The turfgrass research team at Kansas State University and the Kansas Turfgrass Foundation (KTF) are each dedicated to providing better turf for all of Kansas. The John C. Pair Horticulture Research Center in Wichita offers a unique opportunity for turfgrass research in a different climate and that addresses issues or problems unique to southern Kansas. The KTF sponsors an annual field day (average attendance of 300) during which research results are shared with golf course superintendents, lawn care operators, parks and recreation employees, sports turf managers, and others. This field day is held in Wichita every second year and will be held there in 2001.
In addition to many other horticultural
commodities, the KSU turfgrass research team and the KTF are proud to have nearly two
acres of research space at the John C. Pair Horticulture Research Center. Examples of
research projects presently underway and planned for Wichita include:
* Evaluation of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue varieties best adapted for the Kansas
climate.
* Disease management trials in tall fescue.
* Bermudagrass variety selection and optimizing its use for athletic fields.
* Comparison of fall, spring, and split fall/spring applications of crabgrass preventer
herbicides to optimize crabgrass control strategies.
* Suppression of volunteer bermudagrass in cool-season turf.
Stay tuned to this site for visual updates and
progress reports of turfgrass research in Wichita.