Volume • 64 No.

3
May • June 2002

Inside:
OTF News
See pages 4–7

Chinch Bugs Revisited

See page 22–26

Landscape Entomology
Program 2002
See pages 30–33

Dr. John R. Street conducts considerable fertility,

weed control, and PGR research at the OTF Research
and Education Facility. Dr. Street (left) and Debi
Holdren, Research Associate (right) are evaluating
the effect of PGR's on Poa annua seedhead control
using a point-quadrant method. (See OTF TurfNews
Vol. 64 No. 2 for research results).
 Sponsored By:

May • June 2002

TurfNews distributes useful and timely advice,

information and research from Ohio’s most
knowledgeable experts and professionals to
OTF members and those in the turfgrass industry.
Vol. 64 • No. 2 • 2002
TurfNews is produced by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation,
PO Box 3388, Zanesville, Ohio 43702–3388,
1–888–OTF–3445 and is available to all members.
Inside:
www.ohioturfgrass.org Message From The
2002 OTF President . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

OTF Calendar of Events 2002 OTF News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7

New Growth and Technology

OTF/OSU Turfgrass Research Field Day New Herbicide “Drive” Improves

August 14, 2002 Postemergence Crabgrass Tools . . . 8–11
OTF Research & Education Facility

OTF Annual Golf Tournament International Perspective

October 3, 2002 To An Australian... . . . . . . . . . . . 12–15
City of Blue Ash Golf Course, Cincinnati, Ohio
Sports Turf Tips
2002 OTF Conference & Show Techniques For Successful Summer
December 9–12, 2002
Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio Renovations/Re-Seeding. . . . . . . . 16–20
Related Events: HortShorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
OSTMA Summer Field Day
June 26, 2002 New Growth and Technology
New Hen House at Fifth/Third Field (Toledo Mud Hens) Chinch Bugs Revisited . . . . . . . . . 22–26
Toledo, Ohio
740-452-4541 Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
OLCA/OSTMA Golf Outing New Growth and Technology
July 25, 2002, Apple Valley Golf Course
Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Summer Decline in Ohio
740-452-4541 or 800-510-5296 Putting Greens in the Shade! . . 28–29
OLCA Diagnostic Seminar New Growth and Technology
August 15, 2002, OTF Research & Education Facility
800-510-5296 Landscape Entomology
OSTMA Fall Field Day Program 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–33
Message from the Director of Education . . . . . . . 34
August 20, 2002, Cincinnati Christian Hills Academy
Cincinnati, Ohio
740-452-4541 Corporate Sponsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
For more information or to register for OTF events, please contact
the OTF office at 888-683-3445 or visit www.ohioturfgrass.org.

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 2

Message From
The President IN MEMORIAM
Ron Giffen, popular OTF
President and LESCO
Executive, passed away April 2
at the age of 83. Ron served as

Building Relationships an OTF Trustee for several

years before becoming
President of OTF in 1980.
Ron also received the OTF
R egardless of the business we are in, Professional Excellence Award
in 1981 and an OTF Special
every one of us is in the business of build-
ing relationships. Personal and profession- Recognition Award in 1985.
al success often depend on how adept we Ron’s wife Peg died about 90
are at forging and sustaining productive days prior to Ron’s passing.
associations with a variety of people and Ron was a WW II veteran where
at different levels of familiarity. he served in the U S Navy and
As a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven survived a famous sea battle in
organization dedicated to supporting the Pacific. Ron was born and
Ohio’s turfgrass industry, OTF’s very raised in the Boston, MA area.
existence relies on its ability to nurture Ron was a long time employee
synergistic relationships throughout all sectors of the green industry. of LESCO where he worked as
This rich tradition of cooperation and interdependence between the a local sales rep before becom-
foundation and its members, supporters and affiliates took root during ing Sales Manager and VP of
OTF’s infancy more than four decades ago. Lawn Care Sales.
Your current board of trustees and management group understand
clearly how essential relationship building is to the viability of the
foundation. To this end, at our last board meeting, the trustees
approved a landmark motion that established the Ohio Sod
Producers’ Association as an official “division” within OTF. Although
the foundation now enjoys a strong and productive relationship with
the Ohio Lawn Care Association and the Ohio Sports Turf Managers’
Association, this recent action creates an organizational bond between
OTF and OSPA that is unique in our history.
In essence, the agreement creates a separate division within OTF’s
organizational structure under which OSPA will function as an
autonomous body. OSPA’s board and self-governing powers remain 2002 Memberships Due
intact, while its daily managerial functions fall to Offinger
Management Co. By virtue of a shared dues structure, OSPA members Have you renewed your 2002
automatically become OTF members and therefore, enjoy equally the OTF Membership yet? If not,
benefits afforded by both organizations. Revenues generated by OSPA now is the time to renew your
will appear as restricted funds on OTF’s books and any expenses membership to OTF and your
incurred by OSPA will be paid from those funds. OSPA members will commitment to Ohio's turfgrass
be encouraged to become active participants on OTF committees, industry. To continue to receive
particularly on the two committees responsible for planning the TurfNews, to be listed in the
annual conference and show. annual OTF Membership
Your board is excited by the potential benefits presented by this Directory, and other valuable
new affiliation. We believe the relationship will serve as a model for member benefits, please call
how other green industry organizations, both within and outside of OTF at 888-683-3445.
Ohio, can meld their resources with OTF for the betterment of their
respective members and the industry as a whole.

Sincerely,

Mark Heinlein
2002 OTF President

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 3

OTF News
Exciting New Member
Benefit Unveiled
T he OTF Membership Services Committee is
planning a new member benefit, “The Golf Partnership
Program”, that will enable members to receive compli-
mentary greens fees at participating golf courses.
Here’s out it works:
Golf Courses: A letter was mailed in April to all
member golf courses explaining the program and
inviting them to participate. Participating golf courses
may develop their own set of restrictions. Each course
and its restrictions will be listed in future issues of
TurfNews and on the OTF website. The restrictions may
be changed by the goft course at any time.
The golf course has the option to:
1. comp only one OTF member per round per group
2. restrict when rounds may be played
3. decline the member if all tee times are full
4. withdraw from the program at any time
OTF Members: As an OTF Member, you receive a
membership card. When you call a participating golf
course for a tee time, in advance, and inform them that
you are an OTF member, you receive complimentary
greens fees.
The OTF Member must:
1. rent a cart
2. call at least 4 days in advance to make a tee time
3. present his/her OTF membership card
It’s a win-win deal! The golf course generates rev-
enue from the cart rental, additional paying golfers, and
food and beverage sales. The member saves money
while playing a variety of golf courses around the state.
Please watch your next issue of TurfNews for a listing
of participating golf courses. You may also check on par-
ticipating courses at www.ohioturfgrass.org. If you have
questions, please call OTF at 888-683-3445.
We hope you enjoy this new benefit of your mem-
bership in OTF!
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 4
Annual Golf Tournament Announced
The OTF Golf Tournament Committee is pleased to
announce that this year’s golf tournament will be held
Thursday, October 3, City of Blue Ash Golf Course,
Cincinnati, OH.
The City of Blue Ash Golf Course is located on the
north side of Cincinnati off I-71, making it very accessible
for much of the state.
The Jack Kidwell/Michael Hurdzan designed Blue Ash
Golf Course opened in July 1979. It is rated in the top
75 courses in America by Golf Digest and has received four
stars in Golf Digest’s Places to Play. In 2000, the course
underwent a renovation of all sand traps and the rebuild-
ing of four greens, designed by David Whelchel, architect
from Hurdzan & Fry Golf Course Design Company. Dan
Walter is the Superintendent at Blue Ash.
“We appreciate the willingness of the City of Blue Ash
to allow OTF to host the tournament on a Thursday,
instead of the traditional Monday”, said Mark Jordan, Golf
Tournament Committee Chair. “By moving it to Thursday,
we are trying to accommodate OTF members who typically
are unable to attend the tournament when it is hosted
on a Monday.”
The Blue Ash Golf Course is owned and operated by
the City of Blue Ash. Open to the public, it receives over
40,000 rounds per year. The greens, tees, and fairways all
consist of bentgrass and were converted from bluegrass in
the late 1980’s. Blue Ash is on 125 acres of gently rolling
land with elevation changes on several holes. The greens
are very undulating which make the course much more
difficult than it appears. The fairways are very tight, and
several condominiums and houses abut the course, making
it a golfing community.
“Blue Ash hosted an excellent OTF tournament back in
the early eighties,” reported former Committee Chair
Hank Chafin. “We look forward to seeing the changes that
have taken place since then.”
Information and registration materials will soon be
mailed to all OTF members.
The registration form and general information
are available on the OTF website at
www.ohioturfgrass.org. Call 888-683-3445
for more information.
OSU/OTF Research Field Workers’ Comp
Day to Co-Exist with Group Rating Saves
OLCA Diagnostic Premium Dollars
Seminar Again in 2002
T he Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is pleased to invite
A ll turfgrass professionals interested in learning
members to participate in our workers’ compensation
group rating program for the 2003-2004 group year.
about current research at The Ohio State University,
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation has joined together
and/or hands-on turfgrass diagnostics should plan to
with Compensation Consultants Inc. (CCI), one of the
spend August 14 and 15 at the OTF Research &
industry leaders in workers’ compensation cost con-
Education Facility in Columbus.
trol, to administer our workers’ compensation group
To further their collaborative efforts, OTF, Ohio
rating program.
Lawn Care Association (OLCA), and OSU have
Through our group rating program, employers
planned this year’s turfgrass field days to co-exist—
can save up to 95% on their premiums for the 2003-
offering specific information for those in attendance.
2004 group year. Since there is no guarantee that the
The annual OSU/OTF Turfgrass Research Field
BWC will continue to offer the 75% discount for the
Day will be held Wednesday, August 14, and will follow
2003-2004 group year, it is even more important for
a similar format as in past years. This is a great chance
employees to consider joining a group rating plan.
to view the research results and learn about current
However, should the BWC continue the discount, the
research on active turfgrass and ornamental studies
group rating discount reduces your premium before
conducted by OSU researchers.
the 75% dividend credit is ever applied, creating a
The OLCA Diagnostic Seminar, with hands-on
double savings.
weed and insect identification and control, trou-
As a group, employers pay far lower premiums
bleshooting, annual and perennial grass control, and
than they do otherwise as individual employers. The
more, will follow on Thursday, August 15.
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)
Both Field Days provide an excellent opportunity
adjusts the individual employer’s rate using the claims
to learn from many of the country’s best in turfgrass
history of the group of employers as a whole, as if the
research and education, tour the OTF Research &
group was one big company.
Education Facility, and network with industry peers.
Even if your company is currently enrolled in
The OTF Program Development Committee is
another group rating program or did not qualify for
also pleased to announce a new program that will be
group rating last year, you should still receive an analy-
offered at this December’s OTF Conference & Show.
sis and compare rates. Each year the BWC assigns new
At 8:00 am on Tuesday, December 10, will be a new
rates based on an employer’s payroll and experience.
general session called 2002 OSU Turfgrass Research
Companies who did not previously qualify due to a
Report. This will provide attendees of the Field Day,
penalty rating may qualify this year.
and all other interested individuals the opportunity to
To apply for the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation
learn about the results of OSU’s 2002 turfgrass
Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program,
research.
contact CCI at 800.837.3200, ext. 7248 for a no-cost,
Brochures and registration information will no-obligation analysis of your potential savings in
be mailed to all OTF members in July. For our program. Members may also visit CCI at
more information, contact the OTF office at www.cciworkerscomp.com to complete their
888-683-3445, or visit the OTF website at application online.
www.ohioturfgrass.org.

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 5

OTF News
OTF Research Trust “OTRT”—
A Name You Should Know!
T he Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust has been very active
during the first half of 2002! For those of you not familiar
with OTRT, it was formed several years ago by The Ohio
Turfgrass Foundation as a 501(c)(3) Foundation to serve
two very important functions for The Ohio Turfgrass
Foundation.
First is Fundraising—As a 501(c)(3) Foundation,
OTRT is the fundraising arm of OTF, given it’s charitable,
tax-deductible status in the eyes of the Internal Revenue
Service. Many OTF Members have already made tax-
deductible donations to OTRT and we would encourage
more people involved with turfgrass to continue to think of
OTRT when contemplating donations. Our most recent
fundraising event was the Live Auction that was held during
the OTF Conference & Show last December. We had a wide
variety of items donated to the Auction and we were able to
raise over $14,000 to help support Turfgrass Research and
Education here in Ohio. The OTRT Board of Directors is
currently laying the groundwork for a major fundraising
drive. While details are still in the formative stage, OTRT
intends to raise a substantial amount of money that can be
used to fund our second reason for existence. . .
OSTMA/OLCA Golf Outing
Attention Golfers! Mark you calendar for the
1st annual Collaborative Golf Outing spon-
sored by the Ohio Lawn Care Association
and the Ohio Sports Turf Managers
Association. Golfers from all across the
industry are invited to gather for this great
event! Take a break from your busy summer
schedule and join your peers on Thursday,
July 25, 2002 at Apple Valley Golf Course in
Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The day will include golf,
food, beverages, awards and relaxation.
Event brochures will be mailed soon.
If you have any questions, please call
740-451-4541 and ask for PJ Lindquist.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 6
Funding Turfgrass Research and Education—OTRT
also serves as the funding arm of The Ohio Turfgrass
Foundation. The OTRT Board, in conjunction with it’s
RRAC Committee (Research Review and Advisory
Committee) this year has reviewed proposals and agreed
to fund projects totaling $134,799. This money will be
distributed to Ohio State University Turf Programs in both
Columbus and the OSU/ATI Facility in Wooster, Ohio to
support both facility maintenance costs and the individual
programs of the turf facility at both campuses.
OTRT is directed by a six member Board of Directors
who, together with the OTF Board, work hard to make
The Ohio State University Turf Program the best turf
program in the country! The OTRT Board’s six directors,
composed of Doug Halterman, Mark Heinlein, Paul
Jacquemin, Bob O’Brien, Gene Probasco, and Randy
Tischer, all hope you will help support turfgrass research
and education through your continued “tax deductible”
donations. OTRT is dedicated to a strong turf program
here in Ohio and appreciates your past support as we look
towards an even bigger and better future.
OSTMA Summer Field Day
The Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association
will be hosting a Summer Field Day at the
New Hen House at Fifth/Third Field in Toledo.
This new facility opened in April and is the
new home for the Toledo Mudhens. This
event will be a joint event between the
OSTMA and the MiSTMA chapters of the
STMA. Speakers will include Heather
Nabozny, Head Sports Turf Manager for the
Detroit Tigers, Jeff Limburg, Head Sports Turf
Manager of the Toledo Mudhens, Joe Zelinko,
Athletic Field Services, and a motivational
speaker for the University of Toledo football
program. This will be a great educational as
well as networking event. The registration fee
for the event will also include a ticket to the
game that night at the stadium.

OLCA Elects New
Board and Officers
T he Ohio Lawn Care Association (OLCA)
is sure to have a bright future ahead with the
announcement of the election of three Board
Members to the ranks. Officers serve a one-
year term and Board Members serve three-
year terms. OLCA proudly announces that
the following officials will lead the lawn care
industry to new successes:
• Fred Schillinger, Turf Doctor Corp., has been
elected to the position of president of OLCA.
Schillinger joined the association in 1993 and
has served five years as secretary/treasurer
and two years as vice president of OLCA.
• Kim Kellogg, Grasshopper Property
Maintenance, has been elected to the vice
presidential seat of OLCA. Kellogg joined
OLCA in 1995, became a Board Member in
‘98, served two years as secretary/treasurer
and is currently the editor of the OLCA
newsletter.
• Jeff Snyder, Green Oaks Landscape
Management, has been elected secretary/
treasurer of OLCA.
• Joe Reynolds, Black Diamond, Inc., will now
serve as immediate past president of OLCA.
Reynolds is a businessman and an educator
for the green industry, teaching Turf
Management at Owens Community College.
President Fred Schillinger comments, “OLCA
continues its commitment to promote and pro-
tect the Lawn Care Industry in Ohio. To do that
successfully, it will take leadership, commitment,
and teamwork from OLCA members, the Board,
and its officers. With the roster of competent
leaders recently elected by our membership,
OLCA can look forward to a healthy future!”
The Ohio Lawn Care Association is commit-
ted to promoting and protecting the Lawn Care
Industry in Ohio. To receive additional informa-
tion about OLCA, contact PJ Lindquist at
PO Box 3388, Zanesville, OH USA 43702-3388;
Phone 800-510-5296; Fax 740-452-2552;
E-mail plindquist@offinger.com;
Web www.ohiolawncare.org.
WILL IT SELL?
The big questions for the OTRT Auction are can we
get enough items to hold an auction and will the items
sell? Getting the items is usually not a problem. We get
great support from our exhibitors, members and friends.
Last year we had 112 items that were sold by the auction-
eer. After the auction, the OTRT Directors are always
amazed at how much one item brings and how little is
offered for an equal or similar item. Product mix is
extremely important to most businesses and it is to our
auction. We divided this past auction into various cate-
gories by % of total dollars. Here’s the breakdown—
• Sporting Event Tickets and Outings—23%
• Seed, Sod, Fertilizer, Sand—17%
• Turf Equipment—16%
• Autographs, Pictures and Books—16%
• Turf Chemicals—15%
• Golf Clothing, Clubs and Balls—5%
• Miscellaneous—7%
As you can see we sell many different items at the auc-
tion. About 60% of the items were products sold by our
exhibitors. The other 40% came from folks like us who
donated golf outings, event tickets, memorabilia, etc.
Some of the autographs came from a collection that one
of our members owned, while other autographs came
from people who didn’t know what to do with that old
autograph they found in their drawer. The Pete Dye auto-
graph came from a Superintendent that told Pete about
OTF and got him to autograph a flag. The Patty Berg
autograph resulted from an OTF member who had a
friend that was also a friend of Patty Berg. Many times it
doesn’t take much to get something. Just say “I am a
member of a non profit organization that has given Ohio
State University over $4,000,000 for turfgrass research
and scholarships.” “May I have your autograph (or an
item) that we can sell at our annual auction?” Thank you.
There are many items out there that can be sold at
our annual auction. Now is the time to go after those
items. The courses are open and the teams are back.
Every year we get comments such as “I know somebody
that will give me an autograph.” “I’ll get some tickets or
arrange an outing next year.” For some reason many of
those good thoughts don’t materialize. Start early this
year and get some great items.
The auction is an excellent profit center. It is quick,
easy and cheap to operate. And more importantly our
members enjoy it. This year we plan on making some
changes that will make it even more enjoyable and prof-
itable. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or items to
donate contact me at genepro@infinet.com, fax 419-797-
4236, or phone me at 419-797-2176. I’m retired and away
many times so keep calling or leave a message. I want to
hear from you and I will return your call or e-mail.
Gene Probasco, OTRT Director, Auction Chairman
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 7
New Growth and Technology

New Herbicide “Drive” Improves

Postemergence Crabgrass Tools
By Dr. John R. Street and Pam J. Sherratt
The Ohio State University
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science

some broadleaf herbicide activity, especially on

D
RIVE (quinclorac) is the most recent addition
to the postemergence herbicide arsenal.
Drive has been a good to excellent post crab-
grass herbicide (Figures 1 and 2). The recommended
label rate of Drive is 0.75 lbs ai/A. Lower rates may
work on non-tillered crabgrass. However, where Drive
is being applied postemergence under a wide range of
environmental and landscape site conditions and
where crabgrass may be in various maturity stages
most consistent and reliable results will occur at the
0.75 lbs. ai/A rate. Drive efficacy does not appear to
be as sensitive to soil moisture as Acclaim or Acclaim
Extra. However, the label recommends applying Drive
when soils are moist. Drive can be applied in combi-
nation with broadleaf herbicides. Drive also exhibits
legumes like black medic and clover (see label).
Drive activity (rate of kill) is very rapid with crab-
grass kill usually occurring within 1–2 weeks after her-
bicide application. Young (non-tillered) crabgrass may
brown and die in less than one week. Drive activity is
obviously more rapid than Dimension or Acclaim
(Table 2). OSU research in 2000 showed that Drive
provided excellent late postemergence (6 tiller or
greater). Drive efficacy was somewhat variable at the
intermediate crabgrass maturity stage (2–4 tiller).
There are other research trials and field observations
that suggest that Drive efficacy at the intermediate
crabgrass maturity stages may be weak and/or vari-
able. OSU research results for Drive efficacy in 2000
averaged over several experiments are provided in
Figure 3.

Table 1.
Postemergence Herbicide Efficacy Activity Ranking

Activity Common Relative Specific

Herbicide Mode Name Activity Rate Activity Rate
Dimension Pre/Post Dithiopyr Slow 3 to 5 weeks
Acclaim Post Fenoxyprop ethyl Moderate 2 to 3 weeks
Acclaim Extra Post Fenoxyprop p-ethyl Moderate 2 to 3 weeks
Drive Post Quinclorac Rapid 7 to 10 days

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 8

 Figure 1. Efficacy of Various Postemergence Herbicides on Crabgrass (Digitaria) at Early
Postemergence (3–5 leaf to 1 tiller).Control rating at 4 weeks after aplication in June–July.
In lieu of these later reports, the authors at the
present time suggest avoiding or delaying Drive appli-
cations on 2–4 tiller crabgrass to a later maturity stage
when crabgrass is at 6 tiller or greater or monitoring
for the possibility of a follow-up spot treatment. This
approach should work effectively since Drive appears
to be more efficacious on more mature crabgrass than
on intermediate maturity crabgrass (Figure 3). Drive is
considered in the agricultural literature to have both
foliar and root activity and is used in some crops pre-
emergence. It has not performed well as a preemer-
gence herbicide in turf due to perhaps soil biomass
interactions not encountered in agricultural systems.
In fact, our OSU research implicates Drive as a pre-
dominantly foliar absorbed herbicide in the turfgrass
ecosystem. Several research results that support its
foliar activity include:
1. Drive granular formulations have exhibited
poor efficacy compared to the liquid (DF) for-
mulation (Figure 1).
2. Granular formulations have resulted in poor effi-
cacy when applied to either wet or dry foliage.
3. Irrigation applied shortly after Drive applications
significantly reduced efficacy. A rain fastness peri-
od of 6–12 hours was necessary to ensure accept-
able control (Table 1).
4. The addition of surfactant has significantly
improved efficacy. Some surfactants enhance
Drive efficacy more than others.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 9
 Figure 2. Efficacy of Various Postemergence Herbicides on Crabgrass (Digitaris) at Late
Postemergence (5–6 tiller and beyond). Control rating at 4 weeks after application in July–August
Drive herbicide used for postemergence crabgrass
control should, therefore, be treated as a foliar
absorbed herbidide. Application techniques to insure
maximum herbicide absorption by the foliage should
be used:
1. Apply when crabgrass is actively growing.
2. Apply when soil moisture is adequate.
3. Provide adequate spray contact/spray coverage
using an appropriate water volume.
4. Mow high grass prior to application to ensure the
herbicide contacts the crabgrass leaf surface.
5. Use a surfactant at 0.5% v/v. Best choices are
methylated seed oil or crop oil concentrates
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 10
6. Avoid irrigation or rainfall within at least
6–12 hours after application (i.e. label calls
for 24 hours).
In tolerance studies Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue,
and perennial ryegrass exhibited good to excellent
toleranc to Drive (Table 3). The fine fescues are less
tolerant of Drive. Creeping bentgrass is sensitive to
Drive herbicide with discoloration (primarily yellow-
ing) occurring at rates of 0.5 to 0.75 lbs ai/A. Higher
rates will not only discolor bentgrass but cause thin-
ning. Lower cut crabgras appears more sensitive to
Drive resulting in acceptable control at lower rates.
Superintendents using Drive at half rate or less can
reduce discoloration and still get acceptable control.
Sprayers must be operated carefully to eliminate over-
lap rates and at constant speeds to ensure proper
application rate.
 Figure 3. Drive Efficacy in 2000 Averaged Over Several Experiments at Various Crabgrass
Maturity Stages. Control ratings at 4 weeks after application in June–July–August at 0.75 lbs ai/A.

Drive and Acclaim Extra have no reliable preemer-
gence activity. Where early postemergence applica-
tions (i.e. early summer) are made with these latter
herbicides, preemergence herbicides may also need to
be applied to provide a chemical barrier, for the
remainder of the season. Drive and Acclaim Extra can
be mixed with other preemergence herbicides or
granular preemergence applications can be made sep-
arately. Remember, Dimension has both early post
and pre activity. Drive can be mixed with pheonoxy
herbicides, but Acclaim Extra cannot.
In seedings, Drive herbicide can be used for poste-
mergence crabgrass control with Kentucky bluegrass,
perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue at 30 days after
emergence or beyond. Fine fescues are more sensitive
to injury than other cool-season grasses. Drive will
effectively control or severely stunt mature crabgrass
favoring the competitive edge of the desirable grass.
Drive also provides some control or suppression of a
variety of broadleaf weeds. It is more efficacious and
safer than other postemergence annual grass options.
For example, Acclaim will stunt and can severely
injure young seedling cool season grasses. Drive is an
interesting new tool for annual grassy weed control in
spring and summer seedings. Remember, annual
grassy weed competition tends to be a major reason
why spring and summer seedings of cool season grass-
es fail.

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 11

 To an Australian..
Sara Kerr, a turfgrass major from
Australia, is currently undertaking
an internship at Augusta National
through the Ohio State University
International Intern Program.
I arrived in April 2001, for my first internship at
Kingsmill Resort in Virginia. During the seven months
at Kingsmill, I got to work and gain experience on all
three golf courses. I learned different management
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 12
styles from the superintendents and was fortunate to
experience PGA tournament preparation for the 2001
Michelob Championship in October. I believe that my
time at Kingsmill headed me in the right direction for
my next internship at the Augusta National in
Georgia, beginning in November.
Augusta national currently has 38 golf course staff,
including an afternoon crew. They have an excellent
training program for all employees and are most pro-
fessional in their training. The course is closed from
May to October for renovations, and at the time of my
arrival the course had just been opened for member
play. As you may imagine, the Augusta National is an
extremely private club so many things must remain
within the club and are highly confidential.
My first two weeks involved various training on
many pieces of equipment. Selected people are
assigned different green care runs daily. I have been
assigned to numbers 1 and 16 greens. My green care
run includes: mowing the two greens with pedestrian
mowers, repairing ball marks, blowing away debris
from the complex and raking the bunkers. We are
also to keep an eye on the dew patterns and watch for
any irregular patches that may form. If we see any-
thing forming, we take a sample and review it under
the microscope back in the soil lab.
Every month tissue tests are carried out to detect
any nutrient deficiencies that occur on a green.
Leading up to the masters, tests will be carried out
weekly. Grass clippings are collected and evaluated by
select employees. I have been lucky to be trained in
tissue testing, which is one of my favorite tasks. The
entire staff has a professional attitude and is excellent
in reporting anything they may notice on the course
to the superintendent or his assistants.
The greens are all bentgrass and, due to the con-
struction changes made every year, we have A1, L93,
and Penncross greens. Tees, fairways and second cut
are all over-seeded with perennial ryegrass as the dor-
mant bermuda/couch wouldn’t cut it. In America
“green is good”, so green sand is frequently used on
the course for masking divots.
At Augusta National the mowing patterns may dif-
fer from other courses. “Striping” is not wanted, so
fairways and the second cut are mowed in one direc-
tion. I have got to mow fairways and the second cut
and, as you may have seen on tv or in a magazine, we
go out with a crew of around eight in formation, and
are able to get the course cut out in a short time. The
tee boxes are cut half and half/light and dark.
One job that I may be assigned to after my greens
run is bunker repair and maintenance with the
bunker technician. The attention to detail here is
amazing and second to none. The bunkers are always
in excellent condition due to constant depth checking
and whitening. We are always aiming for a four-inch
depth on the bottoms and a one-inch depth on the
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 13
 faces. It may not show up on television, but the
bunkers have extremely steep faces and require con-
stant maintenance to keep them up to standard.
During windy days, they require water to prevent sand
from falling. This is taken care of by the bunker tech
and his crew.
Another operation I have been assigned to is
fertilizing greens and fairways. We pair up to fertilize,
with one person fertilizing and the other throwing
flags to mark where the fertilizer has been thrown to
prevent overlap and missed areas. I think this is a
great idea, and hope to use it later in my career if
I have the manpower.
At Augusta National, they are able to send large
crews out at one time to complete tasks with no dis-
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 14
ruption to play. An example of this is fly-mowing creek
and pond banks on holes 11,12,13,15 and16. Some
areas of the course require rotary mowing due to
slopes and wet areas. Again, we will be sent out in a
large group to complete the task as quick as possible.
As mentioned earlier, the club has an excellent
training program and is happy to assist you in learning
a particular area of the trade if you desire. I have been
fortunate enough to gain experience with the two
irrigation technicians. Like any other course, Augusta
National has blow-outs and sprinkler heads that
require repair. The course has around 2000 heads,
and the water is supplied from the city and Savannah
river.
One technique that is different to what I have
done in Australia is spraying greens. In Australia and
at Kingsmill, I was used to the application being put
out through a three boom sprayer. Here, it is applied
through a pedestrian spray hawk in which we go out
in pairs. One person will spray, the other will take
control of the hose. Again, they will send out a couple
of groups to prevent any disruption to play. After
completing all the greens, including the eleven greens
on the par three course, your legs have had a fine
work-out!
During busy play days, I have been assigned to
“greens checking,” which involves removing sand from
the greens that golfers have hit on from the bunkers.
Also, I am responsible for blowing debris away from
the tee and green complexes, repairing ball marks,
re-filling water coolers around the course and empty-
ing rubbish bins (trash cans). This is done to achieve
the best possible conditions for the members and
their guests.
At the moment we are currently keeping on top of
any weak areas around the course that may need to be
seeded. We achieve this by using a pro-seeder.
The cabin areas, magnolias, pine trees and straw,
along with the azalea flowerbeds, are maintained by
the nursery crew. I am sure once they bloom it is
going to look amazing and will add lots of color to the
course.
The golf course must always be lush, golfer friendly
and immaculate in every way. The par three course is
no exception, and is always in beautiful condition, just
like the big course.
The entire staff at Augusta National have made me
feel very welcome and are a great bunch to work with.
I am also pleased to report that I have four other girls
to work with. The masters are getting close and the
countdown has begun. The atmosphere is getting
exciting but we have many long days ahead in order
to get the course ready for the 2002 Masters!
The Ohio State University International Intern
Program offers internships to single 17 to 27-year-old
greenkeepers. The university offers 12 to 18 months
work training with the option to study at OSU during
the internship. They assist you while in America,
and handle health insurance, visa’s and accommoda-
tion, etc.
For more information on the program, contact
Mike O’Keeffe at (614) 292 7720 or e-mail:
mokeeffe@pop.service.ohio-state.edu
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 15
 Sports Turf Tips
Techniques for Successful Summer
Renovations/Re-seeding
John R. Street and Pamela J. Sherratt
M any athletic fields and other high traffic areas are
used frequently throughout much of the year. Peak use
periods on athletic fields are typically spring and fall
under multi-use sports. Unfortunately, peak use periods
coincide with optimum conditions for renovation/
reseeding practices. On many fields, however, the late
spring and summer seasons provide the only window of
opportunity (3 to 4 months) without traffic or activity
for turfgrass seeding and establishment.
It is a well known agronomic principle that summer
is not the best time to establish turfgrasses from seed.
Summer heat stress, drought (lack of rain), diseases,
and weed competition seriously limit the success of
establishing summer seedings. Therefore, establishment
of summer seeded turfgrasses requires careful manipu-
lation of irrigation, fertility, weed and disease controls.
In many cases, where large contiguous areas need to be
repaired, it may simply be best to consider sodding. The
time intervals required between sodding and play have
been reduced considerably today by the technology of
big roll sod and big roll, thick-cut sod. These latter
Table 1:
Estimated Costs of Sod For Athletic Field Use
Estimated Cost: Pick-Up Estimated Cost Delivered Estimated Cost Delivered &
Sod Type (square yard)
Big Roll
Regular Cut
Big Roll
Thick-Cut
Big Roll
Washed
Slab/Small Roll $1.00-$1.30
1. Prices will vary depending on grass species, sod thickness, transportation distance, etc. Prices above are rough estimates.
2. Removal of sod on existing fields is a service provided by some sod growers at roughly $1.00 - $1.25 per square yard.
3. Estimated sizes: Football field 6,000 square yards, Soccer field 10,000 square yards.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 16
approaches may not be as expensive
as you think. It would be wise to talk to
sod growers in your area about sodding
options and costs. Table 1 provides a general idea about
various sodding costs.
In some renovation situations, stripping the turf
away and laying sod may be the best turf establishment
option. The main advantage of sodding, of course, is
the immediate grass cover of the renovated area. It cer-
tainly increases the agronomic odds of success over
seeding in the summer. The sod can also be established
with less post maintenance care. Where major renova-
tion is required and establishment time is short, sod-
ding may be the only viable alternative. Site specific
management dictates that only certain portions of the
field may need sodding. For example, the center of a
football field may be the only area that requires extensive
renovation. It can be programmed for sod renovation
every year or every several years depending on conditions.
With regard to seeding, Table 2 provides a guide for
species selection based on time intervals between seed-
(square yard) Installed (square yard)
$1.50-$2.00 $2.50-$3.50
$4.00-$5.00 $5.00-$6.00
$2.50-$3.00 $3.50-$4.00
$1.30-$1.70
 Table 2: Species Selection Guidelines
for Sports Fields in Ohio
Time Available
Between Seed & Play Grass Blend/Mix % Weight
9 Months + Kentucky Bluegrass
9 Months + Tall Fescue
Kentucky Bluegrass
6 Months + Kentucky Bluegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
6 Months + Tall Fescue
Perennial Ryegrass
3 Months + Kentucky Bluegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Over-Seeding Perennial Ryegrass 50-100%
(during season) Kentucky Bluegrass up to 50%
ing and anticipated play. The seeding of Kentucky bluegrass
or tall fescue alone is difficult under short establishment
periods (i.e. 6 months or less) because there is limited time
for germination, seedling development, and stand matura-
tion prior to play or traffic. Tall fescue may produce a full
cover in less than six months; however, the immature grass
plants do not exhibit the wear tolerance (toughness) and
recuperative potential considered an attribute of this
species. The advantage under short establishment periods
goes to perennial ryegrass. It will germinate under ideal
conditions in 3-5 days, produce a full cover in 6-8 weeks,
and a reasonably mature stand in 3-4 months.
Irrigation/Watering Practices
Establishment of cool-season turfgrasses from seed in
the summer is both an art and a science. The number one
requirement to successful establishment of turfgrasses from
seed in the summer is access to irrigation and proper irriga-
tion or watering techniques. First, the seedbed must be
maintained moist but not excessively wet. Desiccation (dry-
ing out) of young seedlings can occur quickly during the
establishment phase, especially on sandy soils. Rapid drying
of the upper surface 1/2 - 1 inch on sandy soils is the num-
ber one reason for establishment failure. The maintenance
of proper surface moisture requires light, frequent irriga-
tion at a frequency that is sufficient to prevent the surface
seedbed from drying out. On hot, dry, windy days of sum-
mer, light irrigation or syringing may be required 4 to 6
times a day or more, starting in mid to late morning.
Remember, the key is not how much water is applied in the
initial weeks of establishment, but an irrigation frequency
that keeps the upper soil surface moist.
Irrigation/watering programs required to maintain
adequate moisture in the seedbed of renovated areas may
Germination and
Seed Rate Establishment
100% 1-2lbs/1000sq ft
Rates Vary:
90% 4-6lbs/1000sq ft Quick-Rapid
10% Perennial ryegrass
80% 2-3lbs/1000sq ft Moderate–
20% Quick
Tall Fescue
80% 5-6lbs/1000sq ft
20% Slow
Kentucky bluegrass
50% 3-4lbs/1000sq ft (>21 days for
50% germination & slow
establishment)
6-8lbs/1000sq ft
During Season
sometimes result in over watering of established
grass in adjacent areas. Site-specific manage the irri-
gation/watering to only the renovated areas of the
field, if possible. For example, if only the center of
the field has been renovated and reseeded, only pro-
gram the irrigation heads in those zones for light,
frequent watering or syringe cycles. Individual head
control is great for these kinds of specific irrigation
requirements.
It is also extremely important not to over water
the seeded areas. Saturated soils will tend to puddle
or pond water at the surface, resulting in increased
disease and/or scald of young seedlings. Do not
let portable sprinklers sit in areas unattended for
several hours creating saturated soil conditions.
Sprinklers must be cycled or moved on a regular
basis. This may require fairly frequent monitoring by
an employee through the establishment phase.
Some type of mulch should be considered (i.e.
straw, light compost, Penn mulch, hydroseeding,
etc.) to assist in moisture conservation, if possible.
The mulch will help maintain more uniform
seedbed moisture and reduce the irrigation frequen-
cy requirement.
Where automatic irrigation is not available, hand
watering the fields is another alternative (see photo).
Hand watering is labor intensive in that it does
require an individual to traverse the renovated areas
of the field several times during the day. However,
hand watering is advantageous in that it allows more
exact control over the amount of water applied, flex-
ibility in applying more water to dryer areas and less
water to wetter areas, and the application of water to
only those specific areas that have been reseeded. It
is actually the ideal approach in site specific manage-
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 17
 ment for watering renovated or seeded areas only.
The daily timing of irrigation/watering of renovat-
ed or seeded areas in the summer is also critical.
Irrigation/watering several times a day for the first 4-6
weeks after seeding is the first key to rapid successful
establishment. Under rapid drying conditions (i.e.
hot, dry, windy days), irrigation may need to be cycled
several times from late morning to mid to late after-
noon. It is critical to avoid evening irrigation/watering
to minimize disease. The turf canopy and soil surface
should be allowed to dry slightly going into the
evening hours. This will significantly reduce the
occurrence of summer seedling diseases like Pythium
and brown patch.
Seed and seeding rotting fungi are a common
problem on summer seedlings. Pythium can seriously
Light, frequent irrigation is crit-
ical to establishment success
in summer, Tupersan (siduron)
for preemergence and Drive
(quinclorac) for postemergence
weed control in new seedlings
are good tools.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 18
damage a young seedling stand in 24 to 48 hours.
Currently, fungicide seed treatments are the most
effective approach for controlling Pythium in newly-
sown areas. It is recommended as a safeguard in
summer seedlings to use seed treated with Subdue
(mefenoxam). Subdue treated seed is called Apron
treated seed. Subdue MAXX is also available as a
granular treatment. Another serious disease of young
seedling turf in the summer is Rhizoctonia. A number
of fungicides are available for Rhizoctonia control.
Check labels for appropriate fungicide use. Subdue
does not work on Rhizoctonia species.
Without automatic irrigation, watering can
become a rather laborious and expensive task for sum-
mer seedings. In this instance, it might prove fruitful
to take advantage of possible community support. A
Hand watering (syringing)
allows specific site manage-
ment of water to reseeded or
renovated areas only.
student, parent, retiree, or support group might be
willing to donate time to hand water or hand syringe
areas several times a day for several weeks after seed-
ing (from 11:00 am to 4:00-5:00 pm) until less fre-
quent irrigation is required. Those that donate time
might be recognized in the school and/or community
newspaper, in the sports program, or at half-time
during an event. Volunteers might be given free
season tickets to games. Competitions may be set up
with student teams if schools have a horticulture club
or program. Divide the field into two or more sections
and assign teams to compete for best establishment.
Team competition is a great practicum and motiva-
tional tool for student learning.
Seed-Soil Contact
Another important step for successful summer
seeding is to ensure good seed-soil contact. Do not
simply apply seed to hard, compacted soil. For small
areas, use a power dethatching/verticutting machine
to scarify and loosen the soil surface, or break the sur-
face crust with a hand spiker or hand dethatching
rake prior to seeding. Slit seeding is the preferred
method for renovation (see photo). Slit seeding pro-
vides good contact between the seed and soil. Good
seed-soil contact will lessen the likelihood for seedling
loss due to dessication.
Seeding Rate Temptation
Slightly higher seeding rates may be beneficial in
summer seedings to offset the potential of higher
seedling mortality and to increase the rate of grass
cover. However, the idea and/or human nature that
the more seed you sow the better the stand will be is
not an agronmically sound practice, especially in the
summer. Why? Research has shown that increased
seedling density may enhance Pythium severity.
Increased seedling density increases the germination
frequency of the Pythium propagules and also
enhances the plant-to-plant spread of the
pathogen. High seedling density also increases
the time between seed germination and
seedling maturation.
Slit seeding places turfgrass
seed in soil slits allowing for
good seed-soil contact and
improved moisture relations
with seedlings.
Fertilization
To enhance the rate of seedling establishment, it is
important to make periodic applications of starter fer-
tilizer consisting of an N-P-K ratio of 1-1-1 to 1-2-1. The
starter fertilizer should consist of at least 30-50% slow
release nitrogen to avoid fertilizer burn and reduce
lush, succulent growth. Apply the fertilizer to dry grass
and water it in immediately after application. The
starter fertilizer should be applied at 1.0 pound of
actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (# N/M) at the
time of seeding and at 0.5 # N/M rates every 3-4 weeks
thereafter through the establishment period (i.e. 3-4
months). The author’s experience is that proper
established fertilization can increase the establishment
rate by 3–4 fold.
Weed Control
Weed competition is another major reason for fail-
ure of summer seedings. Annual grasses, especially
crabgrass, and summer annual broadleaf weeds grow
rapidly and can quickly dominate and overtake a
seedling stand within weeks. Unfortunately, it is diffi-
cult to control summer weeds because few herbicides
are labeled as safe to use in newly seeded turf. There
are some preemergence and postemergence herbi-
cide tools that will help reduce weed competition with
reasonable margins of safety.
Tupersan (siduron) is the only safe preemergence
herbicide to use at the time of seeding or during the
establishment period (Table 3). Dimension is labeled
for pre/post annual grassy weed control in newly seed-
ed or sodded turf after the turf has established well.
All other preemergence herbicides are injurious to
young seedlings.
Drive, a relatively new postemergence crabgrass
herbicide, is an interesting new tool for summer seed-
ings. It can safely be used in seedling turf if delayed
until 30 days after seedling emergence. Fine fescues
AOTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 19
 are more sensitive to injury than other cool season
grasses. Drive will effectively control or severely stunt
mature crabgrass favoring the competitive edge of the
desirable grass. Drive also provides some control or
suppression of a variety of broadleaf weeds. It is more
efficacious and safer than other postemergence annu-
al grass options. For example, Acclaim will stunt and
can severely injure young seedling cool season grasses.
Drive will effectively control mature crabgrass that may
tend to dominate a seedling stand in the summer.
Remember, annual grassy weed competition tends to
be a major reason why summer seedings of cool sea-
son grasses fail. Only use these latter herbicides in
seeded turf when needed.
Broadleaf weeds can also be extremely competitive
in spring seedings of cool season grasses. The use of
traditional broadleaf weed herbicides (i.e. 2-4,D,
MCPP, dicamba, etc.) are too injurious to seedling
turf. There are few options and in most cases it is best
to avoid broadleaf herbicide applications in newly
established turf unless absolutely necessary.
Bromoxynil (BUCTRIL) is labeled and safe to use on
seedling turf for broadleaf weeds. Best weed control is
achieved if the weeds are less than 2 inches tall when
treated. 2-4,D can safely be used on young turf provid-
ed the turfgrass has been mown at least three times
and the use rate does not exceed 1.0 lb ai/acre.
In conclusion, summer seeding may be a necessary
option where windows of seeding opportunity are lim-
ited. There are many agronomic obstacles to the suc-
cess of summer seeding. Successful management of
summer seedings is both an art and a science. Proper
irrigation, fertility, disease and weed controls are criti-
cal to summer seeding success. It is not an alternative
establishment method for the weak of heart. It might
be best for many where personnel, resources, and
expertise are limited to look to sodding as the viable
option.
Dr. John R. Street
street.1@osu.edu
Pam J. Sherratt
sherratt.1@osu.edu

Table 3:
Selective Herbicides for Weed Control
in “Newly” Seeded Sports Turf
Herbicide Name Rate Application Timing & Method
Dimension 1EC—A selective 0.75fl oz product per Annual Grasses
preemergence and early post- 1,000ft2 (not to exceed May be used on seeded or sodded turf that
emergence herbicide that 1.5 fl oz/1,000ft2 per is well established. Grass must have good
provides control for weeds in application) root system and have received at least two
established turf or 0.25 lbs ai/A mowings following seeding/sodding.

Drive 75DF—A selective post-
emergence herbicide applied to
weeds actively growing.
1lb product per acre Annual Grasses
or 0.367 ounce per Apply to actively growing weeds as post-
1,000ft2 emergence broadcast or spot sprays. It is
or 0.75 lbs ai/A recommended not to mow 2 days before
or after applying Drive to maximize weed
control & minimize turf injury. Do not water
or irrigate for 24hrs after application. Delay
applications on new seedings until 30 days
after emergence.

Tupersan 50WP—Herbicide Use 4 to 12 pounds Annual Grasses

wettable powder for selective Tupersan Herbicide per Apply as final operation following seeding or
preemergence control of certain acre any time thereafter.When no more than 6
annual weed grasses in turf. or 2 to 6 lbs ai/A pounds of product per acre are used, re-treat
about one month later with an additional 4-6
pounds product per acre.
Bromoxynil—For post- 1.0—2.0 pints prod- Broadleaf Weeds
emergence broadleaf weed uct/Acre For use in nonresidential areas only. Best
control. weed control when weeds are less than 2” tall
when treated.

* Always follow manufacturers recommendations on label before applying any product to turfgrass areas

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 20

 HortShorts
By Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper and Joe Boggs
Ohio State University Extension
The Horticultural Problem Triangle
Plant pathologists often talk of the disease triangle, the idea that infec-
tious plant disease is a process, requiring: a susceptible host plant, an envi-
ronment conducive to disease and a virulent pathogen. This concept helps us
understand that all three components–not just the fungal, bacterial or viral
pathogens–are necessary for disease to occur. This idea may also be extend-
ed to insect and mite pests: susceptible hosts, environments that contribute
to pest infestations, and the pest themselves. Fittingly, there is a third three-
sided triangle, to consider–one which we, the three authors above, call the
horticultural problem triangle.
What are the three components–the needed factors for horticultural prob-
lems to develop? Well, the host plant and the environment it is in are crucial,
as with the other triangles. The third and final ingredient is–PEOPLE! Ye s ,a s
the cartoon character Pogo used to say: “We have met the enemy and he is
us!” We the people are often intimately involved in why plants decline. So,
lets look at some of the main horticultural problems we perpetrate on plants:
let’s call them the seven deadly sins of horticulture.
#1: Planting too deep. Plant roots need water, of course, but they also
need oxygen. The fact is, that concentrations of oxygen decline with depth of
soil. This becomes critical when transplanting, even with the difference of a
few inches, because transplanting already has resulted in significant stress to
or loss of the root system. So, when transplanting in a landscape, it is impor-
tant to plant at the same grade as the root system in the nursery or slightly
above.Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to see trees and shrubs planted sev-
eral inches to as much as a half foot too deep. Then everyone wonders why
this tree declines in its first few months or years after transplanting. It is often
simply too tough to overcome a bad start. One final note: It is also a bad prac-
tice to plant too high, with the root ball sticking well out of the soil. “Plant ‘em
high,watch ‘em die; plant ‘em low, never grow; plant ‘em right, sleep at night.”
#2: Over-mulching. Organic mulches are a great asset in the landscape.
They are attractive and help prevent weed infestations. They help provide
organic matter for the soil as they break down and thus help improve long-
term soil structure. Mulches also help moderate soil moisture and tempera-
tures. Mulched areas help prevent lawn mower and weed whip injury of
woody plants by keeping us away from the plants. Composted mulches even
provide a microbial mix which can help moderate effects of certain plant
pathogenic fungi. Yet we tend to overdo too much of a good thing. Organic
mulches should be at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches. Mounds of mulches up
against trunks reaching depths of 4, 6 ,8 , 12 inches and more are common
and simply keep too much moisture against trunk tissue and in the root zone,
turning good horticulture bad.
#3: Over-fertilizing. Fertilizers with NPK and with micronutrients as
needed are important to plant growth and development. They are important
components in the landscape and in nurseries and greenhouses. Yet they are
also salts which can damage root tissue when over-applied. Base application
rates on soil tests and needs for optimal plant growth,rather than simply
applying without regard to proper calibration and recommendations.When
soil tests indicate that phosphorous is already well beyond needed levels, do
not keep pouring it on.
#4: Over-watering. Watering is not something that can be put onto a
rigid schedule. How often do you see sprinklers running during a rainstorm?
As with deep planting, it is important to remember that plant roots need not
just water, but also oxygen. When we overwater, roots do not properly
respire and do not do their job of taking up minerals and water. Further,
they become more susceptible to root-rotting fungal pathogens. At the
same time, certain root-rotting pathogens such as the water molds
Pythium and Phytophthora thrive in low-oxygen, wet conditions, producing
a double whammy for our root systems that are often finished off by these
Dr. Treevorkians of the soil.
#5: Improper Pruning. Pruning is another practice that is crucial when
done right. Pruning out dead branches is an important safety practice. It is
important from an aesthetic perspective, shaping a plant properly. It is also
critical for the health of the plant, preventing crossing branches that dam-
age each other when they grow together. Pruning is an important disease
control and pest removal practice, as we improve air movement and the
drying of leaves, as we remove diseased and infested tissue from black-
knotted plums or oystershell scale-infested lilac stems. However, all too
often we prevent good wound closure by leaving stubs or making flush
cuts. And sometimes the cut we do not make is the unkindest un-cut of all.
Pruning is time-consuming and time is money, but it is better to pay as you
go rather than to let pruning needs get out of hand and pay much more later.
#6: Pesticide Misapplications. Pesticides such as insecticides, herbi-
cides and fungicides are obviously useful tools in plant health care man-
agement. But we must avoid turning them into “iatrogenic agents.”Say
what? Iatrogenesis, according to the American Heritage Dictionary is:
“Induced in a patient by a physicians activity, manner or therapy.” In medi-
cine,then, an iatrogenic agent then might be something like a drug in
which the side effects are worse than its intended beneficial effect. As
plant doctors, our pesticides can become iatrogenic agents when an insec-
ticide results in leaf scorch or an off-target herbicide causes leaf curling on
desired plants in addition to killing unwanted weeds. For that matter, all of
the good horticultural practices gone bad, from mismulching to overwater-
ing are examples of iatrogenic agents. Just don’t do it!
#7: Second Degree Girdling. This is our final example of when one of
the seven deadly sins really turns into a crime. Loose non-degradable
twine or wires at the planting of a tree become tight as time passes as the
plant stem grows outward due to new plant cells being produced by the
vascular cambium in the stem. Tight enough that this twine or wire sur-
rounds the stem, imbedded in the inner bark where the plant phloem is
conducting food produced in the leaves down the stem to the roots. This
girdling twine or wire thus girdles the stem, food backs up above the point
of girdling, and the roots below the girdle die. The rest of the plant soon
follows. All because the natural conducting system of the plant no longer
functions and the roots starve. All because of the action of us–the plant
criminals. Yes, we may claim we did not mean to do it–that it was not pre-
meditated murder. Fine, maybe it is second-degree murder–but the plant is
dead nevertheless.
You might say that these things are all so obvious–yet they are also so
common. As a wag once said: it’s not one darn thing after another–it’s the
same darn thing over and over again. Are we tired as heck and not going
to take it anymore? Well, as Joan Baez once said: “You don’t get to choose
how you are going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you’re going
to live. Now.” So, lets stop committing these seven deadly sins - now.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 21
 Chinch Bugs
Revisited
Dr. David J. Shetlar
The Ohio State University
Urban Landscape Entomologist

The short winged and long winged

form of the hairy chinch bug.

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 22

 One of the top four lawn-infesting pests—white grubs,
billbugs, sod webworms, and chinch bugs—the chinch bug
seems to have moved to the bottom of the list of concerns.
There are probably several reasons for this but the two most
important seem to be weather conditions that have not been
overly suitable for chinch bug development and the
increased use of endophyte--enhanced perennial ryegrass.
There are two kinds (actually subspecies) of
chinch bugs that can attack Ohio turf, the common
chinch bug and the hairy chinch bug. Scientific litera-
ture suggests that the common chinch bug prefers
small grain crops such as wheat, corn and oats, while
the hairy chinch bug prefers to feed on cultivated
lawn grasses. There are almost no morphological dif-
ferences between these two subspecies. By far, the
hairy chinch bug seems to be the pest most often
encountered in Ohio lawns. Both the hairy and com-
mon chinch bugs overwinter in the adult stage. These
adults become active in late April through May, suck-
ing juices out of the stems of grasses and laying eggs
in the thatch. If conditions are good, especially hot
and dry conditions, the chinch bug adults may lay
eggs over a 30 to 50 day period. This long egg laying
period can allow for a tremendous build up of
nymphs by mid-June. Turf shows signs of chinch bug
feeding stress by the end of June and outright turf
death occurs by July. However, cool and wet condi-
tions often occur in late April through May and these
conditions cause the chinch bug populations to
“crash,” mainly due to fungal disease. The white fun-
gus of insects, Beauveria bassiana, can nearly wipe out
all the chinch bug adults, and the young nymphs are
even more susceptible.
If we review the spring weather of the last several
seasons, Ohio has generally had wetter than normal
spring months, though some springs have also been a
bit warmer than normal (actually, wet and warm con-
ditions are more conducive to white fungus out-
break!).
Many lawn care companies as well as housing
developers are using perennial ryegrasses as their pri-
mary species for renovating and establishing lawns.
Most of these perennial ryegrasses now have endo-
phytes (symbiotic fungi that produce insect killing tox-
ins), and lawns that only have 40% endophyte can
dramatically suppress chinch bug populations.
However, some lawns are sodded and Kentucky blue-
grass is usually the turf of choice. Kentucky bluegrass
does not have endophytes and many of the common
cultivars are fairly susceptible to chinch bug attacks.
Of most concern is the fact that many lawn special-
ists have not experienced chinch bug outbreaks nor
have they observed their damage. As with billbugs,
chinch bug damage can be mistaken for a variety of
other maladies, especially disease or drought symp-
toms. In my vision, early chinch bug attack often caus-
es a yellowing of the turf followed by the killed stems
turning a straw color. Patches of killed stems most
often occur in east or south facing areas of lawns,
especially if they are on a well drained slope. These
are the same areas that would experience the first
signs of drought stress. Dollar spot, leaf spot, and pos-
sibly brown patch disease symptoms may resemble
chinch bug damage, at least to the inexperienced eye.
The only way to confirm if chinch bugs are causing
the damage is to use the “hands-and-knees” tech-
nique! Yes, that means getting out of the truck, walk-
ing over to the damaged area, getting down on your
hands and knees, and closely inspecting the thatch
area. Simply spread the turf canopy and look for the
black and white bugs or the red-orange nymphs scur-
rying to escape the disturbance. This last year, I
observed entire neighbourhoods in south Dayton and
northwestern Columbus heavily infested with chinch
bugs. Upon talking to the homeowner, most admitted
that they had not been able to figure out what was
killing their lawns, and neither had their lawn care
specialist!
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 23
 Hairy chinch bug control study site in Springboro, OH.
When I first joined Ohio State in 1990, my col-
league, Dr. Harry D. Niemczyk, had established a
“Chinch Bug Ranch” in Wooster, Ohio and we could
regularly count on having chinch bugs in sufficient
numbers to perform control studies. However, early in
the 1990’s, we had several years of wetter than normal
springs, and the chinch bugs were difficult to find in
the ranch. When we did have a dry season, the chinch
bugs began to build up, but something seemed to be
holding back their normal outbreak. We now believe
that we made a mistake—renovation was done, most
likely, with endophytic fine fescue! Since that time,
chinch bugs have been difficult to find in our ranch.
Because of the difficulties with our ranch, I began
to ask lawn care companies to locate chinch bugs in
customers lawns. In the latter half of the 1990s, after
many false leads, I finally gave up on finding chinch
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 2 • 2002 • Page 24
bug infestations in Ohio that were sufficiently large to
perform control studies with the new turfgrass
insecticides. In the summer of 2000, while visiting my
daughter in Florida, I met a lawn care operator in
Boca Raton who was regularly battling the southern
chinch bug in St. Augustine lawns. He was able to find
a site and I was able to get out a study. In 2001, I had
several pesticide manufacturers requesting chinch bug
studies, but I still hadn’t found a source until I made a
plea in August. In the last week of August, out of the
blue, I got a call from Mark Grunkemeyer of Buckeye
Ecocare in the Dayton area. One of his technicians
had found chinch bugs in a lawn of a non-customer.
The homeowner had actually called the technician to
see if he could figure out what was wrong with the
lawn since their current lawn care company had not
been able to figure out the problem! It took the tech-
nician all of 20 seconds to diagnose the problem.
Typical chinch bug damage that looks like several other problems.
Upon arriving at the lawn in the last week of
August, it was obvious that something was definitely
wrong with the lawn. A good portion of the lawn
appeared to have gone dormant from heat and
drought, even though the lawn was irrigated on a reg-
ular basis and the soil was moist. This is common with
chinch bug damage. As stated before, chinch bug dam-
age can look like summer dormancy, disease attack,
billbug damage, white grub damage and a number of
other maladies.
We were able to get a study out and I have includ-
ed the results in Table 1. From this study, you will
readily see the Merit insecticide (a chloronicotinyl)
and Talstar (a pyrethoid) produced rapid and lasting
knock down of the chinch bugs. However, Tempo
(another pyrethroid) did not fare as well, suggesting
that not all pyrethroids are good at chinch bug control.
All the stages of the hairy chinch bug (egg, nymphs and adults).
While these two studies shouldn’t be taken as the
final word on chinch bug control, talks with lawn care
operators have indicated that almost all who have
applied Merit in May have not had call-backs or out-
breaks of hairy chinch bugs. Others who have made
remedial applications of pyrethroids (since Dursban is
being removed from the market) are also confirming
that Talstar, DeltaGard, and Scimitar seem to be the
top performers.
Finally, I have begun to establish a new chinch bug
“ranch” in the Columbus area using endophyte-free
turf. However, I will need some sources of chinch bugs
this next year to transplant to the ranch. Therefore, if
you hear of or encounter chinch bugs in Ohio lawns
next season, please send me a message at:
shetlar.1@osu.edu.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 25
 Table 1. Efficacy of a rescue application of insecticides applied for
control of hairy chinch bugs to a home lawn. Springboro, Ohio, 2001.
Treatment/ Rate 7 DAT Ave/ % 14 DAT Ave/ %
Formulation3 lb.ai./A Plot Control Plot Control

Merit 75WP 0.3 8.0 a 92 2.0 a 99

New Neonico 0.3 10.5 b 90 6.0 a 87

New Neonico 0.4 22.5 b 78 8.8 a 81

Tempo Ultra SC 0.1 18.3 b 83 17.3 ab 63

Tempo 20WP 0.2 81.3 b 22 66.0 c 0

Talstar 0.67SC 0.1 2.0 b 98 1.0 a 98

Check — 104.3 a — 46.3 bc —

3
Treatment applied 30 August to plots 5x5ft replicated 4x. Data taken 6 & 13 September (7 & 14DAT) from each plot. Chinch bug
counts (4.5–inch cylinder) analyzed by ANOVA. Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different using LSD at
a>0.10 for both dates. ANOVA yielded P<0.01 for both dates.

Table 2. Efficacy of insecticides applied for curative control of southern

chinch bug in a St. Augustinegrass Lawn. Florida Atlantic University
Campus, Boca Raton Fl, 2000.
Treatment/ Rate Ave/ Ave/ %
Formulationa lb.ai./A Plot ft2 b Control

Talstar PL 0.2G 0.10 0.75 b 7.6 99

Talstar PL 0.2G 0.20 1.00 b 10.2 98

Talstar PL 0.2G 0.26 0.00 b 0.0 100

DeltaGard 0.1G 0.087 15.50 b 157.3 69

DeltaGard 0.1G 0.13 7.25 b 73.6 86

Talstar conf a G 0.10 0.00 b 0.0 100

Talstar conf b G 0.10 3.00 b 30.5 94

Talstar conf c G 0.20 0.00 b 0.0 100

Tempo 0.1G 0.13 2.75 b 27.9 95

Dursban 1G 1.00 7.25 b 73.6 86

Meridian 0.33G 0.2 1.00 b 10.2 98

Check — 50.75 a 515.1

a
Treatment applied 7 September to plots 5x5ft replicated 4x.
b
Data taken 13 Septmber (6DAT) from each plot. Chinch bug counts (4.5-inch cylinder) analyzed by ANOVA. Means followed by the
same letter are not significantly different using LSD a=0.10. ANOVA yielded P=0.086.

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 26

Member
Spotlight
“We are an industry
of caring people.” During his tenure in marketing with a national
company, he recognized that lawncare was beneficial
to the environment. In 1987 he developed “Lawn
Classics,” a lawncare service company that he owns and
operates. He offers fertilization and weed control ser-
vices to the residential and the commercial markets.
Doug credits the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation as an
invaluable resource for his career development, pro-
viding research and education for technological, prod-
uct and procedural developments. The Foundation, in
concert with the Ohio Lawn Care Association, which
focuses on business issues and the Ohio Professional
Applications for Responsible Regulations, a legislative
representative, form a triangle of support that is an
integral part of the professional life of turf managers.
Doug has actively participated in the association and
feels very fortunate to have camaraderie between
these three groups. Few geographic areas have this
T he quote noted above tells you, in a very few
type of a meaningful relationship.
When asked what he likes about his job, aside from
words, a lot about Doug Hague. Having a career and
the obvious benefits of being outdoors, Doug loves
being a professional is more than just about titles, size,
being part of the solution to addressing environmen-
or revenue. It is a combination of several key charac-
tal needs. There is a need for public education, for
teristics, including aspiration, motivation and commit-
many people only see the services that they provide as
ment. Doug Hague presents the sum of these ele-
being negative. There is a focus on the use of pesti-
ments, emanating the essence of a professional, “posi-
cides, which many people consider harmful to the
tive attitude.”
environment. They simply do not understand the full
Like many others, the seeds for Doug’s career
picture. Doug noted that turfgrass filters impurities
began with his formative years. He states that he was
and pollutants in water. It picks up and uses many of
very fortunate in his youth, to have the opportunity to
the chemicals found in our water. The unused resid-
enjoy and experience the environment of his parents’
ual is limited and is short lived. Additionally, an aver-
cabin in Georgian Bay, a pristine area north of
age size lawn (10,000 sq. ft.) will create an oxygen
Toronto. At an early age, he developed a keen aware-
supply for a family of four for a day. One of Doug’ s
ness of nature and a respect for it. The cabin remains
ambitions is to get this message across to the public
a part of his family heritage.
and he actively does so in presentations and articles.
Formal education commenced at Western
It is easy to see why he refers to his profession as “An
Michigan University where he pursued a degree in
Industry of Caring People.”
environmental science. His first major job, which he
In his spare time, Doug likes sports; is an avid cook
retained for 10 years, was in the railroad industry.
but especially loves time with his 3 daughters:
When the automobile industry, a production program
Jacqueline, Lisa and Christina.
to which the railroad business was closely tied faltered
What makes Doug Hague stand apart is his deep-
in the early 1980s, Doug was forced to change jobs.
rooted love of his profession and a commitment to
This triggered the transition point for his early-devel-
benefiting nature and the environment.
oped interest in preserving nature.

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 27

New Growth and Technology
Summer Decline in Ohio
Putting Greens in the Shade!
By Dr. Karl Danneberger
The Ohio State University
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
M
aintaining cool season turfgrasses in shaded
areas is one of the most challenging aspects
of turf management a golf course superin-
tendent can face, especially if the shaded areas are
annual bluegrass/creeping bentgrass greens. What
makes maintaining greens difficult in shade is that
how the turf grows in shade is entirely different than
how it grows in full sun. Maintaining greens in shade
require an understanding of the environmental and
growth changes that occur to turf when developing a
management program.
The most noticeable environmental change on
shaded greens is the reduction in light. Light is neces-
sary for plants to carry on photosynthesis (the conver-
sion of radiant energy into a usable form, ATP).
Thus, shaded plants do not have the carbohydrate
(how the energy, ATP, is stored) reserves that plants
growing in full sun have. In addition, the quality of
light the turf is receiving changes and is of poor quali-
ty. Light quality refers to the proportions of particular
wavelengths within the light spectrum. The wave-
lengths of blue, red, and to some extent green pro-
vide energy for photosynthesis while far-red triggers
morphological responses. Changes in proportion of
red to far-red changes how a plant grows and its
health. In shade there is an excess of far-red in com-
parison to red, which results in plants producing thin,
delicate leaves with a rapid vertical growth. A poor
root system is associated with these plants. The combi-
nation of reduced photosynthesis, and a more succu-
lence, makes shaded plants susceptible to traffic and
disease.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 28
Besides the reduction in light quantity and
changes in light quality, the microenvironment is
considerably different than what is found on a sunny
green. Shaded greens have reduced airflow that pro-
motes higher humidity levels. High humidity reduces
the evapotranspiration (ET) rate, and thus the cooling
of the turf. Shaded greens tend to remain wetter
than those that are exposed to air movement. High
summertime temperatures combined with wet humid
conditions are not conducive to turfgrass growth
especially at low heights of cut.
Below are some general precautions for your shad-
ed greens realizing that each green situation is differ-
ent and not all suggestions are feasible or applicable.
Mowing considerations:
• Raise the mowing height (if possible). Traffic or
wear stress is a significant problem on greens
under stress (lack of tillering, growth, etc. reduces
the ability of the turf to withstand or recover from
traffic). Raising the height increases the wear
tolerance of the turf.
• Switch to solid rollers. On shaded greens
grooved or Wiley rollers cause wear/stress
damage to the turf.
• Minimize the period “stuff” is left on the green.
Clippings or heavy topdressing left on the greens
can contribute to heat build-up. Topdress lightly so
that the material gets quickly worked in by a quick
watering or brushing.

• If you are using triplexes for greens mowing, you
may want to explore the option of using walk
behind mowers on the few shaded/problem
greens (again this reduces wear).
• Stagger cleanup patterns or skip occasionally.
Wear normally shows on cleanup patterns of the
Graduate
green. Instudents; Mandydown
addition, throttle Core,the mower on
Sam Thomas,
cleanups and Young-Ki
to minimize “sliding”Jo.
around corners,
which causes excessive wear on the turf.
• Minimize turning mowers on collars.
Considerable wear and damage occurs to collars
where the mowers are turned or spun around.
Turn, if possible, on the higher cut turf.
• Try to scatter golf and equipment traffic entering
and exiting a green. Concentrated traffic patterns
are normally the first to show plant stress.
• If growth slows or recovery is slow (a good sign is
how rapidly ball marks recover), frequency of
rolling should be reduced to minimize wear.
Irrigation:
• Avoid overwatering greens in shade. Generally the
evapotranspiration (ET) rates are lower in shaded
environments resulting in a wetter condition. A
wet condition favors disease and also reduces the
wear tolerance of the turf and increases the poten-
tial for compaction (also can promote black layer).
You may want to water the problem greens by
hand to avoid excessive moisture.
• Check the irrigation heads to make sure they are
turning. Oftentimes, problems show up with heads
when the turf severely wilts around the head.
During the summer stress period, this is not the
best time to detect if a head is not turning.
• Check soil moisture levels. Periodically using a soil
probe to visually evaluate the soil moisture levels is
a good routine practice.
Fertilization:
Fertilization suggestions are difficult to make but
below are a few general recommendations.
• On shaded greens that are beginning to thin avoid
the temptation to apply nitrogen at rates to pro-
mote recovery and “filling-in.” Excessive rates of
nitrogen can actually make the situation worse.
• When fertilizing apply more frequently and at
reduced rates to minimize burning.
• Iron and potassium should be used to provide
color and some enhanced wear tolerance to the
turf.
Disease/Stress Control Through Fungicides:
(A product’s name is used for convenience
purposes. Other products may be just as suitable).
• Preventative fungicide programs on shaded greens
are effective. Often times when greens are declin-
ing and no visible disease symptoms are present,
sample analysis shows the presence of “non-patho-
genic” Pythium and Rhizoctonia species. Our work
has shown the use of fungicides that control these
pathogens enhances the quality of turf even when
pathogenicity of the organisms present cannot be
demonstrated.
• Applying a Pythium fungicide (ex. Signature®) in
combination with a Rhizoctonia fungicide
(Daconil Ultrex®) on a 14-day schedule starting
prior to the stress time has provided better quality
turf than waiting for decline to occur (using rec-
ommended rates). Chipco 26GT® in place of
Daconil Ultrex® has worked well also. Fore® is often
used in combination with Signature® or Aliette®
with success, however Fore® is not effective on
dollar spot like Daconil Ultrex® or Chipco26GT®.
If algae is a concern Daconil Ultrex® or Fore® are
effective controls.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 29
New Growth and Technology
The
The Ohio
Ohio State
State University
University

Landscape Entomology
Program 2002
By Dr. David Shetlar
The Ohio State University
Department of Entomology

Most people outside of university systems have little appreciation of the diversity of duties and
tasks the faculty perform. When I respond to someone’s question of, “Where do you work?” and
my response is, “THE Ohio State University,” their immediate question is: “Oh! What do you
teach?” Then I have to go into a long diatribe describing what I do (or at least, what I think I do!).
At most universities, faculty have two appointments—teaching and research. These appoint-
ments can range from 10% to 90% teaching or research, depending on the needs of the uni-
versity and the talents of the faculty. At Land Grant Universities (the ones that host Cooperative
Extension Services), faculty may also have extension appointments where they serve as
resources of information in specialty areas. Therefore, at Ohio State, faculty may have “three-
way” appointments. At present, I have a three way appointment: 60% Extension (landscape
entomology); 20% teaching; 20% research (mainly turf, but occasionally ornamental plants).

“BugDoc Dave, on the go!”
BugDoc Background
My parents tell me that I was born in Columbus,
Ohio as my father was finishing up his doctoral degree
in biochemistry. At the grand age of six months, my
parents moved to Oklahoma and I spent the next 25
years in that state. I received my B.S. and M.S. degrees
in zoology from the University of Oklahoma. I then
went to Penn State University to pursue a doctoral
degree in entomology. At Penn State, I became inter-
ested in insect systematics (what most folks call taxon-
omy) and I worked on a rather poorly known group
of Neuroptera (lacewings, antlions, dobson flies, etc.)
called the owlflies or Ascalaphidae.
As I finished my doctoral work, Penn State lost
some faculty and found a need for someone to teach
their main undergraduate course and another course
for the two-year program turf students. I applied for
the position and became an Assistant Professor with
an 80% teaching appointment. After four years, I was
teaching general entomology in the spring and fall

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 30

 Setting up a black cutworm, bioassay of controls over time study.
semesters with an average of 300 students per
semester. The associate degree students were in anoth-
er class that averaged 25 to 30 students.
In 1984, Chemlawn Corporation (now TruGreen-
Chemlawn) had a research center in Delaware, OH
and they had a vacancy for a turfgrass entomologist. I
decided to make a major career change and jumped
from academe to industry. At the Research Center, I
was responsible for developing insect control pro-
grams for Chemlawn from coast to coast. In the 1980s,
we had research centers in Douglasville, GA (just west
of Atlanta), Boyton Beach, FL (just south of West
Palm Beach), and Carmel, CA (yes, a tough place to
work!). At these various centers, I worked on mole
crickets, green June beetles, Australian sod flies and
many other critters not found or not common to
Ohio. The national experience was invaluable!
In 1989, my predecessor, Dr. Dick Miller (author of
the weekly newsletter, BUG DOPE) retired and Ohio
State began a search for a turf and ornamentals,
extension entomologist (Dr. Miller’s appointment had
been 100% extension). Some of the faculty suggested
that I apply for the position and the rest is history! I
joined Ohio State in May 1990 and have been the
landscape entomologist with an original appointment
of 70% extension and 30% research. After jumping
through the “tenure hoop,” I took on a teaching
obligation.
Extension/Outreach Program
Again, few people outside of Land Grant
University systems truly understand the Cooperative
Extension Service. This program was established in
the late 1800s as a national program to assist
American farmers become the most productive in the
world. Funds were allocated to Land Grant
Universities to fund scientists who would develop new
technology, and an “outreach” program was estab-
lished to convert the scientific findings into usable
and understandable technology that the average
farmer would use. The outreach component of this
program is what we now call the Cooperative
Extension Service. CES is supported by Federal, State
and Local (county) funds. The folks who translate
information are usually called “State Specialists”
(BugDoc is a State Specialist!) and they are usually
located at the University or at a satellite campus or
Experiment Station (such as the Ohio Agricultural
Research and Development Center—OARDC—in
Wooster). The people who deliver the information to
the farmers are called “County Agents” who are
located in offices found in each county. Over time,
county agents have had to specialize and most county
extension offices will have two to five or more differ-
ent kinds of agents (agricultural, natural resources,
human development, 4-H, horticultural, etc.).
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 31
 Dan Digman, entomology technician, helping set up a
chinch bug control plot
As Ohio has converted from a mainly agricultural
state to a mainly urban state, the OSU Extension pro-
gram has had to evolve into one better capable of
helping urban clients. Actually, Ohio State is one of
the few universities to make this transition in a major
way! We now have horticultural agents in most of our
major urban centers and we have one of the largest
groups of faculty (at Columbus and Wooster) involved
with turf, tree, shrub, and flower research with
outreach efforts.
Originally, I called myself the “landscape entomol-
ogist,” but agricultural researchers have now adopted
the term of “landscape managers,” so I’ve had to
change into the “URBAN landscape entomologist”!
In my urban landscape entomologist role, I am
responsible for developing and revising fact sheets,
bulletins and other educational materials to be used
by county agents to service their clients. At present, I
edit and help revise bulletin L-187 (Management of
Turfgrass Pests) which OTF recently sent to all the
membership and bulletin 504 (Insect and Mite
Control on Woody Ornamentals and Herbaceious
Perennials - with Dr. Herms). L-187 is revised every year
and 504 is revised every two years. These bulletins are
used in several surrounding states.
Many state specialists are also responsible for work-
ing with commercial firms. I work with lawn care,
landscape management, ornamental nursery produc-
ers, Christmas tree growers, and golf course superin-
tendents. This is why you see the BugDoc at many of
the annual meetings of the Ohio Turfgrass
Foundation, the Nursery Short Course and pesticide
applicator training. I also give numerous county-
based programs for nursery producers, landscape
managers, and Christmas tree producers.
Over the last eight years, Ohio State has also devel-
oped a Master Gardener Program where volunteers
are trained to deliver information to urban residents
on garden and landscape issues. I’ve developed much
of the basic entomology training information and
information on tree-shrub and turf insects that is
delivered to these people.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 32
I also write the P.E.S.T. Newsletter every two weeks
from mid-March to mid-October, which is my attempt
to provide current information on insect and mite
activity on trees, shrubs and turf with suggestions for
management. This newsletter is available through the
Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) on
a subscription basis (800-825-5062). OTF members
should state their affiliation and receive a discount. I
selected ONLA to produce the newsletter because
they were prepared to handling the duplication and
mailing duties in a timely manner (OSU couldn’t do
this in a timely manner).
Over the last five years, OSU Extension has moved
heavily into the Internet and most of our bulletins and
fact sheets are available through our OhioLine site
(http://ohioline.osu.edu). When you visit this site,
look under the bulletins and factsheet listings (the
buttons on the left edge). Over the last year, my staff
and I have been developing a separate site
(http://bugs.osu.edu) for our Extension Entomology
effort. If you go to this site and click on the Dave
Shetlar button, you’ll end up on my personal page.
There you can find more fact sheets (ones not yet on
OhioLine), PowerPoints of my recent talks (both in
HTML and downloadable files for you to use), and
other materials described below!
Teaching
At present, I teach one entomology class in the fall
quarter, Entomology 462, Turf, Ornamental Plant and
Greenhouse Economic Entomology. This is a course
designed for students in the plant sciences (turf
majors, landscape design, plant pathology, etc.)
though entomology majors also take it. The course
notes, study materials, exams, etc., have been placed
on our web site
[http://bugs.osu.edu/~bugdoc/Shetlar/462/462.htm].
Take a look and see if you want to take the class! We
may actually go on-line as a course in the near future.
I also assist Dr. Mike Boehm with his Plant
Pathology 613, Integrated Management of Turfgrass
Insects, Diseases and Weeds.
 Research
While at Ohio State, I have been involved with
graduate students who have undertaken research in
the following areas:
• Spruce spider mite biology and seasonal popula-
tions (Douglas Richmond, M.S.)
• Black cutworm behavior on short cut turf (Chris
Williamson, M.S.—now a faculty member at
University of Wisconsin after obtaining Ph.D. at
University of Kentucky)
• Use of endophytic ryegrasses to manage turf
insects (Douglas Richmond, Ph.D.—now a postdoc
with Dr. Grewal in Wooster)
• Biology of inkberry leafminer (Abdulrahmen Al-
Siyabi, M.S.)
• Influence of applying composts on the insect pop-
ulations in turfgrass (Wade Pinkston, M.S.—now
an entomology technician with D. Shetlar)
My current research involves:
• Evaluation of control materials for management of
turf insects
• Development of population models to assist in pre-
dicting turfgrass insect activity.
• Use of plant resistance tactics to manage turfgrass
insect pests.
Dave sponsors the Annual Grub Dig, an event where industry
representatives come to learn how their products perform.
I am planning to obtain new
students to investigate:
• Seasonal biology of the sod webworm complex.
• Biology and ecology of the turfgrass ant, Lasius
neoniger.
My reports of evaluations of control materials can
be read on my web site [http://bugs.osu.edu/~bug-
doc/Shetlar/462/462.htm], and some visual presenta-
tions of several projects can be viewed at:
http://bugs.osu.edu/~bugdoc/Shetlar/462/462.htm
In retrospect, I would like to thank all the past and
current OTF officers, board members and general
membership who have provided funds that have
helped me undertake my past and current projects.
It is always gratifying to ask for help (places to work,
helping hands and time, financial assistance and con-
structive criticism) from the Ohio turfgrass industry
and find so many willing to help. In return, if there
are extension/outreach, educational or research
needs that you would like to see addressed, feel free to
email (the best method), write or call!
I’d also welcome any of you who would like to
experience our “Annual Grub Dig”! This event is held
in the first week of October whereby volunteers spend
a day or two helping us evaluate our grub control test
plots. People actually ask to come back after getting
true, hands-on experience, education and “sharing”
with fellow turf enthusiasts.
OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 33
Message From Your
Director of Education
Times Are Changing
Imyamyouthful
an old farm boy originally from the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania who in
days mowed down pasture fields and converted them into golf holes for
my buddies and I. We had some great tournaments and shootouts on those holes. It
made the lazy, hazy days of summer quite a fun fest for us. My father however never
was happy that I would sneak off (in his words) and play golf instead of work. It was
always a game of cat and mouse. Of course, my dad was the clever cat.
The old farm boy in me resisted modern technology for quite a while. I have
however caved in to the demands of the modern technological age. I have quickly
learned that communications today is via e-mail and the Internet. The telephone is almost obsolete (cell phones
excluded in that comment). Gee, I can remember when my parents got our first telephone.
Well, as most of you are well aware there is a considerable amount of educational information available on
the Internet and many groups, organizations, and institutions have web-sites today. Here is a listing of a few
web-sites that you may not be aware of that will take you into the vast universe of the plant, horticulture, and turf
worlds and provide excellent, reliable, and non-bias technical information:
• HCS in Virtual Perspective http://hcs.osu.edu
• WebGarden http://webgarden.osu.edu
• PlantFacts Database http://plantfacts.osu.edu
• Plant Dictionary http://hcs.osu.edu/plants
• Buckeye Yard and Garden Line http://bygl.osu.edu (weekly newsletter)
• Weekly Gardening News (C. Ohio) http://hcs.osu.edu/wgn
• Buckeye Gardener Videos http://hcs.osu.edu/movies
• Ohioline http://www.ohioline.edu/~ohioline
• Floriculture Newsletter http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~flori
• Plant Pathology http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~plantdoc
• Superintendent’s Korner http://hcs.osu.edu/karl (weekly newsletter)
• OSU Turfgrass http://ohiostateturf.osu.edu
• Sportsturf http://hcs.osu.edu/sportsturf
• National Turf Evaluation Trials http://www.ntep.org
• Entomology http://bugs.osu.edu
These web-sites have been developed by the faculty and staff in the Department of Horticulture & Crop
Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Ohio State University Extension. Dr. Tim Rhodus (Professor, H&CS
Dept.) provided considerable leadership and technological input and time into the development of these sites.
Enjoy surfing the Internet. Please let me know what you think. (street.1@osu.edu).
Final Note. I was deeply stressed to learn of the death of OTF Past President, Ron Giffen. Ron Giffen was a friend, industry
colleague, and overall compassionate man who really cared about the turfgrass industry. Ron was certainly a great supporter of
OTF and as strong an OTF supporter as I have found. He was my first OTF President when I arrived at OSU in 1980. He
taught me about OTF and shared the “OTF Fever” with me. Ron Giffen was like an OTF father to me. Ron Giffen was the best
of the best. May God bless him and his family.

Here’s to a greener turf!

Dr. John R. Street
OTF Director of Education

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 34

OTF TurfNews • Vol 64 • No. 3 • 2002 • Page 35
 PRESRT STD
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OTF Board of Trustees 2002 OTF Officers OSU Turfgrass

Trustees President
Mark Heinlein
Science Team
Term Expires 2003
The Motz Group Dr. Michael J. Boehm
Dr. Chuck Darrah The Ohio State University
CLC LABS Vice President Dept. Plant Pathology
John Mowat
Mark Grunkemeyer Century Equipment Dr. Karl Danneberger
Buckeye Ecocare The Ohio State University
Treasurer Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Mark Jordan George Furrer
Westfield Companies Country Club Lesco, Inc. Mr. Michael Fulton
The Ohio State University
Trustees Immediate Past President Agricultural Technical Institute
Term Expires 2004 Len Dunaway
Xenia Power Equipment Dr. David Gardner
Boyd Montgomery The Ohio State University
Sylvania Recreation Director of Education Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Dr. John R. Street
Lin Ropp The Ohio State University Dr. Parwinder Grewal
UHS OARDC/OSU
Executive Director Dept. Entomology
Todd Voss Kevin Thompson
Double Eagle Golf Club OTF/Offinger Management Co. Dr. Ed McCoy
OARDC
Trustees School of Natural Resources
Term Expires 2005
Mr. Joseph W. Rimelspach (Chairman)
Glen Pottenger The Ohio State University
Larch Tree Golf Course Dept. Plant Pathology
Ms. Pamela Sherratt
The Ohio State University
Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Dr. Dave Shetlar
The Ohio State University
Dept. Entomology
Dr. John R. Street
The Ohio State University
Dept. Hort. & Crop Science
Dr. Daniel Voltz
The Ohio State University
Agricultural Technical Institute
Mr. David A. Willoughby
The Ohio State University
Agricultural Technical Institute