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Let’s Talk New England Turf Research
By Gary Sykes, NERTF Executive Director
The New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation (NERTF) has been funding local research for more than 20 years with $2.5 million spent as of 2019. Currently, the foundation has eight projects funded for 2019 that amount to $135,131. Since the start of this initiative, 86 research projects have been funded by the foundation. Here’s a quick look at projects that are being supported with NERTF funds during the growing season of 2019:
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1. Solvita™ Soil Test its to Categorize Golf Course Fairway esponsiveness to N Fertilization. Dr. Karl Guillard, University of Connecticut.
2. Evaluation of Fairway olling Frequency, olling Start Time, and Thatch Accumulation for Control of Dollar Spot. Dr. Geunhwa Jung, University of Massachusetts.
3. SDHI esistance in Dollar Spot, Development of Management Strategies and Detection Testing. Dr. Geunhwa Jung, University of Massachusetts.
4. The Effect of Turfgrass Seed Mixtures, Seeding ate and Mowing Timing on Weed Productions in Establishing Pesticide-Free Athletic Fields and Lawn Areas. Dr. Jason Henderson & Ms. Vickie Wallace of University of Connecticut.
5. Evaluation of Wildflowers and Trap Nests to Increase Forage and Habitat for Bees around New England Golf Courses. Dr. Steve Alm, University of Rhode Island.
6. Earthworm Species, Seasonal Phenology and Effect of Wetting Agents on Earthworm Castings and Abundance on New England Golf Courses. Dr. Olga Kostromystka, University of Massachusetts.
7. Exploring Methods to Enhance Biocontrol of Turfgrass Diseases. Dr. John Inguagiato, University of Connecticut.
8. Comparing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Soil Microbial Populations from Turfgrass Fertilized with Slow-release Synthetic Fertilizer or an Organic Fertilizer. Dr. Karl Guillard, University of Connecticut.
These eight ongoing projects, as well as the final chapter preparations of the BMP project, may increase the total funding for 2019 to $165,131.00. If you have any questions about any of the research presently being done, be sure to attend a university turf field day, feel free to communicate with the researchers, or visitwww.nertf.org
There is much going on and we compliment everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.
