Topics include new bermudagrass cultivars, thatch management in the landscape with equipment demo, ground pearls (difficult lawn scale insect), turfgrass response to herbicides, understanding pesticides and pesticide safety and understanding the fertilizer label.
There is something for the professional, Master Gardener and homeowner at the 23rd Annual Turfgrass Expo & Field Day. You’ll see and learn the newest in the areas of lawn grass varieties, weed control and many other topics related to selecting, establishing and maintaining a Florida lawn.
This University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) event will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at the West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) in the north part of Santa Rosa County.
The turfgrass research facility is one of the largest in the Southeast and is part of the larger WFREC. The turfgrass research part of the center contains hundreds of turfgrass varieties, which are intentionally planted in blocks for research purposes. You’ll see the newest centipede, St. Augustine, zoysia, bermuda, bahia and other grass varieties. UF/IFAS Researchers will be onsite during the field day to share their research on weed control, lawn insects, new lawn grasses and more.
This year’s expo is offering a track the golf and athletic field professional and a track for the landscape professional. In addition, the homeowner lawn enthusiast will find opportunities to learn. Topics include new bermudagrass cultivars, thatch management in the landscape with equipment demo, ground pearls (difficult lawn scale insect), turfgrass response to herbicides, understanding pesticides and pesticide safety and understanding the fertilizer label.
The Turfgrass Expo & Field Day begins with registration at 7:45 a.m. followed by research tours beginning at 9 a.m. and a catered lunch at noon. After lunch, they will have vendor updates and equipment demonstrations. Beginning at 1:15 p.m., educational workshops will be provided. The event concludes at 3 p.m. with door prizes. Attending the afternoon workshops is optional.
This popular expo and field day attracts hundreds of attendees and includes research plot tours, workshops, equipment demonstrations, continuing education pesticide license holders, lunch, door prizes, vendors and exhibits.
Registration fee for Master Gardeners and homeowners is $20 and $50 for the professional track. Onsite registration is $60. Register online at 2017gulfcoastturfgrassexpo.eventbrite.com. Contact Events Coordinator, Robin Vickers, at (850) 983-7134 for more information.
The WFREC is located in the beautiful farming area of Northern Santa Rosa County on Highway 182 between Allen Town and Jay at 4253 Experiment Road in Jay, Florida. This event is outdoors so bring your sunscreen and insect repellent.
Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@co.okaloosa.fl.us.
