Grants support seven new turfgrass research projects at six universities
Lawrence, Kan. (May 24, 2017) – Research grants from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) are supporting seven new research projects this year at six universities across the country (two projects are being carried out at Texas A&M).
The projects, which were selected by a committee comprising two members of the GCSAA board of directors, superintendents, university researchers and the research director of the USGA Green Section, will receive a total of $115,680 from a block grant to GCSAA by the Environmental Institute for Golf, GCSAA’s philanthropic organization. An additional seven projects are continuing to receive support from funds allocated in 2016.
The new research projects are:
• Developing programs for annual bluegrass control in creeping bentgrass fairways using annual bluegrass weevil, plant growth regulators, and interseeding; Matthew T. Elmore, Ph.D., Rutgers University. Co-funded by the New Jersey Turfgrass Association/New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation.
• Soil physical effects of using the DryJect or Air2G2 on creeping bentgrass putting greens; Charles Fontanier, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University. Funded through the EIFG’s Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Endowment, which supports environmental research on golf courses. Co-funded by the Oklahoma Turfgrass Research Foundation.
• Fungicide alternative management practices for microdochium patch; Alexander Kowalewski, Ph.D., Oregon State University. Co-funded by the Oregon GCSA and the Oregon Turf Foundation.
• Tailoring water use to warm-season grasses in golf courses using low-cost drone technology mounted with a multispectral camera; Monique Leclerc, Ph.D., University of Georgia. Funded through the EIFG’s Aquatrols’ Robert A. Moore Endowment, which supports applied research for optimizing the growing environment for golf course turf while minimizing inputs of water, fertilizer and pesticides. Co-funded by the University of Georgia Research Foundation.
• Mapping spring dead spot using unmanned aerial vehicles for site-specific management; David McCall, Ph.D., Virginia Tech University. Co-funded by the Virginia GCSA.
• Turfgrass colorants: A look inside using scanning electron microscopy; Casey Reynolds, Ph.D., Texas A&M. Co-funded by the Lone Star Chapter of GCSAA.
• Influence of nitrogen source and water quality on foliar and root nitrogen uptake efficiency; Ben Wherley, Ph.D., Texas A&M University. Funded through the EIFG’s Mark Kizziar Research Grant, which supports work that will help produce well-conditioned golf courses while minimizing consumption of water. Co-funded by the Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Science.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org. or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
