 4.8 over a period of seven years. There was no noticeable effect from the lowered pH, and as pointed out previously, turfgrass quality was best in all plots receiving S. It should be pointed out that applications of 20 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet from urea without S reduced pH much lower than 12 or 6 pounds of N with the highest S rates. No time has been applied to any of these plots since the research began; although calcium levels have fallen to as low as 1 meq. per 100 gm of soil, there is no plant evidence of calcium deficiency. Conclusions Several important conclusions can be drawn with regard to sulfur applications to putting green turf as related to the conditions of this test. 1. Increased color, vigor and nitrogen utilization. 2. Highly reduced populations of Poa annua at the highest levels of S without regard to N, P, or K. 3. Low S levels (1.15 pounds per 1,000 square feet) caused an increase in Poa annua and general turf vigor. 4. Additions of P in excess of minimum maintenance re­ quirements increased Poa annua in all treatments. 5. Decreased incidence of Fusarium patch disease and complete elimination of Ophiobolus patch disease. 6. Reduced earthworm activity. 7. Elimination of black algae. 8. Increased cold and dessication tolerance. Sulfur investigations are continuing and it is hoped that more specific reasons for S activity can be clearly defined. Golf course superintendents have been advised to proceed with some caution since variable soil conditions, other chemical programs, and management practices may influence results. We acknowledge with g ratitude financial assistance provided by the USGA Green Section to aid in this research and advice and observations from Drs. C.J. Gould and S.E. Brauen. Literature Cited 1. BEATON, J.D. 1970. Role of Sulfur in Turfgrass Fertiliza­ tion. Proceedings of Eighth British Columbia Turfgrass 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 for those persistent trouble areas. C addy PM AS (10%) S p o t r e te G ranular T u rf 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 that prevents and controls all six major turf diseases. Herbicides M CPP M CPP P lu s 2 ,4 -D M eth ar 8 0 M eth ar 3 0 AMA 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 r a ss-G r e e n z it CORPORATION P.O. Box 10, Somerset, N.J. 08873 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Conference. Victoria, B.C. COLEMAN, R. 1966. The Importance of Sulfur as a Plant Nutrient in World Crop Production. Soil Sci. 101:230-239. LOVE, J.R. 1962. Mineral Deficiency Symptoms on Turfgrass. I. Major and Secondary Nutrient Elements. Wise. Acad. Sci. Arts and Letters. 51:135-140. MARTIN, W.E. and T.W. WALKER, 1966. Sulfur Re­ quirements and Fertilization of Pasture and Forage Crops. Soil Sci. 101:248-257. VOLK, G.M. and G.C. HORN, 1972. Response of Tifway Bermudagrass to Sulfur on Sandy Soils. Agron. J. 64:359-361. WOODHOUSE, W.W. Jr. 1969. Long-Term Fertility Re­ quirements of Coastal Bermudagrass. III. Sulfur Agron. J. 61-705-708. Reprint from Canadian Greenmaster Division of The Upjohn Company TUCO Need a Tun Fungicide in Your Winter Disease Control program ? Acti-dione TGF® Use it to control spring diseases like leafspot, dollarspot, and melting out. Spray after first mowing. £ Also use Acti-dione TGF to fight fall diseasesU like dollarspot, leaf-" spot, rust and powdery: mildew. Start spraying in early S eptem ber.^ For more inform ation^ call: You’ve got it with Acti-dione® Thiram. It pro­ tects turf from fungus disease attacks, like snow mold organisms that flourish under snow­ fall conditions and winter temperatures. Protective appli­ cations can bring your turf through the winter stress period ready for spring­ time play. Call us today for help with your winter disease control program. DAVID J. SYLVESTER 203/828-3790 GREENHOUSE NURSERIES One Stop Wholesale Center Distributors of • EVERGREENS • TREE STAKES • FLOWERING TREES • RAILROAD TIES • MULCHES • SHADETREES • GROUND COVERS • CONTAINER MATERIAL • TURF CHEMICALS • 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 matic. Lawn Sprinkler Systems Saf-T-Lawn Lawn Sprinkler Systems EMANUEL SHEMIN - HORTICULTURIST 1081 KING STREET, BOX 64, GLENVILLE STATION GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT06830 Carmine Labriola greeting the Golf Course Superintendents and the many friends of Lawrence Labriola. □ 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 (203)531 7352 (914) 937-4644 CHIPCO protects your turf from the world’s toughest critic... The golfer RHODIA INC. AGRICULTURAL DIVISION Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852 SEMINARS—A NEW AVENUE TO GCSAA RECERTIFICATION Certified Golf Course Superintendents may retain their certification status by successfully completing three GCSAA sponsored seminars, according to newly approved procedures for the program. At the Spring Meeting the Executive Committee revised previously adopted procedures which limited the application of seminar attendance to only one event, or two points, when a total of six are required. Recognizing that recertification needs of educational advancement can well be met via continued seminars, the Committee rescinded its previous decision in favor of complete recertification through seminar completion. This new avenue of maintaining recertification will become effective immediately. Director of Education Bill Knoop continues to review the status of all certified members and will advise them of their needs to apply for recertification. Credit: National News, September, 1976 CALIFORNIA’S MONTEREY PENINSULA WILL BE SETTING FOR GCSAA PRE-CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT February 3 and 4, 1977, are the dates for the 1977 GCSAA Golf Tournament. Participants will play Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Dunes Course and Spyglass Hill—both famous for their beauty and uniqueness. The 36-hole stroke play is open to GCSAA members, exhibitors, club officials and guests of GCSAA members. Women’s play will be February 3 on the Rancho Canada Golf Club. Complete information including advance registration forms will be found in the forthcoming Conference Brochure. In brief, check-in will be Wednesday, February 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Monterey Holiday Inn—Tournament Head­ quarters. Housing for participants will be at the Holiday Inns in Monterey and Carmel. The Victory Banquet for awards and prizes will be February 4 at the Monterey Holiday Inn. Make plans now to enter and choose your members for the Chapter team competition. Credit: National News, September, 1976 Tony Urbanowicz, center, receiving the trophy for low gross from Al and host golf professional, Harry Montevideo. GCSAA LEARNS EPA HAS LIFTED BAN ON MERCURY FOR WINTER DISEASE Apparently, a settlement has been reached between the EPA and Manufacturers of pesticides containing Mercury—with Golf Superintendents coming out the real winners! Use of pesticides containing mercury were reinstated for control of winter turf diseases with two restrictions: (1) its use will only be allowed by professional golf superintendents or persons under their supervision; and, (2) it cannot be used within 25 feet of water where fish can be taken out for human consumption. The settlem ent provides for producers to phase out manufacture of mercurial pesticides used to treat summer golf turf diseases. The easing of the ban is particularly noteworthy because of the active role played by many local chapters, GCSAA’s G overnm ental R elations Com m ittee and the Industrial Advisory Council. Petitions and letters expressing the superintendents reasons for opposition to EPA’s initial ban were instrumental in bringing about the revised policy. This is yet another example of the important role your professional associations can and do play in speaking on the issues of the turf industry and turf management. and ( S U P P LÌ, IUC. ANDREW WILSON INC. 66 ERNA AVENUE DISTRIBUTORS FOR P. O. BOX 9 MILFORD, CONNECTICUT 0 6 4 6 0 JOHNS-MANVILLE IRRIGATION T ELEPHONE (203) 8 T 8 -0 6 5 8 PIPE-FITTINGS - CONTROLLERS - SPRINKLERS Specialist in PUMPS - SALES 8- SERVICE • Peerless • Cla-val Valves • Electric Control Panels • Pump Accessories SALES • SERVICE • DESIGN 1170U.S. Route 22 West Mountainside, New Jersey 07092 (201) 654-5800 Sales Representative —Bob Lippman (914) 248-5790 • Sprinklers IRRIGATION SUPPLIES • Pipe • Values # Fittings e best new w ay o hit the fairways! rA tf 'W * Hit the fairways this fall with an application of this great new USS Vertagreen fertilizer and you're on your way to fewer turf problems next spring. This quality product is ideal for fall fairway fertilization because it has a high potash analysis...and that means less winter kill. Potash works to toughen the grass, giving the turf healthy and hardy leaves that can better withstand the cold winter weather. Potash also helpsyourfairways See your Vertagreen distributor resist disease problems such as dollar spot and brown spot. A soil test in the late summerorearly fall will determine if yourfairways lack this vital nutrient. And if they do, USS Vertagreen Fall Fairway Fertilizer is the answer because it's formulated with primary nutrients specifically for your area. See your USS Vertagreen distributor and he'll show you how this great new product can winterize your fairways this fall. Next spring you'll be glad you did. Agri-Chemicals Division of United States Steel P.O. Box 1685, Atlanta, Ga. 30301 A* * * * * * * * * * * * M.G.C.S.A. Box 37 Rye, New York 10580 First Class MELVIN B LUCAS J R GARDEN CI TY GOLF CLUB 315 STEWART AVE GARDEN CI TY NY H 530 A S C IE N T IF IC P R U N IN G B O L T IN G A N D B R A C IN G IN S E C T C O N T R O L D ISE A S E C O N T R O L REMOVALS F E R T IL IZ IN G S P R A Y IN G C A V IT Y W OR K STUM P REMOVAL BUCKET TRUCK RENTAL TREE C O N S U LT A N TS is proud to announce the changing o f its name to ▲ TREE CARE, INC. serving you better the same people GOLF COURSE SPECIALISTS White Plains 948-0101 Chappaqua 238-4400 New Canaan 323-7245 Bronxville 337-2271 Brewster 279-3421 Greenwich 661-8014