Turfgrass research to be topic of MSU tours
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EmailThe Hancock Turfgrass Research Center will host the annual MSU Turfgrass Field Day Aug. 14. The event is comprised of two morning research tours, a catered lunch and three afternoon walking tours.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Hancock Turfgrass Research Center will host the annual MSU Turfgrass Field Day Aug. 14. The event is comprised of two morning research tours, a catered lunch and three afternoon walking tours.
Researchers will present information on a number of topics related to turfgrass in the golfing industry, such as the effects of mowing, drought and bacteria, as well as methods of pest and disease control and improved management technologies. Current research will be described, as well as preliminary findings.
Kevin Frank, associate professor of plant, soil and microbial sciences and MSU Extension turfgrass specialist, said that the field day is valuable to the Michigan turfgrass industry.
“The Michigan Turfgrass Field Day brings together turfgrass managers from several segments of the industry, including golf, lawn care, athletic fields, parks and schools,” he said. “The MSU Turf Team will present the latest cutting-edge research designed to achieve optimal turf quality with reduced inputs.”
Researchers will also discuss lawn and athletic field research on topics such as spray nozzle dynamics for better pesticide application and effectiveness, nutrient runoff following fertilizer applications, and fungal infections and associated management practices.
The afternoon sessions will cover such topics as controlling diseases and weeds.
The MSU turf pathology research team will lead a walking tour focused on disease management. Attendees will learn how to distinguish between various pathogens and what management options are available. Symptoms of summer decline in certain grass species will also be discussed.
Information on identification characteristics of common turf weeds and the best control practices will also be provided. This discussion will include practices with and without herbicides.
The MSU athletic field tour will visit three sites on the MSU campus to discuss new field establishment and compare two synthetic turf fields.
The public is invited. For registration information and an agenda, visit http://www.michiganturfgrass.org/msu-turfgrass-field-day.html.
MSU AgBioResearch engages in innovative, leading-edge research that combines scientific expertise with practical experience to generate economic prosperity, sustain natural resources and enhance the quality of life in Michigan, the nation and the world. It encompasses the work of more than 300 scientists in seven MSU colleges – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts and Letters, Communication Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Natural Science, Social Science and Veterinary Medicine – and has a network of 13 research centers across the state.
