Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
2
March • April 2002
Inside:
2002 OTF Officers
See page 5
Turfgrass Pathology
Program 2002
See pages 16–19
For more information or to register for OTF events, please contact Corporate Sponsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
the OTF office at 888-683-3445 or visit www.ohioturfgrass.org.
Syngenta Crop donate items to the auction. The people who attend spend
money to register, pay for hotels and food, but they bring items
Protection Award for the auction. Plus we have a core of people who help with the
auction, including the Auctioneer, Billy Arehart and his crew
from Wilmington, OH who all donate their time and talents.
The Ohio State University Turfgrass Entomologist Then it’s time for the auction and we all spend our money bid-
and Nematologist, Dr. Parwinder S. Grewal has been ding on the items. Why do we bid $400.00 for football tickets, pay
awarded the 2002 Syngenta Crop Protection Award by $50.00 to $450.00 for an autograph, pay hundreds of dollars for a
the U.S. Society of Nematologists. The award is pre- kids truck and then give it to an unknown but very grateful kid?
sented to an individual who has made contributions in Why? Because we are in the greatest industry in the world. We
Nematology, not previously recognized, which have might be friends, rivals, competitors, but when it gets down to
led to the significant advancement of agriculture and bettering our industry we are one.
horticulture. All of the money goes to the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust
Dr. Grewal has been developing insect-parasitic where it is used for research and scholarships. The purpose of the
nematodes for the biological control of white grubs Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust “is to operate exclusively for chari-
and other soil insects. He has published 74 research table purposes…and shall be to engage in research and educa-
papers, 7 book chapters, 5 review articles, 16 papers in tion activities relating to the planting, growing and marketing of
conference proceedings, and 11 extension publica- turfgrass, including but not limited to research through grants
tions on various aspects of nematodes and insects. He and awarding scholarships to students studying the field…”
has received over $1M in competitive grants for his The Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust is classified as an educa-
research on turfgrass pests during the past 4 years. tional foundation exempt from taxation under the 501(c) 3 code
He has also been instrumental in the development of of the Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, contributions to the
the award-winning video and web site on insect-para- research trust are tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.
sitic nematodes. Additionally, interest income earned by the research trust is
Dr. Grewal is very generous with his time for pro- non-taxable; thereby enabling more money to be used for turf-
fessional and public service. He is an editor of the grass research and education rather than going to the IRS.
Journal of Nematology, and is serving on the interna- Now that you know how much money we made, how we made
tional editorial boards of three other journals covering it, how it’s used, and all of the legal ramifications, now is the time
biological control and nematodes. He has served on to start thinking about this year’s auction.
the Research Enhancement Advisory Committee of What do you have that has value and can be sold? It can be
the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development turf or landscape related. It can be just useful around the home
Center and is now serving on the Research Review or business. Who do you know that can give an autograph or
Advisory Committee of the Ohio Turfgrass autographed item? How about tickets or greensfees? Autographs
Foundation. and tickets generate big bucks at the auction. When you think of
He has been previously decorated with the something call Kevin at the OTF office. He can tell you how to
Lindbergh Award for Environmental Achievement, get it to OTF. Do it now while you are thinking about it.
OARDC Department Research Award, Queens Team
Award for Environmental Achievement, and the
Young Scientist of the Year Award by the U.K. Thank you,
Mushroom Growers Association. We congratulate him
on his continued success. Gene Probasco, Auction Chair
Your Name
Signature
1. Name 3. Name
Phone Phone
Fax Fax
Email Email
2. 4. Name
Name
Phone Phone
Fax Fax
Email Email
• make copies of this form if needed • please be advised that the mailing
for additional names addresses provided above will be
listed in the Membership Directory.
Esters Amines
Above 32°F Night air temperatures Well Above 32°F
% Dandelion Control
Esters Application Date Amines
62 March 3rd week 49
Data from Purdue University research. Weedone herbicide applied at 4 pints per acre.
Slit seeders are an excellent tool to Big roll sod can be used where
establish seed:soil contact. establishment period is short.
2002
Industry Forecast
Landscape Forecast for 2002
Excerpts reprinted with permission from
Lawn & Landscape Magazine.
Ask a landscape contractor how 2001 was, and there’s Fuel prices jumped all over the board, eating away at
no telling how he or she will answer. Some will say 2001 profitability. Manufacturers and growers felt this pain even
was as good as any year. Others will relate that business more directly in many cases as the prices for their materials
has slowed but they still have to turn away work due to and for shipping inventory around the country climbed.
labor problems. At the same time, some contractors find And, of course, the weather was a boon for some areas
themselves facing a new situation—a business slowdown. and a curse in others.
All the while, assorted obstacles other than economic Despite all of these drags on business, landscape con-
uncertainty litter contractors’ paths to success. tractors maintain a positive, albeit more conservative, out-
Labor, as always, is scarce, and the lack of qualified look for the future. More than 56 percent of respondents to
employees continues to stand tall atop the list of a Lawn & Landscape survey said their business would grow
limitations. its annual sales volume compared to last year. While this
Anti-pesticide groups wreaked havoc with lawn care number illustrates the industry’s continued health, this
in New York this year after pushing pre-notification marks the fourth consecutive year this number has fallen.
legislation through the state government. As a result, Approximately 64 percent of respondents to this survey last
the industry seems to be waking up to the fact that year reported that their businesses would grow.
unfriendly legislation could significantly hinder business.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 2 • 2002 • Page 12
Sports Turf Industry
Forecast for 2002
by Boyd Montgomer y
Sylvania Parks Department
Looking deeper into the numbers, those respon- The outlook for the sports turf industry has never
dents who said their businesses will grow this year still looked brighter! With more and more focus being put
expected growth of about 19 percent for this year, on the increasing need to produce “quality” fields at all
compared to 15 percent last year. This increase in levels, sports turf managers are beginning to see the
growth levels would seem to indicate that the smaller, acknowledgement and educational opportunities open
less-established firms are the ones having the greatest up. But we have our challenges ahead!
difficulty dealing with this year’s challenges. 2002 looks to be a challenging year and with the mild
Meanwhile, the larger, more established companies, winter around most of the State many turf managers are
many of which experienced economic challenges in bracing for what they feel will be a bumpy spring! It is
the form of the recession of the early 1990s, learned becoming increasingly more important for sports turf
valuable lessons about operating in a down economy, manager to effectively “manage” there facilities/ field.
and those lessons are paying off right now. In fact, Many of your peers around the state and organizations
many companies would likely grow even more this such as the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF), Ohio
year if they could find enough employees. Sports Turf Managers Association (OSTMA), The Ohio
About 14 percent of respondents expect sales to State University Turfgrass Team, and National Sports
drop this year (compared to 11.5 percent last year), Turf Managers Association (STMA) are here to help
and they said sales would drop about 15 percent. Last you! These groups play an important role in bringing
year, respondents who suffered a downturn also pre- together “all” sports turf managers with networking and
dicted a 15 percent drop. Clearly, some consumers education to improve the quality of your facility/field.
and commercial property managers are delaying or With the effects of a tighter economy and budget
downsizing installations or reducing their regular cuts, many sports turf managers are left with trying to
maintenance service in order to minimize their land- find ways to still provide the quality facilities but with less
scape budget. Fortunately for contractors, new home resources and help! Many sports turf managers feel
sales and commercial building remained significantly alone in the struggles, but the common fact is that the
higher than the levels of even a few years ago for majority of us are all feeling the effects! How do we cor-
much of the year. rect this? The answer is not very easily! Sports turf man-
In general, some contractors were surprised by the agers are going to have to become more professional,
extent of the challenges last year brought, while most which in turn will lead to better organization, communi-
expected to have to work harder for sales this year. cation, and effective management. We are going to have
Lawn & Landscape research found that 31.6 percent to learn to be more inventive! With the management of
of survey respondents said last year was worse than your staff that works for you, you should be encouraging
they expected, just slightly below the number who said them to think “out side the box” on maintenance tech-
this year will be better than expected. niques, equipment uses, etc. Your staff is a great resource
While no one wants to see fewer dollars spent on to accomplishing the tasks needed to provide quality
landscape services, many contractors have privately fields! No one likes budget cuts, so don’t sit back and let
commented that a mini-recession could ultimately them happen without voicing your concerns in a profes-
benefit the industry by forcing smaller businesses to sional manner! Document the effects of such cuts and
either improve their management skills and level of continue to remind your upper management of the
operation or to shut their doors if they can’t remain need to address theses issues as soon as they can.
profitable. Become proactive not reactive!
Industry Outlook for 2002– events from many companies’ agendas to their employ-
ees’ wish lists. Entertainment rarely rates as high as other
Greener Pastures Than in 2001? expenses when financial officers attempt to meet their
bottom lines.
Reprinted with permission by
the NOGCSA “On the Ball.” So why the tentatively positive outlook for 2002?
Because golfers will find a way to play the game.
The lingering aftermath of a national economic With fewer vacations and getaways to destinations far-
slowdown probably will continue to leave its mark on ther from home, more money will be available for local
local clubs in 2002. Fewer divots on the course may play. And local markets account for about 95 percent of
likely translate into lower profits in the books. golf course revenues, according to the NGCOA. Owners
The September 11 attack on the New York Trade can fill the void caused by the economic downturn, at
Towers created an instant slump in travel, which adverse- least partially, by drawing the scratch golfer from across
ly affected the golf industry near the end of the 2001 town and the high handicapper who lives right down
season. According to statistics by the golf-market the road.
research firm Golf Datatech, in Florida, rounds played One major key to survival, ironically, lies in the confi-
nationwide dropped by 2.3 percent. Individual courses dence to invest in improvements. Casual golfers and
reported catastrophic plummets in the amount of play devoted members alike look for value in course selec-
by as much as 50 percent. And the National Golf Course tion, which could justify spending more in green fees to
Owners Association (NGCOA) described the emergence play a nicer course. As a result, industry gurus expect
of new golfers throughout the country as “flat.” maintenance budgets to remain steady and renovations,
A more prominent, yet perhaps less obvious factor in both major and minor, to equal or exceed past levels.
widespread declines can be attributed the weather over If all transpires as anticipated, the year ahead seems
the past year. Winter conditions in early spring, especial- promising, at best, and less painful, at worst, than the
ly in the Midwest, deterred avid golfers from hitting the memories left from 2001.
links as early or as frequently as usual. In mid-April 2001,
MISSION:
To develop and maintain premier
Turfgrass Pathology Program at The Ohio State University
PEOPLE:
Faculty/Staff
Students/Current
(Four master level students have graduated from
the program since Dr. Boehm started in 1996.)
Diagnostic Services
Provide the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest
Diagnostic Clinic (CWEPPDC) with diagnoses of
turfgrass samples for diseases and disorders.
• Site and field visits are provided to the industry
and are a highly valuable component of
the turfgrass extension program.
• Assist research projects by providing diagnoses
of turfgrass diseases and disorders.
• Athletic field diagnostic consulting is provided
for numerous sites throughout the state.
Annual bluegrass (AB) continues to be the most prevalent weed problem in high maintenance,
cool season golf course turf. Annual bluegrass management has improved due to a better under-
standing of AB subspecies and biotypes, changes in maintenance strategies to minimize AB stress,
and new fungicide tools for disease management. A major drawback to AB management is its capac-
ity to produce abundant seedheads in the spring and early summer significantly influencing playability.
S ome tools are available to assist in reducing or oration that typically occurs. Some iron sources will
antagonize the activity of Embark in tank mixes. Research
eliminating AB seedhead production. None however
are a panacea. The major tool being used with from the University of Illinois (Branham) indicates that
degrees of success is plant growth regulators (PGR’s). fully chelated iron sources will not reduce the effectiveness
The most common PGR’s for use today fit into two of Embark (Table 2).
general categories (Table 1): (1) PGR’s that inhibit Successful seedhead control is predicated on proper
cell division (mitotic inhibitors) and truly inhibit seed- timing. Mefluidide applications need to be applied after
head development and (2) PGR’s that inhibit cell AB green-up but before seedhead emergence.
elongation (GA synthesis inhibitors) and result in Traditionally, mefluidide applications are made anytime
compact seedhead stalks. between the first and middle of April depending on the
Embark (Embark Lite) is the most efficacious temperatures in Columbus. In Cincinnati, applications
PGR for seedhead control. Embark is a growth would be made earlier than this and in Cleveland later.
regulator that actually stops turf growth (i.e. inhibits However, application within this window is quite variable
cell division) and eliminates seedhead production if depending on temperatures. Reported signs for proper
applied at the proper rate ( 1/16 to 1/8 lb ai/A) and application timing include:
time. Unfortunately, the growth stoppage that occurs
with Embark can cause short- term turf discoloration 1. Apply when you can feel the seedhead within the
(phytotoxicity).Phytotoxicity/discoloration is very rate sheath or at “boot stage”. It is sometimes difficult to
sensitive so accurate application procedures are a access the boot stage.
must when using this AB seedhead suppression strate- 2. Delay applications until full green-up otherwise the
gy. After the initial discoloration phase, the typical green-up process will be delayed and turf quality will
dark green color response observed with most PGR be reduced.
applications occurs. Embark does not assist in conver-
sion of creeping bentgrass (CB) - AB swards to CB. 3. Check for AB seedhead appearance in the rough. AB
Most turf managers apply an iron source tank will generally flower first in the rough followed by fair-
mixed with Embark to help mask some of the discol- ways and greens. Thus the appearance of seedheads in
the rough would be a sign to treat fairways.
4. Growing degree-models: Research studies report Cautions/points when using mefluidide include:
that mefluidide applications can be made based
1. If you are interested in using the compound, and you
on growing degree-days (GDD). GDD are calcu-
have not used it before, test it out on a small scale.
lated a number of different ways, however the
Discoloration to the turf can occur.
most common is taking the average daily tempera-
ture and subtracting a base temperature which is 2. Keep applications on the turf to be treated. Spraying
usually 50°F (10 C). These daily totals are accu- “out in the rough” or other non-target turfgrass areas
mulated from a given start date. If the GDD for where AB is not the primary turfgrass can result in
the day is less than 0, the GDD is 0 (no negatives). unwanted suppression of the turfgrass (most com-
Using centigrade temperature readings and accu- monly Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegass).
mulating GDD starting April 1st, the best time to
apply mefluidide is when the GDD total is between 3. Minimize any potential overlap.
10 and 30. For fahrenheit temperature, the GDD PGR’s like Primo, Trimmit, and Cutless do not stop
total is 50–75. Widespread use of this model is prob- growth but are true regulators in the sense that they
ably restricted due to the start date of April 1st. inhibit/slow cell elongation by inhibiting GA synthesis.
They are commonly called “GA inhibitors”. Seedheads are
still produced but the plants and seedstalks are more
compact and the seedstalks do not elongate as much as if
they were unregulated. The more diminutive, compact
seedhead results in a putting surface that is less irregular
even though seedheads are present. The effectiveness of
the latter PGR’s for AB seedhead control from OSU
research in the spring of 2001 are presented in Table 3.
Table 3.
PGR Efficacy on AB Seedhead Suppression / Control
1
Treatment applied on April 9
2
% Control calculated based on AB seedhead counts in untreated plots
3
OSU research (Street & Holdren)
A Passion Becomes a
Columbus, Ohio
Composts and mulches can be used successfully to Why do fresh amendments or mulches have these tem-
porary negative effects on plant health? Fresh plant tissues,
improve tree vigor and health. Unfortunately, these
organic amendments also can be applied in ways so incorporated into soil, release sugars, proteins, and other
that negative effects are the end result. Many factors water soluble nutrients when they first begin to decay. This
contribute to success or failure in these soil organic stimulates many plant pathogens as well as other soil
management practices. This paper reviews the most microorganisms. Fresh organic matter undergoing high
critical factors that must be considered if mulches are to rates of decomposition also binds water, making it “slippery”
be used successfully. when wet. The soil under mulch prepared from these
materials remains to high in moisture content, and can
aggravate root rots.
Fresh vs. Composted Organic Matter As soon as the organic matter is partially decomposed
Most fresh plant materials cause negative effects on and competition for nutrients begins among soil microor-
plant growth and/or health for some time after applica- ganisms, beneficial effects begin. Pathogens now are sup-
tion. For example, fresh straw used as mulch increases pressed or killed, and beneficial microorganisms thrive,
water retention in soils, immobilizes nitrogen, resulting in including mycorrhizal fungi. The structure of the soil is
poor growth, and may also increase Phytophthora root improved, which results in improved water retention under
rot. Fresh ground wood seems to have similar effects. dry weather conditions and better drainage during periods
Composted yardwaste prepared from ground wood of high precipitation. Soil fertility is affected also. While
and grass clippings has the opposite effect. It improves organic matter decomposes, nutrients are released and ful-
plant growth, improves both drainage and water reten- vic acids are formed. Fulvic acids are resistant to decomposi-
tion, and can provide biological control of Phytophthora tion and polymerize to form humic substances in soils.
root rot. The same results have been obtained with com- Fulvic and some humic acids remain dissolved in water in
posted tree barks. soil early during the decomposition process. These acids
In gardening, the type of organic matter used must be chelate trace elements, such as iron, zinc, manganese, cop-
considered also. Vetch plowed into soil as green manure per, etc., and improve the availability of these elements in
increases Pythium damping-off of lettuce if the crop is soils. This is one reason why manures and sludges “green
planted within the first week after plowing. However, 10 up” plants on some high pH soils.
days after plowing, when the green manure is fully colo- Highly stabilized sources of organic matter, such as that
nized by soil microorganisms, the disease is suppressed in muck soils or peat, as well as humic substances in miner-
and biocontrol prevails. alized farm soils, do not provide these same beneficial
effects. Pathogens typically cause heavy losses in such soils
unless pesticides are used.
M any changes have recently been made to the governance structure of the
Ohio Turfgrass Foundation that may need explanation. They are important
changes that allow us to better serve you—our members. Please be assured that
when the OTF Board of Directors meets and makes strategic decisions, the
interests of our members and Ohio’s turfgrass industry are THE priority.
As you may recall, last October at a special member meeting, the Board of
Directors voted to reduce the number of voting trustees serving on the Board
from 14 to 11. The position of President Elect and two trustee positions were
eliminated. Dr. John Street and I serve as ex-officio Board members—meaning
that we do not have a vote, but still serve on the Board.
Does this mean there are fewer individuals making the strategic decisions affecting the organization?
Absolutely not!
As announced and explained in prior issues of TurfNews, the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT) was
recently formed. OTRT is an extension of OTF, but has a different classification as far as the Internal
Revenue Service is concerned. Both OTF and OTRT are not-for-profit organizations, but OTRT is considered
a 501(c)3 charitable organization with several tax advantages. Its tax-exempt status offers many benefits for
future fund-raising campaigns. OTRT will enable us to raise large sums of money—thus increasing the
research and education support we are able to provide.
OTRT has its own Board of Directors and bylaws. Its bylaws state that there must be an OTF trustee
serving on the OTRT Board at all times. OTF must approve all nominations to the OTRT Board.
• The 2002 OTRT Board of Directors, all OTF Past (or current) Presidents, follows:
• President—Randy Tischer, Green Velvet Sod Farms
• Treasurer—Doug Halterman
• OTF Representative—Mark Heinlein, The Motz Group
• Paul Jacquemin, The Andersons
• Gene Probasco
• Bob O’Brien, Century Equipment
Furthermore, under the direction of the OTRT Board of Directors, an important new committee has
been formed. It is called the Research Review Advisory Committee (RRAC).
The RRAC currently consists of two OTF/OTRT Board representatives and five researchers from the OSU
Turfgrass Science Team. The committee is responsible for making recommendations regarding the allocation
of research funds. It serves a very important function that will enable OTF to best utilize available funds. It
will also allow for increased fundraising, and enhance the dissemination of information to OTF members.
More about the RRAC will be explained in future issues.
As you can see, many individuals are involved in the strategic decision making at OTF. A synergy now
exists, unlike any I have experienced in over three years as your Executive Director. Under the current leader-
ship and organizational structure, the future looks very bright for OTF and the turfgrass industry in Ohio.
Cordially,
Kevin Thompson
OTF Executive Director
PO Box 3388
Zanesville, OH 43702–3388
888–OTF–3445
Fax (740) 452–2552