Attapulgus Research and Education Center
254 N. Griffin Avenue, Attapulgus, Georgia 39815
Email: arec@uga.edu
Superintendent
Syngenta Grower Appreciation Day
Syngenta vegetable seed company hosted a grower appreciation day at the Attapulgus Research Center on Friday, November 17, 2023. Local growers had the opportunity to enjoy a great meal provided by Syngenta and take part in a field tour of Syngenta’s latest sweetcorn varieties. Syngenta was represented by several members of their research and development team as well as several members of their sales team. We here at the Attapulgus Research Center and the University of Georgia were pleased to be a part of such a great event.
Our Work and Priorities
The Attapulgus Research and Education Center is located in the southwest corner of Georgia, about five miles north of the state line. Established in 1939, the center continues to help support area farmers by researching crops that can be adapted to the sandy coastal plain soil and local weather conditions.
Current trials are conducted on major agronomic crops including peanuts, corn, cotton and soybeans and horticultural crops like watermelons, peaches and pecans. Regardless of the crop, the warm, humid climate is ideal for major agricultural insect, weed, nematode and disease problems. This provides a unique setting for UGA researchers to develop novel pest management strategies and tactics, and to screen new crop varieties for pest resistance.
Additional long term research includes soil fertility experiments, crop rotation studies, and ecological research to look at the impact of native wildflowers on crop production. Much of the research is conducted with either center pivot or with drip irrigation systems. Five full-time employees operate the facility and also partner with the nearby Decatur County Extension Office.