Research - Areas of Research - Turfgrass Biology & Environment

The STRI has a long history of investigating the biology and performance of turf grasses. Indeed the first grasses trial for golf was sown in the Institute trials grounds in August 1929. Today the work of this division is fairly wide ranging but can largely be grouped into three activities; Turfgrass Species and Cultivar Evaluation, Turfgrass Protection and Ecology.

The current grass testing programme includes in excess of 400 different grasses covering all the major species used in Northern Europe. Within the Turfgrass Protection section, the efficacy of pesticides are evaluated. Long term research has also been instituted to assess the current and changing patterns of pest and disease incidence in the UK. The ecology section is investigating the status of heather on golf courses and evaluating the use of composted grass clippings on fine turf.

Ecology

The Ecology unit meets the growing need to integrate ecological management with traditional management techniques. It assesses and identifies best ecological practices which work with and not against nature.

Cultivar Evaluation Programme

Evaluates individual grass species and cultivars for different sports and amenity uses. The information from this work is used to update the annually published Turfgrass Seed Booklet. This booklet is designed to enable the end users of turfgrass seed to evaluate the suitability of different cultivars for various amenity uses. For further information please contact Fiona Crossley.

Turfgrass Protection

Commercial and grant funded trials are carried out on all aspects of pathology and entomology. The effects of individual pathogens and pests on turf and the best control methods, both cultural and chemical can be determined in both laboratory and field trials. An identification service for turfgrass pests and diseases and advice on possible management strategies is provided, along with a telephone helpline for greenkeepers and groundsmen.

Research is currently being conducted into the occurrence and severity of pests and diseases across the Netherlands, and investigations to develop artificial inoculation of the main turfgrass diseases are being carried out for use in pesticide trials. Reviews of the main European pests and diseases and how they are controlled are being conducted on behalf of the R & A with a view to establish gaps in our knowledge and allow prioritisation of our research. The availability of plant protection products in different EU states has also been investigated on behalf of the R&A.Pesticide Review

Confidential efficacy and selectivity trials of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and biological products are carried out for companies. This work is carried out under and meets the criteria set out by the Pesticide Safety Directorate. Trials areas dedicated to microdochium (fusarium) patch, red thread, take-all, anthracnose and turfgrass weeds (including daisy, plantain, clover, buttercup, dandelion, self-heal, yarrow, slender speedwell and chickweed) are available for efficacy trials. Selectivity trials are conducted on various grass species including perennial ryegrass, chewings fescue, slender creeping red fescue, bent, smooth-stalked meadow-grass and annual meadowgrass.

 For further information please contact Ruth Mann or see Current Research.