WERA11: Western Regional Turfgrass Research

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/12/2017] [12/17/2018] [09/06/2019] [03/02/2021]

Date of Annual Report: 12/12/2017

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/15/2017 - 07/16/2017
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2016 - 09/30/2017

Participants

Paul G. Johnson Utah State University
Kelly Kopp Utah State University
Cheng, Zhiqiang - University of Hawaii
Fei, Shui-Zhang - Iowa State University
William Johnston (Prof. emeritus) Washington State University
Keenan Amundsen, University of Nebraska
Greg Wiecko - University of Guam

Brief Summary of Minutes

2017 WERA-11 meeting was held on July 16 in Heldridge Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ in conjunction with International Turf Conference.

Admin Advisor(s): Paul G. Johnson

Host: Greg Wiecko (University of Guam)

Individual state reports were presented by attending delegates. Drs. Amundsen, Cheng, and Johnson spearheaded WERA-11 renewal effort with all members supporting the new revised project that was approved in 2016. Virtually all delegates have reported considerable reduction in funding as well as reductions in faculty positions addressing research, extension and instruction. As a regional turfgrass group we have met individually in recent years but the benefit of coordinating with other regions was recognized and it was decided that the next meeting in 2018 would be merged most likely with the Southern Turfgrass Regional group. There are opportunities to work across state lines to develop cohesive educational/training workshops throughout the region. Because of the low attendance in 2017, regional distance-based instruction, training, and extension education was discussed only briefly and tabled until 2018.

Accomplishments

Objective 1 - Develop improved turfgrass cultivars resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses important to the western states and identify genetic components conferring drought resistance and salinity tolerance to improve the efficiency of stress resistant germplasm identification and selection. University of Nebraska program remains to be one of the most vibrant in the West. Researchers are actively breeding for improved turf type buffalograss that is resistant to chinch bugs, tolerant of shade and traffic, and has minimal winter injury. Adapted cultivars will reduce management inputs. Another leading project is designed to identify the genetic components conferring seed dormancy in buffalograss. Seed dormancy is an issue with many native grass species, and buffalograss could serve as a model to overcome dormancy as other native grasses are explored for use as turf. Another study is to develop drought tolerant and Midwest adapted bentgrass cultivars suitable for golf course putting greens or roughs. Alternative bentgrass species have not been studied much for their use as turf, but there is great potential. A two year study was completed evaluating performance of 69 alternative bentgrasses, and pre-breeding is now being done to develop regionally adapted germplasm. Utah State University (USU) is conducting a selection program for salt and drought tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass. At the same time, they are evaluating seed production characteristics of hybrids developed which is directing further germplasm improvement. The goals of this program are to produce materials to be used by private companies for further breeding improvement. This is a cooperative project with the USDA-ARS Forage & Range Research Lab which is located on the USU campus.   Objective 2 - Exchange information on features and importance of newly developed cultivars and coordinate research to develop and evaluate optimal low-input management practices. University of Nebraska managed three NTEP trials (“Tall Fescue”, “Cool-season low input” and “Perennial ryegrass”) and reported data to NTEP. Data is publicly available and can be used to make turf selection decisions. University of Hawaii continued work on shade tolerant turfgrass species as a part of tropical landscapes. Iowa state University work concentrated on gene editing in perennial grasses, doubled haploid induction in turfgrass; screening perennial grasses as cover crops for corn and soybean production and developed plant breeding curricula for African universities (funded by the Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation). Utah State University continues to evaluate varieties and germplasm of various turfgrasses for acute and chronic drought tolerance and adaptation to the cool-arid regions of North America. All delegates addressed the significance of regional cultivar performance. Objective 3 - Develop, refine and disseminate sustainable turfgrass management protocols for turfgrass managers throughout the western United States While not in the region, collaboration was initiated University of Nebraska and University of Arkansas to optimize buffalograss establishment into existing turf (tall fescue in Nebraska and bermudagrass in Arkansas). The information will provide homeowners interested in converting their lawn to a low input native grass species the necessary tools for successful conversion. Issues with weeds and diseases were addressed in Hawaii.  The use of native plants, particularly in low input areas along highways was evaluated. In Iowa State University creeping bentgrass (cool-season grass that is commonly used for intensely managed, high value sports surfaces) was evaluated for its tolerance to warm temperatures. . As temperatures increase during the summer months, creeping bentgrass experiences abiotic stress due to a combination of heat and drought. At this point, plant respiration rates often exceed plant photosynthesis rates, resulting in what is commonly referred to as summer bentgrass decline. Symptoms of summer bentgrass decline included root dieback, excessive leaf senescence, and thinning of the turf canopy. One way to possibly alleviate this stress, and prevent summer bentgrass decline, is the use of amino acid containing products. The purpose of current research is to evaluate the effect of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine and valine on creeping bentgrass performance. Objective 4 - Coordinate reduced input turfgrass management practices In Nebraska, a USGA funded project investigated consumer perceptions of input-limited fairway management in the north-central U.S. Buffalograss, creeping bentgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are being managed at various irrigation, fertilizer, and pest management levels. Consumers were surveyed to determine their turf preferences when inputs are known and unknown. Various integrated turf weed management studies were conducted in cooperators with Kansas State, Iowa State, the Chicago District Golf Association, Ohio State ATI and researchers at Rutgers. Two studies were evaluating best management for mowing/defoliation following applications of common herbicides. A third study revisited soil temperature triggers for spring applications of preemergence herbicides for the control of crabgrass. and goosegrass control. Another herbicide study was designed to evaluate the ability of PRE and POST herbicide programs to reduce crabgrass seed in the soil seed bank. Finally, a cultural crabgrass management study is underway to investigate the effects of aeration timing on crabgrass establishment. University of Hawaii continued research on alternative methods for pest control to reduce pesticide loads. Representative of Washington State University pointed to the need of alternative methods for weed control in seed production fields, however after his retirement, research and practically all turf activities are nonexistent in the state. In Iowa, during preliminary greenhouse studies, it was shown that when applied as a standalone treatment, leucine, isoleucine and valine could be used as a nitrogen source, but their effect on plant growth was not different than an application of mineral nutrition only. However, when applied in a three-way combination, these compounds did exhibit plant-growth regulating responses, with some experimental ratios resulting in an increase in creeping bentgrass shoot density. Through that work, a handful of optimal ratios were identified and selected for a outdoor research trial.   Objective 5 - Assess environmental impacts of turf management No progress was reported by a handful of states present at the 2017 meeting.   Objective 6 - Communicate research results and promote sustainable practices to the public through workshops, conferences, websites, extension publications, social media, and research publications Iowa State University gave several presentations to Iowa Master Gardeners. Shade Tree Short Course, Iowa State Pesticide Applicator Video Training, Regional Extension Training, were given to multiple groups of stakeholders at the Iowa Turf Conference. Joint Extension publication with other regional collaborators were published: Patton and D. Weisenberger. 2017. Turfgrass weed control for professionals. Collaborators: A. Thoms and N. Christians. Purdue Ext. Pub. ISU Hort. 3066. Several more are in the works.

Publications

Adams R. 2016. PM. 3047. Mowing Your Lawn. Revised by Marcus Jones, horticulture graduate student; Nick Christians, Adams R. 2016. PM. 3048. Putting a Field to Bed. Iowa State Extension Store. Prepared by Ryan Adams, turfgrass Adams R. 2016. PM. 3050. Topdressing Athletic Fields. Iowa State Extension Store. Prepared by Ryan Adams, turfgrass Adams, R. 2015. PM.3031. Organic Turfgrass Fertilization. Prepared by Ryan Adams, turfgrass specialist, Iowa State University. Adams.R 2016. PM. 3046. Managing the Field within the Field. Iowa State Extension Store. Amaradasa, B.S., and K. Amundsen. 2016. Characterization of defense-related genes of buffalograss challenged with the leaf spot pathogen Curvularia inaequalis. Frontiers in Plant Science DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00715. Amundsen, K., G. Sarath, T. Donze-Reiner. 2017. Genomic approaches for improvement of understudied grasses. Frontiers in Plant Science doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00976 Amundsen, K.L., L. Li, R. Shearman, R. Gaussoin. 2017. Addressing misperceptions regarding buffalograss tolerance to sandy soils, traffic, and shade. International Turfgrass Research Journal (in press). Fresenburg, J. Fry, D. Gardner, D. Martin, J. Ostrander, K. Rincker, D. Settle, D. Soldat, and X. Xiong. 2017. Dollar spot susceptibility of 25 creeping bentgrass cultivars maintained under golf course putting green and fairway conditions in the central United States. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. (accepted). Baldin, E.L.L., L. Marchi-Werle, L.E.R. Pannuti, A.L. Lourenção, T. Heng-Moss and T.E. Hunt. 2016. Evaluating Categories of Resistance in Soybean Genotypes from the United States and Brazil to Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Florida Entomologist 99:487-495. Brachypodium Distachyon. Plant Science doi:10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.06.001 Bushman, S., K. Amundsen, S. Warnke, J. Robins, P. Johnson. 2016. Transcriptome Profiling of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) Accessions in Response to Salt Stress. BMC Genomics 17:48. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2379-x (Bushman and Amundsen are co-first authors). Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. Fairway height bentgrass cultivar trial. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1635. P. 55 Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. Fairway height bentgrass cultivar trial. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1635. P. 55 Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. Green height bentgrass cultivar trial. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1636. P. 56-57. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. Green height bentgrass cultivar trial. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1636. P. 56-57. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. NTEP Kentucky bluegrass study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1632. P. 62-64. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. NTEP Kentucky bluegrass study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1632. P. 62-64. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. NTEP perennial ryegrass study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1633. P. 65-67. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. NTEP perennial ryegrass study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1633. P. 65-67. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. NTEP turf-type tall fescue study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1634. P. 58-61. Christians, A. Thoms, and I. Mertz. 2017. NTEP turf-type tall fescue study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1634. P. 58-61. Cruz, P., E.L.L., Baldin, L.R.P Guimaraes, L. Pannuti, G. Lima, T. Heng-Moss, and T. Hunt. 2016. Tolerance of KS-4202 soybean to the attack of Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Florida Entomologist 99:600-607. Dickson, K.H., J.C. Sorochan, J.T. Brosnan, J.C. Stier, J. Zobel, and A.W. Thoms. 2017. Crumb rubber depth is more important than particle size for improving bermudagrass traffic tolerance Crop Sci. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2017.03.0168 Dickson, K.H., J.C. Sorochan, J.T. Brosnan, J.C. Stier, J. Zobel, and A.W. Thoms. 2017. Crumb rubber depth is more important than particle size for improving bermudagrass traffic tolerance Crop Sci. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2017.03.0168 Donze-Reiner, T., Palmer, N.A., Scully, E.D., Prochaska, T.J., Koch, K.G., Heng-Moss, T, Bradshaw, J., Twigg, P., Amundsen, K., Sattler, S.E., Sarath, G. 2017. Transcriptional analysis of defense mechanisms in upland tetraploid switchgrass to greenbugs. BMC Plant Biology 17(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s12870-017-0998-2. Feng Y, Yin Y, Fei S. 2017. BdVRN1 expression confers flowering competency and is negatively correlated with freezing tolerance in Brachypodium distachyon. Frontiers in Plant Science doi:10.3389/fpls.2017.01107 Hao J, Yang J, Dong J, Fei S. 2017. Characterization BdCBF genes and genome-wide transcriptome profiling of BdCBF3-dependent and -independent cold stress responses in Infante, P. A., Moore, K., Scott, P., Archontoulis, S., Lenssen, A., S. Fei. 2017. Phenology and biomass production of adapted and non-adapted tropical corn populations in Central Iowa. Agronomy Journal, accepted. Jiang J, Guan Y, McCormick S, Juvik J, Lubberstedt T, Fei S. 2016. Gametophytic self-incompatibility is operative in Miscanthus sinensis (Poaceae) and is affected by pistil age. Crop Sci doi:10.2135/cropsci2016.11.0932. Dickson, G. Munshaw, J.C. Sorochan, and A.W. Thoms. 2017. Comparison of Cultivation Methods Impact on Playability of Agrostis stolonifera Greens J. of Testing and Evaluation. (In press) Dickson, G. Munshaw, J.C. Sorochan, and A.W. Thoms. 2017. Comparison of Cultivation Methods Impact on Playability of Agrostis stolonifera Greens J. of Testing and Evaluation. (In press) Kreuser, K, G. Sarath, W. Kreuser, K. Amundsen. 2016. Potassium nitrate effect on buffalograss bur dormancy. HortScience 51(12):1566-72. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI11126-16 Kreuser, W. C., J. R. Young, and M. D. Richardson. 2017. Modeling performance of plant growth regulators. Agricultural and Environmental Letters. 2:1-4. Li, L., M. Sousek, R, Gaussoin and Z Reicher. 2017. Herbicide Tolerance of Established Buffalograss. Applied Turfgrass Science. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage.3: doi:10.2134/cftm2016.10.0065 Li, L., M.D. Sousek, K.L. Amundsen, Z.J. Reicher. 2016. Cultivar, seeding rate, or date has little effect on establishment of dormant seeded buffalograss. HortScience 51(6):750-53. Li, L., M.D. Sousek, K.L. Amundsen, Z.J. Reicher. 2016. Seeding date and bur treatment affect establishment success of dormant-seeded buffalograss. Agronomy Journal 109:1-6. doi:10. 213 4/ag ronj2016 .03.016 4 Liu Y, Merrick P, Yang B, Fei S. 2017.Targeted mutagenesis in tetraploid switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) by CRISPR/Cas9. Plant Biotechnology J. doi: 10.1111/pbi.12778 Obear, G. R., W. C. Kreuser, K. Hubbard, B. DeBels, and D. J. Soldat. 2017. Plant colorants interfere with reflectance-based vegetation indices. Crop Sci. 57:595-601. Obear, G.R., M. Pedersen, and W.C. Kreuser. 2017. Genesis of clay lamella in golf course soils of Mississippi, USA. Catena 150:62-70. Pedersen, M., C. Wegner., P. Phansak, G. Sarath, R. Gaussoin, and V. Schlegel. 2017. Monitoring wheat mitochondrial compositional and respiratory changes using Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy in response to agrochemical treatments. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 173, 727-732. Richardson, G. Mattina, M. Sarno, J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, A.W. Thoms and J.C. Sorochan. 2017. Shade effects on overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields: II. Rooting, botanical composition, and traction. Crop Sci. (In press). Richardson, G. Mattina, M. Sarno, J.H. McCalla, D.E. Karcher, A.W. Thoms and J.C. Sorochan. 2017. Shade effects on overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields: II. Rooting, botanical composition, and traction. Crop Sci. (In press). Richardson, M. Girolamo, M. Sarno. D.E. Karcher, D.E. J. McCalla, J.C. Sorochan, and Thoms. 2016. Shade effects on overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields. Intl. Agron. Ann. Meet. Abstracts. P 101390. Richardson, M. Girolamo, M. Sarno. D.E. Karcher, D.E. J. McCalla, J.C. Sorochan, and Thoms. 2016. Shade effects on overseeded bermudagrass athletic fields. Intl. Agron. Ann. Meet. Abstracts. P 101390. Scully, E., T. Donze-Reiner, H. Wang, T. Eickhoff, F.Baxendale, P. Twigg, F. Kovacs, T. Heng-Moss, S. Sattler, and G. Sarath. 2016. Identification of an orthologous clade of peroxidases that respond to feeding by greenbugs (Schizaphis graminum) in C4 grasses. Functional Plant Biology 43:1134-1148. Thompson, C., J. Fry, R. Braun, and M. Kennelly. 2017. Rough bluegrass incidence in a new tall fescue sward as affected by seeding rate and mowing height. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. 3:1-4. doi:10.2134/cftm2016.11.0074. Thompson, C., M. Kennelly, J. Fry, M. Sousek, and Z. Reicher. 2017. Physiological and pathogenic contributors to summer decline of roughstalk bluegrass. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 13:1-9. doi:10.2134/itsrj2016.05.0304. Thompson, C., M. Sousek, Z. Reicher, J. Fry, and M. Kennelly. 2016. Evaluation of selective herbicide combinations for rough bluegrass control. Crop Forage Turfgrass Manage. doi:10.2134/cftm2015.0213. Thoms and D. Minner. 2016. Chapter 15: Turfgrass Management. Ed. D. Schrock and S. DeBlieck. Resource Guide for Iowa Master Gardeners. MG 15. P. 207-223. Thoms and D. Minner. 2016. Chapter 15: Turfgrass Management. Ed. D. Schrock and S. DeBlieck. Resource Guide for Iowa Master Gardeners. MG 15. P. 207-223. Thoms and D. Minner. 2016. Chapter 15: Turfgrass Management. Ed. D. Schrock and S. DeBlieck. Resource Guide for Iowa Master Gardeners. MG 15. P. 207-223. Thoms, A.W., J.T. Brosnan, and J.C. Sorochan. 2016. Root zone construction affects hybrid bermudagrass responses to simulated traffic. Procedia Eng. 147:824-829. Thoms, A.W., J.T. Brosnan, and J.C. Sorochan. 2016. Root zone construction affects hybrid bermudagrass responses to simulated traffic. Procedia Eng. 147:824-829. Thoms, A.W., J.T. Brosnan, J.C. Sorochan, and A.M. Saxton. 2016. Exploring relationships in surface hardness data collected with different instruments. J. of Testing and Evaluation 44(2):945-951. Thoms, A.W., J.T. Brosnan, J.C. Sorochan, and A.M. Saxton. 2016. Exploring relationships in surface hardness data collected with different instruments. J. of Testing and Evaluation 44(2):945-951. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Athletic field safety and performance study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1619. P. 47-48. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Athletic field safety and performance study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1619. P. 47-48. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Golf course fairway organic matter management with Fraze mowing. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1616. P. 51-52. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Golf course fairway organic matter management with Fraze mowing. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1616. P. 51-52. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Golf course putting green organic matter recycling study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1617. P. 49-50. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Golf course putting green organic matter recycling study. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1617. P. 49-50. Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Home lawn seeding mixtures and timing trial. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1618. P. 53- 54 Thoms, I. Mertz, and N. Christians. 2017. Home lawn seeding mixtures and timing trial. 2016 Ann. Progress Rpts. Hort. Res. Station. ISRF16-36. RFR-A1618. P. 53- 54 Wang, H., C. Zhang, Y Dou, B. Yu, Y. Liu, T. Heng-Moss, G. Lu, M. Wachholtz, J. Bradshaw, P. Twigg, E. Scully, N. Palmer, and G. Sarath. 2016. Insect and plant-derived miRNAs in greenbug (Schizaphis graminum) and yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava) revealed by deep sequencing. Gene 599:68-77. Warnke S., C. Thammina, K. Amundsen, P. Miljanic, H. Hershman. 2017. High resolution melt analysis of simple sequence repeats for bentgrass species differentiation. International Turfgrass Research Journal (in press). Warnke S., C. Thammina, K. Amundsen, P. Miljanic. 2017. Simple sequence repeat markers for interspecific hybrid detection in Agrostis. International Turfgrass Research Journal (accepted). Zhang C, Fei S, Liu P, Ji T, Peng J, Frei U, Hannapel D., 2016. Transcriptome changes in response to cold acclimation in perennial ryegrass as revealed by a cross-species microarray analysis. Crop Science. DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2016.04.0252. Zhang, Q., C. Thompson, M. Kennelly, J. Stier, C. Blume, N. Christians, K. Diesburg, K. Frank

Impact Statements

WERA-11 scientists are selecting varieties and developing alternative pest management strategies to reduce pesticide use and reduce overall management. Actual reductions are being estimated.

Date of Annual Report: 12/17/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 07/11/2018 - 07/13/2018
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2017 - 06/30/2018

Participants

Kai Umeda—Arizona
Jim Baird—California
Yaling Qian—Colorado
Shuizhang Fei—Iowa
Bernd Leinauer—New Mexico
Ricardo Ramirez—Utah
Greg Weicko--Guam

Brief Summary of Minutes

The 2018 WERA-11 meeting was held in conjunction with the Southeast group on July 11-13, 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Admin Advisor(s): Paul G. Johnson

Brief individual state reports were presented by attending delegates. The majority of the meeting consisted of WERA and SERA group members sharing time on topics of similar interest and activity. Those included the following topics: Water Conservation/Drought, Nutrient Management, Shade Management, Turfgrass Breeding, Weed Management, Insect/Nematode Management, Turf Diseases, and Urban Turf Removal/Alternative Landscapes. The group also toured the research facility there at the Fort Lauderdale research and Extension center.

Accomplishments

Objective: Develop improved turfgrass cultivars resistant to stresses important to the western states. Evaluate grasses for adaptation. Nebraska: <ul> <li>Scientists, led by Dr. Admundsen evaluated 52 elite buffalograss clones for sod and vegetative plug use.  Thirty populations of buffalograss were advanced in the program for evaluation seed production.</li> <li>A collection trip to the south and western United States added 140 new buffalograss accessions to UNL’s germplasm collection.</li> </ul> Colorado: <ul> <li>Work continued in selection and evaluation of saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) for use as turfgrass as well as other water saving species.</li> </ul> California: <ul> <li>Three species of turfgrass were the subject of germplasm evaluation and improvement with the goal of winter color retention and drought tolerance—both are critical to wider acceptace in southern California. Those species are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and kikuyugrass.</li> </ul> Utah: <ul> <li>Hybrids of Kentucky bluegrass created from salt tolerant parents paired with those of high turfgrass quality were evaluated for inheritance of those salt tolerance traits. The levels of progeny tolerance to salt stress is highly variable. Promising individual plants are being further evaluated as well as the genetic mechanisms behind that inheritance.</li> </ul> All Locations: <ul> <li>Scientists at several of the universities participating in WERA11 are heavily involved in variety and experimental cultivar evaluations as part of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), Turf Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA), A-List, and other trials. These trials are providing high quality data on adaptation to the varied conditions in the West.</li> </ul>   Objective: Develop, refine and disseminate sustainable turfgrass management protocols for turfgrass managers throughout the western United States Nebraska <ul> <li>Evaluated glyphosate tolerance of buffalograss to optimize buffalograss establishment into existing turf (tall fescue in Nebraska and bermudagrass in Arkansas).</li> <li>Tested three different grass species under varying levels of inputs as golf course fairway turf in the central Great Plains.</li> </ul> Hawaii <ul> <li>Studied foliar nematode management on ornamental plants, and plant safety.</li> <li>Explored control or suppression of bermudagrass in seashore paspalum turf.</li> <li>Conducted herbicide efficacy trials at golf course and/or sports turf. </li> </ul> Colorado: <ul> <li>Scientists studied the effects of effluent water (saline sources from water treatment plants) on salinity and soil chemical properties as well as plant mineral composition when applied to three perennial grass species.</li> </ul> California: <ul> <li>Assisted in development of Indemnify (fluopyram) and Divanem (abamectin) for management of Pacific Shoot-Gall (Anguina pacificae) Nematodes.</li> <li>Assisted in development of PoaCure (methiozolin) and cumyluron herbicides for selective control of annual bluegrass in bentgrass and other desired turf.</li> <li>Conducted fungicide studies for control of anthracnose, gray leaf spot, spring dead spot, gray snow mold, and Pythium diseases.</li> <li>Assisted in identification of herbicides that are safe on Kurapia (Lippia (Phyla) nodiflora), a drought/salt tolerant turf alternative.</li> </ul> Arizona: <ul> <li>Conducted experiments on weed control using herbicides for control of Poa annua and spring transition ryegrass removal.</li> <li>Investigated nativegrasses and alternative groundcovers (Kurapia) as a replacement where turfgrasses are removed.</li> <li>Initiated experiments comparing the performance of LED light traps for pest management.</li> <li>Scientists concluded a project on the reclamation of Saline-Sodic soils in golf course fairways. Leaching reduced salinity and sodium levels. Additions of  CaSO4 and S had early impacts while cultivation had less impact.</li> </ul> Utah: <ul> <li>In one turfgrass water use study of several species, low fertility plots required more irrigation to retain green cover during summer stress periods.</li> </ul>

Publications

Amundsen, K., Sarath, G., Donze-Reiner, T., eds. 2017. Genomic approaches for improvement of understudied grasses. Lausanne: Frontiers Media. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88945-242-2. Amundsen, K.L., L. Li, R. Shearman, R. Gaussoin. 2017. Addressing misperceptions regarding buffalograss tolerance to sandy soils, traffic, and shade. International Turfgrass Research Journal 13:1-6 doi: 10.2134/itsrj2016.05.0347 Bal, H., N. Acosta, Z. Cheng, P. S. Grewal, and C. Hoy. 2017. Effect of habitat and soil management on dispersal and distribution patterns of entomopathogenic nematodes. Applied Soil Ecology, 121: 48-59. Bhandari, B. P., and Z. Cheng. 2018. Lobate lac scale, Paratachardina pseudolobata (Hemiptera: Keriidae), in Hawaii’s Bushman, B.S; A. Joshi, P.G. Johnson. 2018. Molecular markers improve breeding efficiency in apomictic Poa pratensis L.. Agronomy 8(2), 17; <a href="http://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy8020017">http://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy8020017</a> Cheng, Z., H. Melakeberhan, S. Mennan, and P. S. Grewal. 2018. Relationship between soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, and soil nematode communities under long-term tillage and crop rotation systems. Nematropica. In Press. Cheng, Z., M. Kellar, N. Nagata, B. Bhandari, and R. Manandhar. 2018. Lobate lac scale (Paratachardina pseudolobata Kundo and Gullan) invades from Oahu into neighbor islands: state-wide survey in Hawaii. Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society, 50: 1–8. Donze-Reiner, T., Palmer, N.A., Scully, E.D., Prochaska, T.J., Koch, K.G., Heng-Moss, T, Bradshaw, J., Twigg, P., Amundsen, K., Sattler, S.E., Sarath, G. 2017. Transcriptional analysis of defense mechanisms in upland tetraploid switchgrass to greenbugs. BMC Plant Biology 17(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s12870-017-0998-2. Isweiri  H. and Y.L. Qian.  2018.  Long-Term Effects of Effluent Water Irrigation on Soil Chemical Properties of Sand-Based Putting Greens.  In Arid Environments and Sustainability.  Pp. 75-94.  DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.72227.  Johnson, Z. S., Koski, A. J., O'Connor, A. 2017. The Hidden Value of Landscapes. Written for Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado. At http://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/hortla/Colorado_Water_2017.pdf Kimura, E., S.C. Fransen, H.P. Collins, B.J. Stanton, A. Himes, J. Smith, S.O. Guy, and W.J. Johnston.  2018.  Effect of intercropping hybrid popular and switchgrass on biomass yield, forage quality, and land use efficiency for bioenergy production.  Biomass and Bioenergy 111:31-38 Kopp, K., Kjelgren, R. K., Urzagaste, P., & Dai, X. (2017, July). Physiological and quality responses of turfgrass and ornamental plants to weather-based irrigation control. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, 13, 1-10. Kopp, K., Kjelgren, R. K., Urzagaste, P., & Dai, X. (2017, July). Physiological and quality responses of turfgrass and ornamental plants to weather-based irrigation control. International Turfgrass Research Journal, 13, 1-10. Kreuser, W., J.R. Young, and M.D. Richardson. 2017. Modeling Performance of Plant Growth Regulators. Agric. and Environ. Letters. 2:170001. doi:10.2134/ael2017.01.0001 Kreuser, W., Obear, G., Michael, D., and Soldat, D. 2017. Growing degree day models predict performance of paclobutrazol on bentgrass golf greens. Crop Sci. 58: 1402-1408. doi. 10.2135/cropsci2017.06.0395 Michalski, J., and Z. Cheng. 2018. Effects of “lights out” turfgrass renovation on plants, soil arthropod and nematode communities. Applied Soil Ecology, 127: 144–154. Obear, G. R., M. Pedersen, and W.C. Kreuser. 2017. Genesis of clay lamellae in golf soils of Mississippi, USA. Catena 150:62-70. Obear, G. R., W.C. Kreuser, K. Hubbard, B. DeBels, and D.J. Soldat. 2017. Plant Colorants Interfere with Reflectance-Based Vegetation Indices. Crop Sci. 57:595-601. Doi:10.2135/cropsci2016.05.0440 Pratt, T., Allen, L., Rosenberg, D. E., Keller, A., & Kopp, K. (2018, October). Urban Agriculture and Small Farm Irrigation Efficiency: Case Studies and Trends from Cache Valley, Utah. Agricultural Water Management, 213, 24-35. Reasor, E.H., J. T. Brosnan, J. P. Kerns, W. J. Hutchens, D. R. Taylor, J. D. McCurdy, D. J. Soldat, and W. C. Kreuser. 2018. Growing Degree Day Models for Plant Growth Regulator Applications on Ultradwarf Hybrid Bermudagrass Putting Greens. Crop Sci. 58:xx. doi:10.2135/cropsci2018.01.0077 Schiavon, M. and J.H. Baird. 2018. Evaluation of products to alleviate irrigation salinity stress on bermudagrass turf. Agron. J. Accepted Paper, posted 06/15/2018. doi:10.2134/agronj2018.01.0064. Schiavon, M., A. Pedroza, B. Leinauer, D.L. Suarez, and J.H. Baird. 2017. Varying evapotranspiration and salinity level of irrigation water influence soil quality and performance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Urban For. Urban Gree. 26: 184-190. doi: 10.1016/j.ufug.2017.01.006. Thammina, C.S., K. Amundsen, S.B. Bushman, M. Kramer, S.E. Warnke. 2018. Genetic Diversity of Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv. Based on Genomic Simple Sequence Repeat Markers. Genetics Resources and Crop Evolution 65:1059. DOI: 10.1007/s10722-017-0596-z. urban landscape: hosts and management. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 38(1): 71-76. Van Dyke, A., P.G. Johnson. 2017. Cultural, organic, and biological methods for snow mold control on putting greens in the Intermountain West. Crop, Forage and Turfgrass Management—Applied Turfgrass Science. Vol. 3 No. 1 cftm2017.04.0030 Warnke S., C. Thammina, K. Amundsen, P. Miljanic, H. Hershman. 2017. High resolution melt analysis of simple sequence repeats for bentgrass species differentiation. Crop Science doi:10.2135/cropsci2016.10.0838. Zhao, Y., G. Ren, Z. Cheng, G. Huang, and J. Li. 2018. Taxonomy of Aulacochilus Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Erotylinae) From China, With a Key Based on Adult Characters. Journal of Insect Science, 18(2): 27; 1–5.

Impact Statements

WERA-11 scientists are selecting varieties and developing alternative pest management strategies to reduce pesticide use and reduce overall management. Actual reductions are being estimated.

Date of Annual Report: 09/06/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/02/2019 - 06/05/2019
Period the Report Covers: 07/01/2018 - 06/01/2019

Participants

Dr. Greg Wiecko (Host and Organizer), University of Guam, gwiecko44@gmail.com
Dr. Kai Umeda, University of Arizona, KUmeda@cals.arizona.edu
Dr. Bernd Leinauer, New Mexico State University, leinauer@ad.nmsu.edu
Dr. Matteo Serena, New Mexico State University, mserena@nmsu.edu
Dr. Marco Schiavon, University of California-Riverside, marcos@ucr.edu
Dr. Kelly Kopp, Utah State University, kelly.kopp@usu.edu
Dr. Jim Baird, University of California-Riverside, jbaird@ucr.edu
Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng, University of Hawaii, cheng241@hawaii.edu
Dr. Elena Sevostianova, New Mexico State University, esevosti@nmsu.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 8:30AM, June 3 by Dr. Greg Wiecko, who welcomed the group to Guam. Dr. Kopp agreed to take minutes during the meeting. The agenda was presented and included state reports and discussion June 3, golf course tours, and play June 4, and morning discussions and meeting with the owner of LMS Landscaping over lunch on June 5.

Discussion began with the renewal of WERA-11 in 2021 and the location for the 2020 meeting. The timing of the meeting in 2019 was challenging for those who attended the European Turfgrass Science (ETS) meetings, so the recommendation was to combine the meeting with the ETS 2020 meeting in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and extend travel to Wangeningen the day after ETS ends for the WERA-11 meeting. Oregon was suggested as the 2021 meeting location. A timeline of previous meeting locations was developed:

2016-Hawaii

2017-Rutgers

2018-Ft. Lauderdale

2015-Phoenix

2014-Utah

2013-Tampa

2012-Oregon

2011-Colorado

2007-Las Cruces

2010-UCR, California

2008-Pullman, WA

2009-uncertain, possibly ITC in Chile

2006-uncertain

2004-Lincoln, NE

Dr. Wiecko moved that the 2020 meeting be held in conjunction with ETS. Dr. Leinauer seconded the motion. Motion carried with unanimous support.

State Reports

Colorado State University, Oregon State University, University of Arizona, University of Hawaii-Manoa, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Utah State University reports are attached as appendices in this report. The University of Guam report is presented below.

University of Guam

Dr. Wiecko has entered phased retirement and is currently working 50% time, likely for the next 3 years. He is officially retiring in 2022.

All research and projects have been scaled down and he is not requesting funding or support. There are currently no students and, therefore, no demand for courses. The University of Guam will not be continuing the turf program, however, the college does have environmental science and soil science. There is still University response to various diseases, palm disease, plumeria rust, and now rhino beetle (also an issue in Hawaii). The college maintains one plant pathologist, one soil scientist, and two entomologists. There are also faculty in aquaculture and plant physiology.

Discussion and Planning

The committee had discussions around four main topics over the course of the meeting. These included:

changes in pests, diseases and general management as a result of climate change,

general communications/messaging around glyphosate,

turfgrass alternatives, and

development of turfgrass education options for the region.

Regarding changes in pests, diseases and management due to climate change, discussion was held about compiling regional information about prominent pests and diseases and sharing them regionally. In this way, changes and movement in pest and disease ranges could be monitored and shared. Diagnostic labs, practitioners and Master Gardeners could all be resources of this information. This topic area could also provide a research opportunity for the committee.

It was suggested that each state represented provide a list of top 10 pests on relevant turfgrass species to be included in the annual committee report going forward. As different turfgrass species are better adapted to different locations, this information would assist researchers and practitioners in determining what pests might be anticipated.

Regarding general communications and messaging around glyphosate, California representatives reported that glyphosate use is banned on all campuses. Hawaii has prepared a position paper for the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, which presented a neutral response that leaned toward continued use. Bayer continues to defend the product legally, but more lawsuits are being filed. Arizona has been recommending continued use with care and very obvious safety precautions. Discussion was held of available substitutes, which were deemed not as safe or effective.

Regarding turfgrass alternatives, discussion was held about general opinions of turfgrass in the landscape. Even within faculty and Extension groups, there is a lack of understanding. Discussion of turfgrass vs. food production was held, as well as the opportunity to work with Master Gardeners to educate and change minds.

Regarding development of regional turfgrass education options, Oregon and Nebraska had expressed interest in online education options. The possibility of a 2-year certification program was discussed, as well as the Rutgers model and existing online options in Utah and New Mexico. Arizona has a 1-week, intensive course and invited broad participation from the regional committee members. Another option suggested, was the Master Gardener (once per week) model. In every case, identifying the key topics in the region would be critical.

There is need for golf course managers/superintendents/employees who want professional development specific to SW/W turfgrass education. They want additional information on top of what they are receiving online through programs such as Rutgers/Penn State.

Discussion was held of starting with a 1-wk short course and then thinking/working toward the possibility of a 2-year program. Our experience on Guam visiting two courses indicated that there could also be interest from Asia in general, with many ex-patriots living and working in the region. The possibility of a 3-day training program with golf on either end was discussed. Funding options were also discussed.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments   <ol> <li>Develop improved turfgrass cultivars resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses important to the western states and identify genetic components conferring drought resistance and salinity tolerance to improve the efficiency of stress resistant germplasm identification and selection.</li> </ol> In a continuing effort of the development of turf-type saltgrass, seeds from the third generation crossing block were harvested.   Individual seeds were stratified and germinated in the greenhouse.  Resulted single seed plugs were used to initiate field plots in the spring of 2017.  Five lines of third generation of saltgrass that showed the best turf quality in terms of cover, color and density were selected. The top five female lines and 5 male lines with abundant seedheads were also selected.   In 2018, seed yield data was collected for selected females.  In 2018, most female lines produced seeds but few of them produced significant amount. One line showed the highest seed production at 1504.0 lb per acre. (CSU) Completed greenhouse and field evaluations of 140 new buffalograss accessions during establishment.  Evaluations continue to assess persistence, turf quality, and production traits.  Data will help guide plant breeding decisions to develop broadly adapted buffalograss cultivars. Refining buffalograss breeding schemes by isolating traits in genetic lines and stacking traits to reduce time needed for cultivar development.  Research is sponsored by Todd Valley Farms, The Native Turf Group, and the USGA. (Nebraska) With Scott Warnke, USDA, Beltsville, MD, interspecific bentgrass hybrids were developed and will be evaluated in Nebraska for heat and drought tolerance.  Germplasm will benefit bentgrass breeders and their ability to enhance abiotic stress tolerance in creeping bentgrass.  Research is sponsored by the USGA. (Nebraska) Dr. Bushman is completing a Kentucky bluegrass genome reference this fall which will be freely available.  It is derived from the variety ‘Hampton’. (Utah)   <ol start="2"> <li>Exchange information on features and importance of newly developed cultivars and coordinate research to develop and evaluate optimal low-input management practices.</li> </ol> Selecting species and cultivars that use less water while maintaining acceptable quality will mitigate irrigation demands.  As part of NTEP/USGA trial, Qian along graduate student Mr. Lambright is conducting a field research to: 1) compare turfgrass quality and growth of 15 new Kentucky bluegrass cultvars, 19 tall fescue lines, 1 perennial ryegrass line  under different irrigation treatments [0.80 reference ET (ETo), 0.60 ETo, and 0.40  ETo] applied twice weekly, 2) determine relative drought resistance of different entries, and 3) document water quantity required for each entry to maintain acceptable and desirable turf quality and thereby assessing their water use efficiency.   A full set of replicated study plots, i.e. 9 blocks, with each block consisting of 35 cool season turfgrass lines were established in 2017 with field study conducted in 2018 and 2019.  Research and data collection for the 2018 season showed that en masse, tall fescue lines showed higher overall quality than Kentucky bluegrass cultivars in all 3 reference ETo treatments while Kentucky bluegrass cultivars showed increased ability to recover from drought.  These initial results could be due to tall fescues adapted ability to excavate deeply within the soil profile in search for water while Kentucky bluegrass adaptively reverts to dormancy in the face of drought stress.   Successive yearly research regimes and data collection are necessary and will be conducted throughout 2019 to determine the amount of water needed to maintain acceptable quality for each included turfgrass cultivar. (CSU) Investigating nativegrasses and alternative groundcovers (Kurapia) as a replacement where turfgrasses are removed; initiating new project to determine Kurapia water use and requirements. (Arizona) Currently managing four NTEP trials (cool-season low input, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue).  Data provides regional turfgrass performance data to turf managers giving them the necessary tools to make informed species and cultivar selections. (Nebraska) Dr. Johnson has continued to coordinate the NTEP trials and warm-season low input trials were added in 2018 and 2019 in St. George, UT.  Two tall fescue trials, one standard condition and one drought condition, were also added.  The cool-season water use trial results were interesting, although billbugs were somewhat of a problem and affected the results. Dr. Johnson has observed that the plots that are irrigated less, which went more-or-less dormant in the study, have slightly higher quality in fall after recovery. (Utah) The cool-season low input trial has been very interesting with no input other than mowing. In the first year, everything survived fairly well, although some of the fine fescues were lost. In the second year, the bluegrasses thinned quite a bit and many of the fine fescues didn’t survive. Tall fescue was still surviving at that time with reasonable quality. After summer 2018, most of the bluegrasses are gone and the fine fescues are mostly gone. Tall fescue is thinner but recovering. The only species that really survive well and come back with good density are the wheatgrasses that were added to the trial (intermediate wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass). Also, the yarrow entry maintained the longest green color into summer, finally browning in August and then recovering well. (Utah) Dr. Bushman has found that electrolyte leakage is not a very useful measurement for drought tolerance screening but is for salt tolerance screening.  The method has been a key component of graduate student Paul Harris’ research project. (Utah) Dr. Kopp completed a TWCA trial of tall fescue in 2019 and continues trials of Kentucky bluegrass varieties for both A-LIST and Jacklin Seed. (Utah)   <ol start="3"> <li>Develop, refine and disseminate sustainable turfgrass management protocols for turfgrass managers throughout the western United States</li> </ol>   A study was conducted in Colorado to evaluate the effectiveness of two compost products, one inoculated with microorganisms and a conventional dairy manure compost without microbial inoculation on Necrotic Ringspot disease suppression and the improvement of turfgrass color and quality. Two Kentucky bluegrass home lawns infected with necrotic ringspot (NRS) disease were chosen for the study. Treatments were applied twice during the growing season in 2018.  The inoculated and conventional compost treated plots had less disease than the control.  Season-long averages showed that the plots treated with the both compost products had better color and better turf quality than the control.   This study demonstrated that compost decreased NRS incidence and improved turf color and quality. (CSU) Field trials conducted from 2013-2018 have provided promising results regarding alternative methods of controlling Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass putting greens.  Effective alternatives to conventional fungicides include: rolling, crop oil, iron sulfate, elemental sulfur, phosphoric acid. (OSU) Annual bluegrass samples were collected from 19 different golf courses in the central Oregon area.  These samples will be cultivated and screened for herbicide resistance. (OSU) Continuing to evaluate glyphosate tolerance of buffalograss with Doug Karcher at the University of Arkansas. (Nebraska) Dr. Kopp’s MS student, Shane Evans, is completing an evaluation of wi-fi based irrigation controllers which follows on from separate work evaluating climate-based irrigation controllers.  Potential water savings is of interest to many regional water wholesalers and retailers as they consider providing rebates to their customers for such products. (Utah)   <ol start="4"> <li>Coordinate reduced input turfgrass management practices Comments: a. Reduce turfgrass water use and improve irrigation management practices b. Evaluate the use of non-potable water sources. c. Identify germplasm and management practices to reduce salinity stress d. Coordinate research on nutrient and pesticide fate e. Develop integrated pest management strategies to address new and emergent pest issues. f. Evaluate the use of turfgrasses for bioremediation of contaminated </li> </ol>   To reduce freshwater use, golf courses in the western United States are increasingly being irrigated with recycled water. Research was conducted by Qian and her graduate student on eight golf courses in a semiarid region to evaluate the relationships of soil analysis, turf quality, and shoot analysis of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) under effluent water irrigation on golf courses.  Effluent water irrigation for 10 and >18 years increased clipping Na by 4.3 and 9.9 times and Cl by 1.5 and 1.3 times, respectively. Compared to surface water irrigation, B concentration in KBG shoots increased by 3.5 times and K concentration reduced by 16% in the pioneer recycled water irrigation group.    Multiple regression analysis indicated that there was a negative linear relationship between turf quality and Na concentration in the shoots (R2= 0.65). Soil SAR in 0-20 cm depth was highly associated with KBG shoot Na as documented by a logarithmic regression of R2=0.70.  Stepwise regression indicated that Na accumulation in the shoots was the leading plant variable causing the decline of turf quality under recycled water irrigation.  Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that water treatment and management practices that can reduce soil SAR and Na concentration in KBG shoots would improve turf quality and plant health. (CSU) Weed control (amicarbazone and methiozolin for Poa annua control, Urochloa panicoides control with preemergence and postemergence herbicides, spring transition ryegrass removal with postemergence herbicides) (Arizona) -Higher rates of irrigation that produced consistent leaching resulted in improved turf performance and greater reductions in soil salinity and sodium levels. -Soil salinity and sodium levels decreased to a lesser extent under deficit irrigation as a result of occasional heavy rain events that resulted in short-term periods of leaching. -Soils receiving amendments exhibited enhanced movement of sodium early in the study.  -Measurable impacts of the amendment treatments diminished over time, impacting only soil calcium levels at the conclusion of the study.  -Tillage did not greatly impact turf performance and soil chemical properties in this study. (Arizona)   Testing Kentucky bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, and buffalograss in response to varying levels of inputs as golf course fairway turf in Eastern Nebraska. (Nebraska)   <ol start="5"> <li>Communicate research results and promote sustainable practices to the public through workshops, conferences, websites, extension publications, social media, and research publications</li> </ol>   Hold the 2018 ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION (RMRTA) Conference & Trade Show from December 4 to 6, 2018, to communicate research results and promote sustainable practices to the public.  This is the 65th Annual Conference and Trade Show of RMRTA.  This conference is a collaborating with Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professionals (CALCP); Colorado Sports Turf Managers Association (CSTMA); Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association (RMGCSA); Rocky Mountain Sod Growers Association, and Colorado State University. Annual Desert Turf School in January (suspended 2019); sports turf field & EXPO with AZSTMA planned for July; annual short course planed in August/September; annual pesticide safety education for Cactus and Pine GCSA in November, spring turfgrass seminar March 27, 2019 in Phoenix for introduction of new LED trap for beetles, other timely and relevant field days, demonstrations, workshops, seminars (nativegrasses, weed management, spring turf transition, pest management, etc.) 2nd annual Schools IPM Conference conducted in Phoenix April 24, 2019 included outdoor turf maintenance demonstrations and weed management presentations. (Arizona) Dr. Kopp continues to develop relevant fact sheets and Extension materials on sustainable turfgrass management practices and pest management practices in collaboration with Drs. Johnson, Ramirez, and Mr. Ryan Davis (arthropod diagnostician), along with assistance from several other Extension faculty throughout the state.  In addition to regular talks to clientele groups and Master Gardeners, the quarterly publication of the USU Extension Turfgrass IPM Advisory is disseminated via listserv to 8008 subscribers. (Utah) Dr. Kopp manages an ongoing, long term program doing onsite landscape and irrigation system evaluations.  The Water Check program emphasizes efficient turfgrass irrigation and in recent years has transitioned to tablet based data collection and electronic reporting, along with data-base upgrades.  She is currently working with Salt Lake City to incorporate geographic information system (GIS) tools to allow mapping of landscapes and irrigation systems, identification of breaks, leaks, etc. (Utah)

Publications

Impact Statements

WERA-11 scientists are conducting research on emerging irrigation technologies in cooperation with local water providers and entities as they determine which products to rebate for their customers.

Date of Annual Report: 03/02/2021

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/07/2020 - 11/07/2020
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2020 - 12/31/2020

Participants

Alec Kowalewski—Oregon State University
Bernd Leinauer—New Mexico State University
Clint Maddox—Oregon State University
Jim Baird—University of California-Riverside
Kai Umeda—University of Arizona
Keenan Amudsen—University of Nebraska
Kelly Kopp—Utah State University
Michael Neff—Washington State University
Ricardo Ramirez—Utah State University
Sevostianova—New Mexico State University
Shaun Bushman—USDA-ARS Forage & Range Research Lab
Shui Zhang Fei—Iowa State University
Yaling Qian—Colorado State University
Zhiqiang Cheng—University of Hawaii
Paul Johnson—Utah State University, Administrative Advisor

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 1pm MST by Dr. Paul Johnson on Zoom. Instead of the typical meeting, this was focused solely on final preparation of the new WERA proposal. Zoom meetings of subgroups had taken place earlier in this year and this meeting was aimed at pulling those parts together for the final draft. That proposal was submitted later in 2020.

There was also discussion of future meeting locations. Initially, Oregon State University was going to be the host in 2021, followed by Nebraska in 2022. Later in the year this was switched with Nebraska in 2021, which would allow a joint meeting with NCERA221, and Oregon in 2022. This was decided by survey vote among members.