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ISSN 2312-6558International TurfgrassThe Newsletter of the International Turfgrass SocietySeptember 201713th International Turfgrass Research Conference AttractsAlmost 500 Attendees from 24 Countriesby Dr. Bruce Clarke, ITS Past-PresidentDirector, Center for Turfgrass Science,Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ USAThe 13th International Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC) was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotelin New Brunswick, NJ USA from 16-21 July, 2017; the first time the ITRC had been held in the UnitedStates since 1993. Traditionally, International Turfgrass Research Conferences are among the largest andmost comprehensive gatherings of turfgrass professionals anywhere in the world; and, this year’s conferencewas no exception, with over 480 registrants from 24 Countries in attendance. Conference delegates enjoyedkeynote addresses, scientific sessions and field tours, and commented on how much they appreciated thefrequent opportunities to network and see all that the New York City/New Jersey area had to offer. Over145 papers were published in three journals thanks to the diligent efforts of Dr. Jim Murphy (Editor-in-chief,International Turfgrass Society Research Journal [ITSRJ], Rutgers University, USA), Dr. Trygve Aamlid(Assistant Editor, ITSRJ; Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, Norway) and their staff of 55Associate Editors from throughout the world.Outstanding Pre-Conference TourSixteen individuals participated in the Pre-Conference Tour which took in the sites of Washington,DC and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during a 5-day trip that provided a mix of history, fun and, of course,turfgrass. Dr. Mike Agnew (Syngenta) and his committee put together an incredibly interesting and enjoyabletour of two iconic U.S. cities. Participants stayed at the historic Jefferson Hotel which is in close proximity toContinued on next pageIt was good to see everyone at the conference andI hope everyone had an a very good conferenceexperience. I want to thank Bruce Clarke and hiscommittees for organizing an excellent conferenceand associated activities. Remember to renewor join ITS now as all memberships ended at theconference. Also note most all past copies of theITSRJ are no longer available with a few exceptions.Contact Bruce Clarke if you are interested in obtaining acopy of the 13th ITSRJ.Also, if you have any newsworthy stories orinformation for readers of International Turfgrass, Ihope you will consider submitting an article for the nextnewsletter in January 2018.I hope you enjoy the very good articles in this edition.Sincerely,Nathan R. WalkerInternational Turfgrass Society - September 2017In this Edition 13th International Turfgrass ResearchConference Zoysiagrass Symposium well Received Planning Committees for the 13th ITRC Sponsors for the 13th ITRC James R. Watson Celebration a Great Success Students Shine at the 2017 ITRC ITRC Preconference Tour Enjoyed by all In Memorial of Dr. Ken Carey 14th ITRC in Copenhagen – Save the date! Survey Announcement ITS Membership Application ITS Board MembersClick here to join ITSPage 1
the Nation’s Capital and saw the Lincoln Memorialand a myriad of museums including the Smithsonianin Washington, DC (see article on page 14). Therewas also plenty of time for sightseeing and visits toturf-related venues including the newly renovatedNational Mall, the Grass Roots exhibit at theNational Arboretum, the National Botanical Gardens,Congressional Country Club, and National Park(home of the Washington Nationals Major LeagueBaseball Team). In Philadelphia, participants visitedLincoln Financial Field (home of the PhiladelphiaEagles American Football Team), Talen EnergyStadium (home of the Philadelphia Union SoccerTeam), as well the Liberty Bell, IndependenceHall, Brandywine Museum of Art, and LongwoodGardens (the former summer home of Pierre DuPontand one of the most spectacular private gardens andconservatories in the world).Gras theme. The reception featured a Dixielandband, card tricks and plenty of Mardi Gras beads.This was a great opportunity to socialize and just sitback and enjoy a night of music, conversations andhors d’oeuvres. This was followed by a week packedwith educational and social activities am/start.html)that allowed attendees to re-engage with old friendsand network with new acquaintances from all overthe world.Conference HighlightsThe major highlights of the conferenceincluded a “what’s new in industry” session,the conference opening session and keynotepresentations, a graduate student oral competition,and breakout sessions focusing on cutting edge topicsin breeding and genetics, physiology, microbiomes,establishment and management, and major turfgrasspests. A special recognition in honor of Dr. JamesWatson, one of the founders of the InternationalTurfgrass Society (ITS) and a pioneer in the turfgrassindustry for over 40 years, was held on Mondayevening to the delight of more than 100 people.Turfgrass Industry SessionFor the first time at an ITRC, there was a specialTurfgrass Industry Session on Sunday afternoon, 16July just prior to the conference welcome reception.This event, overseen by Dr. Josh Friell (ToroCompany, USA), featured a brief mixer followed bya two hour session highlighting recent advancementsin the turfgrass industry. Thirteen companies gavepresentations, and judging from the attendance( 150 people) and the number of questions askedduring this session, this session is likely to be offeredagain at next ITRC in Copenhagen.Welcome ReceptionThe Conference itself was kicked off withan opening reception on Sunday night with a MardiInternational Turfgrass Society - September 2017Welcome Reception: Alan Stewart with caricatureartist. (Photo courtesy of S. Trusty)Opening SessionThe Scientific Program Planning Committeelead by Dr. Bingru Huang (Rutgers University,USA) put together an outstanding educationalprogram based on the conference theme, “Meetingthe Challenges of a Changing Environment.” Thistheme was chosen for the 2017 conference because itreflected the tremendous impact that the environmenthas had and continues to have on our personal andprofessional lives. From the changing climate, tothe changing regulatory environment for pesticidesand fertilizers, and the rapid technological changesin molecular biology and other aspects of turfgrassscience, the environment continues to affect the waywe live and conduct turfgrass research.Dr. Bruce Clarke (Rutgers University, USAand then ITS President,) officially opened the 13thITRC at 8 am on Monday morning. Clarke gave anoverview of the conference, addressed the importanceof the conference theme, and introduced dignitarieson the stage including Dr. Robert Goodman (Deanof the School of Environmental and BiologicalSciences and Executive Director of the New JerseyAgricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University,Continued on next pagePage 2
USA) and Dr. Debasish Dutta (Chancellor, RutgersUniversity, New Brunswick, USA) who bothwelcomed conference attendees on behalf of RutgersUniversity. The opening session concluded witha 15 minute video entitled, “Understanding themechanisms that drive global and regional climatechange.” Dr. Anthony Broccoli (Co-Director of theRutgers Climate Institute, Rutgers University, USA),who could not attend the conference, was featured inthe video which gave a New Jersey perspective to aglobal problem. The video was very professionallydone and well received by the more than 300 delegatesin attendance.Top left to right; Dr. William Meyer and Dr. JerryHatfield and bottom left to right; Dr. TimothyColmer and Dr. Christine Hawkes provided keynoteaddresses. (Photos courtesy of S. Trusty & M.Sweatlock)Dr. Debasish Dutta, Chancellor, Rutgers University,welcoming conference attendees. (Photo courtesy ofM. Sweatlock)Keynote PresentationsFour keynote addresses were presentedby internationally renowned scientists focusingon cutting-edge topics including plant breeding,microbiomes, climate change, and sustainablewater management following the opening session.Dr. William Meyer (Rutgers University, USA) didan excellent job giving an overview of “Breedingimproved cool-season turfgrasses for stress toleranceand sustainability in a changing environment.” Dr.Jerry Hatfield (USDA-ARS, National Laboratory forAgriculture and the Environment, Ames, Iowa, USA)talked about “Climate impacts on crops and turfgrassand building effective adaptation strategies.” Dr.Timothy Colmer (University of Western Australia)discussed “Managing water use by warm-seasonturfgrasses in a drying climate.” Finally, Dr. ChristineHawkes (University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX,USA) discussed how fungi interact in communitieswith her presentation entitled, “Microbial tools inagriculture require an ecological context: stressdependent non-additive symbiont interactions.”International Turfgrass Society - September 2017Opening session audience. (Photo courtesy of S.Trusty)James Watson Celebration a Great SuccessOn Monday evening, a special celebrationorganized by Dr. Gwen Stahnke, (Walla WallaCommunity College, USA) was held highlightingthe many contributions of Dr. James Watson, one ofthe original founders of ITS and an early pioneer inthe turfgrass industry (see article on page 12). Dr.James Beard (President and Chief Scientist of theInternational Sports Turf Institute, Inc. and ProfessorEmeritus of Turfgrass Science, Texas A & MUniversity, USA) gave the keynote address, and Dr.Richard Schmidt (Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech,USA), Dr. Paul Rieke (Professor Emeritus, MichiganContinued on next pagePage 3
State University, USA), Dr. Kimberly Erusha(Managing Director of the USGA Green Section,USA), Mr. Dana Lonn (Director of the Center forAdvanced Turf Technology, Toro Company, USA)and Dr. Jim Murphy (Rutgers University, USA)reflected on Dr. Watson’s accomplishments and theimpact he had on students in the field of turfgrassscience. Dr. Watson’s son Rick Watson said a fewwords on his father’s behalf at the conclusion of thecelebration. A reception followed this special eventwhich was enjoyed by all who attended.Students Shine at Oral Paper CompetitionA student competition was held Tuesdaymorning to showcase some of the exciting researchthat graduate students are conducting in turfgrassscience. Students from the U.S, Canada, and Japanparticipated in two subject matter categories: 1)Turfgrass Diseases and Soils and 2) TurfgrassPhysiology. A panel of judges evaluated the studentpresentations and selected three winners in eachcategory (see article on page 13). Recipients receivedsmall cash prize and a four-year membership in ITS.Technical Tours and BBQ DinnerA full day of technical tours was offered onWednesday, highlighting the extraordinary range ofturf venues in the New Jersey/New York City region.Special thanks to Dr. Rich Hurley (Emeritus AdjunctProfessor, Rutgers University) and his planningcommittee. They did a superb job organizing thetechnical tours. There were six tours to choose from:1) The United States Golf Association Museum/ Testing Facility er.pdf) and Baltusrol altusrol-Golf-Club.pdf ; the host location for the2016 PGA Championship). Dr. Kimberly Erushaand her colleagues did a wonderful job showcasingthe USGA research programs and testing facility atGolf House, and Mr. Mark Kuhns did a fantastic jobhighlighting the management programs that havemade Baltusrol one of the top golf courses in theUnited States.Poster SessionsResearch posters were displayed on Monday,Tuesday and Thursday (over 70 posters werepresented) and, for the first time at an ITRC, oneminute, rapid (oral) summaries were given by posterauthors who volunteered prior to each poster session.To entice conference attendees to meet poster authorsand discuss their latest findings, hors d’oeuvres andrefreshments were provided during the Monday andTuesday poster sessions. All three poster sessionsdrew large crowds.The United States Golf Association Museum / TestingFacility.Tour group at Baltusrol Golf Club. (Photo courtesyof S. Barry)Left to right: Rich Cooper (NCSU), Jack Fry (KSU),and Charles Peacock (NCSU) at poster session.(Photo courtesy of M. Sweatlock)International Turfgrass Society - September 20172) The Red Bull Arena occer-Arena.pdf ; homeof the New York Red Bulls Major League SoccerContinued on next pagePage 4
Participants at the Red Bull Arena, home of the NewYork Red Bulls Major League Soccer Team. (Photocourtesy of B. Clarke)Aerial view of Bayonne Golf Course.Team) and Bayonne Golf Course olf-Club.pdf), called “the most audacious golf course in theworld” by Sports Illustrated Magazine. Mr. DanShemesh, Director of Grounds at the New York RedBulls, provided a comprehensive tour of the facilitythat everyone enjoyed, and Dr. Rich Hurley gave anexcellent overview of Bayonne Golf Club, as wellas an enjoyable ride for all attendees to the Statue ofLiberty on the club’s private boat.3) The Quest Diagnostic Training Center tadium.pdf ; New York Giants American Football Team)and Yankee Stadium adium.pdf; home of the worldfamous New York Yankees and the New York CityFootball Club of Major League Soccer). Attendeeswere treated to two outstanding tours. Mr. RobDavis, Head Groundskeeper at the Quest DiagnosticTraining Center spoke about how he maintains one ofthe top facilities in the National Football League, andMr. Dan Cunningham, Head Groundskeeper for theInternational Turfgrass Society - September 2017Participants at New York Yankee’s Stadium. (Photocourtesy of F. Lord)NY Yankees gave an outstanding tour of the field andhow he keeps the turf and skin-surface looking greatat this legendary, multi-use stadium.4) Tuckahoe Sod Farm Turf.pdf);one of thelargest and most successful sod farms in the UnitedStates) and Monmouth Park Racetrack Park-RaceTrack.pdf); the site of the 2007 Breeders Cup, oneof the premier horse racing events in the world).Allen Carter Jr, General Manager at Tuckahoe TurfFarms, Inc. and the Betts family gave an excellenttour of this amazing sod farm explaining how sodis produced and marketed on a national scale. BillAnderson, General Manager at Monmouth ParkRacetrack provided a behind the scenes look at one ofthe oldest and most well know horse racing facilitiesin the United States.Sod harvesting at Tuckahoe Sod Farm. (Photocourtesy of S. Trusty)Continued on next pagePage 5
The New York Botanical Garden with Dale Chihulyglass art. (Photo courtesy of N. Walker)Monmouth Park Racetrack.5) Central Park (the iconic green space on ManhattanIsland) and the American Museum of Natural History/Hayden Planetarium ark.pdf; one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions renownedfor its exhibitions and scientific collections). Mr.Gary Gentilucci, Turf Care Manager at the CentralPark Conservancy, gave a fantastic walking tour ofone of the oldest and most well-known parks in thecountry. The day concluded with two hours in theMuseum of Natural History before returning back tothe Hyatt to get ready for the BBQ at the RutgersHort Farm 2 later that evening.The day conclude with a cocktail reception,an American-style BBQ, and an opportunity toinformally view research plots at the Rutgers TurfResearch Facility at Hort Farm 2 (brief You Tubevideos of the research trials were accessible via freewireless internet). Wednesday night’s BBQ featureda ‘Beach Party’ theme, live music provided by theCasey and Bill Show, and a mini golf course arrangedon a natural turf research putting green. More than400 attended this event and stayed well into the night.American-style BBQ at the Rutgers Turf ResearchFacility at Hort Farm 2. (Photos courtesy of M.Sweatlock)View of Manhattan from Central Park. (Photocourtesy of J. Murphy)6) The New York Botanical Garden anicalGardens.pdf; a National Historic Landmark and oneof the top botanical gardens in the world with anextensive collection of plants and gardens). Mr. BrianSullivan (Vice-President for Gardens, Landscapesand Outdoor Collections) and his staff at the BotanicGarden lead a detailed and hands-on tour of thisNew York Landmark. Participants had time after thetour for lunch and a leisurely self-guided tour of thefacility before returning to the Hyatt Hotel.International Turfgrass Society - September 2017Side games on putting green at BBQ.Continued on next pagePage 6
Extensive Offerings for Accompanying PeopleAccompanying persons had a full range ofactivities to choose from during the conference ingPersons-Tours.pdf) including: a trip to LongwoodGardens (one of the world’s great gardens andformer summer estate of Pierre du Pont), the BronxZoo (one of the largest zoos in the United States),the Liberty Science Center (a state of the art sciencecenter with IMAX theater), the Camden AdventureAquarium (home to the largest collection of sharks onthe East Coast, hippos, blue penguins and the longestShark Bridge in the world), the American Museumof Natural History /Hayden Planetarium, and even aday trip to the beautiful white sand beaches of PointPleasant, NJ. Thanks to Ellen Clarke and NancyHurley for overseeing the accompanying personstours.Twilight Dinner Cruise ship waiting to depart. (Photocourtesy of B. Clarke)Twilight Dinner Cruise of the NY/NJ Harbor andStatue of LibertyImmediately following the ITS QuadrennialBusiness Meeting and the Graduate Student AwardsPresentations on Thursday afternoon, more than420 attendees boarded buses for a night on the townfeaturing a Twilight Dinner Cruise of the NY/NJHarbor and Statue of Liberty on the “CornucopiaMajesty.” Attendees were treated to awesomeviews of the New York City Skyline, as well as acocktail reception, great food, and a night of dancingto the beat of an incredible band. This was truly amemorable experience and the capstone social eventof the conference. Everyone had a great time.Abundant food and space for everyone on the cruise.(Photo courtesy of B. Clarke)Dancing and participants have a good time on thecruise. (Photos courtesy of S. Trusty)The statue of Liberty at twilight.(Photo courtesy of S. Trusty)International Turfgrass Society - September 2017Return to the dock for bus ride back to Hyatt.Continued on next pagePage 7
Zoysiagrass Symposium Well ReceivedThe last day of the conference featured aspecial Zoysiagrass Symposium on Friday (8:00am - 12:30 pm) showcasing invited speakers whoprovided a world-wide perspective on this importantand underutilized turfgrass species. Dr. Jack Fry(Kansas State University, USA) and his committee puttogether a very interesting and informative programthat was very well attended. Speakers included Drs.Don Loch (the University of Queensland, Australia),Masumi Ebina (Forage Crop Genome Unit, Instituteof Livestock and Grassland Science, Tochigi, Japan),Simone Magni, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy), PeterMcMaugh (Turfgrass Scientific Services, Carlingford,New South Wales Australia), Aaron Patton(PurdueUniversity, USA), and Ambika Chandra (TexasA&M University, USA). The Symposium concludewith a panel discussion(see article on page 9).An optional afternoon tour of the worldfamous Rutgers Breeding Program’s AdelphiaResearch Farm was offered at the conclusion of theconference (12:30 pm) on Friday. Over 100 peopleattended this tour which was focused on the RutgersTurfgrass Breeding Programs of Drs. Bill Meyer andStacy Bonos, and well as current research in turfphysiology (Dr. Bingru Huang), entomology (Dr.Albrecht Koppenhöfer), and weed science (Dr. MattElmore). Even though it was a very hot day ( 35 C;95 F), everyone enjoyed the tour and returned to theHyatt by 6 pm to relax before their return home onSaturday, 22 July.Dr. Bill Meyer speaking at the optional afternoon tourof Rutgers Breeding Program’s at Adelphia ResearchFarm. (Photo courtesy of S. Trusty)Dr. Bingru Huang discussing research on turfphysiology. (Photo courtesy of S. Trusty)Dr. Stacy Bonos speaking at Adelphia ResearchFarm. (Photo courtesy of M. Sweatlock)Aerial view of Rutgers Turf Research Farm at HortFarm 2. (Photo courtesy of B. Clarke)Continued on next pageInternational Turfgrass Society - September 2017Page 8
Record Number of Sponsorships for 13th ITRCThe fundraising committee chaired byDr. Bill Meyer (Rutgers University, USA) did awonderful job attracting sponsorships for the 13thITRC. As a result of their efforts, more than 40companies and organizations including Syngenta,Bayer Crop Science, Aquatrols, the USGA, BASF,the New Jersey Turfgrass Association / Foundation,TORO, Intelligro, DLF, PGG Wrightson Seeds, andOcean Organics supported the 2017 ITRC (http://www.turfsociety.com/itrc2017/?p reg%20-%20sponsors#sponsors). More than 300,000 was raisedto support the 13th ITRC. This helped keep the costof registration down, provided over 20,000 intravel support for students in the U.S, Europe, andAsia, and greatly enhanced the quality of the overallprogram. We are very appreciative for the support ofour colleagues in the turfgrass industry.Special ThanksThanks to Dr. Josh Honig, Dr. Stacy Bonos,and their AV Committee for doing an excellentjob organizing all of the power point presentationsduring the conference. Overseeing the planning andimplementation of the 13th ITRC was incrediblygratifying and exhilarating experience.While theconference was hosted by Rutgers University, more than80 people from 10 countries assisted with the planning ofthe 13th ITRC (see list of committees and their memberson page 10). I would like to offer my sincere thanks toeveryone who helped. Their hard work and support overthe past four years is very much appreciated.Zoysiagrass Symposium Well Receivedby Jack Fry, Ph.D.,Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS, USAOn Friday, 21 July 2017, the last day of the University, USA), and Jack Fry, Ph.D (Chair, KansasInternational Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC), State University, USA), developed an outstandingsix speakers provided a worldwide view of zoysiagrass program that gave an overview of the current statusfor an audience of over 100 representatives of of Zoysiagrass research, use and culture throughoutthe scientific community and private industry. In the world. Each of the speakers listed below gave a2015, an International Zoysiagrass Symposium was thirty-minute presentation on their area of expertise,held in Okinawa, Japan with speakers from Japan, which was accompanied by an article published in oneKorea, China, and Australia. Interest arising from of the ITSRJ journals. The presentations included:this gathering led to an informal meeting at the GolfIndustry Show in San Diego in 2016 of individuals Ecological Implications of Zoysia Species,from eleven countries involved with zoysiagrass Distribution and Adaptation for Management andresearch and management. This led to the idea of Use of Zoysiagrasses. Don Loch, The University ofhosting the 2017 Zoysiagrass Symposium at the 13th Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, AustraliaITRC in New Brunswick, NJ, USA. The organizingcommittee for the 2017 Symposium, composed Evaluation and Breeding Zoysiagrass using Japan’sof Don Loch Ph.D. (the University of Queensland, Natural Genetic Resources. Masumi Ebina, ForageAustralia), Ambika Chandra, Ph.D. (Texas A&M Crop Genome Unit, Institute of Livestock andUniversity, USA), Aaron Patton, Ph.D. (Purdue Grassland Science, Tochigi, JapanZoysiagrass Use and Culture in Europe. SimoneMagni, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyOccurrence, Distribution and Introduction of Zoysiaspp. and their Management and Current Use inAustralia. Peter McMaugh, Turfgrass ScientificServices, Carlingford, New South Wales AustraliaZoysiagrass Symposium Friday morning.International Turfgrass Society - September 2017Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) History, Utilization, andImprovement in the United States: A Review. AaronPatton, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IndianaUSAContinued on next pagePage 9
An Overview of Molecular Advances in Zoysiagrass. and David Stone, The Honors Course, Ooltewah,Ambika Chandra, Texas A&M University, AgriLife Tennessee USA joined the speakers on stage toshare their experiences with zoysiagrass. A livelyResearch, Dallas Texas USAdiscussion with the audience ensued for over an hour.After the presentations, a panel of industry Everyone left the Symposium energized and lookingspecialists that included Tim Bowyer, Ph.D., Patten forward to future opportunities to collaborate andSeed Company, Lakeland, Georgia USA; David share science-based information on this importantDoguet, Bladerunner Farms, Poteet, Texas USA; Ki underutilized species.Sun Kim, Seoul National University, South Korea;Planning Committees for the 13th International Turfgrass ResearchConference 16-21 July 2017by Dr. Bruce Clarke, Past-President and Local Arrangements ChairDirector, Center for Turfgrass Science,Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ USAAs past-president of ITS, I would like tothank the following individuals who assisted withthe planning and organization of the 13th ITRC overthe past four years. This conference would not havebeen possible without their hard work and attentionto detail. Over 80 people from 10 countries assistedwith the conference planning. Their dedication andservice on the following committees is very muchappreciated.Accompanying Persons ToursS. Bonos, chairE. ClarkeN. HurleyD. KobayashiN. ZhangAudio Visual PresentationsS. BonosH. ChenK. GenovaA. GrimshawJ. HempflingJ. Honig, chairT. TateY. QuP. VinesFundraising and SponsorshipsP. BurgessB. ClarkeL. HoffmanB. HorganW. Meyer, chairC. ThrossellGraduate Student Competition and TravelAwardsT. AamlidL. BeirnE. ErvinD. Gomez de Barreda FerrazP. Koch, chairK. KoppIndustry SessionL. BrilmanB. ClarkeJ. Friell, chairJames Watson CelebrationB. ClarkeK. ErushaB. HuangD. LonnJ. MurphyG. Stahnke, chairLocal Arrangements CommitteeM. AgnewR. HurleyR. BuckleyD. KobayashiA. KoppenhöferS. BonosS. ButterworthT. J. LawsonB. Clarke, chairC. MansueJ. ClarkW. MeyerA. DiglioJ. MurphyB. ParkM. FidanzaB. FitzgeraldC. PeabodyL. HoffmanS. ReynoldsJ. HonigN. ZhangB. HuangG. ZiemienskiContinued on next pageInternational Turfgrass Society - September 2017Page 10
Pre-Conference Tour to Washington, DCand Philadelphia, PAM. Agnew, chairN. AgnewM. FidanzaK. MorrisG. RinehartL. SpencerPost-Conference Tour to Asheville, NCLee ButlerJ. KernsL. SpencerLane Treadway, chairZoysia SymposiumA. ChandraJ. Fry, chairD. LochA. PattonScientific Program Planning CommitteeP. KochT. AamlidK. KoppS. BakerS. BonosA. KoppenhöferS. ButterworthC. LambridesJ. BrosnanD. LochB. ClarkeR. MannE. ErvinP. McCulloughJ. FriellB. McGrawR. GibbsM. StrandbergY. WuB. Huang, chairT. HsiangTechnical ToursB. ClarkeR. BuckleyJ. HonigR. Hurley, ChairC. MansueB. ParkSponsors for the 13th International Turfgrass Research Conference16-21 July 2017by Dr. Bruce Clarke, Past-PresidentDirector, Center for Turfgrass Science,Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ USAThe following organizations provided financial andlogistical support for the 13th ITRC. Their supportand commitment to ITS and the ITRC is very muchappreciated and greatly enhanced the quality of thisyear’s conference.SilverDLFOcean OrganicsPGG Wrightson SeedsPlatinumRutgers - The Center for Turfgrass Science / NewJersey Agricultural Experiment StationBronzeAMVACControl Solutions, Inc.Dow AgroSciencesGrass Roots Turf ProductsGrigg BrothersNew Jersey Landscape Contractors AssociationPennington SeedRutgers - Office of Continuing ProfessionalEducationScotts Miracle-GroSpectrum Technologies, Inc.Turfgrass Producers International / The LawnInstituteGoldIntelligroToroSession SponsorGolf Course Superintendents Association of NewJersey FoundationLegacy PremierSyngentaPremierAquatrolsBASFBayer CropScienceNew Jersey Turfgrass Association / FoundationUSGAContinued on next pageInternational Turfgrass Society - September 2017Page 11
Student Oral / Poster CompetitionGolf Course Superintendents Association of AmericaHarrellsLebanon TurfBusCultivated Sod Association of New JerseyDeLea Sod FarmsPre-ConferenceRegent InstrumentsStudent TravelAquatrolsBayer CropSciencePure Seed TestingTechnical Tour BBQ DinnerGolf Course Superintendents Association of NewJerseyNew Jersey Turfgrass Association / FoundationUSGAITRC SupporterFloratineGowan USALandmark Turf and Native SeedMountain View SeedsNuFarmOklahoma Turfgrass Research FoundationPeak Plant GeneticsPennsylvania Turfgrass CouncilJames R. Watson Celebration a Great Successby Dr. Gwen K. Stahnke, Walla Walla Community CollegeWalla Walla, WA USAMore than 150 people attended the James R.Watson Celebration at the 13th International TurfgrassResearch Conference (ITRC) on Monday evening,12 July 2017. The ceremony began with Dr. GwenStahnke, moderator of the program, introducing Mr.Dana Lonn, Director of the Center for Advanced TurfTechnology, Toro Company, who recognized Dr.Watson’s son Rick and his daughter Betsy along withtheir spouses who had travelled to the ITRC for theCelebration.the impact that he had on students. Recipients of theWatson Fellowship were highlighted in a power pointpresentation and those in attendance were asked tostand to be recognized.The evening was a wonderful tribute to Dr.James R. Watson, one of the pioneers of the ITS, andhis continued impact on the turf industry throughoutthe world. The program was followed by a receptionwith hors d’oeuvres and refreshments where theattendees mingled with each other and Dr. Watson’sDr. Richard Schmidt, Professor
The Scientific Program Planning Committee lead by Dr. Bingru Huang (Rutgers University, USA) put together an outstanding educational program based on the conference theme, "Meeting the Challenges of a Changing Environment." This theme was chosen for the 2017 conference because it reflected the tremendous impact that the environment
