WCTA Announces 2017 Turf Research Project Funding

Based on funds raised in 2016, cash available to the Research Committee for 2017 projects is a little over $10,000.  As recommended by the Research Committee, the WCTA Board is pleased to announce $21,000 in approved 2017 Turf Research project funding as follows (difference will be made up from reserves):

Project Title: Canadian Turf Research Foundation Cooperative Funding
The CTRF collects and distributes research monies much like the WCTA but on a National Scale.  We have contributed to this collaborative approach to research funding annually since 1992. 
PROJECT LENGTH:   multiple projects / varies
WCTA COMMITMENT:   $4,000
See http://www.turfresearchcanada.ca/current-research for list of current research projects.

Project Title: Evaluation of Alternative Management Strategies to Reduce or Eliminate the Use of Fungicides for Control of Microdochium Patch, Oregon State University
More money is spent on fungicides to control Microdochium patch than any other turfgrass disease in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest United States. Turfgrass managers continue to be scrutinized when it comes to pesticide use for the control of problematic turf pests. This project will evaluate cultural practices as well as new alternative products that have shown potential to control Microdochium patch. Each component will be evaluated individually and upon completion of the two year research project be integrated into a complete management program for the control of Microdochium patch with the intent of greatly reducing or eliminating fungicide use.
PROJECT LENGTH:   2 years WCTA
COMMITMENT:   $15,000 USD or approx. $21,000 CDN (50/50 split with OTRF with each group contributing $10,500)
TOTAL PROJECT VALUE: $30,000 USD

Project Title: Investigating Alternative Irrigation Strategies, Oregon State University
Researchers in arid regions have explored greywater as an alternative irrigation source for turfgrass; however, poor-quality water sources have a tendency to increase soil nutrients (particularly salts) to toxic levels. Fortunately, the cool-humid climatic regions of North America have significant precipitation throughout the year; potentially enough to mitigate nutrient toxicity associated with regular greywater use.  This study includes cultivar assessment of salt-tolerant perennial ryegrasses, irrigated under three levels of greywater applications (continuous, supplemental, and control) throughout multiple years. An additional study is being conducted to determine optimal irrigation scheduling for perennial ryegrass in the Pacific Northwest, in an effort to reduce water consumption.
PROJECT LENGTH:   1 year
WCTA COMMITMENT:   $6,000 CDN (partnering with CTRF, $6000 each for a total of $12,000 CDN)
TOTAL PROJECT VALUE: $38,597 USD

Current priorities for WCTA turfgrass research funding are as follows: 

• Nutrient and fertility management, best management practices 
• Soil and root-zone management, best management practices 
• Evaluation of alternatives to pesticides 
• Irrigation and water use issues (water quality and reducing water usage)
• Investigations into the biology, ecology and management of current and emerging pests
• Alternative cultivar and species for new turf construction, integration and conversion into existing turf areas
• Species/cultivar evaluation and improved management practices for areas of heavy traffic and wear tolerance

Thank you to all those who have contributed to our turf research program!