The Deep South Turf Expo is moving into its second year in 2016. The Expo will be held October 11-13 in Biloxi, Miss., and the conference and trade show will take place at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. Showcased at the Expo will be an all-star education program.
Opening the program in the General Session is Dr. Scott McElroy, Auburn University, professor, Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences faculty. McElroy's topic is "Choosing the Correct Weed Control Program, Turfgrass Cultivar, and Light Beer: Deciphering Opinion, Data and Marketing to Make the Best Decision." The process of choosing the correct weed control program for a turfgrass system is a similar process to choosing any other product in a complex market. McElroy focuses on real-world weed management issues to discuss how data is generated, how opinions can be biased and how marketing can manipulate customers.
Dr. Bill Kreuser, assistant professor and extension turfgrass specialist at the University of Nebraska, is speaking on "The Drainage Debacle - Issues in Constructed Rootzone." Kreuser's research focuses on management of turfgrass soil, water, and nutrients. “I'm currently interested in the relationship between turf crown moisture and temperature stress tolerance,” he said. “This has implications for turfgrass survival during summer and winter droughts and can result in desiccation injury and plant death. Other interests include sustainable lawn management, use of nitrogen sensing technology to increase fertilizer application precision, and the cause and management of impermeable iron-oxide layers in sand-based putting greens.”
Clemson University’s Dr. Bruce Martin will also present. Martin will speak on "Disease Management for Warm Season Lawns," and in addition discuss, "Disease and Nematode Management for Bermudagrass Greens." Those participating in his class will understand the relative impact of the major genera of nematodes to Bermudagrass greens, learn about the relative efficacy of new controls for nematodes, and be able to devise a strategy for nematode management.
The speakers listed above are only three in an outstanding program. The "best and brightest" from the constellation of turfgrass agronomists and extension specialists from the Southeast as well as industry partners will bring a well-rounded program with five different breakout sessions in golf, lawn care, sports turf, sod production and landscape.
Other activities planned around the central event of the conference and show include a golf tournament at The Preserve Golf Course in Vancleave, Miss., a skeet and trap tournament for marksmen at Coastal Rifle and Pistol Club in Biloxi and a sports field tour directed by Ken Edwards, CSFM, that features Gulfport Sports Complex, Goldin Sports Complex and the Biloxi Shuckers Stadium.
Dinner will be provided at MGM Park, home of the Biloxi Shuckers, and entertainment will be provided by association past presidents featuring in the Home Run Derby. The athletic prowess of many member attendees will also be featured competing in a three-inning softball game.
