Through support provided by the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has announced it will fund four new research projects in 2012.
“Research is vital for the golf industry and is a fundamental to the success of golf course superintendents.”GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans said. “The new projects were selected by the research committee and approved by the board of directors. A survey of chapter leaders helped to prioritize areas for needed research. We are pleased to be funding new projects for the benefits of our members, their facilities and the game.”
Three chapter cooperative grants, where GCSAA-affiliated chapters contribute to the funding, were awarded. A new funding category was introduced this year to encourage the implementation of best management practices or new technology.
The following chapter cooperative projects were funded:
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 Golf Course Superintendents Association, Ozark Turf Association, the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association, 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 Golf Course Superintendents Association 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 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association, Keystone Golf Course Superintendents Association, Long Island Golf Course Superintendents Association, Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association, New Jersey Turfgrass Association and the Pocono Turfgrass Association.
The following BMP/Implementation project was funded:
Field implementation and educational events 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 Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan Endowment Fund administered by the EIFG.
“GCSAA’s research program is focused on supporting applied, problem-solving projects that not only help golf course superintendents provide solutions to pest problems, but also help to save money, provide more enjoyable conditions, minimize inputs and protect the environment,” Evans said. “The economic challenges have limited us in the recent past, but through the support of GCSAA members and others in the industry to the EIFG, we are optimistic we will be able to continuously fund research going forward.”
The EIFG is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The EIFG concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course