Winter 2024 • Vol. 13 / No. 1
Origins of Turf, Part 2
Golf and the Triumph of Turfgrass
Plus, Save the Dates for Pennsylvania Turf Conferences
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Vol. 13 / No. 1 • Winter 2024 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 99 Boalsburg, PA 16827-0550 Phone: (814) 237-0767 Fax: (814) 414-3303 info@paturf.org www.paturf.org Publisher: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com Pennsylvania Turfgrass Editor Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Penn State University • mjs38@psu.edu
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Conferences and Education Manager Kristen Althouse Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council President Rick Catalogna Harrell’s Inc Territory Manager (412) 897-0480 Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Kister Longwood Gardens, Inc. – Kennett Square, PA (484) 883-9275 Past President Tom Fisher Wildwood Golf Club – Allison Park, PA (412) 518-8384
20 Features 8 Upcoming Events Save the Dates for PA Turf Conferences
16 Cover Story
Departments 6 Editor’s Message 6 Penn State Turf Team 7 Advertiser Index 14 Penn State News
Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
Steve Craig Centre Hills Country Club Tanner Delvalle Penn State Extension
Andy Moran University of Pittsburgh
20 Between the Lines
4
Directors
Elliott Dowling USGA
Origins of Turf, Part 2: Golf and the Triumph of Turfgrass
Turfgrass Professionals Make Westinghouse Field of Dreams Come True
Director of Operations Tom Bettle Penn State University
Tim Wilk Scotch Valley Country Club Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM
Matt Wolf Penn State University
Bill Brown, CGCS, AQUA AID Solutions Email: bbrown@aquaaid.com Phone: 484.889.1548
Sam Stimmel, AQUA AID Solutions Email: sstimmel@aquaaid.com Phone: 724.825.1906
Editor’s Message
Happy Holidays and New Year from the Editor!
H
appy New Year Pennsylvania Turfgrass subscriber. I hope your Holiday season travel went smoothly and you enjoyed one or more celebrations with family and friends. If not smooth and/or joyous, then hopefully amicable. What can be said? Some years are better than others. But we can all agree on a couple of things; one being that time flies by. The increasing rate at which each successive year passes by fuels my appreciation for the end-of-year Holiday season. It’s special because it’s the time that we detach from professional duties, whether aspirations or obligations, and dutifully assemble for the sake of it. This time goes beyond themes of thankfulness, giving, and joy. Is it a forced routine or a natural human instinct? While up there with birthdays or anniversaries, the Holiday season may be the most notable annual milestone on the road of life. When I look back at the highs and lows of my family’s generational evolution, the Holiday season comprises the thread that ties them all together. It starts with the aptly-named Thanksgiving, a historical and well-timed celebration of the season’s bounty. If the growing season was productive, then it marked the first time of the year that our ancestors could relax worry-free. Despite the fact turfgrass managers do not produce food or fiber, celebrating the passing of a productive growing season will not be lost on this readership. Thus, if you’re feeling worry-free, then marinate in the glorious relaxation. You’ve earned it! Likewise for the turfgrass management support team! The vendors celebrated the end of ‘Early Order.’ The consultants, architects, foremen, technical representatives, engineers, and even researchers; all wrapped up their obligations and are now relishing in their accomplishments (we hope). The turfgrass students survived Finals Week and promptly vanished. Ultimately, the sports field managers concluded their season too (depending). Then of course came the season of shopping, decorating, wrapping, traveling, eating, drinking, and giving. Then more traveling. Did I mention eating and drinking too? Then the start of the new year. Always a good time for self-evaluation, forward planning, and conferences! More on conferences in this very Winter Issue. Life is a wild ride but participating positively sure beats the alternative. In summary, take care of yourself and your loved ones and continue making a difference where you can!
Penn State Turf Team
Jeffrey A. Borger Senior Instructor Emeritus in Turfgrass Weed Management 814-865-3005 • jborger@psu.edu
Michael A. Fidanza, Ph.D. Professor of Plant & Soil Science 610-396-6330 • maf100@psu.edu
David R. Huff, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Genetics 814-863-9805 • drh15@psu.edu
Brad Jakubowski Instructor of Plant Science 814-865-7118 • brj8@psu.edu
John E. Kaminski, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-865-3007 • jek156@psu.edu
Peter J. Landschoot, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-863-1017 • pjl1@psu.edu
Ben McGraw, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Entomology 814-865-1138 • bam53@psu.edu
Wishing you fabulous turf and sport in 2024-
Max Schlossberg, PhD.
Andrew S. McNitt, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Soil Science 814-863-1368 • asm4@psu.edu
The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Pennsylvania Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or PTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Copyright © 2023 by the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council. Pennsylvania Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to PTC members. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Pennsylvania Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to the PTC. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Nutrition / Soil Fertility 814-863-1015 • mjs38@psu.edu
Editor, Pennsylvania Turfgrass Magazine
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Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
Al J. Turgeon, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Turfgrass Management aturgeon@psu.edu
Advertiser Index
Aer-Core, Inc................................... 15 www.aer-core.com
Covers That Make the Difference
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East Coast Sod & Seed................... 19 www.eastcoastsod.com
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Ernst Conservation Seeds............... 22 www.ernstseed.com
Fisher & Son Company, Inc......... Inside Front Cover www.fisherandson.com
Floratine PA.. ..................................... 3 www.floratine.com
EVERGREEN™ turf covers outsmart mother nature. Exclusive color lace coatings provide proven results.
FOOTBALL FIELD COVERS are made of superior strength material, providing protection from rain or snow.
FM Brown’s & Sons......................... 21 www.fmbrown.com
Forse Design Incorporated.............. 11 www.forsegolfdesign.com
George E. Ley Co............................ 21 www.gelcogolf.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co............ 21 www.greenecountyfert.com
Lawn & Golf Supply......................... 23 www.planetair.biz
Phyllom BioProducts....................... 13 www.phyllombioproducts.com
TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather. 100’ wide cover. 100 Westmore Dr., 11D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305
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Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.. . .... 15 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Seedway.. ........................................ 19 www.seedway.com
Shreiner Tree Care . . ......................... 19 www.shreinertreecare.com
The Turf Zone.............. 14, Back Cover www.theturfzone.com
Winter 2024 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
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Upcoming Events
Pennsylvania Turfgrass Conferences ED UCATI O N I S A N ES S EN TI A L P A R T O F A S U C C E S S F U L C A R E E R I N T U R F GR A S S M A NA GE M E N T . Penn State Turfgrass educators have put together another fantastic lineup of speakers and topics sure to help professionals grow their knowledge and their business. Check out the details below and make sure to plan to attend!
E AS TE R N P A G O L F , L A WN , LANDSCAPE & SPORT S T URF CONFERE NCE Thursday, February 8 • Shady Maple Conference Center • East Earl, PA GOLF TRACK 8:30 – 9:30 am Year in Review Brian Gietka, CGCS – Consulting Agronomist, USGA Green Section This presentation will provide an overview of the 2023 season throughout the Northeast. 9:30 – 10:30 am Breeding Stress Tolerant Varieties of Bentgrass and Poa annua that Require Less Pesticides & Fewer Inputs David R. Huff, Ph.D. – Professor, Penn State University Genetic improvements in varieties of creeping bentgrass and Poa annua will be presented and discussed in relation to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, including dollar spot disease resistance in both species, drought tolerance in both species, and herbicide resistance in Poa annua. 10:30 – 11:30 am Understanding Turfgrass Diseases and Management from a Microbial Population Perspective Ming-Yi Chou, Ph.D. – Assistant Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Pathology, Rutgers University This presentation will talk about pathogens and beneficial microbes in the larger microbial population context and case studies from the latest research. The information in the talk justifies the precision fungicide program and provides practical suggestions on how to reduce fungicide use while maintaining excellent turfgrass quality. 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors 1:00 – 2:00 pm Many Little Hammers for Annual Bluegrass Control Matt Elmore, Ph.D. – Associate Extension Specialist, Rutgers University There are no silver bullets for annual bluegrass control and a Many Little Hammers approach is often required. Attendees will learn about the different hammers available. This presentation will discuss herbicide programs for golf course roughs and fairways, and how everyday management practices affect annual bluegrass competitiveness. 2:00 – 3:00 pm Trends in Bunker Renovations Brian Gietka, CGCS – Consulting Agronomist, USGA Green Section This presentation will highlight current trends in bunker renovation projects.
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Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
SPORTS / LAWN / LANDSCAPE TRACK 8:30 – 9:30 am Cool-Season Diseases and Control Strategies for Lawns, Landscape and Sports Turf Ming-Yi Chou, Ph.D. – Assistant Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Pathology, Rutgers University This presentation will cover some of the most common turfgrass diseases in lawns, landscape and sports fields in PA such as summer patch, gray leaf spot and dollar spot. Attendees will learn about good cultural practices, including proper fertility, irrigation, cultivation, soil pH, and mowing practices, which are critical for a successful disease management program. 9:30 – 10:30 am Developing a Topdressing Program to Improve Your Turfgrass Adam Thoms, Ph.D. – Associate Professor and Turfgrass Specialist, Iowa State University Topdressing is a cultural practice that can improve your turfgrass quality but is also one of the most misunderstood practices. There are two basic thoughts: light and frequent or with aerification, we will discuss both methods. Often layers are developed in the soil and that can cause issues with water flow from incorrect topdressing rates and frequencies. Wet soils result in a higher level of weed pressure, poor turfgrass wear, and excessive fertility applications. We will discuss what should be used for topdressing, how often you should topdress, as well as what to do if you have issues from layers in the soil profile. Additional information will be shared on how to control weeds that are present due to poor turfgrass quality. Finally, attendees will learn about what to do when you need to resod and what should be considered there. 10:30 – 11:30 am Managing Insects Using Integrated Pest Management Practices Geoffrey Rinehart – Lecturer, University of Maryland This presentation will cover the most common insect pests of lawns and sports fields in Pennsylvania, including the white grub complex, chinch bugs, billbugs, cutworms, and sod webworm. Insect identification and life cycles will be discussed, as well as the plant and “stand” symptoms one would expect to observe with the respective insects. This presentation will include a discussion of basic IPM concepts that are pertinent to turfgrass insect management with an emphasis on cultural controls and less-toxic/biorational approaches to insect management.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Pests of Boxwoods Tim Abbey – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension This presentation will focus on identification and management of boxwood leafminer, psyllids, and spider mites. It will also include an update on box tree moth and boxwood blight. 12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors 1:00 – 2:00 pm Chuck Noll Field Renovation Project for Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp at St. Vincent College Matt Wimer – President, Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. This presentation will encapsulate the entire process of our recent renovation of Chuck Noll Field in Latrobe, PA. Chuck Noll Field at St. Vincent’s College is the home for the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. All steps of the process will be covered. From the initial decision making to the final product. Starting with the decision-making process. Understanding the timeline and budget of a project narrows down or opens up the possible solutions. After marrying the customer’s wants and needs with our recommendations, a scope of work is developed and finalized. The execution of the operation is next. Getting our crew and equipment to the jobsite, getting through multiple phases of work, problems that emerged, and how the problems were overcome. Concluding with the final product. Understanding the reasons behind the renovation, agronomic and drainage choices, and decisions that were made as well as the outcome of the renovation does not only apply to fields at the highest level. The process covered is the same process we use for little leagues, high schools, and colleges. 2:00 – 3:00 pm What Do We Know About Humic Acid Fertilizers? Adam Thoms, Ph.D. – Associate Professor and Turfgrass Specialist, Iowa State University There is a lot of information about humic acid fertilizers and their claims, but little is known about what they actually do. Research looking into the improvements of rooting will be presented and discussed. Additionally, research projects on how plants do under traffic with humic fertilizers will be shared as well as discussions on how humic acid fertilizers can change soil health parameters. Finally, we will end with sharing information on how humic acid fertilizers can be classified as enhanced efficiency fertilizers which can lower the rate of nitrogen needed for good quality turfgrass growth.
FROM THE GROUND UP TRACK 8:30 – 9:30 am What’s New with Ornamental Plant Pests? Tim Abbey – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension This presentation will discuss the identification and management of ornamental plant pests that were an issue in 2023 and what might be a problem in 2024. 9:30 – 10:30 am Pesticide Mixing: How to Avoid Tank-Mixing Disasters Kara Pittman – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension Tank-mixing can help applicators make more timely and efficient pesticide applications. However, as products have become more complex, so has tank-mixing. This presentation discusses incompatibility, carriers, tank-mixing order, and jar tests. Proper tank-mixing is essential to prevent failed applications and damaged equipment. 10:30 – 11:30 am Gaining the Upper Hand on Summer Weeds Matt Elmore, Ph.D. – Associate Extension Specialist, Rutgers University This presentation will discuss the latest evidence-based strategies to control newly problematic weeds such as false-green kyllinga, Japanese stiltgrass, crabgrass and yellow nutsedge. A focus will be understanding how to optimize herbicide programs with existing turfgrass management practices to control these weeds. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm How to be Prepared for a Pesticide Spill Kara Pittman – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension Pesticide spills often happen by accident and when an applicator least expects it. It is important to have an action plan in place to handle any kind of pesticide-related accident. During this talk, we will discuss what to include in a spill kit, emergency contact numbers that are important to have accessible when working with pesticides, the 4 Cs (control-contain-clean up-communicate) of pesticide spills, and what to do when a spill occurs.
NORT HE AST E RN PE NNSYLVANI A T URF CONFE RE NC E Thursday, January 18 • The Woodlands Resort • Wilkes-Barre, PA GOLF TRACK
GENERAL TRACK
8:30 – 9:30 am USGA Year in Review Brian Gietka, CGCS – Consulting Agronomist, USGA Green Section
8:30 – 9:30 am Biopesticides in the Landscape Krystal Snyder – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension
This presentation will provide an overview of the 2023 season throughout the Northeast. 9:30 – 10:00 am Break 10:00 – 11:00 am Controlling Problematic Diseases of Cool-Season Turfgrass Brian A. Aynardi, Ph.D. – Northeast Research Scientist, PBI-Gordon Corporation This presentation will cover principles of disease diagnosis and management of problematic diseases of cool-season turfgrass used in the golf course industry. Key diagnostic features, environmental conditions necessary for disease to develop, and common methods for controlling each disease will be discussed in-depth. Proper mixing of pesticides, importance of water quality, and the necessity for postapplication irrigation will also be presented. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm USGA Tools for Data Management Brian Gietka, CGCS – Consulting Agronomist, USGA Green Section
12:30 – 1:00 pm Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors
This presentation will provide an overview of USGA tools such as DEACON platform, GS3 smart ball, Organic Matter Collection and GPS Golfer Tracking Service.
1:00 – 2:00 pm Turfgrass Variety Selection as Part of an Integrated Pest Management Program Geoffrey Rinehart – Lecturer, University of Maryland
12:00 – 1:30 pm Break / Lunch
The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is one of the most widely-known turfgrass research programs in the world. Data collected by NTEP coordinators in over 40 states and 2 Canadian provinces are analyzed and interpreted to provide both professionals and the general public information about thousands of turfgrass varieties over 17 different turfgrass species. A foundational component of an integrated pest management program is to utilize varieties that are more pest- and stress-resistant. NTEP tests have identified turfgrasses which demonstrate improved disease and insect resistance; improved tolerance of traffic, drought, heat, and cold; better performance with reduced fertilizer, water, and pesticide use; and faster establishment and recovery. By coordinating research efforts throughout the country, NTEP has played an integral role in evaluating thousands of turfgrass varieties and making research data available to professional turfgrass managers and the public. It is the acceptance by the end-user that has made NTEP the standard for turfgrass evaluation in the U.S.A. and many other countries worldwide. 2:00 – 3:00 pm Turf Insect Management: Preparing for Your Most Problematic Pests David Hillger, Ph.D. – Field Scientist, Corteva Agriscience This presentation will provide management suggestions built on an Integrated Pest Management approach for supporting the development of sustainable control programs.
1:30 – 2:30 pm Turf Insect Management: Preparing for Your Most Problematic Pests David Hillger, Ph.D. – Field Scientist, Corteva Agriscience This presentation will provide management suggestions built on an Integrated Pest Management approach for supporting the development of sustainable control programs. 2:30 – 3:30 pm Are You Label Literate, or Are You Just Guessing Ed Crow – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension – Pesticide Education Program This presentation will cover the basic requirements and concepts regarding the pesticide label and types of labeling. This discussion addresses the specific information that is required by EPA to be on labels. The presentation will also address the issue of mandatory label language that is enforceable versus advisory language. Examples of specific use directions and restrictions associated with various herbicide products used by the ornamental and turf industries will be used as examples. This will help in illustrating these Core related concepts to the audience so they will be more relevant.
This presentation will explore the use of biopesticides within the landscape industry and their role in integrated pest management practices. We’ll also talk about their efficacy in controlling pests while preserving the health of plants and the surrounding environment. 9:30 – 10:00 am Break 10:00 – 11:00 am Don’t Let Pesticides Get the Best of You – Why They May Fail and How They Can Get You in Trouble Ed Crow – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension – Pesticide Education Program This presentation focuses on two aspects of pesticides that can cause undesirable results when using them. The first part of the presentation looks at some of the key issues on why a pesticide application may not provide the desired results from an application standpoint. Some of these issues include pest identification, pesticide selection, not following label directions, improper timing, failure to reach the target, and pesticide resistance, among others. The second part of the presentation then transitions into ways that someone can get themselves in trouble when handling and applying pesticides. This will include topics such as failing to properly protect themselves, not making sure the appropriate application site or crop is on the label, improper mixing and loading practices, not properly managing spills, failing to follow label warnings and restrictions, improper container management, and failure to properly document applications or incidents. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 2023 PA Landscape Pest and Disease Review Margaret Pickoff – Extension Educator, Penn State University This presentation will provide a review of major insect pests and plant diseases observed in the Pennsylvania landscape in the 2023 season, including fungal tip blight in arborvitae, root rot in perennials and woody plants, scale, spotted lanternfly, and others. Pest biology, life cycle, and management strategies will be discussed. This talk will conclude with a discussion of emerging issues to look out for in 2024, including beech leaf disease and box tree moth. 12:00 – 1:30 pm Break / Lunch 1:30 – 2:30 pm Managing Water Quality Krystal Snyder – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension This presentation will cover the properties of irrigation water quality and what that means for fertilizer and pesticide applications. 2:30 – 3:30 pm Control of Common Weeds and Diseases Found in Lawns Brian A. Aynardi, Ph.D. – PBI-Gordon Corporation This presentation will cover identification and control of annual and perennial grassy and broadleaf weeds, as well as sedges and diseases found in lawncare settings in eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. In addition to weed and disease identification, optimal control methods for each will be shared. This presentation will also address carrier volume, considerations for tankmixing products, water quality concerns, and pertinent information on SDS sheets.
Winter 2024 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass
9
Upcoming Events • continued
W E ST E RN P E N N S Y L V A N IA G O L F , LAWN, LANDSCAPE & SPORT S T URF CONFERE NC E Tuesday, February 27 – Wednesday, February 28 • Hollywood Casino at the Meadows • Washington, PA Tuesday, February 27
Wednesday, February 28
SPORTS TRACK
GOLF TRACK
SPORTS / LAWN TRACK
1:00 – 4:00 pm Sports Field Education Session and Panel Discussion
1:00 – 2:00 pm Facts and Fictions of Nutrient Management in Golf Grass Management Bryan G. Hopkins, Ph.D. – Professor, Brigham Young University / Sci-Scapes, Inc.
8:30 – 9:30 am Wood Decay in Trees Sandy Feather – Extension Education, Green Industry Team, Penn State Extension
1:00 – 2:15 pm Sports Field Education Sessions: Speakers will present various topics pertaining to sports field management at the collegiate and professional levels. • George Peters, Assistant AD – Grounds for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics, will give a description of how turf maintenance is scheduled around practice and competition schedules in contrast to professional sports venues. • Matt Brown, Director, Field Operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates, will give an overview of infield skin maintenance. This will include the basics of material selection, soil profile composition, best maintenance practices, equipment, and tool selection. • Thomas Goyne, Sports Turf Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will cover management of playing surfaces for the Steelers. Three different facilities, three different approaches. There will be a breakdown and summary of the drainage project completed at St. Vincent College with Hummer Sports Turf. Chemical management for Summer Patch and Leaf Spot diseases of Kentucky Bluegrass in Western PA will also be discussed. • Matt Wimer – President, Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc., will discuss the entire process of the recent renovation of Chuck Noll Field in Latrobe, PA. Chuck Noll Field at St. Vincent’s College is the home for the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. 2:15 – 2:30 pm Break 2:30 – 4:00 pm Sports Field Panel Discussion Featuring George Peters, Matt Brown, Thomas Goyne, and Matt Wimer: Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and take a closer look at how each sports field professional operates to achieve optimal playing conditions.
Managers of turfgrass need to understand the basic tenets of soil fertility and plant nutrition, which will be reviewed in this session. In addition, there are new technologies and products that are on the “cutting edge” of this discipline, such as in situ soil sensors, soil/plant analysis techniques, and fertilizer products. A Pennsylvania golf course case study will be reviewed in terms of an old vs. new approach (some old practices are tried and true and need to be retained, but others can be improved). This case study will list practices and products used and their effects on the quality of the grass surfaces, aesthetics, pests (especially Poa annua), costs, and environmental risks. 2:00 – 3:00 pm Factors that Influence Performance of Spray Drones and Other Equipment for Weed Control in Managed Turf Shawn Askew, Ph.D. – Professor of Turf Weed Science, Virginia Tech This presentation will summarize current information on agricultural spray drone commercial availability, regulatory compliance, and function for delivering pesticides in an urban landscape or industrial vegetation environment. Recent research regarding spray deposition patterns from drones and other equipment and the factors that govern them will be discussed. Ways to improve pesticide performance and reduce nontarget application will be discussed. 3:00 – 4:00 pm Building and Optimizing a Season-Long Fungicide Program Paul Giordano, Ph.D. – Director of Agronomy, Harrell’s LLC This presentation will cover integrated strategies for controlling key diseases on cool-season turfgrass. Focusing on how to identify and best target the most problematic diseases on a specific site, this seminar will then dive into product selection and program building using helpful tools from both academic and industry settings. Finally, attendees will learn about key aspects of cultural and chemical disease control and how to optimize their strategies to maximize their budgets and turf health.
Western Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape & Sports Turf Conference program continues on page 12.
10 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
This session covers a variety of wood decay fungi that landscape professionals should recognize to alert their customers of potentially hazardous trees. It also covers ways to evaluate the soundness of trees as well as other conditions that can make trees more likely to fail during storms or high wind events. 9:30 – 10:30 am Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition in Turfgrass Management Bryan G. Hopkins, Ph.D. – Professor, Brigham Young University / Sci-Scapes, Inc. Managers of turfgrass need to understand the basic tenets of soil fertility and plant nutrition, which will be reviewed in this session. In addition, there are new technologies and products that are on the “cutting edge” of this discipline, such as in situ soil sensors, soil/plant analysis techniques, and fertilizer products. A Pennsylvania sports field case study will be reviewed in terms of an old vs. new approach (some old practices are tried and true and need to be retained, but others can be improved). This case study will list practices and products used and their effects on the quality of the grass surfaces, aesthetics, pests (especially Poa annua), costs, and environmental risks. 10:30 – 11:00 am Pest Management 101 Danny Kline – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension; Pest Ed This talk will provide information about what a pest is, how pests are controlled, how pesticide resistance can be built up, and implementation of an IPM program. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Postemergence Control of Annual and Perennial Grasses Peter Landschoot, Ph.D. – Professor, Penn State Annual and perennial grass weeds can be unsightly and compete with desirable grasses in lawns. This presentation will focus on postemergence chemical control of the most common summer annual grasses in our region (crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtails, and barnyardgrass), as well as perennial weeds (nimblewill, creeping bentgrass, and bermudagrass). For postemergence herbicides to be effective, grasses must be uniformly covered. Thus, these herbicides should be applied only when grasses are visible in the stand. The target species, stage of growth of the weed, and corresponding herbicide rate are extremely important for successful control, so applicators must pay close attention to product label directions. Environmental conditions also play an important role in postemergence weed control, with adequate soil moisture and moderate temperatures generally providing the best results. All these topics will be addressed in this presentation.
V. Halyard – Storylounge Photo
Upcoming Events • continued
W E ST E RN P E N N S Y L V A N IA G O L F , LAWN, LANDSCAPE & SPORT S T URF CONFERE NC E Tuesday, February 27 – Wednesday, February 28 • Hollywood Casino at the Meadows • Washington, PA Wednesday, February 28 – C ONT I NU E D SPORTS / LAWN TRACK – CONTINUED
GOLF TRACK
12:00 – 1:30 pm Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors
8:30 – 9:30 am USGA Year in Review Zach Nicoludis – Regional Director, USGA Green Section, United States Golf Association
1:30 – 2:30 pm Landscape Pest Update: A Review of Problems in the Landscape in 2023 and Emerging Pests to Watch For Ruth Benner – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension This presentation will review insect and disease problems seen on trees and shrubs in Western Pennsylvania in the 2023 growing season, including current research on beech leaf disease. We will also discuss a few emerging invasive pests including spotted lanternfly, elm zigzag sawfly, and box tree moth and the new disease Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD). 2:30 – 3:30 pm Ecological and Environmental Fate of Pesticides Glen Bupp – Horticulture Educator, Penn State Extension Understanding how a pesticide moves and breaks down in the environment is critical to deciding when, where, and how an application is made. In some cases, it may even be best to put off applications all together. This presentation is a refresher on the importance of reading labels, site assessment, and chemical behavior in the environment.
For more information or to register, visit paturf.org/register
During this presentation we will review the highlights as well as the challenges observed while working with golf courses throughout the region. We will focus on agronomic strategies superintendents are using to balance turf health and playability, how challenges were overcome and what can be done to avoid these same issues moving forward. 9:30 – 10:30 am Penn State Turf Entomology Updates: Weevils, Worms, White Grubs, and More Ben McGraw, Ph.D. – Associate Professor – Turfgrass Science, Penn State University In this presentation, Dr. Ben McGraw of Pennsylvania State University will provide a look back on one of the stranger years in insect pest control and comprehensive overview on the research that is being conducted to manage some of the region’s oldest and most severe pests - the annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), white grub and earthworms. ABW continues to evolve with changes in environmental conditions and in response to management practices. The talk will focus on projects in the McGraw Lab that seek to find means to sustainably control the weevil. These projects include understanding the impact of moisture on weevil behavior, turfgrass tolerance (and/or defense), the mechanisms that cause insecticide resistance (and means to overcome resistance), and new chemistries and their impact on the soil ecosystem. 10:30 – 11:30 am New Strategies for Annual Bluegrass, Crabgrass, & Goosegrass Control on Golf Greens and Collars Shawn Askew, Ph.D. – Professor of Turf Weed Science, Virginia Tech This presentation will discuss novel uses of several herbicides and plant growth regulators to control annual bluegrass, smooth crabgrass, and goosegrass on golf greens and surrounding areas. The presentation will also discuss recent research in the area of organic or alternative methods for annual bluegrass control including ongoing efforts at Virginia Tech that use lasers to control individual weeds on golf greens and surrounds. Practical application of individual plant treatment using dabbing equipment will also be discussed.
(814) 237-0767
12 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors 1:00 – 2:00 pm Soil Health in Turfgrass Bryan G. Hopkins, Ph.D. – Professor, Brigham Young University / Sci-Scapes, Inc. In recent years, “soil health” has emerged as a mega-trend in agriculture, with increasing consideration in the turfgrass management sector as well. Managers of turfgrass need to understand the basic tenets of soil health (biological, chemical, and physical soil properties), which will be reviewed in this session. There is speculation that intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides harms soil health. Golf courses and sports fields are among the most intensively managed soils, especially with regard to fertilizer and pesticide applications. A nationwide sampling of soil from these venues, along with urban lawns, farms, forests, and sands without plants (sand traps, deserts, etc.), was conducted to determine their soil health relative to each other. The findings of this analysis will be reviewed to answer the question of whether or not these intensively managed turfgrass venues have poor soil health. 2:00 – 3:00 pm Golf Course Renovation Tips and Tricks Zach Nicoludis – Regional Director, USGA Green Section, United States Golf Association With a construction/renovation boom occurring in the golf course industry, during this presentation we will review how decision-makers are approaching golf course improvement projects from planning, to execution, to reopening. Additionally, we will focus on different strategies that have been used to successfully complete golf course construction/ renovation projects as well as focus on the importance of realistic expectations being set for when newly renovated playing surfaces are put back into play. 3:00 – 3:30 pm Misapplications and Why They Fail Danny Kline – Extension Educator, Penn State Extension; Pest Ed This presentation will discuss ways an application can fail, causes of those failures, and how to prevent them.
info@paturf.org
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Penn State News
A Passing of the Baton
The 2023 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council George Hamilton Distinguished Service Award goes to:
J
ust as Emeritus Professor Al Turgeon named Andy McNitt his successor before retiring nearly ten years ago, Emeritus Professor Andy McNitt has named Dr. Ben McGraw as his successor to head all accredited degree programs in turfgrass at the Pennsylvania State University: • The Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Management (MPS-TM) degree program • The Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science (TURF) degree program • The Associate of Science in Turfgrass Science and Management (2TSM) degree program Congratulations on your appointment, Ben!
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14 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
Mr. Jeff ‘Vern’ Borger (right), Senior Instructor Emeritus in Turfgrass Weed Management
B
ack at the end of the 20th Century, Jeff was working as a contractor when his dear friend and neighbor, Dr. George Hamilton, convinced him to begin a career in turf while supporting Dr. Tom Watschke’s Turfgrass Culture and Weed Management field research. Of course, it was also the late George Hamilton who gave Jeff the nickname ‘Vern.’ During the time serving as Dr. Watschke’s Turfgrass Weed Management Research Technician, Jeff pursued and earned a BS degree in Turfgrass Science and a master’s degree in Agronomy. Upon Tom Watschke’s retirement, Jeff took over his position. Over the next 18 years, Jeff aptly taught TURF 230, TURF 238, and TURF 425 to our BS degree students, and Turfgrass 923A and 925A to students in the two-year Golf Course Turfgrass Management Certificate Program. Jeff remains highly respected and recognized for his contributions to turfgrass weed management research and instruction. Moreover, Jeff did a great job planning the Educational Programs of the Western PA and Northeastern PA Turf Conferences for many years. Jeff also served as Chair of Educational Programming for the Eastern PA Conference in 2017 and 2018. Faculty and industry stakeholders across the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will long remember Jeff’s no-nonsense approach and dependable willingness to contribute when asked. Jeff is very honored to receive the PA Turfgrass Council George Hamilton Distinguished Service Award, especially considering it’s named after the man who got him started in the turfgrass industry. Please join the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council in sincerely thanking Jeff for all his contributions. We wish Jeff, his wife Kathy, and his family the very best as he begins his retirement.
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Quality built in North America and supported by a world-wide Dealer network. Winter 2024 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 15
Cover Story
ORIGINS of TURFGRASS PART 2
By Jay McCurdy Ph.D., – Associate Professor, Turfgrass Extension Specialist – Department of Plant & Soil Sciences – Mississippi State University In part one “Origins of Turfgrass,” we delved into the history and roots of turfgrass. Here we explore turf’s march towards modernity by focusing on the game of golf.
Photo 1: Links land
16 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
The
popularity of lawns, the ability to maintain turf, and turfgrass in general, are all interlinked with the game of golf. Golf courses comprise less than 3% of maintained U.S. turf, yet the turfgrass industry is heavily impacted by the technology and agronomics that make the game possible. Golf’s origins are unclear and debatable. The earliest mention of colf (dutch for club) was in 1261. In 1297 Utrecht (modern day Netherlands), there’s mention of the colf or kolf used to play a ball sport. Golf was banned at various points throughout its history: in 1360 the Council of Brussels banned the game under penalty of 20 shillings (or confiscation of one’s overcoat); in 1457 King James II prohibited golf due to distraction from archery practice; in 1471 and 1491 it was banned in Scotland because it was said to be an “unprofitable sport”; it was banned again in 1490s by King James IV; and in 1592 it was prohibited on the Sabbath in Edinburgh, Scotland. Modern golf’s 18-hole format originated in Scotland, and most consider that country’s landscape and culture to be formative to the role of turfgrass on modern golf courses. The oldest sanctioning golf club is disputed—either the Royal Burgess Golfing Society (1735) or the Honourable Company of Edinburgh (records dating to 1744; originally played at the Leigh Links near Edinburgh and now hosted by Muirfield). The “Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf,” the oldest surviving rules of the game, are dated 1744 and are preserved in the National Library of Scotland. Scotland and the North Sea coast of Europe share similar landscapes and environments that have shaped the game of golf and turfgrass culture over the centuries. Their proximity to the sea moderates temperature and assures ample and frequent moisture for the growth of common forage grass species. Those cool-season species thrive in this environment and have been shaped for millions of years by foraging livestock. Furthermore, the area’s links-land landscape (Photo 1) has harsh reliefs and rocky crags that are inviting to wallowing livestock seeking shelter and grazing. The seaside terrain is characterized by rolling hills of sand or links (via the Scottish or Northumbrian language from Old English “hlinc” which means “rising ground or ridge”). Away from the coast, the terrain remains pock-marked with the familiar “Kame and Kettle” topography that is mimicked by golf course architects the world over. These environments were shaped by glaciation— having been covered several times by ice over the last 500,000 years. These glacial landscapes are as dramatic as the Scottish Highlands and as placid as the moraine landscapes further south. These conditions were conducive to the original game of golf— played by shepherds and yeoman farmers with their crooks while tending their livestock. In fact, the “bunkers” that have evolved into common penal features of most modern courses originated in these sandy landscapes. The earliest golf course architects highlighted the natural beauty of the game’s home at new locations, and the game (and the grasses) spread. The game of golf had evolved from a yeoman’s sport to one for the wealthy who could afford custom equipment. Allan Robertson (1815–1859) (Photo 2) is widely considered one of the earliest influential golf course architects and greens keepers. He was also the period’s renowned ball and club maker and oversaw course renovations and general supervision of the St. Andrews Links as well as the 10-hole course that eventually became Carnoustie.
His protégé Thomas Mitchell Morris (Old Tom Morris) assisted Robertson in his shop, and they played as a pair with great success. Robertson ultimately fired him after Morris beat him using the gutta ball, a competitor to Robertson’s featherie ball, and a superior piece of equipment that soon replaced other alternatives. Morris became greens keeper at Preswick in 1851 and returned to St. Andrews in 1865. He mentored the likes of C.B. Macdonald, Donald Ross, and A.W. Tillinghast. He is credited with more than 60 course designs and remodels throughout the British Isles. He was an early advocate for frequent sand top-dressing to improve playing conditions of greens. In the late 19th century, golf began to spread worldwide. Golf course architecture and greens keeping became popularized as professions/careers. Renowned Scottish Architects Harry S. Colt, Willie Park Jr., and W.H. Fowler moved to the United States. The Chicago Golf Club opened in 1892. Architect C.B. Macdonald, famous for National Golf Links of America (1911), coined the term “Golf Course Architect.” In 1913, Francis Ouimet won the U.S. Open sparking a golf boom in America. He is considered by many to be the father of amateur golf in the U.S.
Photo 2: Allan Robertson, Pioneer Professional Golfer at St. Andrews, Scotland, about 1850. Credit: Thomas Rodger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Colorized, 2023.
Winter 2024 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 17
Cover Story • continued
In the 1920s, the rapid growth of the game led to more than a thousand new courses. Prominent architects included A.W. Tillinghast (Bethpage State Park), Donald Ross (Pinehurst), William Flynn (Merion), and Alister Mackenzie (Augusta National). Between 1930 and 1950, golf’s growth in popularity slowed tremendously due to the Great Depression and World War II. Tremendous post war expansion and an exodus of intercity middleclass fueled the growth of suburbs and accompanying amenities, including golf courses, but also parks and community green space. This was the era of “free-way” style golf courses, characterized by straight forward golf game rather than strategy and risk. This simplistic design commodified the game for the masses and led to a great golf-boom. Expansion slowed in the 70s and 80s due to oil shortages and economic contraction. In the 90s and early 2000s, there was tremendous growth of the industry sparked by economic growth and the peak golfing age of baby-boomers. The game of golf, and the diverse industry surrounding it, has waxed and waned due to the prominence of professional golfers, the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. A post-pandemic golf boom has most recently strengthened the industry around the world. Throughout its history, golf course architecture and maintenance has pushed the bounds of technology necessary for cultivation of turfgrass in some of the harshest environments on the planet. Equipment spawned for the manufacturing of textiles (principally, the modern reel mower, Photo 3) quickly became available for golf course maintenance—first drawn by horses or pushed by man, but then mechanized with early combustion engines. Modern, high-maintenance golf courses would be almost unrecognizable to the earliest golfers, but the game remains reliant upon the people that design, build, and maintain the turfgrass playing surface.
18 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
Photo 3: Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370, an example of a modern reel mower. Photo courtesy of Toro.
Photo 4: Pebble Beach, a modern links style course. Credit: Big Stock Photo / Tupungato.
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Winter 2024 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 19
Section Name • continued BETWEEN THE LINES
The Bulldogs and Their Coach
Turfgrass Professionals Make Westinghouse Field of Dreams Come True
W
hat happens when turf professionals from Penn State Cooperative Extension, the world of professional sports, and the private sector all team up to work on a community turf project? It results in a special “feel-good” synergy that gets the job done and also has great community impact. Westinghouse Academy, an inner-city high school in Pittsburgh serving Wilkinsburg, Homewood, Point Breeze, East Liberty and Highland Park, is getting a safe new football practice field and green activity space, thanks to the combined efforts of Head Coach Donta Green, Extension Educators Jeff Fowler and Michael White, and Thomas ProTurf contractor Jeremy Thomas, who was able to also enlist the help of Steelers groundskeeper Thomas Goynes. We asked where the vison for this project came from and how this turf power team had come together, and it was an inspiring story (Photo 1).
Photo 1: Jeremy Thomas and crew member Rodger Sargent survey the field.
Photo 2: Work begins
Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization 1451 Peter’s Mountain Road Dauphin, PA 17018-9504 www.KAFMO.org • Email: KAFMO@aol.com 20 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
The Westinghouse Bulldogs have generated a lot of excitement in Pittsburgh over the last two years. In the words of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, last season, Westinghouse had “a fairy tale season that ended at the doorstep of a state championship.” The Bulldogs (14-1, 4-0) were the first City League school to reach the state finals since Perry High School 25 years ago. Under the charismatic leadership of Coach Donta Green, they were state runner-up in 2022, and Green was quoted as saying, “Our guys are just itching for another shot and another opportunity to do that” this season. According to Jeff Fowler, “Coach has done some amazing things in his two years with the Westinghouse football program.” Donta Green is also the executive director of The Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit vocational training provider dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment who need additional support to begin their careers. Founded in 2013, the Trade Institute is located in the Homewood community of Pittsburgh. The football team at Westinghouse reflects this demographic -- 65% of the players’ fathers are incarcerated and will have barriers to employment when they re-enter society. And the student athletes who carried the Bulldogs to success last season have not only had to work hard to achieve this excellence, but they have also had multiple barriers to overcome – not the least of which was a practice field that was, like many neglected urban landscapes, run down and treacherous underfoot.
C O N TA C T Linda Kulp, Executive Secretary Phone: 717-497-4154 kulp1451@gmail.com
C O N TA C T Dan Douglas, President Phone: 610-375-8469 x 212 KAFMO@aol.com
The Connected Community Initiative Penn State Extension Educator Michael White is a Pittsburgh-based Program Specialist in the Connected Community initiative. He plays a vital role in developing programs that aim to provide equitable opportunities for underserved communities, empowering them to achieve success and personal growth. His goal is to leverage science-based Extension practices to respond to the diverse needs of urban communities, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive environment. “Many of the local green spaces are in distress,” he notes. “However, the Westinghouse Green Space initiative became a priority for me because of its potential to impact so many youths.” White brought in his colleague, turf expert Jeff Fowler, to assess what it would take to renovate the field at Westinghouse Academy. Based on Fowler’s recommendations, White wrote grants to finance the purchase of seed and fertilizer and arranged to offer training for the school staff on care and maintenance of the new field. Jeff Fowler says he then got excited about the project and invited several of his KAFMO colleagues to get involved and lend a hand – and suddenly, the Westinghouse Green Space project was taking off (Photo 2)! Jeremy Thomas of Thomas ProTurf is a graduate of Penn State’s Turf Science program and an active KAFMO member who contracts with Steelers groundskeeper Thomas Goynes. Jeremy Thomas agreed to donate his time and equipment to making the Westinghouse renovation project happen and Acrisure Stadium donated the organic waste material Thomas was grinding off the Steelers field for a resod and the Tri-King to transport it to use as fill for the bare spots and top dressing at Westinghouse – a combination of teamwork and recycling in which everybody wins. And as always, success leads to success.
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• Pump Stations
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Winter 2024 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 21
Photos 3: Westinghouse Field before
The spotlight on the Westinghouse Bulldogs and their Head Coach has been drawing publicity to the field renovation project now that school is back in session and the teams are starting to practice – KDKA TV has recently approached the school about doing a story on their efforts as this article goes to press (Photo 3).
Multifaceted Impacts
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When asked about what impact he anticipates the field renovation will have, Connected Community’s Michael White had a whole list of positive outcomes that reach well beyond the world of sports. “The impact of a school having a safe green space for activities is multifaceted and highly beneficial,” he said. “This dedicated outdoor area is a hub for physical and mental well-being, creating a positive environment for students and staff. With ample space for sports, games, and exercise, it encourages regular physical activity, contributing to better health and fitness,” he went on. “The presence of nature in the school’s surroundings offers stress relief and a calming effect, promoting improved mental health. Furthermore, green spaces provide opportunities for social interactions and outdoor learning, fostering community and connection to the environment. Overall, a safe green space at a school supports physical health and enhances the quality of education and well-being for the students who utilize it,” he concluded.
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22 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Winter 2024
The Westinghouse Green Space renovation is, as of this writing, still a work in progress. In many ways, it is also a kind of Field of Dreams in the unlikely urban streetscape around Westinghouse Academy. But great things can happen when a network of enthusiastic and knowledgeable turf professionals and Extension Educators all join forces; in this case, all things are coming together perfectly to make this project happen for the Bulldog student athletes and their dynamic Coach, Donta Green. Fowler anticipates that the field will be ready for next year’s football season and that Westinghouse will put it to very good use!
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D ATA F RO M O CTO B E R 2023
