MTC Turf News - Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Historyof the University of Maryland’s Turfgrass

Science

Program:

Revolving Door to Stability Plus, Highlights from the 2013 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow

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10

12

contents • Spring 2013

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10 RECENT EVENT

12 RECENT EVENT

16 SPECIAL FEATURE

departments

Seen at the MTC/MTA Winter Social, December 2, 2012

Highlights from the 2013 MTC Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow, January 7–8

History of the University of Maryland’s Turfgrass Science Program: Revolving Door to Stability

05 MTC Membership

Application 06 President’s Message 08 News From MTC 30 Calendar of Events 30 University of

MD Turf Team 30 Index of Advertisers

MTC Turf News

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL 12 Pressie Lane | Churchville, MD 21028 mdturfcouncil@verizon.net www.mdturfcouncil.org MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge St. Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-3718 (phone) 615-794-4524 (fax) info@leadingedge communications.com

2013 Board of Directors PRESIDENT

Lester Dubs Larchwood Landscape Co. Pasadena, MD Cell: 443-623-1745 ldubs@verizon.net

VICE PRESIDENT

Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms Centreville, MD Office: 800-866-1387 Cell: 410-827-5000 billw@centralsod.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER Cheryl A. Gaultney Churchville, MD Home: 410-836-2876 Cell: 410-322-8275 sandqueen10@aol.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Vernon W. Cooper All States Turfgrass Consultants St. Michaels, MD Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-742-6618 vernon@allstatesturf.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle LoConte Montgomery Village, MD Cell: 301-518-4449 Fax: 240-597-1420 mdturfcouncil@verizon.net

ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS Brian Gietka Fountain Head C.C. Hagerstown, MD Office: 301-739-4286 Cell: 410-218-0131 briangietka@gmail.com

Harry Kenney Agrium Advanced Tech.

Ellicott City, MD Office: 800-235-6139 Cell: 410-375-6148 hkenney@agriumat.com Doug Lechlider Laytonsville Landscaping Laytonsville, MC Office: 301-253-1481 Cell: 240-372-2788 doug@laytonsville landscaping.com

TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Rick LaNore MRW Lawns, Inc. LaPlata, MD Office: 301-870-3411 Cell: 301-609-1852 rick127928@ rocketmail.com Bill Patton Sr. Turf Center Lawns Spencerville, MD Office: 301-384-9300 Cell: 301-980-3094 turfcenterlawns@ yahoo.com Kevin Monaco Turf Equipment & Supply Jessup, MD 20794 Office: 410-799-5575 Cell: 443-250-1182 kevinmonaco@ turfequipment.com

MTC Membership Application __________________________________ __________________________________

Name Title _____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________ __________________________________

City, State, Zip Code E-Mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ Company Affiliation _____________________________________________________________________ Company Address __________________________________ __________________________________

City, State, Zip Code E-Mail Address __________________________________ __________________________________

Business Fax Business Phone __________________________________

Cell Phone Member of: [ ] ESGCS [ ] MTA

[ ] MAGCS [ ] PGMS

[ ] MSA [ ] OTHER

[ ] MSTA

I wish to also apply for membership for the following professional members of my crew, utilizing the company address listed above: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS

_____________________________________________________________________

Tom Ritter Avenel Community Assn.

Potomac, MD Office: 301-229-5916 tritter@avenel.net

Please list additional names on a separate sheet & attach to this form or feel free to copy this form if you desire individuals to utilize their home addresses.

Jamie Roell Anne Arundel Co. Rec. & Parks Millersville, MD Office: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 rproel09@aacounty.org

ENCLOSED ARE: _______ MTC Membership Dues, $50.00 per person $_ ____________________ _______ Donation to Turfgrass Survey $__________________________________ _______ Donation to Turfgrass Endowment Fund $________________________

(tax deductible)

Damian Varga Scientific Plant Services Sykesville, MD Office: 410-321-0970 Cell: 410-241-4623 spsdamian@juno.com

Total Enclosed $_______________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to: MTC or MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL

Spring 2013

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From the President

Looking

Forward W

elcome to 2013! I would like to introduce myself as the newly installed president of the Maryland Turfgrass Council. It has been a pleasure to serve as your vice president for the past three years. I would like to thank Vernon Cooper for the time he has served in his multiple roles with our association over the past years. I would also like to thank Cheryl Gaultney for her many years of commitment and service to this organization.

I have had the opportunity to put together the MTC tradeshow at our annual conference for the past three years, and it has been encouraging to see the continuing industry support. The conference and tradeshow is a way for each of us to find out the latest research both from the university trials and to see the ongoing industry developments.

MTC would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support each year.

The funding that comes from the annual event allows us to continue our research.

As many of you know by now, Dr. Pete Dernoeden will be retiring this year.

We are all very thankful for his many years of service to this industry, and we hope that he will still, on occasion, stop by and see us. We are about to undertake the difficult task of working with the University of Maryland to find a

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MTC Turf News

replacement. Soon, we will be meeting with Dr. Angus Murphy, the new chairman of the University’s Landscape Architecture and Plant Sciences Department.

MTC will be working with Dr. Murphy, the current professors, the university and turfgrass industry leaders to further this process. As the process moves forward, I will keep our membership updated. It is my hope that we can fulfill this task quickly and welcome the newest member to our team.

While writing my first president’s message, I look forward to the opportunity to improve our turfgrass industry. We are now in the midst of the new legislative year for our state, and we should be mindful of the changes that will affect our industry. In order to keep our legislators aware that we are stewards of the land within the state of Maryland, we need the total support of everyone in the turfgrass industry.

I would ask all of you to think about what MTC can do to better serve our industry and to let me know if there is anything I or the Council can do in that regard. As we in MTC are volunteers, I am open to anything to help MTC grow.

Lester Dubs

2013 MTC President

News from MTC

Meet Your

MTC Leaders for

2013

PRESIDENT Lester Dubs Larchwood Landscape Co. Pasadena, MD Cell: 443-623-1745 ldubs@verizon.net VICE PRESIDENT Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms Centreville, MD Office: 800-866-1387 Cell: 410-827-5000 billw@centralsod.com SECRETARY/TREASURER Cheryl A. Gaultney Churchville, MD Home: 410-836-2876 Cell: 410-322-8275 sandqueen10@aol.com PAST PRESIDENT Vernon W. Cooper All States Turfgrass Consultants St. Michaels, MD Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-742-6618 vernon@allstatesturf.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Michelle LoConte Montgomery Village, MD Cell: 301-518-4449 Fax: 240-597-1420 mdturfcouncil@verizon.net

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MTC Turf News

ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS Brian Gietka Fountain Head C.C. Hagerstown, MD Office: 301-739-4286 Cell: 410-218-0131 briangietka@gmail.com

Harry Kenney Agrium Advanced Tech.

Ellicott City, MD Office: 800-235-6139 Cell: 410-375-6148 hkenney@agriumat.com

Doug Lechlider Laytonsville Landscaping Laytonsville, MC Office: 301-253-1481 Cell: 240-372-2788 doug@laytonsville landscaping.com

Bill Patton Sr. Turf Center Lawns Spencerville, MD Office: 301-384-9300 Cell: 301-980-3094 turfcenterlawns@yahoo.com

Kevin Monaco Turf Equipment & Supply Jessup, MD 20794 Office: 410-799-5575 Cell: 443-250-1182 kevinmonaco@turfequipment.com

Jamie Roell Anne Arundel Co. Rec. & Parks Millersville, MD Office: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 rproel09@aacounty.org

Damian Varga Scientific Plant Services Sykesville, MD Office: 410-321-0970 Cell: 410-241-4623 spsdamian@juno.com

TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Rick LaNore MRW Lawns, Inc. LaPlata, MD Office: 301-870-3411 Cell: 301-609-1852 rick127928@rocketmail.com THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS Tom Ritter Avenel Community Assn.

Potomac, MD Office: 301-229-5916 tritter@avenel.net

MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright Š2013 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly.

Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

Recent Event

Seen at the MTC/MTA

Winter Social H

(Photos courtesy of Lauren Dubs.)

eld each year, the MTC/MTA Winter Social is a festive gathering of the board members of the Maryland Turfgrass Council and the Maryland Turfgrass Association, along with members of the University of Maryland turfgrass team.

This year’s get-together was held December 2 at the home of MTC Board Member Doug Lechlider.

Dr. Peter Dernoeden and Lester Dubs

Allan Bohrer, Vernon Cooper, Jim Claxton, John Brader and Doug Lechlider

Karen and Dr. Kevin Mathias 10

Dec. 2, 2012

MTC Turf News

Dr. Tom and Ingrid Turner

Anne and Bill Warpinski, with Geri and Tom Warpinski

Diana Patton and Pat Patton

Harry and Merritt Kenney

Basil Gaultney, Katy Cooper, Carrie Bohrer and Cheryl Gaultney

Mary Beth Patton and Caroline Patton

Katy and Vernon Cooper Spring 2013

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Recent Event

Highlights from the

2013 MTC

Turfgrass

Conference & Tradeshow!

January 7–8 | Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland | College Park, MD

2011–2012 MTC President Vernon Cooper welcomed attendees to the 2013 Conference.

Longtime MTC Secretary/ Treasurer Cheryl Gaultney received a box of long-stemmed roses in appreciation of her many years of service.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Dubs.

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MTC Turf News

Some of Our Presenters and Presentations

Thank You

to Our Lunch and Cocktail Hour Sponsors!

2013 Green Industry Leaders • Fisher & Son Co.

• John Deere Landscapes

2013 Sponsors

Dr. Thomas Turner (University of Maryland), presenting “Complying with the 2011 Fertilizer Act: Your Fertilizer Program Options.”

• Bayer Environmental Science

• Newsom Seed

• Central Sod Farm

• Plant Food Co.

• Collins Wharf Sod

• Syngenta

• Floratine of MD & DE

Thanks Also

to Our Tradeshow Exhibitors!

• Agrium Advanced Technologies

• Dow AgroSciences, LLC

• Aquarius Supply

• Floratine of MD & DE

• BASF

• Genesis Turfgrass

• Bayer Environmental Science

• Harrell’s, LLC

• Buy Sod, Inc. Dr. Mark Carroll (University of Maryland), presenting “Can Micro-Clover Offer an Option in Reducing Nitrogen Fertility Inputs?”

• Oakwood Sod Farm

• Capitol Sports Fields • Central Sod Farms • Cleary Chemical Co. • Collins Wharf Sod • Davisson Golf, Inc.

• Fisher & Son Co.

• John Deere Landscapes • Newsom Seed • Oakwood Sod Farm • Plant Food Co. • Spectrum Analytic • Syngenta Spring 2013

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Recent Event • continued

Dr. Gary Felton (University of Maryland), presenting “Training and Certification Requirements That Will Meet the 2011 Fertilizer Act.”

Dr. Erik Ervin (Virginia Tech), presenting “Evaluation of Event Covers for Sports Turf.”

Dr. Peter Dernoeden (University of Maryland), presenting “Poorly Understood and Difficult-toManage Pests of Bentgrass Turf.”

Mr. Chris Harriman (Cattail Creek Country Club), speaking during the Innovative Superintendent–Assistant Superintendent” panel discussion.

Mr. Stanton Gill (University of Maryland), presenting “The Asian Longhorned Borer and Ambrosia Beetle — What Impact Will These Pests Have in 2013?”

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MTC Turf News

Dr. Kevin Mathias (University of Maryland), presenting “Training for Fertilizer Applicator Certification in Maryland.”

Dr. David Shetlar (The Ohio State University), presenting “How Weather Extremes Affect Turfgrass Insect Control in Lawns.”

Dr. Peter Dernoeden and Mr. Steve McDonald (University of Maryland).

Special Feature

History

of the University of Maryland’s

Turfgrass

Science

Program: Revolving Door to Stability

1968

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Turf and Lawn Field Day held on campus, across from Route 1 and the creamery.

MTC Turf News

1980

Pre- and post-emergence crabgrass trials have been conducted

by UM researches since the 1960s and have been featured at every field day. (Inset) Pete Dernoeden, applying herbicide treatments at the Hopkins Plant Research Farm in 1980.

— By Peter H. Dernoeden, Ph.D., Professor, Dept. of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland — Editor’s Note: Later this spring, Dr. Peter Dernoeden will retire from the University of Maryland after serving on the turfgrass faculty since 1980. His meticulous gathering of the extensive, detailed historical information presented below will likely rank among his most valuable and memorable contributions to the Maryland Turfgrass Council and the University of Maryland turfgrass program. MTC Turf News is honored to be the first publication to publish this article, and MTC thanks him sincerely for his working in documenting this history.

University of Maryland turfgrass faculty The first course in turfgrass management at the University of Maryland was initiated in the early 1960s and was cotaught by Dr. Morris Decker (forage specialist) and Dr. James Miller (Chair, Dept. of Agronomy). Sod producers (i.e., Maryland Turfgrass Association) and golf course organizations (i.e., the MidAtlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents) were foremost in petitioning the University of Maryland to hire a turfgrass specialist. Dr. Elwyn Deal, the first turf academic, joined the Department of Agronomy in 1964. His appointment was 50% Extension, 40% research and 10% teaching.

In 1969, Dr. Deal was promoted to Extension administration at UM, and Dr. Andrew J. “A.J.” Powell (51% Extension, 25% teaching and 24% research) filled his position. Dr. Powell accepted

1982

a position at Virginia Tech in 1971 and moved on to the University of Kentucky in 1975. Dr. John “Jack” Hall replaced Dr. Powell in September 1971 and then moved on to Virginia Tech in June 1976 to fill the position vacated by Dr. Powell.

Dr. Charles “Chuck” Darrah (Extension 50% and research 50%) replaced Dr. Hall in late 1976 and left the University to join Chemlawn Corp. in 1979.

A new position was created in the Agronomy Department in 1977 and filled by Dr. David Wehner (75% research and 25% teaching), who left in 1980 to join the faculty of the University of Illinois. A third position was added in September 1979 and was filled by Dr. Thomas Turner (90% Extension and 10% teaching). Dr. Peter Dernoeden (50% Extension, 40% research and 10% teaching) replaced Dr. Darrah in February 1980, and Dr. Mark Welterlen replaced Dr. Wehner in 1983.

Dr. Welterlen left the University in 1988 to become the editor for Grounds

Turf Research Field Day at the Hopkins Farm, showing equipment donations from the Maryland Turfgrass Council. Inset photo (left to right) Tom Turner, Pete Dernoeden, Bob Larsen and John Strickland.

1982

Maintenance magazine. Dr. Mark Carroll replaced Dr. Welterlen in July 1989. Dr. George Bean (Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology) handled Extension turfgrass pathology in the 1960s and 1970s, and Dr. Lee Hellman (Dept. of Entomology) was the Extension turfgrass entomologist from the late 1970s until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Paula Shrewsbury replaced Dr. Hellman in October 1999.

MD Turf and Seed Testing Laboratory and the Turfgrass Certification Program There was a long association among the Department of Agronomy, turf faculty and the Maryland Turf and Seed Testing Laboratory. The Maryland Seed Laboratory was created in October 1912 as part of the State Board of Agriculture and was originally housed in the top of the old Dairy Barns on the UM campus. From 1912 to 1919,

In 1982, space was renovated in H.J. Patterson Hall to house the first laboratory dedicated to turf research. The lab also served as the turf disease diagnostic facility from 1982 to 2008.

Spring 2013

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Special Feature • continued

the lab director was Charles Pipen, who was replaced by Forrest Holmes (1919–1955).

From 1955 to 1957, Joseph Newcomer was responsible for the Maryland Seed Testing and Certification programs as part of the Agronomy Department and the State Board of Agriculture. Through Mr. Newcomer’s efforts, with assistance from the Maryland Turfgrass Association, the Maryland state legislature created the Maryland Turfgrass Law and the Maryland Turfgrass Seed and Sod Certification programs in 1957.

M. Hansford “Gus” Day took the reins of the Maryland Turf and Seed

1983

Testing programs under the State Board of Agriculture from 1958 to 1986 as part of the Department of Agronomy. In 1972, the legislature created the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), which included turf and seed programs (and other State Board of Agriculture programs having regulatory authority).

Mr. Day became the first Turf and Seed Section Chief and was responsible for implementing and regulating the Maryland Turfgrass Certification program. Mr. Day also played an important role in advising and assisting UM turf faculty from 1965 through the 1980s. The Turf and Seed Section moved

Dedication of the Cherry Hill Turfgrass Research Facility in June 1983. Dr. Fred Grau seated; (left to right) The Honorable Louis Goldstein, Past MTC President John Strickland, MTC President Bob Larsen and Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Wayne Cawley.

from College Park to new MDA facilities in Annapolis in 1983.

Malcolm Sarna worked as the Certification Agronomist under Mr. Newcomer and the State Board of Agriculture. When MDA was created, Mr. Sarna became the head of personnel for the new state agency, returning as Chief of Turf and Seed from 1986 until his retirement in 2002. Mrs. Lois Capshaw is the current Section Chief of Turf and Seed (2002 to present).

From 1975 until his retirement in 2005, Vernon Cooper was the Turfgrass Certification Agronomist, managing the Turfgrass Certification Program, the Turfgrass Regulatory Program and the Interagency Certified Seed Mixing Program (blending of certified grass seed).

Mr. Cooper served as an advisor, board member and eventually as MTC’s president (2011–2012). Mr. Cooper also served in leadership roles within the Maryland Turfgrass Association, as well as worked with UM turf faculty and staff.

UM’s IAA Turfgrass Management Program Dr. Elynn Deal began working with other College of Agriculture faculty in organizing the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) Turfgrass Management

1984

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Michael McKenzie, USNA golf course superintendent, builds a sand-based research green at Cherry Hill in 1984. The greens mix was donated by John Strickland (owner of Egypt Farms).

MTC Turf News

1985

Construction of the office, mechanic and storage areas of the main building at the Cherry Hill Facility. Photo taken in December 1985.

Special Feature • continued

Program. With the objective to train golf course superintendents, the program was patterned after similar twoyear programs at Penn State and the University of Massachusetts. Charles Laughlin, a graduate student working with Dr. Deal, taught the first classes in turf management in the IAA in the 1964–1965 academic year.

In 1966, Dr. Deal recruited Douglas Hawes to come to Maryland to work on a Ph.D. and serve as the second turf instructor in the IAA. Dr. Hawes earned

a Ph.D. in Agronomy (advisor, A. Morris Decker) in 1969. In 1972, he joined the Department of Agronomy on a partial appointment to conduct turf weedcontrol research, but he maintained his advising and teaching responsibilities in the IAA. Dr. Hawes joined the United States Golf Association Green Section in 1978, and J. Kevin Mathias was hired to replace him as turf instructor in the IAA. Dr. Kevin Mathias earned his Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Maryland in 1988.

1991

The first field-based effort to collect computerized environmental data to develop a brown patch prediction model. The research was begun in 1991 and was the basis for Michael Fidanza’s dissertation.

1999

In 1999, the first of numerous Riderwood Village condominiums was erected in the small field at the Cherry Hill facility.

First turf lab and department reorganizations In 1982, Dr. James Miller (Chair of Agronomy Dept.) located space in H.J. Patterson Hall to house a turf research laboratory. The Maryland Turfgrass Council provided about 50% of the cost (total about $22,000) for room renovation and construction of benches and storage cabinets for the lab. Used largely by graduate students studying turfgrass pathology, the lab also served as a turf disease diagnostic facility from 1982 until 2008. In 2013, the turf lab was moved to the Plant Science Building.

In 1995, the Department of Agronomy was merged with the Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture and became the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Landscape Architecture (NRSL). In 2005, soil scientists were relocated into a new department (i.e., Environmental Science and Technology), and NRSL was dissolved. Plant scientists, including the turfgrass faculty, became a part of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture in 2005.

Individuals earning Ph.D. degrees in Turfgrass Science at the University Maryland are as follows: Marvin Ferguson (Dept. of Agronomy, 1950); Douglas Hawes (Dept. of Agronomy, 1969); Kevin Mathias (Dept. of Entomology, 1988); Karen Kackley (Dept. of Botany and Plant Pathology, 1989); Michael Fidanza (Dept. of Agronomy, 1995); Sanju Raturi (Dept. Natural Resource Sciences & LA, 1999) and John Kaminski (Dept. Plant Science & LA, 2004).

Turf research at UM The first turf research at UM was conducted by Fred Grau, a graduate student in the Department of Agronomy.

His Master of Science (1933) thesis was titled “The Use of Chemicals in the Control of Turf Weeds.” Mr. Grau initiated his research with about 20 chemicals and evaluated them in the greenhouse and on lawns around the University of

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MTC Turf News

Maryland campus. Once he narrowed down the list of candidate herbicides, he conducted studies at the Bannockburn Golf Course in Glen Echo (MD), East Potomac Golf Course (Washington, DC) and the Arlington Turf Gardens (VA).

Professor Jacob Metzger, chair of the Department of Agronomy at the University of Maryland, obtained funds for Mr. Grau to continue his studies at the Ph.D. level, which involved a survey of Maryland pastures. His dissertation was titled “Factors Affecting Pasture Quality — An Inventory of Soils, Vegetation and Management of Maryland Permanent Pastures.” Dr. Grau received his Ph.D. in 1935 and was hired in the same year to be the first Extension turfgrass specialist at the Pennsylvania State College (now Pennsylvania State University).

In 1937, two farms known as the Hopkins and Nash Farms were purchased by the University and were operated as one unit by the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture in Calverton. The farms were about 6 miles from campus and consisted of 260 acres of cleared land. During 35 years of existence, the farms were home to apple and peach orchards, vegetables, small fruits and agronomic crops, including corn, soybeans, small grains, turfgrasses, forage crops and tobacco.

Later, the state acquired the Nash Farm, where the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene established the Great Oaks Center to house young adults in the 1970s.

In 1965, the first established turf research field program was initiated at the Hopkins Plant Research Farm (now a housing and commercial development on Cherry Hill Road) and focused on variety evaluations, weed control and nitrogen fertility studies. The actual research facilities consisted of about 6 acres of turf and a 750 sq. ft. unheated storage shed. Turf research was featured during the annual “Hopkins Farm Field Day,” which included mostly fruit and field crops.

Dr. Hall conducted the first turfgrass research field day in 1975. Dr. Hawes followed in 1976 (with help from Dr.

Spring 2013

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Special Feature • continued

Hall), and Dr. Darrah conducted a field day in 1978. Biennial field days subsequently were coordinated by Dr. Dernoeden from 1982 to 2012. Prior to turf research field days, there were Lawn and Turf shows (coordinated by Dr. Deal from 1966 through 1968) and Lawn and Garden shows (coordinated

by Dr. Powell in 1969 and 1970). Held on campus, these shows where oriented to homeowners and involved displays of turf mowers, sprayers, tillers and other equipment, as well as seed, sod, fertilizers and pesticides. The Lawn and Garden Show was expanded to include Extension specialists in other disciplines, and most notably the Plant Diagnostic Clinic and Soil Testing Labs were represented in 1969. In 1970, the show boasted more than 100 commercial and University personnel and more than

3,500 homeowner and family members.

Free plant disease diagnostics, soil testing and sharpening of mower blades were highlights.

Maryland turfgrass organizations The two dominant Maryland turf organizations in the 1960s and 1970s were the Maryland Turfgrass Association (i.e., sod producers) and the MidAtlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents (MAAGCS). An annual Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Conference was organized by the MAAGCS, which dated back to 1939. During the early years, Dr. George Langford (UM Dept. of Entomology, retired about 1965) was instrumental in organizing the “winter

1999

In the autumn of 1999, construction of Paint Branch began. A bridge was built across the Paint Branch, woods were cleared, and fill was brought to the site to raise buildings out of the 100-year flood plain.

1999 – 2000

During the autumn and winter of 1999–2000, a 20,000 ft2 research green was built to USGA specifications by McDonald & Sons. Chip McDonald donated all of the labor, and most of the irrigation materials were donated by Turf Equipment and Supply Co. via the efforts of Lynn Matson (MTC President 2000). Dean Snyder, the new owner of Egypt Farms, donated the gravel and greens mix.

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MTC Turf News

conference” for the MAAGCS. This conference was held annually through 1976; thereafter, it joined the Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC) conference, as noted below.

From 1966 to 1973, the Maryland Sod Conference met annually on the University of Maryland campus, and Dr. Deal was their primary UM contact.

Eventually, the MTC was formed and organized an annual conference and trade show for the entire industry statewide.

The first formal meeting of the Maryland Turfgrass Council was held in November 1972. The Honorable Louis Goldstein, Comptroller of the State of Maryland, was the keynote speaker of the second meeting in November 1973.

Some of the leaders who helped form the MTC included Angelo Cammarota (first MTC president, 1972–1974), Cliff

2000

The three main buildings at Paint Branch were finished by late spring 2000.

2000

The Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility was dedicated at the field day on July 12, 2000. Front to back and left to right: Diana Patton, Cheryl Gaultney and Tracy Turley; Steve Potter, Emory Patton, Ben Stagg and John Strickland; Keith Patton, Bob Lynch, Dick Moffett and Mark Schlossberg.

Case, George Cleaver, Carroll Davis, Gus Day, Bill Emerson, David Hamilton, Jim Fisher, George Kirwin, Don Klein, Walter Livingston, Dick Moffett (second MTC president, 1977–1978), Steven Nash, Emory Patton (second [1975– 1976] and fifth [1985–1986] MTC president), Strick Newsome, Parker Shirling, Frank Stephens, John Strickland (fourth MTC president 1979–1981), George Thompson, Alex Watson and others.

The goal of the MTC was to promote and unite all interested individuals, organizations, public and private institutions and industry for the improvement of turf in Maryland. Basically, the MTC served as an umbrella organization for the MAAGCS, MTA, Professional Grounds Maintenance Society D.C Branch and other organizations and individuals interested in supporting turfgrass research and education. In 1997, golf course superintendents on the Delmarva Peninsula formed the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents and became a member organization of the MTC. At the 1976 MTC annual meeting, the idea was proposed to host the MTA and MAAGCS conferences and to hold a tradeshow. The first MTC conference was held in January 1976 at the Sheraton Hotel in Landover, MD. The tradeshow was held outside in the parking garage. Between 1977 and 1998, the MTC Conference was held annually in January at the Baltimore Convention Center (in 1997, the conference was cancelled due to a snowstorm that closed Baltimore City). Due to skyrocketing convention center costs, the conference was held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium between 1998 and 2001; it returned to the Baltimore Convention Center from 2002 to 2005; and in 2006, it was moved to the Stamp Student Union on the University of Maryland campus, where it continues to be held.

The longest serving MTC board member is Ms. Cheryl Gaultney, who has been the secretary/treasurer from 1978 to present (i.e., 2013).

Spring 2013

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Special Feature • continued

A new home for turfgrass research As early as 1969, the sale of the Hopkins Plant Research Farm was being considered, and both Dr. Powell and Dr. Hall began to search for a suitable home for

1999–2004

2002

24

the turf research program. When the actual sale of the farm occurred in 1980, the Maryland Turfgrass Council (MTC) actively lobbied University administrators to find a suitable new home for the turf research program. When efforts failed to gain any progress at the University, the MTC (president John

John Kaminski (inset, lower left corner) earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees describing the epidemiology of dead spot disease and biology of the pathogen at Paint Branch between 1999 and 2004.

Steve Potter has coordinated the field day picnic since 2002.

MTC Turf News

Strickland and board members Keith Patton, Emory Patton and others) contacted Louis Goldstein (Comptroller of the State) and requested assistance. Mr. Goldstein was sympathetic and informed UM administration that they would find and provide funds for relocation to a suitable location for the turf research program or else the sale of the Hopkins Farm would be denied.

Gus Day suggested that the MTC should inquire across the road at the Great Oaks Center to see if an accommodation could be made at the old Nash Farm. A 152-acre facility, the Great Oaks Center occupied only a few acres for their campus. Administrators at the Great Oak Center were both willing and anxious to form a relationship with the University of Maryland turf program, since they were concerned that their excess land would be used by the State for unsuitable purposes that would adversely affect the “campus-like” atmosphere of the facility. A turf research facility offered the Center a welcome buffer to other potential development. An agreement was reached among Mr. Goldstein, UM President Dr. John Toll, Provost Dr. John Slaughter and the Director of the Maryland Agriculture Experiment Station Dr. Lamar Harris and the Great Oaks Center to relocate the facility.

The groundbreaking for the new research site, called the Cherry Hill Turfgrass Research Facility, was held on September 29, 1983, and buildings soon were erected with funds from sale of the Hopkins Farm. Ideally suited for turf research, the site for the 38-acre facility contained a large wooded area that was partially thinned for shade research, a 3-acre field with a silt loam soil bordered on two sides by trees that provided ideal conditions for conducting pathology research and a 10-acre field of a sandy loam soil that could be used for a multitude of studies, including fertility, weed control, cultivar evaluations and general management.

When construction began, woods had to be cleared. Three buildings were erected. The main building contained equipment storage and facilities for a

Special Feature • continued

mechanic (Joe DeRico), as well as offices for a farm manager (Tony Nash) and three agricultural technicians (Matt Katsuleres, Gary Keene and John Krouse). The second building was for pesticide and fertilizer storage. A third building was later constructed, which was the prototype facility (known as an RVR) for the evaporation of excess pesticides and rinse water.

The 1982 field day was simultaneously held at the Hopkins Farm and the Cherry Hill Facility. In 1984, a sandbased research green (initially 5,000 sq. ft., later expanded to 10,000 sq. ft.) was built by Michael McKenzie (U.S. Naval Academy golf course superintendent) in

the larger field. In 1985, MTC president Emory Patton (second term in 1986) secured a three-year grant in the amount of $100,000 from Governor William Donald Schaffer to help operate the Cherry Hill Facility.

In 1989, Stephen Potter (superintendent of Woodholme Country Club in Baltimore and 1992 MTC president) organized and hosted the first MTC golf tournament to raise funds in support of turf research at the University of Maryland. The tournament was re-named the Angie Cammarota Golf Tournament following Mr. Cammarota’s passing in 1995. The tournament has been held annually in autumn, except

2008

Variety trails also have been a major part of the research program since the beginning.

Below, Tom Turner, reviewing variety trails at the 2008 field Day.

2012

Mark Carroll, below, talking about shade research at the 2012 field day.

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MTC Turf News

in 2012, when it was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Over the years, generous financial donations and other support were provided by the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents, Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents and the Maryland Turfgrass Association.

In December 1994, Governor Schaffer announced that the Great Oaks Center would be closed in 1997. The state Board of Works sold the entire 152-acre facility in 1996, including the turf research facility, to Senior Campus Living, which used the land to build a retirement community known as Riderwood Village. The tumult of finding new land and funding for the turf program ensued.

The University, however, did have a 20-year lease on using land at the Great Oaks Center, which provided some leverage regarding sale of the Great Oaks Center. Through extensive efforts by the MTC (president Tracy Turley and past presidents Diana Patton and Mark Schlossberg), the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (Dr. J. Scott Angle, director), Dr. Thomas Fritz (dean of the College of Agriculture), Dr. William Kirwin (president of the University of Maryland) and Governor Parris Glendenning, a settlement was reached with Senior Campus Living. Senior Campus Living provided $1.2 million for construction and lost research revenue, and another $1.0 million was secured and endowed in the University of Maryland Foundation to support the turf research program. The MTC followed by donating $100,000 to another University foundation in 2000.

In the meantime, land for turf research was being negotiated with the United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (USDA-BARC). A 32-acre area was located on the South Farm of BARC, which conveniently bordered a narrow 3-acre strip of University of Maryland land. Dr. Scott Angle (director, MAES) negotiated a memorandum of understanding with Dr. Phyllis Johnson, director of the USDA-BARC, in 1997. Dr. Angle also received permission from the

University to occupy the three-acre (area known as Acredale) UM land in 1997.

After two years of planning, turf research was transitioned to College Park beginning in 1999. The new site consisted of a three-acre parcel of wooded University land in the Paint Branch flood plain (part of Anacostia River watershed), on which the new buildings were located. Before construction could begin during the autumn and winter of 1999, a bridge across the stream was built, land was cleared, and the building site was elevated. The actual South Farm research land consisted of 32 acres leased under a permit agreement (aka Memorandum of Understanding or MOU) to the University by the USDA-BARC. Plans for the buildings were developed by Robert Bassler (engineer for the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station), with considerable assistance from the staff (Tony Nash, John Krouse, Joe DeRico and Matt Katsuleres), turf faculty (Drs. M. Carroll, P. Dernoeden and T. Turner) and others. Construction of the state-of-the-art facility began in 1999 and was completed in 2000. The facility consisted of 3 buildings: the 4,500 sq. ft. Headquarters (offices, laboratory, classroom and conference room); the 7,000 sq. ft. Equipment Support building; and the 1,500 sq. ft.

Agricultural Chemical building.

A fourth building, known as the Plant Preparation building, was put on hold in 1999 until sufficient funds could be identified to pay for its construction.

MTC president Dave Cammarota (2003 and 2004) and the board of directors took the lead by providing $65,000 (estimated total cost of $85,000) for the 1,200 sq. ft. building, which was completed in 2004. This building combines a greenhouse, workroom and soil bins in a compact indoor-outdoor structure to support the research program. The faรงade is highlighted by specially engraved bricks donated by MTC members.

The first research plot areas were seeded in the autumn of 1999; there was no irrigation, however, and a severe drought was underway. Water had to

Spring 2013

27

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be pumped overland a half a mile from a levy that was going dry. Eventually, 20 acres of underground irrigation were installed, and many of the supplies were donated by Turf Equipment & Supply Co. Also in the autumn of 1999, a 20,000 sq. ft. sand-based research green was built using specifications recommended by the United States Golf Association. The research green was built

by McDonald & Sons; Chip McDonald donated his labor, and all materials were provided at cost. The gravel and greens mix were donated by Egypt Farms, but the trucking cost was $27,000.

The center was named the “Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility” and was dedicated by UM president C.D. Mote, BARC director Phyllis Johnson and the MTC at field day on the July 12, 2000.

In the early 2000s, technical support staff for the facility was reduced from five to three people via attrition due to

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MTC Turf News

2012

A turfgrass scholarship foundation was established by John and Ronnie Strickland and announced at the field day held on July 19, 2012. (Left to right) Pete Dernoeden, Mark Carroll, Kevin Mathias, Ken Ingram, Tom Turner and Ronnie and John Strickland.

budget cuts. Tony Nash retired as farm manager in 2004. Joe DeRico served as interim farm manager until David Funk was hired for the position in May 2005.

At the 2012 field day, Mr. and Mrs. John Strickland established the John and Ronnie Strickland Turfgrass Fund for Turf Scholarships with a $50,000 donation. •

Sources Sources of information included The Agronomist (Department of Agronomy Extension newsletter published monthly from 1965 to 1986) and the following individuals: E. Deal, J. Hall, D. Hawes, A. Powell, C. Darrah, T.Turner, M. Carroll, V. Cooper, D. Funk, D. Cammarota and P. Shrewsbury.

Calendar of Events

June 20

August 18–22

November TBD

MNLA Summer Field Day (MD Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

StormCon — 2013 Conference

UMD Turfgrass Field Day

The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Conference Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, NC

University Turf Farm at the University of Maryland College Park, MD

Waverly Farm Adamstown, MD

July 16 CPH Specialist Exams (Herbaceous Perennials)

November 15–18 ASLA — Annual Meeting & Expo (American Society of Landscape Architects)

October 1

Contact: mnacma@aol.com or 410-823-8684

MTC Golf Tournament for Turfgrass Research

July 18

Univ. of Maryland Golf Course College Park, MD

PGMS Field Day

Boston Convention & Expo. Center Boston, MA Contact: www.asla.org

October 23–26

American University Washington, D.C.

July 22–25 TPI Summer Convention & Field Days (Turfgrass Producers International)

School of Grounds Management and Green Industry Expo

January 6-7, 2014

Galt House Hotel and Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

36th Annual MTC Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show

Adele H. Stamp Student Union University of Maryland College Park, MD

Chicago, IL

University of maryland turfgrass team

Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D.

Tom Turner, Ph.D.

Mark Carroll, Ph.D.

Kevin Mathias, Ph.D.

Dave Funk

Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1337 pd@umd.edu

Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-4431 tturner@umd.edu

Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1339 mcarroll@umd.edu

Institute of Applied Ag. University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-4692 jkm@umd.edu

Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-8195 dfunk@umd.edu

index of advertisers

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BASF...............................................................15

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Buy Sod...................................Inside Back Cover

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www.buysod.com

www.capitolsportsfields.com www.centralsodmd.com

30

MTC Turf News

www.collinswharfsod.com

Maryland Turfgrass Association..............................Inside Front Cover

CoverSports USA.............................................23

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Fisher & Son Company Inc.................................7

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FMC Professional Solutions...............................9

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Growing Solutions, Inc.....................................25

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Leading Edge Communications........................21

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Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc..................................23 Riverside Turf..................................................29 Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc................ Back Cover The Turfgrass Group................................... 3, 19 Winfield Solutions, LLC . .................................21