Expert 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. Will Hudson and Jean Williams-Woodward will be speaking on integrated pest management for turf and ornamentals. Alfredo Martinez and Lee Burpee will address field diagnosis and treatment of turfgrass diseases. And Tim Murphy will provide an update on weed management.

Keith Karnok will be conducting a session on managing turfgrasses for maximum root growth, and Clint Waltz will be leading a session on the environmental impact of landscapes. Also, Marco Fonseca will be providing instruction in Spanish on basic turfgrass management.

Experts from a variety of companies will also be leading sessions, including representatives from BASF Chemical, Sygenta, Professional Products, Rain Bird Irrigation, and Sod Atlanta. Scientists from the University of Arkansas and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will share their expertise, too.

The first afternoon will offer a choice of sessions in landscape and commercial turf; sports field and park turf; and golf turf. Each track will include four topics focused in that area. Many of the sessions include CEU’s for commercial pesticide applicators, golf course managers and sports turf managers.

The institute includes a trade show with exhibits from more than 50 turfrelated 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 ($130 for GTA members). The one-day fee is $140 ($90 GTA members). The fee for the trade show and luncheon only, for either day, is $20 ($15 GTA).

For more on the Turfgrass Institute and Trade Show, or to sign up, call 800-6876949, or e-mail the GTA office at gta@turfgrass.org. You can view the entire schedule online at www.turfgrass.org.