Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
September/October 2025
The P A R T N E R S H I P I S S U E A Labor of Love:
Community Building Through Landscapes
Plus, Welcome Incoming
VTC Executive Director, Beck Stanley
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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | September/October 2025
12
14 NEWS FROM VTC
10 New Executive Director Announced
20
24
DEPARTMENTS 6 President’s Message from Wes Bray
UPCOMING EVENT
12 Lawn and Landscape Short Course
7 Index of Advertisers 8 Director’s Corner
COVER STORY
14 A Labor of Love: Community Building Through Landscapes
from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.
8 Virginia Tech Turf Team
FEATURES
20 Unlikely Partnerships 24 Success of the USDA-Funded Resist Poa Project 4 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
Find this issue, Events and More:
THETURFZONE.COM
W W W . T H E T U R F G R A S S G R O U P. C O M
President’s Message
An industry leader and dedicated supporter of the lawn and landscape industry.
F
or several decades Dr. Tom Tracy has been at the forefront of advocating for our great industry. His tireless efforts and strong leadership promoting the Virginia Turfgrass Council have provided stability in an everchanging industry. I met Tom at George Washington University in the early 90’s. Paula and I had just started our business, Lawns Plus, and decided we needed to become more educated in horticulture. My first dreaded class was Botany 101 and myself and the others in the class were certain we didn’t want to be there. Tom stood in front of the class and began telling us how much we would enjoy learning Botany, how absolutely fascinating it would be learning about cell division, and how growth hormones can be stimulated and understanding how and why plants were named would make our lives better. Naturally our eyes glassed over and our brains started to shut down. Then he started teaching and we became fascinated with the world of Botany. At the same time Tom was Executive Director of a regional conference called the Professional Horticulture Conference of Virginia. He encouraged us to attend. The event was several days of classes and a large trade show with an average of 1500 attendees daily. We realized that this industry was growing and the potential for us to grow with it was tremendous. Unfortunately, the conference started becoming more homeowner focused with less industry professional content. Tom left that position and called me one day excited about becoming Executive Director of the Virginia Turfgrass Council, a totally industry focused group. During his time at the VTC we have seen many changes and his steady hand and insight have helped VTC to become recognized as a leader for the lawn and landscape industry. Tom’s vision brought about the concept of the VTC Environmental Institute and Come to the Bay Conference. These events have resulted in working with environmental groups that formerly considered our industry responsible for many ecological and environmental modern problems. Tom’s leadership and industry focus has elevated the status of all our members. Tom retires from the VTC on Dec. 31, 2025 and we are thankful for the time he has dedicated to the industry. His last months as director will be spent helping our new director, Beck Stanley, carry on with the vision and mission of the VTC and VTC-EI. Tom will be missed, but I’m certain we haven’t seen the last of him.
Wes Bray
Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com VTC OFFICERS President Wes Bray Lawns & Gardens Plus (757) 422-2117 Vice President Harris Wheeler, CTP Richmond Public Schools (retired) (804) 475-4561 Secretary / Treasurer Ray Funkhouser PBI Gordon (retired) Past President Phil Bailey, CGCS Isle of Wight County Parks & Recreation (757) 572-1981 VTC DIRECTORS Sam Burris Jack Findling Richard Linsday Bruce Sheppard T.J. Skirsky Craig Zeigler VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdiva, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. David McCall Ph.D. Dan Sandor, Ph.D. Cynthia Smith, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 464-1004
VTC President VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Brandyn Baty (757) 585-3058
6 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Agronomic Lawn Management.......... Inside Front Cover www.FertilizerWithALM.com
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Carolina Green Corp............................... 17 www.cgcfields.com
Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc.......... 3 www.centralsodmd.com
East Coast Sod & Seed............................. 17 www.eastcoastsod.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co.................... 19 www.greenecountyfert.com
Leading Edge Communications................ 23 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
McGill Premium Compost......................... 19 www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc................... 3 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Smith Seed Services.................................. 19 www.smithseed.com
Smith Turf & Irrigation................. Back Cover www.smithturf.com
The Turf Zone................... Inside Back Cover www.theturfzone.com
The Turfgrass Group................................... 5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
Trimax Mowing Systems........................... 18 www.trimaxmowers.com
Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2025 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Thirdclass postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 370643394, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 7
Director’s Corner
O
ur mission and vision statements mandate the VTC reach out to a vastly underserved segment of the Green Industry: Lawn and Landscape professionals. One aspect of our service to them, encouraging African Americans and other minorities to become industry leaders, has the side benefit of winning friends on both sides of the political aisle. But that political gain is an unexpected side benefit — we would pursue the goal even if politicians took no notice of our efforts with Virginia State University and others to prepare persons for leadership positions. Why is the goal important? Simply put, our country is divided. For too long the norm has been for groups to form based on ethnicity, political persuasion, and other defining characteristics. Members of each group find comfort among their peers and form barriers, often unnoticed by group members, that exclude persons who do not fit the accepted norms. The Lawn and Landscape industry has made great strides at breaking down those walls. Persons of color and persons of various political persuasions often attend our events, not as laborers but as business owners and leaders. One time, my own experience at seeking to increase the interest of minorities in our profession took me to a needy area in Petersburg, an area where Virginia State University had an agriculture outreach to the community. I arrived at the off-campus facility about forty-five minutes before my meeting with a professor. Being very obviously an outsider (I was the only white person in sight), I realized my best course of action was to get out of my car and approach a person who appeared to be connected to the project. After establishing my identity and my reason for being there, he and I had a conversation that was best described as stilted and halting. At his direction, our focus during those awkward minutes was on race relations. I don’t always say the right thing, but this time God gave me the right words: “Our country has done some horrible things. Our country has also done some fantastic things. We need to acknowledge both.” That statement changed everything. The tension melted. He unlocked the door and gave me a grand tour of the facility, speaking enthusiastically about its accomplishments and plans for the future. What turned a tense encounter to one of warmth and friendship? Respect, dialogue, and an earnest effort to understand each other.
Virginia Tech Turf Team Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-5807 askew@vt.edu Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdiva, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3900 adelpozo@vt.edu Jeffrey F. Derr, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3912 jderr@vt.edu Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D. Virginia Tech 420 Smyth Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-2951 goatley@vt.edu David McCall, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9598 dsmccall@vt.edu
The entire green industry is poised to welcome persons normally considered outsiders of established groups into its leadership and the Lawn and Landscape part of that industry is uniquely positioned to lead that change.
Dan Sandor, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 170 Drillfield Dr. 411 Price Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9775 dsandor@vt.edu
Tom Tracy, Ph.D.
WITH SUPPORT FROM:
VTC Executive Director
Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Dept. of Entomology 216 Price Hall 170 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-6129 tkuhar@vt.edu 8 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
News from VTC
Stanley Named Executive Director of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
T
he Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Beck Stanley as its next Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Stanley succeeds longtime Executive Director Tom Tracy. Stanley brings extensive experience in agricultural policy, grassroots advocacy, and organizational leadership to the Council. An adjunct instructor at the University of Richmond SPCS, he also leads Rural Results Public Affairs, where he has worked closely with producers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to advance Virginia’s agricultural industry, specializing in pesticide and turfgrass issues. Prior to launching his firm, he spent four years with the Virginia Agribusiness Council as Director of Government Affairs. He will continue serving clients at Rural Results and teaching at the University of Richmond. “We are thrilled to welcome Beck to the Virginia Turfgrass Council,” said Wes Bray, President of the VTC Board of Directors. “His background in advocacy and his deep understanding of Virginia’s legislative and regulatory environment will be invaluable as we continue to support the professionals who steward turfgrass, control erosion, and beautify communities across the Commonwealth.” As Executive Director, Stanley will lead the Council’s efforts in education, industry outreach, events, and advocacy, with a focus on enhancing member services, expanding certification and training programs, and raising public awareness about the value of turfgrass in Virginia’s communities and economy. “I am thrilled to join the Virginia Turfgrass Council. This is an organization committed to enhancing communities and neighborhoods across Virginia, which drew me to the role,” said Stanley. “The Council has a strong history of leadership in education and advocacy, leads on safety and certifications for professional applicators, and I am committed to building on that foundation to serve our members and strengthen turfgrass businesses statewide.” The Virginia Turfgrass Council represents professionals in turfgrass management, including those in sod production, landscaping, lawn care, golf, and sports. Through education, research, and policy engagement, the Council works to advance the science and business of turfgrass in Virginia. For more information about the Virginia Turfgrass Council, visit our website at vaturf.org
10 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025
Virginia Turfgrass Council – Environmental Institute is a 501(c)(3) Corporation focused on building a bridge between the Green Industry and Environmental groups. With YOUR support, VTC-EI can continue in its work in service projects, legislative advocacy and building goodwill. To learn more about VTC-EI and to get involved, please contact us at virginiaturf@gmail.com
Upcoming Event
Landscape / Lawn Short Course Once again, the Lawn and Landscape Short Course will be held at the Belmont Recreation Center during the first week of December on Dec 02, 03, and 04 (Tuesday – Thursday).
Wednesday, December 3 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Transition Zone Challenges / Opportunities (8:30) Common Landscaping Mistakes (9:30)
SCHEDULE
Tree Botany and Maintenance OR Tree Installation and Maintenance (10:30)
Tuesday, December 2
Lunch (12:00)
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Stay Legal – Virginia Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations (12:45) – What can we Expect in Virginia (1:15) – What is Happening in Other States and in Washington? (1:45)
Introduction (9:00) Landscape Realities (9:15) – Plants for Success – these are plants that have proven themselves in Coastal Virginia; Central Virginia; Institutions and Parks – Henrico County Public Schools – Great example of combining turfgrass and non turfgrass areas
Success With Trees – Essentials for lawn / landscape professionals (2:30) End (4:00)
Thursday, December 4 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
– Tricks of the Trade Keeping Your Crew Focused on the Goal Dealing with Temperature Extremes Experiences with battery powered equipment (focus on large mowers)
Successful Landscape Design and Implementation (8:30) Weeds in the Landscape and Lawn (9:30) Insects in the Landscape and Lawn (10:30)
Lunch (12:00)
Lunch (12:00)
Turfgrass Basics (12:45)
Administrative Items (12:45)
Soil Basics (3:00)
Botany. So What? (1:00)
End (4:00)
End (2:30)
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.VATURF.ORG/SHORT-COURSE
12 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
2025 Landscape / Lawn Short Course D E C E M B E R 2 – 4 (Tuesday – Thursday) Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Road, Henrico VA 23228 DETAILS ONLINE AT WWW.VATURF.ORG/SHORT-COURSE
REGISTRATION FORM The cost: $290 for members of the VTC $350 for non-members of the VTC Join the VTC for $100 (membership good thru December 31, 2026) SIGN UP FOR
PRICE
VTC Member Rate
$290
VTC Non-Member Rate
$350
VTC Membership
$100
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P A Y M E N T : You may also register and pay online at www.vaturf.org/short-course (under events menu) Check
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VIRGINIA TURFGRASS COUNCIL P.O. Box 5989 • Virginia Beach, VA 23471 • Phone: (757)464-1004 • FAX: (757)282-2693 • Email: virginiaturf@gmail.com
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 13
Cover Story
A LABOR OF LOVE By Harris Wheeler, VTC Vice President
Childhood Roots and Lifelong Passion On September 19, 2025, our crew performed routine maintenance at the Bellemeade Outdoor Learning Park in South Richmond. The park sits just behind Oak Grove Elementary School and serves as a vital green space with sports fields, gardens, picnic areas, and nature trails. That day, mothers gathered with their young children who ran through the sandbox, climbed mulch piles, and chased one another with laughter. It was a reminder of why this work matters. In a world dominated by technology, children still need nature. Developing a love for the outdoors early in life builds healthier bodies and stronger minds. My mother, Pauline Wheeler, now 103, instilled that lesson in me. She was a lifelong gardener and required us to dig the family plot by hand each year. We spent our childhood outside, shooting marbles and playing horseshoes. The backyard had no grass, but it was filled with joy. Those early lessons shaped me into the person I am today. At 74, I have now spent more than four decades in the lawn and landscape industry. My career has been rich with learning, growth, and opportunities to promote environmental stewardship. My goal now is to share those experiences and train others in this field.
The Start of a Career In 1983, I launched my lawn care career almost by accident. Two nephews spent the summer with me, and instead of letting them sit idle, we designed flyers and started mowing lawns under the name TLC Lawn Service. I enjoyed being outdoors, which offered relief from my job as a claims representative with The Travelers Insurance Company. When my nephews returned home, I kept mowing, and word of mouth brought more clients. In June 1984, I left the stability of my insurance career to pursue lawn care fulltime. Looking back, I had no clear plan, but I had determination.
14 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
Bellemeade Park has become an outdoor classroom for many students.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 15
Cover Story continued
Protecting the Environment Environmental protection is often defined as taking measures to prevent pollution and preserve the balance in nature. For me, it is about stewardship. Every lawn, park, or community space offers an opportunity to model care for the land.
Enriching Lives at Bellemeade I first learned of Bellemeade Park about fifteen years ago when I read an article featuring community leader Bob Argabright. His vision was to transform the neglected land behind Oak Grove Elementary into a thriving outdoor learning space. As a horticulture instructor at the time, I understood the challenges. When we finally met, I saw that his plan required persistence and faith in the long game. After retiring from Richmond Public Schools in 2013, I joined Groundwork RVA as a trainer, focusing on school grounds and Bellemeade Park. Eventually, I launched my own business, Grounds Maintenance Consulting and Training Services. This year, Richmond Parks and Recreation hired my company to maintain Bellemeade during the growing season. Teachers now bring students to explore frogs, birds, bees, chickens, and gardens. The park has become a living classroom. Families walk, run, and bike, even my own grandchildren never want to leave once they arrive.
Working in Mosby Court My journey at Mosby Court began in 1992 when I became Grounds Maintenance Supervisor for Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. At that time, a staff of 32 kept the property maintained year-round. Later, RRHA shifted to contracting services. In 2024, I successfully bid on the contract for Mosby Court and Blackwell Senior Cottages. It was a challenging project, but I saw it as a chance to make a difference. I recruited a crew from the community itself. Team leader Kallah Amon Bland, his brother Kali Jamil Bland, and Tyquawn Watson all live in public housing. Each has faced obstacles, but all have shown dedication. Together, we are shaping not just the landscape but also the lives of those around us. Residents are beginning to notice improvements in safety and cleanliness. Building trust takes time, but even small gestures like snacks and water from neighbors show progress. Our vision is to provide professional, safe, and efficient grounds maintenance. We are not only protecting the environment but also helping residents take pride in their community and providing our crew with wages that support their families.
Improving Mosby Court changes lives and the landscape.
16 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
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Solutions require recognizing the problems and tackling them bit by bit. Every sidewalk we edge and every hazard we fix creates momentum. Step by step, we can transform these spaces into safe, welcoming places.
Industry Voices Not just a work crew, but community members investing in their own families and neighbors.
Facing Problems, Finding Solutions The problems in MosbyCourt are real: excessive trash, car ruts, broken glass, stray dogs, and a contract that only covers seven months of the year. While it is easy to blame RRHA, I believe the responsibility rests with ALL OF US!!!! What happened: IT TAKES A VILLAGE!! These conditions foster crime and diminish hope, especially for children. If they remain indoors, many turn to violent video games instead of healthy recreation.
Others in our industry echo these priorities. In the Turfgrass Council magazine, President Wes Bray wrote about service projects that improve community spaces such as ball fields or cemeteries, emphasizing safety and lower maintenance costs. Former City Council member Andreas Addison stressed the need to invest in childhood by providing safe gyms, fields, and afterschool programs. Sports, he argued, give young people purpose and a reason to keep showing up. National voices highlight the same concerns. Journalist Fernanda Figueroa has written about the importance of green spaces in marginalized communities, while Alicia White of Project Petals emphasized the environmental injustices faced by Black and Brown neighborhoods.
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18 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
Younger leaders are also stepping forward. Virginia State University student Milagros Torres told me that by exposing underserved communities to agriculture, we can protect the environment, enrich lives, and create economic opportunity. Agricultural education without racial bias, she noted, can inspire the next generation to see their future in this field.
The Path Ahead After more than forty years in this profession, I remain convinced of its potential. The lawn and landscape industry offers far more than most people realize. It provides opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, and service. I continue to serve on the advisory board of Richmond Technical Center and as vice president of the Virginia Turfgrass Council and Environmental Institute. My mission is to mentor, consult, and train others so the next generation is ready to carry the torch.
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The Environmental Institute was created to foster collaboration, not division. In just four years, it has built meaningful partnerships and united groups that once seemed disconnected. Together, we are addressing challenges that affect not only the green industry but also the communities we serve.
A Call to Action This work is about more than lawns. It is about ensuring that children grow up with access to safe, green spaces. It is about helping communities take pride in their surroundings. It is about empowering people through jobs, skills, and purpose. I invite readers of this magazine to consider how you can contribute. Whether through mentorship, community projects, or financial support, there is a place for everyone in this movement. The Environmental Institute is a nonprofit organization, and your support helps sustain programs that matter. Together, we can protect the environment, enrich lives, and ensure that our industry continues to grow while making a positive difference.
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BLEND
Feature
Unlikely Partners By Tom Tracy, Ph.D., VTC Executive Director
T
here are many volumes written about partnerships, covering every aspect of those endeavors, including their strengths and weaknesses. I will not even try to summarize the huge amount of material — much of it written by university professors and business experts — that exists on that subject. Instead, I will focus on my partnership experiences with the industry associations I direct and various environmental groups.
What made these joint endeavors work, and perhaps more importantly, what prevented others from being conceived? The answer to the second question is simple: a lack of mutual trust. “When trust is present, collaboration runs smoothly: people are open and in problem-solving mode. When trust is absent, the gears of collaboration are slow and grinding. Time is spent in unproductive suspicion, drama, and repeated validation.” (1)
The synergy of two or more organizations combining resources to achieve mutually acceptable goals is a win-win proposition — all participants benefit, and mutual goals are accomplished. Recently, the Virginia Turfgrass Council and the VTC Environmental Institute were privileged to develop partnerships with groups usually considered to be at odds with green industry practitioners: environmental associations, including multi state coalitions, and local river keepers. Together, we have rebuilt bioswales, designed and installed a landscape that keeps silt out of the James River, planted erosion-controlling beachgrass at tidal areas in Virginia Beach, and so forth. Attending and speaking at each other’s events is another sign of putting aside the animosity and working together.
Mistrust is often rooted in past experiences. Sadly, many industry groups and environmental associations have histories filled with verbal attacks and legislative action against each other. And that history is difficult to surmount in the quest for collaboration — “the past is the key to the future” is often cited as the reason for failure to unite, even on limited, very specific projects. Two distinct episodes mark turning points in our relations with environmental groups: (1) sitting down with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) leaders to discuss our industry’s efforts to protect the environment and (2) being asked by the Elizabeth River Project (ERP) — a powerful association with headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia — to assist them in teaching proper turfgrass management.
20 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
The first crucial event happened in the Shenandoah Valley in a conference room at the Frontier Culture Museum. CBF leaders, including Joe Wood, their Virginia Senior Scientist, met with green industry leaders for over three hours. The result? Both sides identified deeply held misconceptions, and we realized we actually agreed on many issues. That one meeting has spawned a tremendous relationship, including this statement by Chris Gori, General Manager of the CBF’s Brock Environmental Center: “What an awesome day today. You took an area that needed restoration of grasses, and boom, grasses planted in record time. I can’t wait to see it all grow. On behalf of CBF and the City – thank you so much for helping us restore Pleasure House Point.” That particular project included a fantastic third partner: Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Their Horticulture students grew about 700 plants and helped plant them.
“We understand persons along the Elizabeth River will have lawns and landscapes. We want you to help us teach them to take care of them properly,” was her reply. That initial meeting led to years of attending each other’s events, speaking at conferences, and enjoying a deep respect for each other.
A few years ago, ERP’s River Star Homes manager approached the VTC, asking for help. “Why?” was the question we asked over a subsequent lunch meeting. “After all,” we said, “groups such as the Elizabeth River Project usually have nothing to do with industry groups such as the VTC. They view us as environment destroyers.”
Recognizing values and non-negotiables of environmental groups is one reason why our partnerships succeed. One example – fortunately, not done by us – of what not to do demonstrates my point. A large organization seeks to attract women as members. That is a worthy goal, but this group destroyed any hope of
That respect, or lack of it, doomed (for the time being, I hope) a budding relationship with another environmental group. We invited their leader to speak at one of our Come to the Bay conferences. We invited her because we had reason to hope that her previous attitude of only wanting to get involved with us so she could point out all the wrong practices of our members was in the past. Our hopes were dashed, and although we truly aspire to work with that great association, partnerships must be built on mutual respect.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 21
Feature continued
achieving it when they held a major conference event at a local Hooter’s restaurant. (I saved the flyer.) Such blatant disregard by a green industry group for what others hold dear derailed any hope of attracting women to their cause. Our relationships with environmental groups must be in light of what they value. Just as we seek to know what is important to them, we also communicate our values to the environmental groups. For instance, we let them know that our members are committed to protecting and preserving the environment and that they also make a living from the green industry. The need for economic security means that we must use herbicides because hand weeding is not cost effective. But we always stress our commitment to using herbicides and other pesticides properly and with required state certifications. That knowledge and appreciation for our industry led the CBF to contract with one of our members to apply herbicides on their property.
Success is measured in many ways, but the best indication of our progress came via an Elizabeth River Project employee. She said she was at an event where a speaker from another environmental group disparaged our industry. She reacted by countering those accusations when it was her time to speak. Business opportunities for our members have increased, soil erosion has been reduced; silt is being kept out of a major Virginia river; rainwater is contained; shade trees will soon provide relief for library patrons; and destructive tidal channels at the Virginia Aquarium have been reversed because of partnerships between the Virginia Turfgrass Council, the VTC Environmental Institute, and multiple non-industry environmental groups. Our efforts only began just four years ago. The future is very bright! (1) Leavitt, Mike, and Rich McKeown. Finding Allies, Building Alliances: 8 Elements that Bring—and Keep—People Together; Jossey-Bass. 2013
22 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
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Feature
SUCCESS
of the USDA-Funded
RESIST POA PROJECT By J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Management and Weed Science, Auburn University and James D. McCurdy, Ph.D. Professor and Extension Specialist, Turfgrass Management, Mississippi State University
G
iven the current climate surrounding federal funding discussions, we want to provide detailed information about research outcomes from the ResistPoa project. Our goal is transparency about what taxpayer dollars accomplished when this project received funding. For information regarding this project, please see http://resistpoa.org/.
Project Background ResistPoa launched in 2018 as a nationwide initiative to tackle the growing problem of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in turfgrass systems. This four-year, $5.7 million project, funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative brought together 16 scientists from 15 universities across the country. The project had clear objectives: develop better management practices for annual bluegrass control, map the extent of herbicide resistance nationwide, and create decision-support tools for turf practitioners. Essentially, we needed to understand how bad the resistance problem really was and give golf course superintendents, sports field managers, and other turf professionals the tools to fight back. Annual bluegrass might seem like a small problem, but it’s not. This weed costs the turfgrass industry millions of dollars annually in control measures and lost playability. When herbicides stop working, managers face expensive reseeding, overseeding, and intensive maintenance schedules that strain budgets and resources.
Major Research Discoveries Nationwide Resistance Survey Our team’s biggest accomplishment was conducting the first comprehensive national survey of herbicide resistance in annual bluegrass. We collected and tested over 1,300 populations from turf sites across five different climate zones. The results were sobering—by 2023, we documented populations resistant to up to nine different herbicide modes of action. This wasn’t just academic research. These findings gave turf managers concrete data about what to expect in their regions. Instead of guessing whether an herbicide might work, superintendents could now reference our maps and data to make informed decisions about their control programs.
Understanding Resistance Mechanisms We dug deep into the science behind why annual bluegrass develops resistance. Through molecular analysis of dozens of populations, we identified specific genetic mutations that allow the weed to survive herbicide treatments. For example, we discovered a novel mutation in the β-tubulin gene that helps annual bluegrass resist popular pre-emergence herbicides like prodiamine.
24 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL September/October 2025 www.vaturf.org
But genetics wasn’t the whole story. We also found that annual bluegrass uses other tricks—enhanced metabolism and reduced herbicide uptake—to survive treatments. These non-target-site resistance mechanisms were particularly common with ALSinhibiting herbicides like foramsulfuron (Revolver) and trifloxysulfuron (Monument).
Practical Management Solutions Research is only valuable if people can use it. Our team tested alternative control methods that don’t rely solely on herbicides. We demonstrated that aggressive fraise mowing (essentially shaving the turf surface) could dramatically reduce annual bluegrass infestations in bermudagrass turf. While this technique isn’t suitable everywhere, it gives managers another tool in their arsenal. We also examined how cultural practices affect the weed’s competitiveness. Studies in Oregon showed that adjusting irrigation frequency and phosphorus fertilization could influence how well annual bluegrass competes with desirable grasses. These findings are being incorporated into our best management practice guidelines.
Human Factors Research What makes ResistPoa unique is that we have included social scientists to study the human side of weed management. Through surveys and interviews with turf managers, we identified real barriers to adopting better practices: budget constraints, risk aversion, and simple lack of awareness about resistance. We developed a user-friendly decision support tool—essentially a calculator that helps superintendents visualize the long-term benefits of diversified management versus short-term cost savings. This economic modeling helps justify upfront investments in integrated approaches rather than relying on the same herbicide year after year.
Sharing Knowledge From day one, we emphasized getting information to the people who needed it. The project created ResistPoa.org as a central hub for resources, now hosting about 70 educational documents that users can filter by turf system and control method. We produced a best management practices poster explaining herbicide modes of action and effective rotation strategies. This poster was distributed to over 2,000 stakeholders in print and downloaded more than 1,000 times online. Our team organized field days, workshops, and webinars across the country. These weren’t just presentations—they were handson demonstrations where turf managers could see control trials in action and ask questions directly.
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 25
Feature continued
Perhaps most importantly, we trained the next generation. At least 22 graduate students, 25 undergraduates, and roughly 10 postdoctoral researchers received training through ResistPoa. These students are now professors, consultants, and golf course managers, multiplying the project’s impact.
Turfgrass represents a $100 billion industry encompassing millions of acres of golf courses, sports fields, and maintained landscapes. ResistPoa demonstrated how targeted federal investment in specialty crop research can protect this industry and the green spaces Americans value.
Industry Impact
Annual bluegrass remains a formidable opponent, but the collective action marshaled by ResistPoa has given the industry evidence-based tools to manage this weed sustainably. The project exemplified how integrated approaches—combining science, education, and industry partnership—can tackle complex agricultural challenges effectively.
The real test of success is whether the turf industry is actually using our findings. Early indicators are positive. Golf course superintendents are referencing our resistance maps to make proactive decisions about herbicide rotations. Instead of waiting for a product to fail, they’re switching to different chemistries based on what our survey showed in similar conditions. We worked closely with industry advisory panels from the beginning, including golf course superintendent associations, sod growers, and lawn care companies. This collaboration ensured our research reflected real-world conditions and that recommendations fit industry needs. When preliminary results showed certain populations surviving standard herbicide rates, industry partners helped us quickly alert practitioners so they could adjust rates or tankmix with other products. Seed producers worked with us to test for annual bluegrass contamination and resistance in turfgrass seed lots.
Scientific Output The project generated over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Weed Science, Crop Science, and Weed Technology. This wasn’t just about meeting academic requirements—these papers ensure the knowledge is archived and accessible to guide future research and management decisions. Our management guides are “Open Access”—you can download them from the Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management Journal. Our investigators delivered dozens of conference presentations at weed science and turfgrass meetings, sharing results throughout the project’s duration rather than waiting until the end.
Long-term Value ResistPoa created lasting benefits beyond its four-year timeline. The network of scientists, Extension agents, and industry professionals formed during the project continues to collaborate on turf challenges. We’ve seen the power of coordinated research, and that collaboration model is being applied to other problems. The students and researchers trained under ResistPoa have spread throughout the industry, carrying this knowledge into their new roles. This multiplier effect means the project’s impact extends far beyond the original $5.7 million investment.
REFERENCES
Bagavathiannan, M. V., McCurdy, J. D., Brosnan, J. T., & McElroy, J. S. (2018). National team to use $5.7 million USDA award to address annual bluegrass epidemic in turfgrass. Texas A&M AgriLife News. Grubbs, B., McCurdy, J., & Bagavathiannan, M. (2019). Poa annua: A plan of action. Golf Course Management Magazine. Rutland, C. A., Brosnan, J. T., McElroy, J. S., & Zuk, J. W. (2023). Survey of target site resistance alleles conferring resistance in Poa annua. Crop Science, 63(5), 3110-3121. McCurdy, J. D., and others (2023). Developing and implementing an integrated weed management program for herbicide resistant Poa annua. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management, 9(1), e20225. Allen, J. H., and others (2022). Herbicide resistance in turf systems: insights and options for managing complexity. Sustainability, 14(21), 13399. USDA-NIFA. (2020–2022). ResistPoa Project Extension and Training Outputs. USDA-NIFA Annual Reports.
26 | This article was originally published in Alabama Turf Times, Summer 2025 and is reprinted with permission.
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