TURFGRASS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED AT DALLAS FIELD DAY
Turfgrass researchers presented interesting findings at the Texas A&M University Turf & Ornamental Field Day in Dallas on September 14. Variety development and evaluation, insect and weed control, management practices and fertility were just some of the topics discussed.
Dr. M.C.Engelke showed some of the zoysia lines that he has developed and was excited about the possibility of using them in unconventional ways. He is strongly looking at using them on golf greens. Because of their extensive root system, he believes they will withstand wear much better that other species.
He also pointed out that some zoysias have a gland that absorbs sodium. This allows them to be used in very salty soils. He is hopeful that they can identify the gene or genes that control this function and be able to transfer it to other crops so that they can be grown where salt is a problem.
Dr. Dennis Genovesi showed off some of the advanced lines in the St. Augustine breeding program. In addition to the Dallas site, the lines were also planted at Bay City and Pilot Point this summer. The researchers want to see how they perform under field conditions, how they harvest and transplant.
Controlling K.R. Bluestem in turfgrass was another stop on the field day. Roger Havlak discussed work being done at the Station by Dr. James McAfee. Some herbicides were effective if applied more than once. None gave adequate control in one application.
Other speakers and their topics included Dr. McAfee on mowing practices, Dr. James Read on Texas bluegrass hybrids, Dr. Jim Reinert on insect control, Dr. Phil Colbaugh on lawn disease control, Dr. David Chalmers on the NTEP trials, and Dr. John Sloan on irrigation and nitrogen interaction.
The field day is scheduled to be held in College Station in 2006.