Current research

Through support provided by the EIFG, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America announced it will fund two new research projects in 2013. The projects were awarded through the EIFG Chapter Cooperative Grant Program, in which affiliated chapters also contribute funds to the study.

The 2013 projects were selected by the GCSAA Research Committee and approved by the GCSAA Board of Directors.

2013 Chapter Cooperative Grant Program projects

Effects of drought and traffic stresses on physiological responses and water use characteristics of creeping bentgrass (Agrostic stolonifera) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua)

Kevin Frank, Ph.D., and Emily Merewitz, Michigan State University

Co-funded by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

Influence of best management practices on anthracnose disease control of annual bluegrass turf

James A. Murphy, Ph.D., and Bruce B. Clark, Ph.D., Rutgers University
Co-funded by the GCSA of New Jersey and the Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Endowment Fund administered by the EIFG

Ongoing research projects

Characterization and management of root-infecting Pythium species bentgrass putting greens in the Midwest

Gerald (Lee) Miller, Ph.D., University of Missouri

Completion date 2013
Co-funded by the Heart of America GCSA, Ozark Turf Association, the Wisconsin GCSA and the Mark Kizziar Research Grant administered by the EIFG

Deficit irrigation programs for water conservation in the management of bermudagrass fairways in Texas

Benjamin Wherley, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Completion date 2013
Co-funded by the Lonestar GCSA and the Aquatrols’ Robert A. Moore Endowment Fund administered by the EIFG

Plant tolerance/resistance to annual bluegrass weevil among bentgrass: Which cultivars are at great risk and which are the best for overseeding/replacement

Albrecht Koppenhofer, Ph.D., Rutgers University
Completion date 2013
Co-funded by the GCSA of New Jersey, Hudson Valley GCSA, Keystone GCSA, Long Island GCSA, Metropolitan GCSA, New Jersey Turfgrass Association and the Pocono Turfgrass Association

Field implementation and educational event to support principles in the manual: Best management Practices for Protection of Environmental Quality on Virginia Golf Courses

Erik Ervin, Ph.D., Virginia Tech
Completion date 2013
Co-funded by the Virginia GCSA and the Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Endowment Fund administered by the EIFG