$3 million allocated for turfgrass research

The USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) received $3,000,000 in new funding for federal turfgrass research in the FY20 Federal Appropriations bill. This is a 400-percent increase from $1,000,000 annually.

This new funding is allocated for research in turfgrass genomics, water-efficient grasses and systems, and ecosystem services. Genomics is the study, understanding and mapping of the genomes of major turfgrass species. Understanding and mapping of genomes can lead to improved genetics, and subsequently better disease-, heat-, cold- and drought-tolerant grasses.

Research on water efficiency is critical to understanding the physiology of plants and how they respond to drought, reduced irrigation and low-quality irrigation water. Ecosystem services refers to the contributions of turfgrass systems to the environment, society and the economy.

The National Turfgrass Federation led the effort to obtain the funding, with significant assistance from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Turfgrass Producers International and other allied associations.