Thursday, September 1, 2022
Author: Keenan Amundsen
Labor challenges are nothing new to the turfgrass industry and labor shortages have been especially hard felt over the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Turfgrass Sciences program is not immune, and we are also facing a temporary personnel shortage. We are currently working to get back to a full roster and in the absence of a full team it has been challenging to communicate all the great things being done at the University. We continue to serve the industry and provide industry-leading research-based expertise in all aspects of turfgrass maintenance and production. Much like many of you, we are finding creative ways to fill vacancies and while we are stretched thin, thankful for the industry support that motivates the team to provide the most relevant and problem-solving research to all aspects of the Nebraska Turfgrass Industry. Below is a brief list of our current research projects along with highlights from our teaching program.
On behalf of our Turfgrass Sciences and Management team, we thank you for your steadfast support.
Keenan Amundsen, Roch Gaussoin, and Matt Sousek
2022 UNL Turfgrass Research Projects
- Characterization of dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass
- Molecular characterization of creeping bentgrass and colonial bentgrass drought response
- Creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, and buffalograss genome sequencing
- National Turfgrass Evaluation Program 2017 Kentucky Bluegrass, 2018 Tall Fescue, and 2022 Perennial Ryegrass tests
- Industry funded 2022 evaluation of surfactants on lawn height Kentucky bluegrass and greens height creeping bentgrass
- USGA and industry supported buffalograss breeding
- Field evaluation of 120 collected buffalograss lines, 39 experimental buffalograss selections, and 2022 advanced buffalograss lines for establishment and turf quality
- Advanced seeded F4 and F5 buffalograss breeding populations without seed treatment
- Seed increase of experimental diploid buffalograss populations
- Maintenance of ongoing buffalograss germplasm collection and elite buffalograss lines in space plant nursery and in the greenhouse
- USGA supported molecular quantification of dollar spot inoculum in golf greens and diagnostic test development
- USGA funded collaborative project with University of Wisconsin, Rutgers University and Delaware Valley University developing a standardized organic matter testing protocol
- Comparison of hollow and solid tine configurations for organic matter dilution on golf greens
- Multi-state project investigating an organic weed control management plan for lawn height turf
- Industry funded weed control trials for high to low input turf installations and native areas
- Non-Industry (NTA) funded weed control and seeding trials evaluating best management practices to improve efficacy and establishment.
Education
- The Agronomy and Horticulture Bachelor of Science degree programs were renamed to Plant and Landscape Systems, and we now offer a BS in Plant and Landscape Systems with a Turfgrass Sciences and Management option
- Anne Streich led a student team to compete in the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Turf Bowl Competition, where the team finished in 14th place out of 44 competing teams.
- In collaboration with the Professional Golf Management program, a field tour course is available to provide opportunities for students to engage with golf course superintendents and golf professionals.
- Through Hospitality Management, a course, specializing in golf course facilities management, is now available.
- We currently have 23 undergraduates in our turf program
- Student led spring and fall establishment and evaluation of consumer grade seed products
- Experiential learning opportunities in seeding, equipment operation and calibration, irrigation audits, land surveying and plant identification
- We are always looking for new students to join our undergraduate program