Seashore Paspalum seminar draws nearly 100 in the Gulf region

In an educational seminar sponsored by Atlas Turf International, Pure Seed and Polyclean Turf Division, turfgrass expert Dr. Ron R. Duncan presented to nearly 100 turf professionals from across the Gulf Region on the sustainable qualities and management practices of seashore paspalum, a recent news release reported.

As the turfgrass variety most conducive to irrigation using reclaimed water, seashore paspalum is becoming a suitable choice for more projects worldwide. Organizers of the educational program aimed to provide attendees with the information needed to effectively manage paspalum and meet performance and sustainability goals.

Seminar topics included water quality challenges, greens speed and maintenance practices for nutritional issues and disease management. Dr. Duncan provided research-based information instructing attendees on the specific practices recommended for maximizing the benefits of both vegetative and seeded paspalum.

“The combinations of a desert environment in the Middle East region, a persistent high evapotranspiration climate, and the use of TSE effluent water for irrigation on all sports turf venues creates significant salinity management challenges on perennial turfgrass ecosystems,” says Duncan. “Seashore paspalum has proven successful in those venues, and understanding the grass in concert with salinity issues is key to making sustainable management decisions in order to meet the golf course and sports field playability expectations.”

Lucas Solis of Pure Seed provided additional education on the topic of ryegrass breeding, selection and management for overseeding during the region’s cooler months. Improved ryegrass varieties offer turfgrass managers options to address various agronomic goals including the need for quick germination and end-of-season transition or the need for increased heat tolerance.

The Els Club, managed by Troon Golf, was the host venue for the seminar and currently features hybrid bermudagrass fairways overseeded with ryegrass. Clinton Southorn, agronomy superintendent at The Els Club, provided insight into the process including the preparation required for optimal success.

“The seashore paspalum seminar was a unique world-class event,” says Neville Wenhold, agronomist at Desert Group. “Dr. Duncan’s presentation was phenomenal, in-depth, and thorough. He shared his valuable experience and expertise on various topics, which will be incorporated into our grow-in and daily maintenance programs.”