| Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics |
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Biotic Stresses: |
Disease resistance, especially dollar spot and snow mold
Insect resistance, especially for white grubs |
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Abiotic Stresses: |
Heat & cold tolerance
Shade tolerance
Wear tolerance
General low input turfgrasses |
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Genetic Engineering |
Transformation technology
Genomics |
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Seed Production: |
Develop a seed production industry in Michigan |
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Species and Cultivar Evaluation:
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Germplasm collection |
| European Chafer and Japanese Beetle Management |
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Natural predators
Resistance
Long term management strategies to reduce insecticide use
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| Labor Issues |
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Develop strategies to meet the current labor shortages
Develop strategies to supply Labor for future growth |
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Migrant issues
Recruitment of women and minorities
Workforce training
Sensitivity training for employers
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| Water Movement and Nutrient and Pesticide Fate |
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Movement in sand-based root zones |
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Sloping green research: |
Management of localized dry spots and black layer |
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Surface water quality |
Phosphorus loading in surface waters
Phosphorus movement off established turf areas
Nitrate movement in established turf
Organic matter content of soils and the effect on nutrient loading
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| Athletic Field and Other High Wear Research |
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Modular systems
High wear mixes and blends
Maximizing inputs; best management practices
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| Best Management Practices for Lawns and Commercial Turf |
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Mowing strategies
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Weed control strategies: |
Reducing herbicide input
Controlling difficult weeds
Removing grassy weeds from desirable turf |
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Cultural controls: |
Irrigation timing, rate and frequency – BMP's Fertilizer timing, rates and frequency – BMP's
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| In addition to these research priorities, the golf segment has also identified the following problems and research needs requiring a timely response: |
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• Moss
• Ants and earthworms
• Removing grassy weeds from desirable turf (also listed above)
• Biostimulants
• Wetting agents
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| Michigan Sod Growers Association submitted the following priorities: |
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• Poa annua control in production fields (also listed above)
• Reducing loss of sod quality between harvest and installation
• Maximizing sod quality while minimizing fertilizer and water inputs
• White grub control (also listed above)
• Economic analysis of the market for sod in Michigan and the impact of importation of sod from surrounding states and Canada
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| This document is open for comments and suggestions from all segments of the turfgrass industry. Please contact Tom Smith via e-mail at grassroots@voyager.net or by phone at (517) 202-3019 to comment. |
