Dallas Center Hosts Turfgrass Field Day

            Approximately 40 turfgrass producers were able to learn about turfgrass research at the Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center in Dallas on September 20th.  Normally, Texas A&M University hosts a field day each fall that combines turfgrass and horticulture tours.  However, due to construction on the university campus, the field day was cancelled.

            The turfgrass faculty decided to offer a field day just for turfgrass producers in Dallas to provide an overview of turfgrass research and educational programs.  Presentations were made by Drs. James Reinert, Dennis Genovesi, James McAfee, David Chalmers, Phil Colbaugh, M.C. Engelke, Kurt Steinke and Richard White.

            Tour stops included NTEP trials, insect control, disease control, weed control, St. Augustinegrass sod production trials, water use, shade studies, mowing and grooming studies, fertility and water use.

            At the St. Augustinegrass stop, participants were given the opportunity to help identify entries for further study as potential releases.  Thousands of lines and crosses have already been evaluated and more are on the way.

            Dr. Engelke stated that the organizers were happy with the turnout.  “We were only expecting half this many producers to show up.  We appreciate the opportunity to show the scope of the turfgrass research being conducted at Texas A&M University,” he said.

            He also thanked the group for helping to fund the research.  Twenty-eight TPT members are funding the St. Augustine breeding program.  Royalties from the zoysia program have provided nearly one-half million dollars that are reinvested in research.  In addition, TPT provides funds for several other research projects.

            “We could not do what we do without help from turfgrass producers.”, Engelke stated.