Super research

Teresa Carson

How does turf research come about? It may come as a surprise to some, but superintendents are often the source of the turf scientists’ inspiration. Even though the scientists develop research projects, their ideas for research often come from superintendents who have expressed concerns about problems on the golf course.

Since turf researchers and superintendents seem to live in very different worlds — one on a university campus and one on a golf course — contact between the two might be expected to be rare. However, these worlds often intersect. Turf scientists invited to speak at GCSAA chapter meetings or to play in charity golf tournaments often ask superintendents about management problems. Superintendents, in turn, attend university field days and give scientists feedback on their research.

Clark Throssell, who has been both a university professor and an advocate for superintendents in his current role as GCSAA’s director of research, says turfgrass science graduates “are very loyal to their schools. Superintendents remain in contact with their professors and establish long-term relationships with them. This is another opportunity (for turf scientists) to get feedback from superintendents about management problems.” Throssell says professors often invite former students to speak to their classes, offering yet another opportunity for the teacher and the class to learn about current challenges in golf course management.

Another point of contact between the superintendent and the researcher are entomology and plant pathology diagnostic labs at universities. These labs routinely receive queries and disease samples from superintendents who are struggling to manage a particular turf problem and need help in identifying its cause and cure.

Scientific study of the fate of nutrients and pesticides as they travel through the ecosystem is an example of research prompted by public concern and the public’s expectations of the golf industry. Another type of research, plant breeding, reflects the vision of the breeder. What problems are superintendents facing now? What will they need 10 to 15 years from now? This is an example of scientists trying to predict and address issues superintendents will face in the future.

Funding for turfgrass research comes from a number of sources, including organizations like USGA and GCSAA (through its chapters and The Environmental Institute for Golf); state or regional foundations; companies in the industry that are testing new products or evaluating existing products for new uses; and the U.S. government through the Agricultural Research Service, which is the main in-house research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Whether the research is done by university researchers, plant breeders, government or corporate scientists, researchers in the turf industry are committed to serving superintendents.

Teresa Carson is GCM’s science editor.