MSU hosts virtual turfgrass field day

MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a virtual turfgrass field day Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event was split into two sessions, focusing on lawn care and athletic fields, then golf turf.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University Extension and MSU AgBioResearch hosted a virtual turfgrass field day Wednesday, Sept. 23. The event was be split into two sessions, focusing on lawn care and athletic fields, and then golf turf.

MSU experts discussed research from the turfgrass science team, including the latest management recommendations for controlling pests and optimizing turfgrass performance. A question-and-answer session followed each presentation.

“MSU has been a leader in turfgrass research and outreach for decades, and we know many turf managers rely on us to provide information,” said Kevin Frank, an MSU Extension turf specialist and professor in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. “Although we aren’t able to have an in-person field day this year, we want to assure our partners that we remain committed to delivering the latest information and recommendations.”

Presenters and topics include:

Lawn Care and Athletic Fields:

  • The long-term evaluation and comparison of naturally enhanced sand textured athletic field root zones. Presented by Thomas Green and Trey Rogers.
  • Identification and management of summer diseases on home lawns. Presented by Joe Vargas and Nancy Dykema.
  • Best management practices for weed control. Presented by Thom Nikolai.
  • Long-term fate of fertilizer applications. Presented by Kevin Frank.
  • Turfgrass species evaluation under minimal maintenance practices. Presented by Kevin Frank.

Golf Turf:

  • Latest management strategies for brown patch and crown rot anthracnose, including fungicide resistance issues. Presented by Joe Vargas and Nancy Dykema.
  • Evaluation of the long-term soil physical and chemical properties of a variable-depth putting green. Presented by Thomas Green and Trey Rogers.
  • Best management practices for weed control. Presented by Thom Nikolai.
  • Effects of different soil testing interpretation philosophies on creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass putting greens. Presented by Jackie Guevara and Kevin Frank.

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