RESEARCH FARM ADDS TURFGRASS

            Peter Bruno spent twenty-five years in research and development for chemical companies before deciding to form his own company four years ago.  Agricumbia Resources Co. LTD, specializes in insect, disease and weed control in over 20 crops ranging from cotton to vegetables.  This year, the company has added turfgrass to its lineup. 

            “The chemical companies have been encouraging me to get into turfgrass for several years,” Bruno said.  “Bayer gave me a push to put it in and I have enjoyed it.  Working with turfgrass is fun.”

            He has established three acres of plots in 2006 and has the potential to add more.  Current studies are looking at ways to control brown patch and chinch bugs.  He has large blocks of Raleigh St. Augustine, Tif 419 Bermudagrass and Cavalier Zoysia for the brown patch studies and another block of Raleigh for the chinch bug study.  In addition he has 19 varieties of grasses planted in 5’ X 160’ strips that can be used for additional studies.  Also in the plans is a study to look at goosegrass control in St. Augustine. 

            Bruno says it has taken a lot of financial and time commitment to get into the turfgrass research business.  “We installed a lateral irrigation system just for turf and have bought specialized mowers and other equipment.  The turfgrass market is big and I feel there will be a continuing need for contract research to get new products on the market.  We are here to stay,” he said.

            Although Agricumbia also has operations in Mexico and Central America, the main research farm is located in Wharton County between Wharton and Boling.  With approximately 100 acres in research plots, turfgrass is currently a small part of the research being conducted.  Bruno hopes to be able to establish another eight acres of turfgrass in the near future on a nearby piece of land that he recently purchased. 

            Bruno stated that growing the turfgrass has been a learning experience.  With the help of his farm manager, Charlie Kieler, they have learned very well and have a first class operation.