TurfNews

Volume 69 • No. 2
April – May 2007

T H E N E W S L ET T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D AT I O N

They can’t How many

deliver the fertilizer events are we
until when???!!! having this
weekend???
Hal
f
did of m
n y
for ’t sh crew
wo ow
ny t rk t u
ma ipmen oda p
w
Ho f equ y y!
o ad
i e ces e alre n???
p ar ow
k e nd
bro s
Disease
Weeds, cts ...
e
and Ins !
Oh My

My preemergence
isn’t down yet!

I still need
Poa seedheads to aerify!!!!!!
already going
wild .......

Spring has Sprung!

WHAT’S INSIDE: GREEN INDUSTRY NEWS
See Pages 4 – 9
Sports Turf TIPS
See Pages 18 – 22
Golf Course TIPS
See Page 24 – 25
 The proof is on the green,
not in the clippings!

TurfNews
TurfNews distributes useful and timely advice, information and
These photos show the difference in mower pickup after 5 minutes of irrigation!
research from Ohio’s most knowledgeable experts and professionals
to OTF members and those in the turfgrass industry.

Vol. 69 • No. 2 April – May 2007

TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation

1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701-7303
1-888-OTF-3445 and is available to all members
www.OhioTurfgrass.org
T H E N E W S L ET T E R O F T H E O H I O T U R F G R A S S F O U N D AT I O N
Brand X Back issues of OTF TurfNews are available on our website at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
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Inside 07 Calendar OF Events

Message from the OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 OTF’s 46th Anniversary!
April 24, 2007

Ohio Turfgrass Week

Green Industry News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 May 25 – June 1, 2007 • 888-683-3445

Ohio Sports Turf Spring Field Day (OSTMA)

Residential Lawn Care Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 May 2, 2007 • 614-354-1196
Hudson High School, Hudson, OH

Northeast Ohio Lawn Care Seminar (OLCA)

2007 Buckeye Sports Turf Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 June 21, 2007 • 800-510-5296
OARDC, Wooster, OH

OTF Regional Seminar

Sports Turf Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 July 17, 2007
Yankee Trace Golf Club, Centerville, OH

Member Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 OLCA Golf Outing

July 26, 2007 • 800-510-5296 (OLCA)
Deer Ridge Golf Club, Bellville, OH

Golf Course Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Ohio Sod Producers Association Summer Field Day
August 7, 2007 • 888-683-3445
Henderson Turf Farm, Franklin, OH
Hort Shorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research Field Day
August 15, 2007 • 888-683-3445
OTF Research & Education Center, Columbus, OH
New Growth & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Ohio Lawn Care Outdoor Summer Seminar (OLCA)
August 16, 2007 • 800-510-5296
OTF Research & Education Center, Columbus, OH
OSU Turfgrass Science Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
OTF Golf Tournament
October 1, 2007 • 888-683-3445
Safe Lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 NCR Country Club, Dayton, OH

Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

December 4 – 6, 2007 • 888-683-3445
Corporate Sponsor – THE ANDERSONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH


 MESSAGE
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
The older I get, the more I learn to appreciate this time of year ...
whether it is finding the sanity in life after “March Madness” or
seeing the aesthetically invigorating “perfectscape” the Masters
provides, the awakening mother nature provides gives us the
energy and focus to begin the execution of winter plans ... certainly
a season of hope.
Freshness is also something the OTF Board and Committees look
at while building programs for the upcoming year. One of the new
programs started last year, Ohio Turfgrass Week, provides an
opportunity for OTF members to help promote the turfgrass industry
in Ohio.
OTF launched the inaugural Ohio Turfgrass Week as an initiative
to create an awareness of the positive impact turfgrass has on
the environment, while creating an opportunity to generate new
revenue streams through non-traditional means from those who
benefit from turfgrass either recreationally or at home.
To promote Ohio Turfgrass week last year, we asked golf courses
to participate and donate a dollar a round during the week. This
year Ohio Turfgrass week, scheduled for May 25 – June 1, has
broadened the scope of the target groups. OTF is asking Golf
Courses, Lawn Care Operators, Athletic Field Managers and vendors
to participate by selling tickets for redemptive goods or services
offered (see detailed communication on page 4 of this issue).
Not only will those who buy tickets be eligible for prizes, but the
OTF member who sells the most raffle tickets will win a variety
of OTF packages including Golf Tournament registration, Conference
and Show Registration and an annual Membership to OTF.
We appreciate your support and participation in Ohio Turfgrass
Week. Help spread the word about the benefits of turfgrass in Ohio!
Yours for Better Turf,
Mark Jordan CGCS
– WARNING –
This will be the last OTF TurfNews
you receive if you do not renew
your 2007 membership.
Don’t Let Your Member
Benefits Expire!
It’s time to renew your membership to OTF (unless,
of course, you have already done so). The OTF Member-
ship year runs from February 1 – January 31. Member-
ship renewal invoices have been mailed 3 times to all
2006 members – and there was no increase in dues!
Please renew your membership immediately. If OTF
does not receive your renewal before May 1, valuable
member benefits and services will expire.
Following is a brief description of each OTF Member-
ship Type:
Organizational: Any one company that is currently in-
volved in the management of turfgrass. Includes golf
courses, lawn care companies, parks & recreation,
cemeteries, nurseries, landscapers, sod producers,
athletic fields, suppliers, and related organizations.
Organizational Members have one contact person with
full voting privileges.
Affiliate Organizational Member: Any one person
whose company has joined as an Organizational
Member. Affiliate Members will receive all OTF mailings,
will be listed in the membership directory, and will
have all other member benefits, but will have no voting
privileges.
Individual: Any one person who is currently involved in
the management of turfgrass. Individual Members have
full voting privileges.
Faculty: Any person involved in teaching turfgrass
management, landscape, horticulture, or other related
fields. Faculty Members have no voting privileges.
Retired: Any member for 10 consecutive years who
is now retired.
Student: Any student currently enrolled in a high
school, vocational, technical school, college or univer-
sity. Student Members have no voting privileges.
If you did not receive your renewal invoice, or have
questions about your membership, please call OTF
at 888-683-3445, or visit www.OhioTurfgrass.org.

GREEN
INDUSTRY

NEWS
Members Can Earn Valuable Prizes
by Supporting Ohio Turfgrass Week!
Would you like to win a foursome in the 2007 OTF Golf Tournament
at NCR Country Club, 2007 OTF Conference & Show Registration
and/or a free OTF membership? You can win them by supporting
the second annual Ohio Turfgrass Week, May 25 – June 1.
What is Ohio Turfgrass Week?
In May 2006, OTF raised funds and generated public awareness
for Ohio’s turfgrass industry through the successful launching of
Ohio Turfgrass Week. This year, OTF hopes to dramatically increase
these funds by adding excitement and competition.
to win a prize that you donate (Example: Free foursome of golf,
lessons from your Pro, etc).
Lawn Care Operators
Raffle tickets sold to your customers with a chance to win a prize
that you donate (Example: Free fall application or aeration).
Athletic Field Managers
Raffle tickets sold to fans with a chance to win a prize (Example:
Free event tickets or opportunity for a behind the scenes experience).

Reductions in the state government budget for support of The Ohio
State University have significantly affected research and extension
services available for Ohio’s turfgrass industry. All maintained green
space stands to suffer from the negative impacts of these budget
cutbacks.
Ohio Turfgrass week plans to raise research funds and educate
the community about the importance and positive benefits from
professionally managed turfgrass areas. OTF is currently seeking a
Legislative Proclamation officially naming “Ohio Turfgrass Week”.
Suppliers
Sales staff sells raffle tickets to customers with a chance to win a
prize (Example: Free seed, fertilizer, spreader, etc.).
The raffle tickets may be sold though May 31, with the winner being
drawn by you on June 1. The money that is collected from the raffle
ticket sales will then be donated to OTF for Turfgrass Research.
The three (3) OTF members who raise the most money from raffle
ticket sales win the prizes listed below.

1st Prize – TOTAL VALUE = $985

2007 Ohio Turfgrass Week – Here’s how it Works
1 Year OTF Organizational Membership ($170 value)
This year’s plans include raffling prizes to golfers, customers,
Foursome in OTF Golf Tournament at NCR Country Club ($600 value)
homeowners and others who benefit from the expertise of Ohio’s
3-Day Registration for 2007 OTF Conference & Show ($215 value)
turfgrass professionals.

2nd Prize – TOTAL VALUE = $385

You, the OTF member, will sell $1 raffle tickets that will be supplied
1 Year OTF Organizational Membership ($170 value)
to you by OTF. The prizes for the raffle will vary depending upon
3-Day Registration for 2007 OTF Conference & Show ($215 value)
each participating OTF member. For example:

3rd Prize – TOTAL VALUE = $170

Golf Courses
1 Year OTF Organizational Membership ($170 value)
Pro Shop sells raffle tickets for $1 each to golfers until the end of
Ohio Turfgrass Week. On June 1, a winner is randomly selected Continued on next page


It’s a Win-Win Proposition!
• Everyone who purchases a raffle ticket has a chance to win great
prizes. Plus, they will learn something about turfgrass research
because the raffle tickets will be printed with valuable inform-
ation about the need for turfgrass research.
• You get to gather valuable information about your customers
(i.e. email addresses).
• You can win valuable, money-saving prizes from OTF.
• Funds are raised for turfgrass research.
Letters were mailed recently to all OTF members explaining how
they can participate in this year’s Ohio Turfgrass Week and win
valuable prizes. OTF encourages all members to take part in Ohio
Turfgrass Week and help secure the future of turfgrass research
in Ohio! Please discuss this fun, new fundraising effort with your
owner or general managers. If you have questions, please call OTF
at 888-683-3445. We look forward to your participation!
FOR THE LATEST RESEARCH AND INFORMATION
FOR OHIO’S TURF AND LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
VISIT THESE IMPORTANT WEB SITES:
Buckeye Turf
www.buckeyeturf.osu.edu
Lawn, Grounds & Landscape
Buckeye Yard & Garden Line • www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/bygl
These sites may also be accessed from the
OTF Web site at www.OhioTurfgrass.org.
2007 Ohio State Golf Turf
Spring Tee-Off Review
The 4th annual Spring Tee-Off just wrapped up and thank you to all
of those who participated. The new, two day schedule was well
received and the Wednesday evening Welcome Reception was
standing-room only. It is always great to get together with friends.
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, for the second year partnered with
the Central Ohio Golf Course Superintendents Association to have
one of their monthly meetings in conjunction with the Spring Tee-
Off. Not only was there great networking, attendees received
pesticide credits and superintendent’s received valuable GCSAA
educational points. Speakers included most members of The Ohio
State Turf Team, Dr. Bill Pound of the Ohio Department of Ag-
riculture, Bob Brame and Bill McCarthy of the USGA, golf course
architect Jason Straka, Hurdzan-Fry, Golf Course Design and Larry
Aylward, Golfdom magazine. Just about all topics were covered
either by a speaker, panel discussions or the evening discussion at
the Welcome Reception.
Although the program might appear similar to the sessions at
the December Conference and Show, the Spring Tee-Off is much
different. The speakers, all of which are from The Ohio State
University or have ties to Ohio, were asked to look into their crystal
ball to try to get the attendees in the right frame of mind to start
their programs in the next 30 to 60 days. Every talk had a take
home message. Whether it was new products, or combining old
products, ideas were shared to save time and labor. Data showed
that early applications in the spring could pay dividends all season
long. Communication is always needed, whether you are trying to
explain hand watering, or why the course should hire an architect.
Vendors got a chance to attend educational sessions, which is a
little different than always having to man their booth.
The room was full which made it possible to have great question
and answer sessions. Conversations could have lasted well into the
evening, and from rumors I heard, some of them did. I hope every-
one has a happy and healthy 2007. The OTF Conference and Show
is only about 8 months away – when we can all get together again
and ponder what to do next. Have a great year!

GREEN
INDUSTRY

NEWS
Founders Club
Continues to Grow Spotlight on Giving
The Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT) Founders Club continues The Founders Club – Jeff Bisker, Your Lawn, Inc., Ashville, OH
to add new members in its mission to generate funding for turf-
grass research. At the 2006 OSU/OTF Turfgrass Research Field Day,
OTRT announced a new level of membership for just $500 – pay-
able over a 5-year period. The new Emerald Level Membership
has enabled many new members to join and help OTRT in its
pursuit of establishing an endowment for funding turfgrass research
in perpetuity. Several other members joined at the Founders Club
Reception held during the OTF Conference & Show. Following is a
complete list of all current Founders Club Members (as of 3/30/07),
in alphabetical order:

Jeff Bisker Kim Kellogg

Dr. Michael Boehm Rick Kucharski
Al Brant Don Lawrence
Dr. Karl Danneberger John Lavelle
Dr. Chuck Darrah Paul Mendezoff
Jim Dillard John Meyer “I was invited to the Founders Club Reception at the 2006
Joe Duncan Joseph Motz
OTF Conference & Show, so I went to learn more about
Ed Eaton Harry Murray
Susan Everett Northwestern Ohio GCSAA the Founders Club. I learned a lot about how OTF, Ohio Turf-

Fairmount Minerals Bob O’Brien grass Research Trust and OSU work together to benefit
(Best Sands) Ed Odorizzi
the turf industry in Ohio. OTF has done a lot to support
John Fitzgerald Walter Offinger
Doug Gallant Gene Probasco research at Ohio State for many years, but there’s still so

Dr. David Gardner Jerome Schwieterman much that can be done. The OSU Turf Team has helped me
Tim Glorioso Jim Sharp
run a better lawn care company, and since I graduated
Mark Grunkemeyer Brad Smith
Doug Halterman Sam Stimmel from OSU, I thought this would be a good way to give back

Mark Heinlein Randy Tischer to our industry. I signed up before leaving the reception”.
Paul Jacquemin Richard Warner
Randy Kehres Todd Voss


5th Annual Northeast Ohio OTF members are always encouraged to patronize supplier
members – the sod supplier members of OSPA are no different.

Lawn Care Seminar June 21 When making your next sod purchase, please contact the follow-
ing OSPA members (as of April 13). For information about
in Wooster OSPA, contact OTF headquarters at 888-683-3445.

The Ohio Lawn Care Association (OLCA) will hold its 5th Annual Columbus Turf Nursery
Northeast Ohio Lawn Care Seminar June 21 at OARDC in Wooster. 14337 US Hwy 23
The hands-on, outdoor workshop provides education for lawn, land- Ashville OH 43103-9667
scape and grounds managers at a location easily accessible for those Phone: (740) 983-8873
in the northeast and central parts of the state.
Eastgate Sod
10491 St Rt 48
Participants will get hands-on instruction and diagnostic training on Loveland OH 45140-6625
the following topics: Phone: (513) 683-6436 x103
• Woody Ornamental Pest Management
Green Velvet Sod Farms Ltd.
• Insect Damage Identification and Control
3620 Upper Bellbrook Rd
• Pre and Post Emergence Control on Grassy Weeds Bellbrook OH 45305-8938
• Nutrient Management Phone: (937) 848-2501
• Application Accuracy
• Equipment Operations Safety Henderson Turf Farm
2969 Beal Rd
Franklin OH 45005-4603
Pesticide Re-Certification credit will be available, and the Ohio Depart-
Phone: (937) 748-1559
ment of Agriculture will offer testing for those interested in taking their
Pesticide Applicators License Test. Lavy Ent. Turf Grass, Inc.
12386 W National Rd
Pre-registration costs $35 for OLCA members and $70 for non- New Carlisle OH 45344-9725
members. Non-members who join the association at the time of Phone: (937) 845-3721
registration receive complimentary registration for the workshop.
Medina Sod Farms, Inc.
Discounts are available for multiple participants from the same 14349 Burton City Rd
company. For more information, or to register, contact the OLCA office Orrville OH 44667-9609
at 800-510-5296 or visit www.OhioLawnCare.org. Phone: (330) 683-2916

Motz Turf Farms

6280 Clough Pike
Cincinnati OH 45244-3961

OTF Encourages You to

Phone: (513) 231-4844

Princeton Delivery Systems, Inc.

Support OSPA Members! 8170 Dove Pkwy
Canal Winchester OH 43110-9674
OTF and the Ohio Sod Producers Association (OSPA) share a Phone: (614) 834-5035
unique, mutually-beneficial relationship in which dues-paying
Sugar Run Sod Farm
OSPA members automatically become members of OTF. Since 13195 McWilliams Rd
OSPA is a “division” of OTF, a portion of the OSPA member dues Greenfield OH 45123
pays for OTF membership and the balance goes into OSPA re- Phone: (937) 763-8882
stricted funds to support the activities of OSPA. Therefore, Ohio
Turpin Farms
Sod Producers Association maintains its own identity as the only 3295 Turpin Ln
state association for sod producers and its members benefit from Cincinnati OH 45244-3446
membership in OTF. Phone: (513) 617-3623


GREEN
INDUSTRY

NEWS
OLCA Elects 2007
Officers and Trustees
The Ohio Lawn Care Association (OLCA) recently announced the
election of Officers and Trustees to its 2007 Board of Directors.
Officers serve a one-year term and Trustees serve three-year terms
that began March 1. OLCA announced the following officers and
trustees who will lead the association into the future:
President
Dave Winter, Advanced Turf Solutions, Hilliard, OH
Winter graduated from The Ohio State University in Turfgrass
Management and has spent his last 15 years as a supplier for turf
and horticultural products.
Vice-President
Dave Hofacre, Grass Master, Inc., Canal Fulton, OH
Hofacre graduated from OSU/ATI in 1975 with an Associates
Degree in Turfgrass Science. In 1981 he and an ATI classmate
began Grass Master, Inc., a full-service lawn care company serving
northeastern Ohio.
Secretary/Treasurer
Joyce Pelz, NaturaLawn of America, Akron, OH
Pelz has served on OLCA’s Board for three years and was Secretary/
Treasurer in 2006. She lives in the Akron area and is active in state
and local chapters of the Audubon Society. She is a graduate of
Youngstown State University.
Two former trustees and one new trustee were elected to
serve three-year terms that began March 1, 2007:
Jeff Bisker, Your Lawn, Inc., Ashville, OH
Bisker is a Past President of OLCA and will be serving his third term
as trustee. He has chaired the Education, Grants and Scholarships
Committee for several years.
Jeff Benton, St. Clair Lawn Care, St. Clairsville, OH
Benton was elected to a second trustee term on the board. Benton
graduated from The Ohio State University in turfgrass management
and is very active in his community.
Rob Palmer, Weed Pro, Sheffield Village, OH
Palmer, owner of Weed Pro, Ltd., with operations in Cleveland and
Columbus, started his business in 2001. Before starting Weed Pro,
Ltd., Robert worked for Lesco, Inc. as a market sales represent-
ative. Married with 3 children, Robert lives in Amherst, Ohio.
The Ohio Lawn Care Association is committed to promoting
and protecting the lawn care industry in Ohio. For more inform-
ation contact OLCA at 1100-H Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville, OH
USA 43701-7303; Phone 800-510-5296; Fax 740-452-2552;
info@OhioLawnCare.org, www.OhioLawncare.org.

Immediate Past President

Bill Hoopes, former Director of Training with Scotts LawnService
and Barefoot Grass and 2005 founder of Grass Roots Training.
Hoopes, has been active in OLCA since 1990 and was the 2002
President of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America.


 OSU Student Turf Club Update
The main goal of the turf club is to enable the students to become active amongst themselves
and with others within their profession whether it is sports turf management, golf course management,
or the soon to be professional golf management here at The Ohio State University.
It has been quite an exciting year for The Ohio State University
Turf Club as the members were able to attend conferences and
interact with many professionals already established in the turf
industry. The club is advised by Dr. Dave Gardner and is com-
prised of nearly thirty members out of the seventy students
enrolled in the turfgrass program.
The main goal of the turf club is to enable the students to be-
come active amongst themselves and with others within their
profession whether it is sports turf management, golf course
management, or the soon to be professional golf management
here at The Ohio State University. To accomplish this goal, the
students hold regular meetings every other Thursday not only to
have a good time and get to know each other, but to coordinate
different events which allow them to come in contact with current
superintendents and other influential figures within their profession.
Most of the energy spent is invested into planning fundraisers
that allow club members to attend the golf industry show for the
GCSAA, which was held in Anaheim, California. This year twelve
students, including three international students, were able to
make the trek out west and attend the trade show. They set
up their own booth amongst the other elite turf programs and
interacted amongst their peers. The students also were fortunate
enough for the Toro Co. to have a guided tour of all of their current
and upcoming equipment that will soon be available.
The students also competed in the Turf Quiz Bowl, which is
routinely held at the annual convention. The team of Club President
Ian Gallagher, Secretary John Gruneisen, Casey Taylor and John
Price had the best showing for Ohio State taking 8th place out of
81 teams.
In order for the students to be able to attend the GIS, numerous
fundraising projects helped finance the trip. The club was very
fortunate to receive a generous donation from the OTF and was
given the opportunity to work the coat check and help set up
booths at the OTF Conference and Trade Show which allowed the
club to earn tips and hourly rates on top of their donation. The
Turf Club is fortunate to have a resource like the OTF involved
with our group as they constantly provide support and help the
students interact with turf industry professionals.
With the main goal of the Turf Club providing an outlet for
students to interact with other turf students and professionals
to enhance networking skills and assist in the advancement of
the industry, the students desire to set up meetings with super-
intendents from local courses and find internships to enhance
their knowledge and gain practical experience. It is our ambition
to be prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow. With the guidance
and knowledge from the faculty and staff at The Ohio State
University, the generosity by members of the OTF and companion-
ship with experienced superintendents, its definitely attainable.
The Ohio State Turf Club thanks everybody for their support and
hope that it continues in the upcoming year.
To carry on the tradition of the Turf Club, the planning and pre-
paration in Thursday meetings will be continued (as well as the
post game at the Varsity Club). Fundraising for the GIS in Orlando
is already in progress under the leadership of newly elected Turf
Club President John Gruneisen, Vice President Mike Odrumsky,
Treasurer Zach Westenbarger, and Secretary James Grdina. GO
BUCKEYES!

 RESIDENTIAL
LAWN CARE

TIPS
Broadleaf Weed Control
Dave Gardner, The Ohio State University

As spring approaches it becomes important to begin thinking about Use tables 1c and 1d to determine if you have perennial broad-

your turf weed control programs. Remember that the first step to leaf weeds and when the most appropriate time to control them

controlling weeds is to identify which weeds are present on a site. is. Usually fall time applications are recommended for perennial

Proper identification of the weed will assist with two things: 1) broadleaf control. If you make a springtime application (and most

selecting the correct herbicide and 2) applying that herbicide at do for obvious reasons) then know that this is going to be effective

the right time in the weed’s life cycle in order to maximize control. probably for 60-90 days depending on the product used and the

rate applied. Broadleaf weeds, whether new or regrowth from

If you are primarily dealing with annual broadleaf weeds (Tables below ground structures on the surviving original weeds, will re-

1a or 1b) then you can control these possibly with a preemergence appear. Fall applications tend to result in longer term control due to

herbicide (check the label of your crabgrass control product) or more complete translocation into below ground weed parts. If you

postemergence. The issue with using a preemergence herbicide is see weeds this fall, consider making an application with an ester

usually one of timing. For example, knotweed germinates in late formulation of an herbicide recommended in Table 2.

March, before we recommend application of preemergence her-

bicides. Late germinating weeds, such as oxalis, germinate very After determining your target weeds then use table 2 to select the

late, after most preemergence products have lost effectiveness. best herbicide for the application. Table 3 includes a list of comb-

However, the preemergence herbicide will provide some defense. ination herbicides which are commonly applied in order to broaden

Always check the label and remember to target the application for the spectrum of control on sites with multiple weeds species.

crabgrass control, making the application sometime in April when Always read the label prior to use of a herbicide. Be particularly

Forsythia are in bloom. If you have some breakthrough then post- mindful of the reseeding interval if any renovation work is planned,

emergence products are very effective. However, you will want susceptible weed species and the site and or use restrictions of

to target the weeds early in their life cycle, before they have the the product.

chance to set seeds that will become next year’s infestation.

10
 Table 1a: Annual Broadleaf Weeds

Black medic – Medicago lupulina Mallow – Malva rotundifolia

(Stem on end of leaf distinguishes from white clover) (Has a central taproot and does not root at the nodes)

Corn Speedwell – Veronica arvensis Knotweed – Polygonum aviculare

(Sometimes confused with crabgrass when first emerging)

Lambsquarters – Chenopodium album Virginia Pepperweed

11
 Table 1b: Summer Annual Broadleaf Weeds

Pigweed – Amaranthus blitoides Purslane – Portulaca oleracea

(May have reddish stem and taprrot) (Fleshy leaves)

Spurge – Euphorbia supina Oxalis (Yellow Woodsorrel) – oxalis stricta

(Milky sap distinguishes from knotweed) (Heart-shaped leaves)

Carpetweed – Mollugo vertiicillata Pineappleweed – Matricaria matricarioides

12
 Table 1c: Perennial Broadleaf Weeds
(figures include recommended timing of herbicide application for best control)

White Clover Dandelion Wild Violet

Trifolium repens Taraxacum officinale Viola papilionacea
Fall Late Spring or Fall Spring or Fall

Blackseed Plantain Buckhorn Plantain Canada Thistle

Plantago rugelii Plantago lanceolata Cirsium arvense
Fall Fall Fall

Mouse ear Chickweed Curly Dock Ground Ivy

Cerastium vulgatum Rumex crispus Glecoma hederacea
Fall Fall Spring or Fall

13
 Table 1d: Perennial Broadleaf Weeds
(figures include recommended timing of herbicide application for best control)

Bull Thistle Chicory Field Bindweed

Cirsium vulgare Chicorium intybus Convolvulus arvensis
Fall Spring Early Summer

Creeping Speedwell Indian Mock-Strawberry Yarrow

Veronica filiformis Duchesnea indica Achillea millefolium
Fall Late Spring to Mid-Summer

Wild Carrot (B) Red Clover Birdsfoot trefoil

Daucus carota Trifolium pratense Lotus corniculatus
Spring or Fall Fall Fall

14
 Table 2: Recommended Herbicides for Broadleaf Weed Control
Where the recommendation is denoted by a letter, the combination of herbicides with the same letter is recommended (Black = Best Choice, Green = Effective).

Preemergence Postemergence

Weed Species

Pendimethalin

Carfentrazone
Ethofumesate

Sulfentrazone
Prodiamine

Quinclorac
Fluroxypyr
Oxadiazon

Clopyralid
Dithiopyr
Bensulide

Dicamba

Triclopyr
Isoxaben
Siduron
Benefin

2,4-DP

MCPA

MCPP
2,4-D
Summer Annual Broadleaf Weeds
Black Medic 4 4 4 4 4 4
Carpetweed 4 4 4 4 4
Common Mallow 4 4 4
Corn Speedwell 4 4 4 4
Knotweed 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Lambsquarters 4 4 4
Oxalis (Yellow Woodsorrel) 4 4 4 4 4 a a b b
Pigweed 4 4 4 4 4 4
Pineappleweed 4 4
Prostrate Spurge 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Purslane 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Virginia Pepperweed
Winter Annual Broadleaf Weeds
Common Chickweed 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Common Groundsel
Henbit 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Prickly Lettuce
Shepard’s Purse 4 4 4 4
Sowthistle (Annual)
Biennial and Perennial Broadleaf Weeds
Birdsfoot trefoil
Blackseed Plantain 4 4 4
Buckhorn Plantain 4 4 4
Bull Thistle 4 4
Canada Thistle 4 4 4
Chicory
Creeping Speedwell (Veronica) 4 4
Curly Dock 4 4 4
Dandelion 4 4 4 4 4 4
Field Bindweed 4
Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie) 4 4
Indian Mock Strawberry
Mouse-ear Chickweed 4 4 4
Red Clover
White Clover 4 4 4 4 4
Wild Carrot
Wild Violet 4 4 4
Yarrow 4
15
 Table 3: Broadleaf Herbicides and Combination Products
1
Trimec Plus and Millennium Ultra Plus also contains the crabgrass herbicide MSMA.

Products

Carfentrazone

Sulfentrazone
Quinclorac
Fluroxypyr
Clopyralid
Dicamba

Triclopyr
2,4-DP

MCPA

MCPP
2,4-D
Formula 40, Dymec, Weedone LV4, Weedar 64, LESCO A-4D,
Weeddestroy AM-40, Opti-Amine, Harball, Barrage HF 4
MCPP 4-Amine, Lescopex, Turfgro MCPP 4K, Mecomec 2.5, Mecomec 4 4
2 Plus 2 4 4
Banvel, Diablo, Vanquish 4
Four-Power Plus, Super D Weedone 4 4
Trimec Classic, Trimec 899, Trimec 992, Trimec LAF-637, Strike 3,
Three Way Selective, Trimec Bent, Bent Selective, Triplet WS, Triplet SF, Trexsan, 4 4 4
Mec-Amine-D, Mec Amine-BG, Trimec Plus1
Tri-Power Selective 4 4 4
Trimec Turf Ester, Super Trimec, Brushmaster, Weed and Brush Killer 4 4 4
Three Way Ester, Tri-ester, Tri-amine, Dissolve 4 4 4
Weedone DPC, Turf D-DP 4 4
Tri-ester II, Tri-amine II 4 4 4
Trimec Encore 4 4 4
Turflon 4
Chaser, Chaser 2 4 4
Chaser Ultra 4 4 4
Chaser Ultra 2 4 4 4
Cool Power, Eliminate, Horsepower 4 4 4
Lontrel 4
Confront 4 4
Momentum 4 4 4
Momentum FX 4 4 4
Battleship 4 4 4
Millenium Ultra 2, Millenium Ultra Plus1 4 4 4
Strike Three Ultra 4 4 4
Tru Power 4 4 4
Tru Power 2 4 4 4
Spotlight 4
Escalade, Escalade 2, Escalade Low Odor 4 4 4
Strike Three Ultra 3 4 4 4
Dismiss 4
Surge 4 4 4 4
Quicksilver 4
Shutout 4 4 4
Speedzone 4 4 4 4
Powerzone 4 4 4 4
Drive 4
Q4 4 4 4 4
16
 2007 Buckeye Sports Turf Awards
Dave Saltman
Dave Saltman is the recipient of the 2007 Buckeye Sports
Turf Global Excellence Award. This award is part of the annual
honors given out each year by The Ohio State University Sports
Turf Program. In it’s third year, the Global Excellence Award is
given to someone who has “made a significant contribution to
turfgrass science on a global scale”.
Dave Saltman started his career as a Landscape Gardener
and designer, including building award winning gardens at the
Chelsea Flower Show, London before being invited to relay the
turf at Queens Park Rangers’s Loftus Road Stadium in 1988.
Since then he has been involved in construction, renovation and
the maintainance of all grass sports, including many Premier,
League and non league winter sports grounds.
A former Soccer Groundsman of the Year and lecturer for the
Football Association, Dave decided to use the power of the inter-
net to share advice, knowledge and experience.
In 2001 he launched Pitchcare.com and five years on, the web-
site now has over 25,000 members, creating in excess of a
million page impressions monthly. Pitchcare has members in
112 countries sharing knowledge, experience and techniques to
improve all natural turf surfaces.
During the last three years he has also been the Head Grounds-
man and then Project Manager for the Millennium Stadium in
Cardiff, Wales and currently holds a similar position at Wolver-
hampton Wanderers Football Club.
Russell Horn
Dave will receive his award this December at the Ohio Turfgrass
Conference & Show, where he will be a speaker in the sports
turf track.
Previous Recipients:
2005: Martyn Jones, National Turfgrass Foundation
2006: Mike O’Keeffe, OSU International Internship Program
The Joe Motz Sports Turf Student of the Year Award is given to
a sports turf student that has shown great enthusiasm for both
their studies and the industry. It is given in honor of OSU Alum,
Joe Motz. Joe graduated from OSU in 1977 and went on to create
one of the largest international sports turf construction companies
in the world. He currently has field projects in the USA, Europe,
Australia & the Middle East. Joe sponsors this award with a mon-
etary gift for the student and a donation to the OSU Turf Club.
This year’s award recipient is Russell Horn. Russ has interned
at Ohio State Varsity Athletics and the Cleveland Browns. Chris
Powell, Field Manager with the Browns said, “Russell Horn’s
transition from the classroom to the field was very impressive.
Russell’s depth of knowledge and its practical application,
assured me of his thorough understanding of the concepts taught
to him. With such a sound foundation, coupled with his work ethic
and dedication, he excelled well beyond the expectations of an
intern. Russell is definitely ready for our profession and our pro-
fession is definitely looking for people like Russell.” During his
time at OSU he got involved with the turf club and traveled to the
national STMA conference each year to participate in the student
quiz bowl. He graduated this spring and is now an assistant field
manager at the Washington Redskins.
17
 SPORTS
T URF
TIPS
Minimizing Summer Stresses
Pamela Sherratt, John Street & Dr. Dave Gardner, The Ohio State University
Warm season grasses (C4 grasses), like bermudagrass, have a
different growth cycle compared to cool season (C3 grasses). In
the case of C4 grasses, the root replacement program is more con-
centrated, and begins in the springtime when soil temperatures hit
63 – 65° F; at the same time the grass is overcoming winter dorm-
ancy. Immediately after spring root decline, the grass will produce
new roots, but there is a period of some weeks when the grass is
susceptible to injury from traffic & other stresses.
As soil temperatures increase into the summer, root growth and
recovery become stronger. The C4 root system grows vigorously
through summer, so that by autumn the root system is as extensive
as possible before the onset of winter dormancy. Thus, C4 grasses
are not generally stressed in the summer months but do need care-
ful management in the spring (Table 1).
Table 1. Turfgrass Temperature Comparison
Parameter Cool Season Grasses Warm Season Grasses
(e.g. Kentucky bluegrass) (e.g. Bermudagrass)
Optimum 59 to 75° F 81 to 95° F
Shoot Growth 15 to 24° C 27 to 35° C
Optimum 50 to 64° F 75 to 84° F
Root Growth 10 to 18° C 24 to 29° C
Significant > 75° F (24° C)
Root Loss
18
C3 plants used on sports fields do not perform well during summer
heat and drought. The bluegrasses (Poa sp.), ryegrasses (Lolium sp.),
and fescues (Festuca sp.) are all thought to have originated in
temperate regions of Europe and Asia, and North Africa, where heat
and drought are not extreme. Through evolution, these grasses have
adapted to, and perform best under cooler temperatures (60 to 75° F).
When temperatures begin to rise above 80°F, and soil moisture
becomes limited, cool season turfgrasses respond by going into
dormancy (Table 1). This is a process whereby active photosynthesis
in the leaves slows down and the turf takes on a characteristic brown-
ish color. The crown, or living center of the plant is still alive, and is
capable of regenerating leaf tissue when temperature and moisture
conditions once again become favorable.
Moderate to severe moisture stress is often imposed on C3 grasses
during the summer period. Dry soils will often lead to significant de-
cline in quality and loss of C3 grasses unless proper management
practices are implemented. C3 grass plants need soil moisture to
sustain normal growth and development. The water use rates of grass-
es during the summer period will often exceed the rate with which
natural rainfall returns water back into the soil. Once the soil moisture
reserves are nearly depleted, the C3 grass will begin to wilt. This condi-
tion is evident as the turfgrass turns from green to either bluish-green
or gray-green. Wilt is a sign of water stress and is usually most evident
during mid to late afternoon periods. A period of continual water stress
that limits or prevents the growth of plants is termed drought. Once
drought conditions develop, the grass will stop all growth and devel-
opment and proceed into dormancy. The dormancy mechanism pre-
vents the C3 grass from either running out of internal plant moisture
or expending its carbohydrate reserve.
The length of time C3 grasses can survive in a dormant condition
is contingent on a number of factors, including soil moisture levels,
daytime temperatures, condition of the turfgrass at the onset of
dormancy (shoots and roots), etc. In general, C3 grasses can be ex-
pected to survive in a dormant condition for up to 4 to 6 weeks with
limited damage if summer temperatures are at or below normal. If
daytime temperatures are high (mid-80’s or greater) consistently
through the stress period, C3 grass plants may begin to show injury
after 3-4 weeks. Dormant grass is lost once the crowns, rhizomes and
roots begin to dehydrate.
Field managers have limited control over the daytime temperatures in
the field. However, they can improve the survivability of the C3 grass
on the field by proper management.
Minimizing Stress by Proper Summer Cultural Practices
Choose the right C3 grass!
Tall fescue has a deeper root system that allows it to remain active
during prolonged periods of heat and drought (Figure 1). Kentucky
bluegrass lacks a deep root system, but has the capacity to enter
dormancy and regenerate when conditions are more favorable.
However, each time it regenerates back from dormancy there is a
considerable depletion of carbohydrate reserves. Perennial ryegrass
Figure 1: Under low maintenance, limited irrigation situations, tall fescue (left) provides better drought resistance than other cool-season species.
has the lowest tolerance to summer heat and also lacks the ability
that Kentucky bluegrass has to remain dormant for prolonged
periods.
Mowing is a key management tool that can be manipulated to
reduce stress on turfgrass.
• Maintain cool-season grasses at the highest acceptable height
throughout the season for the species and playability demands.
Taller grass will have deeper, more extensive root systems than short
cut grass, which will help grass plants withstand summer stresses.
Higher cut grass will also provide more shading of the soil, thereby
keeping soil temperatures cooler and reducing evaporation of soil
moisture. Higher cut grass will also have more leaf area available for
photosynthesis. This will help reduce or offset the lower photo-
synthetic rate of the cool-season grasses under higher summer
temperatures.
• The cardinal rule of mowing is not to remove more than one than
1/3 of the leaf tissue with any one cutting.
• Mow the field only as needed and preferably during the morning or
evening hours.
• Make certain the mower blades are properly sharpened to avoid
“tearing” the ends of the grass blades. Also, make sure mower
Continued on next page
19
 Continued from page 19
Figure 2: Scalped grass.
Figure 3: Drought stress symptoms initially show up as a bluish-
green wilting, then a whitening of the grass blades (photo), followed
by browning.
decks and mowing units on mower are adjusted and uniform to
prevent scalping and uneven cutting (Figure 2).
• Never mow grass that is under stress or witling as this will result
in direct physical injury to the tissue. This injury may be permanent
and will certainly result in a browning & reduction in aesthetics
for several weeks (Figure 3).
Potassium Fertilization
The merits and demerits of increased potassium fertilization have
been debated for years and will continue to be debated. Physio-
logically, potassium is involved in plant water relations (much the way
sodium regulates our water status). The thinking is that increasing
potassium will improve water status in the plant as well as the
plant’s ability to pull water from the soil.
20
On finer textured soils, with moderate-high levels of K, it’s less likely
to see a stress tolerance response to additional K applications. On
sand-based fields, where K is low and it is difficult to build reserves,
stronger relationships between K fertilizer applications and stress
tolerance will be evident. If you choose a higher K strategy, use a
fertilizer with as much potassium as nitrogen. Results usually take
about a year to become noticeable and a response is going to depend
on soil mineral nutrient status. Note of caution – Potassium chloride
has a high physiological burn potential, so apply when temperatures
are below 70° F and water thoroughly after application. Potassium
sulfate is another option that is more expensive but is safer to turf.
Nitrogen Fertilization, Photosynthesis, and Plant Health
Photosynthesis (food production) of warm-season grasses occurs
more readily than cool-season grasses at higher temperatures (i.e.
approximately 80° F and above). Therefore, under higher summer
temperatures, food production and the storing of food reserves in
warm-season grasses is easier to manage than cool-season grasses
and is less sensitive to the negatives of over-fertilization with nitrogen.
Also, respiration (a carbohydrate/food utilizing process) continues to
increase as temperatures increase (Figure 4).
Cool-season grasses have a much greater potential in the summer
for (1) respiration to exceed photosynthesis resulting in a summer
“carbohydrate/food deficit” and (2) respiration to be higher at higher
nitrogen levels placing a further drain on carbohydrate/food reserves.
Thus, nitrogen fertilization on cool-season grasses should be main-
tained at low to moderate levels to reduce stress from over stimulation
of growth, carbohydrate/food depletion, and high respiration rates in
the summer.
Proper nitrogen fertilization – a seasonal strategy – is very important
for managing stress tolerance of all turfgrasses in the summer
months, especially with cool-season grasses. Carbohydrate/food
reserves in cool-season grasses (Figure 5) shows a depletion as
temperatures and nitrogen levels increase. A good carbohydrate/
food balance is the ultimate objective in the physiological manage-
ment of turfgrasses and this condition typically reflects a healthy,
more stress tolerant turfgrass.

Figure 4: Typical Photosynthesis and Respiration Responses of Cool
and Warm-season Grasses to Temperature and Nitrogen.
Figure 5: Relationship between Nitrogen Fertilization and Relative
Carbohydrate/Food in Various Grass Parts.
Timing of Nitrogen Fertilization
As a rule, fertilizer nitrogen should be applied lightly in the spring
and summer and more heavily in the fall on cool-season grasses.
Heavy spring fertilization promotes more top growth, reduced root
growth, and a more lush/succulent plant growth, resulting in a re-
duced ability to withstand summer stress. High nitrogen fertilization in
the summer, especially on cool-season grasses, poses a physio-
logical stress on the grass due to a depletion of carbohydrate/food
levels. Today, the summer fertilization recommendation is to use a
nitrogen fertilizer that contains an N:K ratio of 3:2 to 1:1, with the
nitrogen component low-moderate in the summer, and at least 50%
slow-release. Apply a slow-release in summer for 2 reasons:
1. To reduce fertilizer “burn” potential
2. To avoid over-stimulation/growth
Late season fertilization (LSF) has been found beneficial to enhanc-
ing turf health and summer stress tolerance of cool-season grasses.
Benefits on warm-season grasses are less predictive because of
the potential negative relationship between fall nitrogen and winter
hardiness. LSF enhances the rate of spring green-up without stim-
ulating excessive shoot growth, thus allowing the turf plant to
maintain higher levels of carbohydrates than when spring/summer
fertilization is used. Nitrogen applied during early spring & summer
increases shoot growth rates and decreases the levels of available
carbohydrates in the plant, resulting in depressed root growth rates.
Athletic Field Irrigation
One of the easiest ways to damage a turf stand during summer
months is with haphazard and inconsistent irrigation. When plants
sense a water deficit, it begins to senesce leaves as a water conserva-
tion strategy. The crown remains alive, but the leaf tissue dies. When
conditions are favorable, new leaf tissue is generated, at tremendous
expense to the carbohydrate reserve. If irrigation is not timely, the
plants will lose tissue, then subsequently lose carbohydrates to re-
generate new leaf tissue. If this cycle is repeated too frequently, the
plant is drained of carbohydrate reserves resulting in a less stress
and disease tolerant turfgrass that is more susceptible to injury &
decline. To avoid problems with drought damage, water the turf
correctly, or allow it to go dormant. Correct irrigation is applied deeply
and infrequently (approximately 1" of water in the summer), and
when the plant shows signs of moisture stress. Irrigation is designed
to replace water lost due to evapotranspiration (ET) and this occurs
most readily in the summer (i.e. 0.1 – 0.3" per day)
There are 2 easy methods of determining moisture stress:
1. Foot printing – if the plant is moisture stressed, it will not have turgid
leaves. Foot or vehicular traffic will leave noticeable wheel or foot-
prints (Figure 6).
2. Color – moisture stressed grass will turn a bluish-gray green. The
nature of this color change is similar to what happens when the turf
is rolled to stripe the field. When the leaf is moisture stressed, it
begins to roll up (Figure 7).
Continued on next page
21
 Continued from page 21
Figure 6: Turfgrass showing symptoms of severe drought will be easily
damaged by foot or vehicular traffic.
Figure 7: Effect of Water Status on Appearance of Leaf Cross Section.
The amount of water applied during irrigation can be measured
by placing several empty straight-sided containers, such as pet food
containers, in the sprinkler’s pattern. Monitor the amount of time
for water in the containers to reach 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1". These
amounts will provide a guide to the length of time to run the
irrigation system (e.g. if 1/2" of water is desired, then run the
irrigation for half the time). To ensure that the water does not run
off, especially on finer textured or compacted soils, apply irrigation
in cycles (e.g. three ten-minute cycles, compared to one thirty-
minute cycle).
• Typically, turfgrasses use 0.1 to 0.3 inches of water per day
during hot, dry, low humidity periods. Weather data on ET rates
should serve as a guide to turf water use.
22
• Irrigation should be performed early in the morning. At this time
of day the grass is already wet from dew, temperatures are
cooler, humidity is high and calm conditions usually exist. These
conditions all favor infiltration of the water into the soil and
utilization of the supplemental water by the turfgrass plants.
• Break some rules! To provide a dry playing surface with maximum
shear strength, time irrigation to get the maximum time between
games. For example, if there are games on two consecutive
nights, the irrigation could be applied directly after the first evening
game. This goes against the thinking that watering should not
take place at night, but would give you the maximum time be-
tween irrigation and the game.
• When the water supply for irrigation is limited, or when watering
restrictions are in place, the field manager might designate
priority fields and water those fields first.
• Watering on an “as needed” basis is common. After all, the
irrigation schedule will depend on the amount of activity, when
the activity occurs, and the condition of the grass.
In conclusion, stress tolerance on athletic field grasses requires
the proper management of a multiplicity of agronomic factors.
Proper management prior to stress periods (i.e. summer) are critical in
insuring a successful seasonal management strategy. Best manage-
ment for enhanced stress tolerance of turfgrasses evolves around
being a physiological manager with the key objective of maintaining
turfgrass with good carbohydrate/food balance and prolific root
system.
 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – IT’S A ONE-MAN SHOW
Jim Walter’s life working in the
green industry began early. At
the young age of seven, Walter
sorted tomatoes in his grand-
father’s greenhouse and during
high school and college he worked
for his family’s greenhouse busi-
ness. In addition to working for
the family greenhouse business,
Walter also raced and sold go
Jim Walter, LawnAlive, LLC karts from his family’s own go kart
shop, winning national champion-
ships in Illinois, Indiana, New York, Georgia and Florida. In 1970, he
received his Business Administration Degree from OSU.
After graduation, Walter served in the U.S. Army as a Personnel
Specialist, E-5. Upon discharge from the Army in 1973, he eventually
became Vice President of W.A. Walter, Inc. and managed his family’s
vegetable greenhouse business. During the late 1970’s, Walter and
his father talked about starting a lawn treating business due to the
natural gas cost for heating the greenhouses becoming too pricey.
After losing his dad in the blizzard of 1978, Walter operated the green-
house during the day for his mother and went to school at night to
earn his MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College on the GI Bill. It was in
1980 when Walter and his mother made the difficult decision, due to
Walter being a fourth generation greenhouse grower, to lease the green-
houses to a local nursery grower, who would have lower heating
demands, and start his own lawn treatment business. He chose the
lawn treatment business, “because it had many similarities to the green-
house business without the utility bill burden,” and he wanted to be in
business for himself. “It combined my growing and mechanical
abilities,” Walter explains.
On April 1, 1981, Walter started LawnAlive in his garage with a 200
gallon tank in the back of his El Camino. It wasn’t before long that
he moved to a mini warehouse and in 1987 he bought his present
location in a small industrial park in Elyria.
Being owner/operator of LawnAlive and running a “one-man business”
brings with it many responsibilities and challenges. Servicing 300
residential and commercial customers in western Cuyahoga County
and all of Lorain County, Walter does it all. “From the office work, to
repair and maintenance, to the actual applications, I do it,” Walter
comments. Walter explains that “low-ball pricing” is the main
challenge. “There are companies out there charging less than we
charged in the early 1980’s. When you adjust for inflation, it is
amazing they can exist and many do go out of business. However,
there always seems to be new ones popping up taking their place. We
must promote and provide value to the customer, not a cheap come-
on price. It’s not about how big you get, but it is about great service
and turf performance.” His dedication to the industry is seen in his
work. “I love seeing a beautiful, pest-free lawn and when you’ve
helped a customer who previously had nothing but weeds for a lawn
and I grow it into a showplace, it’s like winning another championship.”
This passion for the industry is the wisdom he wants to pass down to
newcomers to the field. “If you don’t have a passion for it, don’t do it.”
Building a good reputation and keeping his company growing for 27
years has been his greatest achievement. He has done this by “always
looking for more efficient/effective methods of operating” his business,
using “the art and science of growing plants” that his dad taught him,
following his step-dad’s “optimistic and upbeat attitude of life” and
being a member of OTF.
The year Walter started LawnAlive was the year he joined OTF. He
believes being an OTF member is important “to support research and
education. We must promote the professionalism of our industry to
the public and OTF helps us to do that.” He sees OTF’s role in society
as being educators and researchers who “demonstrate the great
value of healthy, beautiful turfgrass to our society, whether it’s a golf
course, sports field or commercial and residential lawns.” He wants
OTF members to know, “We are all in this together. Sometimes I feel
like I’m on an island. It’s good to know my association has an interest
in us little guys too.”
Outside of his professional achievements, Walter’s greatest achieve-
ment has been raising his children “who will leave this world a better
place than they found it.” His quote to live by, “For nothing is impossible
with God,” is seen in his dedication to his profession, family and
church. Walter is an Elder at Community Church Ministries in Amherst,
Ohio.
23
 GOLF
C OUR S E
TIPS
Moss: Part 1
Karl Danneberger, The Ohio State University

Twenty-five years ago moss was of little problem on golf courses. granite mosses, which contain approximately 100 species. These

Moss was found in dense, moist, shaded areas in roughs, or if mosses are primarily restricted to mountainous and arctic regions.

present on golf greens, it usually was restricted to mild moist The second group is the peat mosses which consist of roughly 350

oceanic climates. In areas like United Kingdom, Ireland and New species. Sphagnum is the important genus in this group, as it is

Zealand moss is a “ubiquitous” problem on golf courses. Although added to soil mixes to enhance the soil’s water holding capabilities.

still considered a minor nuisance, moss is becoming a more severe Each dead cell of sphagnum peat moss can hold up to 20 times

weed problem on an increasing number of putting greens through- its dry weight in water. The third group contains the true mosses,

out the temperate region. which are the most pertinent to golf courses, and also the largest

group with over 14,000 species. The true mosses can be divided

History and Characterization into two major groups: tufted mosses which form on trees and

Mosses are primitive plants that have changed little over the rocks and carpet-type mosses which are found on forest floors. In

course of history. Fossil records date the appearance of moss 350 relatively dry conditions such as putting greens, the short, compact

million years ago. Moss is believed to have originated from filamen- carpet mosses generally predominate.

tous (thread-like) green algae. Interestingly, moss and algae often

share the same habitat and are often confused with each other. The most common moss species on golf course greens is silvery

However, algae lack the leafy stems associated with moss and for thread (Bryum argenteum). Somewhat easy to identify because

the most part algae exist as individual cells or clusters of cells. of its silvery white appearance, it also found in open sites, paths,

sidewalks and parking lots. As a point of interest silvery moss

Mosses are classified as Bryophytes, which include the liver- is commercially in bonsai plantings. Another species we have ex-

worts and hornworts. Within the mosses, approximately 15,000 perienced in our studies is Bryum lisae. It appears as dark green

species are classified into three groups. The first group is the to yellowish tufts or dense clumps. It is a common species in the

24
Midwest and is found on rocky or sandy soil. Finally, we have also fertilization) by mosses, versus the production of seeds by vascular

found the species Amblystegium trichopodium on putting greens plants. Thus, Spanish moss is not a true moss because it produces

but it is rather inconspicuous. This species we usually find in wet seeds (it is related to the pineapple family).

conditions. Although silvery thread moss is probably the most

commonly found, given the diversity of species no doubt numerous In the next issue of Golf Course Tips we will look at some of the

mosses are colonizing turf sites. control methods for moss.

Mosses differ structurally from higher plants, including turfgrasses,

in that they are nonvascular (lack a phloem and xylem), have a very

thin cuticle, and have no “true” roots, but do have structures called

rhizoids that absorb water and nutrients. The lack of a vascular and

root system restricts the size that the vast majority of mosses can

grow. The moss species that inhabit a putting green may grow only

to a millimeter or two in height. This is well below the acceptable

mowing height for a creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass or

bermudagrass putting green.

Life Cycle

Mosses have two phases in their life cycle. The green leafy phase

that is observed on golf courses is called the gametophyte. This

phase consists of a germinating spore giving rise to a green fila-

ment (protonema) from which the moss plant with its stems and

leafs (gametophores) and rhizoids develop. At maturity the pro-

duction of sperm and egg give rise to a zygote (fertilized egg). Upon

germination, the zygote does not produce another moss plant, but

a structure consisting of a slender stalk with a capsule at the top of

the stalk containing spores. This phase, from the fertilization of the

egg until the production of the stalk and the capsule, is termed the

sporophyte phase. The spores are released from the capsule and

will give rise to new moss plants, thus completing the cycle.

One difference between the life cycle of mosses and vascular

plants is the production of spores (which requires free moisture for

25
 HORT
SHORTS
COLUMN
A Host of Problems
Jim Chatfield and Joe Boggs, OSU Extension
Horticulturists use a range of criteria to select plants. Plant pests
and pathogens use two: the suitability of plants as food, and the
competitive advantage that is gained over their rivals. Host range
describes the outcome. The host range of a plant pest or plant
pathogen, the range of plants they affect, is of great importance to
entomologists and plant pathologists. It is in fact one of the three
sides to the disease or pest triangle. However, does it matter to the
everyday concerns of the green industry? It does – let’s take a look
at why.
Most importantly, host range is crucial for plant selection decisions
and matching a plant to a particular site. An example would be
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica). Japanese beetles have a wide
host range, occurring on many different plants, from roses to rasp-
berries. Two plants highly susceptible are little leaf lindens (Tilia
cordata) and many different taxa of roses (Rosa spp.). Planting a
linden allee next to a large rose garden is asking for trouble, sort of
setting up a training table for Japanese beetle pig-outs. There are
ways to control Japanese beetles other than simply not planting
susceptible plants, but there is no reason to stack the deck against
your company and your customers.
Host susceptibility is also critical in situations where the host range
is narrow. The apple scab fungal pathogen (Venturia inaequalis)
occurs only on apples and crabapples (Malus spp.). A nursery-
man who wants to market crabapples to landscapers, landscape
26
architects and garden centers wants to know which will hold their
leaves and look attractive in the landscape. Thanks to university
research and the International Ornamental Crabapple Society’s
(IOCS) National Crabapple Evaluation Program there is excellent
information on which crabapples have genetic resistance to apple
scab disease, in other words, which crabapples are hosts for this
pathogen. The good news is that there are dozens of crabapple taxa
with outstanding genes for resisting the apple scab fungus: up-
rights and spreading weepers, yellow fruited and red fruited crabs,
white flowering and pink flowering crabapples.
The bad news is that crabapples and apple scab illustrate an un-
fortunate reality relative to host range: genetic resistance may not
be forever. The apple scab fungus is a good example that “You can
drive out nature with a pitchfork, but she always returns.” While
horticulturists and plant pathologists conduct plant selection and
breeding programs, the fungus conducts its own natural experi-
mentation, evolving due to genetic recombination and mutation.
New races of the apple scab fungus emerge and cause apple scab
on taxa resistant to previous strains of the fungus. ‘Harvest Gold’ in
Ohio is a good example. Different parts of the country may have dif-
ferent strains of a pathogen, not to mention different environmental
conditions. That is why plant evaluation programs such as the
crabapple program of IOCS help with localized information, use-
ful at the local level relative to recommended selections and for
nurserymen nationally who ship to different areas.
Host range information is also critical in communicating with your
customers. Will emerald ash borer spread from ashes to lindens
and Callery pears? No – the host range of the emerald ash borer,
Agrilus planipennis is narrow, occurring only on the genus Fraxi-
nus. Can bacterial crown gall spread from euonymus to rose? Yes,
since the host range of the crown gall bacterium, Agrobacterium
tumefaciens, is quite broad and includes both euonymus and rose.
Someone with a large rose garden needs to be especially observant
as to whether there are any galls on the stems of their euonymus
plants: crown gall may be no big deal on the occasional euonymus
but it will wreak havoc over the years on their roses if infested soil
blows or is tracked over to the rose garden.
Host range knowledge also teaches us a great deal about plant
relationships. As horticulturists, we need to know how closely
plants are related to each other. A genus is a group of related
species: bronze birch borer has a narrow host range, occurring
only on birches, a number of species in the genus Betula. Plum
black knot occurs only on the genus Prunus, which includes plums,
cherries, flowering almond and others. Bacterial fireblight has a
limited host range but it is a little broader host range than these
other two examples, occurring only on plants in the rose family (the
Rosaceae). Remember a plant family is a group of related genera,
and fireblight is common on related genera such as Malus (apple),
Pyrus (pear), Pyracantha (firethorn) and Sorbus (mountainash).
Knowing this is very helpful diagnostically. If a plant is not in the
Rosaceae then fireblight is not one of the possible causes of prob-
lems you might see on the plant. Knowing that mountainash (Sor-
bus) is not related to true ashes (Fraxinus) tells you not to worry
about fireblight on the ash and conversely that emerald ash borer
is not a problem on mountainash.
The fungal pathogen Apiognomonia veneta causes sycamore an-
thracnose, resulting in twig cankers and leaf blight. It has a narrow
host range, occurring only on the genus Platanus. American plan-
etree or sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is far more susceptible
to this fungus than is oriental planetree (P. orientalis ) and as it
turns out the hybrid between these two species, London planetree
(Platanus x acerifolia) is intermediate in suspetibility to sycamore
anthracnose. This example illustrates that the suitability of plants
as food for pests and pathogens is linked to genes and resistance
can be selected through selective breeding.
Finally, host range tells us a great deal about the natural history of
our landscape and forest plants. Bronze birch borer is native to
North America and so exotic birch species such as European white
birch (Betula pendula) and the Asian white birch (B. platyphylla)
have less natural selection history with this insect, and are thus
more affected than native birch species such as river birch (B. nig-
ra). This is in contrast to its emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)
cousin, an Asian native, which is devastating to our native North
American ashes, such as white ash (Fraxinus americana) and green
ash (F. pennsylvanica) which have not evolved resistance to the
pest under natural selection pressures. Control involves proper
species selection such as river birch, limiting drought stress through
irrigation, planting in shade, and use of mulches, and as needed,
insecticide injections by professional hofrticulturists.
This last example illustrates that the first step in using host range
information for pest and disease management is to recognize that
it should never be ignored. Host range does not trump other horti-
cultural considerations in plant selection. It is not the only consid-
eration for pest control and plant health management practices,
but it should be part of the package. A plant that dies because it
is planted in the wrong place is just as dead as a plant killed by
pestilence. Horticulturists, know thy plants.
27
 NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY
Understanding phosphonate products
Part I: fungicide and fertilizer properties
Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science and Joshua Cook, Graduate Research Assistant,
Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
Many golf course managers in Ohio and other mid-western states
have used phosphonate products (phosphites or fosetyl aluminum-
products) on putting greens for one reason or another. In fact, you may
be using one or more of these products as a regular part of your
putting green management program during the summer. Whereas,
there is little doubt that phosphonates help reduce some summer-
stress related problems and suppress Pythium and anthracnose
diseases, recent research does not confirm some other reported
benefits. The purpose of this two-part article is to help you understand
the different phosphonate products and what they do for your turf,
so that you can better navigate through the marketing maze and
make an appropriate choice for your needs.
What are phosphonate products and how do they work?
Phosphonates include those products made up of the salts and
esters of phosphorous acid (not to be confused with phosphoric acid,
the basic ingredient of phosphorus fertilizers). Phosphorous acid is
a solid compound that can be bought through various chemical
supply companies. When mixed with water, it forms a strong acid
called phosphonic acid. This acid is too strong to be used on turf and
must be combined with an alkaline compound to raise the pH and
decrease the potential for turf burning.
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an alkaline compound that is used
by some formulators to neutralize the acidity of phosphonic acid.
The resulting solution contains mono-and di-potassium salts of
28
phosphorous acid and is often referred to as potassium phosphite.
This is the active ingredient in phosphite fungicides (Alude, Magellan,
Vital, Resyst) as well as phosphite fertilizers [K-Phite (0-29-26),
Ele-Max Foliar Phosphite (0-28-26) and Nutri Phite P + K (0-28-26)].
Phosphonic acid can also be reacted with ethanol to form ethyl
phosphonate. Aluminum is added during the manufacturing process
and the resulting product is referred to as fosetyl-aluminum or
aluminum tris O-ethyl phosphonate. This is the active ingredient in
Aliette WDG and Chipco Signature fungicides, marketed by Bayer
Environmental Science (2).
Phosphonate fungicides and fertilizers should not be confused
with phosphate-derived fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate
and triple super phosphate. Even though phosphonate and phosphate
compounds have similar (but not identical) chemical structures, they
differ significantly in how they act in plants and fungi. For example,
phosphate fertilizer is taken up by plants and incorporated into cells
where it participates in reactions that are essential for root and foliar
growth, photosynthesis and respiration. It does not have a direct effect
on turfgrass diseases (although phosphorus-deficient plants are more
susceptible to certain diseases than phosphorus-sufficient plants).
Phosphonate fungicides and fertilizers are also absorbed by plants
and incorporated into cells, but do not appear to be involved in typical
phosphorus metabolism and cannot be directly linked to plant growth,
photosynthesis and respiration. Over time, phosphonate products can
be converted by soil microbes to phosphate, where it can be taken
up and metabolized by plants. However, this conversion is not a very
efficient means of phosphorus delivery to plants when compared with
phosphate fertilizers. Phosphonate products have direct fungitoxic
effects on certain plant pathogens, a benefit that is not found with
phosphate fertilizers.
Phosphonates as fungicides
Phosphonate fungicides are true systemics (have significant
mobility in both xylem and phloem) and are effective in controlling
diseases caused by oomycete fungi, such as Phytophthora, Pythium,
Plasmopara and others (5). In turf, they have good efficacy on Pythium
diseases when applied preventatively; but are thought to have poor
efficacy when applied after disease symptoms and signs are visible.
They also have some suppressive effects against anthracnose basal
rot, but results are variable depending on the particular product and
where and how the fungicide trials are conducted.
The mode of action of phosphonate fungicides is a source of some
mystery. Some scientists believe that the primary mode of action is
directly on the fungal pathogen; whereas others suspect that these
fungicides have both a direct effect on the target fungus and stimulate
natural host defenses to prevent disease.
Early studies with phosphonate fungicides showed no direct effect
on Pythium aphanidermatum; and it was assumed that the mode of
action did not involve killing the fungus directly; rather, it involved a
stimulation of the plant’s natural chemical and physical defenses
against disease (13). However, subsequent studies showed the reason
for the lack of fungal inhibition in phosphonate fungicide-amended
media was that the phosphate concentration in the media was too
high. Lowering the amount of phosphate in the media allowed direct
inhibition of fungi by the phosphite ion (the fungitoxic portion of the
phosphonate fungicide). Apparently, both phosphite and phosphate
ions compete for the same transporters across cell membranes and
phosphate tends to out-compete phosphite for access to these sites,
thereby blocking uptake of phosphite by fungi (10). This finding led
scientist to explore how phosphonate fungicides disrupt phosphate
metabolism in fungi.
In a study using three Phytophthora spp., Australian scientists found
that phosphonate fungicides interfere with phosphate metabolism
by causing an accumulation of two compounds, polyphosphate and
pyrophosphate, in fungal cells. Accumulation of these compounds
is thought to divert adenosine triphosphate (also called ATP, a vital
energy containing chemical in cells) from other metabolic path-
ways, resulting in a decrease in fungal growth (12).
More recently, phosphonate fungicides were found to inhibit several
key enzymes needed for growth and development in Phytophthora
palmivora (15). These studies suggest that the mode of action is at
least partially, if not mostly, direct inhibition of the fungus. Also, the
mode of action of phosphonate fungicides appears broad enough so
that the potential for rapid resistance development is not as strong as
with some other systemic fungicides.
Considering that the phosphite ion has little or no influence on
phosphorus metabolism in plants, it seems unlikely that it can
prevent disease by stimulating host defenses. Nevertheless, re-
search has revealed that when certain species of Phytophthora infect
certain plant species treated with phosphonate fungicides, fungus-
inhibiting chemicals called phytoalexins are produced. A recent
study involving Eucalyptus trees showed that the concentration of
phosphite ions in these plants may determine the extent of host
defense activation. When concentrations of phosphite ions in the
roots were low, host defense enzymes were stimulated; but when
concentrations of phosphite ions were high, host defense enzymes
remained unchanged and the phosphite ions inhibited growth of
the pathogen before it caused disease (7).
Studies on stimulation of host defense mechanisms are difficult
to conduct and require the ability to detect minute quantities of
complex compounds in the plant; much less is known about this
mode of action than the direct fungitoxic effects of phosphonate
fungicides. To our knowledge, very little is known about activation of
host defenses in phosphonate-treated turfgrass, but many plant
pathologists assume that this is possible, if not likely.
What about resistance?
The widespread use of phosphonate products as disease control
agents, fertilizers and for the improvement of turf quality during
periods of environmental stress, has led to concerns about the
development of pathogen resistance (16). To date, we are not aware
Continued on next page
29
 Continued from page 29
Figure 1: Effects of reagent-grade potassium phosphite (H3PO3) and
potassium phosphate (H3PO4) on symptom development of Pythium blight
of creeping bentgrass. Potassium phosphite has good efficacy against
this disease when applied preventatively.
Figure 2: Annual bluegrass treated with a nutrient solution contain-
ing potassium phosphate as the source of phosphorus (left); and
the same nutrient solution with potassium phosphite as the source of
phosphorus (right). Annual bluegrass treated with potassium phosphite
shows phosphorus deficiency symptoms (stunted growth and a red
tint to foliage) indicating that this compound is not supplying usable
phosphorus to the plants.
of any confirmed reports of pathogen resistance to phosphonate
fungicides in turfgrass (although phosphonate-resistant mutants of
Pythium aphanidermatum have been induced in a laboratory) (14).
Two factors are probably responsible for the reduced resistance risk
with phosphonate products; (1) the mode of action in target fungi may
involve several sites and (2) the involvement of host defenses in
disease suppression. Both of these factors create a broad front
against disease development and a difficult hurdle for pathogens to
overcome through resistance. Nevertheless, a recent report from
California suggests that sensitivity to phosphonate fungicides was
compromised in populations of Bremia lactucae (causal agent of
lettuce downy mildew) treated repeatedly with phosphonate fungicid-
es and fertilizers (3). The California experience may be an isolated
case, but should serve as a reminder to managers that resistance
development is a possibility with phosphonates and that indis-
criminant use of these products may lead to problems down the road.
30
Phosphonates as fertilizers
Phosphonates were first investigated as fertilizers in Germany and
the U.S. during the 1930s and 40s. At that time, agricultural officials
were concerned that war activities would disrupt vital shipments
of rock phosphate for fertilizer production, so alternative sources of
fertilizer phosphorus were explored (6). Results of studies con-
ducted in both countries demonstrated that phosphonates were not
effective substitutes for phosphate fertilizer. Scientists in the U.S.
found that yields of legumes and grasses treated with calcium
phosphite (a phosphonate fertilizer) were lower than phosphate-treat-
ed plants, and in most cases, lower than control plants receiving no
phosphate fertilizer. However, a second crop seeded into soils treated
with calcium phosphite showed improved yields. The scientists
attributed the delayed phosphorus response to the conversion of
phosphite to phosphate in the soil (9). Subsequent research revealed
that phosphite could be converted to phosphate primarily by soil-borne
bacteria, but that these bacteria would not use phosphite until most
phosphate was depleted (1). Based on the results of these studies,
phosphonate (phosphite) fertilizer was viewed as an inefficient
and costly means of supplying phosphorus to plants and scientists
eventually lost interest in this compound as a phosphorus fertilizer.
Despite previous research findings, phosphonate compounds have
been marketed by some companies as a source of phosphorus and
potassium fertilizer. Preliminary results with turfgrasses growing in
sand culture and treated with equal amounts of potassium phosphite
and potassium phosphate have supported claims that potassium
phosphite does not supply usable phosphorus to turfgrasses (Figure
2). Although potassium phosphite can be converted to phosphate in
soil, turf managers should realize this is an inefficient means of supply-
ing phosphorus to plants when compared with phosphate fertilizer.
Claims that phosphonates consistently enhance rooting are debatable
and more evidence is needed to support these claims. A two-year
study performed at North Carolina State University showed that bent-
grass root mass was unaffected by phosphonate products (4). Certainly,
more research using precise root measurement techniques is needed
to determine if enhanced rooting due to phosphonates occurs under
different environmental and management conditions. If enhanced
rooting does occur, it could be due to product formulation, or from the
suppression of minor root pathogens (most likely Pythium spp.) due to
fungitoxic action of the phosphonate product, leading to healthier and
more extensive roots.
Findings that phosphonates do not affect phosphorus metabolism or
yield in grasses appears convincing, but should be tempered by the
fact that many of these products have demonstrated improved turf
quality. Quality enhancement with potassium phosphite products is
probably not due to nutritional effects, as our studies have shown
no such improvement with equal amounts of potassium phosphate
fertilizer. Certainly, formulation enhancements, as in the case of
Chipco Signature fungicide, have led to turf quality improvement (8,
11), but when we apply reagent grade potassium phosphite (with
no formulation enhancements) to turf we also see slight quality
improvements. It remains to be seen what causes turf quality im-
provement, but one proposed cause may be the suppression of
minor, plant debilitating pathogens – such as Pythium species. More
research is needed to determine the cause of enhanced turf quality.
8. Lucas, L.T. 1994. Development of management of summer decline
of bentgrass. Proceedings 1994 Golf Course Superintendent’s
Association of America International Conference, Dallas, TX.
9. MacIntire, W.H., S.H. Winterberg, L.J. Hardin, A.J. Sterges and L.B.
Clements. 1950. Fertilizer evaluation of certain phosphorus,
phosphorous, and phosphoric materials by means of pot cultures.
Journal American Society Agronomy 42:543-549.
10. McDonald, A.E., B. Grant, and W.C. Plaxton. 2001. Phosphite
(phosphorus acid): Relevance in the environment and agriculture
and influence on plant phosphate starvation response. Journal
Plant Nutrition 24:1505-1519.

11. Mudge, L.C. 1997. Fungicidal compositions for the enhancement

Note: Part II of this article will focus on results of disease control
of turf quality. United States Patent #5,599,804, www.uspto.gov/
and turf quality results.
patft/index.html.

Literature Cited
12. Niere, J.O., G. DeAngelis, B.R. Grant. 1994. The effect of
1. Adams, F. and J.P. Conrad. 1953. Transition of phosphite to
phosphonate on the acid-soluble phosphorus components in
phosphate in soils. Soil Science 75:361-371.
the genus Phytophthora. Microbiology 140:1661-1670.

2. Anonymous. 2005. Greenbook turf and ornamental reference

13. Sanders, P., W.J. Houser and H.Cole, Jr. 1983. Control of Pythium
for plant protection products. Vance Communication Corp., New
spp. and Pythium blight of turfgrass with fosetyl aluminum. Plant
York, NY.
Disease 67:1382-1383.

3. Brown, S., S.T. Koike, O.E. Ochoa, F. Laemmlen, R.W. Michelmore.

14. Sanders, P.L., M.D. Coffey, G.D. Greer, M.D. Soika. 1990. Labor-
2004. Insensitivity to the fungicide fosetyl-aluminum in California
atory-induced resistance to fosetyl-Al in a metalaxyl-resistant field
isolates of the lettuce downy mildew pathogen, Bremia lactucae.
isolate of Pythium aphanidermatum. Plant Disease 74:690-692.
Plant Disease 88:502-508.

15. Stehmann, C. and B.R. Grant. 2000. Inhibition of the glycolytic

4. Dorer, S.P. 1996. Nutritional effects of a fungicide combination on
summer bentgrass decline. Master of Science Thesis, North pathway and hexose monophosphate bypass by phosphonate.

Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 67:13-24.

5. Griffith, J.M., A.J. Davis and B.R. Grant. 1992. Target sites of 16. Vincelli, P. 2004. Resistance to phosphite fungicide: But not yet
fungicides to control oomycetes. pp. 69-100. In: Target sites of in turf. Hole Notes 35(6):12.
fungicide action. W. Koller (ed.), CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL.

6. Guest, D. and B. Grant. 1991. The complex action of phosphonates

as antifungal agents. Biological Reviews 66:159-187.

7. Jackson, T.J., T. Burgess, I. Colquhoun, G.E.S. Hardy. 2000. Action

of the fungicide phosphite on Eucalyptus marginata inoculated with
Phytophthora cinnamomi. Plant Pathology 49:147-154.

31
 The Ohio State University
Turfgrass Science Program
Impact 2006 – RESEARCH
The mission of The Ohio State University Turfgrass Science Program is to investigate, synthesize and disseminate
knowledge on turfgrass science to students, consumers and professional clientele throughout Ohio and
the nation. Through these efforts, the functional uses, environmental benefits and aesthetic values of turfgrass
will contribute to further enhancement of the quality of life for society. The OSU Turfgrass Science Team strives to maintain
national and international excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research and extension-outreach education.

Faculty and Extension Program Specialists
of the OSU Turfgrass Science Program
Dr. Mike Boehm (Department of Plant Pathology)
Dr. T. Karl Danneberger (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. David S. Gardner (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
One means of assessing productivity of university faculty is to track
the number of peer-reviewed publications authored. In general, the
more responsibility one has for conducting research, the greater the
number of peer-reviewed publications. The adjective “peer-reviewed”
indicates that prior to having an article, book chapter or book

Dr. Parwinder S. Grewal (Department of Entomology) published that two or three other scientists have critically reviewed

Dr. Ed McCoy (School of Environment and Natural Resources)
Joseph W. Rimelspach (Department of Plant Pathology)
Pamela J Sherratt (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. David J. Shetlar (Department of Entomology)
Dr. John R. Street (Department of Horticulture and Crop Science)
Dr. Daniel C. Voltz (Agricultural Technical Institute)
David A. Willoughby (Agricultural Technical Institute)
the piece and approved it for publication. It is a process designed to
validate the scientific soundness of a contribution. The peer-review
is done in an anonymous fashion so that reviewers are free to be
critical without hurting anyone’s feelings or out of fear for retribution.
Although no system is perfect, the peer-review process ensures that
sound science is published. In lay terms, the peer-review process
could be considered similar to the “Good Housekeeping” or “J.D.
Power’s” Seal of Approval.

During 2006, OSU Turfgrass Science professors advised 23 graduate
students and 4 postdoctoral researchers/visiting scientists.
Dr. Doug Richmond, former M.S. & Ph.D. student of Dr. Shetlar’s was
hired as an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Entomology at Purdue
University.
The OSU Turfgrass Science Team published 23 peer-reviewed
scientific journal articles, 9 edited book chapters and received
one patent in 2006.
The OSU Turfgrass Science Team published 58 Trade Journal
and Newsletter Articles in 2006.

Ruisheng An, a Ph.D. student working with Dr. Grewal, received

a $5,000 grant in the OSU-OARDC Director’s Graduate Research In 2006, OTF provided $130,000 in programmatic and facility

Grants Competition. support to the OSU Turfgrass Science Team. $52,000 was used

32
to support operations at the OTF Research and Educational
Facility. $78,000 was provided to the following faculty and
extension program specialists: $10,000 each to Drs. Boehm,
Danneberger, Gardner, Grewal, McCoy and Street; $8,000 to
Dr. Shetlar; $5,000 each to Joe Rimelspach and Pam Sherratt.
The OSU Turfgrass Science Team leveraged the $130,000
provided by OTF to attract $608,000 in competitive grants and
industry support representing nearly a five-fold return-on-
investment.

The OSU Turfgrass Science Team leveraged OTF’s $130,000 to attract an additional $608,000 in competitive grants and industry support.

2006 OTF Grants and Scholarships Chair, Mark Jordan, presents a check to Dr. Bobby Moser, Dean, OSU College of Agriculture, during the OTF Conference & Show.

33
PRACTICE SAFE LIFTING AND SAVE YOUR BACK
Lifting is an important part of our job duties. While it is a re-
quired part of the job, we do not need to suffer injuries as a
result. Back injuries can be very painful and can be difficult to
heal. The vast majority of back injuries can be prevented. Back
injuries are caused by a number of factors.
The following is a list of the most common:
• Over exertion over a period of time
• Lifting more weight than you’re physically capable of handling
• Lifting in an awkward position
• Lifting objects too far away from your body
• Twisting while lifting or carrying a heavy object
• Trying to lift objects too high into the air or trying to lift down
objects from overhead
• Hurrying and not taking time to plan your lift
• Failure to maintain proper muscle tone and strength
• The natural aging process and the gradual reduction in
physical capabilities that go along with it
The following items are important to keep in mind when
you are preparing to lift:
• Try to reduce the weight of the load if possible
• Get help for objects that are too heavy and can’t be lightened
• Think through the lifting process before actually lifting
• Take your time, don’t hurry
• Try to lift only what you can handle comfortably
• Use your legs while lifting, not your back
• Don’t bend over at the waist when picking up an object
• Avoid overhead lifting as much as possible
• Keep objects close to your body while lifting
• Never twist or jerk while lifting
• Use mechanical assistance whenever possible
• Do not try to reach over an object to lift another object
• Exercise and stay in good physical shape
Before lifting an object always remember:
A. Seek alternative methods if possible
• Lighten the load
• Use mechanical assistance such as a hoist, crane, lift
truck, pallet jack or two wheel dolly
• Get help from others when you cannot lighten the load
• If items are stacked too high, use a ladder – remove items
one at a time
B. Size up the load and determine how heavy it is
• If the weight is unknown, review the type and size of the
object
• Shake the object, if it moves easily you should be able to
lift it
C. Inspect the object to be lifted for sharp edges, tears or other
problems which could cause an injury
Know the proper steps of lifting:
• Start by placing feet about shoulder distance apart, stand
back from the object to be lifted (about six inches). Turn the
box or object to be lifted to the left at a 45 degree angle to
your body. This will allow you to get as close as possible
and reduce the stress on your back.
• With feet should width apart, kneel down, putting your hand
on the object to be lifted, to maintain balance.
• Slide up to the box. Place left foot alongside the left side of
the box. Get as close to the box as possible. The inside corner
of the box should be directly below your breast bone.
• Place your right hand under the right side of the box. Your
right arm should be straight up and down. Make sure the
box or object to be lifted, is balanced properly.
• Place your left hand on the left side of the box. Hand should
be centered on the box to provide best balance.
• Do not bend over.
• Lift straight up with legs in a smooth steady lift. Do not jerk.
• Pull object into your body as soon as you stand up. Get a
good grip on the box with both hands.
• Keep elbows in tight.
• Never twist your body while lifting or carrying an object.
Always step, turn and pivot in direction of travel.
• Set the box down by bending your knees. If setting on a
table, set the box down on the edge, then slide into place.
• When picking up a box, or object, from a counter, shelf or
table, slide the object as close to your body as possible.
Bend your knees, then lift with your legs.
• Do not reach over an object to lift another object or box.
Lifting at arms length puts extreme pressure on the back.
Remember, always practice proper lifting habits. You can
prevent a back injury if you follow proper lifting procedures
all the time.
The proof is on the green,
not in the clippings!
These photos show the difference in mower pickup after 5 minutes of irrigation!

Brand X
No mower pick up. Significant mower pick up.

With Contec DG there’s no mower,

shoe, ball or pickup!

Patented, dispersible Contact your Distributor, or your

granule technology Andersons Golf Products Territory
Manager at 800-253-5296
• SGN 75 for greens applications
• Homogenous - high uniformity
• Enhances distribution of nutrients
• Reduces player down-time
• 40 lb. bag / 50 bags per pallet

18-9-18 #AGC8348.3
17-0-17 #178WMDG4
13-0-26 #AGC131WDG4

Marketed internationally as Nutri DG™ www.AndersonsGolfProducts.com

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OTF Board of Trustees 2007 OTF Officers 2007 OSU Turfgrass

Science Team
Trustees President
Term Expires 2008 Horticulture & Crop Science
Mark Jordan, CGCS
Doug Gallant Westfield Companies Country Club
Dr. John Street
Cincinnati Reds
Vice President Dr. Karl Danneberger
Dr. David Gardner
Trustees
Todd Voss Ms. Pamela Sherratt
Term Expires 2009 Double Eagle Club Ms. Deborah Holdren
Mark Grunkemeyer
Buckeye Ecocare Treasurer Entomology
Dan Walter Dr. Dave Shetlar
Kim Kellogg
City of Blue Ash Golf Course Dr. Parwinder Grewal
Grasshopper Property Maint.
Mr. Kevin Power
Don Lawrence Immediate Past President Mr. Dan Digman
Red Hawk Run G.C. Glen Pottenger, CGCS
Clark State Community College Plant Pathology
Trustees
Dr. Michael Boehm
Term Expires 2010 Director of Education Mr. Joseph Rimelspach
Mike Dietrich Dr. John R. Street Mr. Todd Hicks
Lesco, Inc. The Ohio State University
School of Natural Resources
Joe Enciso Executive Director
Century Equipment Dr. Ed McCoy
Kevin Thompson Mr. Stephen Schneider
Randy Shaver OTF/Offinger Management Co.
Strategic Golf Alliance, Inc. Agricultural Technical
Institute (ATI)
Mr. David Willoughby
Dr. Daniel Voltz
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