Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Individual state reports were presented by attending delegates.  The status of the WERA011 group renewal was discussed.  Thanks to Drs. Amundsen, Cheng, and Johnson for spearheading the renewal effort and to all members for their input and support of the project.  The project was renewed prior to the annual meeting.  The group decided to host the WERA011 meeting in conjunction with the International Turfgrass Society meetings in New Brunswick, NJ, July 16-21, 2017.  As a group we have met individually in recent years but the benefit of coordinating with other regions was recognized.  It was suggested that a joint meeting be held with the Southern Turfgrass Regional group in 2018, pending.  Introduced during the 2016 meetings, the importance of regional distance-based instruction, training, and extension education collaborations was noted.  There are opportunities to work across state lines to develop cohesive educational/training workshops throughout the region.  The meeting concluded with tours of the University of Hawaii at Manoa turfgrass research station: “lights-out” non-chemical weed control and turf renovation, Hawaiian native grasses/plants for landscaping, Hawaiian Bocce on mini greens, and a trip to a sod farm.

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.

UCR: Baird. The use of warm-season grasses would benefit California, but their shorter growing season compared to cool-season grasses makes them less desirable by growers.  In coastal areas, water shortages and salinity of irrigation water are important issues.

UN: W. Kreuser. The primary focus of breeding efforts is on the development of turf-type buffalograss for its low water and fertility use.  Projects were also initiated to develop low-input bentgrass germplasm and turf-type blue grama cultivars.  Buffalograss seed dormancy is an issue for our seed producers and impacts seed quality.

ISU: Fei. A high-throughput tool is needed in grasses in order to test the role of specific genes and gene families in grasses.

Objective 2 - Exchange information on features and importance of newly developed cultivars and coordinate research to develop and evaluate optimal low-input management practices.

UA: Umeda.  Response of species to low water use is critical to Arizona and the southwest.  Performance of turfgrasses, native grasses, and other ground covers in the region is important when managed under drought or with salinated irrigation water.

UH: Cheng. Shade is an important part of landscapes, so new turfgrass varieties need to be tolerant of shate.

All delegates reported on the significance of regional cultivar performance.

Objective 3 - Develop, refine and disseminate sustainable turfgrass management protocols for turfgrass managers throughout the western United States

UA: Umeda.  Weed control is essential to minimize competition, particularly in reduced input management turfgrass systems.  In the southwest, overseeding is a common practice so research is needed to optimize overseeding methods in the region.

UH: Cheng. Weeds and disease are also issues in Hawaii.  The use of native plants, particularly in low input areas along highways is encouraged.

ISU: Fei. Evaluated other products applied to turf including the effects of paint and biostimulants

OSU: Kowalewski. Weeds and diseases are an issue in Oregon, particularly Microdochium patch and annual bluegrass are our biggest issues.

UCR: Baird. Optimal best management practices, products and application rates are important for turfgrass managers in California.

UN: W. Kreuser. We evaluated methods to minimize plant stress and optimize recovery from stress.  Coordinated studies to better understand host pest interactions.  Iron layer formation in USGA putting greens is becoming a widespread issue.

WSU: Johnston. Weeds and diseases are also issues in the Pacific Northwest.  Coordinated evaluation trials to optimize establishment.

Objective 4 - Coordinate reduced input turfgrass management practices

UA: Umeda.  Optimization of water use and irrigation are essential for turf managed in Arizona.

UH: Cheng. Alternative methods for pest control reduce pesticide loads.

WSU: Johnston. Alternative methods for weed control in seed production fields is needed.

OSU: Kowalewski. Alternative ground covers and optimized irrigation practices influence sustainability of turfgrass systems.

UCR: Baird. Alternative ground covers are also important in California.

Objective 5 - Assess environmental impacts of turf management

UA: Umeda.  Research is needed to understand impact of turf cultural practices on soils and turf performace. Turfgrasses can play an important role in mitigating pollutants.

UCR: Baird. We need a better understanding of actual water use in turfgrass systems.

Objective 6 - Communicate research results and promote sustainable practices to the public through workshops, conferences, websites, extension publications, social media, and research publications

UA: Umeda.  We need to have a better understanding and communicate the role of turf on our state’s economy.

OSU: Kowalewski. Coordinated research on the role of synthetic playing surfaces is needed.

UCR: Baird. Evaluation of products for home lawn market is important since there are a wealth of products available.

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.

UCR: Baird. Breeding to improve bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and zoysiagrass for winter color retention and drought tolerance.

UN: W. Kreuser. Used traditional field-based breeding and molecular breeding techniques to develop new cultivars and improved buffalograss germplasm with better turf quality, stand persistence, establishment rate.  Also began developing turf-type blue grama and ornamental pearl millet.

ISU: Fei. Developed high-throughput gene silencing tools for the model grass species, Brachypodium distachyon and creeping bentgrass.

UCR: Baird. Evaluated use of groundcovers under deficit irrigation.  Tested products to alleviate salinity on bermudagrass.  Tested seed coatings used to optimize establishment of cool-season turfgrasses under saline irrigation.

UN: W. Kreuser. Resolved mechanisms of buffalograss seed dormancy and published results in HortScience.

Objective 2 - Exchange information on features and importance of newly developed cultivars and coordinate research to develop and evaluate optimal low-input management practices.

UA: Umeda.  Evaluated the response of low maintenance bermudagrass and buffalograss to less than optimal irrigation using a Linear Irrigation (LIGA) system.  Evaluated turf germplasm, low-input groundcovers, and native grass species for turfgrass replacement in the low desert. Coordinated bermudagrass fairways, zoysiagrass fairways, and bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and pasaplum greens NTEP trials.  Studied the use of native grasses as secondary roughs and salinity tolerance of Paspalum and bermudagrass.

UH: Cheng. Evaluated shade tolerance of several new turf varieties.

UCR: Baird. Coordinated 11 NTEP turfgrass evaluation trials and nine additional industry sponsored cultivar evaluation trials.

ISU: Fei. Evaluated rhizomatous tall fescue in Iowa.

OSU: Kowalewski. Coordinated the NTEP Fine Fescue Test in Oregon.

UN: W. Kreuser.  Coordinated three NTEP studies (tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and low input cool-season species).  Evaluated approximately 1,400 experimental buffalograss accessions for turf and production characteristics.

Objective 3 - Develop, refine and disseminate sustainable turfgrass management protocols for turfgrass managers throughout the western United States

UA: Umeda.  Tested the use of plant growth regulators for post emergence control of Poa annua on golf course turf. Tested pre-emergence control of goosegrass.  Coordinated overseeded fairway and rough turfgrass trials. Evaluated various forms of Lolium spp. and compared performance when overseeded on turfs maintained as fairways and roughs.

UH: Cheng. Tested native plant establishment along highway rights-of-way.  Coordinated trials to test herbicide efficacy on golf courses and sports turf and studies to suppress bermudagrass in seashore paspalum turf.  Conducted studies on golf courses to control leaf and sheath blight and take-all patch.

ISU: Fei. Tested the effects of paint on grass and soil on sports turf areas.  Also evaluated biostimulants to assess their ability to promote turf health.

OSU: Kowalewski. Researched the ability to manage Microdochium Patch using non-traditional fungicides and evaluated the impact of sulfur, calcium source, and pH on the disease. Tested the effects of winter foot traffic on an annual bluegrass putting green and the effects of delayed mowing on Proxy efficacy to suppress annual bluegrass seed heads.

UCR: Baird. Studied the effects of Primo Maxx, Revolution, and fertilizer types on bermudagrass quality under deficit irrigation.  Also evaluated Primo Maxx, Anuew, and SePro products on bermudagrass, seashore Paspalum, and Kikuyugrass. Coordinated several industry sponsored product evaluation trials, 12 weed control studies, three trials to evaluate nematode control, and four fungicide trials.

UN: W. Kreuser. Tested the use of strobilurin fungicides for secondary plant stress alleviation effects.  Studied the cause of winter injury and identified ways to prevent winter desiccation and optimize recovery.  Characterized the cause of iron layer formation in USGA putting greens.  Studied the ecology and genetics of Yellow Nutsedge and evaluated tetraploid switchgrasses for resistance to phloem-feeding insects.

Objective 4 - Coordinate reduced input turfgrass management practices

UA: Umeda.  Evaluated the use of low maintenance grasses for water conservation for Golf Course Roughs.  Tested software to improve drip irrigation for landscape plants.

UH: Cheng. Tested the “Lights out” strategy of non-chemical turf renovation and weed/pest control.

WSU: Johnston. Tested no burn Kentucky bluegrass germplasm for seed production without open-field burning. Germplasm evaluation of Kentucky bluegrass for speed of germination since Kentucky bluegrass is typically very slow to germinate.  Tested the use of biocontrol on annual bluegrass in fairway turf.  Conducted snow mold trials on greens and fairways and studied methods to control thatch collapse disease.

OSU: Kowalewski. Investigating alternative irrigation strategies to improve sustainability in turfgrass.  Evaluated low-maintenance ground covers for Pacific Northwest municipalities.

UCR: Baird. Evaluated Kurapia for use as a groundcover in California.

Objective 5 - Assess environmental impacts of turf management

UA: Umeda.  Tested the effects of aerification, soil amendments, and applied Kc irrigation levels on soil salinity, sodicity and turfgrass performance.  Began modelling for the control of airborne particulates in turfgrass systems.

UCR: Baird. Supported by a Lawn Institute Grant, began documenting water use for turfgrasses in the United States.

Objective 6 - Communicate research results and promote sustainable practices to the public through workshops, conferences, websites, extension publications, social media, and research publications

UA: Umeda.  The contribution of the golf industry to the Arizona state economy is important and we should investigate the significance of the turf industry throughout the region.

ISU: Fei. Completed a major construction project in 2015 that includes over three acres of sports field areas, expanding our research and education programs in Iowa.

OSU: Kowalewski. Studied the life cycle and playability of natural and synthetic athletic turf surfaces.

UCR: Baird. Evaluated products for the home lawn market.

UN: W. Kreuser.  Together our annual Nebraska field day and Turfgrass conference had more than 680 attendees.  Additionally we have a strong twitter and facebook presence, distribute weekly facts on turf management (turf iNfo) during the growing season, and maintain a regular position on the Backyard Farmer TV program as turfgrass science experts, with approximately 20,000 viewers per episode.

Publications:

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     

Amaradasa, B.S., D. Lakshman, K. Amundsen. 2015. AFLP fingerprinting for identification of infra-species groups of Rhizoctonia solani and Waitea circinata. J. Plant Pathol. Microb. 6(3):262. Doi: 10.4172/2157-7471.1000262

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

Cheng, Z. 2016. Fungal disease take-all patch of turfgrass in Hawaii. Landscape Hawaii, March/April 2016: 12-13.

Cheng, Z. 2015. Leaf and sheath spot of turfgrass in Hawaii. Landscape Hawaii, September/October 2015: 25.

Donze-Reiner, T., B. Amaradasa, C. Caha, T. Heng-Moss, K. Amundsen. 2015.  Molecular differentiation of gender in buffalograss. Crop Science 55:1827-1833.

Feng Y, Yin Y, Fei S. 2015. Down-regulation of BdBRI1, a putative brassinosteroid receptor gene produces a dwarf phenotype with enhanced drought tolerance in Brachypodium distachyon. Plant Science: 234:163-173

Ferguson, J. C., R.E.  Gaussoin, JA Eastin and G. Kruger. 2016. Comparison of an ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer against a conventional sprayer, for foliar fertiliser and fungicide applications in turfgrass." Journal of Plant Protection Research 56.1 (2016): 54-59.

Goatley, M., R. Maguire, A. Kowalewski and D. Linde. 2015. Utilizing Soil Tests in Nutrient Management for Sports Fields. The Safe Foundation. pg 1-8.

Grimshaw, A.L., B.M. Schwartz, P.L. Raymer, A.R. Kowalewski and T.L. Grey. 2015. Influence of soil type on nitrogen leaching of controlled release fertilizers. Florida State Horticultural Society. 127:181-184.

Koch, K., N. Palmer, M. Stamm, J. Bradshaw, E. Blankenship, L. Baird, G. Sarath, and T. Heng-Moss.  2015.  Characterization of Greenbug Feeding Behavior and Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Host Preference in Relation to Resistant and Susceptible Tetraploid Switchgrass Populations. Bioenergy Research 8:165-174.

Kopec. D.M. and K. Umeda. Mowing Turfgrass in the Desert. Publ. Azl681. 2015.

Kopec. D.M. and K. Umeda. Overseeding winter grasses into Desert Turfs.. Publ. Azl683. 2015.

Kopec. D.M. Landscape Water Management Smartscape Study Guide for Arizona Landscape Professionals. (Eds. P.M. Paraskevopoulous & K. Hahne) Chapter 4.1st Edition October 2015.

Kopec. D.M. Landscape Weed Control. Smartscape Study Guide for Arizona Landscape Professionals. (Eds. P.N. Paraskevopoulous & K. Hahne). Chapter 10. 1st Edition October 2015.

Kowalewski, A.R., B.M. Schwartz, A.L. Grimshaw, D.G. Sullivan, and J.B. Peake. 2015. Correlations Between Bermudagrass Hybrid Morphology and Wear Tolerance. HortTechnology. 25(6):725-730.

Kowalewski, A.R., B.M. McDonald and C.M. Mattox. 2015. Evaluation of sulfur rates and calcium sources on Microdochium patch and Anthracnose of an annual bluegrass putting green in western Oregon, 2013 – 2014.  Plant Disease Management Reports. 9:T034.

Kowalewski, A. G. Stahnke, T. Cook and R. Goss. 2015. Best Management Practices for Maintaining Sand-based, Natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW676). pg 1-13.

Kowalewski, A. G. Stahnke, T. Cook and R. Goss. 2015 Best Management Practices for Construction of Sand-based Natural Grass Athletic Fields. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW675). pg 1-13.

Li Y, Han L, Hao J, Fei S. 2015. Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman). Journal of Plant Biotechnology 122:117-125.

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

Mattox, C., A. Kowalewski and B. McDonald. 2015. Fungicide Alternative Management Practices for Microdochium Patch. TurfLine. September/October 2015. pg 24 and 25.

Mattox, C., A. Kowalewski, B. McDonald. 2015. Influence of Winter Fertility on Microdochium nivale. Golf Dom. 71(4):33. 

Mattox, C., A. Kowalewski, B. McDonald. 2015. Fungicide Alternative Management Practices for Microdochium Patch. Golf Course Management. 83(3):99. Retrieved March 3, 2015. http://gcmdigital.gcsaa.org/i/467557/110.

McDonald, B.W., C.M. Mattox, D.K. Mosdell and A.R. Kowalewski. 2015. Effects of Spray Nozzle and Fungicide Mobility on Control of Microdochium Patch on an Annual Bluegrass Putting Green. Golf Dom. September 2015. pg 43.   

Merrick P and Fei S 2015. Regeneration and genetic transformation in switchgrass Journal of Integrative Agriculture. 14:483-493

Palmer, N., T. Donze-Reiner, D. Horvath, T. Heng-Moss, B. Waters, C. Tobias and G. Sarath. 2015.  Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L) flag leaf transcriptomes reveal molecular signatures of leaf development, senescence, and mineral dynamics. Functional and Integrative Genomics 15:1-16.

Ramm, C., M. Wachholtz, K. Amundsen, T. Donze, T. Heng-Moss, P. Twigg, G. Sarath, and F. Baxendale.  2015.  Transcriptional Profiling of Resistant and Susceptible Buffalograsses in Response to Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Blissidae) Feeding. Journal of Economic Entomology 108:1354-1362.

Ramm, C., A. Wayadande, L. Baird, R. Nandakumar, N. Madayiputhiya, K. Amundsen, T. Donze, f. Baxendale, G. Sarath, and T. Heng-Moss.  2015.  Morphology and Proteome Characterization of the Salivary Glands of the Western Chinch Bug, Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Blissidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 108:2055-2064.

Schmid, C.A., R.E. Gaussoin, R.C. Shearman, M. Mamo and C.S. Wortmann. 2015.  Cultivation Effects on Organic Matter Concentration and Infiltration Rates of Two Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) Putting Greens. Applied Turfgrass Science  doi:10.2134/ATS-2014-0032-RS