Virginia Turfgrass Journal - January / February 2013

Virginia Turfgrass Council / P.O. Box 5989 / Virginia Beach, VA 23471 / ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Winterkill...

Understanding, Preventing & Diagnosing It Professionalism and the Turfgrass Manager 8 Ways to Be Memorable at Networking Events Inside... 2013 Forecast from the Journal’s Resident Prognosticator

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | January/February 2013

22

12 12 Cover Story

Winterkill... Understanding Preventing & Diagnosing It

26 DEPARTMENTS 06 Directorʼs Corner

from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

8 Editorʼs Perspective

from Mark Vaughn, CGCS

19 Feature Story Professionalism and the Turfgrass Manager

22 Career Tips 8 Ways to Be Memorable at Networking Events

26 Recent Event

10 VTF Report

from Betty Parker

28 Industry News 30 Turfgrass Calendar 30 Index to Advertisers

Virginia/Maryland Sod Growers Bi-Annual Field Day, October 6

Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) 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, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright ©2013 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. 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 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)

Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com EDITOR Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Frank Flannagan Belmont Golf Course (804) 262-4939 Vice President Fredrick Biggers, CGCS Wintergreen Resort (434) 325-8252 Treasurer Brian Vincel, CGCS Spring Creek Golf Club (434) 566-2580 Past President Melissa Reynolds Dura Turf Service Corp.

(804) 233-4972 VTC DIRECTORS Gil Grattan Rick Owens, CGCS Marc Petrus Mark Roberts Steve Slominski Steve Smith Rick Viancour, CGCS Scott Woodward VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. Erik Ervin, Ph.D. Rajandra Waghray, Ph.D. Rod Youngman, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 681-6065 VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Betty Parker (757) 574-9061

Director’s Corner

The

VTC… Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

Are you coming?

You should!

VTC’s 53rd Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Tradeshow

Behind the Scenes, But Vital to Our Members and Industry

The

VTC is a membership association that exists for the turfgrass industry and is led by that industry. We often work behind the scenes for our members. Allow me to give you a recent example of such work that is not often conducted with a lot of fanfare.

During the latter part of October, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) was asked to consider adding two industrydamaging regulations. Cutting to the chase, these proposed changes required pesticide operators to give elaborate details to each and every property owner before making applications. These details would have to be given each and every time a pesticide was applied. Penalties for non-compliance were huge.

“Wait a minute!” you should be shouting. “How can such a change be made apart from action by the General Assembly?”

Consider that Virginia has two sets of state code. One set is legislative and is made by the General Assembly. The second set is administrative, made by state agencies as they seek to implement the legislative code. Unlike the legislative code, which is acted on during the General Assembly Session, the administrative code may be changed throughout the year.

Taking quick action, we used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain a copy of the original request for the changes to the administrative code. After reviewing the document, we composed a detailed response, which we then submitted to VDACS. The end result? The proposed changes to the code were rejected by the Virginia Board for Agriculture and Consumer Services at its December 8 meeting. I like to think our letter of concern was a factor in that board’s decision.

This example illustrates why the VTC needs your continued support. Some people are still allied against our industry, so we will continue to be alert and active.

Doing otherwise relegates us to the look and smell of musty old parchments.

January 28–30, 2013 Fredericksburg Conference & Expo Center Fredericksburg, VA To see the program and register for the event, go to www.turfconference.org.

See you there!

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Editor’s Perspective Mark Vaughn, CGCS Virginia Turfgrass Journal Editor

The Forecast for

20Thirteen Hmmm...

20THIRTEEN. Does the sound of that make anybody else besides me nervous? I mean, look at all the crap that has happened since the turn of the century WITHOUT a year that had a THIRTEEN it in. Now, we are just going to smugly spit in the spirits’ eyes, I guess, and plow head-on into it. 20THIRTEEN. You and I… we’ve never been alive in a year that ended in THIRTEEN. On the bright side (or dark, depending on how you look at things), it ain’t gonna happen for any of us again. So, if we all just put our heads down, stay busy and don’t break any mirrors, we should be okay. I sense all you owners of black cats out there smirking, so let’s just take a little look at the last year with a THIRTEEN in it – 19THIRTEEN. #1. The U.S. post office begins parcelpost deliveries. And what did THAT just cost the taxpayers in the last year? 15 BILLION dollars. #2. The 16th Amendment is ratified, which all you constitutional buffs will recognize as Federal Income Tax authorization. The government wastes no time in setting up the IRS and quietly slipping its hand into your pocket. #3. The first Balkan war ends, and 30 days later, the second Balkan war begins. #4. Jim Thorpe is forced to give up his 1912 Olympic medals for being a pro (and yet he is STILL playing

on the Senior Tour — now that’s an athlete). #5. Death Valley hits 134 degrees, prompting Mercury Gore (the greatgreat grandfather of Al Gore) to declare humans a “pox on the planet.” #6. The first elastic bra AND the zipper are both patented. The downfall of politicians is accelerated.

I could go on and on, but by now, I’m thinking that even you non-believers are beginning to see the light. So, grab your rabbit’s foot, go out the same door you came in, don’t walk under any ladders, follow these predictions, let’s all hold hands and MAYBE we can make it to 2014.

Oh, yeah… the annual disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Any references to… Wait a minute. I can’t do it this year. After all the lies I just heard in the recently completed political campaigns, I think I’ll just take my chances. So let’s just say, “This is some guy (but not the same one as in the photo at the top of this page), and I approve these messages.”

on opposite sides of a Ouija board.

One by one, the answers are revealed to a waiting nation. The process almost falls apart as both Obama and Boehner alternately accuse the other of pushing or pulling the planchette, but in the end, both sides accept the results.

The “Replace Politicians with The Planchette” movement is born.

Prediction #1

Prediction #3

Unable to break the stalemate about to take the country over the fiscal cliff, President Obama and Speaker Boehner agree to meet one last time and, in the spirit (no pun intended) of 2013, decide to let the “fates” decide the issue.

In a historical meeting held in the House of Representatives with both chambers of Congress in attendance and millions of Americans watching by TV, the two leaders place their hands

Competition increases for the coveted “Senior Golfer,” who travels in packs of 20 or more, packs his lunch, buys his golf balls at Walmart and demands a “special deal” in order to bring his homies to your course. Desperate facility owners decide that slashing their fees by 50% and offering a free lunch just isn’t enough to entice them. The Divots and Dirt Golf Club throws in a free wash, wax and tire rotation by

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Prediction #2 Buoyed by recent legislation in their state, professors at Colorado State University find a way to boost slumping enrollment in the Agronomy department. The new “Mary Jane” curriculum will offer candidates the option of pursuing a B.S. or going to the next level and getting their Marijuana Masters. Researchers at Virginia Tech issue a terse statement, the gist of which says: “Duh, why do you think we developed Blacksburg Sensimilla?

We saw golf courses going down the tubes and the liberal tide coming years ago. Fire one up now, Virginia. Our department is depending on you!”

Earl while you play. Rounds increase by two per week.

Prediction #4 The bermudagrass wave rolling up I-85 is repelled at the Virginia border, thanks to cutting-edge bentgrass “infusions” developed by researchers at Virginia Tech. Scientist Larry Legweak says, “Me and some guys from Animal Science were just messin’ around one day when we decided to reverse the Sub-Air under the research green and throw some… uh… ‘compounds’ into the blower. Wellsir, that root mass just exploded. The hotter it got, the more energy that bentgrass had. If I were a Sup, I’d tell those boys from the USGA they can keep those wiregrass greens down south.”

Prediction #5 Long putters are outlawed by the R & A for anyone under 50. Chairman Churchill Longfellow states, “If your nerves are that bad at such a young age, avoid probable alcoholism and take up another sport. Just think what might have happened to our championship in 1970 if Doug Sanders had used the long wand.” In other news, caddies standing behind players and lining them up on the LPGA is determined to be “in the spirit of the game” and continues.

to Magnolia Lane. With three iron in hand, they will attempt to hit a low tee shot through the corridor of trees, which will then rise over the stately clubhouse, hook 90 degrees while avoiding the live oaks and land on #9 green. After several attempts by both players and multiple broken windows in the Augusta clubhouse, Jose Olazabal says “no mas,” which in Spanish is short for “you guys are good, but you are no Seve.”

Prediction #8 The Weather Channel debuts its new series “Political Hurricanes!” Hosts Kanye West and Rudy Giuliani examine the formation of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, debate the mysterious track and timing of these storms, and bring in guest commentator Pat Robertson to shed light on just how “W” and “O” channeled their spiritual powers to create these storms.

Prediction #9 GCSAA announces a breakthrough agreement with the USDA (that’s right, the usDa) for golf similar to agricultural commodities. Mirroring the quota and price support programs designed to prevent an over-supply and subsequent plummeting of prices in the Ag market, the department agrees to pay $40 for every golfer up to 10,000 that DOESN’T play your course. In addition, USDA will guarantee that no one in the marketplace can sell below a set minimum. And all this time, you thought farmers were a step slow.

Well, that’s it. Gotta get to my financial planning appointment with the E*Trade babies. Then, it’s off to have some fun throwing darts. Or was it fun with the E*Trade babies and then financial planning by throwing darts? I stay so confused these days…

Prediction #6 Worried by the “success” of Divots and Dirt’s “services by Earl” program, Priceline Golf Club announces its “services by Earl PLUS free tank of gas and free child care for grandkids” enticement. Owner Johnny Paul is ecstatic as rounds increase by 50%.

Not so pleased is his accountant, who wonders if terms like P&L or balance sheet ever cross Johnny’s mind.

Prediction #7 The annual Masters prediction: 2012 champ Bubba Watson adds a new twist to the Champions Dinner when he challenges former champion Phil Mickelson to a trick-shot contest after dinner drinks. Both contestants will tee off at the Washington Rd. entrance Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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VTF Report

HATS OFF

to the SVTA and Dr. Erik Ervin!

Betty Parker VTF Manager the last issue of the Journal, we focused on the configuration of the VTF board of directors and the research of Dr. Richard Schmidt. In this edition, we will look at the mission statement of the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation and our directed efforts in accomplishing it.

The mission of the Virginia Turfgrass foundation is to develop funds to support and promote research, education and Extension programs in the management and science of turfgrass and its related environment in Virginia.

The VTF is a non-profit, tax-exempt scientific and educational organization, so contributions are tax deductible. Our endowment fund, set up in 1988 to support turfgrass research, has reached $401,375.87.

It is our goal to leave this fund untouched and promote its growth toward a level where it can provide sustainable funding for turfgrass research in Virginia.

Economic times have been hard, but we are making strides. This goal’s success requires that the entire industry be on board. Many of you have stepped forward, and we would like to highlight one organization that most recently reached our highest Turf Club.

The Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association is the newest member of the VTF’s Platinum Turf Club, having donated more than $50,000 since the early 1990s.

On November 9, 2012, VTF president Jimmy Rodgers presented the SVTA with a plaque heralding this accomplishment. The Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association name will be engraved beside the Virginia Turfgrass Association, which was our first Platinum Turf Club member.

Such contributions continue the work of our very talented and respected turfgrass team members at Virginia Tech, one of whom has continued Dr. Schmidt’s work at the Turf Research Center in Blacksburg. Dr. Erik Ervin heads up this research under the auspices of The Crop Soil Environmental Science department, where basic turf management and breeding are performed. Dr. Ervin has become well known for his findings in numerous studies: biostimulants for im-

In

Dr. Erik Ervin, Virginia Tech.

Photo by Tony Montgomery.

proved creeping bentgrass summer stress tolerance, plant growth regulators, wetting agents and the physiology of warm-season turfgrass cold hardiness.

In the teaching arena, Dr. Ervin has expanded the turfgrass class offerings, developed an internship program and maintained the activities of the Turf Club that Dr. Dave Chalmers helped develop in the 1990s.

Recently, Dr. Ervin coordinated the writing and production of a book for the VA GCSA, titled Environmental Best Management Practices for VA Golf Courses.

This book helped him gain research funding from the GCSAA’s Environmental Institute for Golf to fund a Ph.D. student to “monitor and improve water quality in streams on VA golf courses to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed.” This effort has also been recognized by the New York GCSA, an association that is using the book as a model for one it is currently preparing.

We are fortunate to have such a tenacious and knowledgeable professor of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences. Dr. Ervin’s current assignment at Virginia Tech is 60% research and 40% teaching. He is the current advisor to the VTF board and provides the working bridge between his world and ours. What a joy he is to work with and for! We continue to look to him for advice and input when implementing programs that will benefit not only his research but also that of his colleagues.

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Cover Story

By Bert McCarty, Ph.D., Clemson University, and Grady Miller, Ph.D., North Carolina State University

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the most agronomic and plant physiological sense.

With

the arrival of freezing temperatures, many questions come across our desks concerning possible winterkill to bermudagrass. “Can I spray a wetting agent to help remove surface moisture?” “Can I spray a film-forming spray to coat the turfgrasses to minimize cold damage?” The most common question, though, is, “Can I ‘ice’ my greens during this cold weather and protect them in much the same way citrus growers do in Florida?”

Since little, if any, research or experience is available with these questions, let’s discuss what makes

What is winterkill?

Winterkill — low-temperature or cold-weather damage to plants — is a collective term used to describe several forms of injury. Death by cold is the consequence of damage to cell membranes and the breakdown of metabolism, primarily that involving nucleic acids, proteins and energy to the cell. The major types of lowtemperature injury are caused by the following factors.

Crown hydration When turfgrass plants remain in or under constant moisture following a thaw, the crowns of the plant can absorb high levels of water. If temper-

atures then drop below freezing, ice crystals form within the plant cell walls (or intracellularly), rupturing them and, thereby, killing tissues. Intracellular freezing injury is common in spring when plants become de-acclimated, especially in low, poorly drained areas.

Plants in winter, however, are more able to tolerate ice-crystal formation extracellularly, or between cells (in the intercellular spaces between protoplasts and the cell wall). As ice crystals form, the vapor pressure becomes lower than in the protoplasts; thus, water is drawn from within the cells. The protoplasts then shrink in size, and the concentration of dissolved substances (such as salt ions and organic acids) increase and become toxic via osmotic (or moisturestress) damage. If temperatures remain low for a long period of time, cells may become dehydrated to a point where injury or death occurs.

Extracellular freezing is most common during dry, cold weather on

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Cover Story continued

Table 1. Relative low-temperature tolerances of selected bermudagrass from laboratory studies (Anderson, Taliaferro, and Martin 2002).

Midlawn

16.9°F a

Yukon

18.3°F a

Tifgreen

20.3°F a

Quickstand

17.6°F ab

Guymon

18.7°F ab

Tifdwarf

20.3°F a

TifSport

19.0°F bc

Jackpot

20.7°F abc

TifEagle

21.2°F ab

Tifway

19.9°F cd

Mirage

21.0°F bc

Mini Verde

21.6°F bc

gradient created from the low humidity conditions. Consequently, the turfgrass plant’s crown, nodes and roots dry out.

Plant injury from desiccation can result in significant losses of turfgrass.

It is important to maintain adequate soil moisture during these conditions, especially in spring when turfgrass roots are developing, to prevent desiccation from occurring. If the area is not continuously covered by snow or ice, artificial covers are often placed to help protect the turf from desiccation.

Baby

19.9°F cd

AZ Common

21.9°F c

MS Supreme

22.6°F cd

Traffic

GN-1

21.3°F d

Floradwarf

23.2°F d

Champion

23.4°F d

Vehicular and/or foot traffic that occurs on frozen or slush-covered turfgrass can play a significant role in low-temperature turfgrass injury.

Frozen turfgrass crowns are easily damaged from traffic.

Highly trafficked areas are also prone to high soil compaction. Generally, compacted soils reduce turfgrass rooting and overall plant health, resulting in weak turf that is more susceptible to low-temperature injury.

FAIRWAYS

Vegetative

Seeded

exposed sites, such as low-mowed, sand sites like golf greens and along hillsides exposed to winds. This occurs on turfgrass plants that are unprotected from wind and have limited soil moisture due to either drought conditions or low temperatures (frozen soil moisture).

When temperatures rise above 32°F, turfgrass leaves lose water to the atmosphere due to the pressure gradient created from the low-humidity conditions. Consequently, turfgrasses dry out, causing desiccation of plant tissues and important plant proteins.

Direct low-temperature exposure When turfgrass plants are exposed directly to a rapid decrease in temperature below 23°F, the injury can be lethal, resulting in significant stand loss. Turfgrass leaves initially appear water soaked, turn whitish-brown in color and then turn dark brown.

Low-temperature exposure causes plants to lose control of membrane function, resulting in solute leakage and, eventually, a water-soaked appearance. Damaged turfgrass tends to mat over the soil surface and emit a distinct putrid (rotten) odor.

Insufficiently hardened turfgrass plants with lush growth (or high moisture content) are more susceptible to direct low-temperature injury.

Hydrated, non-hardy cells are more freeze susceptible than dehydrated, acclimated cells. Turfgrass plants

Greens

become “hardened” by being exposed to gradual decreases in temperature and frosts prior to a drastic, sudden drop in temperature or a hard freeze.

This hardening process (often referred to as osmotic adjustment) involves an environmentally induced reduction (10% to 25%) in plant tissue water content and an accumulation of carbohydrate reserves. This reduces ice formation inside cells, preserving cell walls. Although intercellular water freezes at 14°F to 23°F, concentrated solutes from osmotic adjustment may serve like antifreeze agents, lowering plant cell freezing to -4°F to -40°F, depending on the type and amount of solutes present.

Desiccation Desiccation, or “drying out,” is caused by winds in combination with low relative humidity. Desiccation occurs on turfgrass plants that are unprotected from wind and have limited soil moisture due to either drought conditions or low temperatures (frozen soil moisture). When temperatures rise above 32°F, turfgrass leaves lose water to the atmosphere due to the pressure

Parameters that influence turfgrass susceptibility to low-temperature stress Several parameters influence the susceptibility of warm-season turfgrasses to low-temperature stress; however, only a few are controllable by turfgrass managers.Protecting turfgrass crowns from low temperatures is essential for survival, since the leaves, roots and lateral shoots regenerate from the crowns.

Temperature, and the frequency and rate of freezes and thaws, are factors outside a turfgrass manager’s control. On the other hand, though, several parameters within the control of turfgrass managers include: (1) degree of shading, (2) drainage, (3) fertility, (4) irrigation, (5) mowing, (6) use of covers, (7) soil cultivation, (8) thatch level, (9) traffic and (10) turfgrass selection.

When turfgrass plants are exposed directly to a rapid decrease in temperature below 23˚F, the injury can be lethal, resulting in significant stand loss.

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Cover Story continued

Shade

Drainage

Exposure of turfgrass plants to sunlight is critical for several reasons, such as food production (photosynthesis) and hardening. Prolonged shade reduces carbohydrate levels in turfgrass plants, produces weaker plants and suppresses soil temperatures.

Shaded areas also remain colder for prolonged periods due to minimal sunlight exposure, and they tend to maintain dew coverage longer than exposed, sunny areas, which can promote diseases. In addition, competition from tree roots for nutrients and water also weakens turfgrass plants.

Bright sunlight exposure signals plants to harden off during fall. Turfgrass plants are “hardened” by being exposed to light frosts prior to a heavy freeze. Northern or northeasternfacing slopes receive less (or little) direct sunlight in the winter months and are more susceptible to lowtemperature stress.

Poor surface and/or subsurface drainage can result in direct low-temperature damage or injury to the crowns of turfgrass plants. The level of water or moisture content within turfgrass crowns is directly related to the degree of lowtemperature injury. The higher the moisture content of turfgrass crowns, the higher the susceptibility of lowtemperature damage. Turfgrass plants growing in areas with poor drainage (surface or subsurface), high compaction or excessive irrigation are at a greater risk of low-temperature injury.

Irrigation Water is the primary requirement for turfgrass growth and survival. Irrigation should be utilized to “condition” the turfgrass. Several methods exist on scheduling irrigation; irrigation should be managed, however, according to the exact amount of water needed at any given time or any given condition. Just

as excessive moisture may increase lowtemperature damage or injury, the lack of moisture can be equally damaging.

A certain amount of water or moisture is needed for crown tissues to survive low-temperature stress. If a moisture deficiency occurs, crown tissues become desiccated and, thus, have less buffering capacity against temperature swings. Maintaining soil moisture at or slightly below field capacity and preventing standing water helps keep crown tissue properly hydrated.

Traffic Traffic (either vehicular or foot) can be very damaging to frozen turfgrass crowns, leading to the eventual death of plants. In addition, traffic leads to soil compaction that reduces soil oxygen levels (porosity) and water infiltration and percolation rates.

Traffic should be minimized or diverted from frozen turfgrass until the soil and turfgrass plants have

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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Cover Story continued

Diagnosing lowtemperature injury

completely thawed. Lightly syringing frozen turfgrass areas prior to allowing traffic will aid in reducing traffic injury.

to suddenly drop below 23°F, covers should be considered.

Icing greens Turfgrass selection Turfgrass species, and varieties or cultivars within a particular species, have varying degrees of low-temperature tolerance (see Table 1). Generally, cultivars that possess inherently better low-temperature tolerance exhibit a deeper-growing, denser rhizome network that, in turn, is better insulated.

These rhizomes, then, are less exposed to low-temperature damage or injury.

Turf covers Turf covers may help protect turfgrass crowns from low winter temperatures and desiccation. When present, snow is probably the best insulator and should be allowed to remain as long as possible. Artificial covers, which use an air layer to insulate the turf from extreme moisture and temperature conditions, are next best, followed by straw and other organic sources.

Strategies vary on the use of covers.

A starting point is to use them continuously when the temperature drops below 25°F, and is combined with desiccating winds. In the absence of wind, if temperatures are expected

The concept of icing greens during low temperatures is to provide a thin ice cover that would hopefully keep the soil temperatures around 32°F. This method is often performed in citrus groves during moderate freezes.

In citrus, the temperature has to be between 28°F and 32°F, and for no more than four hours, for this to effectively work. Lower temperatures or longer durations tend to reduce its effectiveness. Also, the water is constantly added (irrigated) lightly about every hour to take advantage of the slight heat released when water molecules turn into ice crystals.

As explained earlier, the major damage to turfgrass is when too little or too much moisture is in the plant during cold temperatures. Icing greens would probably work best for a onetime freeze. Since this is rarely the case, however, icing would melt during the day, saturating the soil and causing the plant crowns to excessively hydrate (imbibe). Then, if the freeze reoccurs that night, intracellular ice formation would possibly occur, cause cellular damage and eventual crown death.

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Turf managers should anticipate certain areas of turfgrass that may be more susceptible to low-temperature injury than other areas. Cultural factors that contribute to low-temperature injury and increased susceptibility include poor drainage, soil compaction, excessive thatch, reduced light intensity (shade), north- or northeastern-facing slopes, areas prone to winds (such as high spots and west-facing slopes), excessive fall nitrogen fertilization and low mowing heights.

If any of these conditions are present, or have occurred, and if lowtemperature injury is suspected, use the following method to determine the severity of the potential damage.

1. Using a cup cutter, collect turfgrass plugs from suspected lowtemperature damage areas.

2. Place or plant these plugs in a suitable container of native soil, with drainage holes.

3. Place the containers in a greenhouse, or in a room beneath a heat lamp or grow light, or as a last resort, in a southern-facing window.

4. Keep the turfgrass plugs adequately watered.

5. Watch for the turfgrass plugs to initiate growth and greening within 7 to 10 days.

6. Assess the amount of greening after plugs have been grown for two to three weeks. Suspected areas with less than 50% greening should be considered extensively damaged from low-temperature exposure and will probably require renovation.

Lesser-damaged areas may recover with proper management practices and extra attention.

7. Repeat the above sampling procedure on a 14- to 21-day interval through the periods of potential cold-weather injury.

Another method to ascertain plant damage is to inspect the crowns of the plants. If they remain white and flaccid, damage has been avoided. However, if they appear brown, black, and collapsed, damage has occurred.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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Feature Story

grass sion Turf ech n te x E d n T ra s, Virginia ., Professo Jr., Ph.D vironmental Science y e tl a o el G il En

By Micha ept. of Crop and So D , st li Specia

It

was my privilege in 2012 to address two professional audiences in locations and settings that mean a great deal to me based on how my career as a university faculty member developed.

In late May, I visited with the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association chapter at a meeting in Tuscaloosa where Gib Fox, the director of golf at Ole Colony Golf Course, was one of my Mississippi State students. I saw many of my former advisees in Tuscaloosa, and most university faculty members will tell you that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a university faculty member who works one on one with young people is having the opportunity to watch their growth, both professionally and personally.

Then, in early June, I returned to my hometown of Springfield, Kentucky, to address the Kentucky Sports Turf Managers Association chapter. The KSTMA executive secretary is now Dr. A.J. Powell Jr. (my advisor and mentor at the University of Kentucky), and their current president is Marcus Dean (sports turf supervisor at UK and, like me, a graduate of Washington County High School).

Neither of these venues will mean that much on my annual evaluation, but they were very important

for me, as they allowed me to say thanks, renew old acquaintances, make some new friends and, I hope, inspire another WCHS graduate to enter the world of turfgrass management. Plus, my dad (Mike Goatley Sr.) got to be in the audience in Kentucky and see first hand a little bit of what it is that I do in my job as an Extension turfgrass specialist at Virginia Tech.

What made these talks a little different from others is that each had significant components of my “words of wisdom” outside the realm of turf (as I seem more prone to do, the older I get… my kids tell me this carries over into my parenting techniques, as well).

For the KSTMA chapter meeting, my topic was entirely dedicated to professionalism. This is certainly not a typical subject for an agronomist, but it is one that I decided to tackle as an “I can do this” presentation.

My wife, Lisa, is a licensed professional counselor, and she gives these types of talks all the time. She had a worksheet on professionalism already developed, but she encouraged me to ponder my own concepts of professionalism in our industry before reviewing her materials (her list is presented as the last part of this article).

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Feature Story continued

So, here is Mike Goatleyʼs top 10 list on “Professionalism and the Turfgrass Manager”: » 1. Professionalism means “giving your best.”

It doesn’t necessarily mean “being the best,” but instead it requires you to put your best effort into everything you do.

» 2. Be yourself.

It is pretty easy to spot a phony, and I think it is important to remain true to your identity, values, etc. There are times and places, though, where we must consider our surroundings and how we present ourselves and our opinions. I remember two quotes heard over the years: “You only get one chance to make a first impression,” and “It’s great to be yourself, as long as your self can pay the bills.”

» 3. Respect everyone.

Every person I encounter has skills, talents or knowledge that I don’t have, and there is always something to learn.

» 4. Professionals are good listeners.

Slow down, and L-I-S-T-E-N.

» 5. Try to keep “the job” away from home.

Find and/or make time to unwind from the stresses of your job somewhere away from your family.

» 6. Donʼt be afraid to resolve conflicts.

Address problems promptly, rather than waiting for problems to take care of themselves.

» 7. Establish a reliable network of professionals.

Keep growing that network — from within and outside your industry — as much as possible.

» 8. Use professional terms when speaking.

This goes a great way towards improving the perception of others regarding your profession and job. For instance, you are a “golf course superintendent,” not a “grass cutter.” You are a “sports turf manager,” not “the guy that drags the dirt.” Don’t hesitate to throw a little scientific terminology into the discussion when the opportunity presents.

» 9. Give something back.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be money (although there are some great initiatives to fund), as your time and attention to others are frequently more valuable than any financial contribution. I recall a homily at church given by our deacon (and professor of agriculture economics at Virginia Tech), Mike Ellerbrock, regarding paying your “social mortgage.” Deacon Mike’s point was that you should not feel guilty or the need to apologize for having a successful career, a great family, a nice home, etc. What you should try to do, however, is to find some way to make payments on your social mortgage by doing something beyond the minimum for your profession, your church, your community, etc. I am always asked, “So, Goatley, what is your social mortgage payment?” My wife and I teach sacramental preparation for the 2nd grade CCD class at St. Mary’s church. I used to think it was tough teaching college students, but I have learned otherwise. I have developed a whole new appreciation for grade-school teachers.

» 10. Put your resources to work.

A lot of topics aren’t necessarily our favorites when it comes to paying attention: labor issues, budgetary issues, environmental issues, etc. Often, however, professionals within your organization are staying abreast of these topics for you.

My top 10 tips and thoughts on professionalism are certainly in no particular order, and I know that you could easily come up with many others of more importance to you. The following details a more complete listing of tips for professionalism from Lisa Goatley’s background in counseling services. I am pleased to see some overlap in my list and hers, as it suggests that maybe I have been listening over the years!

PROFESSIONALISM

By Lisa Goatley, MS-LPC, New River Valley Community Services, Blacksburg, VA

Making a Good First Impression • Dress and groom appropriately.

• Maintain a positive attitude.

• Indicate an air of confidence.

• Cultivate an image of maturity through your words and actions.

• Demonstrate a willingness to accept new challenges.

• Speak with a pleasant, positive tone of voice, particularly when your first interactions tend to be over the telephone.

• Make the first 30 seconds count! Rehearse introductions, if necessary.

• Make the last 30 seconds count! Make a unique, personal impression.

Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships • Remember: Building relationships takes an investment of time and energy.

• Maintain high standards of courtesy and respect.

• Be accessible, and respond promptly.

• Respect the opinions and feelings of others.

• Treat others as they would like to be treated.

• Maintain personal ethical standards.

• Cultivate an attitude of service — you and your position exist because you have people who need your help.

• Accept accountability for your actions.

• Always respond in a dignified manner, demonstrating respect for yourself and respect for others.

• Handle complaints and problems promptly.

Handling Problems/ Service Recovery • Own the problem.

• Empathize/summarize.

• Take action, and offer options.

• Follow up.

Professionalism. Don’t discount how important being a professional is for your career and your relationships with others. Our guest speakers that come to town to talk to our turf students always tell them, “Growing the grass is the easiest part of a successful career in turf management. It’s all that other ‘stuff’ that really requires some effort.” Truer words were never spoken.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

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Career Tips

By Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

If

you go to business events and no one remembers you afterward, what was the point in attending? Networking is an important part of building your business and developing good social contacts. However, such contacts only work if you make yourself memorable. Happily, this doesn’t mean you have to be bizarrely dressed or loud and boisterous.

My professional life is spent helping professionals speak more effectively to large and small groups.

It never ceases to amaze me how many talented and well-educated people attend networking events, yet overlook their big chance to be memorable by developing a minipresentation for audiences of one to five. All speaking is public speaking. Outside the privacy of your own home, you are speaking in public, no matter the size of your audience.

Here are some strategies that let you walk into a room with quiet self-assurance, confident that people will enjoy meeting you and will recall you afterwards.

1.

Arrive looking your best.

If you have a hectic day before going to a business meeting, keep a change of clothes in your office or car so you can arrive unwrinkled.

2.

Wear your nametag.

3.

Develop a memorable signature.

We’re all more likely to retain information that we see and hear at the same time, so wear your nametag up on your right shoulder. That way, people can read it as they hear you say your name. Some women put their nametags down on their handbags or in the most inappropriate places. Put it where people are not afraid to look!

Men can wear ties that people will comment on. An investment banker I know wears a money tie. At certain meetings, industry events and the National Speakers Association, I stand out because I wear distinctive

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hats. When people are asked, “Do you know Patricia Fripp?” the usual reply is, “Yes, she’s the one who always wears the amazing hats.”

4.

Develop an unforgettable greeting.

When you introduce yourself, don’t just say your name and job title.

Instead, start by describing the benefits of what you do for clients.

A financial planner says, “I help rich people sleep at night.” One of my responses is, “I make conventions and sales meetings more exciting.” Almost invariably, my new acquaintance is compelled to ask, “How do you do that?” Immediately, I get to market myself: “You know how companies have meetings that are supposed to be stimulating, but they’re often dull and boring? Well, I present practical ideas in an entertaining way so people stay awake, have a good time and get the company’s message. My name is Patricia Fripp, and I’m a professional speaker.”

People remember the vivid pictures

you create in their minds more than the words you say.

5.

Greet everyone.

6.

Overcome any shyness.

Don’t ignore people you recognize if you’ve forgotten their name. Smile and ask a provocative question like, “What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you since we last met?” or “What is your greatest recent success?” or “What are you most looking forward to?”

And never be afraid to say, “The last time we met, we had such a great conversation. Will you remind me what your name is?” Best-selling author Susan RoAne tells people, “Forgive me for forgetting your name. Since I passed forty, it’s hard to remember my own.”

Much of the value of networking events can be lost if you allow yourself to focus on being unassuming or fundamentally shy. For many people, mingling with a room full Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 23

Career Tips continued

of strangers can be an unpleasant or even scary experience. Focus on the benefits of meeting exciting new contacts and learning new information, instead of worrying about any butterflies in your stomach.

Until you’ve gained confidence, a good way to do this is to offer to volunteer for a job that requires interacting with other attendees, such as volunteering to be a greeter.

Greeters stand at the entrance, with a nametag denoting them as “Greeter.” They have a specific job: “How do you do? I’m Chris Carter.

Welcome to the Chamber mixer.

Is this your first event? Please find your nametag; the food is in the next room, and our program will start in thirty minutes.” Soon you will start feeling like the host of the party. You’ve met many new people and will get cheery nods of recognition throughout the event,

making it easy to stop and talk later. When you focus on helping others feel comfortable, you are not thinking about you being shy!

7.

Travel with your own PR agent.

This is a powerful technique that maximizes your networking. Form a duo with a professional friend.

When you arrive, alternately separate and come together, talking up each other’s strengths and expertise.

Suppose you and Fred are coworkers. As Fred walks up, you say to the person you’ve been talking to, “Jack, I’d like you to meet our sales manager, Fred. Fred has taught me nearly everything I know about sales and our product line. In the sixteen years at our company, there has never been a sales contest he has not won.”

Then, Fred can say, “Well, Jane is being very generous. It’s true; I’ve been with our company for sixteen years, and Jane has been here for only six months. But, she has brought in more new business in that short time than any other person in the fifty-three year history of our firm. Thank goodness, I’m now the sales manager and can’t compete. She is going to overshadow the rest of us. Her ability to listen to clients’ needs gives her a competitive edge.”

When you do this, you’re saying about each other exactly what you would love your prospects to know, but modesty prevents you from telling them. Also, by saying something interesting, memorable or funny, you become objects of interest to your listeners. Imagine the next day when they go to work and talk about the networking event they attended. They will repeat your funny lines, making themselves an object of interest. Any time you can make someone feel good about themselves, they are very likely to remember you!

8.

Always send a note or brochure the next day to the people you have met.

Keep business cards, and make notes of what you said, for when you meet them at another event.

These are all positive, pleasant, easy ways to be memorable. Get the most out of your networking time and energy by making yourself worth remembering!

About the Author Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, keynote speaker, executive speech coach and sales-presentation skills expert, works with organizations and individuals who realize they gain a competitive edge through powerful, persuasive, presentation skills. She is past president of the National Speakers Association. To learn more about Patricia, contact her at www.fripp.com, (415) 753-6556 or pfripp@ix.netcom.com.

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Recent Event

VIRGINIA/MARYLAND SOD GROWERS

6TH BI-ANNUAL FIELD DAY at Woodward Turf Farms, October 6, 2012

By Melissa Reynolds, VSG President and VTC Past President • Photos by Cindy Woodward, Woodward Turf Farms

The

Virginia Sod Growers organization held its sixth bi-annual Field Day on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the host farm of Woodward Turf in Remington, Virginia. This event, held jointly with the Maryland Sod Growers, was the second time that Scott, Cindy, Skip, Ray Woodward and their dedicated

Tom Lavery (left), of Lavery’s Sod Farm, catches a lift from Scott Woodward, host of the 2012 Field Day.

personnel have hosted a Field Day, with their first show being ten years earlier. Field Day 2010 was hosted for the first time by a Maryland turfgrass member, Collins Wharf Sod Farm.

In addition to excellent early fall weather and hearty lunch fare, this year’s Field Day participation was an outstanding accomplishment, with Virginia and Maryland sod producers and families in attendance, for a total of 61 folks. The Field Day was well supported by loyal vendors and suppliers, including Trebro, Pennington Seed, Bucyrus Equipment, Jonathan Green, Kesmac/Brouwer, James River Equipment, Newsom Seed and First Products.

Before lunch, Derek Cataldi (Virginia Tech graduate research assistant) made a presentation to the attendees on a three-year bio-solid research project conducted at Woodward Turf Farms. This research project, conducted through a USDA grant, promoted valid information on bio-solids’ application to turfgrass sod production.

All the equipment vendors were well able to demonstrate the functionality of their machines due to the great sod quality of the Woodward’s fescue production. As well, due to the generous nature of the vendors (through donations) and of the attendees (ticket purchases), the “on-its-way-to-becoming-famous” Field Day Raffle (originated by Cindy Woodward in 2002) generated nearly $600.00. These funds enable our organization to donate research dollars to the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation, to which a donation is made nearly every year from this modest-sized organization.

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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

| 27

Industry News

Syngenta Acquires

Insecticide Business from DuPont Professional Products In early October 2012, Syngenta announced that it had closed the acquisition of the DuPont Professional Products insecticide business. As a result of this transaction, Syngenta now owns industry-leading insecticide brands Altriset®, Advion®, Arilon®, Acelepryn®, Calteryx® and Provaunt®.

A number of DuPont Professional Products employees have also joined Syngenta.

“These key assets will provide the Lawn & Garden Turf and Landscape business with new offerings and capabilities to scale our business so that we can meet the needs of our growing customer base,” stated Tim Kroenke, head of Syngenta Lawn and Garden North America. “With the addition of these recognized brands, Syngenta can address critical customer needs in the professional turf

and pest control markets with an expanded portfolio of industry-leading, proven technology.”

Scott Reasons, head of Turf & Landscape North America, concurred. “The closing of the acquisition provides Syngenta with new capabilities to build upon our strong pest-management heritage with nextgeneration chemistry and expand our leadership position in turf. We are excited about the range of offerings and additional capabilities we can now provide our customers.”

In addition to targeting the professional turf- and pest-management markets, Syngenta will pursue adjacent market opportunities in ornamental horticulture and the consumer space. The closing price for the acquisition was $125 million.

28 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2013 www.vaturf.org

TURFGRASS CALENDAR January 14–18

January 28–30

February 11–15

March 5

NCNLA Green & Growin’ Show

VTC 53rd Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Trade Show

TPI Mid-Winter Conference

Mid-Atlantic USGA Green Section Regional Meeting

(NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC

January 15–19 STMA Annual Conference & Exhibition

Daytona Beach, FL

DIGITAL Marketplace

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center Fredericksburg, VA

February 6–7 Golf Industry Show

San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA

Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

$*52120,& /$:1 0$1$*(0(17

(Turf Producers Intl.)

San Antonio, TX

February 14–15 Chesapeake Green 2013 — A Horticulture Symposium

Maritime Institute & Conference Center Linthicum Heights, MD

ZZZ )HUWLOL]H:LWK$/0 FRP 648$'521 &2857 68,7( ‡ 9,5*,1,$ %($&+ 9$

March 12 Mid-Atlantic USGA Green Section Regional Meeting

Woodholme Country Club Pikesville, MD

February 26 Pesticide Recertification, Fertilizer Certification and Landscape Design with Turfgrass

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center Virginia Beach, VA

Index of Advertisers Agronomic Lawn Management ..........................30 www.fertilizewithalm.com

Country Club of Virginia Richmond, VA

Aqua-Aid, Inc.........................21 BASF ......................................17 www.basf.com Buy Sod....... Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com Capitol Sports Fields ............15 www.capitolsportsfields.com Collins Wharf Sod Farm.......23 www.collinswharfsod.com Egypt Farms Inc. ...................28 www.egyptfarms.com Ernst Conservation Seeds ....21 www.ernstseed.com Genesis Turfgrass .................30 www.genesisturfgrass.com Gowan Company.............17, 27 www.gowanco.com

Luck Stone Corporation.......24 www.luckstone.com Mid Atlantic Sports Turf ........5 Modern Turf, Inc....................9 www.modernturf.com Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc. .....16 www.oakwoodsod.com Quali-Pro ... Inside Front Cover www.quali-pro.com RBB Sales & Consulting, Inc......................27 www.rbbturflandscape consultants.com Smith Turf & Irrigation ................Back Cover www.smithturf.com Smithseed Services ...............30 www.smithseed.com Southern States Cooperative .............................7 www.southernstates.com

Harmon Turf Services .........25 www.harmonturfservices.com

The Andersons Technologies, Inc. ..................5 www.andersonsgolfproducts.com

Horizon Distributors ..............3

VA Dryject .............................11

KWMI/K&W Products, Inc. ........................29 www.wmitsh.com

Winfield Solutions, LLC.........6

Leading Edge Communications ...................23 www.leadingedge communications.com

Woodward Turf Farms Inc. .28 www.woodwardturf.com