Experts from across the Southeast will share their agronomic knowledge Dec. 5-6 during the annual Turfgrass Institute and Trade Show at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth. According to Georgia Turfgrass Association president Mark Banta, this year's turf show promises to be great.

"Many educational opportunities are being offered featuring some of the industry's top speakers, he said. The industry's leading companies will be on hand at the trade show so you can meet one-on-one with these professionals."

Several University of Georgia scientists will be on hand to share the latest turf management research findings. Kris Braman and Jean Williams Woodward will be speaking on insect and disease management in the South. Tim Murphy and Mark Czarnota will provide an update on weed management in turf and ornamentals.

Keith Karnok will be teaching an introductory class on turfgrass management and Rose Mary Seymour will be conducting training on erosion and sediment control. Gainesville's own Charlie King of KingGreen will be leading a session on turf fertilization, and Clint Waltz will lead a session on proper sod installation and other turf establishment techniques.

Scientists from the universities of Tennessee and Florida will share their expertise, too. The first afternoon will offer a choice of concurrent sessions in landscape, golf or sports turf. Each track will include four topics focused in that area. Many of the sessions include education credits for commercial pesticide applicators, golf course managers and sports turf managers.

The institute will include a trade show with exhibits from more than 50 turf-related companies and associations and silent auctions each day. The trade show will also include appearances by the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders.

The cost to attend both days is $180 or $130 for turfgrass association members. The one-day fee is $140 or $90 for members. The fee for the trade show and luncheon only, for either day, is $20 or $15 for members.

For more on the Turfgrass Institute and Trade Show, or to sign up, call 800-687-6949, or e-mail the association's office at gta@turfgrass.org. You can view the entire schedule online at www.turfgrass.org.
The association presents the institute in cooperation with University of Georgia and the Georgia Irrigation Association, Georgia Professional Golfers Association, Georgia Recreation and Parks Association, Georgia Sod Producers Association, Georgia Water Wise Council, Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association, Professional Lawn Care Association of America, Sports Turf Managers Association and U.S. Golf Association Green Section.

Billy Skaggs is Hall County extension agent. His column appears biweekly and at gainesvilletimes.com.