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ABOUT EVENTS News PROGRAMS & SERVICES FACT SHEETS TOPICS COUNTY OFFICES
ABOUT EVENTS News PROGRAMS & SERVICES FACT SHEETS TOPICS COUNTY OFFICES
Ferguson College of AgAg Research
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Southern Turf SCRI

An exploration of plant genetics and genomics to improve drought and salinity tolerance for sustainable turfgrass production in the southern United States with grant funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative. According to the USDA, the purpose of the SCRI program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems.
Southern United States turf breeders, extension specialists, and researchers have collaborated to explore plant genetics and genomics to improve drought and salinity tolerance for sustainable turfgrass production in the southern United States using grant funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

Turfgrass research began in the mid-1900’s at Oklahoma State University (OSU) with the leadership of several faculty including Dr. Wayne Huffine.  Dr. Charles Taliaferro began breeding and developing turf bermudagrasses in the mid-1980’s.  Since then, OSU has independently or collaboratively released seven bermudagrass cultivars to the turf industry, namely ‘Midlawn’ and ‘Midfield’ in 1993, ‘Yukon’ and ‘Riviera’ in 2005, and ‘Patriot’ in 2006.  Most recently, 'NorthBridge' and 'Latitude 36' turf bermudagrasses were released in 2011. These cultivars are popular in the U.S. transition zone primarily due to their improved turf quality, cold hardiness, and spring dead spot tolerance.

 

Research Priorities

Develop and screen turfgrasses for improved turf performance and environmental adaptation to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Develop environmentally sound turfgrass management practices. Assess the pest management research needs of Oklahoma’s turf production and maintenance industries. Further investigate and develop environmentally sound yet efficacious and affordable alternatives to conventional turfgrass pest management practices. Document the current economic impact of Oklahoma’s turfgrass production & maintenance industry.

 

Extension Priorities

Develop resources for educating clientele on selection of turfgrasses with improved environmental adaptation to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Develop resources and transfer information on environmentally sound turfgrass management practices. Assess the pest management educational needs of Oklahoma’s turf production and maintenance industries. Development of educational resources and tools that offer environmentally sound yet efficacious and affordable alternatives to conventional turfgrass pest management strategies.

 

Teaching Priorities

Prepare undergraduate students to enter the turfgrass industry by communicating basic scientific principles and applied management techniques. Prepare graduate students to enter industry or academia through a program including advanced education, innovative research, and effective technical writing.

 

2022 Field Day Abstracts

 

Roadside Vegetation Management

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