Annual/Termination Reports:

[08/03/2007] [08/16/2007] [12/21/2007] [07/20/2008] [11/18/2010]

Report Information

Participants

Baltensperger, Arden (abaltens@nmsu.edu)-New Mexico State University;
Cockerham, Stephen (slee@ucrac1.ucr.edu)-University of California-Riverside;
Engelke, Milton (mengelke@aol.com)-Texas A&M University;
Gibeault, Vic (gibeault@ucrac1.ucr.edu)-University of California-Riverside;
Moss, Justin (jmoss@uwyo.edu)-University of Wyoming;
Johnson, Paul (Paul.Johnson@usu.edu)-Utah State University;
Kopec, David (dkopec@ag.arizona.edu)-University of Arizona;
Koski, Tony (tony.koski@colostate.edu)-Colorado State University;
Leinauer, Bernd (leinauer@nmsu.edu)-New Mexico State University;
Qian, Yaling (yaqian@lamar.colostate.edu)-Colorado State University;
Wiecko, Greg (gwiecko@uog9.uog.edu)-University of Guam;
Fricker, Crystal (crystal@pureseedtesting.com)-Turf Seed, Inc.;
Scott, Colin (colin@pureseedtesting.com)-Pure Seed Testing, Inc.;

Brief Summary of Minutes

WERA II Meetings
October 2-3 2006
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Hosted by N.M.S.U.
Dr. B. Leinauer / Dr. R. Goss


Sunday October 1, 2006
Dinner was graciously hosted by the Southwest Turfgrass Association.

Registration for the meetings was $75.00.

Attendees:
Arden Baltensparger, New Mexico State University, Emeritus
Steve Cockerham, University of California
Milt Engleke, Texas A & M
Crystal Fricker, Turf Seed, Inc.
Victor Gibeault, University of California
Paul Johnson, Utah State
David Kopec, University of Arizona
Bernard Leinauer, New Mexico State University
Justin Moss, University of Wyoming
Yaling Qian, Colorado State University
Colin Scott, Pure Seed Testing, Inc.
Joseph Wipff, Barenbrug USA

Monday, October 2, 2006

Drs. Leinauer and Goss previewed research plots at both the Fabian Garcia Research Center and at the NM Golf Course.

Introductions and greetings were received from Leroy Dougherty, Associate Dean and Associate Director, AES/NMSU.

Research studies exhibited included:
" Subsurface irrigation for USGA and California greens style construction methods
" Warm and cool season variety trials
" NTEP trials
" Seashore paspalum test plots
" Water use efficiency tests
" Irrigation requirements for C3/C4 grasses
" Drip irrigation
" Weed control studies
" Water conditioning study
" Use of saline water for sub-surface irrigation

Lunch was held at the NMSU Football Stadium .

The report meeting was held on campus from 1:30 to 5:00 PM.

Dr. Leinauer provided a handout from NTEP which addresses the new updated revisions of the Natural Turfgrass Federation (NTF), 3-page pdf attached.

A question arose on the acronym change from WRCC 11 to WERA 11. The change was announced previously by the advisor.

Next years meeting will be held most likely in Colorado at CSU (2007), and in Arizona at the University of Arizona (2008).

This year was unique in that the June meeting was moved to October. Most people liked the move because of the weather considerations and the fact that both warm and cool grass projects could be observed.

Representatives from the seed industry highly preferred the October date, since June is an extremely busy time for them, and as a result it is a struggle for the seed industry members to attend meetings in June.

The time and date for the 2007 meetings in Colorado is forthcoming.

Dr. Leinauer also reported on the NTF Board meetings help September 27, 2006. The NTEP policy committee was present. The objective was to continue dialogue for the turfgrass ARS positions. The tone within ARS has turned from observational to favorable to add ARS turf positions.

State Reports

Arizona
Studies have been recently completed on determining the water use rates of saltgrass, Tifway bermudagrass and Seashore paspalum when soil moisture is not limiting (2 year study). The first year of water use patterns and response to drought was conducted from June to mid September 2006. This study will show if these grasses are water spenders, savers, drought avoiders or drought tolerators. Arizona hosts three on-site tests for NTEP (bentgrass, bermuda, buffalograss) and the 04-06 on-site test. Work is being conducted on salinity screening of saltgrass clones, and the evaluation of cold tolerant giant bermuda for turf home lawns when mowed with at rotary mower. Other research includes year-round maintenance of halophytes of paspalum when overseeded with alkali grass, with and without perennial ryegrass.

California
The State Extension Turfgrass Specialist position is now open for recruitment. Vic Gibeault remained in his position after retirement to maintain presence and continuity in the program. This new position is 75% extension and 25% research. California hosts NTEP trials in the tall fescue, bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and buffalograss.

Low maintenance grass trials at both Las Cruces and Riverside include 20 species/cultivars irrigated at 70% of normal ET for warm season grasses and 1.0 lb of nitrogen/M per year. The plots in California are split in two separate mowing heights of ¾ and 3.

The California Research Advisory Commission established in 1996 is comprised of 10 organizations for identifying and funding research needs in turf. These funds support Dr. Robert Green at UCR. Frank Wong, the State Extension pathologist has an excellent web site for turfgrass diseases. The UC system has a field plot set up in the Coachella Valley for turfgrass research. UC Irvine is looking at turf as an active carbon partitioning agent and gas cycler using greenhouse gases.

Colorado
Ned Tisseret is working on a project which will sequence the genome of Pythium. Tony Koski will be making a full time return to turf from extension administration. CSU will add a drought stress physiologist to the department this year. Applied projects include salinity tolerance of bentgrass, KBG/manure topdressing for turf quality and environmental safety. About 0.8 cubic yards per thousand square feet produces negligible phosphorous run-off, with minimal ammonium content as well. Other projects include carbon sequestration of turfgrass under different management regimes, soil and plant responses to effluent irrigation, and saltgrass studies. The combination of high daytime temperatures, low night temperatures and high soil moisture and low-to-moderate salinity all increase seed yield for Distichlis. Germination of saltgrass is enhanced by mechanical scarifications and hand nicking. Scarified and stratified seed germinate well. Cold moist stratification and dry mechanized scarification improved germination. Sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide or water soaking treatments are not very effective. The LT50 for saltgrass ranges from -14 to -20c as plants regenerated from rhizome pieces.

Irrigation and drought studies showed that saltgrass clone A138 has roots present down to 9 feet in the soil, and that on average, consumptive water use is about 50% of that of KBG. Saltgrass will send roots deep in the absence of irrigation.

Texas
A new hire is Kurt Steinke, ecologist. Richard White is studying water use and consumption in domestic settings. Richard Duble continues to teach. Wallace Menn has retired. Phil Colbaugh is near retirement. Royalties to Texas A&M turfgrass from varietal development has been $2.8 million since 1998. Jim McAfee has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

Research has shown that Pythium volotum is enhanced in pathogenicity from abiotic salt stress (ETRI type infection). Milt Englke is part of the I-4 research team, which integrates genetics/biochemistry to improve stress tolerance in turfgrasses. Two new releases of St. Augustine are forthcoming while Texas bluegrass haploids are being developed as a bridging mechanism for Poa protensis breeding/improvement.

Utah
Landscape water use studies are investigating water use and homeowners preference in landscape plantings under well watered and drought stressed conditions. Landscapes include a mixture of native and non-native trees, shrubs, and turf grasses.

Native landscapes used less water than traditional landscapes during drought periods, but homeowner preference was greatest for non-native landscapes, regardless of the amount of water used. Native grasses in this study include wheatgrasses, buffalograss, Poa spp., and sheeps fescue.

Sheep and tall fescues had the best turf performance (appearance) while Black gramma did well in both monoculture and mixtures. Wheatgrass/sheep fescue mixtures did well also. KBG/western wheatgrass provided stable year round turfs. Mixtures with sheep fescue largely became dominated by sheeps fescue. Other projects include sod production of native/adapted grasses, and weed control using nurse crops during alternative grass establishment. A major project is studying gene flow and apomixis in Poa spp. Initial results show a low flow from P. pratensis to other species, with pollen competition in apomitic plants possibly affecting flow rates. The degree of apomixis within and between various species of Poa is being evaluated. A new ARS turfgrass breeding positive will be housed at Logan, Utah.

Wyoming
Justin Moss is a recent hire as Station Manager/Grass Researcher at Sheridan Station. This facility is 320 acres and will include a future turfgrass research sub-center. Studies included in the beginning will be NTEP KBG trials, homeowner variety plots, weed control of Poa annua on bentgrass greens along with PGR studies. Justin will also teach at a 2 year community college in Sheridan. Classes intended are Introduction to Soil Science, Woody Ornamentals, and Introduction to Turf.

Pure Seed Testing, Inc.
Varietal development with increased emphasis on stress tolerance. New and ongoing studies include selection schemes for drought, shade and salinity stress. The merger with Scotts is at or near completion.

Respectfully submitted,




David M. Kopec (University of Arizona)
Recording Secretary 2006
In c/o Anthony Koski (Colorado State University)

ADDENDUM A. Included : Program Agenda
ADDENDUM A-


Multi-state Research Project  WERA11
Western Regional Turfgrass Research
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
October 2  3, 2006

PROGRAM

Sunday, October 1:
Travel to Las Cruces
6:00  6:45 P.M. Registration at Ramada Palms Resorts and Conference Center
7:00 P.M. Dinner at Lorenzos restaurant in Old Mesilla

Monday, October 2
8:00  8:30 A.M. Registration at Ramada Palms Resorts and Conference Center
8:30 A.M.  12:00 P.M. Tour of research facilities
Bus leaves from the Ramada Hotel at 8:30 A.M.
8:30  10:30 A.M. Fabian Garcia Research Center:
1) Welcome remarks; LeRoy Daugherty, Associate Dean and Associate Director, Agricultural Experiment Station, New Mexico State University
2) USGA and California Greens Construction Methods, Subsurface Irrigation for Sandy Root Zones
3) Warm and Cool Season Demonstration Plots
4) NTEP Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Buffalograss
5) Seashore Paspalum Test Plots
6) Increasing water-use efficiency of turfgrasses with management practices
7) Warm and Cool Season Turfgrass Irrigation Requirements
8) NM weed management studies
9) Undergraduate Research Project - Drip and sprinkler irrigation for tall fescue establishment
10:30  11:00 A.M. Aggie Memorial Stadium and Salinity Test Site
11:00 A.M.  12:30 P.M. NMSU Golf Course
10) Welcome remarks; Ben Woods, New Mexico State Universitys Senior Vice President for Planning, Physical Resources and University Relations
11) Water Conditioning Study
12) Sprinkler and Subsurface Irrigation with Saline Groundwater
12:30  1:30 P.M. Lunch, Stan Fulton Center
2:00  5:00 P.M. and continued on Tuesday, October 3, 8:30 A.M.  12:00 P.M.
Meeting and Research Presentations; Corbett Center, Colfax Room
1) Business Meeting
NTEP Update
2007 Meeting Location
2) Presentations
University of Arizona
University of California
Colorado State University
Texas A&M University
Utah State University
University of Wyoming
3) Seed Industry Updates
4) Adjourn

Accomplishments

WERA11 Accomplishments (2006)<br /> Utah expanded its native turfgrass breeding program by collecting approximately 50 new buffalograss, blue grama, wheatgrass, and bluegrass accessions in Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Nebraska.<br /> <br /> Utah completed a two-years evaluation of 25 different single species and grass mixtures for use as a reduced water use turf. Many of these have not been evaluated in turf conditions and most promising species include western wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, blue grama and buffalograss. <br /> <br /> Utah established plots to evaluate sod production of native grasses for turf use; this study will continue through 2008, and is being conducted in collaboration with scientists at Montana State University and University of Wyoming.<br /> <br /> Utah continues efforts with scientists at the USDA-Forage and Range Research Lab to evaluate Poa germplasm for drought and salt tolerance traits and develop germplasm that can be used by breeders around the world. A large field planting with over 350 accessions was established and approximately 60 accessions are being screened for salt tolerance, and more than 100 accessions were screened for reproductive mode (apomictic vs. sexual reproduction) using flow cytometry techniques. This information will assist in identifying parents to begin interspecific hybridization work. <br /> <br /> Utah has installed large drainage lysimeters to contain three distinct, integrated landscapes. The three landscapes have the same design, but differ in the plant material utilized. One landscape type contains traditional plant materials with Kentucky bluegrass as the turfgrass species. Another landscape type contains native and adapted Intermountain West species with buffalograss as the turfgrass species. The third landscape type is categorized as intermediate in terms of water use and contains tall fescue as the turfgrass species. <br /> <br /> In collaboration with three Colorado State University faculty members and Water Environment Research Foundation, a project was completed in 2006, to examine the potential for using recycled wastewater (RWW) and household graywater reuse for turf and landscape irrigation. This project comprised an extensive literature review and synthesis of information to define current knowledge and identified important information gaps regarding household graywater irrigation impacts on residential landscaping.<br /> <br /> Colorado researchers continue work towards the understanding of long-term recycled wastewater irrigation on landscape plants and soil continues. Water samples were collected to assess variability of chemical properties of recycled wastewater in the Front Range of Colorado. Results indicated that there are significant and important variations in water quality between wastewater treatment facilities. Problems associated with saline soils may increase in the future as more recycled wastewater is applied to turf sites. Selection and development of salt tolerant turfgrasses and landscape plants will be important for the long-term sustainability of water reuse. <br /> <br /> Colorado researchers investigated different seed treatments in enhancing germination and establishment of inland saltgrass, and found that cold moist stratification and dry scarification significantly improved germination and enhanced establishment of seeded saltgrass.<br /> <br /> A Colorado study, completed in 2006, evaluated the effects of topdressing composted dairy manure onto Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and looked at the potential for nutrient runoff from topdressed plots. Compost applications of 66 cubic meters per hectare or greater increased soil EC; however, increased EC did not negatively impact turf quality. Rates of runoff and erosion and concentrations of total N, nitrate N, total P, and total dissolved P in runoff were not different among treatments. However, all compost treatments did increase ammonium N concentrations in runoff. There were no differences in soil nitrate N or available P levels below the active rooting depth. <br /> <br /> Colorado began an experiment was begun to examine the quality and relative drought resistance of newer bluegrass cultivars marketed as hybrid bluegrasses (Poa pratensis X Poa arachnifera crosses).<br /> <br /> Cooperative research (supported, in part, by the United States Golf Association) between Colorado State University and the University of Arizona continues on the development of turf-type saltgrass (Distichlis) cultivars. Two breeding cycles have been completed and 6 lines have been identified for potential public release. Ongoing research is comparing crop coefficients and water use rates of saltgrass, bermudagrass and seashore paspalum (at UA), herbicide and fertilization requirements for establishment and ongoing maintenance of saltgrass (both CSU and UA), cold hardiness of saltgrass accessions (CSU), and salinity tolerance of saltgrass accessions (CSU and UA).<br /> <br /> Washington researchers installed fifty-one porous ceramic suction lysimeters on a golf course constructed with sand-capped fairways to study (a) surface and shallow subsurface flow (0 to 60 cm depth) of nitrogen and phosphorus in a golf course setting, and the potential impacts of this on surface water quality; and (b) the effectiveness of bioswales and constructed wetlands in filtering nutrients from this water.<br /> <br /> Washington researchers are conducting a project to evaluate the impact of gene migration, via pollen, seed, and vegetative propagules, from transgenic glyphosate resistant creeping bentgrass (Agostis stolonifera) seed production fields into adjacent areas. There is evidence that: 1) the RR gene escaped and it is established in the area; 2) there has been gene flow by seed and by pollen (however, gene movement by stolons cannot be ruled out); 3) once the gene escapes it is very difficult to control, even the mitigation plan did not eliminate all the RR Agrostis plants in the area; 4) redtop plants have been found to be receptive to the RR pollen, although the extent of this hybridization has to be determined using molecular techniques. Whether the potential hybrid plants produce viable pollen and seed is another question that needs to be considered.<br /> <br /> A cooperative study between New Mexico State University and the University of California was begun in 2006 to compare the relative irrigation requirements and winter survival of 16 grasses, under minimal irrigation (at 70% PET) and in 2 climatic zones.<br />

Publications

Blunt, T.D., Hill, J.P., Brunk, G., Koski, T. and Tisserat, N. 2006. Relationship of gray snow mold development in Kentucky bluegrass to peristence of chlorothalonil under snow. 2006 APS Ann. Meeting. Phytopathology. 96 (6) p. 13.<br /> <br /> Blunt, T., Koski, T. and Tisserat, N. 2006. Effect of snow removal on gray snow mold development at high altitude golf courses in Colorado. 2006 APS Ann. Meeting. Phytopathology. 96 (6) p. 13.<br /> <br /> Bunderson, Landon, Paul Johnson, and Kelly Kopp. 2006. Evaluation of native and adapted grass species and their management for turfgrass applications in the Intermountain West. In Agronomy Abstracts. American Society of Agronomy. Madison, WI. <br /> <br /> Dougher, Tracy, Toby Day, Paul Johnson, Kelly Kopp, and Mark Majerus. 2006. Intermountain West native and adapted grass species and their management for turfgrass applications. HortScience 41(4):1037.<br /> <br /> Gaussoin, R., R. Shearman, L. Wit, T. McClellan and J. Lewis. 2006. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Aging Golf Greens. Green Section Record. U. S. Golf Assoc.44(6):26-30.<br /> <br /> Gaussoin, R., R. Shearman, L. Wit, T. McClellan, and J. Lewis. 2006. Soil physical and chemical characteristics of aging golf greens. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online Journal. 5(14):1-11. <br /> <br /> Goss, R. M., J. H. McCalla, R. E. Gaussoin, and M. D. Richardson. 2006. Herbicide tolerance of buffalograss. [Online]Appl. Turfgrass Sci. p. [1-7].<br /> <br /> Hanks, J.D., P.G. Johnson, and B.L. Waldron. 2006. Recommended seeding rates for reduced maintenance, turf-type wheatgrasses. Applied Turfgrass Science Online at: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/ats/ [doi:10.1094/ats-2006-0808-01-rs].<br /> <br /> Johnson, G.A., Davis, J.G. and Qian, Y.L. 2006. Topdressing turf with composted manure improves soil quality and protects water quality. Soil Sci. Soc. of Amer. J. 70:2114-2121.<br /> <br /> Johnson, G. A., Qian, Y. L., and Davis, J. G. 2006. Effects of compost topdressing on turf quality and growth of Kentucky bluegrass. J. Appl. Turf. Sci. (Online) January 2006. pp. 1-7.<br /> <br /> Johnson, P.G., S.R. Larson, A.L. Anderton, J.T. Patterson, D.J. Cattani, and E.K. Nelson. 2006. Pollen-mediated gene flow from Kentucky bluegrass under cultivated field conditions. Crop Science 46:1990-1997. [doi:10.2135/cropsci2005.09.0316]<br /> <br /> Koski, A., Ray, J., Kopec, D., Christensen, D., Qian, Y. and Wilhelm, S. 2006. Saltgrass plug production and establishment of saltgrass turf using plugs. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Int. Meetings. Presentation 2128a. <br /> <br /> Kratsch, Heidi A., Kelly Kopp, Paul Johnson, and Roger Kjelgren. 2006. Native and adapted plants for water-efficiency in urban Utah landscapes. HortScience 41(4):909.<br /> <br /> Marcum, K. B.; Pessarakli, M. 2006. Salinity tolerance and salt gland excretion efficiency of bermudagrass turf cultivars. Crop Sci. 46:2571-2574.<br /> <br /> Pessarakli, M., Kopec, D. Gilbert, J.J. and Koski, A.J. 2006. Interactive effects of salinity and mowing heights on the growth of various inland saltgrass clones. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Int. Meetings. Presentation 316-2.<br /> <br /> Qian, Y.L. Urban landscape irrigation with recycled wastewater. 2006. Colorado Water Resource Research Institute. Research Report No. 204.<br /> <br /> Qian Y.L, J.A. Cosenza, S.J. Wilhelm, and D. Christensen. 2006. Techniques for enhancing saltgrass seed germination and establishment. Crop Sci. 46:2613-2616.<br /> <br /> Qian, Y.L, Cosenza, J.A., Wilhelm, S.J. and Christensen, D. 2006. Techniques for enhancing saltgrass seed germination and establishment. Crop Sci. 46:2613-2616.<br /> <br /> Qian, Y., Fu, J., Wilhelm, S., Christensen, D., Koski, A.J., Pessarakli, M. and Kopec, D.M. 2006. Relative salinity tolerance of turf type saltgrass selections. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Int. Meetings. Presentation 2028a.<br /> <br /> Qian, Y., Shahba, M., Wilhelm, S., Christensen, D., Hughes, H. and Koski, T. 2006. Cold hardiness of inland saltgrass. USGA Turf. and Env. Res. Online. 5(1):1-9.<br /> <br /> Roesner, Larry, Yaling Qian, Melanie Criswell, Mary Atromberger, Stephen Klein. 2006. Long-term effects of landscape irrigation using household graywater - literature review and synthesis. A report for the Water Environment Research Foundation. Available online: http://www.cleaning101.com/files/SDA WERF Graywater 2006.pdf<br /> <br /> Rukavina, H., Hughes, H. and Qian, Y. 2006. Freezing tolerance of twenty-seven saltgrass ecotypes was similar in 2004 and 2005. HortScience. 41:1038.<br /> <br /> Shahba, M., Wilhelm, S., Qian, Y. and Koski, A. 2006. Cold hardiness of southern and northern saltgrass ecotypes. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Int. Meetings. Presentation 1829b.<br /> <br /> Shearman, R. C. 2006. Fifty years of splendor in the grass. Crop Sci. 46(5):p. 2218-2229.<br /> <br /> Slavens, M.R. 2006. Influence of water stress on biotype selection of Poa annua L. on simulated golf course greens. MS Thesis. Utah State University. <br /> <br /> Van Dyke, Adam, Paul Johnson, Paul Grossl, and Kelly Kopp. 2006. Influence of humic substances on moisture retention and phosphate absorption of creeping bentgrass putting greens. In Agronomy Abstracts. American Society of Agronomy. Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Zollinger, Nickolee, Roger Kjelgren, Teresa Cerny-Koenig, Kelly Kopp, and Rich Koenig. 2006. Drought responses of six ornamental herbaceous perennials. Scientia Horticulturae. 109:267-274.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Colorado researchers determined that applications of composted dairy manure can both improve turf drought resistance and color quality, with minimal losses of nitrogen and phosphorus via runnoff or leaching.
2. Colorado researchers were able to significantly increase the germination of saltgrass seed from less than 10% to over 60% via the use of scarification or stratification.
3. Work by Utah researchers has identified western wheatgrass and thikespike wheatgrass as promising species for turf use in the arid western U.S.
4. Washington researchers determined that a glyphosate-resistance gene in transgenic creeping bentgrass can "escape" from isolated fields, probably via gene flow by pollen and/or seed (gene movement by vegetative stolons was not ruled out).

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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

There was no official meeting of WERA11 held in 2005. Most participants of WERA11 attended the International Turfgrass Society meeting in Wales during July 2005. It was decided by WERA11 members (at the 2004 meeting) that participation in both ITS and WERA11 would be difficult for most members - both financially and from a scheduling standpoint.

Accomplishments

Publications

Criswell, M.C., Roesner, L.A., Qian, Y.L., Stromberger, M.E., and Klein, S.M. 2005. Experimental design of a long-term study on landscape irrigation using household graywater. In 2005 World Water Congress -ASCE Conference Proceedings. Anchorage, Alaska. <br /> <br /> Fu, J.M., Koski, A.J., and Qian, Y.L. 2005. Responses of creeping bentgrass to salinity and mowing management: growth and turf quality. HortScience 40:463-467.<br /> <br /> Johnson, G.A. 2005. Effects of topdressing established Kentucky bluegrass with composted manure. M.S. Thesis. Colorado State University. Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Fort Collins, CO. <br /> <br /> Johnson, G., Davis, J. and Qian, Y. 2005. Topdressing Kentucky bluegrass with composted manure: soil and water quality impacts. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting Abstracts, Salt Lake City, UT. <br /> <br /> Johnson, G., Qian, Y. and Davis, J. 2005. Topdressing Kentucky bluegrass with composted manure: turfgrass performance and drought response. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting Abstracts, Salt Lake City, UT. <br /> <br /> Pessarakli, M., Kopec, D., Gilbert, J., Koski, A., Qian, Y. and Christensen, D. 2005. Growth responses of twelve inland saltgrass clones to salt stress. <br /> ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting Abstracts, Salt Lake City, UT. <br /> <br /> Qian, Y.L. and Fu, J.M. 2005. Response of creeping bentgrass to salinity and mowing management: carbohydrate availability and ion accumulation. HortScience 40:2170-2174. <br /> <br /> Qian, Y.L. and Mecham, B. 2005. Long term effects of recycled wastewater irrigation on soil chemical properties on golf course fairways. Agron. J. 97:717-721. <br /> <br /> Qian, Y.L., Fu, J.M., Klett, J., and Newman, S.E. 2005. Effects of long-term recycled wastewater irrigation on visual quality and ion content of ponderosa pine. J. Environ. Hort. 23:185-189. <br /> <br /> Shearman, R.C., K.S. Erusha, and L.A. Wit. 2005. Irrigation and potassium effects on Poa pratensis L. fairway turf. International Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 10:998-1004.<br /> <br /> Streich, A.M., R. E. Gaussoin, W.W. Stroup, and R. C. Shearman. 2005. Survey of management and environmental influences on golf ball roll distance. International Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 10:446-454.<br /> <br /> Suplick-Plonese and Qian, Y.L. 2005. Evapotranspiration, rooting characteristics, and dehydration avoidance: comparisons between hybrid bluegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. Int. Turf. Res. J. 10:891-898. <br /> <br />

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

David Kopec (University of Arizona)
Milt Engelke (Texas A&M University)
Ambika Chandra (Texas A&M University)
Roch Gaussoin (University of Nebraska)
Bill Johnston (Washington State University)
Leah Brilman (Seed Research of Oregon)
Brian Gueck (Arkansas Valley Seed Solutions)
Larry Perotti (Ewing Irrigation)
Tony Koski (Colorado State University)
Yaling Qian (Colorado State University)
Dana Christensen (Colorado State University)
Sarah Wilhelm (Colorado State University)
Ned Tisserat (Colorado State University)
Tamla Blunt (Colorado State University)
Mohamed Shahba (Colorado State University)
Nathan Brandt (Colorado State University)

Brief Summary of Minutes

The 2007 meeting of WERA011 was adjourned at 1pm on Thursday, September 20th, in the Colorado State room of the Fort Collins Hilton. The meeting began with introductions.

The first order of business was the review and approval of the agenda (found below, and distributed by email prior to the meeting). There were no additional agenda items proposed; it was noted that the historian's report would not be presented. MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE AGENDA; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The minutes from the 2006 meeting in Las Cruces NM were read from the NIMSS website. MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE THE 2006 MEETING MINUTES; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Steve Wallner, administrative adviser, offered a welcome to all. He noted the overall productivity of the group was very good. The importance of reporting minutes in a timely fashion and reporting accomplishments (in NIMSS) was mentioned. This will be discussed in further detail tomorrow. There was some discussion as to the reasons for the low attendance at the current and 2006 meeting. He noted that other working group meetings he has attended recently have had similar problems. This meeting traditionally had been held in June, but a change to a fall meeting was suggested a couple of years ago in an effort to attract higher seed industry attendance. The location and timing for the 2008 meeting will be discussed tomorrow. There was some brief discussion as to how to best collect accomplishment information from participating members; Tony Koski now does this mainly by reviewing CRIS reports from participating institutions.

State Reports began following a short break.

Texas A&M University
Milt Engelke announced that he has become an administrator. He introduced his replacement, Dr. Ambika Chandra. Milt reported on a system that he and others at the university have put in place to streamline the development of new turf cultivars - to include working cooperatively with other institutions.

Ambika Chandra introduced herself, as a very new faculty member at Texas A&M. She described her background (Penn State, with David Huff) and briefly discussed what directions her work at A&M might take.

Washington State U.
Bill Johnston briefed us on work that Gwen Stahnke and Eric Miltner were doing at WSU (in their absence). He described his work at Pullman, and also discussed the teaching (including forages) he does there.

U. Arizona
David Kopec reported on work being done at AZ by himself and Mohamed Pessarakli, concerning the salinity tolerance and comparative ET rates of saltgrass, seashore paspalum and bermudagrass.

The meeting was adjourned for the day. An evening social was held at the Annual Demonstration Gardens. A BBQ dinner, sponsored by Arkansas Valley Seed Solutions (Brian Gueck), was served. Dr. Jim Klett provided a short presentation on the history of the garden and how the flower trial research is conducted.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

The meeting reconvened at 8:30 at the Hilton, with a buffet breakfast sponsored by Ewing Irrigation (Larry Perotti). State reports continued.

U. Nebraska
Roch Gaussoin reported on soil organic matter/soil microbial activity research being conducted in sand root zones. He also discussed the formation of a new major (Turf and Landscape Management) being proposed at UNL.

Colorado State University
Yaling Qian reported on her work with saltgrass rooting depth, water use and seed germination enhancement. She also described her work with effluent effects on golf course tree species.

Dana Christensen reported on his Ph.D. work on the development of turf-type saltgrass varieties.

Tamla Blunt described her research with the snow mold diseases on mountain courses, including the identification of numerous strains - and the observation that strains differ in sensitivity to chlorothalonil. She also discussed her work with snow cover effects on snow mold fungicide efficacy.

Leah Brilman reported on the state of the grass seed industry. Due to the effects of demand for corn (for ethanol production), more grass seed farmers are putting their fields into corn or wheat. This will have a negative effect on seed production, thus resulting in shortages of some varieties and higher seed prices.

Following the state and industry reports, the group discussed the future of WERA011. Unlike the NCR192 group, WERA011 does not have formal research projects that are conducted. The value of doing this was discussed. It was noted that there are already a number of cooperative projects being conducted - but not as official WERA011 projects. These cooperative projects can still be reported at Accomplishments in NIMSS. Tony Koski asked that members let him know about joint projects; he will also solicit this information via email when he has to do his reporting in NIMSS.

The topic of meeting timing was brought forth for discussion. It was concluded that the fall meeting time was inconvenient for those who teach, and was quite likely the reason for poor attendance over the past 2 years. MOTION AND SECOND, TO MOVE THE MEETING TIME BACK TO JUNE; UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. Bill Johnston tentatively agreed to host the 2008 meeting in Pullman WA. He will confirm with Tony Koski within a couple of weeks.

The meeting was adjourned to allow a tour of the CSU saltgrass breeding and evaluation plots at the CSU Horticulture Research Center, for those who had time before leaving for the airport.

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 on Friday, September 21, 2007.

Minutes taken by Tony Koski.

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Meeting Agenda
Thursday, September 20th
1:00pm Introductions, agenda approval, approval of past meeting minutes
1:30-1:45 Administrative advisor comments
1:45-3:30 State reports
3:30-3:45 Break
3:45-5:00 Industry reports
5:30-7:30? Drinks and Dinner, Colorado State Annual Flower Trial Gardens
Sponsored by Arkansas Valley Seed Solutions


Friday, September 21st
7:30am Buffet Breakfast, Colorado State Room
Sponsored by Ewing Irrigation
8:00 Historian and NTEP reports
8:30-10:00 Finish state and industry reports
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:00 Status of WERA011
" Requirements for maintaining an active project/review process
" Obtaining outcomes/impact statements
" Extension component
" Meeting attendance and scheduling
" Possible regional research or extension projects
11:00-noon Open discussion related to WERA011
Noon Meeting adjourned

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Tony Koski, Colorado State University
Matt Williams, Washington State University
Katie Dodson, Washington State University
Chris Proctor, Washington State University
Charles Golob, Washington State University
Gwen Stahnke, Washington State University
Bill Johnston, Washington State University
David Kopec, University of Arizona
Bernd Leinauer, New Mexico State University
Jim Baird, University of California-Riverside
Ambika Chandra, Texas A&M University
Greg Wiecko, University of Guam

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 1:45 pm. at the Quality Inn, Pullman, WA. Dean Daniel Bernardo welcomed the group. He spoke highly of the WSU turf teams work, as well as the important role the turf industry plays in the state of Washington. He also commented on the high productivity of the WERA11 group.
The meeting agenda was presented by Bill Johnston; asked for any changes or additions. Shearman motion to approve; Koski second. Passed unamimously.

The 2007 minutes were distributed and read. Shearman motion to approve; Koski second. Passed unanimously.

Koski welcomed, on behalf of Steve Wallner (administrative adviser), everyone to the meeting. He gave a brief report on the upcoming call for proposals for the Specialty Crops Program which will, for the first time, accept proposals for turf-related research. We are encouraged to consider the submission of proposals, noting that multi-state/multi-disciplinary projects are those standing the best chance for funding. This is a highly competitive program that receives a large number of applications; roughly 10% of submitted proposals have historically received funding.

Washington State University
Katie Dodson (M.S. Candidate) reported on her work to develop a high-yielding Kentucky bluegrass variety for non-thermal seed production. Matt Williams reported on his work with mesotrione. Gwen Stahnke (also reporting for Eric Miltner) reported on work in Puyallup: permeable pavements, phosphorus fertilization work, water quality research, and work with crane fly.

University of Arizona
David Kopec discussed results of lysimeter research (using weighing lysimeters) that compared the water use rates of bermudagrass, seashore paspalum and saltgrass. He also reported that a new department head would soon be joining the Plant Science department, after a long search process.

Texas A&M University
Ambika Chandra discussed efforts to use Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of zoysiagrass as a technique to develop improved zoysiagrass cultivars. This may increase efficiency compared to using traditional breeding methodology.

University of Guam
Greg Wiecko reported that, while he will continue to work in administration, he will begin working one day per week on turfgrass.

New Mexico State University
Bernd Leinauer discussed his continuing work on the evaluation of turf species (warm- and cool-season species) and cultivars for drought resistance and salinity tolerance. He also described his work on the evaluation of electrical and magnetic water treatment devices for improvement of high salinity water. He reported on Ryan Goss work with management of 2 important weeds, brass button (Cotula) and khaki weed (Alternanthera).

University of Nebraska
Bob Shearman reported on the progress being made in the development of new seeded buffalograss cultivars. A project involving the construction of 2 line source irrigation systems (one in Lincoln and one in Scottsbluff) will examine relative drought resistance of cool- and warm-season grasses. Roch Gaussoins work has concentrated on the dynamics of organic matter production in aging sand-based turf systems.

University of California-Riverside
Jim Baird has taken the turf position vacated by Vic Gibeaults retirement. He reported that he will begin research on shade tolerance among warm- and cool-season turfgrass species/cultivars and that he and a team of researchers will examine the fate and transport of disinfection byproducts, pharmaceutical, and personal care products on turfgrass irrigated with reclaimed water.
Meeting was adjourned at 5pm. A BBQ dinner was provided at the WSU Turfgrass and Agronomy Research Center.

Meeting continued on Friday, June 6th, at 8am.

Historians Report
Gwen Stahnke presented the Historians Report (attached). She also reported on the status of the 2009 ITS Conference in Santiago.

NTEP Report
Bernd Leinauer has finished a 5-year stint as the western region representative on the NTEP Advisory Committee. He reported that the seed companies are happier with NTEP now that it is out of the lobbying business. NTEP will be conducting more ancillary trials and fewer sites will have the standard cultivar evaluation trials, this due to decreased income and number of varieties being submitted for testing. A new data analysis method is being considered which may allow for fewer locations being required to get good data and cultivar evaluations.

Koski motion to nominate Dave Kopec as the new western region representative to NTEP. Seconded by Wiecko. There were no other nominations. Unanimously approved.

Future meeting sites and dates
Koski will check with Mike Harrington about the possibility of designating the 2009 ITS meeting in Santiago as an official WERA11 meeting. If that is not possible, we will not have an official meeting in 2009.
Greg Wiecko volunteered U. Guam as the host for the 2010 meeting. The best date for that meeting would be February 25-26. The cost of travelling there was expressed as a possible concern. Koski will check with Mike Harrington about having the meeting there.
Alternatively, Jim Baird suggested U. California-Riverside as a host, probably during the 3rd week of May.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:30am.

Accomplishments

The list of landscape salt tolerance selection guide and the research on salt and boron resistance and recycled water irrigation generated a guideline for landscape irrigation management using recycled water. Anthracnose research has resulted in an increased awareness of fungicide resistance issues in the southern U.S., resulting in a change in management practices to reduce those that increase fungicide resistance development. These include a focus on less reliance for pesticidal control of the pathogen and a focus on cultural practices. Research on Gray Leaf Spot has lead to an understanding of how the disease emerged in the western U.S. and how it can spread and cause disease. A better understanding of the host-pathogen relationship has allowed for turf managers to choose more tolerant varieties or species to grow. The discovery of the two mating types of the pathogen on kikuyugrass also has changed the knowledge base as this is the first sexual population of the pathogen to be found in the western U.S. Work on Waitea patch has also lead to a similar understanding of the how the disease has emerged and spread and causes disease. This work has also increased the knowledge of this and related fungi and may cause a reclassification of one genus of fungi that are considered Rhizoctonias. The field trial results from fungicide testing has produced better guidelines for fungicide use patterns for disease control. These included changing the way that algae is managed and the importance of application techniques for the control of soil borne diseases. Finally, the information generated from the disease diagnostic lab has allowed turf managers to make the correct decisions for pest management. We have also used this information to track the spread of various turf diseases and identify that stress and soil borne diseases are of increasing importance in turf management. (California)<br /> <br /> Results of the N mobility study are conveyed to golf course superintendents to help them design management systems that limit negative impacts on water quality. Buffers and bioswales are becoming more common as methods to increase residence time of runoff and allow for nutrient filtering, especially on sand-capped courses. (Washington)<br /> <br /> Utah, like much of the Intermountain West, is an urban state and turfgrass is the largest component of most urban landscapes. We are working to develop grasses and mixtures of grasses for these landscapes that can remain green and offer a safe surface for recreation while saving up to 50% of the water currently needed for turfgrass areas. For a 5000 sq. ft. lawn this equates to a savings of almost 39,000 gallons per year. For the traditionally used species, management tailored to the Intermountain West will reduce the amount of pesticides applied as well as 10-15% water savings. Identification of new turfgrass species for Utah will also diversify the urban landscapes and offer new high value products to seed and sod producers. (Utah)<br /> <br /> In Colorado, the use of recycled wastewater has risen significantly in recent years; there are about 50 golf courses in Colorado are using recycled wastewater for irrigation. Understanding the responses of turfgrass and urban landscape plants and soils to recycled wastewater irrigation is critical to the long-term success of water reuse. Proper species selection at the time of landscape planning and during the subsequent replacement of damaged plants is important to mitigate the potential negative effects of recycled wastewater irrigation. Our recycled water irrigation project has already provided valuable information to city planners, water specialists, and landscape managers with information regarding what proactive steps should be taken to minimize negative effects during the planning and managing of landscapes receiving recycled wastewater. Our research reports published last year were recommended to their members by the Water Reuse Committee of Rocky Mountain Section of American Water Works Association. (Colorado)<br /> <br /> Based on our field studies, we have developed an integrated approach to managing necrotic ring spot disease in home lawns. Turfgrass managers should avoid excessive irrigation and apply a soil acidifying source of nitrogen or sulfur to lower pH and reduce disease severity. Preventive fungicide applications beginning in May are also beneficial. Implementation of these practices will help turfgrass managers suppress necrotic ring spot. (Colorado)<br /> Understanding the nature of salinity induced plant diseases such as rapid blight will make efforts for prevention and control move from reactive applications to proactive preventions. These results have demonstrated that Labyrinthula is probably present in turfgrass sites without causing disease and that a temporary increase in salinity may not be the only criteria in the field for disease development. It has made turf managers aware of the potential for disease and also that irrigation with effluent may not be as problematic as many had thought. (Arizona)<br /> <br /> Turf-type cultivars of saltgrass, products of an active United States Golf Association-sponsored breeding project at Colorado State University, will be evaluated for their potential to produce turf of acceptable quality for golf and residential lawn uses. This alternative turfgrass and its cultivars must be evaluated for basic fertilization, cultivation, irrigation and pest management needs before it can be released for public use; these requirements will be determined through the use of small plots planted at the Horticulture Research Center, as well as plots planted at other sites around the state. Sod production techniques will be developed for this species, in cooperation with local sod producers, to assess the feasibility of producing marketable sod. We will also determine the feasibility of producing seed of this species through the initial use of small plots at the Horticulture Research Center; studies will examine possible methods for harvesting seed of this species, as well as the evaluation of cultivar lines for greatest seed production potential. Work towards the development of turf-type saltgrass continues. In 2007, we investigated the salinity tolerance of 14 saltgrass [Distichlis spicata var. stricta (Greene.)] selections. Breeding work continues to produce selections which possess greater turf quality, enhanced resistance to rust, and increased seed production potential. Saltgrass plug propagation techniques were refined in the greenhouse. The potential to use vegetatively propagated plugs for saltgrass establishment will be further evaluated this coming year, to include herbicide evaluation during establishment. Cold hardiness is an important biological adaptation that controls plant distribution especially for a potential turfgrass. We have compared the cold hardiness and winter survival of saltgrass [Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene] accessions collected from southern and northern climates. Northern accessions were collected from the Front Range of Colorado. Southern accessions were collected from San Joaquin Valley, California. Plugs of these accessions were planted in the field in 2003. Rhizomes of each accession were sampled during multiple years for freezing tests. Winter injury was evaluated in the field. LT50 data over three winters suggested that the northern accessions were 5 to 10 degrees more cold hardy than the southern accessions. During the first winter, the southern accessions suffered 85-92% winter injury in the field whereas 10 % winter injury. No significant£the northern accessions exhibited difference in field winter injury among accessions was observed in the second and third winters. (Colorado)<br />

Publications

Please see attached document.

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Present:

University of California, Riverside - Jim Baird, Frank Wong, Jay Gan, Adam Lukaszewski, Darrel Jenerette, Antoon Ploeg, Robert Green, Alea Miehls, Brent Barnes, Vic Gibeault, Steve Cockerham, Steve Ries
University of Guam  Greg Wiecko
USDA-ARS  Don Suarez and Catherine Grieve (US Salinity Lab); Shaun Bushman (Forage and Range Research Lab)
Oregon State University  Rob Golembiewski
Colorado State University  Yaling Qian
Utah State University  Paul Johnson
New Mexico State University  Bernd Leinauer
Texas A&M University  Milt Engelke
University of Nebraska  Roch Gaussoin and Casey Wegner
Iowa State University  Shui-zhang Fei
University of Idaho  Tom Salaiz
University of Arizona - Dave Kopec, Mary Olsen, and Kai Umeda
University of Nevada Las Vegas  Dale Devitt
Washington State University  Bill Johnston
Industry  Virginia Lehman (Blue Moon Farm LLC); Larry Stowell and Wendy Gelernter (Pace Consulting)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Formal part of 2010 WERA 11 Meeting began with State Reports. The following States presented reports addressing accomplishments in research, extension and instruction: <br /> California  Jim Baird and Frank Wong<br /> Oregon  Rob Golembiewski<br /> Utah  Paul Johnson and Shaun Bushman<br /> New Mexico  Bernd Leinauer<br /> Texas  Milt Engelke<br /> Nebraska  Roch Gaussoin and Casey Wegner<br /> Iowa  Shui-zhang Fei<br /> Idaho  Tom Salaiz<br /> Arizona  Dave Kopec<br /> Washington  Bill Johnston<br /> Colorado  Yaling Qian<br /> <br /> Afterwards the group devoted considerable of time discussing most pressing turf management challenges in the West. Salinity and drought seem to continue as the most pressing issues shaping research and extension programs. Salt and drought tolerant turfgrasses for both hot and cool arid west were presented by Shaun Bushman and Paul Johnson and then discussed by the group. <br /> <br /> Issues of turfgrass breeding & genetics presented by Jim Baird (UC) and Milt Engelke (Texas A&M) Shui-zhang Fei (Iowa S.U.) generated lots of discussion and information exchange especially between scientist involved in turfgrass breeding & genetics program. <br /> Pest management issues were discussed under the leadership of turf weed scientist, turf entomologist and turf pathologist. New discoveries and new directions in research programs were shared by Frank Wong who updated the group on disease activity in the West, Kai Umeda on turfgrass entomology, Wendy Gelernter on billbug research, Antoon Ploeg on root knot nematode and Larry Stowell on root knot nematode sampling, distribution, and biocontrol. Mary Olsen updated her colleges on rapid blight research progress and Bernd Leinauer shared his expertise in turf weed control. <br /> <br /> In addition to research programs an innovative teaching and extension activities were shared by members of WERA 11. Overall, lots of information and interesting topics were discussed during formal and informal meetings. It was evident that WERA 11, Multistate Research and Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group, fulfilled the objectives of the 2010 annual meeting. <br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

publications not reported

Impact Statements

1. Research activities concentrated mainly, but not exclusively, on solving applied problems for turfgrass managers. Recent advances resulting from research programs concentrated will have the most impact mostly on: 1) evaluation of new chemistries for use on turf; 2) genetic improvement and management of turfgrassses 3) work on the resistance to the fungal diseases Research conducted by WERA 11 will likely contribute to label changes for use of new chemistries on turfgrasses. Additional studies with genetical improvement of turfgrasses will result in more cost effective establishment and maintenance of athletic fields. Advanced work to identify plant-generated defense compounds in disease resistant clones will reduce fungicides needs and will also reduce the environmental impact of current disease control strategies.

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