Research Tournament to Benefit Virginia Tech Turf Team

The annual research tournament was held on May 20 at Independence Golf Course in Richmond. This event expanded its wings when the VGCSA joined efforts with the VTC to combine their time and talents to bolster revenue for research at Virginia Tech. In turn these talented researchers put on a first rate Field Day the morning of the tournament to showcase some of the research being done at this facility. It is research that answers some of the very questions that you as a member of the turfgrass industry have pondered. These researchers are answering your questions and making your ability to perform your job easier. They just plain make you look better in the eyes of your employees.

Attendees also witnessed the unveiling of the brand new Virginia Turfgrass Foundation. The Foundation is spreading its wings and undergoing a makeover that will move it toward its goal of reaching one million dollars in 2019. We want all of you that are part of this great industry to be part of our success and we look forward to educating all of you to our mission and purpose.

This year, nearly $57,000 was awarded for turfgrass research. The following projects are new or ongoing.

1. Expanding sod marketing options with native and pollinator plants – Askew/Goatley Funding for 1 year: $20,000

2. Using ethylene and polyamine to prolong tall Fescue sod shelf life –Goatley/Zhang Funding for 1 year: $12,000

3. Monitoring annual bluegrass weevil on VA golf courses –Kuhar/Schultz/McCall Funding for 1 year: $19,260

4. 2nd year funding – Evaluating the potential of perennial two grass turf management systems – Whitney Askew/Goatley Funding for 2nd year: $5000

Betty B. Parker

VTF Manager

Betty B. Parker VTF Manager