2 minute read
Event Recap
2022 UConn Turfgrass Field Day
By Vickie Wallace, Extension Educator, UConn Extension
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UConn faculty shared updates about their current research projects with industry professionals at the 2022 Turfgrass Field Day, held on July 28 at the UConn Plant Science Research Facility in Storrs, CT. More than 300 turfgrass practitioners from across New England attended the biennial field day.
Research showcased at the July 28 field day highlighted sustainable maintenance practices that reduce inputs of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which directly enhance and improve the health of the environment. Tour stops included updates about cultural management practices used to reduce disease; fungicide evaluations; cultural and chemical control to mitigate annual bluegrass; autonomous and conventional mowing strategies; the impact on turf species, mowing height and seeding rates on weed populations; NTEP cultivar evaluations of bentgrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass; and practical pollinator meadow management strategies. There were also several self-guided stops, which allowed visitation to projects not highlighted during the circuit of designated tour stops.
Graduate student Tyler Seidel speaks to attendees of the UConn Turfgrass Field Day on July 28, 2022.
“The day allows for easy interaction between turfgrass faculty and industry stakeholders,” said John Inguagiato, associate professor of turfgrass science. “Attendees leave with information they can immediately use, and we hear more about the challenges and issues important to them.”
Alumni of the turfgrass program had the opportunity to network with fellow turfgrass professionals and commercial business partners. Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to take a brief break from day-to-day challenges of the season. A lunchtime program highlighted the success of the turfgrass program and introduced the William Dest scholarship. which was recently launched by the UConn Foundation. Bill Dest was the first turfgrass faculty hired at UConn. His research centered on soil health and sports turf research. NESTMA recently contributed to this new scholarship program. •
