Scotts Professional Seed used the 2008 Field Day, held on June 19, to spotlight the results of ongoing research to develop varieties that require less inputs such as water, mowing and the use of nitrogen. These varieties address a growing industry need to reduce maintenance expenditures and manage water more effectively.
“It’s becoming widespread for turf professionals to operate with a greatly reduced budget, but still be expected to produce impeccable turf,” advised Wayne Horman, director of marketing for Scotts Professional Seed. “The efforts of our research is to develop superb varieties that require fewer inputs, but still looks beautiful. In other words, we MUST be water smart.”
The morning session of Field Day was held at Pure-Seed Testing, Inc. in Hubbard, Ore. Participants visited seven stops where guest speakers shared results of an irrigation frequency study and a salt tolerance study, and described which varieties performed best under the stress of a simulated traffic machine.
The afternoon session was held at the Scotts Professional Seed facility in Gervais, Ore. Unique varieties of fine fescue, selected for their glyphosate tolerance, were sprayed to show attendees the levels of tolerance, as well as the proper timing of applications.
In addition, Scotts provided data from recent heat tolerant bluegrass trials, and attendees viewed several variety studies comparing water usage and drought tolerance.
For more information about the 2008 Field Day, including a CD containing the latest research material, contact Wayne Horman, wayne.horman@scotts.com.
