ETS Newsletter 01/2018

EUROPEAN TURFGRASS SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 01/2018 Via Quintarello, 12/A – 36050 Quinto Vicentino (VI) – ITALY www.turfgrasssociety.eu etsoffice@turfgrasssociety.eu

IN THIS 01/2018 NUMBER: 6th ETS Conference 2018 page ETS membership campaign 2018-2019 STERF / NIBIO Seminar and Handbook Dutch Sign Strategy to Improve Pollinator Health Amenity Forum news Der-Rasenfuchs news Campey news “News from across the Pond” Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Agenda of turfgrass Events Info on ETS

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Welcome to the 6th ETS Conference 2018!

July 2nd - 4th - Manchester, UK Please note, important update!

The deadline to submit extended abstracts and/or full manuscripts (to be considered for publication in Agronomy Journal) for the European Turfgrass Conference has been extended to March 2nd, 2018.

If you opt for Agronomy Journal, please use Manuscript Central (https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/agron) to submit and select ‘European Turfgrass Society Conference’ for manuscript type.

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The 6th European Turfgrass Society Research Conference The European Turfgrass Society are pleased to welcome ETS members and other turfgrass specialists to the 6th ETS Conference 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The ETS organizes its scientific turfgrass conference every two years. Italy (2008), France (2010), Norway (2012), Germany (2014) and Portugal (2016) were the previous hosts of this international conference.

The UK has been chosen to host the event in 2018, from 2 nd-4th July 2018. The meeting venue is the Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel, a 4 star hotel situated in Deansgate in the heart of the city of Manchester, ideally situated for visitors to enjoy the many tourist attractions and retail facilities nearby.

The Organising Committee with Dr Stewart Brown, as convener, is preparing this international congress under the theme: “Different Shades of Green” for the many, varied sports surfaces, and amenity facilities our industry encompasses. The UK has a long history association with turfgrass and boasts some of the most prestigious sporting venues in the world. Manchester itself, is home to two major Premiership football teams (Manchester United FC and Manchester City FC), a County Cricket Ground (Lancashire CCC) and has good rail and road connections to “England’s Golf Coast” which has three Open Venues, Royal Liverpool GC, Royal Lytham & St Anne’s GC and Royal Birkdale GC.

http://www.turfgrasssociety.eu/ETSC_2018/ The Technical Tour will be: AM. Visit to the Sports Turf Research Institute(STRI).

An opportunity to see the latest research trails at STRI and meet with STRI staff (http://www.stri.co.uk/) Light Lunch at STRI PM. Visit to Manchester City Football Club. City Football Academy.

An opportunity the see the state of the art training facilities and sports surfaces at one of the worlds biggest football clubs(https://www.mancity.com/) Late afternoon/evening. Visit to Campey Turfcare Systems.

An opportunity to see the wide range of specialist sportsturf equipment ( http://www.campeyturfcare.com/).

Followed by a evening BBQ.

6th ETS Research Conference KEY Dates: Opening for titles and abstract submission: Deadline for manuscripts and extended abstracts: First review back to authors: Deadline for Extended abstract/Full paper submission: Final decision on manuscripts and extended abstracts:

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November 6th 2017 March 2nd 2018 February 19th 2018 May 1st 2018 May 15th 2018

ETS membership campaign 2018-2019 Please note that your membership may be expired on December 31 st, 2017: for more info sign in to your account and check, or contact etsoffice@turfgrasssociety.eu Register to become a member of the European Turfgrass Society, dedicated to the spread of innovative applications and encouragement of a holistic view of turf, particularly with respect to its influence on urban and environmental quality.

Prices for memberships are unchanged and cover a wide variety of categories and budgets.

We hope that you will find the category suitable for you, your company or your institution, and that you will decide to join us in ETS for 1 or 2 years.

Become a member!

You can register online at http://www.turfgrasssociety.eu/become-a-member/ The aim of ETS is the share of knowledge, experiences, research results, data, ideas, services, products advertising among scientists, consultants, companies and practitioners to discuss technical issues related to the provision of turf surfaces. Furthermore, ETS spreads innovative applications for the benefit of the turfgrass industry, national and local government, and the European public, encouraging a systems-based approach to the study of turfgrass through multi-disciplinary groups working at different levels.

Join the large community of European researchers, industries and enthusiasts dedicated to turfgrass!

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STERF / NIBIO Seminar and Handbook on Turfgrass Winter Stress Management

by Bert Sandell, Trygve S. Aamlid, Wendy Waalen and Tatsiana Espevig, NIBIO More than 70% of golf courses in the Nordic countries suffer from winter-related turfgrass damage. The average cost for repair plus lost revenue in years with significant winter injuries amounts to at least €14 300 per golf course or – in total - €14 million for the five countries A four-year project on how autumn fertilization affects winter and spring performance of coolseason turf grasses used on golf greens was completed in 2017. The main findings and recommendations were presented at an international seminar in Oslo 9-10 Nov 2017.

The seminar covered many aspects of winter stress management of turfgrasses: Selection of species and varieties, winter preparations, actions taken in relation to removal of snow and/or ice during winter and reestablishment of high quality turf in spring.

The research findings and the handbook Turf Grass Winter Stress Management, were presented at the seminar More than 90 participants from 10 different countries, including scientists, superintendents, industry representatives and consultants exchanged their experiences.

Speakers from six countries The invited speaker Eric Watkins (USA) covered aspects such as breeding for winter hardiness, plant microbe interactions, ice removal and, seed germination at low temperatures. Sigridur Dalmannsdottir, originally from Iceland but now working with forage grasses in Norway, touched on issues such as day length reactions and cold acclimation in a changing winter climate. The scientists from NIBIO’s Turfgrass Research Group presented results from earlier and ongoing projects on turfgrass winter survival and the SCANGREEN variety trials.

This main focus of the seminar was on autumn fertilization and its effect on winter hardiness and spring green up. Important issues such increasing rates of nitrogen sulphur in autumn, shade, anoxia and winter diseases were studies in trials at NIBIO Apelsvoll and Landvik in Norway. Full-scale trials were conducted at one golf course in each of the Nordic countries during the autumn/winter 2016/2017: Keilir GC (ISL), Roskilde GC (DK), Tapiola GC (FIN), Kungliga Drottningholm GC (SE) and Hauger GC (NO). The superintendents from these golf clubs explained how the different fertilization practices affected the winter survival of their greens.

Major findings The winters in Nordic countries are a mix of several biotic and abiotic stress factors, among them are freezing, snow, rain, ice and snow moulds. Disease is the most damaging winter stress factor in the southern region of Scandinavia. In the northern zone, the increasing changes in temperature create problems with freezing, ice formation and de-acclimation. The type of damage very much depends on the location and amount of play in autumn at the golf course.

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Major findings in the autumn-fertilization-project were:  The highest N-rate (8.4 g N/m2 from early September to early November) significantly increased microdochium patch in annual meadow grass (AMG; Poa annua) and creeping bentgrass (CB, Agrostis stolonifera). At Landvik, the low N-rate of 2.8 g N/m2 resulted in less microdochium patch, better colour and better recuperative capacity in spring compared with no-N and high-N.  At Apelsvoll, the green in 70 % shade had significantly more disease and less freezing tolerance than the green in full sunlight, but the tolerance to suffocation was not affected.  Freezing tolerance (LT50) of AMG was not significantly affected by autumn fertilization. In CB there was a strong negative correlation between N rate and freezing tolerance.  Losses in drainage water amounted to 4, 20 and 43 % of the N given in autumn at the rates of 2.8, 5.6 and 8.4 g N/m2, respectively,  Sulphur had no effect on freezing tolerance or microdochium patch at Apelsvoll. A normal S input (here defined as 17.5 % of the N input) gave less microdochium patch and better colour of both AMG and CB compared with no S and high S (159% of the N input) at Landvik.

Handbook and autumn fertilization calculator In ‘The Golf Course Managers’ Handbook on Turf Grass Winter Stress Management’, the recently retired NIBIO scientist Agnar Kvalbein and his co-authors summarize results and experiences from several research projects. The handbook has many practical recommendations enabling superintendents to find their own preferred solutions to local problems.

Download the handbook at: http://www.sterf.org/Media/Get/2892/winter-stress-mgmt-handbook The handbook’s general recommendations for autumn fertilization are:  

 

Use the same balanced mix of nutrients in autumn as the rest of the year.

Adjust the N-rate in late August to achieve normal harvest of clippings in collectors. Normally this rate is 20-30 % lower than maximum rate given in June. Rough guidelines are 7, 5 and 3 kg N/ha/week in Poa, Creeping bent and Red fescue, respectively.

Reduce the weekly fertilizer applications in a stepwise fashion until zero by the time the turf normally stops growing.

Reduce the N-rate by 10-20 % if the risk of winter injuries is high due to shade, disease or no use of fungicides.

The recommendations have been incorporated into an ‘Autumn fertilization calculator’ that can be downloaded at: http://www.sterf.org/Media/Get/2891/autumn-fertilizer-calculatorver-1-final

Priorities for further research Towards the end of the seminar, participants were split into groups to discuss needs for further research regarding winter stress management. The highest priorities were as follows: 1. Non-pesticide control of winter diseases (6 groups) 2. Winter covers and other ice control measures (3 groups) 3. Re-establishment stategies after winter damage, notably on old greens (2 groups) 4. Moss and algae control in mild winters (2 groups) 5. Correct use of fungicides (1 group).

The research programme was financed by The Norwegian Research Council, Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF), Norwegian Golf Federation and Golf industry partners.

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DUTCH SIGN STRATEGY TO IMPROVE POLLINATOR HEALTH

By Alessandro De Luca, Italian Golf Federation On January 22nd it was signed the National Bees Strategy for the Netherlands by more than 35 partners, who have drawn up this strategy. The NGF (Dutch Golf Federation) will support the project and care for biodiversity with a special focus on wild bees and butterflies.

Bees are absolutely indispensable for the conservation of flora and fauna due to their role in pollinating plants and they have a crucial economic function in agriculture and horticulture.

For a number of years it has been clear that action is needed to protect bees. In 2013, the then government presented a Bee Health Action Program. That was mainly focused on the honeybee. This new NGF-boardmember Richard Kooloos (Sustainable Golf) co-signing the National National Bees Strategy focuses on all 'pollinators', in particular the many wild Strategy for (wild) bees bee species. More than half of the wild bee species are on a Red List.

They are threatened with extinction. In 2017, it was widely recognized in the Netherlands that more insects are in the danger zone. That is why scientists and civil society organizationsare planning this strategy together.

The Dutch strategy – called ‘Bed & Breakfast for Bees’ - focuses on specific areas and three core themes have been identified in this strategy: 1.

Promotion of biodiversity, aiming at food and nesting habitat improvements in cities and rural areas; 2. Improvement of the nature-agriculture interaction to create a good habitat for bees in all parts of the agricultural environment, ensuring that agriculture that is more nature-based and supporting pollinator-friendly operational management and 3. Helping beekeepers improve the health of their honey bees by making the bees more resistant against pests and diseases.

Here is the link to the project (dutch) brochure https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/binaries/rijksoverhei d/documenten/rapporten/2018/01/22/nationalebijenstrategie-bed--breakfast-forbees/DEF+webversie+Nat+Bijenstrategie_jan+2018.PDF

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More than 40 organisations have joined.

Amenity Forum news: Increasing Public Awareness

By Prof. John Moverley, Amenity Forum The Amenity Forum is once again running a series of free Updating Events at venues across the UK. This series of free Updating Events seeks to address topical issues of interest and relevance to all involved in the amenity sector and will comprise short presentations by speakers drawn from the Chemicals Regulation Division of HSE, BASIS Registration, the National Sprayer Testing Service, STRI, the various host organisations and from the Amenity Forum itself. They are timed to occupy half a day, normally mornings, and on dates between February and April 2018.

The series has been given the title of ‘Meeting the challenge’ and there will be adequate time for questions and discussion. Whilst the events are free, delegates are required to register in advance. There is sure to be a venue near you and so if you require further information, please email admin@amenityforum.net.

These have proved extremely popular events in previous years and have been very well received.

View the dates and times of the events: http://getbritainmoving.uk/media/3928/updating-event-venuesand-programme-2018-v3docx.pdf

_____________________________________________________ Danger for your rootzones?

By Norbert Lischka, Turf Consultant Many greens and other playing areas like soccer pitches are www.der-rasenfuchs.de now getting old. Especially by washouts of fines and by compaction, capillarity is being reduced. This dangerous creeping process for your rootzones is often seen after 10-20 years. Mainly effected are the rootzones with high fine sand particles or high organic contents. These structures were often built too close to the upper limits of FLL or USGA. The resulting negative consequences are difficult to detect. Too long pending moisture especially in the lower part of the rootzone layer has been underestimated for too long and has led to serious long-term problems on many greens and pitches worldwide. Maybe, because of that reason thatch, moss, algae, black layer, too frequent diseases and high levels of Poa Annua are now visible? What is now to do? Longtime practical experience in combination with soil laborites can help to overcome this situation.

A very good example to overcome those dangers is the golf course Rheinblick in Germany, where a special mechanical treatment avoids the rebuilding of their greens. ©Norbert Lischka  The Turf Fox . www.der-rasenfuchs.de  lischka@der-rasenfuchs.de

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Campey enhance the Koro® FTM with a redesigned model

by Charmian Robson 2018 will see the introduction of a new re-designed Koro® FTM (Koro FIELDTOPMAKER) models, designed with all sports turf and golf course maintenance in mind.

The new range delivers changes to the established 1.2m, 2.0m and 2.0 models with the 1.6m replacing the previous 1.5m model.

All the available sizes can facilitate the latest UNIVERSE rotor which offers improved clean up and greater surface hygiene. Earlier rotors will still fit on the 2.0m and 2.5m models but not on the 1.2m or 1.6m.

A new angled cross conveyor has been introduced to move material evenly with perfect belt tracking, whilst the weight of the machine has been reduced with greatly improved weight balance using a 100kg weight that can be removed.

Even when the weight is removed the machine is still better balanced than previous models, and the center of gravity has been shifted further towards the tractor, meaning it is easier for it to be lifted, therefore the Koro FTM can be run using a much smaller tractor.

Maintaining the new machines has also been improved to ensure working reliability. A modular setup allows the machine to run without belts and the strong state of the art drive line is maintenance free.

For further information visit www.campeyturfcare.com Press contact: Charmian abr.publicity@gmail.com

Robson

at

ABR

8

Publicity

on

07775

876655

or

email

“NEWS FROM ACROSS THE POND”

NEW Complimentary TPI Memberships for Turfgrass Educators welcomes over 30 new members!

In recognition of the valuable service that university turfgrass researchers, educators, and extension specialists provide to TPI and the turfgrass industry, the TPI Board of Directors voted on and passed a complimentary membership class for all educators or other individuals engaged in turfgrass research, teaching or extension work.

“The TPI Board of Trustees believes that growing the involvement of our educator members will provide a great benefit to our producer and supplier members by improving our education programs and giving growers more opportunities to become involved with research, leading to the continued promotion of the turfgrass industry,” says Casey Reynolds, PhD. TPI Educator Membership • Standard ($75): Receive all benefits of membership as well as a printed copy of Turf News • Complimentary: Receive all benefits of membership, including an electronic subscription to our bi-monthly magazine, Turf News Since rolling out this program in November of 2017, TPI has already welcomed 20 new university researchers and extension specialist from all over the globe. For information on how to join as a TPI Educator in either the Standard or Complimentary category, please contact Casey Reynolds (creynolds@TurfgrassSod.org) or Karen Cooper (kcooper@TurfgrassSod.org) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

University and Educator NEWS! TLI Research Grant Program receives 19 proposals!

The Lawn Institute Research Committee recently requested proposals for research funding as part of the 2018 TLI Research Call for Proposals. Grant funding is available beginning June 2018 for studies that impact turfgrass farmers, distributors, and consumers. Of particular interest is research in the following areas: • • • •

Cultural Impact of Turfgrass Extending Harvested Turfgrass Shelf Life Environmental Awareness Production Cost

Compilations and Summaries of Existing Research on: • • •

Nutrients and Plant Protection The Role of Turfgrass in Protecting the Environment Benefits of Turfgrass

Applications have now closed but future information can be downloaded at Research Grants on The Lawn Institute Website or at this link. http://www.thelawninstitute.org/pages/science/research-grants/

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TPI 2018 International Education Conference & Field Day!

TPI’s 2018 International Education Conference & Field Day will be an exciting week of learning and networkin opportunities that you cannot afford to miss! The education program features breakout sessions coverin business, communication, leadership, stress management, technology, natural turfgrasses vs. synthetic surface turf physiology, and the ever-popular Show & Tell sessions with Jim Keeven of SelecTurf, Inc. and Keith Wittig o Central Turf Farms, Inc. Every year, members report that the information they gain at this event through the classroom sessions, from networking at a reception, to negotiating a purchase in the exhibit hall, more than pays for the cost of the trip Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your business and make new connections at the 2018 Internation Education Conference & Field Day! The list of educational topics include: • Meeting the Challenges of Leadership in Today’s Workplace • Partnership is the New Leadership • Ain’t Nuthin’ Like the Reel Thing: Natural Turfgrass vs. Synthetic Surfaces • Who Dun-it? Fraud and Ethics in the Workplace • Show & Tell: Jimmy Keeven of SelecTurf, Inc. from Jefferson City, Missouri and Keith Wittig of Central Turf Farms in Wharton, TX. • Reducing Inputs through Site-Specific Management • Turfgrass Cultivar Selection for Drought and Cold Resistance • Why My Sod is Better: Communicating the Value of Natural Turfgrass • Technology Tools for Sod Producers • Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout • Salt and Sodium: It Ain’t the Same • Seeding Your Fields while Having a Cocktail on Your Porch

R&R Products Manufacturing Facility Tour There will also be a tour of R&R products, which was established in 1971 and manufactures and supplies qualit replacement parts, sod harvester blades, golf course accessories, irrigation, power equipment, and tools for th commercial golf and turf industries. Family owned and operated with over 275 employees, R&R has grown from less than a hundred parts in 1971 to over a thousand in 1985 to over 25,000 parts today. The manufacturing an distribution facilities in Tucson, Arizona include computerized numeric controlled lathes and mills for precisio machining, punch presses, state-of- the-art laser cutting center as well as five heat-treating systems fo complete control of the temper on blades. Be sure to join us for a special lunch sponsored by R&R Products an this impressive tour of their facilities!

Field Day Evergreen Turf, located in the desert near Eloy, AZ began as a 120 acre farm with a single center pivot and th simple goal of producing high quality sod for landscape contractors. When Jeff called his friend, Jimmy Fox t help look for an investor, he never dreamed that someday the two of them would be partners, with farms in thre states and managing over 2,500 acres of sod production. Today the Eloy farm is a 655-acre farm with thre center pivots, one lateral irrigation system, three reservoirs, and seven different varieties of sod. Summer day can reach 120 degrees, while winter nights dip into the low 20s, so much of the bermudagrass is overseeded wit perennial ryegrass in order for customers to receive green grass year-round.

Details on specific events, topics, and registration can be found by downloading the Attendee Brochure at http://www.turfgrasssod.org/pages/events/international-conference-field-day/

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JOBS, JOBS, JOBS ______________________________________________ Agronomist at The Andersons, Mid-West United States Job Description The Andersons is looking to hire an agronomist to support their Pro Business. Knowledge of the golf, sports turf and lawn care industry is strongly preferred. Ideally, they would like to find someone with a few years of practical experience. If you are aware of any candidates please refer them to the contact listed below. They indicated that the GIS may be a good venue to meet some candidates.

Andersons Professional Business Agronomist Position 1. Collaborative position with our technical and R&D function to support the Pro business on the design and implementation of the annual R&D effort. Design and manage all field trial work supporting new and existing products.

2. Works in collaboration with our sales team as the external face of the Andersons Pro business to the industry to represent our products and technologies.

3. Create and expand the product information and technical support for newer products, maintain CORE product line support, and create technical support for new launches.

4. Position reports to Director of Sales for the Pro business.

5. High collaboration with sales, marketing and product management.

6. No direct reports at this time.

7. Opportunity to collaborate with other PN agronomists and technical team as resources.

8. 50% travel expectation with majority being domestic. Several trips a year to Maumee.

This role has been facilitated by committee in past. Presents an opportunity to create and shape this position.

The Andersons Plant Nutrient Group www.andersonspro.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assistant Professor of Plant Science About Western Kentucky University: Western Kentucky University (WKU): Founded in 1906, WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, an ethnically and racially diverse community of 61,500 people, about 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville. More than 50 different languages are spoken in and around Bowling Green and people from 35 nationalities call the area home. We seek to attract teaching- and research-active, culturally and academically diverse faculty members.

The university's population of approximately 20,000 students includes 35% first generation university/college, 15% underrepresented minority and 6% international students. A comprehensive university, WKU is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state and nation.

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Job Description: The Department of Agriculture at Western Kentucky University seeks applicants for a 9-month tenure eligible Assistant Professor of Plant Science with responsibilities for teaching, applied research and service.

The Department of

Agriculture is committed to educating students and promoting equity and diversity in a multicultural society. The selected candidate will be expected to teach 9 credit hours each semester in their area of specialty and/or in service classes in related disciplines, advise both undergraduate and graduate students, and maintain research productivity.

Reduction of teaching load through reassignment of duties is possible with administrative approval. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop a research program with a focus in one of the following disciplines: turfgrass science, horticulture, or agronomy.

Service activities may include service to the department, college,

university, industry and professional groups, and outreach to the surrounding communities.

Western Kentucky University's Agriculture Research and Education Center is located within four miles of campus and consists of numerous plant science research and education units including a small golf course, vegetable and fruit crops, greenhouses, and various field and forage crop areas. The successful candidate will supervise the management of, conduct research at, and supervise graduate and/or undergraduate students at one of these units. Anticipated start date is August 15th, 2018.

Requirements: Educational requirements include a Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, or related discipline. Candidates nearing the completion of their Ph.D. may also be considered with the provision that the successful candidate will have completed their Ph.D. prior to beginning employment.

Candidates

must

have

a

substantial

background

in

either

turfgrass

management, horticultural crops or agronomic crops and should demonstrate a commitment to mentoring students regardless of gender, race or disability.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are imperative, along with the ability to operate effectively in a diverse multi-ethnic/multicultural environment. This position requires a strong commitment to teaching, student advisement, and the professional development of graduate and undergraduate students studying plant science disciplines and candidates must be able to excel in a highly collaborative studentcentered environment.

The successful candidate will be tasked with developing a competitive research program in

turfgrass science, horticulture or agronomy with traditional scholarly outcomes (including publications and presentations) by obtaining external research grant funding.

The successful candidate is expected to collaborate

with industry professionals and professional organizations within their discipline to further the industry and must be willing to promote multicultural education and awareness. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Todd Willian (todd.willian@wku.edu).

Additional Information: Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO) at (270) 745- 5121, a minimum of five working days in advance.

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Application Instructions: The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by April 1, 2018, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

   

Letter of Intent Curriculum Vita Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.

Here is the link to the advertisement: https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=24EC59EEB8B48E21B50FB45B0C11568C?JOBID=9 4271

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Research Biology Intern in Turfgrass Science for The Scotts MiracleGro Company!

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, with a full range of products for professional horticulture as well. Scotts Miracle-Gro has helped to grow the nearly $7 billion global consumer lawn and garden market through product innovation, industry-leading advertising efforts and its trusted brands. Scotts is an EEO Employer, dedicated to a culturally diverse, drug free work place.

Job Description The Scotts lawns product development team is looking for a self-motivated student interested in broadening their knowledge of turfgrass research. The intern will assist in the execution of field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments in support of new product development. Experiments will focus on turfgrass biology and fertility, water use efficiency, weed ecology, and herbicide/fertilizer interactions as related to management of weeds in residential turfgrass. The candidate should have some turfgrass experience and be enrolled in a university program studying Turf Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related biological science.

The Research Biology Intern’s primary responsibilities will include: assisting with preparing and maintaining field and greenhouse trial areas, preparing and applying experimental treatments, and collecting and entering experimental data.

Key Responsibilities Assist with set up and execution of turfgrass fertility, herbicide efficacy, and water use efficiency experiments under the direction of a Research Specialist.

Record experimental results and enter data as directed.

Maintain field trial areas and associated machinery.

Site maintenance as required.

Comply with company environment, health and safety policy and ISO procedures.

Assist with various administrative support duties.

Work on a project and present to senior leadership at the end of the summer.

Job Requirements  Enrolled in a University or has recently graduated in a relevant biological science. This position provides a great experience for one pursuing a graduate degree in a Turfgrass related science.  Ability to operate motorized lawn and garden equipment (mowers, utility carts, etc.)  Attention to detail, accuracy, and basic math skills.  Personal drive and ability to work unsupervised.  Ability to follow work instructions and written experimental protocols.  Good communication skills and ability to function as part of a team.  Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and email.

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Key Responsibilities  Conduct scientific experimentation for field and greenhouse evaluations of turfgrass response to fertilizers, surfactants, nutrient stabilizers, etc.  Drive innovation and future product development direction through interactions with industry experts, universities, sources of consumer insights and regional research station experts to understand new technologies, new biological research methods, consumer trends and regional differences.  Scouting and testing new technologies, recommending and developing new products, creating product claims and identifying cost saving opportunities.  Mining the realm of technologies and matching them to both articulated and unarticulated consumer needs to drive the business.  Conduct statistical analysis of experiments and develop written scientific conclusions to experiments.  Providing technical assistance to R&D, marketing, regulatory, sourcing, quality, legal and manufacturing when appropriate.  Collaborating closely with colleagues in R&D, marketing, regulatory, sourcing, and manufacturing to ensure alignment on project goals, effective use of resources and explore innovation possibilities.  Present research findings to executive leadership.

Job Requirements  Education: BS with experience in conducting biological research on turf products or technologies will be strongly considered with MS preferred.  Experience: 2 to 5 years: Hands-on field research experience with standard equipment and procedures.  Scientific curiosity, personal drive, ability to network and identify breakthrough technologies, product improvements and cutting-edge methods of research.  Demonstrated ability to execute research programs that answer specific questions and/or solve problems.

Knowledge & Skills  Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), ARM, SAP.  Working knowledge of statistics and statistical tools.  Strong verbal and written communication skills to communicate effectively with key stakeholders to influence direction and enable decisions to make progress toward goals.

For more info visit: https://thescottsmiraclegrocompany.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=2478

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AGENDA OF TURFGRASS EVENTS Event

Date

Location

web

TPI 2018

12-15 Feb 2018

Tucson (USA)

www.turfgrasssod.org

6th ETS Conference

2-4 July, 2018

Manchester (UK)

http://www.turfgrasssociety.eu/ETSC_2018/

IHC: Turfgrass Management and Science for Sports Fields

12-16 Aug 2018

Istanbul (TUR)

www.ihc2018.org

ETP farm tour

October, 2018

Comporta (PT)

http://turfgrassproducers.eu

10thInternational Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses

18-21 June, 2018

Salamanca (ES)

http://www.isfeg2018.fundacionusal.es/

If you know of a turfgrass-related event which should be included in the Agenda of Turfgrass Events, please contact the ETS Newsletter Editor at etsoffice@turfgrasssociety.eu with all relevant details.

Š European Turfgrass Society 2018 Edited by Claudia de Bertoldi PhD, etsoffice@turfgrasssociety.eu

Deadline for submission of material for 02/2018 edition: April 20th 15

The EUROPEAN TURFGRASS SOCIETY The objectives of the ETS include the spread of innovative applications and encouragement of a holistic view of turf, particularly with respect to its influence on urban and environmental quality. This approach is significant as the founding members are representatives of a large industry that has global importance. We aim to: a) Provide a forum for scientists, consultants, companies and practitioners to discuss technical issues related to the provision of turf surfaces. b) Spread innovative applications for the benefit of the turfgrass industry, national and local government, and the European public. Encourage a systemsbased approach to the study of turfgrass through multi-disciplinary groups working at different levels. c) ETS considers turfgrass knowledge in the broadest sense, including its use in sport and leisure, its role in improving urban quality and its importance in the mitigation of environmental effects such as soil erosion. d) Develop a strong ethos to promote sustainable, low input systems and solutions based on the conscious use of non-renewable resources.

Current ETS Board of Directors Stewart Brown Myerscough College (GBR) ETS President I have been working in the sports turf and amenity horticulture industry for over 30 years’ and during this have managed many sports turf and landscape areas and facilities for several local authorities and government agencies.

Since entering education I have taught hundreds of students in a range of sports turf and management subjects. I am currently, Senior Lecturer in Sports turf Agronomy at Myerscough College, an associate college of the University of Central Lancashire. I am the Course Leader for the BSc Sports turf Science & Management and the MA Sustainable Golf Course Management ONLINE degrees.

I am a member of BIGGA, the GCSAA, and a Fellow of the IOG. I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As an author I have published two books on sports turf subjects and numerous articles for professional and trade literature. My main areas of interest include golf course design and management, sustainability and resource management. I have Masters qualifications in both Horticulture and Parks & Green space Management. I am just completing a Professional Doctorate (DProf) with Anglia Ruskin University researching the efficacy of resource management and its impact on sustainability for golf greens.

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Anne Mette Dahl Jensen University of Copenhagen (DKK) ETS Board Member

Born 1965. M.Sc. in Biology 1992. Ph.D. in Biotechnology.

Involved in grass research since 1998.

Since 2006 employed as a senior advisor in turfgrass at the University of Copenhagen.

Research areas: Establishment and maintenance of turfgrass areas - especially in relation to pesticide free weed maintenance and in relation to the evaluation of quality. Implementation of the EU directive on sustainable pesticide use in Denmark especially IPM. Turfgrass, its biology, physiology and growth. Grass endophytes, their interaction with the grass plant and the commercial use. Other responsibilities. Serve as an advisor in the university's counselling service unit (municipalities, golf courses etc.). Serve as scientific advisor for the Danish authority (The Danish Environmental Protection Agency) in relation to pesticide use on golf courses and amenity areas. Participates in the Danish Environmental Protection Agency advisory group in relation to the phasing out of pesticides in public areas. Teaching responsibilities at the University (Park maintenance) and extern teaching of greenkeepers etc.

Claudia de Bertoldi Turf Europe Srl (ITA) ETS Secretary and Treasurer I received my BA in 2003, after an internship at North Carolina State University (USA) and I have completed my M.Sc (Progettazione e Pianificazione delle Aree Verdi e del Paesaggio) at University of Pisa (Italy) in 2006. My PhD (Allelopathic interferences of plants) was from S. Anna School of Advanced Studies/Université de Fribourg (CH) in 2007-2010. I have been working as consultant at Pacini Company (Pisa – IT) for turfgrass production made in Tunisia during 2010-2012. Since 2013 I am employed by Turf Europe (Livorno – IT). I am actively engaged in landscaping and realization of gardens and turfgrasses for ornamental and sport use.

Management of high-quality sport fields also through precision agriculture. Consultant for turf seeding in difficult zones (dumps and caves). Botanical censuses and visual tree assessment. Participation in R&D projects financed at European level. More than 15 publications, posters and presentations on conferences and meetings on turfgrass.

Tatsiana Espevig Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NOR) ETS Board Member Born in 1976. Moved to Norway from Belarus in 2005. MSc from Byelorussian State Pedagogical Maxim Tank University, Minsk, Belarus in 1999. PhD from National Academy of Sciences of Belarusin 2004 (resistance to downy mildew in cucumber) and Norwegian University of Life Sciencesin 2011 (winter hardiness and management of velvet bentgrass). Internship at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, USA in 2009. Since 2006 employed by Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO, former Bioforsk). Her research focuses on turfgrass pest management, winter stress and cultural practices.

She also runs Disease diagnostic laboratory.

Lecturer on several meetings and courses held by the national golf unions and greenkeeper assosiations in the Nordic countries. Supervisor for two MSc students. More than 100 reports, scientific and popular publications, posters and presentations on conferences and meetings on turf grass science.

Alessandro De Luca Italian Golf Federation (ITA) ETS Board Member Degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Bologna (Italy).

Diploma in Turfgrass Science at the Texas A & M University (USA).

Head of the Green Section of the Italian Golf Federation, for which he also directs experimental activity and environmental projects.

Teaching activity for Technical Centre of Italian Golf Federation, for CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) and for some Universities (Catania, Viterbo, Turin, Rome).

Consultant for private companies on planning, construction and maintenance of golf courses and sport fields. Author of books on turfgrass construction and management. Collaboration with several turf and golf magazines. related to the environment.

Fritz Lord COMPO Expert (GER) ETS Board Member Study of horticultural science at Rhein University Geisenheim, M.sc. in soil science/entomology. Study of Agricultural Science at Humboldt University Berlin; M.Sc. in crop science, plant diseases; Ph.D at Humboldt University Berlin in phytopathology, antagonistic rhizobacteria (PGPR), soil borne pathogens (Fusarium). Since 2008 working for one of Europe`s leading fertilizer manufacturer COMPO Expert in Münster, Germany. Responsible for the segment turf and public green, vegetation-technical consultation, research and development, product management and education. Specialties/ experiences: soil-plant-microorganism interactions, bio stimulants, microbial fertilizer, turf nutrition and maintenance.

Various publications regarding turf fertilization and maintenance (e.g. European Journal of Turfgrass Science, New Landscape). Teaching turf seminars for greenkeepers and groundsmen in Germany and abroad. ETS member since 2008, board member of the International Turf Grass Society (ITS) since 2014.

Further memberships: German Turfgrass Society (DRG), Greenkeeper Association of Germany (GVD) , Austrian Greenkeeper Association (AGA), Förderkreis Landschafts- und Sportplatzbauliche Forschung (FLSF), Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsbau e.V. (FLL).

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Wolfgang Praemassing DEULA (GER) ETS Board Member Study of Agricultural Biology (University Diploma) at University of Hohenheim, 1991 Doctoral Dissertation (PhD) Promotion with Prof.

Dr. H. Franken, University of Bonn, subject: Soil physical Effects of Aeration on Turfgrass Soils, 2008.

Occupation and activities: Agronomist and lecturer in Greenkeeper Education and Training for golf and sport sites at DEULA Rheinland GmbH, Education Center, Kempen. Member of editorial staff of "European Journal of Turfgrass Science". Member of expert committee of German Soccer League (DFL). Member of working group "Turf" at German Soccer Federation" (DFB). Member of working group "Water" at German Golf Federation. Member of board of directors "International Turfgrass Society" (ITS). Member of examination boards of Chamber of Agriculture Nordrhein-Westfalen Golf Course Greenkeeper and Head-Greenkeeper, Greekeeper/Groundsmen Sport Sites, Competence of Pesticide application.

Carlos Guerrero University of Algarve (POR) ETS Board Member Carlos Guerrero is graduated in Horticulture Engineering at the University of Algarve (Portugal). Has a M.Sc. in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition at the Agronomy Superior Institute, of the Technical University of Lisbon (Portugal) and a PhD in Environmental Agronomy at the University of Algarve (Portugal). Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve(Faculty of Sciences and Technology), is actually the Director of the Degree Program in Agronomy and was the Director of the Master Program in Management and Maintenance of Golf Courses between 2008-2010.

Teaches Soil Science in Landscape Architecture and Soil Science and Agriculture Machinery in the Agronomy. Is also specialized in groundwater and soil nitrate pollution and has experience on organic and compost uses in agriculture and turfgrass.

Actually is working on remote sensing for turfgrass maintenance purposes with unmanned aerial vehicles and multispectral sensors.

Bernd Leinauer New Mexico State University (USA) ETS Board Member Dr. Bernd Leinauer is a Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist in the Extension Plant Sciences Department at New Mexico State University. He received his degrees (Master and Ph.D.) in Crop and Soil Science from Hohenheim University in Stuttgart, Germany. Before joining the faculty at New Mexico State University in 2000, he worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. His extension and research program at New Mexico State University focuses on developing water management strategies for turf areas aimed at reducing the amount of (potable) water used for irrigation. These strategies include the screening for low water use, cold and salt tolerant turf species and cultivars, irrigation with recycled and/or high saline water, modification of turfgrass root zones, mitigation of water repellency in root zones, and subsurface irrigation.

The program has led to a successful international research collaboration with University of Padova, Italy that includes projects in both turfgrass and forage. Dr. Leinauer has authored and co-authored a book, a book chapter, nearly 70 scientific peer reviewed research papers, and almost 200 reports and abstracts.

He was part of a group of NMSU researchers that received the United States Department of Agriculture’s Outstanding Integrated Program Water Resources Team Award. In 2012, Dr. Leinauer received the College’s Distinguished Research Award and in 2013 he was awarded New Mexico State University’s Distinguished Career Award.

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