2 minute read
Recent Event
Virginia Tech Turfgrass Field Day
50 green industry professionals joined the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Team at the Turfgrass Research Center on August 31. The field day program consisted of discussions and demonstrations of 18 unique turfgrass and green industry research trials, and of particular interest in 2021 was a lot of Q&A regarding the management and expectations for this year’s record fall armyworm outbreak.
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Special thanks to our sponsors Bulldog Field Equipment, Chesapeake Valley Seed, Landscape Supply, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Williams Brothers Tree and Lawn Service, the Virginia Turfgrass Council, and the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation.
Field Day is underway! The morning began with Dr. Mike Goatley and Dr. Xunzhong Zhang sharing their research on Lawn Fertility with Biosolids.
PhD candidate Wendell Hutchens shares his latest research findings on Spring Dead Spot suppression.
Program manager Whitnee Askew, and Dr. Goatley highlight the many entries in their 2019 Bermudagrass NTEP research trial.
Professor Tom Kuhar highlighting the 2021 turfgrass conundrum: Fall Armyworms.
An eye-popping research trial with Drs. Clebson Goncalves and Shawn Askew talking about alternative weed-control methods.
Dr. Goatley and Whitnee Askew presenting a TGWCA Kentucky Bluegrass research trial under the rainout shelter. Many of the varieties have recovered nicely as watering has resumed following an extensive induced-drought period.
Dr. Askew demonstrating his innovative pollinator sod research.
Dr. Kuhar now talking about ant control in turf… and Fall Armyworms again.
PhD student John Peppers sharing some very practical research investigating the use of PGRs and low-dose herbicide applications to reduce mowing requirements.
Virginia Tech Entomology Master’s student Micki Palmersheim talking about her research on pollinator plant preferences for the lawn and landscape.
PhD student Daewon Koo and Dr. Askew demonstrate an agricultural spray drone that will be retrofitted and utilized in future weed-control research trials.
Research technician Kevin Hensler and Dr. David McCall sharing multiple Blue grama variety trials.
Dr. Jeff Derr from the Hampton Roads AREC made the long trip to Blacksburg to provide attendees with the latest updates on ornamental weed control.
