The 2025 UMass Turf Research Field Day

You're invited to join us in-person at our biennial UMass Turf Research Field Day.  Field Day is a festive open house at the UMass Joseph Troll Turf Research Center where you can hear about and see research projects in the field, get down to business at the on-site trade show, network with colleagues, and enjoy continental breakfast and a fun and hearty lunch.

For more background information, visit our Research Field Day page.

Agenda:

6:15-8:15 - Exhibitor Check-In & Set-Up

8:15-9:15 - Attendee Check-In - Continental Breakfast from Atkins Farms - Trade Show and Networking - Equipment Demonstrations

9:15-9:30 - Welcoming Remarks

9:30 - Featured Research Presentation Tour, including (note that speakers and/or topics may be subject to change):

• Mid-Season Turf Weed Update - Randall Prostak, M.S, Extension Specialist, Weed Management
  The middle of the growing season is a great time to evaluate a turf weed management program. This presentation will discuss the season so far using the work at the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center as a backdrop, and give insight into what might be expected going forward.

• Integrated Disease Management – Andrew Augeri, Undergraduate Student, Jung Lab, and Dr. Eunsoo Shim, AI Robotics
  This stop will highlight a comprehensive approach to managing major turfgrass diseases such as dollar spot and brown patch. Emphasis will be placed on applying research-based knowledge and incorporating emerging technologies to develop more effective, sustainable control strategies.

• Enhancing Fungicide Efficacy – Dr. Geunhwa Jung, Professor, Turf Pathology
  This stop will examine ways to improve fungicide performance—particularly for dollar spot—through the use of nitrogen fertilizers, urease inhibitors, and other synergistic inputs.

• Selecting Drought Resistant Fairway Grasses - Dr. Michelle DaCosta, Professor, Turf Physiology
  Fairways make up the largest managed acreage on most golf courses, and therefore offer significant opportunity for water conservation. This talk will cover agronomic strategies for fairway water conservation, with emphasis on creeping bentgrass cultivar selection.
• Light Intensity and Winter Injury - Dr. Masoud Arghavani, Visiting Scientist, DaCosta Lab
  Light intensity, a frequently overlooked environmental factor, is variable during winter and early spring months. This presentation will discuss recent research exploring the relationships between light intensity and winter injury and recovery.
• How Nematode Behavior Translates to Damage - Dr. Angela Madeiras, Extension Educator & Diagnostician, UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab
  In addition to a general overview of basic nematode biology and management, this presentation will outline the various nematode "lifestyles" and explain why some cause a great deal of damage at low numbers and others do not.
• Phenology and Management Approaches for Chinch Bugs in New England - Sanjok Timalsina, Graduate Student, Kostromytska Lab
  This presentation will show research plots and visible damage, and discuss monitoring strategies, vacuuming and flotation monitoring methods, chinch bugs at different life stages, and the role of big eyed bugsas a key natural predator.
• Managing Turfgrass Ants in the Golf Course Environment - Dr. Olga Kostromytska, Extension Assistant Professor, Turf Entomology
  This stop will showcase research plots, mounds and the ants themselves (if present). The talk will highlight control methods, particularly nematodes and their efficacy and quality, fungi, and others.
• Soil Sampling for Turf Managers – Dr. Sam Glaze-Corcoran, Director, UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory
  Soil testing is paramount for management decision-making, and different plant systems demand unique sampling methods for the most reliable results. This presentation will demonstrate specific soil testing techniques for turf managers, along with additional tips for getting the most from a soil test.
• Assessing Soil Compaction – Dr. Artie Siller, Extension Specialist, Soil Health
  Soil comprises the foundation of the turf system, and soil compaction, therefore, can be one of the most detrimental stresses to long-term turf performance and success. Dr. Siller will outline practical methods for measuring soil compaction in the field.

12:00 - Educational Program Wrap-Up - Pesticide and Professional Credits Awarded

12:15 - Festive Lunch Prepared by Local Institution Bub's BBQ - Trade Show and Networking

Pesticide Credits:

2 pesticide recertification contact hours in Massachusetts categories 000 (Commercial Applicator), 37 (Turf) and 49 (Demonstration & Research), valid for equivalent categories in all New England states, have been approved for this event.

Professional Credits:

• Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional (MCLP) - 2 credits approved
• Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) - 1 credit approved
• Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) - 0.25 Education Points approved
• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) - 0.2 CEUs approved
• Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) - requested

Contact:

For general inquiries (registration, payments, etc): Harmonie O'Loughlin at harmonieolou[at]umass[dot]edu (harmonieolou[at]umass[dot]edu) or 413-545-2685

For content or sponsorship questions: Jason Lanier at jdl[at]umass[dot]edu (jdl[at]umass[dot]edu) or 413-545-2965

For exhibition/set-up questions: James Poro at jporo[at]psis[dot]umass[dot]edu (jporo[at]psis[dot]umass[dot]edu) or 413-665-4360