ITRI – International Turfgrass Research Initiative

A COOPERATIVE EFFORT BY STERF, THE R&A, AND USGA

The challenges for the future of the golf and the larger turfgrass industry are many and varied. Climate change is transforming abiotic stress patterns, pest life cycles, and basic turfgrass selection and management. Strong restrictions on the use of chemicals and fertilizers and increasing pressure on natural resources (notably water, energy and land) are expected. Development is accelerating the loss of ecosystem services and biodiversity. All this calls for more research and innovation for a sustainable future.

Development and sustainability were the theme of the 14th International Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC 2022) hosted by STERF in Copenhagen, Denmark in July 2022. Global challenges and challenges within the turfgrass industry related to the sustainable development goals set out in Agenda 2030 were the focus of many presentations and were discussed by delegates.

STERF feels that investing in turfgrass research would be the most appropriate legacy from ITRC 2022, and the STERF board have decided to reserve future funds to support global turfgrass research. Therefore, STERF, together with the R&A and USGA, have created the International Turfgrass Research Initiative to develop research projects with global significance. The aims of the International Turfgrass Research Initiative are:

1. To agree on the most important global research topics for turfgrass management.
2. To solicit and select research proposals to advance these topics through a competitive
request for proposals (RFP).
3. To begin two to three globally cooperative and applicable projects with international research teams.
4. To model global research cooperation and learn from the initiative for even greater future efforts.

Research Priorities
Sustainable agronomy is the most prevalent area of interest. Considering increasing pesticide regulations, warmer weather patterns, and more frequent droughts and irrigation restrictions in many parts of the world, all parties agreed that integrated pest management (IPM) and water conservation are key subjects for the initiative. Another important focus is biodiversity research in turfgrass management, which is essential to foster an ecological balance by understanding and preserving diverse ecosystems within turfgrass and golf course landscapes. A better understanding of the carbon balance in turfgrass management globally is crucial for understanding the impact of turfgrass on greenhouse gas emissions and net carbon sequestration. The following specific topics have been agreed on and prioritized:

• Integrated pest/turfgrass management
• Water conservation
• Biodiversity and landscape perspective
• Climate (carbon balance)

Committees
The initiative has two important committees. First, the steering committee is comprised of representatives from the funding organizations (STERF, USGA and the R&A), who plan and execute the initiative, appropriately representing the interests of the organizations funding the initiative. The steering committee has nominated, selected, and is overseeing the work of 10 to 12 people to serve on the proposal review committee. The review committee will include 8 to 10 scientists and 2 to 4 industry practitioners.

Call for proposals and new projects

STERF, the R&A and USGA have together reserved approximately €250,000 per year for three years for research projects with global significance. Collaboration and joint projects between international research organizations are an important aim of the initiative and a requirement for project funding. We also recognize that industrial engagement and support is a critical component of research.

STERF, The R&A and the USGA were pleased to announce three research projects selected for funding at the 15th International Turfgrass and Research Conference in Japan. The announcement marked the culmination of a rigorous two-phase application
process. Of the 25 proposals received at Phase 1, nine high-quality projects were invited to submit full proposals at Phase 2. Following expert peer review and joint evaluation, three outstanding projects were awarded funding:

• Pathways to a climate positive future for golf, Robert Kempster, Ph.D., Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)
• Integrating alternative strategies to improve the sustainable management of dollar spot, Paul Koch Ph. D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Leveraging Satellite Data for Water Conservation on Golf Course Fairway, Qiyu Zhou, Ph.D., North Carolina State University

Maria Strandberg, STERF Director, said, “Climate change is driving significant shifts in natural ecosystems and environmental conditions, which affects the golf industry worldwide, and international collaboration is the only viable strategy to meet these challenges.” “All three ITRI projects are globally relevant and mobilize teams of qualified researchers representing different parts of the world. This collaboration will lead to new important knowledge and tools, and to a more efficient use of expertise and resources.”

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