Two-Hour Seminars
Take Two: A New Seminar Series
Debuting in San Diego, these new two-hour seminars are specifically designed to provide you with the most pertinent and vital information on popular agronomic topics. Industry experts will lead these seminars and are dedicated to providing you information that can help you improve your course.
.2 education points, $40 member, $60 nonmember
Tuesday, Feb. 9
9 – 11 am
NEW
Practical PGR Use for Golf Courses
Ronald N. Calhoun, Turfgrass Research/Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
(580-01) Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have become a common component of turfgrass management programs for golf courses as their use has increased steadily over the last fifteen years. Superintendents employ PGRs for clipping reduction, divot recovery, disease resistance, seedhead control, managing green speed, color, uniformity, species conversion, wear tolerance and a handful of other reasons. Are you considering using PGRs or do you want to evaluate your current program? What about combination products? How do you determine the effectiveness of PGRs in your management program? Join in this lively discussion of what works, what doesn’t and what we don’t know.
3 – 5 pm
NEW
Beyond Organic—Sustainable Golf Turf
Frank Rossi, Ph.D., Extension Turfgrass Specialist and Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Cornell University
(581-01) This two-hour program will outline the major environmental issues facing the golf industry, the role of organic-based management and how the broader concern for climate and sustainability can shape golf turf management for the next generation. Specific recommendations will be made that will include cost saving and carbon-smart technology.
Friday, Feb. 12
8 – 10 am
NEW
The Ins and Outs of Winter Kill—Are You Protected?
Brian Horgan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Horticulture Science, University of Minnesota
(582-01) Our ability to prepare our turf for winter is certainly trumped by Mother Nature’s ability to wreak havoc on our golf courses. Although we can’t control her, we can use a variety of tolls at our disposal to help minimize putting green damage. Get answers to important questions such as:
- What kind of protection do you use for your putting greens to prevent crown hydration?
- Is topdressing effective preventing desiccation?
- Can creeping bentgrass really survive under ice?
Don’t forget to bring your story and winter survival tool chest.
10 am – Noon
NEW
Fine-Tuning Your Foliar Program
Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture/Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska
(579-01) Liquid applications of nutrients to turfgrass are a routine management practice. Learn about advances in foliar fertilizers and begin to develop a customized foliar program for your facility by working through the following questions:
- When is it appropriate to use a liquid vs. soluble product?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of foliar vs. soluble vs. granular?
- What proportion of your program should be granular vs. foliar and vice versa?
- What are additional documented benefits of foliars besides nutrition, and how can they best be used in your program?