Turfgrass Science News

New research publication from our team - 1/3/22

Learn more about our research! A new research article from our group has been published in Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management. This study used a survey to investigate what residents in the Twin Cities think of different lawn watering restriction scenarios. The results can help guide the development of strategies for conserving water used for home lawn irrigation.
 
Barnes, M.R., C. Yue, and E. Watkins. 2021. Homeowner perceptions of watering restriction scenarios in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area.


University of Minnesota Turfgrass team in the media – 12/22/21

Check out our team’s latest efforts in educating the public about our work. Eric Watkins did a podcast for Field, Lab, Earth, the podcast from the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

Listen to the podcast -  Salt-Affected Roadside Grasses with Dr. Eric Watkins - to learn more about our roadside grass research.


True armyworm moth trapping project in Roseau County

By Dave Grafstrom

In 2020, a widespread outbreak of true armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta), and the subsequent feeding, caused significant damage to perennial ryegrass seed fields in northwest Minnesota. Reported ryegrass seed yield losses ranged from 0 to over 80%. The most severe damage occurred over the July 4th weekend. The majority of the perennial ryegrass fields were sprayed once or twice for armyworms.


An old mower to the rescue

By Gary Deters

Like most turfgrass areas, a high percentage of our research plots need to be mowed consistently. Our creeping bentgrass research golf greens are cut at 0.125” and the task requires a special mower and reel setup. Many plots are cut at 2.5” to 3.5” with a push or riding mower, similar to what is used by a typical homeowner. So, with all the research plots and mowers we have, you might think we have everything we need to get the job done. In most cases that is true, but for a new trial conducted by members of the turf group, we had a bit of a problem.


Join the Turfgrass Science Team at Northern Green 2022

Members of our team will be giving talks at Northern Green, a trade show and conference dedicated to green industry professionals.  Register now for this worthwhile event!

Northern Green
January 11-13, 2022
Minneapolis Convention Center
REGISTRATION

This year’s presentations from our team include:

 

University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research Update

Eric Watkins
Wednesday, January 12, 7:30 AM - 8:20 AM


What is Turfgrass Science?

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The University of Minnesota's Turfgrass Science Program conducts field-based research and offers education and consultation to both commercial turfgrass managers and homeowners caring for their yards. Want to search our site? Click here.

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