40th Field Day: Resilience, Innovation, and the Future of Turfgrass
- McKayla Fricker
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Our 40th Field Day unfolded in North Carolina under high temperatures sun and relentless drought conditions (fortunately there were 30 mile per hour winds to cool us down), but that didn’t stop the day from being one of our most memorable yet. With over 115 attendees joining us despite the heat, we are incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and commitment it took to be there.
Crystal Fricker opened the day with a meaningful reflection on reaching our 40th Field Day, 40 opportunities to gather, learn, and grow together. It was also a moment to recognize the Pure Seed and Pure-Seed Testing staff, long-standing partnerships, persistence, and shared passion that have made each Field Day possible.
From there, we headed out into the plots.
Stop 1: Bentgrass Green
The first stop brought together a strong lineup of experts in bentgrass breeding. Dr. Melodee Fraser, Austin Fricker, and Crystal Fricker shared insights on current work and observations, noting the experimental 0HR that topped the NTEP charts. Guest speaker Dr. Cale Bigelow from Purdue University added a valuable perspective on bentgrass performance and breeding in Indiana.
We also heard from Bill Rose Foundation student Sharandeep Chahal from the University of Arkansas, who presented his research on yellow tuft management. This stop set the tone for the day by bringing together industry leaders and emerging researchers to showcase both current and future advancements.
Stop 2: Kentucky Bluegrass
Drought defined this stop. In a typical North Carolina spring, we would expect significant disease pressure, like summer patch, but the dry conditions eliminated the humidity needed for disease development. Instead, the focus shifted entirely to drought tolerance.
Several plots stood out under these conditions, including our newest variety, Desert Dream, which performed exceptionally well.
Bill Rose Foundation student Zachary Newsome from Penn State presented his research on annual bluegrass weevil.
Stop 3: Seeded Paspalum
This was one of the most exciting stops of the tour.
We showcased STRATIS™, the newest seeded paspalum on the market, featuring herbicide resistance through ACCE technology ™ developed by the University of Georgia and Dr. Paul Raymer with breeders at Pure-Seed Testing. Dr. Raymer spoke on the development and significance of this advancement, alongside guest speaker Dr. Benjamin Pritchard on herbicide trial work demonstrating STRATIS’ resistance compared to other paspalums.
Field trials conducted in both North Carolina and Oregon highlighted this performance, with compelling visual differences between varieties containing ACCe Technology and those without it.
John Holmes also spoke, referencing page 58 in the Field Day book, highlighting Pure Dynasty Around the World, a visual representation of more than 100 projects spanning over 60 countries, showcasing the global impact of our paspalum work.
Guest Speaker Héctor López-Deschamps discussed his experience with Pure Dynasty and STRATIS in Mexica, Latine America and the Dominican Republic.
Stop 4: Bermudagrass
Interest in bermudagrass continues to grow, and this stop reflected that excitement.
John Holmes discussed current commercial varieties, while Dr. Fraser shared updates on bermudagrass research and emerging experimentals. The drought conditions provided a powerful natural screening environment, allowing standout performers like SUNQUEEN to clearly separate themselves.
Bill Rose Foundation student Kamalpreet Kaur from the University of Georgia presented her research on zoysiagrass male sterility.
Stop 5: Fine Fescue
This stop told a story.
Under a large tree is a stand of Aurora Gold fine fescue, planted 35 years ago. Despite decades in the same spot, and even through current drought conditions, and zero irrigation after establishment, it remained green and resilient.
Dr. Fraser shared the story of planting it early in her time at the research farm, recalling how unconventional the idea seemed at the time. Today, it stands as a testament to both the durability of fine fescue and the value of long-term vision.
Guest speaker Dr. Dan Sandor from Virginia Tech delivered an educational talk on fine fescue, emphasizing its low input requirements and broad applicability in sustainable turf systems.
Stop 6: Perennial Ryegrass Space Plants
This was the only perennial ryegrass stop of the day, and for good reason. The drought and heat had taken a toll.
However, the space plant trials told an important story. 20,000 individual space plants are being evaluated for root structure, drought tolerance, and heat resilience, and this season provided an ideal environment for identifying top performers.
Dr. Fraser discussed the research approach, while Dr. Cale Bigelow explained TWCA and the process through which cultivars become Qualified.
Austin provided a ryegrass production update, and Bill Rose Foundation student Ravi Teja Seelam from the University of Georgia presented his work on St. Augustine drought tolerance markers.
Stop 7: Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass was one of the standout highlights of the entire day.
The seeded zoysiagrass plots developed through ongoing work by Dr. Fraser and Pure-Seed Testing were thriving in the heat, lush, green, and soft. Seeded zoysia remains rare, and the team is making significant progress toward licensing cultivars as seed production becomes more viable.
Guest speaker Dr. Kevin Kenworthy from the University of Florida spoke on zoysiagrass breeding and broader warm season breeding efforts. He shared the story about how a potential new PST cultivar traces back to germplasm he sent years ago, highlighting the importance of long-term collaboration between universities and seed companies.
Two Bill Rose Foundation students presented at this stop: Balihar Kaur from NC State on zoysiagrass seedling traits Stefano Frattone from NC State on using AI to evaluate zoysiagrass performance.
Stop 8: Tall Fescue
The final stop brought everything together.
Minimal irrigation was applied so that only the most resilient plots remained viable, allowing true drought performance to be evaluated. Tall fescue stood out, particularly TWCA cultivars and new experimental that excelled under stress.
Dr. Fraser discussed tall fescue breeding in North Carolina and the importance of screening under both drought and disease pressure.
Bill Rose Foundation student Zachary Flint from Michigan State delivered a fascinating presentation on FIFA pitch turf systems, explaining how turf can be grown on a portable base, installed in stadiums, and later removed. His work highlighted the future of ensuring natural turf surfaces for major sporting events.
Closing Reflections
From extreme heat to exceptional turnout, this Field Day was a powerful reminder of what makes this industry special.
It is the collaboration between universities and seed companies. It is the next generation of researchers stepping into leadership roles. It is the ability to adapt, innovate, and continue pushing forward, even in the toughest conditions.
Most importantly, it is the people who show up, year after year.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 40th Field Day. We are already looking forward to the next one.
And if you made it to the end of this blog, here’s the final twist: just three hours after Field Day wrapped up, the rain finally came, ending a 26-day drought.
Dr. Melodee Fraser, PST Director and Crystal Fricker, President.
Breeding grasses together for over 35 years.
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