Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Meeting Minutes WERA011: Western Regional Turfgrass Research Host: Oregon State University, Corvallis OR June 21-22, 2012 Present: Oregon State University  Rob Golembiewski Colorado State University  Yaling Qian Utah State University  Paul Johnson University of Idaho  Tom Salaiz University of Arizona - Kai Umeda Washington State University  Gwen Stanke University of Guam  Greg Wiecko Thursday, June 21 7:30 am Continental Breakfest 8:00-12:00 pm Introductions and Overview of State Reports Noon- 5:00 p.m. Lunch on a bus and Seed Industry Tour 5:30  8:00 p.m. Dinner at OSU Turf Farm Friday, June 22 7:30 am- 8:00 am Continental Breakfest 8:00a.m.  Noon Continuation of State reports and business meeting Several states could not participate in the meeting because of financial constraints at their institutions. Presented state reports were informative and generated extensive discussions. A Field Tour organized by Dr. Leah Brilman, Research Director in Seed Research of Oregon was exceptionally informative and educational. In 2013 Multistate Coordination Committee WERA 11 will undergo midterm evaluation thus new ideas and future changes were discussed, however, decisions were postponed untill 2013. All participants supported continuation of yearly meetings. In order to save scarce travel funds, it was proposed that 2013 meeting will be held in conjunction with American Agronomy Society (Crop Science Society of America) meeting in Tampa, Florida. Participants voted to hold a meeting on November 6-7, 2013.

State Reports: University: University of Arizona Official NCERA or WERA rep: David Kopec Email: dkopec@ag.arizona.edu Phone: 520 241 7450 Teaching Program Current undergraduate enrollment: 6 Trend in undergraduate enrollment over last 3 years: steady Placement: All students usually get a turf job in the first year after graduation. Brief comments on teaching: Considering on line teaching for industry based students. PLS 355; Turfgrass Science and Management (M.Pessarakli) PLS 455 / 555 ; Turfgrass Stress Physiology (M.Pessarakli) PLS 270 : Golf and Sports Turf Managemeent (D. Kopec) Research Faculty member (complete for each faculty member): Paul Brown, Bio meteorologist Current or recently graduated graduate student: Jaime Banuelos MS or PhD: Masters of Science Project(s): Water use of warm season grasses under deficit irrigation. Graduation date:May 2011 Faculty member (complete for each faculty member): Jim Walworth, Fertility and Water Specialist. Current or recently graduated graduate student: Tiffany Alvarez MS or PhD: Master of Science. Project(s): Hydrus 1 Salinity Modelling of deficit irrigated turf. Graduation date: June, 2011. Other notable research projects led by faculty member: David Kopec Title: Novel collection of heat tolerant Hilaria belangeri clones for turf assessment. Description: Collection of 150 clones of HIBE from seed production location at 900 feet elevation/ Collaborators (name, institution): Manuel Rosales, USDA Plant Materials Center Tucson. Brief comments on research. Collection of plant materials from 15 year old field at below normal elevation range. Joint activities/publications with other regional collaborators over the last two years: Water Conservation. University of California Press. 12 Chapter Peer Review Book. Responsible for Chapter 13, "Review Chapter Synopsis". Publication released 2011,summer. Watkins, E., L.A. Brilman, and D.M. Kopec. Development of native grasses for turf. Book Chapter: In J. Stier, B. Horgan a nd S.A. Bonos (eds.) Turfgrass monograph 4th edition. American Soc. Agronomy, Madison, WI. Final Reviews made. ASA to release in 2012. Banuelos, J.B., J.L. Walworth, P.W. Brown and D.M. Kopec. 2011. Deficit Irrigation of Seashore Paspalum and Bermudagrass. Agronomy Journal, 103 (6):1567-1577. Pessarakli, M., David M. Kopec and Dennis T. Ray 2011. Growth responses of various saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) clones under salt stress conditions. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, Vol.9 (3&4), July-October 2011. Pp 660-664. Pessarakli, and M., David M. Kopec. Responses of various saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) clones to drought stress at differen t mowing heights. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, Vol.9 (3&4), July-October 2011. Pp 665-668. Extension Program State conference dates: 6 programs yearly with industry Collaborating with other organizations on conference (yes/no): If so who: Cactus and Pine GCSA Attendance figure: 85-125 per event Research field day held (yes/no): Karsten Field Day If so, when: April 2011 Attendance figure: 112 Other Extension activities: Smart scape program. Web (yes/no): www.ag.arizona.edu/turf FaceBook/Twitter/social networking (yes/no): no Staffing: Jeff Gilbert: Research Specialist Turf : IA Certified. 1989 to present. Responsibilities: Research project coordinator. Darrel Kilmer: Farm Supervisor, Karsten Turf Center, 2010  present. Retirements/vacancies: Dr. Mary Olsen, Plant Pathologist 50% time, from fulltime. General turf program comments: Challenge of how to charge traditional clientele for cost recovery for program deliveries. University: University of California, Riverside Official NCERA or WERA Rep: Jim Baird Email: jbaird@ucr.edu Phone: 951-333-9052 Research FACULTY MEMBER: BAIRD Current or recently graduated graduate student: Tyler Mock, PhD Project(s): Kikuyugrass Management, Genetics, and Breeding Graduation date: 2015 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Ryan Nichols, PhD Project(s): Turfgrass Carbon Dynamics and Water Use Efficiency Graduation date: 2016 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Alea Miehls, M.S. Project(s): Turfgrass Salinity Management Graduation date: 2013 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Nick Hoisington, M.S. Project(s): Methiozolin Graduation date: 2013 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Brent Barnes, M.S. Project(s): Festulolium Graduation date: 2012 Other notable research projects led by faculty member: Title: Turfgrass Improvement for California and Arid Southwest Description: Projects underway to make cool season turfgrasses survive summer with less water and warm season grasses greener during winter. Collaborators (name, institution): Adam Lukaszewski and Jim Baird Brief comments on research: Focus on Festuca, Lolium, Cynodon, and Distichlis using conventional breeding, cytogenetic, and genomic approaches. Extension Program State conference dates: N/A Research field day held (yes/no): Yes If so, when: 13 Sep 2012 Attendance figure: 200 Other Extension activities: Invited Presentations Web (yes/no): Yes, but could do much more FaceBook/Twitter/social networking (yes/no): No Brief comments on Extension: Program is comprised mainly of invited presentations and Field Day Staffing: Additions: Brent Barnes (MS 2012) is now Bairds Assistant Specialist (technician) Retirements/vacancies: None/wishful thinking General turf program comments: Baird and Harivandi are last turf men standing at UC. Please send reinforcements. University: California State University- San Luis Obispo Official NCERA or WERA rep: Jason Lewis Email:jlewis07@calpoly.edu Phone:805-756-2870 Teaching Program Current undergraduate enrollment: 20 Trend in undergraduate enrollment over last 3 years: Increasing Placement: Quite good since Ive been here, but its only my second year Brief comments on teaching: We are looking for more students, and just started our new major- Agriculture and Environmental Plant Sciences that has a turfgrass management concentration. General turf program comments: This ends my second year at Cal Poly. Though my position is 100% teaching I am still expected to pursue some research activit ies. We have several projects underway: a bentgrass cultivar trial on our USGA putting green, , a Poa biotype collection study looking at Poa biotypes on the West Coast, and then their use for putting greens, some investigation on drought tolerance and suitabi lity of native sod products available in California, and working with Dairy Creek Golf Course as they try to become a zero waste facility. Specifically we are investigating their production of compost and compost tea for use on their golf course. University: Colorado State University Official WERA rep: Tony Koski / Yaling Qian Email: Tony.koski@Colostate.edu; Yaling.Qian@Colostate.edu Phone: 970-491-7070; 970-491-7079 Teaching Program Current undergraduate enrollment: about 35 Trend in undergraduate enrollment over last 3 years: stable Placement: Good. Most graduates start industry job in Colorado and other western states. Brief comments on teaching: Two turf-specific courses are supplemented by classes in pest management, nursery and landscape management, plant and soil science, business management, and irrigation design. Research Tony Koski's MS graduate student, Project(s): Development of saltgrass Tony Koski recently graduated a student: Alison Stoven O'Connor Advisor: Jim Klett and Tony Koski Yaling Qian recently graduated graduate student: Yao Zhang Project(s): Development of best turfgrass management practices using the DAYCENT model. Graduation date: Dec. 31, 2012 Yaling Qian recently graduated graduate student: Koduah Ansah MS Project(s): Turfgrasses as potential candidates to phytoremediate arsenic pollutants in Ghana Graduation date: August 15, 2012 Yaling Qian graduate student: Katrina Gillette Ph.D. Project(s): Carbon Footprint and Agronomy Practices to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Golf Courses Graduation date: Dec. 31, 2014 Yaling Qian graduate student: Hanan Isweiri Ph.D. Project(s): The interactive effects of salinity and waterlogging on turfgrasses Graduation date: June. 31, 2013 Other notable research projects led by faculty member: Yaling Qian Title: Graywater reuse in urban landscapes Collaborators (name, institution): Drs. Larry Roesner, Sybil Sharvelle, and Mary Stromberger, CSU Brief comments on research: A field experiment has been conducted to evaluate the effects of application of graywater on landscape soil and plant health. Data has been collected on plant health from four homes that have had graywater irrigation systems in place for 5 to 31 years. This research indicates that graywater has less impact on soil SAR compared to recycled water irrigation. The nutrient content in the graywater stimulated plant growth and showed beneficial effects on landscape plants in a 2-year greenhouse study. Extension Program State conference dates: December, 2012 Collaborating with other organizations on conference (yes/no): Yes If so who: Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association (RMRTA); Colorado Turfgrass Industry Associations Attendance figure: 1000 Research field day held (yes/no): Yes If so, when: July, every other year Attendance figure: 250 Other Extension activities: Web (yes/no): http://csuturf.colostate.edu/ FaceBook/Twitter/social networking (yes/no): Brief comments on Extension Staffing: Sarah Wilhelm Additions: Responsibilities: Retirements/vacancies: General turf program comments University: New Mexico State University Official WERA rep: Ryan Goss Email: ryangoss@nmsu.edu Phone: 575.646.3297 Teaching Program Current undergraduate enrollment: 8 Trend in undergraduate enrollment over last 3 years: Slight increase Placement: 100% placement of students in turfgrass industry after graduation. Most begin in New Mexico or west Texas. Several have started in California. One graduate in 2011-2012 school year. Brief comments on teaching: All current students are freshman or sophomores. There has been a renewed interest in the program over last few years. Research FACULTY MEMBER: RYAN GOSS Current or recently graduated graduate student: Matthew Alcala, M.S. Project(s): Khakiweed seed emergence and khakiweed herbicide control Graduation date: Expected Dec 2012 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Jason Roelle, M.S. Project(s): Using residential graywater for ornamental landscape irrigation Graduation date: Expected Dec 2013 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Michael Schaaf, M.S. Project(s): Subsurface drip irrigation for tall fescue establishment on sand-based rootzones Graduation date: Undetermined Bernd Leinauer, (extension and research appointment) Dr. Leinauer had nothing to report. Extension Program State conference dates: Nov 1-3, 2011 (Las Cruces, NM); Nov 13-15, 2012 (Ruidoso, NM) Collaborating with other organizations on conference (yes/no): yes If so who: Southwest Turfgrass Association (SWTA). In addition, the 2012 conference will be a joint meeting with the Rio Grande Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA affiliated) Attendance figure: 175 in 2011 Research field day held (yes/no): Yes If so, when: Nov 2, 2011 during SWTA Conference, no field day planned for 2012 Attendance figure: 175 Web (yes/no): Yes; turf.nmsu.edu FaceBook/Twitter/social networking (yes/no): not as group, but some individually General turf program comments Turfgrass program activities continue to focus on the needs of turfgrass managers in the arid southwest including water use, salinity, southwestern weeds and other related topics. University: Oregon State University Official WERA rep: Rob Golembiewski Email: rob.golembiewski@bayer.com Phone: (541) 602-3077 Teaching Program Current undergraduate enrollment: 25 Trend in undergraduate enrollment over last 3 years: Averaged 20-25 students Placement: All graduates have secured employment in the turf industry Brief comments on teaching: Currently offer 4 specific turf courses, class sizes continue to meet university mandated minimums Research FACULTY MEMBER: ROB GOLEMBIEWSKI Current or recently graduated graduate student: Tod Blankenship, M.S. Project(s): Water Use of 10 Newly Established Cool-Season Turf Species Graduation date: June 2011 Current or recently graduated graduate student: Ty Patton, M.S. Project(s): Evaluation of Soil Amendments for Quicker Establishment and Reduced Turf Water Use Graduation date: Expected December 2012 Other notable research projects led by faculty member: Title: Impact of Mowing & Rolling on Poa Annua Green Speeds Description: The impact of mowing and rolling regimes, Primo Maxx, different rollers, and mowing heights on Poa annua greens speeds. Brief comments on research: Much has been documented with regards to rolling impacts on creeping bentgrass and bermudagrass greens, but little has been reported on Poa annua. Title: Evaluation of Phosphites for Controlling Microdochium Patch Description: Potassium phosphite was applied preventatively to evaluate its potential for controlling Microdochium patch and reducing fungicide inputs. Brief comments on research: Excellent control was observed when potassium phosphite was applied every 14 days to a sand based green but limited to no control was observed when applied monthly to a native soil green. Extension Program State conference dates: December Attendance figure: 400 Research field day held (yes/no): Yes If so, when: September Attendance figure: 130 Other Extension activities: Presentations statewide along with golf course visits, served as member of OGCSA Board and GCSAA Conference Education Committee Web (yes/no): Yes (www.BeaverTurf.com) FaceBook/Twitter/social networking (yes/no): Yes (www.BeaverTurf.ning.com) Brief comments on Extension: Extension program has been very successful considering the limitations time Staffing: Additions: Brian McDonald  Research Assistant (11 years) Responsibilities: Oversees 8-acre turf research facility and handles all product evaluation trials, data analysis, and submission of final reports Retirements/vacancies: Rob Golembiewski resigned March 30, 2012 General turf program comments: The endowed turf faculty position is currently open and will be filled in 2012 with an expected start date of January 2013. The Oregon turfgrass industry is very supportive of the position and intends to pledge $50,000/year for five years in support of an additional research position. Student numbers continue to hold steady. Oregon State contin ues to maintain both a regional and national presence when it comes to turf education and applied research. University: Washington State University Official NCERA or WERA rep: William Johnston Email: wjohnston@wsu.edu Phone: 509-335-3620 Teaching Program Current undergraduate enrollment: 15 Trend in undergraduate enrollment over last 3 years: about level to slightly down Placement: 100% over past 5 years Brief comments on teaching: Turf classes are struggling to make as student numbers are historically down. Also, the number of students who must be enrolled in a class continues to be increased by the College for a class to be taught. Several of our courses are now being taught on an alternate year basis. Research FACULTY MEMBER: BILL JOHNSTON Current or recently graduated graduate student: None in 2011 Other notable research projects led by faculty member: Title: Selective Poa annua control in cool-season turfgrasses with methiozolin Description: Methiozolin is being used to selectively remove annual bluegrass from bentgrass greens and Kentucky bluegrass collars. Collaborators (name, institution): Gwen Stahnke, WSU-Puyallup Brief comments on research: Fall applications look promising for selective Poa annual control. A spring application program was initiated in 2012 in Eastern and Western WA. Title: Snow mold control in the intermountain PNW Description: Several fungicides, combinations, and experimental compounds are being evaluated in E. WA, N. Idaho, and W. MT. Brief comments on research: Winter 2011-2012 throughout the intermountain region was one where considerable winter kill occurred due to ice damage. However, several products gave good snow mold control at locations were data was collected. Title: Evaluation of Kentucky bluegrass germplasm for seed production without field burning. Collaborators (name, institution): Gwen Stahnke, WSU-Puyallup Brief comments on research: After 4 harvests without field burning of post-harvest residue, Accession PI 368241 shows promise of being able to provide excellent seed yield under both irrigated and non-irrigated non-burn management while maintaining good turfgrass quality. The accession is currently in seed increase for on-farm testing. FACULTY MEMBER: GWEN K STAHNKE; DR. BILL JOHNSTON ON COMMITTEE Current or recently graduated graduate student: Nate Stacey, M.S. Project(s): Identification of Pythium Species causing Injury to Poa Annua Greens in the PNW. Graduation date: Dec. 2013 or May 2014. Title: Adaptation of Turfgrasses and Ornamental Plants for Raingardens in the PNW Description: Plant establishment and growth and sustainability are being evaluated forplants adapted to the PNW along with 4 grasses. Growth rate, vigor, establishment and other vital plant statistics are being collected. Collaborators (name, institution):Dr. Rita Hummel, WSU Title: Evaluation of Organic Fertilizers from Food Waste for Golf Course Use. Description: An organic fertilizer made from food waste from a local grocery outlet in Seattle area is being tested for use on golf course greens at WSU-Puyallup and at several area golf courses for the next 2 years. A graduate student will be working on his MS degree on this project. Collaborators (name, institution): WISerg, Redmond, WA Title: Evaluation of Orthosulfuron for use on different cool season grasses. Description: Orthosulfuron was applied at several rates to Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass and annual bluegrass to check for necrosis, stunting and weed control over several months. Collaborators (name, institution):Chemtura Title: Evaluation of Alternative control Measures for European and common Crane Flies in PNW. Description: Newer less toxic insecticides or biocides are being tested for reduction in crane fly populations. Collaborators (name, institution): Gary Custis, PBI Gordon; David Cox, Syngenta; Title: Evaluation of Fungicides and Iron Products for control of Microdochium Patch. Description: Fungicides labeled for Microdochium patch control were alternated and combined with iron applications to control Microdochium patch and reduce amount of fungicide necessary for disease control. Collaborators (name, institution): FedCon, Bayer Extension Program State conference dates: Sept. 25-27 , 2011, Pullman, WA. Collaborating with other organizations on conference (yes/no): yes If so who: Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia Attendance figure: 80 Research field day held (yes/no): yes If so, when: July, 19, 2011 at WSU-Puyallup: Collaborated with OSU Attendance figure: 85 Other Extension activities: Web (yes/no): yes turf@wsu.edu; www.puyallup.wsu.edu/turf; FaceBook/Twitter/social networking (yes/no): no Brief comments on Extension: money for extension programs is down. Trying to collaborate with city water departments for monies for water use programs. Staffing: Additions:Mr. Nate Stacey, MS Student and Research Tech II Responsibilities: Statewide activities are difficult to defend with the downward trend in public funding. Retirements/vacancies: Loss of Dr. Eric Miltner, Turfgrass Researcher and Randi Luchterhand, Research Tech II. General turf program comments: Could be better. Student numbers are down and technician support by the University is continuing to decrease. There is a current reduction in funding for the turf program by the turfgrass industry, primarily di ctated by the poor economy.

Watkins, E., L.A. Brilman, and D.M. Kopec. Development of native grasses for turf. Book Chapter: In J. Stier, B. Horgan a nd S.A. Bonos (eds.) Turfgrass monograph 4th edition. American Soc. Agronomy, Madison, WI. Final Reviews made. ASA to release in 2012. Banuelos, J.B., J.L. Walworth, P.W. Brown and D.M. Kopec. 2011. Deficit Irrigation of Seashore Paspalum and Bermudagrass. Agronomy Journal, 103 (6):1567-1577. Pessarakli, M., David M. Kopec and Dennis T. Ray 2011. Growth responses of various saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) clones under salt stress conditions. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, Vol.9 (3&4), July-October 2011. Pp 660-664. Pessarakli, and M., David M. Kopec. Responses of various saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) clones to drought stress at differen t mowing heights. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, Vol.9 (3&4), July-October 2011. Pp 665-668. Most of participants have not submit lists of publications.