Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

INSIDE:
A Special Publication Serving Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry CERTIFICATION
GALORE

SPECIAL EDITION
DECEMBER 6-8, 2005 • GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER • COLUMBUS, OH
See pages 32-37

FANTASTIC
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
www.OhioTurfgrass.org See page 31

HUGE TRADE SHOW

See page 38

UNPARALLELED
EDUCATION PROGRAM
See pages 32-37

SPONSORED BY:
Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, The Ohio
State University, Ohio State University
Extension, Ohio Agricultural Research
and Development Center
JOHN DEERE AD
(PRINTER TO DROP IN)
 TURF NEWS - SPECIAL EDITION
The Strength Of The Turfgrass Community Is Based On Its Individual Parts
A Special Publication Serving Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry
November - December 2005 • Vol. 67 • No. 6
The purpose of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation
is to promote the turfgrass industry in Ohio, to
encourage the further study and research of
turfgrass science, and to speak on matters of
policy affecting the turfgrass industry – all of
which provide better turf for everyone.
www.OhioTurfgrass.org
888-683-3445
The Ohio Lawn Care Association serves the
lawn care and affiliated industries by providing
essential agronomic, business, education,
and legislative resources.
www.OhioLawnCare.org
800-510-5296
To be a regional resource for Ohio’s Sports
Turf professionals, to enhance, promote,
and improve the quality of sports turf
facilities through education, training,
research, networking and services.
www.OSTMA.org
614-354-1196
This Issue Sponsored By:
JOHN DEERE LOGO
(PRINTER TO DROP IN)
INSIDE:
Presidents’ Messages ................................................................................................................ 6
OTF Board of Directors ................................................................................................................ 8
OLCA Board of Directors ............................................................................................................ 9
OSTMA Board of Directors ...................................................................................................... 10
OTF News .......................................................................................................................................... 12
OLCA News ...................................................................................................................................... 16
OSTMA News .................................................................................................................................. 20
Residential Lawn Care Tips .................................................................................................. 22
Sports Turf Tips .......................................................................................................................... 24
Graduate Student Corner ...................................................................................................... 28
2005 Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show Program ................................................ 30
Exhibitor List ..................................................................................................................................38
OSU/ATI Report ............................................................................................................................ 40
HortShorts ...................................................................................................................................... 42
New Growth & Technology .................................................................................................... 44
Legislative Update ......................................................................................................................46
For the latest research and information for Ohio’s turf and
landscape professionals visit these important Web sites:
Golf Course Turf Management
Superintendent’s Korner • http://hcs.osu.edu/karl
Sports Turf Management
OSU Sports Turf Program • http://hcs.osu.edu/sportsturf
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.
3
 MESSAGE from the

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In May 2006, the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation will launch and promote
Ohio Turfgrass Week. This weeklong event, to be held the last week of
May each year, is being developed with 2 primary goals in mind:
2005 OSU TURFGRASS
1. Generate public awareness for the turfgrass industry in Ohio
SCIENCE TEAM
2. Create new funding sources for turfgrass research and education
HORTICULTURE AND CROP SCIENCE
Cutbacks in state government spending for research at the Ohio Dr. John Street
Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, Dr. Karl Danneberger
and Ohio State University Extension (OSU-E), have significantly Dr. David Gardner
Ms. Pamela Sherratt
affected research and extension services available for Ohio’s turfgrass
Ms. Jill Taylor
industry. Golf courses, athletic fields, parks, grounds, cemeteries, Ms. Deborah Holdren
home lawns – and all other maintained green space, stand to suffer
from the potential negative impacts of these budgetary cutbacks. ENTOMOLOGY
Dr. Dave Shetlar
Ohio Turfgrass week plans to educate the community of the
Dr. Parwinder Grewal
importance and positive benefits of professionally managed turf- Mr. Kevin Power
grass areas. Messages will be targeted to golfers, homeowners, Mr. Dan Digman
coaches and parents, legislators and more. OTF is currently seeking
a Legislative Proclamation for the last week of May to be officially PLANT PATHOLOGY
proclaimed “Ohio Turfgrass Week.”
Dr. Michael Boehm
Mr. Joseph Rimelspach
Beginning in May 2006, Ohio’s golf courses will be asked to support Mr. Todd Hicks
OTF in generating new turfgrass funding sources. Public golf courses
will be asked to donate $1 for every round of golf played, collected SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
voluntarily from golfers when paying greens fees. Private courses
Dr. Ed McCoy
will be asked to solicit voluntary contributions from members on their Mr. Stephen Schneider
dues invoices.
AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (ATI)
Additional future funding sources may include:
Mr. David Willoughby
1. Lawn care operators donating a percentage from each lawn serviced
Dr. Daniel Voltz
2. Percentage of rolls/yards sold by sod growers
3. Sporting events (youth to professional venues)
4. Donations at “Big Box” stores from homeowners
5. And more!

Everyone who uses and enjoys managed turfgrass space and

especially professional turfgrass managers, can help make a
difference. All of us, working together in a collaborative effort, can
play a huge part in securing the future of turfgrass in Ohio!

Kevin Thompson
OTF and OLCA Executive Director

5
MESSAGES FROM YOUR PRESIDENTS
Chuck Darrah • 2005 OTF President
Are you ready for the greatest show on turf? This issue of The Green
Connection is the fifth collaborative issue for the Ohio Turfgrass
Foundation, the Ohio Lawn Care Association and the Ohio Sports Turf
Managers. I know that across all of the Golf and other Green Industry
related groups, the upcoming OTF Conference and Show is eagerly
anticipated. Having been to OTF conferences and shows for more than
25 years, I truly believe this year’s event will be the best ever!
We have lined up an absolutely awesome keynote speaker, thanks
to our partnership with Sygenta Crop Protection. Even if wrestling
isn’t your thing, Rulon Gardner’s story is truly inspiring and thought-
provoking. You cannot miss this keynote!
Dr. Street and the Education Committee have lined up an outstanding
group of speakers from around the country. No other state turfgrass
association attracts such a wide group of turfgrass experts and Green
Industry speakers. There is something for everyone.
We’ve made this year’s event incredibly inexpensive for larger groups.
If you bring six or more people, these “lucky dogs” can get three
full days of conference and show for just $25 per person! So, mark
your calendars for Tuesday, December 6th thru Thursday, December
8th and bring the whole gang.
As many of you know, we had a very successful OTF Golf Tournament.
Despite the wet weather, the course was in great condition. The
hospitality that followed at the New Albany Country Club was out-
standing. We are sincerely grateful to Superintendent Randy Kehres,
his golf staff and to the management staff at New Albany Country
Club for hosting this important OTF event. I would also like to thank
all of our event sponsors and all those who came out for the day for
making this year’s tournament a success.
Remember, just keep repeating, “Can’t miss OTF, Can’t miss OTF” and
I’ll see you there!
6
Jeffrey Bisker • 2005 OLCA President
Ever since the first day I started pushing a fertilizer spreader some 28
years ago, I just knew this job was for me. At that time treating lawns
was fun, great exercise and fit my impatient personality perfectly. Yes,
I’ll admit it, my life could not have been better, or at least that is what
I thought. As usual I was wrong. It has gotten better, and our industry,
especially in our state of Ohio, has become very much better thanks
to our three major Associations OLCA, OTF and OSTMA all working
together to keep Ohio a great and profitable place to do business.
Kevin Thompson and the great staff at Offinger Management have
brought OLCA, OTF and OSTMA all together so each association can
do what it does best. Sharing the expertise of our management
company helps us cover all the important areas and issues that
pertain to the Green Industry without repetition. Your business interests
are being looked after by some of the best people in the state!
Let me take a second to invite all OLCA members to attend the
OTF Show this year. OLCA has spent considerable time and effort
developing a specific track of education just for you – the lawn care
professional. You and your staff will be able to learn new ideas and
collect some great new information that will help you grow your
business in the future. Topics at this year’s business track include a
Workers Compensation update, new employee training ideas, business
round table discussions and a special presentation on snow removal.
Last but not least, I would like to mention a very important
accomplishment that took place this past year on the legislative
front. Dan and Belinda Jones with Capitol Consulting Group (our
lobbyist) were able to pass legislation concerning fertilizer pre-
emption. This legislation keeps local governments from passing
ordinances that could control the application of fertilizer in their small
jurisdictions. Only the state can enact legislation on a state-wide
basis. This will protect us from what happened in Canada where
each small town has its own rules for lawn applications. Special
thanks need to go to Capitol Consulting Group for a job well done.
In closing, let me say what a great honor it’s been to be President of
the Ohio Lawn Care Association this past year and I’ll look forward
to seeing each of you at this year’s OTF Conference and Show.
 Brian Gimbel • 2005 OSTMA President
The OSTMA has had another great year. We were able to visit
professional facilities at the Cleveland Browns, college fields at Rio
Grande University and recreation fields at the Ohio State University.
We were also able to spend a beautiful day on the golf course with
our counterparts in the Ohio Lawn Care Association, now this is my
kind of collaboration. I feel fortunate that I was able to participate in
all of these great events.

This year has also been a year of change for OSTMA. This past
spring our Executive Secretary, Boyd Montgomery, left to take a new
job in Minnesota with the Toro Company. Anybody who knew Boyd
knew that he was far more than an Executive Secretary. He was the
heart and soul of the OSTMA for many years and his input will be
greatly missed. The OSTMA is fortunate to have some wonderful
people on its Board of Directors that are willing to follow Boyd’s
lead and keep the organization moving forward. The OSTMA Board
of Directors has elected a new Executive Secretary, Cindy Vaughn.
Since coming on board, Cindy has been working very hard to help the
OSTMA relocate our office as well as keep up with all the normal
duties. We are very excited to be working with her and I see great
things ahead for the OSTMA.

Next year the OSTMA is planning to have one big Field Day at the
Ohio State University’s Varsity Athletic Fields. We will be able to see
a wide variety of fields, ranging from lower maintenance native soil
fields, to high performance sand-based systems to artificial turf fields.
We will have opportunities for hands-on baseball field maintenance,
vendor demonstrations and more. This should be a lot of fun and I
encourage everyone to plan on attending.

Now we are looking forward to the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show.
This is the best turfgrass Show around and there is going to be a lot to
learn again this year. I look forward to seeing all of you there!

7
 OTF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
05

Chuck Darrah Glen Pottenger Mark Jordan George Furrer John Street
PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER PAST PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Kevin Thompson Joe Enciso Doug Gallant Mark Grunkemeyer Randy Shaver
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE

Todd Voss Dan Walter

TRUSTEE TRUSTEE

8
 OLCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
05

Jeff Bisker Bill Hoopes Dave Winter Dennis Imler Joe Rimelspach
PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY/TREASURER PAST PRESIDENT TECHNICAL ADVISOR

Kevin Thompson Jeff Benton John Budde Jamie Heydinger Dave Hofacre
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE

Scott Huvler Joyce Pelz Glen Scherzinger Tim Suter

TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE

9
 OSTMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
05

Brian Gimbel Dave Conover Kevin Vaughn James Hlavarty Kim Boroff
PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT - COMMERCIAL VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY

Cindy Vaughn Pamela Sherratt Dr. David Gardner Matt Duncan Randy Heilman
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDUCATION ADVISOR EDUCATION ADVISOR TRUSTEE TRUSTEE

Larry Klingenberg Bob Nepper James Pence Stephen Schneider Duane Smith
TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE TRUSTEE

10
 OTF
NEWS
OTF Annual Meeting at
Conference & Show
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Annual Meeting will be held
Wednesday, December 7, 2005, 12:30 pm at the Greater Columbus
Convention Center. Members and guests are invited to hear the
annual report of the President, Treasurer, Executive Director, Director
of Education and Committee chairs. The Nominating committee will
present its slate of candidates for 2006 Officers and Trustees for
the Board. Proxies were mailed to all members in November.
There is no fee to attend the annual meeting. For more information,
contact OTF at 888-683-3445.
3rd Annual Ohio State Golf Turf
Spring Tee-Off set for March 1-3
OTF, OSU and OSU Extension will once again offer the Ohio State Golf
Turf Spring Tee-off. The 2 1/2 day conference will provide take-home
messages and practical management ideas for golf course super-
intendents. The primary goal of the conference is to strengthen the
relationship between OTF, OSU turf students, faculty and alumni,
while offering golf turf managers the opportunity to continue their
education and earn GCSAA and Pesticide Re-certification credit.
The Spring Tee-Off will be held at the Holiday Inn on Lane, Columbus,
March 1-3, 2006. The program will offer networking opportunities
for golf turf managers, OSU turf students and the OSU Turfgrass
Science Team. The tentative educational program includes the
following sessions:
• USGA Year In Preview • Superintendents Panel
• Velocity Update • Fertilizer Costs
• Insecticide Programs • USGA Rules Update
• Disease Updates • Golf Greens Runoff
• Dollar Spot • Broadleaf Weed Control
• Pre-Conditioning Stress Tolerance • Golf Course Architecture
• And more!
OTF will host an evening Industry Reception on Wednesday, March 1
for all participants and the OSU Turf Club plans to hold its annual
Turf Club Luncheon on Thursday, March 2. Please watch for future
announcements and details about the exciting Ohio State Golf Turf
Spring Tee-Off! For more information, contact OTF at (888) 683-3445,
or stop by the OTF Membership booth at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference
& Show.
12
Live Auction Update
Once again, the Live Auction will add to the fun and fundraising at
this year’s Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show. As in the past, OTF
is seeking donations from everyone – turf managers and suppliers.
We will have the same Auctioneer as in the past, Billy Arehart and
crew. Arehart, from Wilmington, OH, donates his time and talents to
OTF. He does a fantastic job every year as auctioneer.
Many different items have been donated, so we will have a good
assortment for the auctions. But, duplicate items are great too.
We can always sell another dozen golf balls. Items with your club
or company logo, golf and fishing outings are always popular.
Nobody has enough putters, drivers or complete sets of clubs. How
about fishing or hunting gear? Or lawn care services for a year?
Autographs are one of our popular items. Collectable and antique
items, old trade publications, pictures and programs of athletic events,
are all easily sold at the auction. Books, new and old, are collected by
many people. Tickets to sporting events have brought in big dollars at
past auctions.
We don’t want to forget our Exhibitors, who have been very generous
in donating their products and services. If you haven’t donated it’s
not too late.
OTF will also be selling tickets for a Reverse Raffle on Tuesday and
Wednesday, with proceeds going to the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust.
The grand prize is expected to be $1,000.00 (subject to the quantity of
tickets sold). Numbered raffle tickets are sold and after the sale is
closed the tickets are drawn. There are several winners as the tickets
are drawn. The big winner of the $1,000.00 is the “last man standing.”
The person who has the last ticket to be drawn is the winner.
Wednesday is the big day for everyone. During the day you can
purchase your reverse raffle ticket and make your bid for the items
at the auction. The exhibits will close at 5 PM - then it is fun time at the
auction. We will announce the winners of the Reverse raffle during
the auction. The Auctioneer will start the live auction and this will take
us up to the time the Awards Banquets. It should be a fun event
and generate much needed revenue for OTF. Thank you in advance
for your donations and your participation in this great event.
Call Auction Committee Chair Joe Enciso, Century Equipment, or OTF
at 888-683-3445 with questions or to make your donation.
The Founders Club –
A Vision for the Future
What is the Founders Club?
The Founders Club is an exclusive group of donors dedicated to
ensuring the future of Turfgrass research here in Ohio. Members of
the Founders Club will help the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) and
the Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT) fund research that
specifically benefits Turfgrass Professionals here in Ohio.
OSPA Sponsors Seminars
at OTF for Sod Producers
The Ohio Sod Producers Association is sponsoring a series of education-
al sessions at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference geared specifically to sod
production. The seminars will take place Wednesday, December 7 at the
Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The following seminars will be offered:

Founders Club Purpose and Mission? Texas Blue – Is it the new Tall Fescue of Just Another Bluegrass?
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation has earned a reputation as the leading Wednesday, December 7, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
turfgrass organization in the country, raising over $4,000,000 to Dr. Stacy Bonos, Rutgers University, Dept. of Plant Biology & Plantology
support research and student scholarships in its 45-year history.
Weed Control for Commercial Sod Production
There is no guarantee, however, that this support will always be
December 7, 2:00 – 3:00 pm (0.5 hr. Category 8)
available. The initial goal of the Founders Club is to generate over
Ron Calhoun, Michigan State University, Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences
$500,000, with the understanding that the principle will never be
spent. The interest generated from this fund will be available to Insects in Sod Production, How Can I Help You?
fund specific research projects, equipment needs, and scholarships, December 7, 3:00 – 4:00 pm (1 hr. Category 8)
securing the future of Turfgrass here in Ohio! Dr. Harry Niemczyk, OSU/OARDC, Dept. of Entomology
How do I Join?
There are four (4) levels of Founders Club Membership – each payable
over a 3 year period.

Platinum Level $ 10,000 or above

Gold Level $ 5,000 or above
Silver Level $ 3,000 or above
Bronze Level $ 1,500 or above

Your membership to the Founders Club requires a pledge and

donation, which can be paid over a three year period, to the Ohio
Turfgrass Research Trust. OTRT is classified as a 501 (c) 3 charitable
organization. Therefore, donations to OTRT are 100% deductible as
a charitable contribution.

For more information about Founders Club membership, visit the OTF
Membership booth at the OTF Show, or contact:

OTRT – Founders Club • 1100-H Brandywine Blvd

Zanesville, Ohio 43701-7303 • Phone: 888-683-3445

Ohio Sod Producers Association

Annual Meeting at OTF
The Ohio Sod Producers Association (OSPA) will hold its annual
meeting at this year’s Ohio Turfgrass Conference Show. The meeting
is planned for Wednesday, December 7, 7:30 – 9:00 am with
breakfast included. There is no cost for OSPA members to attend (up
to 2 individuals), and just $20 for non-members. Everyone involved
and interested in Ohio’s sod industry is invited to attend.

13
 OTF Golf Tournament Update

The First Place Team from Xenia Power Equipment (L to R): Tom Keyes, Jack Rice,
Scott Robinson and Bill Job.

Despite a VERY soggy Monday morning, the September 26 OTF Golf

Tournament at New Albany Country Club was a great success. 36 teams
Not shown are Andy Tudor and Dan Walter.
‘‘
The Second Place Team from Simplot Partners, Jeff Helvia (left) and Jeff Pectol (right).

‘‘
We want to thank all the participants,
participated in the Annual Golf Tournament that raises money for sponsors and New Albany Country Club
turfgrass research and scholarships in Ohio.
and its staff for making this such
“OTF is very thankful for New Albany Country Club hosting this year’s an enjoyable fundraising event.
tournament. This was an excellent opportunity for Ohio’s turfgrass
managers to play another fantastic course. Superintendent Randy Kehres
and his staff had the course in great shape, considering the amount of rain-
fall that morning,” praised Mark Jordan, Golf Tournament Committee Chair. The OTF golf committee of Breck Brown, Todd Dodge, Paul Hoar, Glen
Pottenger, Randy Shaver and Dan Walter are already planning the 2006
With a team score of 60 in the scramble format tournament, the fist place tournament. If you are interested in supporting turfgrass research and
Xenia Power Equipment team of Bill Job, Tom Keyes, Jack Rice and Scott scholarships by hosting the tournament, please contact the OTF office at
Robinson received pro-shop gift certificates of $150 each. The second 888-683-3445.
place team, winning a tie breaker with a 61, and receiving a $100 pro-shop
gift certificate each, was the Simplot Partners team of Jeff Helvia, Jeff The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank the following hole
Pectol, Andy Tudor and Dan Walter. Finishing third, also shooting a 61, was sponsors for their support of the OTF Golf Tournament:
the Century Equipment team of Joe Enciso, John Mowat, Mick Jones and
• Advan LLC • Greater Cincinnati GCSA
Jason Straka. Each player received a $50 pro shop gift certificate.
• The Andersons • Green Velvet Sod Farms
Gift certificates were also presented to the following skills contest winners: • BASF • IVI – Golf Sandtrapper
• Central Ohio GCSA • Markers, Inc.
Closest to the Pin #2 – Jeff Pectol • Century Equipment • Midwest Turf Consultants
Closest to the Pin #5N – Pete Restivo • CLC LABS (2) • Oglebay Norton
Closest to the Pin #5W – Rob Romanotto • Cub Cadet • Peak Golf
Straightest Drive #4 – Spiro Stilianos • Dow Agrosciences • ProSource One
Longest Drive #7 – Keith Kresina • Fairmount Minerals • Verdicon
Longest Putt #9 – Tom Jones • The Geo. E. Fern Co.
Longest Putt #7 – John Mowat
OTF also thanks Craig Schreiner Golf for sponsoring the Awards Dinner,
The big money winner of the day was Mark Goodwin who was the and Markers, Inc. for donating tee makers to OTF. The very attractive new
lone winner of the “Bet-the-Circle” contest which paid $369. Twenty- markers will be used at all future OTF Golf Tournaments.
six of the thirty-six teams participated in the “Skins” game and the
pot was split between OTF and 2 teams receiving $130 each. The
team from Syngenta Professional Products of Adam Neate, Scott
Nickol, Glenn Omori and Dave Peck Eagled Hole #3. Hole #6 was
won with an Eagle by Century Equipment.

14
 OLCA
NEWS
Education for Lawn & Landscape
Professionals in Abundance at
this Year’s Ohio Turfgrass
Conference & Show
A change in format at this year’s Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show,
December 6-8, Columbus, will lead to an even stronger line-up of
educational opportunities for lawn, grounds and landscape
professionals. This year, although it has been shortened to a Tuesday
though Thursday format, lawn care professionals will see an
increase in the number of seminars geared specifically to the lawn
care industry.
In the past, the Tuesday program consisted of pre-conference work-
shops that required a separate registration fee. This year, the pre-
conference workshops have been replaced by a wide variety of
seminars. A 1-day registration fee will offer participants access to
all seminars that day, special events and the trade show.
The following Tuesday seminars will be of interest to owners and
managers of lawn and landscape companies, including:
What I Learned Managing a Hispanic Workforce
Mike Rorie, Groundmasters, Inc.
Becoming Your Employers MVP
Dr. Bernie Ervin, OSU
Marketing vs. Advertising: Know the Difference
Matt Shooner, Focal Point
Employee Discipline
Dr. Bernie Erven, OSU
How to Create Your Own 1st Budget
Ed Wandtke, Wandtke & Associates
Who’s Working Harder, You or Your Business?
Mike Rorie, Groundmasters
Technical sessions on Tuesday include:
Bed Weed Control in the Landscape
Dr. Hannah Mathers, OSU
Selection & Management of Crabapples and Other Flowering Trees for
the Landscape
Jim Chatfield, OSU Extension
Selection & Management of Herbaceous Perennials
Laura Deeter, OSU/ATI
Selection & Management of Annuals for the Landscape
Pam Bennett, OSU
Wednesday Program highlights include:
Pesticide Safety, Health Issues and Case Studies
Joanne Kick-Raack, OSU Extension
New and Existing Technology in Turfgrass Weed Control
Dr. Dave Gardner, OSU
New Grub Control Materials and their Use in Insect Control Strategies
Chris Williamson, Univ. of Wisconsin
Also new this year is the following series of seminars for Organic
Lawn & Landscape Management:
Certified Organic/Natural Organic Insecticides for Turf,
Trees and Shrubs
Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU
Weed Control Strategies for Organic/Natural Programs
Dr. Dave Gardner, OSU
Understanding Organic/Natural Fertilizers and Their Use in
Programming & Strategies
Dr. Wayne Kussow, University of Wisconsin
Organic Lawn Care: Programs, Delivery and Marketing
Alec McClennan, Good Nature Organic Lawn Care
Managing Turf, Tree and Shrub Insects and Mites Without Pesticides
and Alternative Pesticides
Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU
Featured on the Thursday program for lawn and landscape
professionals:

Mathematics for Turfgrass Applications A Modern Understanding of Weed Control –

Kregg Kish, Double Eagle Club Targeting R-Type and K-Type Weeds
Nozzle Selection for Enhancing Pesticide Application Efficiency Dr. Karl Danneberger, OSU
Dennis Shepard, Syngenta Brown Patch Diseases – New Biology and Control Strategies
Perimeter Pest Control Dr. Bruce Martin, Clemson University
Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU Invasive Turfgrasses – Is Your Profession at Risk?
Aquatics/Pond Management Dr. John Stier, University of Wisconsin
Bill Lynch, OSU Extension

16
Selective Bentgrass Control and Other Recent Herbicide Technology
Ron Calhoun, Michigan State
Perspectives on Phosphorous and other Nutrient Legislative Issues
Dr. Wayne Kussow, Univ. of Wisconsin
Surface Feeding Insects – Biology & Control
Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU

The Lawn Care Business Track, sponsored by OLCA and specifically

for owners and managers, is scheduled for Thursday, December 8:

OLCA Annual Meeting & Breakfast

Developing Leadership
Bill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training
Controlling Workers Compensation Costs
Andre Bradley, Compensation Consultants, Inc.
How a Formal Safety Program can Minimize Workers Comp Risk
Diane Grote-Adams, SafeX

PLUS – 2 Highly Informative, Interactive Panel Discussions:

The Lawn Care Business Panel/Questions and Answers, featuring:

Moderator: Bill Hoopes, Grass Roots Training
Dr. Bill Pound, Ohio Department of Agriculture
Belinda Jones, Capitol Consulting Group
Dave Hofacre, GrassMasters, Inc.
Dennis Imler, Lawn Doctor
The Business of Snow Removal – NEW!
Moderator: Kim Kellogg, Grasshopper Property Maintenance
Douglas Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc.
Chris Hayes, Groundmasters, Inc.
Craig Kemmerling, Meyer/Swensen Products, Inc.
Robert Smart, Yard Smart, Inc.

Lots of Pesticide Re-Certification will be available. Members of OLCA receive

the same registration fees as OTF members. The trade show, the largest of
2005
its kind in the country, features more than 250 exhibiting companies. There
is no charge to attend the trade show. Grateful Embrace
OLCA Annual Meeting at
OTF Conference & Show
The Ohio Lawn Care Association (OLCA) Annual Meeting & Breakfast
will be held Thursday, December 8, 7:30 – 9:00 am at the Greater
Columbus Convention Center. Members and guests will have the
opportunity to enjoy a complimentary breakfast, network with lawn
care peers, and hear President Jeff Bisker’s year-end-review of
OLCA’s many activities and accomplishments in 2005.

In other business at the annual meeting, the Nominating Committee

will present its slate of candidates for the 2006 Board of Directors;
Scholarships to students interested in pursuing careers in lawn care/
turf management will be awarded, along with grants for turfgrass
research and projects at Ohio colleges and universities. Additionally, Lawn care applicators of all ages took part in the “2005 Grateful Embrace,”
Belinda Jones, Capitol Consulting Group, will give a legislative update November 12 at Dayton National Cemetery. More than 30 lawn care
operators and their families honored our nation’s veterans by volunteering
on issues that could affect the lawn care industry in Ohio and let you their time and services at this important annual community service
know what OLCA is doing to help shape legislation. Plan now to attend project sponsored by the Ohio Lawn Care Association.
the OLCA Annual Meeting.

17
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 OSTMA
NEWS
OSTMA has a New Address
We’ve moved! With the recent changes in our Executive Secretary
position, OSTMA now has a new address, a new phone number and an
exciting new Web site. Please make a note of the new information so
that you can keep current with us. Here is the new address:
Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association
PO Box 3426 • Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 354-1196 • Ostma@aol.com • www.ostma.org
OSTMA Introduces
New Executive Secretary
The OSTMA Board of Directors is proud to introduce Cindy Vaughn as
our new Executive Secretary. Cindy was brought on board this past
summer to fill the position when Boyd Montgomery resigned after
accepting a job with the Toro Company. Since accepting the position,
Cindy has been instrumental in keeping the OSTMA office running
smoothly during our transition. Cindy brings great organizational skills
and a background in law with her to OSTMA. She will be around the
Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show, so stop by to introduce yourself
when you get the chance.
2006 STMA Conference
to be held in Orlando
The STMA national conference and tradeshow will be held January
18-22, 2005 in Orlando, Florida. Your OSTMA board members will
participate in the Chapter Officers Training Session on January 17th.
2005. This year’s conference promises to be great, with many
networking opportunities and educational benefits. This will be the
second year for the Collegiate Student Challenge, which pits turf
clubs from around the United States against one another, testing their
knowledge and skills about sports turf management. The STMA
educational committee has put together an all-star line up of speakers
that cover all areas of the industry. Please visit the STMA Web site at
www.sportsturfmanager.com or call headquarters at 1-800-323-3875
for more details.
20
OSTMA to hold Annual Meeting
& Scholarship Auction
OSTMA will hold their annual meeting and lunch on Thursday
December 8th, 2005 at 12:00 noon. Come join OSTMA as we recap
the past year and honor members and students with our scholarship
and award program. We will also hold our 3rd annual scholarship
auction along with lunch. Items will be available for viewing at
the annual meeting and bids will be accepted throughout the
meeting. Winning bidders can pick up their items either after the
lunch or at the OSTMA booth. Help the OSTMA insure that we can give
additional scholarships!
A Special Thank You to our
Sponsors!
The OSTMA Board of Directors and members would like to recognize
and thanks all of our 2005 sponsors:
• Central Farm & Garden
• Century Equipment
• Columbus Turf Nursery
• Covermaster
• Hunter Industries
• Rain Bird
Without your continued support, we would not be able to provide our
members with the continued networking and educational benefits they
need. Without your help, we would not be able to provide the OSTMA
Scholarships, financial support to The Ohio State University Sports Turf
Program and sponsorship of the OSU Turf Team at the STMA Collegiate
Student Challenge.
Another Special Thank You!
The OSTMA would like to give another special thank you to Boyd
Montgomery for everything he has done for the organization over the
years. Boyd was the heart and soul of OSTMA since its inception. He
helped make OSTMA what it is today and we hope to honor and build
upon his vision. OSTMA wishes Boyd the best of luck in his new
position and sincere thanks for everything he has done in the past.
 RESIDENTIAL
LAWN CARE
TIPS
Turfgrass is an Effective Means of Soil Erosion
and Runoff Control
Parwinder Grewal, Zhiqiang Cheng and Edward McCoy, Urban Landscape Ecology Program, OSU

Urban runoff has become an important environmental concern in chemicals from water. The leaves over the soil surface intercept

recent years. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and absorb raindrop impact and provide resistance to water runoff.

urban runoff in U.S. ranks as the third most common source of water Studies also indicate that turf sod is an effective tool to obtain

pollution for rivers and the second most common source for lakes and immediate runoff control and soil erosion protection because of its

estuaries, affecting about 28% of the lake area that does not meet ability for instant establishment.

water quality standards. As impervious coverage increases, the volume

and velocity of surface runoff increases, resulting in corresponding Conventional turf management relies heavily on pesticides and

decrease in infiltration. We have completed a comprehensive review of fertilizers, which are perceived to be a source of environmental

the published literature on the utility of turfgrass in soil erosion pollution. Therefore, turfgrass is often considered to have both positive

protection and run-off control. This review indicates that turfgrass is and negative impacts on urban runoff water quality. This review reveals

extremely effective in reducing run-off water, preventing soil erosion, that under proper management practices, turf ecosystem is not a

and improving run-off water quality. significant source of pesticide and nutrient runoff and thus does not

pose significant threat to surface water quality.

In the U.S., the area of residential lawns is larger than all the five New

England states combined. Besides its recreational benefits, turfgrass Although impacts of turfgrass ecosystem on runoff and soil erosion

has also many environmental and ecological functions, one of which control have been studied extensively as we describe above, most of

is the runoff control and prevention of soil erosion. Studies over- them are tested in experimental plots. More real-world urban runoff

whelmingly indicate a positive impact of turfgrass on runoff reduction, and soil erosion studies should be conducted for this purpose. Also,

runoff water quality improvement and soil erosion control. With combining runoff and soil erosion models to achieve a quantitative

dense aboveground biomass, the thatch layer of turfgrass offers estimation of benefit that turfgrass offers to reduce runoff and soil

an excellent cover to protect soil and acts to filter pollutants and erosion nation wide is needed.

22
 SPORTS
TURF
TIPS
Standard Guide for Maintaining Sports Fields
& Recreational Turf in Ohio
Pamela Sherratt and Dr. John Street, Department of Horticulture & Crop Science, OSU

This standard covers the basic procedures for maintaining native soil
sports fields and recreational turf in Ohio. This includes; mowing,
aeration, fertility, irrigation, overseeding and pest management. The
relative success of these procedures depends upon the quality of
equipment, soil type and current weather conditions.
Mowing Frequency
In accordance with the 1/3 rule, fields in Ohio are generally cut 1 to 2
times weekly in the spring and fall and once per week in the summer.
NOTE: Mowing increases turf density – so fields should be mowed as
much as time & budget will allow.

MOWING Mowing Top Tips

Most importantly, all mowing practices are geared around the 1/3 • Clippings should not be removed.
RULE. In essence, no more than 1/3 of the leaf tissue should be cut • The field should be mowed in a different direction each time.
off at any one mowing. For example, if turf is maintained at 2 inches • Fields without irrigation should be mowed at the higher end of
height, it should be cut when it is no taller than 3 inches in height. the optimum range.
• Mowing patterns on the field prior to an event can significantly
The mowing height will depend upon the sport & the grass species enhance field presentation.
used (Table 1).
AERATION
The number one cause of poor fields in Ohio is soil compaction. Soil
compaction is relieved by mechanically “aerating” the field with a
Table 1. core aerator, deep tine unit, verti-drain (Figure 1), or similar device.
Optimum Range of Mowing Heights for Sports Fields Solid tine aerators, spikers, slitters or similar mechanical devices that
do not significantly disrupt the playing surface can be used during
Sports Field Use Grass Species Mowing Height the playing season. The most important piece of equipment for sports
field managers is a good aerator.
baseball infields, Kentucky bluegrass 1.0 – 2.5 in.
field hockey &/or
& high quality perennial ryegrass
soccer fields

baseball outfields, Kentucky bluegrass 1.5 – 2.5 in.

soccer, football, &/or
lacrosse, polo perennial ryegrass
and rugby fields

intramural & Kentucky bluegrass 2.0 – 3.0 in.

multiple-use fields &/or perennial
ryegrass or tall fescue
Figure 1. Verti-drain unit.

24
Aeration Frequency Frequency of Application
Fields should be aerated a minimum of 6 times per year, preferably 1. May/June = 1lb N/1000 sq.ft.
when not in use. Suggested times would be April, May, June, August, 2. Late August = 1lb N/1000 sq.ft.
October & November. The goal of each aeration practice is to open up 3. Late September = 1lb N/1000 sq.ft.
(impact) at least 10 % of the field surface. 4. Late Fall (Thanksgiving) = 1.5lbs N/1000 sq/ft. with a quick-release
source of N.
The amount of the field that is impacted will depend upon the tine size 5. A 1/2 rate application can be made in early spring & July where turf
and spacing on the equipment (Table 2). recovery is required.

Fertility Top Tips

• Conduct a soil test every 3-4 years to check on fertility status,
Table 2. Percent of Field Impacted especially P and K levels.
• Unless a soil test indicates a pH problem, do not apply lime to fields.
Tine Spacing (inches) • Each fertilizer application should be made prior to rainfall
or irrigation.
Tine Size 2x2 4x4 4x6 6x8 • Always apply a “starter” fertilizer (higher in P) when seeding.
(diameter)
IRRIGATION
1/4 inch 1.2 0.3 0.2 0.1
Sports fields and recreational areas in Ohio will go dormant in summer
if there is no supplemental irrigation. Fields can stay in a dormant state
for several weeks and recover adequately. Playability on dormant fields
3/8 inch 2.8 0.7 0.5 0.2 of course, is reduced and potential wear injury is increased.

1/2 inch 4.9 1.2 0.8 0.4 Irrigation Frequency

Only water AS NEEDED. If there is supplemental irrigation (automatic
system, rain train or water cannon) it is not uncommon for fields
3/4 inch 11.0 2.8 1.8 0.9 to be over-watered. This results in many problems, namely soggy
playing conditions leading to compacted soil, and, most importantly,
infestations of weeds and weedy grasses (e.g. Poa annua & Poa
1 inch 19.6 4.9 3.3 1.6
trivialis) that favor wet soils.

Using Table 2. Examples:
Equipment “A” has 3/4 inch tines at 2 x 2 spacing. Only 1 pass across
the field is needed to impact 10% of the field
Equipment “B” has 1/2 inch tines at 4 x 4 spacing. 8-9 passes across
the field is needed to impact 10% of the field.
Aeration Top Tips
• Do not core aerate in hot weather.
• Aerate when soil is moist but not wet.
• Do not pick up cores – drag them back in.
• Seed bare areas at the same time as coring.
• Irrigate the field after coring & dragging to alleviate stress caused
by coring.
FERTILITY
As a general rule:
1. Nitrogen (N) will produce leaf growth & color.
2. Phosphorus (P) aids seed germination and seedling establishment.
3. Potassium (K) aids stress tolerance (e.g. traffic & cold).
General maintenance fertilizers for sports fields have N:P:K ratios of
4-1-2 or 4-1-3. At least 30-50% of the nitrogen source should be
slow release, except for the late fall application, which should have a
higher proportion of quick release N.
Aim to apply 1 – 1.5 inches of water per week. Ideally the water should
be applied in two increments, to avoid water run-off.
Irrigation Timing
Water early in the morning, when evapotranspiration losses are
minimal. Light watering in the afternoon is acceptable if trying to
cool the turf during hot weather or to keep new seedlings moist.
Try to avoid irrigation 24 hours prior to a sporting event if possible.
OVERSEEDING
Only overseed bare soil & thin areas of turf. There is no advantage to
overseeding the whole field if there is a full stand o dense turf.
Suggested Seeding Program
Nov to Dec: Dormant seed 100% Kentucky bluegrass that will
germinate the following spring. Higher seed rate (3-4 lbs/1000 sq.ft.)
should be used to compensate for a higher seed mortality rate than
a conventional spring seeding.
April to May: Spring seed 100% Kentucky bluegrass in conjunction
with a pre-emergence herbicide that will not affect Kentucky bluegrass
germination, e.g. Siduron (Tupersan). Seed rate = 1-2 lbs/1000 sq.ft.
Continued on page 26

25
 Continued from page 25

June & July: If temperatures allow and irrigation is adequate, seed Pests (grubs etc.)
bare soil with 50:50 Kentucky bluegrass:perennial ryegrass mix (rye- Most fields are probably only susceptible to bluegrass billbug and
grass will dominate). Irrigation is critical. occasional grub infestations. We would not recommend control of either
until they have been confirmed to be present (e.g., as evidenced by
Mid-August to Early September: 50:50 Kentucky bluegrass:perennial damage last year). Then an application of clothianidin (= Arena™) in
ryegrass mix (ryegrass will dominate). mid-May should control both for the season. Stay away from the
“pyrethroid” insecticides because of skin sensitivity issues. A “Rescue”
September to Late October: 100% Perennial ryegrass. Seed bare soil treatment of white grubs (Figure 3) can be made with products
areas weekly at 6-8 lbs/1000 sq.ft. containing trichlorfon (= Dylox™), but people should be kept off the
field for 24 hours after the application.
Overseeding Top Tips
• Seeds will not germinate without moisture, so light watering
(syringing) is critical in the first few weeks. If possible, only apply
light watering to areas of the field where overseeding has occurred
by hand watering, setting of specific heads, or portable sprinklers.
• Seeds need to have soil contact. Remove any surface debris and slit
or slice seed into the soil or applying directly before a game so
players push seed into soil.
• Seed in at least 2 directions to avoid poor coverage and striping
(Figure 2).
• Overseeding will produce the best results if done in conjunction
with coring & a fertilizer application. Once all three practices have
been done, drag the field and irrigate if possible. SEED + CORE +
FERTILIZE = best result compared to doing any of these on
their own.
• Mow as soon as seedlings are up. Regular mowing will increase
density.

Figure 3. White grub feeding on turf roots.

Weeds
Weeds are the most common pest on sports fields. Apply selective
herbicides only when weeds are a problem, not as a preventative
measure. Any high school football field should be able to tolerate a
dandelion or two and most herbicides cannot be used where seeding
may be needed to repair field damage.

Figure 2. L - R: Diagonal seeding best, cross-seeding good,
seeding in 1 direction results in poor coverage.
Divot Mix
If holes/divots on the field are deep, they need to be filled in with good
quality topsoil before seeding. Alternatively, mixing seed with the soil
to make a divot mix can be done 2 days before a game. Divot mix is
generally 10 parts soil, 1 part seed. If the mix is kept moist it will also
pre-germinate the seed.
PEST MANAGEMENT
The best defense against any pest is healthy turf. If there are problems
on the field, the turf management program is probably not adequate.
Diseases
Diseases are less common but can be found, particularly on perennial
ryegrass fields. Most of these diseases are superficial and will not kill
the turf, e.g. rust or red thread. The exception can be serious disease
problems on young seedling in hot weather. Also there are occasional
diseases that can kill the turf, such a gray leaf spot and brown patch. If
disease is suspected, get an accurate diagnosis from OSU’s clinic.
Ohio State’s Diagnostic Clinic
If a pest, disease, or weed problem is suspected, a sample can be sent to OSU’s
diagnostic clinic. For details on how to do this, telephone (614) 292-5006 or visit:
www.ppdc.osu.edu.
For more information on pest, weed & disease control options, read The Ohio State
University L-187 bulletin “Management of Turfgrass Pests Weeds, Diseases and Insects”
or view the bulletin on-line at www.ohioline.osu.edu/l187/index.html.

26
Buckeye Sports Turf Program Update
Pam Sherratt, John Street and Deb Holdren, Dept. Hort & Crop Science, OSU

A Hard Year research, make state visits, produce the calendar, run seminars and
This has been a hard year for growing cool-season grasses because of short courses and offer scholarships to our students.
the heat and the dry summer conditions. Minor problems that may not
have been so obvious in 2004 have been amplified this year. When And finally, those of you going to GCSAA in Atlanta in February, make
visiting a field it has not been uncommon to find that a multitude of time to vote for Ohio State’s “Turf Dogs of the Year,” Murphy & Cody.
problems exist, including drought, grub damage, disease infestation, If they win, our local GCSAA chapter gets $2,000!
weed encroachment etc. In a stressful situation, such as this year,
cool-season grasses struggle to compete against such ardent rivals!
There will be opportunities in spring 2006 to renovate turf and get it as
healthy as possible before the summer stress hits again. One of our
goals is to encourage more spring renovation, so that when everyone
gets back from summer break, they do not face a dry dust bowl where
their prized football field once stood. Much of the 2006 Sports Turf
Short Course (see below) will focus on these issues.

Announcements for 2006

• The Buckeye Sports Turf Calendar will be given out at the OTF
Conference & Show again. This year we are highlighting our student
successes. Make sure you swing by the student coat-check & pick
one up.

• The Turf Club will be traveling to both the OSTMA in Orlando in

January and the GCSAA in Atlanta in February to compete in the quiz
bowls – wish them luck!

• The Sports Turf Short Course dates are March 21st & 22nd. This
year we have a fantastic line-up. In addition to OSU’s faculty &
Chris Powell from the Cleveland Browns will talk at the 2006 Sports Turf Short Course.
staff, there will be; BJ Sander (OSU Turfgrass Alum and punter for
the Green Bay Packers), Gene Smith (Ohio State Athletic Director),
Chris Powell (Cleveland Browns turf manager) and Jake Tyler (Toledo
Mudhens turf manager).

• New Sports Turf Class. In spring 2006 a sports turf class will be
offered at Ohio State for students and local turf managers. Classes
can be taken during the day or at night. As we go to print, we are
also developing an online sports turf certificate program.

• Sports Turf Web site development continues to add information

pertinent to sports turf management. Continue to watch in 2006 for
updates & improvements: www.hcs.osu.edu/sportsturf.

Thanks for Continued Support

As in previous years, we have averaged about 30 field visits this
year around the state of Ohio – mainly to high schools and Parks
& Recreational facilities. With budget restrictions in force, it is
increasingly difficult to fund programs and grow as much as we Ohio State Turf Dogs Murphy (Goldie) & Cody (Heinz 57) will represent the state
would like to. Paramount to our success is support from industry. of Ohio at GCSAA in Atlanta. They are vying for “Turf Dogs of the Year” and
Through support from OTF and OSTMA we have been able to conduct have starred in the SuperNews calendar for 2006. Be sure to vote for them!

27
 GRADUATE
STUDENT
CORNER
The Desert in my Backyard?
Daniel Digman, Research Assistant & Graduate Student, Department of Entomology, OSU
Prior to entering graduate school at the Ohio State University I held a
position as the insect diagnostician at our Plant and Pest Diagnostic
Clinic on campus. My job requirements involved diagnosing insect pest
damage, identifying real and imagined insect samples and responding
to phone calls about insects and insecticides. One question that
kept creeping into many conversations was the inquiry as to the “safe-
ness” of insecticides and/or what other non-target creatures might be
adversely affected by their uses.
Due to my extensive classroom training, I knew that there were
white grubs, billbugs, chinch bugs, cutworms, armyworms and other
miscellaneous insect pests that could harm turf when populations
reached high numbers. Therefore, when the question of non-target
impacts came up, my response was, “If you are treating turfgrass,
then just make sure that you keep children and pets off the grass
until the application is dry. Other than that, there should be no other
organisms or animals to worry about.” Not until after I began my
current study on the “non-target affects of insecticides applied to
turfgrass” did I get a real idea of the diversity and abundance of
arthropods found in turfgrass!
While not the main focus of my research, I believe that many turfgrass
managers do not have a true appreciation for the diversity and
abundance of organisms that inhabit turfgrass systems. Unfortunately,
some environmentalists have labeled managed turf as being an “urban
desert with a monoculture of grass!” This short-sighted view glosses
over even the botanical biodiversity found in most lawns, grounds and
golf courses. Remember that a cultivar of corn or wheat is pretty much
a single genetic strain of corn or wheat, but a cultivar of most turfgrass
is actually a group of plants that exhibit desired traits. This means
that the group has much greater genetic diversity than the corn or
wheat and this diversity will likely change over time, depending on
environmental conditions and the management level. This would be
like calling a forest made only of maples, a monoculture, when in fact,
there may be four to five species of maples in the forest! In most lawns,
there are two to three species of grass cultivars present which
also contributes to greater biodiversity. Even blends of Kentucky blue-
grass, perennial ryegrass or tall fescue consist of two to three cultivars
28
selected from very different lines of breeding in order to achieve
diversity for withstanding environmental, disease and insect attack.
But, I digress! Let’s look at the arthropod diversity within a typical
Ohio lawn.
The research plots used in my studies are sodded Kentucky
bluegrass maintained at a standard lawn height with medium to high
maintenance schedules (e.g., fertilized with – 4.0 lb. N/1000 ft2 per
year, mowed once or twice a week at 3.0-inch, irrigated sufficiently
to keep green during drought, and treated with broadleaf herbicides
when needed). Sub plots were treated with various insecticides
registered or being developed for turfgrass usage. Each sub plot was
sampled prior to insecticide treatment and weekly thereafter. To
assess the arthropod populations, 4.25-inch diameter cup cutter
samples (consisting of the turf, thatch and approximately 2-inches of
underlying soil) were pulled and subjected to Berlese funnel extraction
(Figure 1). Most of the arthropods contained within these cores (as
well as earthworms and slugs!) move downward (the funnels have
40W light bulbs held over the cores), drop from the soil, slide down the
funnel sides and fall into a jar of alcohol where they are preserved
for later inspection.
The number of organisms per square foot was found to be an average
of 3,480 in the pretreatment samples extracted in mid-July and
analyzed (Table 1). However, the population variance was astounding-
ly high, meaning that there was NOT a uniform distribution of
arthropods in each plot or sample examined. The number of organisms
ranged from a low of 859 to a high of 6,100 per square foot. Ground
nesting ants are a major source of this variation as single samples
often had hundreds or no ants. This is simply due to having taken a
sample through an ant colony or a sample that had no ant colony! For
this reason alone ants were discounted when running the statistical
analysis. Even then, the variance was still large. Throughout the
study, there were relatively steady average numbers of total organisms
in the control plots per square feet. Therefore, we want to know
more. What populations (at the identification level of family) are
changing to maintain this relatively steady number of total animals
throughout the year?

Table 1. Typical Arthropods Recovered From July
Pre-treatment Plots (numbers represent average
number of critters in control plots per square foot)
Diplopoda: millipedes (3.35)
Chilopoda: centipedes (0.30)
Symphyla: garden centipedes (205.84)
Arachnida: spiders (7.41)
Acarina: mites (1969.1)
Oribatidae: scavengers and mycophagous - feed on organic
matter (1093.97)
Non-Oribatidae: (3 other families) predatory mites (875.13)
Hexapoda: insects (1293.01)
Diplura: primitive insects (10.35)
Campodeidae (6.19), Japygidae (4.16)
Collembola: springtails (1212.01)
Entomobryidae (46.08), Isotomidae (764.30),
Sminthuridae (221.98), Onychiuridae (179.66)
Coleoptera: beetles (58.77)
Staphylinidae (8.42), Carabidae (0.30),
Elateridae (1.02), Other families (4.67),
beetle larvae (44.36)
Diptera: fly adults and larvae (5.08)
Hymenoptera: parasitic wasps and an abundance of
ants (5.08)
Thysanoptera: thrips (1.02)
Sternorrhynca: aphids (0.71)
After completing the assessment of the non-target effects of
insecticide applications to lawn turf, and since sifting through
these Berlese funnel samples is so much fun (just kidding!), I decided
that a closer look at the population changes of specific groups
was warranted. I also decided to take more samples per plot in an
attempt to reduce the variance. After examining the pretreatment
samples or two additional sites where the complete set of insecticides
were applied, I found an average of 3,397 organisms per square foot
with a low of 1,056 and a high of 8,648 arthropods per square foot
in the control plots. Back to the drawing board? No!
The project has now taken on another angle, ecological. We are
noticing that there is nearly 1.5 to 2 times the number of oribatid
(scavenger) mites than non-oribatid (predatory) mites in each sample.
We are also seeing that there is a trend for combined mite and
combined Collembola (springtail) abundance to be closely proportional
in terms of distribution in and around each other. In short, when there
is an increase in mites, there is a near proportional decrease in
Collembola abundance and vise versa. In my current studies an
agricultural pest, Symphyla (garden centipedes), has been noticed in
some samples at numbers that would be considered damaging levels
in an agricultural crop. Though there was no evident damage seen in
the turf, this is something that should be pursued further. Symphyla
feed on root hairs and can cause stunting of plants. Is turf susceptible
to similar damage or does the feeding of symphylans encourage
attacks by disease?
As far as the non-target impact study goes, we noticed that there was
very little to no impact of applications of either registered or yet-to-be
registered insecticides on non-target turfgrass-inhabiting arthropods.
In some cases, abundance of some arthropod groups increased the
following Spring from their Autumn populations. However, what we are
noticing with this follow-up study is that this increase in numbers
may be due to chance or other environmental factors. It appears that
weather conditions (cold, heat, rainfall, etc.) are an overriding force
regulating arthropod populations to a much greater extent than the
temporary effects cause by insecticide applications.
What does all this mean? It is obvious that our average lawn habitat is
not a “desert” as claimed by some environmental groups! However,
to get a good grasp of what is really happening beneath our feet, a
multi-faceted study needs to be conducted examining not only the
arthropod make-up but also: turf cultivars and turfgrass population
genetics, fungi, weeds, micro-nutrients, organic matter cycling,
weather conditions and etc. This vast “desert” of an ecosystem in all of
our backyards is more of a tropical jungle, but on a Lilliputian scale,
with it’s own set of checks and balances with resource competition
and biological/biomass carrying capacity.
Figure 1. The Berlese Extraction Figure 2. Typical grouping of arthropods
Funnels described in the text title: found in a Berlese Extraction sample.
Set of Berlese extraction funnels used Note a bluegrass billbug, many thief
to assess turf-inhabiting arthropods. ants and numerous other arthropds.
Figure 3. Close-up of some common arthropods used as indicator groups
in non-target influence study. L-R, campodeid dipluran, japygid dipluran,
symphylan (below), three families of springtails (four specimens), two
types of free-living mites (above) and orbatid mite (dark, below).
29
 2005 OHIO TURFGRASS CONFERENCE & SHOW
2005 “AMERICA’S PREMIER TURFGRASS EVENT”
DECEMBER 6-8, 2005 • GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER • COLUMBUS, OH

e OTF
To register for th or for
Conference & Shown visit
more informatio ss.org
www.OhioTurfgra 3445!
or call 888-683-

Sponsored by: Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, The Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
 Tuesday, December 6 Thursday, December 8
7:00 am – 7:00 pm Registration Open 7:00 am – 4:30 pm Registration Open
8:00 am – 4:00 pm Workshops & Seminars 7:30 am – 9:00 am OLCA Annual Meeting & Breakfast
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Keynote Speech 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Trade Show Open
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Trade Show Open (Welcome Reception) 8:00 am – 12:00 pm USGA Regional Conference
8:00 am – 4:00 pm Seminars
Wednesday, December 7 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Mechanics Workshop
6:30 am – 4:30 pm Registration Open 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm OSTMA Annual Meeting & Luncheon
7:00 am – 8:00 am General Session 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ODA Testing
7:00 am – 9:00 am Morning with the USGA 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Panel Discussions
7:30 am – 9:00 am OSPA Annual Meeting & Breakfast
8:00 am – 9:00 am Seminars
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Trade Show Open
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm OTF Annual Meeting
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Seminars
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Live Auction
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm OTF Awards Banquet (Hyatt Regency)
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Evening Workshop

Keynote Address: Olympic Champion, Rulon Gardner

Tuesday, December 6, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Sponsored By:

“American Gardner Stuns Karelin in Huge Upset,” Sports Illustrated, September 27, 2000.

“Miracle on the Mat: Wrestler Rulon Gardner wins the Gold Medal in the Olympics,” The Sporting News, October 9, 2000.

“Rulon Gardner: A Jumbo Farm Boy from Wyoming Shocks the World, and Himself, By Wrangling a Russian Tank,” Time Magazine, October 9, 2000.

“Feet First: After a Snowmobile Mishap Left Him Ravaged by Frostbite and Cost Him a Toe, Olympic Heavyweight Rulon Gardner is Taking His Comeback
One Step at a Time,” Sports Illustrated, June 3, 2002.

Rulon Gardner has been making headlines ever since his stunning victory over the previously unbeaten Russian champion. In 2001 he was USA Wrestling’s
Man of the Year. ESPN gave him its 2001 ESPY Award for US Olympic Athlete of the Year. In fact, he has won nearly every award one can win in his sport.

Rulon Gardner stunned the world when he won the Gold Medal at the 2000 Olympics. In 2001, he was world-champion, and despite losing a toe to frostbite
in a snowmobile accident, came back to win the Bronze Medal in the 2004 Olympics.

Gardner has appeared on nearly every television talk show, including David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, The Oprah Winfrey Show,
Rosie O’Donnell, The Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America and more.

Now a motivational speaker, Gardner has been entertaining and stimulating audiences around the world. Rulon Gardner is the poster boy for plain living.
He grew up on a dairy farm in Afton, Wyoming. His father, 70 years old, still works 500 acres of barley and milks 50-60 cows twice a day. His father’s
proudest moment was not seeing Rulon beat Karelin but seeing Rulon get his degree in Physical Education and Health from the University of Nebraska.
Rulon Gardner is the kind of guy you can like.

OTF is pleased to welcome an American sports hero as this year’s Keynote Speaker. This is one presentation you will not want to miss!
31
 Tuesday, December 6, 2005 – MORNING
Golf
WORKSHOP 1
8 AM
Managing The Modern Putting Green
for Today’s Demanding Golfer
This seminar will focus on the precision
required to produce putting greens that meet
the increasing expectations of demanding
golfers. Specific research will be reviewed on
establishment, nutrient, mowing, and irrigation
management as well the latest thinking on pest
management, cultivation and topdressing.
Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell University
9 AM
10 AM
11 AM
NOON
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 12:00 NOON – 1:00 PM
32 Day 1 of the Ohio Turfgrass Conference is worth 0.65 GCSAA educational points. All sessions, topics and speakers are subject to change without notification.
Sports Turf Assistants/Technicians
WORKSHOP 2 WORKSHOP 3
New Ideas and
Technologies for Managing
Sports Fields with
Costs in Mind
Mathematics for Turfgrass Applications
Floyd Perry, Ground Maintenance Services
Kregg Kish, Double Eagle Club
1 hr of CAT 8
Nozzle Selection for Enhancing
Pesticide Application Efficiency
This presentation will review how different
spray nozzles affect efficacy as influenced
by pesticide mode of action and target pest.
The talk will review nozzle type, spray
droplets, pressure and other factors that
influence spraying operations.
Dennis Shepard, Syngenta
1 hr of CORE
What I Learned From
Managing a Hispanic Workforce
Come attend this session and discover the
many opportunities of having a work force that
is eager to learn and produce consistent, quality
work and become part of your organization.
Mike Rorie, Groundmasters
Becoming Your Employer’s MVP
Getting along well with your supervisor
and co-workers can be more challenging
than the work you were hired for. Employees
who master the skills necessary to get along
are highly valued. They are often MVP’s. This
session will provide practical take home ideas
to help employees get along, increase their
worth, become highly respected and create
opportunities to help advance their careers.
Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University
Lawn & Grounds Mgmt.
WORKSHOP 4
Marketing vs. Advertising:
Know the Difference!
Advertising is one piece of your
marketing “pie”. Understanding how the
elements of marketing interrelate and must
all work together with advertising is critical
for long-term growth and success.
Matt Shooner, Focal Point Communication
Employee Discipline
Discipline is an unpleasant responsibility.
Doing it poorly increases the unpleasantness.
Doing it well, on the other hand, reduces employer
frustration, increases employee morale, makes
the firing of an employee rare and reduces the
threat of legal action by disgruntled former
employees. This session will focus on how to take
effective preventive action to promote self-
disciplines, understanding and using effective
disciplinary techniques and the importance
of rewarding supervisors and employees for their
success in minimizing disciplinary action.
Bernie Erven, The Ohio State University
How to Create Your Own First Budget
The why’s and how’s of developing a budget.
This beginner’s course will show you
how to develop a budget for your company
based upon historical spending habits rather
than monthly checkbook balances.
Ed Wandtke, Wandtke & Associates
Who’s Working Harder,
You or Your Business?
Attend this session and gain insight on how
to spend your time, focus and resources to
develop the business model of your choice.
Learn the importance of how a plan will allow
time to work with you and your business
versus another year without accomplishing
real gains and increased value.
Mike Rorie, Groundmasters
 Tuesday, December 6, 2005 – AFTERNOON
Golf
1 PM
Renovation of the OSU Scarlet Course
for Modern Age Golf
Restoration of the Scarlet Course for today’s
college tournament redesigns bunkers,
and enlarges practice facilities, an overview
of the Scarlet restoration project.
Gary Rasor, Scarlet & Gray Golf Course,
The Ohio State University
2 PM
Managing Putting Greens Without
Pesticides – The Bethpage Project
This presentation will provide an overview
of the first 5 years of evaluating reduced
and non-chemical approaches to putting green
management. An extensive discussion will be
provided on what works and has not worked
and the golfers perception of putting green
performance with less chemical pesticides.
Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell University
3 PM
Management of Earthworms &
Other Nuisance Pests on Golf Courses
Earthworms and ants can be highly
troublesome on golf course turf! Unfortunately,
few management options are available or
effective. This seminar will equip you with the
necessary information to manage earthworms
and ants on golf course turf effectively.
Dr. Chris Williamson, University of Wisconsin
4 PM
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: RULON GARDNER 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5 PM
to 7 PM
Day 1 of the Ohio Turfgrass Conference is worth 0.65 GCSAA educational points. All sessions, topics and speakers are subject to change without notification.
Sports Track
25,000 Games & Counting:
Maintenance at Central Park’s Turf
Russell Fredericks,
Central Park Conservancy
Planning, Construction & Maintenance
of Infill Fields: What I Have Learned
Darian Dailey, Paul Brown Stadium
and the effectiveness of the herbicide you choose.
In this talk, we will discuss answers to commonly
Infield Dirt Maintenance
Matt Duncan, Akron Aeros
(SEE PAGE 6)
TRADE SHOW PREVIEW/WELCOME RECEPTION
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Misc. License
Perimeter Pest Control
Major pests of home and building perimeters
will be reviewed with a discussion of how to
manage them, with and without pesticides.
Dr. David Shetlar, The Ohio State University,
Dept. of Entomology
1 hr of CAT 10A
Aquatics/Pond Management
Aquatic vegetation is a continual issue for many
pond owners. Various mechanical biological and
chemical control strategies will be presented.
Bill Lynch, The Ohio State University,
School of Natural Resources
1 hr of CAT 3A
Bed Weed Control in the Landscape
Many factors influence your choice of herbicide
asked questions regarding choosing the right
herbicide for a particular site; a landscape bed.
Dr. Hannah Mathers,
The Ohio State University,
Dept. of Horticulture & Crop Science
1 hr of CAT 6C
Lawn & Grounds
Selection & Management of
Crabapples and Other Flowering
Trees for the Landscapes
Selecting the right plant for the right
site is the first key to good horticulture.
For flowering trees, including crabapples,
Callery pears, magnolias, and others,
those keys include ornamental features,
maintenance concerns, disease and insect
resistance and time of flowering and fruit
appeal. This talk details these considerations
and offers a number of plant selection
suggestions for Midwest landscapes.
Jim Chatfield, OSU Extension,
Wayne County
0.5 hr of CAT 6A
Selection & Management of
Herbaceous Perennials
Laura Deeter, The Ohio State University,
Agricultural Technical Institute
0.5 hr of CAT 6A
Selection & Management of
Annuals for the Landscape
Learn about the top-performers for the
landscape based on the field trial results in
central Ohio. Pam discusses those annuals
that need the least amount of maintenance
and provide the best show all season long.
Pam Bennett, OSU Extension,
Clark County
0.5 hr of CAT 6A
33
 Wednesday, December 7, 2005 – MORNING
OHIO SOD PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (OSPA) ANNUAL MEETING 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
OTF PAST PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Golf Lawn & Grounds General/Sod Organic L&L Mgmt. Sports

7 AM Morning with the USGA

Several USGA staffers will
discuss Association activities, field
Pesticide Safety, Health Issues and Case Studies
questions and consider hot, current
issues in Golf Turf Management, along This session will provide an overview of information we have from agricultural and turf health studies and
with the game of golf in general. EPA’s risks assessments. Best management practices for supervisors and employees will be discussed.
Bob Brame, USGA Joanne Kick-Raack, OSU Extension
1 hr of CORE

8 AM New and Existing Technology

in Turfgrass Weed Control
A review of 2005 herbicide
research trials and the implications
for new products and management
strategies will be discussed.
Dr. David Gardner,
OSU, Dept. of Hort. & Crop Science
1 hr of CAT 8
Certified Organic/
Natural Organic Insecticides
New Grub Control Materials for Turf, Trees and Shrubs
and their use in Insect Finding and using true organic
Control Strategies insecticides and insecticides for use
in urban landscapes will be described
Dr. Chris Williamson,
with hints on maximizing their efficacy.
University of Wisconsin,
Dr. David Shetlar, OSU,
Dept. of Entomology
Dept. of Entomology
1 hr of CAT 8
0.5 hr of CAT 8 and
0.5 hr of CAT 6A
Gray Leaf Spot Resistant
Perennial Ryegrass and Cultivar
Selection for Sports Fields
Breeding and genetics of perennial
ryegrasses with improved gray leaf
spot resistance. Cultivars of perennial
ryegrass, tall fescue and Kentucky
bluegrass with improved traffic
tolerance will be discussed.
Dr. Stacy Bonos, Rutgers University,
Dept. of Plant Biology & Pathology

9 AM

10 AM

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
No sessions – VISIT the trade show!
11 AM The Ohio Turfgrass Show is the largest regional turfgrass show of its kind,
featuring more than 250 suppliers of turfgrass management products
and services. See the latest technology, equipment, pesticides, fertilizers,
seeds, etc ... for all your turf and grounds maintenance needs.

NOON

34 Day 2 of the Ohio Turfgrass Conference is worth 0.70 GCSAA educational points. All sessions, topics and speakers are subject to change without notification.
 Wednesday, December 7, 2005 – AFTERNOON
OTF ANNUAL MEETING 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
OTF ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET (HYATT REGENCY) 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Golf Lawn & Grounds General/Sod Organic L&L Mgmt. Sports

1 PM New Diseases – Rapid Blight Texas Blue – Is it the

New Ways of Controlling
Weed Control Strategies for Poa annua and other Problem
on Cool Season Grasses new Tall Fescue or just
Organic/Natural Organic Programs Weeds on Sports Fields
Dr. Bruce Martin, Clemson University another Kentucky Bluegrass?
Challenges in Managing Advantages and disadvantages Strategies for using 3 newly or soon-to-be
0.5 hr of CAT 8 Characteristics of Texas bluegrass and labeled turf herdicides will be discussed,
the Turf and Landscape in how hybrids are developed with Kentucky
of corn gluten meal and other natural
High Profile Central Park herbicides will be discussed as well as including potential to selectively remove
New Diseases – bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass class- Poa annua, Poa trivialis (rough bluegrass)
a review of proper cultural strategies.
Russell Fredericks, Turf Manager, ification types. Kentucky bluegrass
Bentgrass Dead Spot Dr. David Gardner, OSU,
and creeping bentgrass from turf.
Central Park Conservancy cultivars with improved disease resistance.
Dr. John Kaminski, Dept. of Horticulture & Crop Science Dr. John Stier, University of Wisconsin,
Dr. Stacy Bonos, Rutgers University,
University of Connecticut Dept. of Horticulture
Dept. of Plant Biology & Plantology 1 hr of CAT 8
0.5 hr of CAT 8 0.5 hr of CAT 8
2 PM New Grub Control Weed Control for
Understanding Organic/Natural Managing High Traffic
Materials and their use Commercial Sod Production Sports Fields
USGA Year in Review Fertilizers and their use
in Insect Control Strategies This presentation will cover in Programming Strategies The most challenging aspect of
The very difficult 2005 season will This seminar will provide you with general weed control recommendations sports turf management remains
be reviewed in detail. The objective the appropriate information to as well as developing options for This talk will present information that you
can use to make more informed decisions sustaining field quality under intense
being needed adjustments in the effectively manage white grubs. quackgrass and nutsedge control. traffic. Innovative approaches to
maintenance program to improve regarding the use of these fertilizers.
Dr. Chris Williamson, Ron Calhoun, focused management efforts that include
quality and dependability in 2006. Dr. Wayne Kussow, fertility, mowing and over seeding to
University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University,
Bob Brame, USGA Dept. of Entomology Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences University of Wisconsin, maintain turf density and performance.
Dept. of Horticulture Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell University
0.5 hr of CAT 8 0.5 hr of CAT 8

3 PM Texas Blue – Is it the

A Systematic Approach of
Decision Making for Summer
Disease Control Programs
Dr. Bruce Martin, Clemson University
1 hr of CAT 8
new Tall Fescue or just
another Kentucky Bluegrass?
And Other Bluegrass Updates
Characteristics of Texas bluegrass and
how hybrids are developed with Kentucky
Dr. Harry Niemczyk, OSU/OARDC,
bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass class-
ification types. Kentucky bluegrass
cultivars with improved disease resistance.
Dr. Stacy Bonos, Rutgers University,
Dept. of Plant Biology & Plantology
Organic Lawn Care:
Programs, Delivery and Marketing
Insects in Sod Production, From Dirt to Play in 3 Weeks
Clients asking for organic approaches
How Can I Help You? Managing natural turf in
to turf care? Learn about different
a multipurpose environment;
products, services and approaches
establishing a field in three weeks.
Dept. of Entomology for providing and marketing organic
turf maintenance services. Chris Hague, Parken Stadium,
1 hr of CAT 8 Copenhagen, DENMARK
Alec McClennan,
Good Nature Organic Lawn Care

4 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • No sessions – VISIT the trade show!
The Ohio Turfgrass Show is the largest regional turfgrass show of its kind,
featuring more than 250 suppliers of turfgrass management products
and services. See the latest technology, equipment, pesticides, fertilizers,
seeds, etc ... for all your turf and grounds maintenance needs.

5 PM
to 7 PM 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
LIVE AUCTION
Don’t miss this chance for great deals while supporting turfgrass research.
Entertainment, food and beverages make this a fun - filled event for all.

7 PM
to 9 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM • Managing Turf, Tree and Shrub Insects and Mites Without
Pesticides and Alternative Pesticides, Dr. David Shetlar, OSU, Dept. of Entomology
The ever popular “Evening With the BugDoc” will concentrate on proven cultural and biological alternatives to
manage common pests of turf, ornamentals and landscape flowers. Dr. Shetlar encourages open discussions of pest
problems and offers quick-fix and long term solutions to pest problems. Lower toxicity and organic insecticides
will also be discussed with suggestions on how to use these alternatives most effectively. 2 hrs of CAT 8

Day 2 of the Ohio Turfgrass Conference is worth 0.70 GCSAA educational points. All sessions, topics and speakers are subject to change without notification. 35
 Thursday, December 8, 2005 – MORNING
The Irrigation System and Water Management • Bob Brame, Director of North Central Region, USGA Green Section
Research Toward Organic Golf Courses • Jim Snow, National Director, USGA Green Section
Rules of Golf 101 and Proper Course Marking • Bill McCarthy, USGA Director of Regional Affairs, Ohio Valley Region
Juggling the Economics of Outings vs. Course Maintenance • Dennis Warner, Golf Course Superintendent, Kenwood Country Club
The Future of Equipment, Technology and the USGA • USGA Technical Department – TBD
Equipment Maintenance, Myth’s and Mysteries • Jim Carroll & Staff, Kubota Tractor Company
Golf
8 AM PGR use on Golf Courses
Purported benefits of PGRs includes
Poa annua seedhead reduction, clipping
management, improved traffic tolerance,
green speed, divot closure, improved
density and species conversion.
Establishing realistic and measurable
outcomes is important in order to evaluate
the effectiveness and justify a PGR program.
Ron Calhoun,
Michigan State University
1 hr of CAT 8
9 AM PGR Programming Strategies –
Superintendent Viewpoints
Golf Course superintendents from Ohio
and other Midwest states will share
their experiences and successful
PGR programming strategies.
Ron Calhoun, Michigan State,
Dr. Karl Danneberger
and Dr. John Street, OSU,
will serve as facilitators
1 hr of CAT 8
10 AM
NO SESSIONS
VISIT
TRADE SHOW
future. How can commercial lawn care firms
10:00 AM –
1:00 PM
11 AM
NOON
36 Day 3 of the Ohio Turfgrass Conference is worth 0.65 GCSAA educational points. All sessions, topics and speakers are subject to change without notification.
USGA REGIONAL CONFERENCE 8:00 AM – 12:00 NOON
MECHANICS WORKSHOP 9:00 AM – 12:00 NOON
General
IPM Strategies
for Turf & Landscape
This session will describe
a holistic and systems oriented
approach to managing turfgrass.
Dr. Parwinder Grewal,
The Ohio State University/OARDC,
Dept. of Entomology
0.5 hr of CAT 8
A Modern View of
Nutrient Demands
Nitrogen is the primary factor that
creates nutrient demand in turfgrass.
How this nutrient demand arises and
its consequences regarding effective
and efficient nutrient management
in turfgrass will be discussed.
Dr. Wayne Kussow,
University of Wisconsin,
Dept. of Horticulture
Fertilization Practices
to Protect Water Quality!
What the Future Holds?
Public concern for lawn fertilizer effects on
water quality is having a profound effect
on what products might be available in the
position themselves to capitalize on the
merging trend by altering programs to
increase their environmental compatibility?
Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell University
What’s Your Label I.Q.?
Joanne Kick-Raack,
OSU Extension
1 hr of CORE
NO SESSIONS
VISIT TRADE SHOW
12:00 NOON – 2:00 PM
Lawn Care Business
Ohio Lawn Care
Association (OLCA)
Annual Meeting
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Developing Leadership
In this session, you will become
more aware of what it takes to
lead successfully and how you, as an
individual, can more effectively interact
with your new and veteran employees to
increase productivity and cut turnover.
Bill Hoopes,
Grass Roots Training
Controlling Workers Comp Cost
Explanation of Ohio workers’
compensation system and
cost control concepts and tools
available to employees.
Andre Bradley,
Compensation Consultants, Inc.
How a Formal Safety Program
can Minimize Workers Comp Risk
Looking for opportunity to
reduce costs and increase profits?
An investment in a safety program-
procedures, training reinforcement
& audits – will reduce workers comp.
Dianne Grote Adams, SafeX
Lawn & Grounds Sports Turf
Management of Multi-Use
A Modern Understanding
Recreational Facilities
of Weed Control – Targeting
Discussion on challenges and
R-type and K-type Weeds
opportunities present in managing
Dr. Karl Danneberger, OSU, multi-use recreational facilities. We will
Dept. of Horticulture & Crop Science discuss cultural and management issues.
1 hr of CAT 8 Boyd Montgomery, TORO
Dealing with the Challenges
Brown Patch Diseases – New of being a Sports Turf Manager
Biology and Control Strategies Sports Turf Managers deal with a
multiple of management and agronomic
Dr. Bruce Martin, Clemson University, situations and problems. Chris will
Pee Dee Research & Education Center discuss the latter issues and experiences.
1 hr of CAT 8 Chris Hague, Parken Stadium,
Copenhagen, DENMARK
Invasive Turfgrasses –
Is Your Profession at Risk?
NO SESSIONS
Are our turfgrasses truly invasive
in natural environments? Find out
VISIT
how these listings affect your livelihood
ranging from sale and use of turf- TRADE SHOW
grasses to their environmental impact.
Dr. John Stier, University of Wisconsin, 10:00 AM –
Dept. of Horticulture
12:00 NOON
Selective Bentgrass Control &
Other New Developments for
Professional Lawn & Grounds
This presentation will cover newly
registered and experimental herbicides
and herbicide combinations that could help
manage difficult-to-control weeds including
weed control in seedling turf, moss control
and selective bentgrass removal.
Ron Calhoun, Michigan State Univ.,Dept.
of Crop & Soil Sciences 1 hr of CAT 8
Ohio Sports Turf Managers
Association (OSTMA)
Annual Meeting
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
 Thursday, December 8, 2005 – AFTERNOON
ODA PESTICIDE APPLICATOR LICENSE TESTING 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Golf
1 PM 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
GCSAA Update
GCSAA CEO Steve Mona, CAE, will
speak about the Golf Industry Show and
its relocation from New Orleans. He will
also talk about PDI. Come with your
questions and hear what he has to say.
Steve Mona, GCSAA, CEO
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
New Grub Control
Materials and their uses
2 PM in Insect Control Strategies
Dr. Chris Williamson, Univ. of
Wisconsin, Dept. of Entomology
0.5 hr of CAT 8
control including periodic accelerations
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Annual Bluegrass Diseases
and Fungicide use Strategies
Dr. John Kaminski,
University of Connecticut,
3 PM Dept. of Plant Science
0.5 hr of CAT 8
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Panel Experiences with
Velocity Herbicide for
Annual Bluegrass Control
Dr. John Street & Dr. David Gardner,
OSU, Bob Brame, USGA and
Superintendents 0.5 hr of CAT 8
4 PM 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Social & Networking
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Dollar Spot & Anthracnose
Session: New Management
Programs for Dollar Spot
Dr. Michael Boehm and Joe
Rimelspach, OSU, Dept. of
Plant Pathology 0.5 hr of CAT 8
5 PM
Superintendent Experiences
with Dollar Spot Management
Moderator: Dr. Michael Boehm, OSU,
Dr. John Kaminski, University of Wisc.,
Keith Kresina, The Golf Club
and Carl Wittenauer,
Brookside Golf & Country Club
0.5 hr of CAT 8
6 PM 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Anthracnose Management
Moderator: Joe Rimelspach, OSU, Dept.
of Plant Pathology, Dr. John Kaminski,
University of Connecticut, Dept. of
Plant Science and Dr. Bruce Martin,
Clemson University, Pee Dee
Research & Education Center
0.5 hr of CAT 8
Day 3 of the Ohio Turfgrass Conference is worth 0.65 GCSAA educational points. All sessions, topics and speakers are subject to change without notification.
General Lawn Care Business Lawn & Grounds Sports Turf
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Integrated Disease
Management for Sports Fields
NO SESSIONS Dr. John Kaminski,
University of Connecticut,
VISIT TRADE SHOW Dept. of Plant Science
0.5 hr of CAT 8
12:00 NOON – 2:00 PM
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Perspectives on Phosphorus &
Maximizing Kentucky Bluegrass
in Sports Turf Mixtures
other Nutrients Legislative Issues with Perennial Ryegrass
The Mystic Mole
This presentation will give you the
Sort through common myths & Lawn Care Business Panel/ science behind nutrient losses from
Dr. John Stier,
misconceptions of mole behavior and University of Wisconsin,
General Q&A’s turfgrass and how to minimize these
losses. This information will better pre- Dept. of Horticulture
in residential mole populations. This session will present the
pare you to actively participate in public
views and experiences of top Ohio
Tom Schmidt, The Moleman Lawn Care business professionals. forums leading to regulation adoption.
1 hr of CAT 7 Speakers will address the most Dr. Wayne Kussow, University of
current and pressing issues of the day. Wisconsin, Dept. of Horticulture
Moderator: Bill Hoopes,
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Grass Roots Training
Surface Feeding Insects – State of the Sports Turf Industry
Panelists: Dr. Bill Pound,
Industrial Weed Control Biology & Control Kim Heck, STMA
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Controlling unwanted vegetation
Belinda Jones, Capitol Billbugs and Chinch bugs were
in areas other than landscapes.
Consulting Group, Dave Hofacre, major turf destroying pests in 2005.
We will talk about proper application
The BugDoc will review their biology
as well as product selection. Grassmasters, Inc. and
and control recommendations.
Dennis Imler, The Lawn Doctor
Randy Zondag,
Dr. David Shetlar, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
OSU Extension, Lake County
OSU, Dept. of Entomology Sports Turf Panel –
0.5 hr of CAT 5 Challenges in Turf Management
0.5 hr of CAT 8
from Summer to Fall Transition
and the Fall Playing Season
Moderator: Brian Gimbel, OSU
The Business of Snow Removal Panelists: Darian Dailey, Paul
Snow removal ... is it a significant or at least an integral part of your business or just a necessary evil?
Brown Stadium, Russell Fredericks,
Central Park Conservancy,
Would you like to grow your snow and ice removal business or at least make it more profitable?
Doug Gallant Cincinnati Reds,
Spend 2 hours with leading snow and ice contractors in a panel discussion
that can not only answer your questions but will make you money. Chris Hague, Parken Stadium,
Matt Williams, Columbus Crew,
Facilitator: Kim Kellogg, Grasshopper Property Maintenance
Panelists: Douglas Freer, Blue Moose Co. Inc., Chris Hayes, Groundmasters, Inc., John Mott, OSU and
Craig Kemmerling, Meyer/Swenson Products, Inc. and Robert Smart, Yard Smart, Inc. Dr. David Gardner, OSU
37
 2005 EXHIBITOR LIST
2005 The following exhibitors (as of November 15) will be at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show.
Make sure to visit all of them to see what’s new and how they can help make you a better turfgrass manager!

Acorn Farms Dakota Peat & Equipment LawnGrips Footwear Real Green Systems
Advan, LLC Davey Tree/Golf Lebanon Turf Reel Turf Equipment, Ltd.
Advanced Microbial Solutions Dawn Industries Lesco, Inc. Regal Chemical Co.
Advanced Turf Solutions Deep Roots Aerification Service Liquid Fence Co. Reliable Golf Course Supply
AG-Renu, Inc. Diversified Waterscapes Logan Labs Ring Industrial Group, LP
AGRO-CHEM, INC. Dow AgroSciences Lucks Sales Group Salsco, Inc.
Airmax Eco-Systems Eagle One Golf Products Magic Green Corp. Sand Dam/Professional
Allegheny Lawn & Golf Emmett Equipment Co. Mar-Co Clay Products, Inc. Turf Prod., LLC
Alvis Materials Excell Minerals Markers, Inc. Schreiner Golf, Inc.
Anderson Buckeye Co. Fairway Products Mayes Turf Machines, LLC The Scotts Company
The Andersons Finn Corporation Meg Mo Systems The Seed Center
Applied Biochemists First Products, Inc. Meredith Brothers, Inc. Seed Solutions
AQUA DOC Lake & Flowtronex PSI, Inc. Mid American Ag. & Hort. Services SePRO Corporation
Pond Management FMC Mid Ohio Golf Car SISCO
Aqua-Aid, Inc. Fore-Par Group, Inc. Midwest Bowie Sales, Inc. SISIS, Inc. & BLEC USA
Aquatrols ForeGolfdirect Midwest Turf Consultants Smithco, Inc.
Arysta Lifescience From Tee To Green Millstone Golf & Turf Products, Inc. Southern Athletic Fields
AT Sales Associates, Ltd. Garick Moose River Publishing Southwest Landmark, Inc.
Back To Nature GCSAA Morral Companies, LLC Sports Turf Services, Inc.
Badger Meter, Inc. Global Turf Equipment The Motz Group Spraying Devices, Inc.
BASF Golf Creations National Mower/Turfco Spyker Spreaders
Bayco Golf, Inc. Golfweeks SuperNews/Turfnet National Pump Co., LLC Standard Golf Co.
Bayer Environmental Science Grassmasters Sod Farm Nufarm Turf & Specialty Steinke Tractor Sales
Becker Underwood Green Velvet Sod Farms Nutrients Plus, LLC Strategic Turf Systems
Bernhard & Co., Ltd. Greenjacket Oglebay Norton Syngenta Professional Products
Best Sand Corp. Gries Seed Farms, Inc. Ohio Lawn Care Association Therrien & Sons
BioSafe Systems, LLC Grigg Brothers Specialty Fertilizers Ohio Parks & Recreation Assn. Tri State Turf Mgmt., Inc.
BlueYellow, LLC Gro-Power, Inc. Ohio State ATI Trimmer Heads, Inc.
Bomar Technologies Grounds Maintenance Magazine Ohio State GCSAA Student Chapter Tru-Turf Equipment
Bradfield Organics Growing Solutions Ohio Utilities Protection Svc. Tucor, Inc.
Brookside Labs Grund Guide Ohio Valley Landscape Equipment Turf America
C&S Turf Care Equipment, Inc. H&E Sod Nursery OSTMA Turf Products
Cargotec, Inc. Happy Feet Otterbine Barebo, Inc. Turfgrass, Inc.
Carroll Childers Company Harco Fittings Par Aide Products Co. Turfline, Inc.
Central Farm & Gdn. Harper Industries, Inc. PBI-Gordon Corp. Turfsource, LLC
Central Sod Farms Helena Chemical Co. Perma Green Supreme Ty-Crop Mfg. Ltd.
Century Equipment Honeywell Ammonium Sulfate Phoenix Environmental Care Urban Organics, Inc.
Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co. Hustler Turf Equipment Pinhigh Compound Ventrac By Venture Products, Inc.
The CISCO Companies Infinity Sports Pitt Power Products Co. Verdicon
Clark State Community College Jacklin Seed/JR Simplot Plant Health Care, Inc. VGM Club
CLC LABS Jacobsen, A Textron Company Power Equipment Distributors Walker Supply, Inc.
The Clear Solution JMD Company, Inc. Practical Solutions Watertronics, Inc.
Cleary Chemical Knox Fertilizer Company Princeton Delivery Systems Wehrkamp Enterprises, Inc.
Club Car, Inc. Kurtz Bros., Inc. Pro-Mark Golf Wellington Implement
Columbus Turf Nursery, Ltd. L.T. Rich Products Profile Products, LLC Wiley
Commercial Tire Service Co., Inc. Landscape & Irrigation/ Progressive Turf Equip., Inc. Wolf Creek Company
Compensation Consultants, Inc. Sportsturf/Green Media ProSource One Wood Bay Enterprises
Country Stone Lastec PSB Co. Div. of White Castle Xenia Power Equipment
Custom Manufacturing, Inc. Lavy Ents. Turf Grass, Inc. Questex Media
Cutter Equipment Co. Lawn & Landscape Media Grp. Raden Enterprises, Inc.
D.J. Reveal, Inc. & G.C. News Range Servant America

38
CENTS SHOW AD
(PRINTER TO DROP IN)
 Ag Tech Institute Announces New Horticulture
Educational and Research Field Facility
David Willoughby, Associate Professor and Coordinator, Turfgrass Management, OSU
Dr. Steven P. Nameth, Director of the Ohio State University Agricultural
Technical Institute, announced in early October that plans are
moving forward for the development of a multiple discipline horticulture
educational and research field facility in Wooster.
“More than 50% of our students enrolled in our Associate Degree
Programs at ATI are horticulture students. This new facility will provide
the needed direct support for these programs along with facilitating
partnerships with other technologies and our Wooster Campus research
teams,” stated Nameth.
The horticulture division offers six of ATI’s 27 different associate
degree programs. “Our Turfgrass Management and our Landscape
Contracting and Construction technologies have been the leading two
programs at ATI for the past ten years. Over this period of time, these
two programs have made up anywhere from 33% to 40% of the
school’s total enrollment. We at the Institute are dedicated and
committed to providing the support needed to advance all of our
programs and our horticulture programs certainly deserve special
attention,” says Nameth.
‘‘
One of our major strengths
at Ohio State ATI is providing
“Hands-On” learning experiences
that require our students to be
actively involved with all aspects
of the educational process.
‘‘
40
Nameth continues, “In the past, the majority of our land laboratories
at ATI have been dedicated and utilized for teaching production
agricultural courses. When I was presented with the proposal for
this new learning facility, I was extremely pleased that the focus was
not specifically directed at one individual technology. The ground
work was laid early on in the planning stages to involve as many of
ATI’s present technology programs as possible along with providing
opportunities for future programs. Our short-range plan is for this
new facility to provide integrated applied learning opportunities for
eleven of our present technologies.”
Dave Willoughby, Associate Professor and Coordinator of ATI’s
Turfgrass Management program has been appointed the project
coordinator. Willoughby has been the driving force behind this
project since he arrived at Ohio State ATI in 1995. “The Ohio State
University Agricultural Technical Institute has a national and inter-
national reputation for graduating future leaders of business, industry
and education. Based on ATI’s heritage and our mission, we must
continue to provide high quality educational challenges for our students.
This new facility will serve a vital role in helping us to continue
realizing our mission,” boasts Willoughby.
“One of our major strengths at Ohio State ATI is providing “Hands-On”
learning experiences that require our students to be actively involved
with all aspects of the educational process. I don’t entirely agree
with the hands-on terminology,” says Willoughby. “My philosophy tends
to support technically based applied learning where students master
the knowledge in the classroom and apply this knowledge in real
life business/industry situations. Nevertheless, our graduates continue
to fill top leadership positions in their chosen fields of expertise.”
‘‘ The Ohio State University
Agricultural Technical Institute
has a national and international
reputation for graduating
future leaders of business,
industry and education.
‘‘
Phase I of this project will include three model golf holes along with Site of New Wooster Horticulture Education and Research Facility.
numerous landscape construction sites. This phase will encompass
approximately 37-acres of limited use land at the ATI farm facility.
Students will be actively involved in the planning, layout, construction
and management of this facility. Preliminary plans for this project will
provide applied learning opportunities for the Environmental Resource
Management, Construction Management, Turfgrass Management
and the Landscape Contracting and Construction technologies. Later
on in the project the Business Management, Power and Equipment
Management, Fluid Power, Nursery Management and Laboratory
Science technologies will join in the further development of this on
going project.

Dr. Tom Zimmerman, Associate Professor OSU ATI Environmental

This facility will also provide needed research space for ATI faculty and Resource Management, working on wetland delineation at
new Horticulture Education and Research Site.
added space OARDC faculty. Dr. Daniel Voltz, Associate Professor of
Horticulture Technologies, will oversee all research related aspects of
this project. “We have been asking for this type of facility for years for
our turf and landscape people. It certainly should generate some new
excitement around here,” says Voltz.

For more than 35 years the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical
Institute has provided its’ students with outstanding educational
opportunities in production agriculture and horticulture. More than
900 individuals have earned Associate of Applied Science Degrees in
Turfgrass Management alone. Of these 900, four ATI alumni presently
reside on the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Board of Directors.
Applied Learning Opportunities for OSU ATI students.

41
 HORT
SHORTS
COLUMN
Apple Scab on Crabapple at Secrest Arboretum: 2005
James Chatfield, Erik Draper, Daniel Herms and Kenneth Cochran
Introduction
Apple scab is a serious aesthetic disease of crabapples in Ohio
landscapes, urban forests and golf courses. On susceptible taxa it
can result in olive green to grayish leaf spots, leaf discoloration and
yellowing and significant defoliation. The best way to prevent
apple scab is by using scab resistant taxa of crabapples. This
research report provides information on the relative resistance and
susceptibility of crabapples to scab from trials at the OSU-Ohio
Agricultural Research and Development Center’s Secrest Arboretum
in Wooster.
Apple scab incidence was moderate at Secrest Arboretum in 2005.
Early spring was wet but from early May through June conditions
were quite dry, probably resulting in lower than average primary and
secondary infections by the Venturia inaequalis pathogen during
that period. Of the 72 crabapple taxa in the Crablandia II planting at
Secrest, 24 showed no evidence of apple scab in 2005 and a total of
33 never received a rating that exceeded 1 (no aesthetic impact) on
any evaluation date. Eighteen taxa received a rating of 3 or higher
on at least one date in 2005, indicating substantial defoliation and
aesthetic impact (Table 1).
Materials and Methods
Sixty three crabapple taxa were planted in 1997-1998 at the Secrest
Arboretum of OARDC (Wooster, Ohio) in a completely randomized
design, with an additional nine taxa planted in 2003. There are five
replicate plants for most but not all taxa, though less replicates exist
currently due to a variety of factors, including inadequate original
numbers (e.g. “Hamlet”), death due to fireblight (e.g. “Golden
Raindrops”), and other attrition such as deer damage. Plants are
mulched with composted yard waste and were irrigated as needed
during the year of transplanting. Weeds are controlled with spot
applications of glyphosate. On 21 June, 13 July, and 18 August,
2005, all trees were rated on a scale of 0-5, with 0 = no scab
observed; 1 = less than 5% of leaves affected and no aesthetic impact;
2 = 5-20% of leaves affected, with some yellowing but little or no
42
defoliation, moderate aesthetic impact; 3 = 20-50% of leaves affect-
ed, significant defoliation and/or leaf yellowing, substantial aesthetic
impact; 4 = 50-80% of leaves affected, severe foliar discoloration
and defoliation, severe aesthetic impact; and 5 = 80-100% of foliage
affected, with 90-100% defoliation.
Results and Discussion
(Results of the 2005 trials are presented in Table 1. )
1. Despite significant levels of scab (18 taxa with apple scab ratings
indicating significant symptoms and aesthetic effects) 1/3 of the
crabapple taxa at Secrest Arboretum for the 2005 season exhibited
no scab. This provides horticulturists with many crabapple
selections with excellent scab resistance, from pink-flowered
weepers (“Louisa”) to white-flowered dwarfs (Malus sargentii),
from golden-fruited crabapples (“Holiday Gold”) to red-fruited trees
(“Red Jewel”).
2. Results over the past several years show that, for some taxa, scab
incidence is changing, presumably due to the development of new
races of the Venturia inaequalis pathogen. Apple scab was not
observed on “Prairifire” crabapple until 2000 and 2001 when it first
was noted, though at very low levels. Scab was found on “Bob
White” in 2004-2005 for the first times. This year, scab was
noted on “Canterbury,” “Callaway,” “Camelot” and “Cinderella” for
the first time in our plots.
3. Bacterial fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) incidence at Secrest was
low in Crablandia again in 2005, presumably due to lower temper-
atures during bloom than in the peak fireblight years of 2001-
2002. Cedar rusts (Gymnosporangium spp.) have not been
significant on crabapples at Secrest in the past and this year was
no exception, except for a trace of rust on “Brandywine.” Frogeye
leaf spot (Botryosphaeria obtusa) incidence was high on certain
cultivars, including “Coralburst,” “Professor Sprenger,” “David,”
“Purple Prince” and “Strawberry Parfait.”
Table 1. Apple Scab on Crabapples at Secrest Silver Drift 2.20 1.80 1.40 5
Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio in 2005. Sugar Tyme 2.20 1.00 1.00 5
Manbeck Weeper 2.40 2.00 1.20 5
Crabapple Taxon Aug 18 Jul 13 Jun 21 Number of Reps Donald Wyman 2.40 2.20 1.60 5
Royal Fountain 2.50 2.00 1.80 4
Adirondack 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Molten Lava 2.60 2.00 1.00 5
Cardinal 0.00 0.00 0.00 3
Canary 2.60 2.80 1.80 5
Dolgo 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Red Jade 2.75 2.00 1.50 4
Excalibur 0.00 0.00 0.00 4
American Salute 2.80 3.00 2.00 5
Firebird 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Doubloons 3.00 1.80 1.60 5
Foxfire 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Harvest Gold 3.00 3.20 2.20 5
Golden Raindrops 0.00 0.00 0.00 2
Adams x 3.00 2.80 2.40 5
Hamlet 0.00 0.00 0.00 2
Red Splendor 3.00 2.00 1.20 5
Holiday Gold 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Sentinel 3.00 2.80 2.00 5
Jackii 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Royal Scepter 3.00 2.40 1.00 5
King Arthur 0.00 0.00 0.00 2
Spring Snow 3.20 3.20 0.60 5
Lollipop 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Snowdrift 3.60 2.80 2.00 5
Louisa 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
White Cascade 3.60 2.80 1.20 5
May’s Delight 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
M. floribunda 3.60 2.80 2.00 5
Orange Crush 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
American Spirit 3.75 2.75 2.00 4
Prairie Maid 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Jewelberry 4.00 3.00 2.00 4
Prairie Rose 0.00 0.00 0.00 4
Weeping 4.00 3.00 3.00 5
Pumpkin Pie 0.00 0.00 0.00 5 Candied Apple
Rawhide 0.00 0.00 0.00 4 American Triumph 4.00 2.80 1.80 5
Malus sargentii 0.00 0.00 0.00 5 Pink Satin 4.20 3.80 2.40 5
Silver Moon 0.00 0.00 0.00 4 Thunderchild 4.60 3.60 2.20 5
Sinai Fire 0.00 0.00 0.00 5 American Masterpiece 4.80 3.60 2.20 5
Strawberry Parfait 0.00 0.00 0.00 4 Indian Magic 5.00 3.25 2.50 4
Tina 0.00 0.00 0.00 5
Canterbury 0.20 0.20 0.20 4 * 0 = no scab observed; 1 = less than 5% of leaves affected and no aesthetic impact;
Red Jewel 0.20 0.20 0.00 5 2 = 5-20% of leaves affected, with some yellowing but little or no defoliation, moderate
Pink Princess 0.20 0.00 0.00 5 aesthetic impact; 3 = 20-50% of leaves affected, significant defoliation and/or leaf
Callaway 0.25 0.00 0.00 4 yellowing, substantial aesthetic impact; 4 = 50-80% of leaves affected, severe foliar
Beverly NSF 0.33 0.00 0.33 3 discoloration and defoliation, severe aesthetic impact; and 5 = 80-100% of foliage

Purple Prince 0.40 0.00 0.00 5 affected, with 90-100% defoliation.

Guinevere 0.60 0.00 0.00 5

Bob White 0.80 0.80 0.60 5
Camelot 0.80 1.00 1.00 5
Prairifire 1.00 0.40 0.20 5
Royal Raindrops 1.00 1.00 1.00 4
Scarlet Brandywine 1.00 1.00 0.33 3
Coralburst 1.00 1.00 1.00 5
Brandywine 1.25 1.00 1.00 4
David 1.40 1.00 0.80 4
Candymint 1.60 0.80 0.80 5
Professor Sprenger 1.75 1.75 1.50 4
Lancelot 1.80 1.00 1.00 5
M. zumi Calocarpa 1.80 0.00 0.00 5
Cinderella 2.00 1.00 1.00 4
Mary Potter 2.00 1.75 1.25 4

43
 NEW
GROWTH &
TECHNOLOGY
Mechanism of Freeze Injury
Karl Danneberger, OSU
Freeze tolerance of plants is not constitutive but induced in response
to low, nonfreezing temperatures (< 50 F) during the fall or early
winter. This process is known as cold acclimation. It explains why a
plant species growing at a warm temperature that is exposed to
freezing is killed, while that same plant exposed to a cold acclimation
prior to sub zero temperatures survives.
Fall management practices influence the cold acclimation process.
For example, if you are trying to promote turf growth through the fall by
covering greens, it might be advisable during late fall to expose these
greens to cool temperatures below 50 F but above 32 F. This will allow
your turf to cold acclimate or sometimes referred to as hardening off.
Freeze injury is a potential problem on warm season turfgrasses like
bermudagrass and seashore paspalum and cool season turfgrasses
primarily annual bluegrass and ryegrass - along their northern range
of adaptation. Freeze tolerance or conversely injury is due in large
part to how the turfgrass plant reacts to cell dehydration. During
freezing temperatures water freezes intercellularly, causing a decrease
in water potential outside the cell. Unfrozen water within the cell
moves down this gradient out of the cell toward the ice crystals in the
intercellular spaces. Thus, the descriptive term dehydration for the loss
of water from the cell. The colder the temperatures the more water
travels down the gradient toward the frozen water. At 14 F, 90% of
the osmotically active water will move out of the cell into intercellular
spaces (Thomashow, 1998).
The freezing point is believed to be higher intercellularly than
intracellulary, which is a good thing because intracellularly freezing
44
is fatal. As water leaves the cell, the plasma membrane (syn.
plasmalemma) contract and pull away from the cell wall. With the
arrival of warm temperatures the ice present intercellularly melts and
the water flows back into the cell where hydration takes place. If no
damage has occurred to the plasma membrane (punctured, ruptured)
then the cell is alive and well. However, if the cell rehydrates and
damage has occurred to the plasma membrane cell death is eminent.
The most prevalent type of freeze injury that occurs on golf courses
in the United States occurs at relatively high freezing temperatures
25 to 28 F during late winter/early spring. This type of freeze injury
is sometimes described as “expansion-induced lysis” because it
occurs during freeze/thaw cycles. The expansion/contraction of the
plasma membrane in plants that have broken cold acclimation can
lead to death. Ice rapidly forming or rapid collapse of the plasma
membrane can result in ruptures in the membrane. Excessive water
around the crown of the plant during these freeze/thaw cycles in late
winter increases the severity of the damage.
A second type of freeze injury occurs at lower temperatures involves
changes in the plasma membrane. Where expansion-induced lysis
is a result of mechanical damage, at temperatures below 25 F and
more likely around 14 F loss of cell responsiveness occurs because
of membrane changes. The plasma membrane becomes more rigid,
and loses its ability to be pliable through structural or phase changes
(Gordon-Kamm and Steponkus, 1984). Technically, the plasma
membrane undergoes a phase transition from lamellar-to-hexagonal II.
Actually it is this work (Gordon-Kamm and Steponkus, 1984) that
demonstrated that freeze-induced phase transitions are a con-
sequence of dehydration rather than subzero temperatures per se. The
severity of dehydration increases however with decreasing temperature.
Freeze resistance is comprised of two components – freeze tolerance
and freeze avoidance. Freeze tolerance is the plant’s response to the
freeze temperature. Without a doubt the singular most important
tolerance mechanism of plants is plasma membrane stabilization
through cold acclimation. Where plasma membranes from non-
acclimated plants suffer expansion-induced lysis and phase transition,
membranes from cold acclimated plants do not (Thomashow, 1998).
Turfgrass investigations that looked at plasma mebrane bilayer
constituents found that cold tolerance of cultivars of both bermuda-
grass and seashore paspalum involved fatty acids. The presence of
unsaturated fatty acids like linolenic acid tend to be associated with
lower freeze tolerance than those cultivars with proportionally higher
saturated fatty acids (Cyril et al., 2002).
• Reduce the likelihood of excessive growth going into the winter.
Overstimulation of growth promotes succulent high water content
cells that are more likely to encounter freeze injury.
• Minimize shading. Although not fully researched, a degree of
correlation has occurred with freeze injury and degree of shading.
Shading may contribute to increased freeze injury due to plant cells
tend to be 1.) more succulent in shade and have larger intercellular
spaces, 2.) lower carbohydrate levels, which may influence water
potential, as well as the energy requirements of the turf and 4)
shaded areas tend to be wetter, which may contribute to the
severity of freeze/thaw cycles in late winter.
References
Cyril, J., G.L. Powell, R.R. Duncan and W.V. Baird. 2002. Changes in membrane polar lipid
fatty acids of seashore paspalum in response to low temperature exposure. Crop Science
42:2031-2037.

Freeze avoidance is where the plant is present, but not exposed to the
freeze. For example, if the air temperature is sub zero but the turf
is covered with snow, the plants crown or stems are not “feeling” the
sub zero temperatures. The temperature under the snow cover is
considerably warmer.
Gordon-Kamm, W.J. and P.L. Steponkus. 1984. Lamellar-to hexagonal II phase transitions
in the plasma membrane of isolated protoplasts after freeze-induced dehydration.
Proceeding of the National Academy of Science 81:6373-6377.
Thomashow, M.F. 1998. Role of cold-responsive genes in plant freezing tolerance. Plant
Physiology 118:1-8.

Turf managers have some control of increasing the likelihood of winter

survival by:

• Raising the mowing height on warm season turfgrasses during

the fall. This will provide more some protection to the growing point
during freezing temperatures.

• Provide drainage for removal of water from excessively wet areas.

During freeze/thaw cycles the presence of excessive moisture can
enhance freeze injury.

• Reduce thatch. A significant thatch layer results in the plant’s

growing point to lose contact with the soil as it “rises” into the
thatch layer. This will expose the plant more readily to
freezing temperatures.

• Potassium fertilization. On warm season turfgrasses potassium is

often applied for increasing the chances of winter survival.
Potassium is an ion that helps lower the osmotic potential of the
cell decreasing water the potential for water flow from the cell.

45
 Ways to Involve Association
10 Members in the Political Process
This article was reprinted with permission, David Gessel, Vice-President of Government Relations and Legal Affairs, Utah Hospitals and Health Systems Association.
Written for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
We live in an increasingly complex and technologically challenging
world that often seems overwhelming. Yet some of the old-fashioned
ways of being involved in the political process continue to work well.
For many state associations, educating and encouraging members to
be actively involved with their state legislators is a constant challenge.
Both association executives and their individual members will be more
successful in the political process in their states if they remember the
following realities:
1. MONEY MATTERS. Most people would be surprised to learn that a
relative handful of constituents contribute to their state legislators.
In many states, a modest campaign contribution of $50 would
place a constituent on a small list of personal contributors that
a legislator is likely to remember. This is a cost-effective way
individual members can show their commitment to a legislative
candidate. Donating to the association PAC is also a great way
to help both your association and legislative candidates.
2. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER. When you speak to your members, en-
courage them to become the expert that a legislator thinks of when
an industry issue comes up. If your members can get to know their
state legislators and get the legislators to trust them as experts
in your industry, their influence with those legislators increases
exponentially. Suggest to members that they get to know their
legislators through meetings, plant tours, office visits or luncheons,
or by talking to them at the neighborhood grocery store, school
or park.
3. CAMPAIGN INVOLVEMENT MATTERS. This is a relatively easy way
to get on a legislator’s good side. Encourage members to volunteer
to host a neighborhood meeting, pass out door hangers, or put up
a yard sign. All of this will send the signal to the legislator that your
members support them, and it will really help to get access to that
legislator when he or she is in office.
4. HONESTY MATTERS. Many people are tempted to tell only their
side of the story. This is a mistake in lobbying. Association
members need to understand the importance of honesty; they
must be willing to tell both sides of an issue if asked. Honesty
really is the best policy because a member will lose all credibility
with a legislator if he or she lies; this will also reflect poorly on
your association.
5. PRESENTATION MATTERS. Keeping your message to a legislator
short and simple is critical. Your members need to be able to explain
an issue, what it will do, what it will cost and what they want the
legislator to do within two minutes. Legislators have many issues to
deal with so it can be challenging to get them to take the time to
46
really know the details of your association’s issue. One-page fact
sheets can go a long way to help your cause.
6. PUBLIC RELATIONS MATTERS. Convince your members to take
the time to write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper on an
issue of importance to your association or industry. Better yet, have
someone write an op/ed piece explaining your issue. This helps
your issue to get on the radar screen of policymakers, the news
media and the general public.
7. PERSONAL COMMUNICATION MATTER. Writing a letter to your
legislators, calling them on the phone once or twice in a year,
emailing them or sending them information about your association
or industry all enhance your ability to be seen as a player in state
politics. These are simple things that can be done with minimal
effort in time and money but can pay big dividends down the road.
8. COURTESY MATTERS. Many people get frustrated when a
legislator won’t vote their way on an issue of importance – and then
respond by doing or saying something to offend the legislator. In
politics, you must live to fight another day as there will always be
other issues that will come up. If your members understand it’s
okay to agree to disagree, your association will gain respect from
the legislator and will be on its way to winning a future issue.
9. ALL LEGISLATORS MATTER. For most associations, it is critical to
learn to work with legislators from both political parties. Remember
that the party currently out of power will likely be the party in power
within a few years. It is smart politics to work with and support any
legislator who is willing to be supportive of your issues.
10. STARTING EARLY MATTERS. If you wait to get involved in a
political issue when it is up for a vote in the state legislature, you
have waited too long and will probably lose. If you know there is an
issue of importance to your association or industry, representatives
from your association should start meeting with important
legislators well before the legislative session. They will give you
more time to make your case and you will have a better sense of
who will support or oppose your issue and have the time to
act accordingly.
There are many other ways that an association executive or
association member can enhance his or her political influence.
The 10 ideas presented above can go a long way to jump-start your
efforts. A congressman who is a personal friend of mine often says,
“The world is run by those who show up.” It is important for you and
your members to show up and be involved in the political process.
 1100-H Brandywine Blvd
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February 15, 2006 August 16, 2006

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March 1-3, 2006 August 17, 2006

Ohio State Golf Turf Spring Tee-Off Ohio Lawn Care Diagnostic Seminar
Holiday Inn on the Lane, Columbus OTF Research & Education Facility
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OSU Sports Turf Short Course Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show
Kottman Hall, OSU Campus Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus
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June 15, 2006

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