Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2007
WHY Gamble with your Future ...
WHEN OTF IS
YOUR BEST BET?
A Special Publication Serving Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry
SPECIAL EDITION
www.OhioTurfgrass.org
With products like these, the value of using the best is obvious.
www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com
Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using these products. ©2007 Syngenta.
Syngenta Professional Products, Greensboro, NC 27419. Barricade®, Heritage®, Meridian™, Primo MAXX®, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.
5813_NeateSchaner_MECH.indd 1
Mechanical Approval Job No.: 5813 Date: 3.8.07 Rev. No.: 1 3/8/07 5:06:30 PM
TURF NEWS – SPECIAL EDITION
The Strength Of The Turfgrass Community Is Based On Its Individual Parts
A Special Publication Serving Ohio’s Turfgrass Industry
October – November 2007 • Vol. 69 • No. 5
INSIDE:
Presidents’ Messages............................................................................................................... 6
Legislative Update....................................................................................................................... 20
Hort Shorts...................................................................................................................................... 22
The Ohio Lawn Care Association serves the Sports Turf Tips............................................................................................................................. 30
lawn care and affiliated industries by provid-
ing essential agronomic, business, education, Golf Course Tips........................................................................................................................... 32
and legislative resources.
New Growth & Technology...................................................................................................... 34
www.OhioLawnCare.org
800-510-5296 OTF/OSU Donations..................................................................................................................... 38
For the latest research and information for Ohio’s turf and
landscape professionals visit these important web sites:
It’s a safe bet that you will learn something new that will help you next
season. So plan now to join us in Columbus December 3 – 6. Why Gamble
With Your Future ... When OTF is Your Best Bet?
Kevin Thompson
OTF and OLCA Executive Director
Message from THE
2007 OTF PRESIDENT
mark jordan
Collaboration as defined by Webster is “to labor jointly with others or together, especially in an intellectual endeavor” and this seventh collaborative issue of
Turf News is a perfect example of the definition which provides members of OTF, OSTMA and OLCA the opportunity to preview the OTF Conference and Show
and the other industry related information which may not otherwise be in a standard issue.
Speaking of the Conference and Show, this year’s venue, once again looks to provide for many good educational and networking opportunities for all turf
disciplines. Thanks to Program and Education Committee co-chairs; Dr. John Street, Todd Voss, Doug Gallant and Kim Kellogg for their hard work and efforts in
putting together this years program (see details on page 41 – 49). The committee spent many hours brainstorming with industry peers to develop this year’s
track ... if you participated on any of these committees, we truly appreciate your input. Thanks also to Joe Enciso, Trade Show Committee chair, for his hard work
and efforts in spearheading and developing the new “Casino Night” venture. Joe also assists in the coordination of vendor booths and plays an intricate role in
coordinating the OTRT Auction ... too much work for one man, but somehow he gets it done!
Collaboration isn’t just for the conference and show, it also happened on Wednesday, September 19 at the Statehouse, when Dr. Mike Boehm (OSU Turf team), Bill
Hoopes (OLCA) and I collaborated on a testimony in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee on behalf of the Turfgrass Industry regarding S.B. 190, Turfgrass
Week (see page 20 for an update). Many thanks go to Senator Sue Morano and her staff for the continued support of this bill.
In closing, although I am a big Indians fan, I would be remiss if I did not congratulate a former OSU classmate, Dave Mellor (OSU ‘86), on his second World Series
ring as the Head Groundskeeper at Fenway Park. Congratulations to Dave and his staff! I look forward to seeing everyone at The Show!
Mark Jordan
Some of the highlights to the program include a Lawn Care Business Management Track on Tuesday, including our OLCA Annual Meeting & FREE Lunch. (We
need your representation at this meeting.) Continue on in the afternoon with a couple more educational sessions, followed by the Keynote Speaker Marty
Brennaman of Cincinnati Reds Radio. The day is capped off with the Welcome Reception and Grand Opening of the Trade Show. Wednesday and Thursday
have full days of educational sessions for you to choose from to help you improve your knowledge and keep you updated on our changing industry. Many of
the sessions will provide re-certification credits for your ODA license requirements. Visit the vendors at the trade show. It is a great opportunity to see “what’s
new” with products and equipment.
I encourage you to get involved. Help us to keep this event a premier event with your positive feedback on ideas for educational sessions for future OTF
Conferences. Make your suggestions known to any OTF or OLCA Board Member. I look forward to seeing you in Columbus. Have a successful wrap up to the
2007 year.
Dave Winter
Message from THE
2007 OSTMA PRESIDENT
kevin vaughn
It feels like last week I was running around trying to see and do everything at The Ohio Turfgrass Conference and Show. It feels like yesterday I was running
around trying to keep everything irrigated during the brutal heat of the summer. The season certainly challenged us all this year but it is those challenges that we
overcome week in and week out that make us all professionals.
Professionalism is exactly how I would describe this year at OSTMA. Each and every day I get to speak with people from around our great state of Ohio and the one
commonality is professionalism. People trying to gain information, knowledge or skills to do their job better, so that each and every individual that touches their
field has a better, safer experience. Whether we serve the professional sports, high school or parks and recreation level we all are professionals.
Professionalism was demonstrated by so many people to help us give the Bluffton University a new playing surface. Professionalism was demonstrated at our
field days in Cincinnati and Rio Grande and professionalism is demonstrated all year long by the board and trustees of OSTMA.
This year the board created a trust fund to continue our support of student education, upgraded the web site and newsletters and positioned the organization in
the best financial position yet. The upcoming year is hopefully going to be just as productive for OSTMA as last. We hope to further improve the web site, providing
online memberships and merchandise sales, bulletin boards and more. We will also continue to improve the newsletter and continue to grow the trust fund.
If you would like to become involved in our great organization please contact any of our board members or trustees. I look forward to seeing you all again at this
year’s conference and show. And as always keep safety first, yours and your fields.
Kevin Vaughn
2007 OTF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Jordan Todd Voss Dan Walter Glen Pottenger John Street
President Vice-President Treasurer Past President Director of Education
Kevin Thompson Mike Dietrich Joe Enciso Doug Gallant Mark Grunkemeyer
Executive Director Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee
2007 OLCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dave Winter Dave Hofacre Joyce Pelz Bill Hoopes Joe Rimelspach
President Vice-President Secretary/Treasurer Past President Technical Advisor
Kevin Thompson Jeff Benton Jeff Bisker Scott Huvler Mike Maravich
Executive Director Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee
2007 OSTMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Vaughn Randy Heilman James Hlavaty Brian Hall Matt Duncan
President Vice-President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary
(COMMERCIAL)
PHOTO NOT
AVAILABLE
Brian Gimbel Ken Baker Chris Kelling Charles Shelley Jeff Stewart
PAST President Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee
10
TOLEDO CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND COLUMBUS
OTF
NEWS
OTF Golf Tournament Update The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank the following
tee sponsors for their support of the Annual Golf Tournament:
Despite a rainy morning, the October 1 OTF Golf Tournament at
NCR Country Club in Dayton was a great success. Thirty-six teams Advan, LLC Kurtz Bros.
participated in the Annual Golf Tournament that raises money for Ag Design LESCO/John Deere Landscapes
turfgrass research and scholarships in Ohio. Allegheny Lawn & Golf Miami Valley GCSA
Andersons Peak Golf
“OTF is very thankful for NCR Country Club for hosting this year’s BASF Precision Pump & Valve
tournament. This was an excellent opportunity for Ohio’s turfgrass Bayer Strategic Golf Alliance, Inc.
managers to play another fantastic course. Superintendent Jim
Best Sand Syngenta Professional Prod.
Campion and his staff had the course in great shape,” praised Mark
Central Ohio GCSA Turf Specialties
Jordan, Golf Tournament Committee Chair.
Century Equipment Turfgrass, Inc.
With a team score of 60 in the scramble format tournament, the first CLC LABS Walker Supply
place Century Equipment team of Joe Enciso, Jason Straka, Tom Dow Agro Sciences Wolf Creek Co.
Topp and Mark Yoder received pro-shop gift certificates for $150 Green Velvet Sod Farms Xenia Power Equipment
each. Second place went to the Northwestern Ohio GCSA team of Hanes Geo/IKEX
Tim Glorioso, Chris Heinrichs, Don Lawrence and Tim Suter with a iHammer Technologies –
score of 60 – each received a $100 pro-shop gift certificate. Finishing Megalex® & Upplause®
third, also shooting 60, was the LESCO/John Deere Landscapes team
of Gregg Guynan, Joe Kaczmarek, Kelly Reid and John Wynn. Each Special THANKS to:
player received a $50 pro shop gift certificate. Schreiner Golf, Inc. – Meals Sponsor
Turfgrass, Inc. – Meals Sponsor
Gift certificates were also presented to the following skills Topp Shape Ent., Inc. – Beverage Sponsor
contest winners:
“We want to thank all the participants, sponsors, and NCR Country
Club and its staff for making this such an enjoyable fundraising
event” added Jordan. The OTF golf committee of Breck Brown, Todd
Dodge, Paul Hoarston, Glen Pottenger, Randy Shaver and Dan Walter
are already planning the 2008 tournament and will announce the The first place Century Equipment team of Joe Enciso, Tom Topp, Jason Straka and
date and location soon. Mark Yoder.
12
5th Annual Ohio State Autographs are one of our popular items. Collectable and Antique
items, old trade publications, pictures and programs of athletic
Golf Turf Spring Tee-Off set events, are all easily sold at the auctions. Books, new and old, are
collected by many people. Tickets to sporting events have brought
for February 20 – 21 in big dollars at past auctions.
OTF, OSU, and OSU Extension will once again offer the Ohio State
Golf Turf Spring Tee-Off. The format and speakers plan to provide We don’t want to forget our Exhibitors, who have been very gen-
take-home messages and practical management for golf course erous in donating their products and services. If you haven’t donat-
superintendents. The primary goal of the conference is to strength- ed it’s not too late.
en the relationship between OTF, OSU turf students and turfgrass
alumni, while offering golf course superintendents and staff the OTF will also be selling tickets for a Reverse Raffle on Tuesday and
opportunity to continue their education and earn GCSAA and Wednesday, with proceeds going to the Ohio Turfgrass Research
Pesticide Re-certification credit. Trust. The grand prize is expected to be $1,000.00 (subject to the
quantity of tickets sold). Numbered raffle tickets are sold and after
The Spring Tee-Off will be held at the Holiday Inn on Lane, Columbus, the sale is closed the tickets are drawn. There are several winners
February 20 – 21, 2008. The 2-day program will offer networking as the tickets are drawn. The big winner of the $1,000.00 is the
opportunities for golf turf managers, OSU turf students and the OSU “last man standing.” The person who has the last ticket to be drawn
Turfgrass Science Team. is the winner.
OTF will host a reception on Wednesday, February 20 for all par- Wednesday is the big day for everyone. During the day you can
ticipants. Please watch for future announcements and details purchase your reverse raffle ticket and make your bid for the items
about the exciting Ohio State Golf Turf Spring Tee-Off! For more at the auction. The exhibits will close at 5 pm – then it is fun time
information, contact OTF at (888) 683-3445, or stop by the OTF at the auction. We will announce the winners of the Reverse Raffle
Membership booth at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show. during the auction. It should be a fun event and generate much
needed revenue for OTF. Thank you in advance for your donations
and your participation in this great event.
OTF Annual Meeting Call Auction Committee Chair Joe Enciso, Century Equipment or OTF
Live Auction Update The objectives of the Turf Bowl are to:
Once again, the Live Auction will add to the fun and fundraising at
1) Provide OTF regional exposure throughout the state
this year’s Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show. As in the past, OTF
2) Provide students, college faculty & administration exposure to OTF
is seeking donations from everyone – turf managers and suppliers.
3) Provide Tech schools and employers an opportunity to recruit
We will have the same Auctioneer as in the past, Billy Arehart
4) Potentially increase OTF membership at the student level
and crew. Arehart, from Wilmington, OH, donates his time and
5) Add to the excitement of the OTF Conference and Show
talents to OTF. He does a fantastic job every year as auctioneer.
6) Increase the number of OTF conference and show participants
Many different items have been donated, so we will have a good
The format will be similar to that of the Turf Bowl conducted at the
assortment for the auctions. Duplicate items are great too. Items Golf Industry Show, with testing on turf identification, and other
with your club or company logo, golf and fishing outings are scholastic and practical applications of turf management.
always in demand. Nobody has enough putters, drivers or complete
sets of clubs. How about fishing or hunting gear? Or lawn care OTF looks forward to this exciting venture which is sure to strength-
services for a year? en relations within the industry.
13
Founders Club
Continues to Grow Current Founders Club Members
(in alphabetical order)
What is the Founders Club?
Dr. Mike Boehm
The Founders Club is an exclusive group of donors who want to Jeff Bisker
ensure the future of turfgrass research here in Ohio. Members of the Al Brant
Founders Club will help the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) and the
Central Ohio GCSA
Dr. Karl Danneberger
Ohio Turfgrass Research Trust (OTRT) fund research that specifically
Dr. Charles Darrah
benefits turfgrass professionals here in Ohio.
Jim Dillard
Double Eagle Golf Club
Founders Club Purpose and Mission? Joe Duncan
Ed Eaton
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation has earned a reputation as the leading Dr. Susan Everett
turfgrass organization in the country, awarding over $4,000,000 to Fairmount Minerals (Best Sand)
support research and student scholarships in its 46-year history. John Fitzgerald
There is no guarantee, however, that this support will always be George Furrer
available. The initial goal of the Founders Club is to generate over Doug Gallant
$500,000, with the understanding that the principle will never be Dr. Dave Gardner
spent. The interest generated from this fund will be available to Tim Glorioso
fund specific research projects, equipment needs, and scholarships, Mark Grunkemeyer
securing the future of turfgrass here in Ohio! Doug Halterman
Mark Heinlein
How do I Join? Paul Jacquemin
Randy Kehres
Kim Kellogg
There are now five (5) levels of Founders Club Membership – each
Kevin Kroll
payable over a several year period.
Rick Kucharski
John Lavelle
Platinum Level $10,000 or above Paul Latshaw
Gold Level $ 5,000 or above Don Lawrence
Silver Level $ 3,000 or above
Paul Mendezoff
Ted Mercer
Bronze Level $1,500 or above John Meyer
Emerald Level $500 or above Joe Motz
Harry Murray
Your membership to the Founders Club requires a pledge and Northwestern Ohio Chapter GCSAA
donation, which can be paid over a five year period to the Ohio Bob O’Brien
Turfgrass Research Trust. OTRT is classified as a 501 (c) 3 charitable
Ed Odorizzi
Walter Offinger
organization. Therefore, donations to OTRT are 100% deductible as a
Gene Probasco
charitable contribution.
Jerome Schwieterman
Jim Sharp
The Founders Club will hold its 4th Annual Member Reception at Randall Shaver
this year’s OTF Conference & Show. Members and interested donors Brad Smith
are invited to attend. For more information about Founders Club Sam Stimmel
membership, visit the OTF Membership booth at the OTF Show or Mark Tansey
contact: Randy Tischer
Todd Voss
OTRT – Founders Club Richard Warner
1100-H Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville, Ohio 43701 Mark Yoder
Phone: (888) 683-3445
14
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OLCA
NEWS
OLCA Annual Meeting • Developing a Culture of Safety
(Brad Hunt, RiskControl360˚)
at OTF Conference & Show
A Landscape Irrigation series of seminars has also been added to
The Ohio Lawn Care Association (OLCA) Annual Meeting & Luncheon the program featuring:
will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at the
Greater Columbus Convention Center. Members and guests will have • Decoder System Basics
the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary lunch, network with lawn (Tom Kundrat, Rain Bird Corporation)
care peers and hear President Dave Winter’s year-end-review of
OLCA’s many activities and accomplishments in 2007. • Decoder System Install and Service
(George Ohmer, Wolf Creek Company)
In other business at the annual meeting, the Nominating Committee • Sport Turf Irrigation
will present its slate of candidates for the 2008 Board of Directors; (Steve Lukasik, Wolf Creek Company)
Scholarships to students interested in pursuing careers in lawn care/ • Landscape Drip Irrigation
turf management will be awarded, along with grants for turfgrass (Chris Dimmick and Tom Kundrat, Rain Bird Corporation)
research and projects at Ohio colleges and universities. Plus, Belinda
Jones, Capitol Consulting Group, will give an update on legislative • Intelligent Use of Water
issues that could affect the lawn care industry and let you know what (Chris Dimmick, Rain Bird Corporation)
OLCA is doing to help shape legislation in Ohio. Plan now to attend • Financial Impact of Water Conservation
the OLCA Annual Meeting on December 4. (Scott Knowles, Wolf Creek Company)
Education for Lawn & Landscape • Breakfast Roundtables for sports, lawn and grounds
Professionals in Abundance • Snow Removal
at this Year’s Ohio Turfgrass (Doug Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc.)
• Management Strategies for Reducing Brown Patch on Fescue
Conference & Show (Dr. Brandon Horvath, Virginia Tech, Dept. of Plant Pathology)
This year’s Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show (OTF), December • How to Make Money Mowing Grass
3 – 6, Columbus, offers a complete agenda of educational op- (Todd Pugh, Todd’s Enviroscape)
portunities for lawn, grounds and landscape professionals. The • Estimating Lawn & Grounds Work
OTF planning committee, with input from the Ohio Lawn Care PANEL Discussion with Mark Grunkemeyer, BuckeyeEcoCare,
Association, has added even more seminars geared specifically Doug Freer, Blue Moose Co., Inc., Tony Newport, Brickman/
to the lawn care industry. GroundMasters and Todd Pugh, Todd’s Enviroscape
• Busted! A Review of the 2007 Investigations and Enforcement
The following Tuesday seminars will be of interest to owners and
Actions by ODA
managers of lawn and landscape companies, including:
(Jim Belt, Ohio Department of Agriculture)
• Employee Retention • Maximizing Your Fertilizer Dollars
(Dr. Bernie Ervin, The Ohio State University) (Brad Jakobowski, Univ. of Nebraska, Dept. of Ag. & Hort.)
• How to Control Your Rising Health Care Costs • Nutrient Dynamics in Lawn Care:
(Denny Recker, Fawcett, Lammon, Recker & Assoc.) Are There Really Environmental Dangers?
(Dr. Chuck Darrah, CLC LABS)
• Developing Middle Management
(Dr. Bernie Ervin, The Ohio State University)
There is also an evening workshop entitled “Turfgrass Insect
• H-2B Foreign Worker Program – What’s New Control Strategies Using New & Existing Insecticide Technology”
(John Wargowsky, Mid-American Ag & Hort Services) (Dr. Dave Shetlar, OSU)!
16
The Wednesday program also includes a Sod Production track,
Golf Course Owners/General Managers track and a Hispanic
Breakfast Roundtables
Turfgrass Management Workshop presented in Spanish. for Sports, Lawn & Grounds
Featured on the Thursday program for lawn and landscape at OTF Conference
professionals: Roundtable discussions feature the best in networking and ed-
ucation. Learn from other industry leaders and share your know-
• Broadleaf Weed Control ledge, methods and procedures with your peers on a variety of
(Dr. Dave Gardner, Ohio State Univ., Dept. of Hort. & Crop Science) topics. This new opportunity offers participants a change to ex-
• Selecting Grasses for Problem Landscapes change ideas and industry innovations. Enjoy a continental break-
(Dr. Doug Brede, Jacklin Seed Co./JR Simplot) fast while discussing proven solutions with your colleagues from
• Annual and Perennial Grassy Weed Control Options around the region. There is no charge to attend the Breakfast
(Dr. Dave Gardner, Ohio State Univ., Dept. of Hort. & Crop Science) Roundtables, but you must register in advance. Space is limited, so
register early to reserve your seat (Sponsored by UAP).
• Drought Tolerant Grasses and Management Strategies
for Drought Survival Roundtable Topics will include:
(Dr. Doug Brede, Jacklin Seed Co./JR Simplot)
• Optimizing Crabgrass Control Strategies – Pre & Post-Emergence • Pricing for Profit (Dennis Imler – Facilitator)
(Dr. John Street and Dr. Dave Gardner, The Ohio State University, • Recruiting New Employees (Mark Grunkemeyer)
Dept. of Hort. & Crop Science and Industry Reps) • Selling/Buying Your Business (Fred Schillinger)
• Top Performing Annuals for Midwest Landscapes • Productivity Improvements in Lawn Care
(Pam Bennett, OSU Extension/Clark County) & Landscape Maintenance (Tony Newport)
• Landscaping with Flowering Trees and Shrubs • Diversifying: Adding New Services/Adding Tree
(Jim Chatfield, OSU Extension – Wooster) & Shrub Programs (Joe Duncan)
• Strategies to Deal with Compacted Soils in the Landscape • Dealing with Environmental Issues (Kevin Power)
(Joe Boggs, OSU Extension – Hamilton Co.) • Marketing (Rob Palmer)
• Ornamental Bed/Landscape Weed Control • Snow Removal (Scott Huvler)
(Randy Zondag, OSU Extension – Lake Co.) • Emergency Recovery of Turf on Athletic Fields (Pam Sherratt)
• Where Are We Going with Bermudagrass (Darian Daily)
An Assistants/Technicians Workshop on Thursday offers:
17
OSTMA
NEWS
2007 Year-In-Review 08 STMA Conference
2007 was a great year for OSTMA. We have many great accomp- to be held in Phoenix
lishments to be proud of and have created a plan for many more
STMA’s 19th Annual Conference & Exhibition will be in Phoenix,
years of continued industry leadership.
Arizona, January 15 – 19, 2008. The Convention will be at the
Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center and the host hotel is the
Our endowment fund was opened. This fund is earmarked for future
Hyatt Regency Phoenix. For more information, visit www.stma.org.
endowments for the use of membership education. Be sure to get
your 50/50 raffle ticket from an OSTMA board member during the
Several of your OSTMA board members will participate in the
OTF Conference to help support this educational fund.
Chapter Officers Training Session on January 15. This year’s con-
ference promises to be great, with many networking opportunities
OSTMA hosted two successful field days this summer and we are
and educational benefits. The Educational Committee put together
planning more educational opportunities for members in 2008.
a great line up of speakers that cover all areas of the industry.
OSTMA also helped to organize and install a new baseball field for
Bluffton University in honor of those who lost their lives in a tragic
bus accident on March 2, 2007.
The major field renovation took place in August and Bluffton Univer- Special Thanks to our Sponsors
sity was given a state of the art playing surface. The university was The Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association would like to thank
very appreciative of all the hard work and donations. OSTMA would all of our sponsors for their continued support. Please keep our
like to thank the many donors that stepped up and made a difference sponsors in mind when you are in need of products or services.
to a great cause. Ag Design donated all of the labor and equipment
to tear out the old field and install the new one, Southern Athletic Central Farm & Garden Hunter Industries
Fields donated infield materials, Kurtz Brothers donated 150 yards Century Equipment Kurtz Bros.
of topsoil, Turface donated 4 tons of calcined clay, Medina Sod Farm Columbus Turf Nursery Lesco
donated 2,100 yards of sod and Cambridge Products, Inc., donated Covermaster Medina Sod/Ag Design
3 drag mats. We are still seeking donations in the form of products,
services or money to help with this project. If you or your organization
can help, please contact us at kevinvaughn@ostma.org.
08 Membership
The 2007 Board of Directors wishes to thank everyone for their
Don’t forget to renew your Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association
continued support and we look forward to further serving you in 2008
membership for 2008. Join now to take full advantage of a year’s
and beyond.
worth of up-to-date industry information and educational and
networking opportunities. Your membership will also help us provide
scholarships and industry research. Visit www.ostma.org for more
information.
OSTMA to hold Annual Meeting
OSTMA will hold their annual meeting and lunch on Thursday,
December 6, 2007, at 12:00 pm. Come join OSTMA as we recap
the past year and honor members and students with our scholarship
and award program. We hope to see you there!
18
OSPA
NEWS
Ohio Sod Producers Association
Annual Meeting at OTF Attention All Green Industry Members!
The Ohio Sod Producers Association (OSPA) will hold its annual Urgent Workers’ Comp Update
meeting at this year’s Ohio Turfgrass Conference Show. The meeting
is planned for Wednesday, December 5, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm with Group rating discount reductions are currently being
lunch included. There is no cost for OSPA members to attend (up to
considered by the BWC. The discount reductions currently
2 individuals) and just $20 for non-members. Everyone involved
being considered by the BWC could result in overall premium
and interested in Ohio’s sod industry is invited to attend.
increases of 21% – 24% for Ohio’s group rated employers
and will penalize Ohio’s best performing employers by
nearly doubling premiums for these employers receiving the
OSPA Sponsors Seminars maximum 90% discount! We believe that this increase will
at OTF for Sod Producers damage Ohio’s fragile economy; particularly hurting smaller
businesses that are driving new job creation and business
The Ohio Sod Producers Association is sponsoring a series of ed-
growth in Ohio. We are encouraging the BWC to take a safer,
ucational sessions at the Ohio Turfgrass Conference geared specific-
more prudent approach and to consider the negative impact
ally to sod production. The seminars will take place Wednesday,
December 5 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. their decision could have on Ohio’s employers and economy.
The following seminars will be offered: We are strongly encouraging our business community to
immediately communicate their concerns about these
What’s New in Turfgrasses for Sod Production potential premium increases to their Senate and House
Wednesday, December 5, 8:00 – 9:00 am
legislators, the Governor’s office, and the BWC Administrator
(Dr. Doug Brede, Jacklin Seed Co./JR Simplot)
and Board Members. Letters and contact information can
The Environmental Impact of Lawns: Science and Perception be obtained from the Ohio Lawn Care Association or you can
Wednesday, December 5, 9:00 – 10:00 am send your immediate concerns to the contacts listed below.
(Dr. Parwinder Grewal, The Ohio State Univ., Dept. of Entomology)
19
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
SB 190 INTRODUCED TO THE OHIO SENATE
At the request of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, State Senator Scotts Company, Lesco, The Andersons and lawncare service pioneer
Sue Morano (D; Lorain) introduced SB 190 to the Ohio Senate. companies like Barefoot Grass and TruGreen Chemlawn.
SB 190 designates the last week of May as “Ohio Turfgrass Week.”
We also presented the scientific perspective in testimony presented
The bill was referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee where it by OSU Turfgrass Pathologist Mike Boehm. Members of the com-
had three hearings. mittee were able to hear firsthand about the type of important
research going on at OSU such as the “study molecular mechanisms
During her sponsor testimony to the Senate Agriculture Committee, of how fungal pathogens attack turfgrass and the genetic regulation
Senator Morano stated, “It’s important for us to recognize and spread of how turfgrass protects itself from attack.” Clearly, this forum gave
awareness about the many economic, educational and environmental the green industry an opportunity to educate members of the Senate
benefits of this growing industry in Ohio.” She also referenced Ohio’s Ag Committee on Ohio’s preeminence in the turfgrass market.
growing international role in the turfgrass industry stating that we
have become a center for turfgrass education and research. In addition to testimony for the parties listed above, SB 190 also had
an important letter of support from the Scotts MiracleGro Company.
Subsequent hearings gave the green industry a chance to testify.
Among the witnesses was current OTF President Mark Jordan. Ultimately, the Senate Ag Committee passed the bill out unanimous-
Before delineating Ohio’s rich history of milestones in turfgrass ly. The bill now sits in the Senate Rules Committee awaiting the
research and product development, Mr. Jordan talked about the assignment of a date to be voted on by the full Senate. Note that
benefits of turf and concluded, “We are affected by turf daily ...where some bills never make it out of the Rules Committee, so, final
we live, work and play.” Mr. Jordan also had a chance to tout OTF’s passage is not a foregone conclusion. Still, since this bill had no
historical contributions to the green industry during his testimony opponents, we are hopeful that the full Senate will soon pass the
when he stated, “I am very honored to say that our organization has bill and send SB 190 for deliberation in the House.
contributed more than $3.5 million to The Ohio State University (OSU)
in research grants and more than $350,000 in student scholarships What does this bill mean to your business? Immediate benefits of
since it’s inception which has helped the state and the university earn this legislation may not be realized; however, this type of positive
a reputation as a national and international leader in the turfgrass recognition goes a long way toward promoting the industry. It gives
industry.” us an opportunity to “tell our story” to legislators and, if ultimately
passed, the bill would most certainly help to raise awareness of
OLCA presented testimony through current Legislative Committee the turfgrass industry in Ohio and may eventually help to generate
Chairman Bill Hoopes. Among other issues, including a recap of additional funds to support turfgrass research and teaching.
some of the milestones in turfgrass product development and the
development of the lawn service industry, Mr. Hoopes discussed the Thank you to all who are working toward the passage of SB 190!
economic contributions that the green industry makes to the Ohio
economy. He reminded the committee that Ohio is home to the
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What are rust diseases? Some clever plant pathologists have managed to trick the fungus
Rust diseases are infectious plant diseases caused by rust fungi. and can grow some species on non-living media, but not often.
There are many different rust fungi. In fact, there are over 5000 Another difficulty is that rust fungi have complex life cycles, in some
different species of rust fungi, classified in the Basidiomycetes or cases involving five different stages, with different types of spores
club fungi. Basidiomycete fungi include mushroom fungi, bracket involved with these stages. Furthermore, although rust fungi have
fungi and many others, but rust fungi are a distinct group within the very specialized host ranges rather than a wide range of numerous
Basidiomycetes, classified in the Uredinales order. plants they infect, sometimes different types of spores infect two
distinct groups of plants (known as the primary and alternate hosts).
What are some common rust diseases?
There are many rust diseases of historical importance, many Symptoms of diseases caused by rust fungi vary from orange to
rust diseases currently in the news and many rust diseases that reddish leaf and fruit lesions to defoliation, cankered areas on
are present and in some cases causing significant problems in stems, stem dieback and significant yield reductions on some plants.
landscapes, greenhouses and nurseries. Each rust disease and the effects on host plants differs.
Historically, black stem rust of wheat contributed to hunger and What is meant by primary and alternate hosts?
famine worldwide following World War I, cedar apple rust disease Some rust fungi require two very different host plant groups to
was long a bane for orchardists in many parts of the world, white complete their sexual cycle, although the infection can build on one
pine blister rust is a major forest disease in North America, and host through asexual reproduction. This type of rust fungus is called
coffee rust in tropical climes, well – that is enough not to keep you a heteroecious rust.
up awake at night. Today the news is full of news of soybean rust
as it moves northward and threatens this critical farm crop in the A good example of this is the cedar rusts, such as cedar-apple
US. Rust disease are even common on woodland wildflowers. Green rust, cedar-hawthorn rust and cedar-quince rust. To complete its
industry professionals can bore your family even while on spring- life cycle the Gymnosporangium fungal species involved in each
time woodland walks, pointing out the yellow-orange lesions on the of these three different rust diseases goes back and forth between
upper leaves of may-apples and the bright orange changing to rusty red cedars (junipers) and the “rosaceous host” (plants in the rose
red pustules on the leaf undersides. family such as apple/crabapple, hawthorn, and quince). Plant
pathologists wax prosaic about basidiospores produced on telial
As for nursery, landscape and greenhouse ornamentals we hear horns on galls on the juniper blowing to the leaves and flowers of
frequently of rust diseases such as: cedar rusts on junipers, rosaceous host in the spring, with two strains of the fungus then
hawthorns and crabapples, daylily rust, hollyhock rust, snapdragon uniting in the rosaceous hosts and in the coming weeks and months
rust, geranium rust and various turfgrass rusts. later, pustules with aeciospores coming out the bottom of the
rosaceous host and eventually reinfecting junipers.
What are some important characteristics of rust fungi?
Rust fungi are obligate parasites, growing only on the cells of living The spore stages are a complicated story, but the bottom line is
host plants. This has made it difficult to study rust fungi, since they that no spores that develop on the rosaceous host will infect the
do not readily grow on artificial media in the plant pathologist’s lab. rosaceous host; the spores on that hawthorn leaf or fruit will only
22
infect junipers. This matters a great deal from a practical plant plant species and cultivars have varying levels of resistance and
disease control point of view. The timing of fungicides applied to susceptibility to these three diseases. It is beyond the scope of this
that hawthorn foliage should be made only to prevent infections article to list individual rust-resistant cultivars. Many land-grant
from spores coming from the junipers for a few weeks in spring. universities have fact sheets or bulletins on the world wide web.
Nothing produced on the hawthorn will reinfect the hawthorn. Once For example, Ohio State University Extension has one web site that
you see the orange rust lesions on the upper leaf surface of haw- is entitled “Cedar Rust Diseases of Ornamental Plants” in addition
thorn, it is already too late for fungicides to be effective. to horticultural features, growers, landscapers and designers need
to consider rust resistance.
It is quite a natural history phenomenon, though. Think of it – a
fungus that can complete its life cycle only by cycling between Are fungicide applications effective?
such widely different plants such as junipers (a gymnosperm) and When a particular rust disease is a significant problem, fungicides
the rosaceous host (an angiosperm). But only those particular angi- can help control the pathogen component of the Disease Triangle
osperms and gymnosperms – junipers and plants in the rose family! by preventive applications. Timing is critical. With the cedar rusts
Other well-known heteroecious rusts that occur on widely different for example, preventive applications for the rosaceous hosts should
hosts include white pine blister rust on white pines and certain be made before rust spores arrive in the spring from the juniper
currants and gooseberries and black stem rust of wheat on wheat hosts. In the case of cedar rusts, since spores eventually produced
and barberry. on this host will not reinfect this host (there is no repeating cycle on
the rosaceous hosts), there is no point to applying fungicides
Are all rust fungi heteroecious? throughout the season. Of course, each rust disease is unique,
No, some complete their life cycles on only one host or closely relat- so learning the life cycle of a particular rust disease and specific
ed group of hosts. These are called autoecious rusts. An example timing for sprays is critical for important rusts on host plants you
is hollyhock rust. It only occurs on hollyhock and related species of need to protect. As to fungicide controls of rust diseases, products
plants in the Malvaceae family, such as some of our weedy round- containing sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (e.g. fenarimol, myclobuta-
leaved mallows. Snapdragon and rose rusts are other ornamental nil, propiconazole, and triadimefon), broad spectrum protectants
examples of autoecious rusts, that do not have different primary and (e.g. chlorothalonil and mancozeb), inorganic protectants (e.g. sulfur),
alternate hosts. and oxycarboxin can help. Check pesticide labels for directions and
precautions.
What are some regulatory issues with rust diseases?
Historically, one approach to control of economically important Can sanitation help with rust disease control?
rust diseases was attempted eradication of alternate hosts. Since Another way to impact the pathogen component of the Disease
black stem rust of wheat must cycle between wheat and barberry Triangle is through sanitation. For example, hollyhock rust, clean-
in North America, when it seriously affected wheat yields in the ing up (removing) rust-infected plants during and after the season
1920s, “rust buster” clubs were established and awards were given helps reduce the inoculum of the rust fungus that would otherwise
for the number of European barberry pelts brought into the local survive on plant debris until the next growing season. Cleaning up
grange. Certain barberries are still on prohibited plant lists in many the related round-leaved mallow weed hosts also helps.
states. Similarly, certain currant and gooseberries (Ribes spp.) are
still prohibited from nursery and garden center sales due to remain- Removing alternate hosts for heteroecious rusts is also a form of
ing concerns with white pine blister rust. Not all currants and sanitation. Those rust busters who removed barberries from areas
barberries, though. Rust fungi are highly specialized and there are near farm fields were controlling rust through sanitation by remov-
specialized forms and pathogenic races of the fungi that will infect ing a plant the fungus needed to complete its life cycle. Sometimes
only certain specific taxa of Ribes. what is considered the economic host in heteroecious rusts de-
pends on the perspective of the grower. Cedar eradication laws
Are rust resistant plants a good control strategy? were passed at one time in apple orchard-rich states, proscribing
Absolutely. The ever-useful concept of the Disease Triangle comes removal of junipers from areas near orchards. Think of how the
into play as usual. To review, 3 things are required for the disease juniper lobby felt! Eventually such laws were repealed. Nonetheless,
process to occur: an environment conducive to disease, a suscept- under-planting hawthorns or crabapples with susceptible junipers
ible host and a virulent pathogen. Environmental management may is a clearly bad move.
be helpful. For example, most rust fungi thrive and infect in moist
conditions, so providing good air movement can help. This is of Rust diseases are common in natural areas and in horticultural
course sometimes difficult production and management. Learn more about which ones are
important in your area and need management practices such as
So, one of the best ways to manage rust disease is to use plants selecting resistant plant hosts, pathogen control through sanitation
with genetic resistance. In the case of cedar rust diseases, a num- and fungicides and environmental modification. Remember – rust
ber of juniper species and cultivars and a number of rosaceous never sleeps!
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