Clemson and U of A Field Days

Plant Pathologist Bruce Martin of Clemson Universities Pee Dee Research and Education Center claimed at a recent field day the key to minimizing the impact of diseases like the one pictured is early diagnosis. A University of Arkansas field day showcased the facilities research into drought tolerant turf varieties. photo:North Carolina State University

 

The 2008 Farm Field Day on Aug. 12 at Clemson Universities’ Pee Dee Research and Education Center covered disease control for turfgrass, among other issues.

Clemson plant pathologist Bruce Martin demonstrated how his bermudagrass summer disease control program studies the effects of chronic diseases, such as spring dead spot and bipolaris leaf spots, on the health and quality of turfgrass.

Martin stressed that quick and accurate diagnosis, such as utilizing the Clemson Commercial Turfgrass Clinic, can help save golf courses, athletic fields and other applications from ruin.

Drought tolerance was one of many topics at the Turfgrass Field Day Aug. 6 at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville.

Some grass varieties can go without water in the summer for up to 60 days with no damage and even retain some green color, says turfgrass scientist Mike Richardson, a horticulture professor with the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture.

Richardson said turf scientists conducting drought tolerance research nationwide hope to provide the basis for a “water star” seal that the public can rely on to signify superior drought tolerance.

Drought tolerance research is conducted in a new 35×130 ft. “rainout shelter” at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Plastic sheeting over a 17-foot-tall frame and open sides allow sunshine in but keep rain off the test plots.

The first year of rainout shelter tests revealed significant genetic differences in drought tolerance, but additional data are needed before publicizing results, Richardson said. Results will help plant breeders develop varieties with superior drought tolerance.

Richardson sees several other big reasons for documenting drought tolerance in turfgrass varieties. One is that most people tend to over-water, which sets turf up for disease and pest problems.

A second reason is that when water is in short supply, the first restrictions are often on watering lawns, golf courses and athletic fields.

A third reason is to reinforce the idea that turfgrass is “green,” meaning environmentally friendly. The balance of environment benefits versus the water and other inputs required, when properly managed, add up to a positive impact, Richardson said.

Sources: University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Clemson University,/em>