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Last updated 6/12/03 |
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TURF
ALUMNI NEWS June 2003 |
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In only their second year of competition, a team of Purdue Agronomy students placed second out of 71 teams from all over the world at this year’s Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. Three teams of four students each traveled to Atlanta, GA for the International Golf Course Conference and Show for the competition, which included identification of soils, seed, grasses, disease, insects, and weeds as well as mathematics, plant physiology, and growth and development. Students were responsible for information about turf science across the nation, not just issues pertaining to the Midwest. Iowa State captured the title this year, finishing with 326.5 points, Purdue placed second with 321 points, and Penn State placed third with 305 points. The other two Purdue teams placed 25th and 27th out of 71 teams. The teams were coached by Aaron Patton and members included Russ Apple, Todd Armbruster, Jonathan Baker, Steven Biehl, Joe Blumke, Josh Cage, J.D. Cash, Maureen Clark, Cristi Craven, Andy Eick, Cliff Meyer, and Adam Peercy represented Purdue this year. After placing fourth in 2002, students made a commitment to improve in 2003, and are already looking forward to next year’s competition in San Diego. Please congratulate these students on their performance and hard work the next time you see them.
May 2003
Bachelor of Science Degree
| Russ Apple | Eagle Creek Golf Course, Indianapolis IN |
| Joseph Blumke | Manchester Country Club, Bedford NH |
| Josh Cage | JC’s Lawn Service, Indianapolis IN |
| Daniel Douglass | |
| Bryan Doup | Old Oakland Country Club, Indianapolis IN |
| Adam Fritsche | |
| Kevin Krohne | Winged Foot, Mamoroneck NY |
| Charles Minnemeyer | Winged Foot, Mamoroneck NY |
| Michael Rager | Athletic City Country Club, Northfield NJ |
| Ben Strupeck | Colorado |
| Jeremy Warner | TruGreen ChemLawn, Lafayette IN |
The Midwest Regional Turf Field Day will be held on July 29 at the Wm H Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center in West Lafayette. This is a great opportunity for turf professionals to view the latest in turfgrass research, talk to Purdue specialists about turf and ornamental issues, and visit with exhibitors displaying the latest in turf equipment and products. Topics include grub control, reducing pesticide exposure, broadleaf weed control, dollar spot resistance, ornamental insect management, Roundup Ready creeping bentgrass, localized dry spot and much, much more. There will also be an afternoon program (with air conditioning) on gray leaf spot. We have requested 3 CCH’s in Cat 3b for the Field Day and GCSAA PDU’s. Additionally, Pork Chop Charlie will serve his renowned pork chops at noon. More information will be available from Bev at 765-494-8039 or at http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/.
Cale Bigelow Ph.D. initiated his research program in turfgrass nutrition, soil fertility and general turf management at the W.H. Daniel Center this spring. Cale is being assisted by Glenn Hardebeck, and two willing graduate students, Kristie Walker and J.D. Cash. A wide variety of projects are being studied which were designed to include golf course management, sports fields and homelawns. For golf turf we will be investigating the long-term effects of various sand topdressing programs for high shoot density bentgrasses, foliar nutrient programs for creeping bentgrass putting greens and fairways, divot recovery of fairway creeping bentgrass and product evaluation of various wetting agents and plant growth regulators. In sports field research, the effect of sand and inorganic amendment topdressing programs as well as the suitability of seeded bermudagrass will be studied. Lastly, for homelawns, eight nitrogen programs for Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and turf-type tall fescue are being assessed.
The creation of the Daniel Center 5 years ago has been a great investment for the Turf Program. Not only do we now have state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, but its location allows much of our teaching and research to take place on the golf courses. The teaching laboratory is used extensively for 121 class meetings, 56 extension events, and 120 other educational and planning programs since being opened in 1999. Almost 16,000 people have used the Daniel Center since its opening which affords wonderful visibility for the Program and creates tremendous goodwill. Without the support for the turf industry in Indiana and our loyal alumni, the Daniel Center would not be possible. The staff of the Turf Program sincerely says “Thank you!”
July 29 Midwest Regional Turf Field Day, Daniel Turf Center, W Lafayette IN
Oct. 9 MRTF Golf Day, Coyote Crossing, W Lafayette IN
Nov. 17-20 Turf & Ornamental Seminar, Daniel Turf Center, W Lafayette IN
Jan. 27-29 2004 Midwest Turf Expo, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis IN
Send corrections, suggestions, and comments to biehlj@purdue.edu