Media Release: November 4, 2013
The Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) has announced two new projects that it will fund over the next three years. The announcement follows an earlier 2013 release which identified three new projects that were approved for funding beginning in 2013.
By Jason Pick, BASc., ODH
Perhaps the most appropriate quote which applies in the context of poa annua management programs, is a statement by Charles Darwin ; “It is not always the strongest that survives, nor the fittest, but the species that is most adaptable to change” . The objective of this article is to provide an understanding of the evolution and adaptation of poa annua, as programs used to manage or eradicate demand a vocabulary of genetics, selection forces, and polyploidy.
Read more: Dihaploid Poas – Evolution, Adaptation, and Management
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” — Henry Miller
from Jerry Rousseau
Over the last few years, we’ve opted out of printing a separate turfgrass research report realizing a savings of close to $15,000 in that time. It’s a smart move by the Board as we’ve seen a decline in dollars earmarked for research and it’s provided some time to figure out a new approach toward sourcing additional funding.
K.L. Bailey (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon) and S. Falk (The Scotts Company, Marysville, OH)
For several years, the fungus Phoma macrostoma has undergone extensive evaluation by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and The Scotts Company to see if a bioherbicide could be developed to control broadleaved weeds in turfgrass. In 2009, the summer issue of Sports Turf Manager reported on its discovery as a potential bioherbicide, and some of the research demonstrating its efficacy and crop safety.
Read more: Phoma macrostoma: An update on the new turfgrass bioherbicide
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” — Henry Miller
from Jerry Rousseau
The importance of funding turfgrass research may never have been so obvious as pressure to sustainably provide optimum playing surfaces increasingly challenges professional sportsturf managers in every sector in every location. Of course problems don’t typically go away by themselves and while manufacturers have a role to play in proving their products through research, independently funded projects and initiatives will always be a critical part of the process.